INSTALLATION DUCT SYSTEM FOR FIRE PROTECTION OF AN ELECTRICAL CABLE INSTALLATION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an installation duct system for fire protection of an electrical cable installation and a connector for adjacent ends of two cable duct sections of the installation duct system.

[0002] For fire protection purposes, electrical cable installations are typically laid in a duct system consisting of two or more interconnected cable duct sections, which can be adapted, for example, to the spatial conditions of a building. The two cable duct sections are each coated on the inside with an expandable intumescent material that expands at a specific temperature, sealing existing connection points and joints, as well as any cracks and gaps that may be present or created by a fire. Furthermore, the expandable intumescent material prevents the spread of fire and smoke from the electrical cable installation encased in it.

[0003] DE 10 2007 050639 B4 discloses a self-supporting fire protection cladding made of prefabricated molded parts. A dimensionally stable support made of foil sheeting with a thickness of up to 2 mm is provided, the interior of which is fully coated with a foamable intumescent layer with a thickness of 0.6 to 2.5 mm. A plug-in or sliding connection is proposed as the connection.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 100 43 355 A1 discloses a fire-protected cable duct and a method for manufacturing the same. The cable duct is formed from a composite material consisting of a non-metallic fire-protection material reinforced with a metal insert. A channel and a cover section are proposed as the connecting device, which are connected to each other via cap locks. A separate support serves to fasten the cable duct. This support can be attached to a ceiling via threaded rods or placed on a separate supporting structure.

[0005] Further examples of well-known fire-protected cable ducts are described in the "Fire Protection Systems" catalog, XP055538346.

[0006] Examples of pipe duct support are described in US 539 462 A and EP 0 123 363 A1.

[0007] The disadvantage of the known installation duct systems is that connecting the cable duct sections is complex both in terms of production and during the installation process.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an installation duct system for fire protection of an electrical cable installation and a connector for adjacent ends of the two cable duct sections, which are simpler in manufacture and during the installation process.

[0009] To solve this problem, the invention provides a connector according to claim 1 for an installation duct system and an installation duct system according to claim 2 comprising a connector according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are mentioned in the dependent claims 2 to 13.

[0010] Because the first shell element and the second shell element are placed on top of each other with the laterally protruding flanges and can be connected to each other in the connected position using the retaining elements extending through the through holes, the connection is particularly simple and can therefore be manufactured more easily. Furthermore, the retaining elements can be implemented particularly cost-effectively using one or more standard components, such as screws, nuts, and the like.Because the through-holes of the first shell element are formed as U-shaped recesses that are open in a transverse direction of the first shell element, so that the first shell element can be slid along the transverse direction toward the connecting position when the flanges are placed on top of one another, the first shell element can be brought together with the second shell element while the retaining elements are already inserted into the through-holes of the second shell element. This simplifies the installation process of the connector.

[0011] The installation duct system can be designed or used for laying electrical cable installations inside and / or outside buildings. The electrical cable installation can comprise one or more electrical cables. The electrical cables can be intended, for example, for power supply, data transmission, and / or control signals.

[0012] The two cable duct sections can be straight, angled, and / or curved. The two cable duct sections can enclose a duct-like or tube-like cavity in which the electrical cable installation can be laid. The two cable duct sections can each comprise two halves that can be connected to each other, for example, via a screw, clamp, or snap-in mechanism. For example, one of the halves can have a U-shaped base section that is closed with the other half as a lid.

[0013] The foamable intumescent layer can be designed to expand at a specific temperature, thereby sealing existing connection points or joints and / or any existing cracks and gaps or those caused by the fire. The foamable intumescent layer also provides thermal insulation for the electrical cable installation it covers.

[0014] The two cable duct sections and / or the connector can comprise metal parts. Since this material can be formed into almost any shape and is non-flammable, it is particularly suitable as an installation duct system for fire protection of electrical cable installations. Metal parts here can refer in particular to sheet metal parts, preferably with a thickness of less than 3 mm, especially less than 2 mm.

[0015] The first shell element and / or the second shell element can be designed as bent sheet metal parts. This makes them particularly flexible and cost-effective to manufacture. "Bent sheet metal parts" can refer to metal parts with a maximum thickness of 3 mm, in particular 2 mm.

[0016] The first partial shell element and / or the second partial shell element can, independently of one another, have a hat profile, a U-profile, an angle profile, and / or a flat profile in cross-section. It is conceivable that the ends of the aforementioned profiles form the flanges. For example, at least one end of the aforementioned profiles can be beveled and form at least one of the flanges. Likewise, at least one end of the aforementioned profiles can merge straight into at least one of the flanges. The through-holes can be formed in the flanges. "Through-holes" can mean openings that extend completely through the thickness of the flanges. The through-holes can be designed as through-holes or threads in the second partial shell element and / or have a circular cross-section.In contrast, the through holes of the first partial shell element, which are designed as U-shaped recesses, can deviate from the circular shape in cross section and / or be partially open in cross section.

[0017] The transverse direction of the first partial shell element can run parallel to the laterally projecting flanges of the first partial shell element. For example, the first partial shell element can be formed as a bent sheet metal part, with at least one of the laterally projecting flanges being bent along a bending line, and with the transverse direction running parallel to the bending line.

[0018] In the connecting position, the flanges of the first partial shell element and the second partial shell element can rest on one another in pairs, so that they are in surface contact with each other. Preferably, in the connecting position, the through-holes of the first partial shell element can be aligned correspondingly and / or coaxially with the through-holes of the second partial shell element.

[0019] The connector is designed for attachment to at least one attachment point in order to form a holder for the two cable duct sections after the first partial shell element has been connected to the second partial shell element, in particular on a wall, a ceiling, a supporting structure (cable tray, cable ladder), console and / or a floor of a building. This makes it possible to use the connectors additionally as a holder for the two cable duct sections and to save the effort and costs for separate holders. The holding elements running through the through-holes of the second partial shell element are designed for attachment to the at least one attachment point. This means that the holding elements can be used both to connect the first partial shell element to the second partial shell element and to hold it at the attachment point.In particular, for fastening purposes, the holding elements extend through the through holes of both the first partial shell element and the second partial shell element.

[0020] It is conceivable that the second partial shell element can be attached to the at least one fastening point via the holding elements independently of the connection to the first partial shell element in order to form a bearing for the adjacent ends of the two cable duct sections during an installation process. The second partial shell element can therefore initially be used as a supporting shell for the two cable duct sections during the installation process, so that the electrical cable installation can be inserted into the two cable duct sections particularly easily. It is conceivable that the two cable duct sections are open during this process. After the installation process, the first partial shell element can then be brought into the connecting position without releasing the holding elements from the second partial shell element and can then be connected to the second partial shell element due to the design of the through holes as U-shaped recesses.This makes the installation process particularly simple. The installation process here can refer to laying the two cable duct sections and / or inserting the electrical cable installation into the two cable duct sections.

[0021] The retaining elements can be designed for direct attachment to the at least one attachment point. This makes the installation duct system particularly cost-effective. For example, the retaining elements can be designed at least partially as threaded rods that, in the connected position, extend through the through-holes of the first partial shell element and the second partial shell element, wherein the retaining elements can be attached to the at least one attachment point. For example, the retaining elements can be designed with a screw thread at the ends, each of which can be screwed into a respective attachment point, for example, using a dowel.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the installation duct system can comprise a support for attachment to the at least one attachment point, wherein the retaining elements can be connected directly to the support. This allows the installation duct system to be used more flexibly. The support here can, for example, be an angled support with two legs, one leg being connectable to the attachment point and the other leg to the retaining elements. It can also be a rod-like support that can be connected to the attachment point at one section and to the retaining elements at another section.

[0023] The first partial shell element and / or the second partial shell element are coated with a foamable intumescent layer. This improves fire protection in the area of ​​the connector. The foamable intumescent layer of the first partial shell element and / or the second partial shell element can be designed in the same way as the foamable intumescent layer described previously with regard to the two cable duct sections.

[0024] The retaining elements can each comprise a rod, a bolt, a threaded rod, a nut, and / or a screw. This allows the retaining elements to be designed particularly simply, in particular as standard parts, and is therefore particularly cost-effective. For example, the retaining elements can be designed as a rod, in particular as a threaded rod, which is designed at one end to connect the first partial shell element and the second partial shell element and at the other end to connect to the fastening point. Likewise, the retaining elements can be screws and / or nuts, with which the first partial shell element and the second partial shell element are clamped.

[0025] At least one of the retaining elements can be designed as a clamping element to connect the first partial shell element and the second partial shell element via a clamping action. This makes the mechanical design of the retaining elements particularly simple. For example, at least one of the retaining elements can be designed with a thread and nuts to achieve the clamping action.

[0026] The first partial shell element, the second partial shell element, and / or the adjacent ends of the two cable duct sections can comprise at least one sealing strip to seal the interior of the two cable duct sections from the environment. This prevents the supply of additional oxygen from the environment in the event of a fire. It can also prevent the penetration of moisture into the two cable duct sections. The sealing strip can comprise a flexible layer of rubber or foam to support the sealing effect.

[0027] The two cable duct sections can each comprise a formed sheet metal part. This allows for particularly cost-effective production. For example, the two cable duct sections can each comprise a U-shaped base section and a cover that can be connected to it. The cover can be connected to the U-shaped base section via a screw, clamp, or snap connection.

[0028] The two cable duct sections can each include a clip-on strip at the adjacent ends. This can protect the electrical cable installation from damage and / or a person from injury.

[0029] The adjacent ends of the two cable duct sections can comprise support elements to support a clamping effect of the first partial shell element and / or the second partial shell element. This can prevent bending if the two cable duct sections are designed wide. The support elements can, for example, be designed as bent sheet metal parts that are angled at their ends and connected to the two cable duct sections there. This allows the support elements to be designed particularly simply. However, it is also conceivable for the support elements to be made of plastic. The support elements can each be firmly connected at least on one side to one of the two cable duct sections, in particular by means of an adhesive or welding point. The support elements can, in particular, be designed as support plates, with the ends being angled.Preferably, the support elements can be used when the width of the two cable duct sections is at least 260 mm.

[0030] In addition, the invention provides a connector for adjacent ends of two cable duct sections of the installation duct system to solve the above-mentioned problem.

[0031] Because the first shell element and the second shell element are placed on top of each other with the laterally protruding flanges and can be connected to each other in the connected position using the retaining elements extending through the through holes, the connection is particularly simple and can therefore be manufactured more easily. Furthermore, the retaining elements can be implemented particularly cost-effectively using one or more standard components, such as screws, nuts, and the like.Because the through-holes of the first shell element are formed as U-shaped recesses that are open in a transverse direction of the first shell element, so that the first shell element can be slid along the transverse direction toward the connecting position when the flanges are placed on top of one another, the first shell element can be brought together with the second shell element while the retaining elements are already inserted into the through-holes of the second shell element. This simplifies the installation process of the connector.

[0032] Further features and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. Figures 1A - 1B show an embodiment of an installation duct system for fire protection of an electrical cable installation in a perspective view; Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the connector for adjacent ends of the two cable duct sections of the installation duct system from the Figures 1A - 1B in a plan view; Figures 3A - 3B, a connector from the Figures 1A - 1B in a sectional view and in a detailed view; Figures 4A - 4C the other connector from the Figures 1A - 1B in a sectional view and in two detailed views; Figures 5A - 5B the connectors from the Figures 3A - 3B or 4A - 4C in a perspective view; and Figures 5C - 5D show further embodiments of connectors for adjacent ends of the two cable duct sections of the installation duct system from the Figures 1A - 1B in perspective views.

[0033] In the Figures 1A - 1BAn example of an installation duct system for fire protection of an electrical cable installation I is shown in a perspective view. Figure 1A Two cable duct sections 10A and 10B, each comprising a U-shaped base section 10.2 and a cover 10.1 that can be used with it, and which are designed as formed sheet metal parts. On the inside, they are coated with the expandable insulating layer 10.3, which expands at a specific temperature and thereby seals existing connection points or joints, as well as cracks and gaps caused by a fire. This thermally insulates the electrical cable installation I and stops the oxygen supply to the fire. This prevents the fire from spreading beyond the installation duct system. The cover 10.1 engages the U-shaped base section 10.2 via a snap mechanism (not shown here).

[0034] Furthermore, the connector 20A for the adjacent ends of the two cable duct sections 10A and 10B can be seen. The connector 20A comprises the first partial shell element 21 and the second partial shell element 22 with the laterally projecting flanges 21.2 and 22.2, respectively, which, when placed one on top of the other, can be connected to one another in the connecting position by means of the retaining elements 23A extending through the through holes 21.3, 22.3.

[0035] Furthermore, the Figure 1B A third cable duct section 10C can be seen, which is designed in the same way as the two cable duct sections 10A, 10B. The cable duct section 10C is connected to the cable duct section 10B via a further connector 20B.

[0036] The first partial shell element 21 and the second partial shell element of the connectors 20A, 20B are described below with reference to the Figure 2 explained in more detail.

[0037] The connector 20B differs from the connector 20A only in the design of the retaining elements 23B extending through the through holes 21.3, 22.3: In the connector 20A, the retaining elements 23A are designed as screws with nuts, which connect the first partial shell element and the second partial shell element 21 or 22 via a clamping action. This will be explained further below with reference to the Figures 3A - 3B explained in more detail. In contrast, in the other connector 20B, the holding elements 23B are designed as threaded rods and serve to fasten the cable duct sections 10B, 10C to fastening points. This will be explained further below using the Figures 4A - 4C explained in more detail.

[0038] In the Figure 2 is an embodiment of the connector 20A for adjacent ends of the two cable duct sections 10A, 10B of the installation duct system 1 from the Figures 1A - 1Bshown in a top view. The embodiment applies equally to the other connector 20B of the Figures 1A - 1B .

[0039] The first partial shell element 21 and the second partial shell element 22 can be seen, which are designed as bent sheet metal parts and have a hat profile (see Fig. 3A , 5A and 5B ). Accordingly, the first partial shell element 21 consists of the folded sheet metal 21.1, which is bent twice in opposite directions at each end, forming the two flanges 21.2. Accordingly, the second partial shell element 22, as a folded sheet metal 22.1, is bent twice in opposite directions at each end, forming the flanges 22.2.

[0040] For connection, the second partial shell element 22 has two through holes 22.3, which are designed here as through holes with a circular cross section.

[0041] In contrast, the through holes 21.3 of the first partial shell element 21 are formed as U-shaped recesses which are open in the transverse direction Q of the first partial shell element.

[0042] As a result, the retaining elements 23A designed as screws can already be inserted into the connector 20A and then the first partial shell element 21 can be pushed along the transverse direction Q to a connecting position with the flanges 21.2, 22.2 placed on top of one another.

[0043] Likewise, the second partial shell element 22 can be provided with the holding elements 23B designed as threaded rods and fastened to a wall, a ceiling, and / or a floor of a building, so that the two cable duct sections 10B, 10C can be inserted therein during an installation process. Subsequently, the first partial shell element 21 can be pushed along the transverse direction Q toward a connecting position with the flanges 21.2, 22.2 placed on top of one another, without the holding elements 23B having to be removed from the second partial shell element 22.

[0044] This makes it particularly easy to attach the connectors 20A, 20B to the installation duct system 1. This is advantageously easily possible with two hands, since the holding elements at 23A, 23B can remain inserted during the installation process while the first partial shell element 21 is connected to the second partial shell element 22.

[0045] In the Figures 3A - 3Bthe connector 20A is from the Figures 1A - 1B shown in more detail in a sectional view and in a detailed view AA. It can be seen that the first partial shell element 21 and the second partial shell element 22 together enclose the adjacent ends of the two cable duct sections 10A, 10B, thus creating a sealed connection. As already mentioned with regard to the Figure 2 As described, the two partial shell elements 21, 22 are designed as a hat profile and in the connected state the flanges 21.2, 22.2 rest on one another and are connected to one another via the holding elements 23A designed as screws.

[0046] In detail AA, it can be seen that the adjacent ends of the two cable duct sections 10A, 10B do not directly abut one another, but are spaced apart by a distance D. To seal the interior, the first partial shell element 21 and the second partial shell element 22 are provided with sealing strips 24, so that the outer sides of the two cable duct sections 10A, 10B are sealed from the inside of the connector 20A. This seals off the interior of the two cable duct sections 10A, 10B from the environment, so that in the event of a fire, no oxygen is supplied, and no moisture can penetrate during normal operation.

[0047] Furthermore, it can be seen that the two cable duct sections 10A, 10B each enclose the plug-in strip 25 at the adjacent ends. This prevents injuries to the electrical cable installation I or to persons during the installation process.

[0048] In the Figures 4A - 4Cthe other connector 20B is from the Figures 1A - 1B shown in a sectional view and in two detailed views. As already mentioned, the connector 20B differs from the connector 20A only in the design of the holding elements 23B, which are designed as threaded rods. As shown in the Figure 4A As can be seen, the connector 20B can thereby be used for fastening to the fastening point P, so that it forms a holder for the two cable duct sections 10B, 10C after the connection of the first partial shell element 21 to the second partial shell element 22.

[0049] For this purpose, the installation duct system I comprises the support 26 for attachment to the attachment point P, for example, on a wall of a building. It can also be seen that the support 26 is angled with two legs. One leg has through holes into which the holding elements 23B can be inserted and screwed using nuts. For this purpose, the holding elements 23B are designed as threaded rods, which can be adjusted on site to the installation height of the two cable duct sections 10B, 10C as required.

[0050] The other leg of the support 26 is provided with a further through-hole so that it can be fastened by means of the screw 27 to the fastening point P, for example by means of a dowel.

[0051] In the Figures 4B, 4CDetailed views of the area of ​​the connector 20B can be seen. Here, too, the first partial shell element 21 and the second partial shell element 22 (not shown in detail) are provided with sealing strips 24 to seal the interior of the two cable duct sections 10B, 10C from the environment. Regarding the sealing strips 24, the connector 20B corresponds to the connector 20A from the Figures 3A - 3B .

[0052] In addition, the two cable duct sections 10B, 10C are also provided with the plug-in strips 25 at the adjacent ends.

[0053] In the Figures 5A - 5B the connectors 20A, 20B are from the Figures 3A - 3B 4A - 4C are shown in a perspective view. Here, connectors 20A and 20B are shown without the two cable duct sections.

[0054] As already mentioned in relation to the Figure 2Here, the two partial shell elements 21, 22 are designed as hat profiles. It can also be seen that the through holes 21.3 of the first partial shell element 21 are designed as U-shaped recesses that are open in the transverse direction Q of the first partial shell element 21. This allows the first partial shell element 21 to be pushed along the transverse direction Q toward the illustrated connection position when the flanges 21.2, 22.2 are placed on top of one another.

[0055] The sealing strips 24 on the inside of the two partial shell elements 21, 22 are also clearly visible.

[0056] In the Figures 5C - 5D are further embodiments of connectors 20C, 20D for adjacent ends of the two cable duct sections 10A - 10C of the installation duct system 1 from the Figures 1A - 1B shown in perspective views.

[0057] They differ from the examples in the Figures 5A - 5Bmerely by the shape of the first partial shell element 21 and the second partial shell element 22: In the Figure 5C The first partial shell element 21 is designed as an angle profile with beveled flanges 21.2. Correspondingly, the second partial shell element 22 is designed as an angle profile that does not require any bevels and transitions straight into the flanges 22.2.

[0058] For example only, the two retaining elements 23C are designed as screws, allowing the connector 20C to be attached to fastening points in a corner of the room. It is also conceivable that the retaining elements 23C may be self-supporting, or that other types of retaining elements may be used.

[0059] In the Figure 5DThe connector 20D is designed for direct attachment to the wall with the support element 23C and for attachment to a ceiling via the support element 23B. It can be seen that the first partial shell element 21 is designed as an angle profile with beveled flanges 21.2. The second partial shell element 22 is designed as a U-profile and has a straight flange 22.2 on one side, which does not require any beveling, whereas the other flange 22.2 is beveled.

[0060] Overall, in all embodiments of the Figures 1A - 5DIt is possible to attach the second partial shell element 22 to at least one fastening point P via the holding elements 23B, 23C, independently of the connection to the first partial shell element 21. This allows the two cable duct sections 10A, 10B to be initially inserted and stored in the second partial shell element 22. The electrical cable installation I can then be inserted into the two or three cable duct sections 10A-10C, for example, with the lid open. The lid can then be closed, and the first partial shell element 21 can be pushed along the transverse direction Q toward the connection position and then clamped with the holding elements 23A-23C without the holding elements 23A-23C being released from the second partial shell element 22.

[0061] You can see in the Figures 1B and 4Athat the two cable duct sections 10A-10C comprise the support elements 10.4 to support a clamping effect of the first partial shell element 21 and the second partial shell element 22. This prevents the duct walls from bulging, particularly in the case of wide cable duct sections 10A-10C, especially if they have a width of at least 260 mm.

Claims

1. Connector (20A - 20D) for contiguous ends of two cable channel sections (10A - 10C) of an installation channel system (1) each having a coating of an expandable insulation layer forming material (10.3) on the inside, comprising a first split shell member (21), a second split shell member (22) and holding members (23A-23C), wherein the first split shell member (21) and the second split shell member (22) are abutted at laterally protruding flanges (22.1, 22.2) and can be connected in a connecting position by means of the holding members (23A-23C) penetrating through holes (21.3, 22.3) formed in the flanges (21.2, 22.2), and wherein the through holes (21.3) of the first split shell member (21) are formed as U-shaped recesses opening in a transverse direction (Q) of the first split shell member (21) such that the first split shell member (21) can be slid towards the connection position along the transverse direction (Q) when the flanges (21.2, 22.2) abut against each other, and wherein the connector (20A - 20D) is configured for attachment to at least one attachment location (P) for forming a support for the two cable channel sections (10A - 10C) after connecting the first split shell member (21) to the second split shell member (22), wherein the holding members (23B, 23C) penetrating the through holes (22.3) of the second split shell member (22) are configured for attachment to the at least one attachment location (P) and wherein the first split shell member (21) and / or the second split shell member (22) are coated with an expandable insulation layer forming material.

2. Installation channel system (1) for fire prevention in an electric cable insulation (I), including - two cable channel sections (10A - 10C) each having a coating of an expandable insulation layer forming material (10.3) on the inside, and - a connector (20A - 20D) for contiguous ends of the two cable channel sections (10A - 10C) according to claim 1.

3. Installation channel system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the connector (20A - 20D) is configured to provide a support on a wall, a sealing, an existing support system and / or a floor of the building.

4. Installation channel system (1) according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the second split shell member (22) may be mounted to the at least one attachment location (P) independently of the connection of the first split shell member (21) via the holding members (23B, 23C) to serve as a bearing for the contiguous ends of the two cable channel sections (10A - 10C).

5. Installation channel system (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein the holding members (23C) are configured for direct attachment to the at least one attachment location (P).

6. Installation channel system (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims 2 to 5, wherein the insulation channel system (1) comprises a bracket (26) for attachment to the at least one attachment location (P) and wherein the holding members (23B) can be directly connected to the bracket (26).

7. Installation channel system (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims 2 to 6, wherein the first split shell member (21) and / or the second split shell member (22) are formed as bent metal sheet parts.

8. Installation channel system (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims 2 to 7, wherein the holding members (23A - 23C) each comprise a bar, a bolt, a threaded rod, a nut and / or a screw.

9. Installation channel system (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims 2 to 8, wherein at least one of the holding members (23A - 23C) is configured as a clamping member for connecting the first split shell member (21) and the second split shell member (22) by means of a clamping action.

10. Installation channel system (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims 2 to 9, wherein the first split shell member (21), the second split shell member (22) and / or the contiguous ends of the two cable channel sections (10A - 10C) comprise at least one sealing tape (24) for sealing an inside of the two cable channel sections (10A - 10C) against an environment.

11. Installation channel system (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims 2 to 10, wherein the two cable channel sections (10A - 10C) each comprise a formed sheet metal part.

12. Installation channel system (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims 2 to 11, wherein the two cable channel sections (10A - 10C) each comprise a clip-on strip (25) on the end faces of their contiguous ends.

13. Installation channel system (1) according to anyone of the preceding claims 2 to 12, wherein the contiguous ends of the two cable channel sections (10A - 10C) comprise supporting members (10.4) for supporting a clamping action of the first split shell member (21) and / or the second split shell member (22).