TRANSPORT DEVICE FOR A CABLE REEL WITH A GUIDE TUBE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cable transport and unwinding, in particular in the form of cable reels.

[0002] The present invention relates more specifically to a transport device for a cable reel with a straightening tube.

[0003] For packaging and transporting a cable, it is common practice to wind the cable around itself to form a cable coil. The cable can be wound into a coil and covered with a film, for example, plastic, as soon as it is sold to the end customer. Alternatively, the cable coil can be formed by the end user for transport and future use when the cable is sold "in bulk," i.e., the customer has the option of purchasing only a portion of the total cable length.

[0004] It is common practice to package such a cable coil for transport and for unwinding or pulling the cable. This packaging can take the form of a transportable sleeve with a cavity designed to hold the cable coil. An opening is usually cut through one side of the packaging to allow the cable to be pulled out.

[0005] To unwind the cable, the packaging is usually held to a support or by a user and the cable is pulled through the opening for use.

[0006] The cable's coiled arrangement creates a "spiral effect," meaning the cable twists and turns as it is uncoiled. Because the cable is wound around itself, uncoiling it causes a twist that results in these spirals. This spiral effect can be very problematic during installation. The cable can easily get caught or rub against various obstacles while being pulled through a conduit. This can significantly lengthen the installation process and make pulling it difficult for the user.

[0007] WO9959898A1 discloses a cable reel for retaining and unwinding a cable spool. The reel comprises a case having a first side and a second side with at least one portion set back from the first side to form a cavity for holding a spool of wire or cable inside the case. The first and second sides of the case define a first opening that communicates with the cavity and is used for inserting the spool, which is placed in the cavity, through the first opening. At least one of the two sides defines a second opening, set back from the first opening and communicating with the cavity, for receiving one end of the spool that passes through the opening and allows the cable or wire to be unwound from the cavity.

[0008] US2017 / 0043974 A1 discloses a reel for unwinding filament material from a spool of filament material contained in a container, the reel comprising an outlet tube assembly, the assembly comprising an outlet tube extending axially from a central opening of an outlet panel.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for cable reel packaging that does not have the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, there is a need for transportable cable reel packaging that facilitates and makes cable unwinding more efficient.

[0010] For this purpose, the invention relates to a transport device for a cable reel according to claim 1.

[0011] Using a straightening tube for cable unwinding allows the cable to be straightened by creating a support point that helps to unravel the cable's twists as it exits the device. The cable exiting the straightening tube has significantly fewer twists, or none at all, depending on the tube's dimensions and the unwinding force applied by the user.

[0012] Furthermore, the straightening tube allows the cable to be unwound in a specific direction and maintains it in that direction as it exits the receiving cavity. This greatly facilitates cable pulling because the cable is straightened and does not deviate with the coils during the pulling process. Unwinding is also more precise because the orientation of the straightening tube fixes the unwinding direction. This can allow a single operator to pull a cable or reduce the necessary handling. The straightening tube therefore provides significant time and / or personnel savings for cable unwinding.

[0013] The straightening tube extends out of the receiving cavity from the wall of the casing. At least 80% of the straightening tube's length is located outside the receiving cavity. Therefore, the straightening tube is positioned wholly or partially outside the receiving cavity. This facilitates the installation or removal of the straightening tube when it is removable. It also allows the straightening tube to have a length independent of the dimensions of the receiving cavity. Indeed, when located inside the receiving cavity, the straightening tube can only protrude from the wall by a maximum length equivalent to the depth of the receiving cavity. The straightening function is thus limited in this latter case.

[0014] The straightening tube preferably has a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the straightening tube can have any shape of cross-section, e.g., a square cross-section.

[0015] According to the invention, the straightening tube is configured to be removably fixed to said wall.

[0016] The user can thus remove the rectifier tube from the casing. This can have the advantage of reducing the device's size, particularly during transport. Another advantage is that it allows the user to change the rectifier tube, for example, to install a different rectifier tube with dimensions suited to the type of cable in the casing, or to install another accessory.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the transport device, the outlet orifice is arranged so as to open at a central portion of the receiving cavity.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the transport device, the receiving cavity has a circular cross-section.

[0019] The receiving cavity adapts to the geometry of the cable coil to improve its retention within the casing. The casing can also be circular in cross-section to minimize the overall size of the transport device.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the transport device, the straightening tube is elongated in shape, the length of the straightening tube being at least three times the maximum transverse dimension of the straightening tube.

[0021] Such a dimensional ratio of the rectifier tube ensures efficient cable straightening. The longer the tube is relative to its cross-sectional dimension, the more the cable is straightened and unwound in a straight line.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the transport device, the straightening tube is elongated in shape, the length of the straightening tube being equal to or greater than 50mm.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the transport device, it further comprises a flared-shaped guide disposed at a proximal end of the straightening tube when the straightening tube is disposed at the outlet orifice.

[0024] The guide helps to limit cable deformation at the sheath's exit point, as well as friction between the exit point wall and the cable. This facilitates cable removal, particularly by reducing the effort required to unwind the cable.

[0025] The guide can be an added component at the outlet or formed by the rectifier tube itself. The guide forms a cable guide 37 whose cross-section decreases significantly towards the outlet. The guide 37 can be conical or have a curvature converging towards the outlet.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the transport device, it further includes an anchoring element fixed to the casing and configured to allow the casing to be anchored to a support point during the unwinding of a cable.

[0027] The anchoring device allows a single user to unwind the cable stored inside the casing. Once the casing is anchored to a support, such as a door handle, the user simply pulls on the cable to unwind it. This anchoring device can be a hook attached to the casing or an opening formed by the casing. Alternatively, or in combination with other features, the anchoring device can be a carrying handle integrated into the casing.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the transport device, the cable exit hole is formed at the level of a front wall of the enclosure, said enclosure further comprising a bottom wall opposite the front wall with respect to the receiving cavity, an additional cable exit hole outside the receiving cavity being formed in said bottom wall.

[0029] The dimensions of this additional port may differ from those of the outlet port, for example, to accommodate cables of different sizes. The additional port can also be configured to receive the rectifier tube and / or the guide.

[0030] This additional opening can be used to unwind a different end of the cable than the one passing through the exit opening. The user thus benefits simultaneously from two exit openings that can be of different sizes and / or allow for different rectifier tube configurations (e.g., two rectifier tubes of different sizes or a single rectifier tube mounted on one of the exit openings).

[0031] The invention also relates to a transport set comprising a transport device as described above and at least one other rectifier tube, in which the rectifier tubes have a length and / or cross-section different from each other. Brève description des dessins

[0032] The attached drawings illustrate the invention: [ Fig. 1 ] represents a side view of a transport device in a closed state, in which a cable reel is arranged. Fig. 2 ] represents a perspective view of the transport system of the figure 1 in an open state. Fig. 3 ] represents a perspective view of the device of the figure 1 in a closed state, in which a cable straightening tube is mounted on a cable exit port formed on a wall of the conveying device's casing. Fig. 4 [ ] schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the cable exit port of the transport device housing, on which a cable straightener tube and a guide are mounted. ] Fig. 5 [ ] schematically represents a first embodiment of a viewing window formed in a wall of the envelope. ] Fig. 6 [ ] schematically represents a second embodiment of a viewing window formed in a wall of the envelope. ] Fig. 7 [ ] schematically represents a third embodiment of a viewing window formed in a wall of the envelope. ] Fig. 8 [ ] schematically represents a fourth embodiment of a viewing window formed in a wall of the envelope. ] Fig. 9 ] represents a perspective view of the lower portion of the transport device of the figure 1 revealing an anchoring device. Description de mode(s) de réalisation

[0033] The concept of the invention is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention is defined in the claims. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity. Similar numbers refer to similar elements in all drawings.

[0034] A reference throughout the specification to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "in an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Moreover, the term "including" does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0035] With reference to the figure 1 A transport device 10 for a cable coil is presented. This transport device 10 forms a carrying and unwinding case for a cable wound around itself in the form of a coil. The transport device 10 is preferably reusable so that the cable coil can be inserted into or removed from the transport device 10.

[0036] The transport device 10 comprises a casing 12 forming a receiving cavity 14 for a cable reel 16, most particularly visible in figure 2 The enclosure 12 has a circular cross-section to minimize its footprint while accommodating a cable coil. More specifically, the enclosure is in the shape of a flat cylinder, i.e., its thickness is less than its diameter. Alternatively, the enclosure 12 can be any shape whose dimensions allow it to accommodate a cable coil 16.

[0037] The envelope 12 is made of a flexible material. The envelope 12 is preferably made of a wear-resistant material, such as a woven PVC or polyester fabric.

[0038] The receiving cavity 14 can be formed directly by the walls of the casing 12 or by internal walls of the casing 12 that are distinct from its external walls. In other words, the receiving cavity 14 can correspond to the entire interior space defined by the casing 12 or only a portion of it. To achieve minimal bulk and a more economical transport device, it is preferable for the receiving cavity 14 to be formed by the walls of the casing 12 itself.

[0039] The receiving cavity 14 has a circular cross-section to minimize its footprint while accommodating a cable reel. More specifically, the cavity is shaped like a flat cylinder, i.e., its thickness is less than its diameter. Alternatively, the receiving cavity 14 can be any shape whose dimensions and geometry allow it to accommodate a cable reel 16. Preferably, the receiving cavity has a minimum thickness of 5 cm and a minimum cross-sectional dimension (or minimum diameter, as appropriate) of 30 cm. For example, the receiving cavity 14 has a thickness of 15 cm and a diameter of 50 cm to accommodate a cable reel with a thickness of approximately 10 cm and a diameter of approximately 40 cm.

[0040] The enclosure 12 comprises a front wall 18 and a back wall 20 arranged opposite the front wall 18 with respect to the receiving cavity. The front wall 18 and the back wall 20 are respectively intended to face opposite sides of a cable coil 16 arranged inside the receiving cavity 14.

[0041] The envelope 12 also includes a side wall 22 connecting the front walls 18 and bottom walls 20 to close the receiving cavity 14. The side wall 18 preferably forms a lateral band connecting the edges of each of the front walls 18 and bottom walls 20.

[0042] The enclosure 12 includes an opening 24 providing access to the receiving cavity 14. This opening 24 is configured to allow the insertion of a cable coil into this receiving cavity 14. The opening 24 is preferably made on the side wall 22. The opening 24 preferably extends over at least 50% of the length of the side wall 22 so as to facilitate the insertion of the cable coil 16 into the receiving cavity 14. The opening 24 can thus be widely opened by moving the front wall 18 and the bottom wall 20 away from each other. Preferably, the opening 24 extends over at least 70% of the length of the side wall 22 so as to allow an even greater separation of the front walls 18, or even to allow the front walls 18 and bottom walls 20 to be laid flat to fully open the envelope 12.

[0043] The opening 24 includes a closure system 19 which could be, for example, a zipper.

[0044] The transport device 10 also includes a carrying handle 26 to facilitate gripping the transport device 10. The carrying handle 26 can also be used as an anchoring device for the casing to allow the cable to be unwound.

[0045] The casing 12 also includes a cable exit port 28 out of the receiving cavity 14. The cable from the coil is thus unwound through this exit port 28.

[0046] The outlet 28 is preferably formed so as to open at a central portion of the receiving cavity 14. For this purpose, the outlet 28 is formed through the front wall 18 or the bottom wall 20. Thus, the outlet 28 allows access to the central part of the cable coil when the latter is arranged inside the receiving cavity 14. Preferably, the outlet 28 is located in the center of the front wall 18. When the casing 12, and therefore the front wall 18, are circular, the casing 12 extends around a principal axis A. In this case, the outlet 28 is located at this principal axis A and coincides with the axis of the coil around which the cable is wound.

[0047] The transport device 10 further includes a rectifier tube 30 visible in figure 3 The rectifier tube 30 is configured to be positioned at the outlet port 28 and protrudes from the wall of the casing 12, here the front wall 18.

[0048] The straightening tube 30 includes a proximal end 32 intended to be disposed at the exit port 28 and a distal end 34 through which the cable is unwound from the transport device 10. A straightening conduit 35 extends between these proximal 32 and distal 34 ends.

[0049] The proximal end 32 of the straightening tube 30 is positioned opposite the outlet port 28 to connect the straightening tube 30 to the receiving cavity 14 through the outlet port 28. This allows the cable to be unwound from the receiving cavity 14 through the outlet port 28 and then through the straightening tube 30. The straightening tube 30 provides a support point that allows the cable to be straightened under tension. This straightening reduces or eliminates the spiral effect caused by the cable unwinding and limits cable displacement during unwinding.

[0050] The straightening tube 30 is preferably configured to be fixed to the outlet port 28. In particular, the proximal end 32 of the straightening tube 30 is configured to be fixed or anchored to the outlet port 28. This fixing can be achieved by means of a locking device 31 that holds the straightening tube 30 against the outlet port 28. This locking device can be a sleeve configured to be inserted inside the outlet port 28. The straightening tube 30 is then inserted into the sleeve. A nut or clamping device cooperating with the sleeve is then used to compress the straightening tube 30 and hold it in position.

[0051] Alternatively or in combination, the proximal end 32 may form at least part of a locking mechanism for the outlet port 28. For example, the proximal end 32 may include a shape configured to anchor to a shape, notch, or port formed in the outlet port 28. The straightening tube 30 may, for instance, anchor to the outlet port 28 by means of a bayonet fitting or a system of deformable tabs. Alternatively or in combination, the dimensions of the straightening tube 30 and the outlet port 28 may be configured to allow a tight fit of the proximal end 32 within the outlet port 28. The straightening tube 30 can thus be manually forced into the outlet port 28 for installation. The removal of the rectifier tube can be done in reverse by manually pulling the rectifier tube 30 in the opposite direction.This latter alternative makes it easier to secure the rectifier tube 30 to the outlet port 28 and is a more economical solution because the parts are simpler.

[0052] The straightening tube 30 preferably has a circular cross-section to form a straight cylindrical tube. The cylindrical shape of the straightening conduit 35 inside the straightening tube 30 thus limits friction between the cable and the straightening tube 30, thereby facilitating cable unwinding by the user. Generally, the straightening tube 30 can be any shape that allows the cable to slide from the proximal end 32 to the distal end 34. In other words, the straightening tube 30 can be any elongated shape.

[0053] The length of the straightening tube 30 is preferably at least three times the maximum transverse dimension of the straightening tube 30. The maximum transverse dimension is understood to be the maximum transverse dimension of the straightening conduit 35 internal to the straightening tube 30. Thus, when the straightening tube 30 has a circular cross-section, the ratio between the length of the straightening tube 30 and its internal diameter is equal to or greater than 3. Even more preferably, the length of the straightening tube 30 is at least five times the maximum transverse dimension of the straightening tube 30 in order to make the straightening even more efficient. The length of the straightening tube 30 is preferably equal to or greater than 50 mm. The maximum transverse dimension of the straightening tube 30 is preferably equal to or greater than 10 mm.

[0054] The straightening tube 30 is preferably removable from the outlet 28. Therefore, the attached device, the outlet 28, and / or the straightening tube 30 are configured to allow the straightening tube 30 to be removed from the outlet 28, preferably manually. This reduces the overall size of the transport device 10 by removing the straightening tube 30 and only installing it when the cable needs to be unwound. This removability also provides the user with greater flexibility in operating the transport device 10.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the transport device 10 is part of a transport set also comprising a plurality of rectifier tubes 30 having a length and / or cross-section different from each other.

[0056] As seen in figure 4 The transport device 30 may also include a flared guide 36 located at the exit port 28. Specifically, the guide 36 is positioned upstream of the straightening tube 30 so as to receive a portion of the cable before the straightening tube, in the direction of cable unwinding. This guide 36 limits cable deformation at the exit port 28 and reduces friction between the wall of the exit port 28 and the cable. This facilitates cable exit, notably by reducing the force required to unwind the cable.

[0057] The guide 36 can be an added component at the outlet 28 or formed by the straightening tube 30 itself. The guide 36 forms a cable guide duct 37 whose cross-section decreases substantially towards the outlet 28. The guide duct 37 can be conical or have a curvature converging towards the outlet 28.

[0058] The bottom wall 20 may also include an additional cable exit hole 29 from the receiving cavity 14, as seen in figure 2 This additional opening can, for example, be used to unwind a different end of the cable than the one passing through the exit opening 28. Alternatively or in combination, the dimensions of this additional opening 29 can differ from those of the exit opening 28, for example, to accommodate cables of different dimensions. The diameter of the additional opening 29 can thus be different from that of the exit opening 28. The additional opening 29 can also be configured to receive the rectifier tube 30 and / or the guide 36. In particular, the additional opening 29 can be configured to receive a rectifier tube 30 and / or a guide 36 with dimensions different from those intended to be mounted on the exit opening 28.

[0059] The user thus benefits simultaneously from two outlet ports which can be of different dimensions and / or allow different configurations of rectifier tube 30 (e.g. two rectifier tubes of different dimensions or a single rectifier tube mounted on one of the outlet ports).

[0060] The casing 12 may also include a viewing window 38 allowing at least partial viewing of a cable coil 16 arranged inside the receiving cavity 14. The viewing window 38 may be formed in the front wall 18 and / or the bottom wall 20. Preferably, the viewing window 38 is formed in the front wall 18 so as to allow viewing of the cable coil 16 when the rectifier tube 30 is mounted on the outlet port 28, as seen in figure 3 The viewing window is therefore a portion of the front wall 18 or the back wall 20.

[0061] The viewing window 38 can be formed by a plurality of viewing window portions. In other words, the viewing window 38 can extend discontinuously.

[0062] The viewing window 38 can be a cutout made in a wall of the envelope 12. Alternatively, the viewing window 38 can be a portion of the transparent wall of the envelope 12. The viewing window 38 can be made of plastic material.

[0063] The viewing window 38 is located primarily at a peripheral portion 40 of the front wall. "Primarily located" means that the viewing window is positioned, in whole or in part, at the peripheral portion 40. Thus, it is possible to view a peripheral portion of the cable reel 16.

[0064] The viewing window 38 extends along two directions. The first direction extends from a central portion 42 of the front wall 18 to the peripheral portion 40. This first direction is radial with respect to the principal axis A of the casing 12. The second direction extends transversely to the first and is tangential. Thus, the viewing window 38 also extends at least partially around the outlet orifice 28 when formed on the front wall 18.

[0065] The central portion 42 of the front wall 18 or back wall 20 can be characterized as delimiting a circular area around the principal axis A. The dimension of this central portion 42 along the first direction is equal to or less than 15% of the maximum dimension of the front wall 18 or back wall 20 along this first direction. The peripheral portion 40 is defined as the portion of the wall that is not the central portion 42. Thus, the front wall 18 or back wall 20 is divided into two portions: the central portion 42 and the peripheral portion 40. The peripheral portion 40 and the central portion 42 are visible in figure 5 .

[0066] The longitudinal dimension of the viewing window 38 along the first direction is preferably equal to or greater than 10% of the dimension of the front wall 18 or back wall 20 along that same first direction. In other words, the viewing window 38 preferably extends along the first direction by a length at least equal to 10% of the diameter of the front wall 18 or back wall 20.

[0067] Various implementations of the viewing window are visible in figures 5 à 8 A first visible embodiment in figure 5 features a viewing window 38A of rectangular or oblong shape extending mainly along the first direction. A second embodiment visible in figure 6 presents a viewing window 38B in the shape of an angular sector around the principal axis A, possibly truncated at its lower end. A third embodiment visible in figure 7 presents a viewing window 38C of annular shape around the axis of principal A. A fourth embodiment visible in figure 8 features a circular 38D viewing window.

[0068] Alternatively, the viewing window 38 can cover a significant part of the front wall 18 or back wall 20. Thus, the viewing window 38 can form at least 40%, at least 60% or at least 70% of the surface of the front wall 18 or back wall 20.

[0069] As seen in figure 9 The transport device 10 may further include an anchoring element 44 fixed to the sheath 12. This anchoring element 44 is configured to allow the sheath 12 to be anchored to a support point during cable unwinding. The anchoring element 44 may be in the form of an eyelet attached or formed in the sheath 12.

Claims

1. A transport device (10) for a cable ring (16), the transport device (10) forming a cover for transporting and unwinding a cable wound around itself in the form of a ring, comprising: - a shell (12) made of a flexible material and forming a reception cavity (14) for a cable ring, the shell (12) comprising a wall (18, 20) in which a cable outlet port (28, 29) is formed outside the reception cavity (14), - a rectifier tube (30) projecting from said wall (18, 20) and communicating with the outlet port (28, 29) to allow a cable to unwind from the receiving cavity (14) through the rectifier tube (30), the rectifier tube (30) being configured to be removably attached to said wall (18, 20) and extending out of the receiving cavity from said wall of the shell such that at least 80% of the length of the rectifier tube is disposed out of the receiving cavity.

2. The transport device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the outlet port (28, 29) is arranged so as to open at a central portion of the receiving cavity (14).

3. The transport device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving cavity (14) is circular in cross-section.

4. The transport device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rectifier tube (30) is elongate in shape, the length of the rectifier tube (30) being at least three times the maximum transverse size of the rectifier tube (30).

5. The transport device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rectifier tube (30) is elongate in shape, the length of the rectifier tube (30) being equal to or greater than 50 mm.

6. The transport device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a guide (36) flared in shape arranged at a proximal end of the rectifier tube (30) when the rectifier tube (30) is arranged at the outlet port (28).

7. The transport device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an anchoring member (44) fixed to the shell (12) and configured to allow the shell (12) to be anchored at a support point during the unwinding of a cable.

8. The transport device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable outlet port (28) is formed at a front wall (18) of the shell (12), said shell (12) further comprising a bottom wall (20) opposite the front wall (18) relative to the receiving cavity (14), an additional cable outlet port (29) out of the receiving cavity (14) being formed in said bottom wall (20).

9. A transport kit comprising a transport device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one other rectifier tube (30), wherein the rectifier tubes (30) have a different length and / or cross-section from each other.