System for putting together junction boxes

Abstract

The present description relates to a system for putting together two junction boxes (4) edge to edge, in which the boxes are held together by means of one or more fishplates (2).

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: Junction Box Assembly System This application claims the priorities of French patent application number 23 / 06899 of June 29, 2023 and European patent application number EP23305286.9 of March 3, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated by reference under the conditions authorized by law. Technical field

[0001] This description relates generally to connection boxes, whether electrical, fiber optic or other, and more particularly to the fixing of such boxes to a support.

[0002] This description applies more particularly to telecommunications boxes, in particular for the distribution or connection of optical fibers. Prior art

[0003] There are several different ways to mount a box to a support. However, current techniques require each box to be mounted individually. Summary of the invention

[0004] There is a need for improved fixings for junction boxes, especially when multiple boxes need to be fixed in the same location or environment

[0005] An embodiment of the present description provides a connection box and an assembly element for fixing several boxes on the same support.

[0006] One embodiment provides a splice plate for assembling connection boxes together, comprising two tabs adapted to be engaged in slots on the rear faces of two boxes to be assembled edge to edge.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the fishplate comprises a stiffening body, a head of which is adapted to be engaged between the edges of the two boxes to be assembled.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the head is adapted to receive a locking element on the housings.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the fishplate comprises, on the rear face, a slot intended for the passage of a fixing strip to a support.

[0010] One embodiment provides a cable connection box, comprising, on the rear face of at least one side, at least one light for receiving a splice plate for assembly with another box edge to edge.

[0011] According to one embodiment, one or more lights are provided on two opposite sides of the housing.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the housing comprises means for receiving a locking element of the fishplate.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the receiving light of a splint is associated with an opening in which a clip of the splint can engage.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the splint is force-fitted into said slot.

[0015] One embodiment provides a system for assembling two edge-to-edge connection boxes, in which the boxes are assembled via one or more splice plates. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] These and other features and advantages will be set forth in detail in the following description of particular embodiments given without limitation in connection with the accompanying figures, among which:

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a common solution for fixing several boxes on the same support;

[0018] Figure 2 is a perspective side view of a splice plate of an assembly system according to one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of a splint of the system according to one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 3A illustrates a variant of a rear face of a splint;

[0021] Figure 4A and Figure 4B illustrate an example implementation of the system;

[0022] Figure 5 illustrates another step of an example implementation of the system;

[0023] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of two assembled housings;

[0024] Figure 7 is a rear view of two boxes mounted on a pole using straps passing from the two fishplates;

[0025] Figure 8 is a front view of the example of Figure 7;

[0026] Figure 9 is a rear view of three boxes assembled together by fishplates;

[0027] Figure 10 is a front view of the example of Figure 9;

[0028] Figure 11 is a sectional view illustrating one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 12 illustrates a detail of the implementation;

[0030] Figure 13 is a partial view illustrating one embodiment of an edge of a housing;

[0031] Figure 14 illustrates an embodiment of a splint with a fixing system;

[0032] Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of a variant. Description of Embodiments

[0033] The same elements have been designated by the same references in the different figures. In particular, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same references and may have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0034] For the sake of clarity, only the steps and elements useful for understanding the embodiments described have been represented and are detailed.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, when referring to two elements connected together, this means directly connected without intermediate elements other than conductors, and when referring to two elements connected (in English "coupled") together, this means that these two elements can be connected or be connected by means of one or more other elements.

[0036] In the following description, when reference is made to absolute position qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as the terms "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as the terms "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made unless otherwise specified to the orientation of the figures.

[0037] Unless otherwise specified, the expressions "approximately", "approximately", "substantially", and "of the order of" mean to within 10% or 10 degrees, preferably to within 5% or 5 degrees.

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates a common solution for fixing several boxes on the same support.

[0039] The fixing element is then a rail or angle iron 1 on which the boxes are hung (fixed) next to each other.

[0040] Each box (not shown) is attached individually by its rear face to the rail 1 generally using a metal strip passing through a slot or light in the rear face of the box and through one of the lights 12 of the rail 1. When it is desired to fix several boxes next to each other, several lights 12 of the rail are used (typically one per box). The lights 12 of a rail being at given positions, the boxes are rarely perfectly edge to edge, which is unsightly.

[0041] Such a fixing system is poorly suited to fixing several boxes. In particular, different rail lengths must be provided depending on the number of boxes to be coupled. In addition, the length of the rail(s) to be changed must be changed if the number of boxes changes. Furthermore, the installation of the rail(s) is inconvenient and the metal rails or angles are heavy and bulky. Such a solution is also difficult to adapt to poles, pylons, masts, etc., particularly those with a circular section.

[0042] It should be noted that Figure 1 does not represent a box but only a rail used for fixing such a box.

[0043] The embodiments described provide for exploiting the very structure of the cases and more particularly their bottoms and their edges. More particularly, plans to structure the bottoms of the boxes so that they can accommodate one or more edge-to-edge box assembly plates.

[0044] Preferably, this fishplate is equipped with a locking element or clamping flange using the flanges of the two adjacent housings.

[0045] The fishplate then constitutes the element for holding or fixing the boxes to a support structure, for example a post. The fixing of the fishplate to a post or other structure is carried out by means of a strip, or collar, passing through a slot made on the rear face of the fishplate.

[0046] Figure 2 is a perspective side view of a fishplate 2 of an assembly system according to one embodiment.

[0047] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of a splint of the system according to one embodiment.

[0048] These figures illustrate in particular: - the general shape of part 2 (splint) guaranteeing good support of two boxes (not shown) between them; - a flange 3 for clamping the housings on the fishplate with lugs for insertion into the housings (in the edges of the housings).

[0049] The part or fishplate 2 has a generally elongated shape and comprises two tabs 22 extending on either side of a body 24. The body 24 has a shape and thickness to ensure the rigidity and hold required for the system. The body has, between the two tabs 22, a base 242 intended to engage between the two housings assembled by the fishplate and of a width adapted to the distance between the housings.

[0050] The body 24 has a general T shape. The tabs 22 are parallel to the branches 244 of the head of the T and are longer than these branches. The head of the T is intended to bear against the fixing structure and defines a light or slot 246, parallel to the head of the T and opening on either side to define a strap pass-through intended for the passage of a strap or collar (not shown).

[0051] Each tab 22 is intended to bear, by its face opposite the branches 244, against the bottom or rear of a housing by engaging in a slot made in this bottom. A first locking in position of the housing on the fishplate 2 is carried out by means of pre-holding clips 222. When it is in position, the housing bears by its bottom against the tab 22 and by its edge against the base or foot 242 of the body 24.

[0052] Alternatively, the clips 222 may be replaced by any suitable means, for example screws for attaching the tabs to the housings to be assembled.

[0053] According to another variant, the splint 2 is forced into the light or slot of the housing.

[0054] The clamping flange 3 has a general U shape (inverted) of which each branch 32 is intended to engage in a housing by gripping its edge so as to block the edge of the housing against the base 242 of the body. The base 34 of the U is crossed by a bolt 36, passing through the foot 242 of the body in its length and intended to be screwed into a nut 38 (figure 3) captive in the body 24, for example engaged from the visible face of the head of the body 24.

[0055] Figure 3A illustrates a variant of a back face of a splint.

[0056] More particularly, this figure is a view of the visible face of the body 24 at the level of the branches 244 and illustrates the possibility of integrating fixings for different supports (e.g.: known under the designation Omega).

[0057] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate an example implementation of the system.

[0058] These figures illustrate more particularly the clipping of a splint 2 onto a first housing 4.

[0059] The housing 4 is shown partially and seen from the rear, by the external face of its bottom 42.

[0060] The housing is usually made of plastic, for example obtained by injection molding.

[0061] Figure 4A shows the housing 4 and the fishplate 2 before engagement of a tab 22 of the fishplate in a slot 422 of the bottom 42 of the housing 4.

[0062] Figure 4B shows the housing 4 and the fishplate 2 assembled, the housing being locked in position by the clip 222 of the tab 22.

[0063] As illustrated in these figures, the tab 222 is engaged (arrow in figure 4A), by its free end in the slot 422 provided for this purpose in the bottom of the housing, until the clip 222 emerges from the slot (position illustrated in figure 4B) through a light or opening 426 thereof.

[0064] Figure 5 illustrates another step of an example implementation of the system.

[0065] More particularly, this figure illustrates the clipping of a second housing 4' onto the free tab 222 of the fishplate 2' after the assembly of the first housing 4 (figure 4B).

[0066] As illustrated in Figure 5, the foot of the T of the body 24 of the fishplate 4 is sized so that once the boxes are mounted, the edges of the boxes 4 and 4' are against each other. Preferably, the rear faces of the boxes are adapted to the shape of the body 24 of the splint 2 or vice versa for this purpose.

[0067] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of two assembled housings.

[0068] In this example, the boxes 4 and 4' are joined to each other by two fishplates 2. The number of fishplates depends on the size of the boxes and is preferably between 1 and 4.

[0069] As can be seen in this figure, the rear face of each housing is symmetrical in width, that is to say with respect to a straight line D passing through the center of the housing and parallel to the edge assembled to the other housing. Thus, each housing has, on either side, slots 422 for receiving fishplates 2 allowing the assembly of more than two housings one after the other.

[0070] Figure 7 is a rear view of two boxes 4 and 4' mounted on a post 5 using straps 6 passing through two fishplates 2.

[0071] Figure 8 is a front view of the example of Figure 7, in which the housings 4 and 4' are shown with their respective covers.

[0072] Figure 9 is a rear view of three boxes 4, 4', 4", assembled together by fishplates 2 and mounted on a post 5 by fixing the intermediate box 4' by straps 6.

[0073] Figure 10 is a front view of the example of Figure 9.

[0074] In this example, the fishplates 2 are only used to assemble the boxes 4, 4' and 4" together, the mounting on the post 5 being carried out via the rear face of the intermediate box 4'.

[0075] Thus, preferably, the rear faces of the boxes have, in their middle, strip passes 424. Those of the box 4' are not visible in figure 9 because they are hidden by the post 5.

[0076] Figure 11 is a sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a fishplate 2 associated with two housings 4 and 4'.

[0077] Figure 12 illustrates a detail at a clamping flange 3.

[0078] Figure 13 is a partial view illustrating one embodiment of an edge 44 of a housing 4.

[0079] As illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the edges of the housings 4 have slots 442 for receiving the free ends of the branches or legs 32 of the flange 3. Once the housings 4 and 4' are prepositioned by the clips 222 of the fishplates 2, the positioning and screwing of the flanges 3 lock the housings in position on the fishplates.

[0080] Providing two slots 442 and two tabs 32 in the length of the flange 3 makes it easy to maintain a central passage for the screw or bolt 36 of the clamping flange 3. However, as a variant, a single slot, or even more than two slots, may be provided. It should be noted that we are referring to a slot 442 whether it is through or not. Indeed, the slots 442 may be through but this is not necessary.

[0081] Figure 14 shows another view of a fishplate 2 with a strap pass-through type fixing system.

[0082] This figure is a view from one end of one of the tabs 42 and illustrates the through slot 246 intended for the passage of a strip 6. Figure 14 also shows the flange 3 associated with the fishplate 2.

[0083] Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of a variation of a 2' splint.

[0084] According to this variant, the body 24 of the fishplate 2' comprises, in addition to the strip guide 246, a screw fixing plate comprising slots 248 supporting captive nuts.

[0085] Among the advantages of the described system, we note: - the ease / ergonomics of installation, clipping of the 4 boxes for pre-holding and tightening by 36 screws with access on the front face; - the use of the same type of element (the splint) regardless of the number of boxes; - the integration of means of fixing to the post into the fishplate; - a space-saving and lightweight assembly part.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the housing(s) and the fishplates are made of plastic material and are then preferably obtained by injection of plastic material into a mold, or alternatively in any material, for example recyclable, compatible with the provision of the elements required for the assembly system.

[0087] Alternatively, all or part of the housings are metallic and these parts are assembled to plastic or metallic housings by plastic or metallic fishplates.

[0088] According to another embodiment, the assembly between several housings is mixed, that is to say it combines assemblies with fishplate and by riveting or screwing of plastic and metal housings.

[0089] Various embodiments and variations have been described. Those skilled in the art will understand that certain features of these various embodiments and variants could be combined, and other variants will appear to the person skilled in the art. In particular, the example of boxes 4 assembled laterally has been taken, but it will also be possible to provide for the boxes 4 to be assembled vertically (by providing slots 422 for receiving fishplates 2 on the top and bottom sides), or even to assemble boxes 4 both vertically and laterally. Furthermore, the dimensions of the fishplates 2 (in particular the width and length of the tabs) are adapted to the size and weight of the box 4 (equipped), as is the number of fishplates 2. Furthermore, although examples have been described in relation to connection boxes 4, the solution described applies more generally to any type of modular box

[0090] Finally, the practical implementation of the embodiments and variants described is within the reach of those skilled in the art from the functional indications given above.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Fishplate (2) for assembling connection boxes (4) together, comprising two tabs (22) adapted to be engaged in slots (422) of rear faces (42) of two boxes (4) to be assembled edge to edge.

2. Fishplate according to claim 1, comprising a stiffening body (24), a head of which is adapted to be engaged between the edges of the two housings (4) to be assembled.

3. Fishplate according to claim 2, in which the head is adapted to receive a locking element (3) on the housings.

4. Fishplate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising, on the rear face, a slot (246) intended for the passage of a strip (6) for fixing to a support (5).

5. Cable connection box (4), comprising, on the rear face (42) of at least one side, at least one light (422) for receiving a fishplate (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, for assembly with another box (4) edge to edge.

6. Housing according to claim 5, wherein one or more lights (422) are provided on two opposite sides of the housing (4).

7. Housing according to claim 5 or 6, comprising means (442) for receiving a locking element of the fishplate (2).

8. Housing according to any one of claims 5 to 7, in which the light (422) for receiving a splice (2) is associated with an opening (426) in which a clip (222) of the splice can engage.

9. Housing according to any one of claims 5 to 7, in which the fishplate (2) is force-fitted into said slot (422).

10. System for assembling two connection boxes (4) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, edge to edge, in which the boxes are assembled by means of one or more fishplates (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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