Transport device for a cable reel with straightener tube

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport device (10) for a cable reel (16), comprising: - a casing (12) forming a cavity for receiving a cable reel (16), the casing (12) comprising a wall (18, 20) in which an exit orifice (28) for the cable is formed out of the receiving cavity, - a straightening tube (30) projecting from said wall and communicating with the exit orifice (28) to allow the cable to be unwound out of the receiving cavity through the straightening tube (30). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Transport device for a cable reel with a straightening tube

[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 coil with a straightening tube.

[0003] For the packaging and transport of 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 known to place such a cable coil in packaging for transport as well as for unwinding or pulling the cable. This packaging may take the form of a transportable case in which a cavity is adapted to receive a cable coil. An opening is generally formed through a wall of the packaging so as to allow the cable to be unwound from the packaging.

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

[0006] The cable's coiled arrangement causes a "spiral effect," i.e., the cable twists around itself and forms spirals when uncoiled. Because the cable is wound around itself, uncoiling it causes it to twist, resulting in these spirals. This spiral effect can be very problematic during cable installation. The cable can get caught or rub against numerous obstacles when being pulled through a conduit. This can significantly lengthen the installation process and make pulling it difficult for the user.

[0007] There is therefore 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.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a transport device for a cable reel, comprising: - an enclosure forming a cavity for receiving a cable coil, the enclosure comprising a wall in which a cable exit hole is formed from the receiving cavity, - a rectifier tube protruding from said wall and communicating with the exit port to allow the unwinding of a cable out of the receiving cavity through the rectifier tube.

[0009] The use of a straightening tube for unwinding the cable allows the cable to be straightened by forming a fulcrum that helps to unravel the cable spirals as it exits the device. The cable exiting the straightening tube has a significantly reduced number of twists, or none at all, depending on the dimensions of the straightening tube and the unwinding force applied by the user.

[0010] Furthermore, the straightening tube allows the cable to be unwound in a specific direction and to be maintained in that direction upon exiting the receiving cavity. This greatly facilitates cable pulling because the cable is straightened and does not deviate with the spirals 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the transport device, the straightening tube is configured to be removably fixed to said wall.

[0013] The user can thus remove the rectifier tube from the enclosure. 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 adapted to the type of cable in the enclosure, or another accessory.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the transport device, the outlet orifice is arranged so as to open at the level of a central portion of the receiving cavity.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the transport device, the receiving cavity has a circular cross-section.

[0016] The receiving cavity thus 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 limit the overall size of the transport device.

[0017] 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.

[0018] Such a dimension ratio of the rectifier tube ensures efficient cable straightening. The longer the tube is relative to its transverse dimension, the more the cable is straightened and unwinds in a straight line.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The guide helps to limit cable deformation at the exit hole of the sheath, as well as friction between the wall of the exit hole and the cable. This facilitates cable exit, in particular by reducing the force required to pull the cable out during unwinding.

[0022] The guide may be an added component at the outlet or formed by the straightening tube itself. The guide forms a cable guide 37 whose cross-section decreases substantially towards the outlet. The guide 37 may be conical in shape or have a curvature converging towards the outlet.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the transport device, it further comprises 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.

[0024] The anchoring device allows a single user to unwind the cable stored inside the casing. Once the casing is anchored to a support, for example a door handle, the user simply pulls on the cable to unwind it. This anchoring device can be in the form of a hook attached to the casing or an opening formed by the casing. Alternatively, or in combination, the anchoring device can be a carrying handle attached to the casing.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the transport device, the cable exit port 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 port outside the receiving cavity being formed in said bottom wall.

[0026] The dimensions of this additional orifice may differ from those of the outlet orifice, for example, to accommodate cables of different dimensions. The additional orifice may also be configured to receive the rectifier tube and / or the guide.

[0027] 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 which can be of different dimensions and / or allowing different rectifier tube configurations (e.g. two rectifier tubes of different dimensions or a single rectifier tube mounted on one of the exit openings).

[0028] 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 a cross-section different from each other. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] The attached drawings illustrate the invention:

[0030] [Fig-1] represents a side view of a transport device in a closed state, in which a coil of cable is arranged.

[0031] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of the transport device of the [Fig.1] in an open state.

[0032] [Fig.3] represents a perspective view of the device of [Fig.1] in a state closed, in which a cable straightening tube is mounted on a cable exit port formed on a wall of the transport device casing.

[0033] [Fig.4] schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the cable exit port of the transport device casing on which a cable straightening tube and a guide are mounted.

[0034] [Fig.5] schematically represents a first embodiment of a window of visualization formed in a wall of the envelope.

[0035] [Fig.6] schematically represents a second embodiment of a window visualization formed in a wall of the envelope.

[0036] [Fig.7] schematically represents a third embodiment of a window visualization formed in a wall of the envelope.

[0037] [Fig.8] schematically represents a fourth embodiment of a window visualization formed in a wall of the envelope.

[0038] [Fig.9] represents a perspective view of the lower portion of the device transport of the [Fig.l] revealing an anchoring device. Description of method(s) of implementation

[0039] The concept of the invention is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the concept of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity. Similar numbers refer to elements similar in all the drawings. However, this concept of the invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are proposed so as to make this description complete and to communicate the scope of the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0040] 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.

[0041] With reference to [Fig. 1], a transport device 10 for a cable coil is shown. 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.

[0042] The transport device 10 comprises a casing 12 forming a receiving cavity 14 for a cable reel 16, more particularly visible in [Fig. 2]. The casing 12 has a circular cross-section so as to have a minimal overall size while accommodating a cable reel. More specifically, the casing is in the shape of a flat cylinder, i.e., whose thickness is less than its diameter. Alternatively, the casing 12 can be of any shape whose dimensions allow it to accommodate a cable reel 16.

[0043] The cover 12 is preferably made of a flexible material. The cover 12 is preferably made of a wear-resistant material, such as, for example, a woven PVC or polyester fabric.

[0044] 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 the external walls of the casing 12. In other words, the receiving cavity 14 can correspond to the entire internal space defined by the casing 12 or only a portion of this space. To obtain 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.

[0045] The receiving cavity 14 has a circular cross-section so as to present a minimal footprint while accommodating a cable coil. More In particular, the casing is in the shape of a flat cylinder, i.e., its thickness is less than its diameter. Alternatively, the receiving cavity 14 can be of any shape whose dimensions and geometry allow it to accommodate a cable reel 16. Thus, the receiving cavity preferably has a minimum thickness of 5 cm and a minimum transverse dimension (or minimum diameter, as appropriate) of 30 cm. As an 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The casing 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.

[0049] The opening 24 includes a closure system 19 which may be, for example, a zipper.

[0050] The transport device 10 also includes a carrying handle 26 to facilitate gripping the transport device 10. The carrying handle 26 can also serve as an anchoring element for the sheath to allow the cable to be unwound.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The transport device 10 further includes a rectifier tube 30 visible in [Fig.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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The proximal end 32 of the straightening tube 30 is positioned opposite the outlet 28 to connect the straightening tube 30 with the receiving cavity 14 through the outlet 28. This allows the cable to be unwound from the receiving cavity 14 through the outlet 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.

[0056] The straightening tube 30 is preferably configured to be secured to the outlet port 28. In particular, the proximal end 32 of the straightening tube 30 is configured to be secured or anchored to the outlet port 28. This securing 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.

[0057] Alternatively or in combination, the proximal end 32 may form at least part of a locking means for the outlet port 28. By way of example, the proximal end 32 may include a shape configured to anchor itself to a shape, notch, or port formed in the outlet port 28. The straightening tube 30 may, for example, anchor itself to the outlet port 28 by means of a system by bayonet fitting or a system of deformable tabs. Alternatively, or in combination, the dimensions of the straightening tube 30 and the outlet orifice 28 can be configured to allow a tight fit of the proximal end 32 in the outlet orifice 28. The straightening tube 30 can thus be manually forced into the outlet orifice 28 for installation. Removal of the straightening tube can be carried out in the opposite direction by manually pulling the straightening tube 30 in the opposite direction. This latter alternative facilitates securing the straightening tube 30 to the outlet orifice 28 and is a more economical solution because the parts are simpler.

[0058] The straightening tube 30 preferably has a circular cross-section so as 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 of 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 of any elongated shape.

[0059] 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 refers to 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 so as 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.

[0060] The straightening tube 30 is preferably removable relative to the outlet 28. Thus, 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 makes it possible to reduce the overall size of the transport device 10 by removing the straightening tube 30 and only putting it in place when the cable needs to be unwound. This removability also provides the user with greater flexibility in operating the transport device 10.

[0061] 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 a cross-section different from each other.

[0062] As shown in [Fig. 4], the transport device 30 may also include a flared guide 36 located at the exit port 28. In particular, 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 as well as 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.

[0063] The guide 36 may 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 may be conical in shape or have a curvature converging towards the outlet 28.

[0064] The bottom wall 20 may also include an additional cable exit hole 29 from the receiving cavity 14, as shown in [Fig. 2]. This additional hole may, for example, be used to unwind a different end of the cable than the one passing through the exit hole 28. Alternatively or in combination, the dimensions of this additional hole 29 may differ from those of the exit hole 28, for example, to accommodate cables of different dimensions. The diameter of the additional hole 29 may thus be different from that of the exit hole 28. The additional hole 29 may also be configured to receive the rectifier tube 30 and / or the guide 36. In particular, the additional hole 29 may 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 hole 28.

[0065] The user thus benefits simultaneously from two outlet ports which can be of different dimensions and / or allowing 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).

[0066] 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 [Fig. 3]. The viewing window is therefore a portion of the front wall 18 or the bottom wall 20.

[0067] The viewing window 38 can be formed by a plurality of viewing window portions. In other words, the viewing window 38 can extend discontinuously.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The viewing window 38 is located primarily at a peripheral portion 40 of the front wall. "Primarily located" means that the viewing window is situated, in whole or in part, at the peripheral portion 40. Thus, it is possible to view a peripheral portion of the cable reel 16.

[0070] The viewing window 38 extends along two directions. A first direction extends from a central portion 42 of the front wall 18 to the peripheral portion 40. The first direction corresponds to a radial direction with respect to the principal axis A of the casing 12. A second direction extends transversely to the first direction and corresponds to a tangential direction. Thus, the viewing window 38 also extends at least partially around the outlet orifice 28 when it is formed on the front wall 18.

[0071] 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 [Fig. 5].

[0072] 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.

[0073] Embodiments of the viewing window are shown in Figures 5 to 8. A first embodiment shown in [Fig. 5] has a viewing window 38A that is rectangular or oblong in shape and extends mainly along the first direction. A second embodiment shown in [Fig. 6] has 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 The embodiment visible in [Fig.7] presents an annular viewing window 38C around the axis of principal A. A fourth embodiment visible in [Fig.8] presents a circular viewing window 38D.

[0074] 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 even at least 70% of the surface of the front wall 18 or back wall 20.

[0075] As shown in [Fig. 9], the transport device 10 may further include an anchoring member 44 attached to the sheath 12. This anchoring member 44 is configured to allow the sheath 12 to be anchored to a support point during cable unwinding. The anchoring member 44 may be in the form of an eyelet attached to or formed in the sheath 12.

[0076]

Claims

Demands

1. Transport device (10) for a cable coil (16), the device forming a transport and unwinding cover for a cable wound around itself in the form of a coil and comprising: - a cover (12) made of a flexible material and forming a receiving cavity (14) for a cable coil, the cover (12) comprising a wall (18, 20) in which is formed an exit orifice (28, 29) for the cable out of the receiving cavity (14), - a straightening tube (30) projecting from said wall (18, 20) and communicating with the exit orifice (28, 29) to allow the unwinding of a cable out of the receiving cavity (14) through the straightening tube (30), the straightening tube being configured to be removably fixed on said wall and extending out of the receiving cavity from said wall of the cover.

2. Transport device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the outlet orifice (28, 29) is arranged to open at a central portion of the receiving cavity (14).

3. Transport device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving cavity (14) has a circular cross-section.

4. Transport device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the straightening tube (30) is elongated in shape, the length of the straightening tube (30) being at least greater than three times the maximum transverse dimension of the straightening tube (30).

5. Transport device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the straightening tube (30) is elongated, the length of the straightening tube (30) being equal to or greater than 50mm.

6. Transport device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flared-shaped guide (36) disposed at a proximal end of the straightening tube (30) when the straightening tube (30) is disposed at the outlet port (28).

7. A transport device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an anchoring member (44) fixed to the casing (12) and configured to allow to anchor the envelope (12) to a support point during the unwinding of a cable.

8. Transport device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable exit orifice (28) is formed at the level of a front wall (18) of the enclosure (12), said enclosure (12) further comprising a bottom wall (20) opposite the front wall (18) with respect to the receiving cavity (14), an additional cable exit orifice (29) out of the receiving cavity (14) being formed in said bottom wall (20).

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

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