CABLE CARRIER SYSTEM

Abstract

Cable tray device. Cable tray device comprising a first section of cable tray (2) and two splices (4) for connecting the first section of cable tray (2) with a second section of cable tray (3); each section of cable tray (2, 3) has a U-shaped profile with a bottom (21, 31), essentially flat, delimited between two walls (22, 32); the splices (4) are arranged externally to the sections of cable tray (2, 3); the walls (22, 32) of the sections of cable tray (2, 3) are pierced with through and oblong holes (23); the bottom (21) includes through and oblong holes (24); the walls (22) have a curved upper edge (25) which extends along the entire length of each wall in a position opposite the bottom (21); each splice (4) has an L-shaped configuration and comprises a base arm (41) and a side arm (42); the base branch (41) has bands (43); the base branch (41) has base hoops (44) equipped with oblique locking fins (45);the lateral branch (42) has an inclined end (46) which terminates with an inclined edge (47) provided with a series of tongues (48), bent in the opposite direction to the inclined edge (47); the lateral branch (42) has a series of lateral arches (49) intended to pass through the oblong through holes (23) of the respective walls (22) of path sections (2, 3). Figure for the abbreviation: 1;

Description

Title of the invention: CABLE TRAIL DEVICE

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable tray device.

[0002] Cable trays are made up of several sections which are connected together by fishplates.

[0003] FR2686141A1 describes a cable tray comprising two interconnected sections by two fishplates or plates. The two sections are first placed end to end, then the fishplates are brought into the junction area between the two sections and fixed automatically. According to the said device, the fishplates and the sections of the tray are stored and delivered separately and are then assembled on site. The operator must therefore gather the appropriate number of cable tray sections and fishplates before being able to start work, which considerably increases the assembly time. In addition, the fishplates and the cable tray sections are stored separately under different references. Thus, the volume occupied by the parts during storage is significant and the management of the number of fishplates to be provided according to the number of the cable tray is expensive.

[0004] To overcome these drawbacks, pre-coupled cable trays are known, in which two connecting fishplates are permanently mounted on a section at its end.

[0005] This effectively allows the cable tray section and the fishplates to be assigned the same reference and simplifies the operator's work since he has everything at hand to work with. However, since the fishplates are mounted at the end of the cable tray, they therefore protrude from the cable tray and increase its total length. This additional length, in addition to the bulk, causes logistical difficulties because the cable tray device no longer has a standard length and the infrastructure used to handle the cable tray sections is not designed to operate cable trays that do not have a standard length.

[0006] EP2833496A1 describes a cable tray which essentially solves said problems thanks to a device that provides sections of standard length. Each section includes a base delimited between two walls. Two adjacent sections are joined by two joining fishplates associated with the internal part of the walls and likely to sink into the sections of the path. During storage and transport, the joining fishplates are temporarily mounted in the section of path, in a configuration in which the total length of the device does not increase. In this temporary configuration, the fishplates are temporarily blocked in translation along the walls of the section and are blocked superimposed on the section by locking means which prevent the fishplate from tilting. The sections of path can therefore be freely manipulated without the risk of a fishplate coming loose from the section of path.

[0007] Said system applies well to paths in which each section has longitudinal ribs, which extend over the entire length of the bottom of the same section, and the internal face is constant, independently of the thickness of the path.

[0008] Currently, however, paths are provided whose sections have no ribs in the lower part and the external face of the path has the particularity of being constant, independently of the thickness of said path.

[0009] Consequently, the problem arises of positioning the joining plates while maintaining a constant seat regardless of the thickness of the cable trays to be assembled.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved cable tray compared to the systems of the known technique mentioned above.

[0011] Within the framework of this task, the objective of this invention is to produce a cable tray which allows the joining fishplates to be positioned while maintaining a constant seat regardless of the thickness of the cable trays to be assembled.

[0012] An additional objective of the invention is to provide a cable tray which allows rapid and safe assembly.

[0013] Another objective of this invention is to provide a cable tray equipped with a system for preventing unwanted detachments.

[0014] Another objective of this invention is to provide a cable tray which ensures good rigidity between adjacent tray sections.

[0015] These and other objectives which appear below, are achieved by a cable tray device comprising a first tray section and two fishplates for connecting said first tray section with a second tray section; each tray section having a U-shaped profile with a bottom, essentially flat, delimited between two walls; said device being characterized in that said fishplates are arranged externally to said tray sections; said walls of said tray sections being pierced with through and oblong holes; said bottom comprising through and oblong holes; said walls having a curved upper edge which extends over the entire length of each wall in a position opposite said bottom; each of said fishplates having an L-shaped configuration and comprising a base branch and a side branch; said base branch having strips;said base branch having base hoops provided with transverse locking fins; said side branch having an inclined end which terminates with an inclined edge provided with a series of tongues, bent in the opposite direction to said inclined edge; said side branch having a series of side hoops intended to pass through said through and oblong holes of the respective walls of said path sections. ;

[0016] Preferably, an upper portion of said lateral branch of said splint is inserted into the curved upper edges of said sections.

[0017] Preferably, said inclined edge is provided with tongues, folded in the opposite direction to said inclined edge.

[0018] Preferably, said strips of said base branch have the function of stopping in said bottom of said path sections.

[0019] Preferably, said base branch comprises a locking fin which serves to block said fishplate inside one of said path sections, during transport and storage of said device.

[0020] Preferably, said fishplate has a sign, made in the middle of the length of said fishplate, having the function of facilitating the pre-positioning of said fishplate relative to said sections to be connected.

[0021] Preferably, said inclined edge of said lateral branch of said fishplate has a central free space, which makes it possible to resolve the formation of a possible lump of zinc which has formed in the end of said curved upper edge of said path sections.

[0022] Other characteristics and advantages are revealed further from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the invention, illustrated for informational and non-limiting purposes, in the attached drawings, in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective view illustrating two sections of path joined together;

[0024] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view illustrating the lower part of the path of the previous figure;

[0025] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a section of path and a junction fishplate connected to it;

[0026] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the joining fishplate;

[0027] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the external side of the section of path and of the joining plate connected to it, of [Fig.3];

[0028] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a side view illustrating the phase of fixing the joining splint;

[0029] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a side view illustrating the junction fishplate fixed to the section of path;

[0030] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the opposite side, relative to [Fig.4], of the joining fishplate;

[0031] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is an enlarged view illustrating in detail the portion of fishplate interrupted to accommodate an area of ​​the section having a zinc block;

[0032] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is an enlarged view illustrating in detail signs of positioning of the fishplate relative to the section;

[0033] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is an enlarged view illustrating in detail an arcuate bore protruding from the splint;

[0034] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of a section of track in which two junction fishplates are positioned, in the transport and storage configuration;

[0035] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is an enlarged view illustrating in detail a locking fin of a junction fishplate in the phase of transport and storage of the sections of road;

[0036] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a perspective view of the external side of the section of path of [Fig. 12], in which two junction fishplates are positioned, in the transport and storage configuration.

[0037] With regard to the figures cited, the cable tray device according to the invention, indicated overall with the reference number 1, comprises a first tray section 2 and two fishplates 4 for connecting the first tray section 2 with another tray section 3.

[0038] Each section of path, 2 and 3, is, for example, made of folded and punched sheet metal and has a U-shaped profile with a base, respectively 21 and 31, essentially flat, delimited between two walls, respectively 22 and 32.

[0039] The walls 22, 32 are pierced with through and oblong holes 23.

[0040] The bottom 21 comprises different through and oblong holes 24 regularly spaced.

[0041] Path sections 2 and 3 are identical and the components described here for one section are also present in the adjacent section.

[0042] The walls 22 have a curved upper edge 25 which extends over the entire length of the wall in a position opposite the bottom 21.

[0043] The splint 4 has an L-shaped configuration and comprises a base branch 41 and a lateral branch 42.

[0044] The base branch 41 has strips 43, formed by folding back portions partially cut by the base branch 4L

[0045] The base branch 41 further has base hoops 44 provided with transverse locking fins 45.

[0046] The lateral branch 42 has an inclined end 46 which ends with an inclined edge 47 provided with a series of tongues 48, folded in the opposite direction to the inclined edge 47.

[0047] The lateral branch 42 further has a series of lateral arches 49 which are intended to be inserted into the through and oblong holes 23 of the respective wall 22 of the path sections 2 and 3.

[0048] The base branch comprises a locking fin 50 which serves to block the fishplate 4 inside the path 2, during transport.

[0049] The fishplate 4 has a sign 51, made in the middle of the length of the same fishplate 4, having the function of facilitating the pre-positioning of the fishplate 4 relative to the sections 2 and 3 to be connected, as described later.

[0050] The inclined edge 47 has a central free space 52, which makes it possible to resolve the formation of a possible zinc lump 53, as described later.

[0051] The operation of the cable tray device according to the invention is as follows.

[0052] The sections 2 and 3 are joined together by a pair of fishplates 4, one on each side.

[0053] The upper part of the lateral branch 42 of the splint 4 is inserted into the edges curved upper sections 25 of sections 2 and 3, as illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0054] The splint 4 is then tilted, as illustrated in [Fig.7], so as to lock the parts together.

[0055] The inclined edge 47 is provided with tongues 48, folded in the opposite direction to the inclined edge 47, which make it possible to reduce the assembly effort.

[0056] In fact, the assembly is carried out thanks to the elasticity of the components. When the fishplate 4 is tilted, the inclined edge 47 reacts to the return action of the curved upper edge 25 of the sections 2 and 3 joined together.

[0057] The tongues 48 formed in the inclined edge 47 advantageously provide elasticity to the inclined edge 47 allowing elastic deformation.

[0058] On the contrary, a continuous inclined edge along the entire length of the splint would cause a double force, necessary to lock the junction.

[0059] This is all the more true when the thickness of the metal sheet of the path increases, because in this case the reaction is greater because the elasticity is less.

[0060] The lateral arches 49 formed in the lateral branch 42 are inserted into the through and oblong holes 23 of the respective wall 22 of the sections of the path 2 and 3 and thus block the rotation around the longitudinal axis of the bottom 21 of the path junction.

[0061] This has the effect of limiting the longitudinal deformation of the path when, for example, the junction is positioned in the center of the span between two supports.

[0062] The locking system provides a large contact surface which allows strong pressure between the splint and the path.

[0063] The pressure is obtained when the splint reaches its final position, well illustrated in [Fig.7], in which the lower part, base branch 41, provides a leverage effect which multiplies the effort.

[0064] This effort eliminates play in the junction and therefore guarantees the rigidity of the system.

[0065] The device has other means suitable for increasing the mechanical characteristics.

[0066] The lateral arches 49 made in the lateral branch 42 are inserted into the through and oblong holes 23 of the respective wall 22 of the path sections 2 and 3 in order to block the two sections along the axis passing through the junction plane of the path.

[0067] This makes it possible to limit the longitudinal deflection of the path when, for example, it is placed on a support with the junction in the center of the gap.

[0068] Another means for increasing the absorbed pair, to limit the bending of the path, is constituted by strips 43 formed in the base branch 41, which have the function of stopping in the lower zone of the junction, that is to say the bottom 21 of the sections 2 and 3.

[0069] Once the assembly has been carried out, the strips 43 are inserted into the through and oblong holes 24 of the bottom 21 of the two contiguous sections 2 and 3 and eliminate the degree of freedom in the longitudinal direction.

[0070] This locking allows the group of fishplates and sections of the path to work in tension in the lower part and in tension in the upper part, without any possible movement.

[0071] This has the effect of eliminating each rotational degree of freedom and thus limiting overall bending.

[0072] In the products of the prior art, the junction plates are generally delivered in containers separate from the sections of track.

[0073] According to said invention, the fishplates 4 are provided with locking fins 50, formed in the base branch, which make it possible to block the fishplate 4 inside the path 2, during transport, as illustrated in figures 12-14.

[0074] In this way, the fishplates 4 are pre-positioned at each end of each section of path, allowing the fishplates to be made available immediately in the area where they will be used.

[0075] This allows to reduce the preparation time because each point of union between the sections is immediately provided with the relative joining plates.

[0076] Another advantage from the point of view of installation operations is due to the presence of the sign 51, made in the middle of the fishplate 4, having the function of facilitating the prepositioning of the fishplate 4 in relation to the sections 3 and 4 to be connected.

[0077] When the splint 4 is correctly positioned, with the help of the sign 51, all the locking elements, the strips 43, the base hoops 44, the lateral hoops 49, fit perfectly into the provided housings.

[0078] Another advantage is constituted by the presence of the central free space 52 in the inclined edge 47.

[0079] When the products are hot-dip galvanized, it may happen that a little zinc remains in the end of the curved upper edge 25 of the sections 2 and 3.

[0080] According to said invention, the splint 4 has the central free space 52 which creates a free zone which can receive a lump of zinc 53, as schematically illustrated in the [Fig.9]. The central free space 52 allows the upper part of the fishplate to occupy the curved upper edge 25 of sections 2 and 3.

[0081] It has been found, in practice, how the invention achieves the pre-set duty and objectives, having produced a cable tray device in which the tray sections are deprived of ribs in the lower part and the outer face of the sections is constant, independently of the thickness of the tray.

[0082] This allows, by positioning the fishplates on the outside, to create an invariable environment while maintaining the overall functionality regardless of the thickness of the sections of track to be assembled.

[0083] Another advantage of the invention is constituted by the rapid assembly system due to the elasticity of the splint and the configuration of the lateral branch 42 with inclined end 46 which ends with the inclined edge 47 provided with the tongues 48.

[0084] When the fishplate is tilted, the inclined edge 47 reacts to the return of the curved upper edge 25 of the section of path with reduced force, thanks to the presence of the tongues 48, folded in the opposite direction to the inclined edge 47.

[0085] If the inclined edge 47 were continuous, over the entire length of the junction, the force required to lock the junction would be approximately double.

[0086] This is all the more true when the thickness of the track sheet increases, because in this case, the reaction is greater because the elasticity is less.

[0087] Another advantage of the invention is due to the system for preventing unwanted detachments, consisting of the system of lateral arches 49 which are inserted into the through and oblong holes 23 of the respective wall 22 of the path sections 2 and 3.

[0088] The system also offers good rigidity between two sections of path.

[0089] The connection area of ​​the fishplate in relation to each section of path has a large contact surface where there is strong pressure between the fishplate and the sections of road.

[0090] Contact pressure is obtained when the splint reaches its final position. The lower part of the splint provides a lever effect which multiplies the force.

[0091] This effort eliminates play in the junction and therefore guarantees the rigidity of the system.

[0092] Another advantage of the invention is due to the presence of the bands 43 in the branch base 41 which allow to increase the absorbed pair to limit the bending of the path sections.

[0093] In the assembled position, the strips 43 of the fishplate 4 are inserted into the through and oblong holes 24 of the bottom 21 of the sections of track, preventing any reciprocal longitudinal displacement.

[0094] This locking allows the fishplate-track section group to work in tension in the lower part and in tension in the upper part without any possible movement.

[0095] This has the effect of eliminating each rotational degree of freedom and thus limiting overall bending.

[0096] Another advantage of the invention is constituted by the fact of associating the junction fishplate 4 with each section of path 2 and 3 in order to allow rapid and safe assembly of the components.

[0097] Another advantage of the invention is due to the presence of a sign 51, made in the middle of the length of the fishplate 4, having the function of facilitating the pre-positioning of the fishplate 4 relative to the sections 2 and 3 to be connected.

[0098] Another advantage of the invention is due to the presence of the central free space 52, formed in the inclined edge 47, which makes it possible to resolve the formation of a possible lump of zinc 53.

Claims

Claims

1. Cable tray device comprising a first tray section (2), a second tray section (3) and two fishplates (4) for connecting said first tray section (2) with the second tray section (3); each tray section (2, 3) having a U-shaped profile with a bottom (21, 31), essentially flat, delimited between two walls (22, 32); said device being characterized in that said fishplates (4) are arranged externally to said tray sections (2, 3); said walls (22, 32) of said tray sections (2, 3) being pierced with through and oblong holes (23); said bottom (21) comprising through and oblong holes (24); said walls (22) having a curved upper edge (25) which extends over the entire length of each wall in the position opposite said bottom (21); each of said splints (4) having an L-shaped configuration and comprising a base branch (41) and a side branch (42);said base branch (41) having strips (43); said base branch (41) having base hoops (44) provided with transverse locking fins (45); said side branch (42) having an inclined end (46) which terminates with an inclined edge (47) provided with a series of tongues (48), folded in the opposite direction to said inclined edge (47); said lateral branch (42) having a series of lateral arches (49) intended to pass through said through and oblong holes (23) of the respective walls (22) of said path sections (2, 3), wherein an upper part of said lateral branch (42) of said fishplate (4) is inserted into the curved upper edges (25) of said sections (2, 3), said inclined edge (47) of said lateral branch (42) of said fishplate (4) having a central free space (52), which can receive a possible lump of zinc (53) which has formed in the end of said curved upper edge (25) of said path sections (2, 3).;

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the strips (43) are inserted into the through and oblong holes (24) of the bottom (21) of the two adjoining sections (2, 3) once the assembly has been carried out, eliminating a degree of freedom in a longitudinal direction

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said strips (43) of said base branch (41) have the function of stopping in said bottom (21) of said sections of path (2, 3).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base branch (41) comprises a locking fin (50) which serves to block said fishplate (4) inside one of said path sections (2, 3), during the transport and storage of said device.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said fishplate (4) has a sign (51), made in the middle of the length of said fishplate (4), having the function of facilitating the pre-positioning of said fishplate (4) relative to said sections (2, 3) to be connected.

Images