Junction box assembly system

Abstract

Junction Box Assembly System This description relates to a system for assembling two junction boxes (4), edge to edge, in which the boxes are assembled by means of one or more splices (2). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 11

Description

Title of the invention: Connection box assembly system Technical field

[0001] The present 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] The present description applies more particularly to telecommunications boxes, in particular for the distribution or connection of optical fibers. Prior art

[0003] There are different types of fixing a box to a support. Current techniques, however, require each box to be fixed individually. Summary of the invention

[0004] There is a need for improved fixings of junction boxes, particularly when multiple boxes are 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 housings 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 connection boxes edge to edge, in which the boxes are assembled by means of one or more splice plates. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] These characteristics and advantages, as well as others, will be explained in detail in the following description of particular embodiments given without limitation in relation to the attached figures, among which:

[0017] [Fig.l] illustrates a usual solution for fixing several boxes on the same support;

[0018] [Fig.2] is a perspective side view of a fishplate of an assembly system according to one embodiment;

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

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

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

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

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

[0024] [Fig.7] is a rear view of two boxes mounted on a pole using strips passing from the two ribs;

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

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

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

[0028] [Fig.l 1] is a sectional view illustrating one embodiment;

[0029] [Fig. 12] illustrates a detail of the embodiment;

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

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

[0032] [Fig. 15] is a rear perspective view of a variant. Description of the 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 described embodiments have been shown and are detailed.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, when referring to two elements connected between them, it means directly connected without intermediate elements other than conductors, and when we refer to two elements connected (in English "coupled") between them, it means that these two elements can be connected or be linked 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 "about", "approximately", "substantially", and "of the order of" mean to within 10% or 10 degrees, preferably to within 5% or 5 degrees.

[0038] [Fig.l] illustrates a usual 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 housing (not shown) is individually attached 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 housing and through one of the lights 12 of the rail 1. When it is desired to fix several housings next to each other, several lights 12 of the rail are used (typically one per housing). Since the lights 12 of a rail are at given positions, the housings 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 will be noted that [Fig.l] does not represent a housing but only a rail used for fixing such a housing.

[0043] The embodiments described provide for exploiting the very structure of the housings and more particularly their bottoms and their edges. More particularly, provision is made to structure the bottoms of the housings so that they can accommodate one or more fishplates for assembling the housings edge to edge.

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

[0045] The fishplate then constitutes the element for holding or fixing the boxes to a supporting structure, for example a post. The splice is attached to a post or other structure using a strap, or collar, passing through a slot on the rear face of the splice.

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

[0047] [Fig. 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 tightening the boxes on the fishplate with lugs for insertion into the boxes (in the edges of the boxes).

[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 assembling the tabs to the housings to be assembled.

[0053] According to another variant, the splint 2 is forcefully introduced 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 ([Fig.3]) captive in the body 24, for example engaged from the visible face of the head of the body 24.

[0055] [Fig.3A] illustrates a variant of a rear 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 on a first box 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 generally made of plastic, for example obtained by injection molding.

[0061] [Fig.4A] represents 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] [Fig.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 [Fig.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 [Fig.4B]) through a light or opening 426 thereof.

[0064] [Fig.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 tab 222 free from the splint 2' after assembly of the first housing 4 ([Fig.4B]).

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

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

[0068] In this example, the boxes 4 and 4' are assembled to each other by two fishplates 2. The number of ribs 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 comprises, on either side, slots 422 for receiving fishplates 2 allowing the assembly of more than two housings one after the other.

[0070] [Fig.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] [Fig.8] is a front view of the example of [Fig.7], in which the housings 4 and 4' are shown with their respective covers.

[0072] [Fig.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] [Fig. 10] is a front view of the example of [Fig.9].

[0074] In this example, the fishplates 2 only serve 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 [Fig.9] because they are masked by the post 5.

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

[0077] [Fig. 12] illustrates a detail at the level of a clamping flange 3.

[0078] [Fig. 13] is a partial view illustrating one embodiment of an edge 44 of a box 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] The fact of providing two slots 442 and two tabs 32 in the length of the flange 3 makes it possible to easily 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, could be provided. It should be noted that we are referring to a slot 442 whether it is open or not. Indeed, the slots 442 can be open but this is not necessary

[0081] [Fig. 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. [Fig. 14] also shows the flange 3 associated with the fishplate 2.

[0083] [Fig. 15] is a rear perspective view of a variant of a 2' splint.

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

[0085] Among the advantages of the system described, we will note: - ease / ergonomics of installation, clipping of the boxes 4 for pre-holding and tightening by screws 36 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 variants have been described. The person skilled in the art will understand that certain characteristics 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 (equipped) box 4, 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. A 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 splint (2) is associated with an opening (426) in which a clip (222) of the splint 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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