Easy-to-install cable support device and cable fixing method using the support device.

Abstract

- Easy-to-install cable support device and method for securing cable using the support device. - The support device (1) comprises a profile (2) having at least one through hole (3) passing transversely through the profile (2), a mounting bracket (4) integral with the profile (2) for securing the support device (1) to a primary structure (5), at least one clamping element (6) having a flange (8) for receiving at least one cable (9), and at least one fastening element (10) for securing the clamping element(s) to the profile (2). The device (1) facilitates the securing of cables (9) to a primary structure (5). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Easy-to-install cable support device and method of fixing cable using the support device. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an easy-to-install cable support device. State of the art

[0002] Most vehicles, such as an aircraft, include cables that need to be held or secured to a fixed structure so that they remain substantially stationary.

[0003] Support devices already exist that allow cables to be held or fixed. However, these support devices are laborious to install, especially in places that are difficult to access.

[0004] The existing support devices are therefore not fully satisfactory. Statement of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of already existing support devices.

[0006] For this, it relates to a cable support device.

[0007] According to the invention, the support device comprises: - a profile extending along a first longitudinal axis between a first end of the profile and a second end of the profile, the profile having at least one passage hole transversely passing through the profile between two first opposite faces of the profile along a second longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis; - a fixing support secured to the profile at the first end of the profile, the fixing support being intended to fix the support device to a primary structure; - at least one clamping element comprising: • a rod extending along a third longitudinal axis between a first end of the rod and a second end of the rod, the rod being intended to be inserted into a passage hole through the first end of the rod, • a flange secured to the rod at the second end of the rod, the flange being intended to receive and hold at least one cable; - at least one fixing element intended to fix the clamping element or each of the clamping elements to the profile when the rod is inserted into a passage hole according to a desired insertion depth.

[0008] Thus, thanks to the clamping element in which the cables can be received, it is possible to fix said clamping element easily by inserting the clamping element into a passage hole in the profile. It is no longer necessary to hold the cables at the time of their fixing since they are already held by the clamping element.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the profile comprises a longitudinal hole extending along the first longitudinal axis between the first end of the profile and the second end of the profile, the longitudinal hole being open at least at the second end of the profile, the longitudinal hole being configured to receive the rod of a clamping element capable of being inserted into the longitudinal hole at the second end of the profile,

[0010] a fixing element is intended to fix a clamping element to the profile when the rod of said clamping element is inserted into the longitudinal hole according to a desired insertion depth.

[0011] In addition, the profile comprises at least one first fixing hole passing transversely through the profile between two second opposite faces of the profile along a fourth longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis of the profile and to the second longitudinal axis of the passage hole(s), the first fixing hole or each first fixing hole passing respectively through a passage hole of the profile,

[0012] the rod of the clamping element(s) has at least one second fixing hole passing transversely through the rod along a fifth longitudinal axis perpendicular to the third longitudinal axis of the rod,

[0013] the fixing element or each of the fixing elements being configured to be inserted into a first fixing hole of the profile and a second fixing hole of the rod when said first fixing hole and said second fixing hole are opposite each other after insertion of the rod into a passage hole of the profile according to a desired insertion depth or after insertion of the rod into the longitudinal hole of the profile according to a desired insertion depth.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing element corresponds to a quarter-turn screw, the first fixing hole(s) and the second fixing hole(s) having a cross-section having a shape allowing, - on the one hand, the passage of the quarter-turn screw in the first fixing hole(s) and in the second fixing hole(s) after insertion of the rod into a passage hole of the profile according to a desired insertion depth or after insertion of the rod into the longitudinal hole of the profile according to a desired insertion depth, and - on the other hand, blocking the passage of the quarter-turn screw when said screw has been turned a quarter turn after the quarter-turn screw has passed through the first fixing hole(s) and the second fixing hole(s).

[0015] Furthermore, the profile has an oblong opening passing through the profile between the two second opposite faces of the profile along the fourth longitudinal axis, the oblong opening extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end of the profile.

[0016] Furthermore, the flange of the clamping element(s) has a U-shape, the U-shape comprising a bottom joining the free ends of the U-shape, the rod of the clamping element(s) being secured to the flange at the bottom of the U-shape.

[0017] In addition, the clamping element has a first opening between the rod and the flange and two second openings respectively at the two free ends of the U-shape, the first opening and the two second openings being intended for the passage of a clamping collar to fix the cable(s) to the flange.

[0018] Furthermore, the fixing support has a fixing surface intended to be pressed against the primary structure on which the support device is intended to be fixed, the fixing surface (20) and the first longitudinal axis (Al) of the profile forming an angle (|3) between 0° and 90°.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method of fixing at least one cable to a primary structure using a support device as specified above.

[0020] According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps: - a step of fixing the cable(s) to the flange of at least one clamping element, - a step of fixing the fixing support to the primary structure, - a step of inserting the rod of at least one clamping element into at least less one profile passage hole, - a step of fixing the clamping element(s) to the profile according to a desired insertion depth.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises: - a step of inserting the rod of a clamping element into the longitudinal hole of the profile, - a step of fixing the clamping element to the profile according to a desired insertion depth in the longitudinal hole. Brief description of the figures

[0022] The attached figures will make it clear how the invention can be implemented. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements.

[0023] [Fig.l] shows a perspective view of the support device to which cables are attached.

[0024] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of a clamping element inserted into a through hole of the support device profile.

[0025] [Fig.3] shows an exploded perspective view of the support device.

[0026] [Fig.4] schematically represents the method of fixing at least one cable to a primary structure using the support device.

[0027] [Fig.5] comprises four representations (a), (b), (c), (d) of steps of the method. Detailed description

[0028] The cable support device 1 9 is shown from [Fig.l] to [Fig.3].

[0029] The support device 1 is intended to fix a cable 9 or a cable bundle to a primary structure 5 or to hold them on a primary structure 5. This support device 1 may also be intended to fix one or more pipes together.

[0030] In a non-limiting manner, for example on board an aircraft, the primary structure 5 may correspond to a partition or a floor of the aircraft.

[0031] As shown in [Fig.l] and [Fig.3], the support device 1 comprises a profile 2, a fixing support 4, at least one clamping element 6 and at least one fixing element 10. A clamping element 6 is an element making it possible to hold at least one cable 9.

[0032] The profile 2 extends along a first longitudinal axis Al between a first end El of the profile 2 and a second end E2 of the profile 2.

[0033] The profile 2 has at least one passage hole 3 passing transversely through the profile 2 between two first opposite faces F1, F2 of the profile 2 along a second longitudinal axis A2 perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis AL.

[0034] Preferably, the profile 2 has a plurality of through holes 3 distributed regularly parallel to the first longitudinal axis A1 between the two first opposite faces F1 and F2. In the example shown in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 3], the profile 2 has eleven through holes 3.

[0035] The fixing support 4 is integral with the profile 2 at the first end E1 of the profile 2. The fixing support 4 is intended to fix the support device 1 to the primary structure 5.

[0036] According to an embodiment shown from [Fig.l] to [Fig.3], the fixing support 4 has a fixing surface 20 intended to be pressed against the primary structure 5 on which the support device 1 is intended to be fixed. The fixing surface 20 and the first longitudinal axis A1 of the profile form an angle [3 between 0° and 180°. Preferably, the angle [3 is equal to 45°.

[0037] Preferably, the profile 2 and the fixing support 4 are in one piece. In a non-limiting manner, the profile 2 and the fixing support 4 are made of a thermoformed material, such as a plastic material.

[0038] The clamping element(s) 6 comprise a rod 7 and a flange 8.

[0039] The rod 7 extends along a third longitudinal axis A3 between a first end E3 of the rod 7 and a second end E4 of the rod 7. The rod 7 is intended to be inserted into a passage hole 3 by the first end E3 of the rod 7.

[0040] The flange 8 is secured to the rod 7 at the second end E4 of the rod 7. The flange 8 is intended to receive and hold at least one cable 9.

[0041] Preferably, the rod 7 and the flange 8 are in one piece. In a non-limiting manner, the rod 7 and the flange 8 are made of a thermoformed material, such as a plastic material.

[0042] The fixing element(s) 10 are intended to fix the clamping element 6 or each of the clamping elements 6 to the profile 2 when the rod 7 is inserted into a passage hole 3 according to a desired insertion depth.

[0043] In the case where the profile 2 comprises a plurality of through holes 3, each of the through holes 3 allows a clamping element 6 to be fixed to the profile 2 in the through hole 3 at a position along the profile 2 defined by the position of the through hole 3 relative to the other through holes 3. The number of through holes 3 corresponds to the number of possible positions of a clamping element 6 along the profile 2. In the example shown in [Fig.l] and [Fig.3] in which the profile 2 has eleven through holes 3, a clamping element 6 therefore has eleven possible fixing positions along the profile 2.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the profile 2 comprises a longitudinal hole 11 which extends along the first longitudinal axis A1 between the first end E1 of the profile 2 and the second end E2 of the profile 2. The longitudinal hole 11 is open at least at the second end E2 of the profile 2.

[0045] The longitudinal hole 11 is configured to receive the rod 7 of a clamping element 6 capable of being inserted into the longitudinal hole 11 at the second end E2 of the profile 2. A fixing element 10 is intended to fix a clamping element 6 to the profile 2 when the rod 7 of said clamping element 6 is inserted into the longitudinal hole 11 according to a desired insertion depth.

[0046] The profile 2 may comprise at least one first fixing hole 12 passing transversely through the profile 2 between two second opposite faces F3 and F4 of the profile 2 along a fourth longitudinal axis A4 perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis A1 of the profile 2 and to the second longitudinal axis A2 of the passage hole(s) 3 ([Fig.2] and [Fig.3]). The first fixing hole 12 or each first fixing hole 12 passes respectively through a passage hole 3 of the profile 2. Advantageously, the number of first fixing holes 12 is equal to the number of passage holes 3.

[0047] The rod 7 of the clamping element(s) 6 has at least one second fixing hole 13 passing transversely through the rod 7 along a fifth longitudinal axis A5 perpendicular to the third longitudinal axis A3 of the rod 7 ([Fig.3]). preferably, the rod 7 of a clamping element 6 has a plurality of second fixing holes 13 distributed regularly parallel to the third longitudinal axis A3.

[0048] The fixing element 10 or each of the fixing elements 10 is configured to be inserted into a first fixing hole 12 of the profile 2 and a second fixing hole 13 of the rod 7 when said first fixing hole 12 and said second fixing hole 13 are opposite each other after insertion of the rod 7 into a passage hole 3 of the profile 2 according to a desired insertion depth or after insertion of the rod 7 into the longitudinal hole 11 of the profile 2 according to a desired insertion depth.

[0049] In the case where the rod 7 comprises a plurality of second fixing holes 13, each of the second fixing holes 13 allows the clamping element 6 to be fixed to the profile 2 in the passage hole 3 at an insertion depth defined by the position of the second fixing hole 13 relative to the other second fixing holes 13. In the example shown from [Fig.l] to [Fig.3], the rod 7 comprises eight second fixing holes 13 for one of the clamping elements 6 shown. This clamping element 6, which is intended to be inserted into a through hole 3, therefore has eight possible insertion depths through the through hole 3 of the profile 2. In this example, the other clamping element 6, which is intended to be inserted into the longitudinal hole 11 of the profile, has five second fixing holes 13. This clamping element 6 therefore has five possible insertion depths in the longitudinal hole 11 of the profile.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing element 10 corresponds to a quarter-turn screw, as shown in [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 3]. The first fixing hole(s) 12 and the second fixing hole(s) 13 have a cross-section having a shape allowing, on the one hand, the passage of the quarter-turn screw in the first fixing hole(s) 12 and in the second fixing hole(s) 13 after insertion of the rod 7 into a passage hole 3 of the profile 2 according to a desired insertion depth or after insertion of the rod 7 into the longitudinal hole 11 of the profile 2 according to a desired insertion depth so that said first fixing hole 12 and said second fixing hole 13 are opposite each other.

[0051] On the other hand, the first fixing hole(s) 12 and the second fixing hole(s) 13 each have a cross-section having a shape allowing the passage of the quarter-turn screw to be blocked when said screw has been turned a quarter of a turn after the passage of the quarter-turn screw in the first fixing hole(s) 12 and the second fixing hole(s) 13.

[0052] As shown in [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], the quarter-turn screw may include a finger 22 perpendicular to the body 23 of the quarter-turn screw. The finger 22 allows said blocking of the passage of the quarter-turn screw. Thus, the cross-section of the first fixing hole(s) 12 and of the second fixing hole(s) 13 has a shape allowing the passage of the finger when the finger is parallel to the first longitudinal axis A1.

[0053] As shown in [Fig.2], the face F4 of the profile 2 may have a circular recess 21 around each outlet of at least one first fixing hole 12. This recess 21 allows the finger 22 to rotate around the body 23 of the quarter-turn screw in order to block said passage of the quarter-turn screw when said screw has been turned a quarter turn.

[0054] The profile 2 may have an oblong opening 14 passing through the profile 2 between the two second opposite faces F3 and F4 of the profile 2 along the fourth longitudinal axis A4. The oblong opening 14 extends parallel to the first longitudinal axis A1 between the first end E1 and the second end E2 of the profile 2. This oblong opening 14 makes it possible to save material for manufacturing the profile 2.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the flange 8 of the clamping element(s) 6 has a U-shape. The U-shape comprises a base 15 joining the free ends 16 of the U-shape. The rod 7 of the clamping element(s) 6 is secured to the flange 8 at the base 15 of the U-shape.

[0056] Advantageously, the clamping element 6 has a first opening 17 between the rod 7 and the flange 8 and two second openings 18 respectively at the two free ends 16 of the U-shape. The first opening 17 and the two second openings 18 are intended for the passage of a clamping collar 19 ([Fig.5]) to fix the cable(s) 9 to the flange 8.

[0057] The invention also relates to a method of fixing at least one cable 9 to a primary structure 5 using the support device 1 ([Fig.4]).

[0058] The method comprises the following steps: - a step SI of fixing the cable(s) 9 to the flange 8 of at least one clamping element 6 ((a) of [Fig.5]), - a step S2 of fixing the fixing support 4 to the primary structure 5, - a step S3 of inserting the rod 7 of at least one clamping element 6 into at least one through hole 3 of profile 2 ((b) of [Fig.5]), - a step S4 of fixing the clamping element(s) 6 to the profile 2 according to a desired insertion depth ((c) and (d) of [Fig.5]).

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps which follow steps S1 and S2: - a step S5 of inserting the rod 7 of a clamping element 6 into the hole longitudinal 11 of profile 2, - a step S6 of fixing the clamping element 6 to the profile 2 according to a desired insertion depth in the longitudinal hole 11.

[0060] Steps S5 and S6 may be implemented in parallel with steps S3 and S4.

Claims

Claims

1. Cable support device, characterized in that it comprises: - a profile (2) extending along a first longitudinal axis (Al) between a first end (El) of the profile (2) and a second end (E2) of the profile (2), the profile (2) having at least one through hole (3) transversely passing through the profile (2) between two first opposite faces (Fl, F2) of the profile (2) along a second longitudinal axis (A2) perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis (Al); - a fixing support (4) secured to the profile (2) at the first end (El) of the profile (2), the fixing support (4) being intended to fix the support device (1) to a primary structure (5);- at least one clamping element (6) comprising: • a rod (7) extending along a third longitudinal axis (A3) between a first end (E3) of the rod (7) and a second end (E4) of the rod (7), the rod (7) being intended to be inserted into a passage hole (3) by the first end (E3) of the rod (7), • a flange (8) secured to the rod (7) at the second end (E4) of the rod (7), the flange (8) being intended to receive and hold at least one cable (9); - at least one fixing element (10) intended to fix to the profile (2) the clamping element or each of the clamping elements (6) when the rod (7) is inserted into a passage hole (3) according to a desired insertion depth.;

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the profile (2) comprises a longitudinal hole (11) extending along the first longitudinal axis (Al) between the first end (El) of the profile (2) and the second end (E2) of the profile (2), the longitudinal hole (11) being open at least at the second end (E2) of the profile (2), the longitudinal hole (11) being configured to receive the rod (7) of a clamping element (6) capable of being inserted into the longitudinal hole (11) at the second end (E2) of the profile (2), a fixing element (10) is intended to fix to the profile (2) a clamping element (6) when the rod (7) of said clamping element (6) is inserted into the longitudinal hole (11) according to a desired insertion depth.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the profile (2) comprises at least one first fixing hole (12) passing transversely through the profile (2) between two second opposite faces (F3, F4) of the profile (2) along a fourth longitudinal axis (A4) perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis (A1) of the profile (2) and to the second longitudinal axis (A2) of the passage hole(s) (3), the first fixing hole (12) or each first fixing hole (12) passing respectively through a passage hole (3) of the profile (2), the rod (7) of the clamping element(s) (6) has at least one second fixing hole (13) passing transversely through the rod (7) along a fifth longitudinal axis (A5) perpendicular to the third longitudinal axis (A3) of the rod (7),the fixing element (10) or each of the fixing elements (10) being configured to be inserted into a first fixing hole (12) of the profile (2) and a second fixing hole (13) of the rod (7) when said first fixing hole (12) and said second fixing hole (13) are opposite each other after insertion of the rod (7) into a passage hole (3) of the profile (2) according to a desired insertion depth or after insertion of the rod (7) into the longitudinal hole (11) of the profile (2) according to a desired insertion depth.,

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fixing element (10) corresponds to a quarter-turn screw, the first fixing hole(s) (12) and the second fixing hole(s) (13) having a cross-section having a shape allowing, - on the one hand, the passage of the quarter-turn screw in the first fixing hole(s) (12) and in the second fixing hole(s) (13) after insertion of the rod (7) in a passage hole (3) of the profile (2) to a depth desired insertion or after insertion of the rod (7) into the longitudinal hole (11) of the profile (2) according to a desired insertion depth, and - on the other hand, blocking the passage of the quarter-turn screw when said screw has been turned a quarter of a turn after the passage of the quarter-turn screw in the first fixing hole(s) (12) and the second fixing hole(s) (13).

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the profile (2) has an oblong opening (14) passing through the profile (2) between the two second opposite faces (F3, F4) of the profile (2) along the fourth longitudinal axis (A4), the oblong opening (14) extending parallel to the first longitudinal axis (A1) between the first end (E1) and the second end (E2) of the profile (2).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flange (8) of the clamping element(s) (6) has a U-shape, the U-shape comprising a base (15) joining the free ends (16) of the U-shape, the rod (7) of the clamping element(s) (6) being integral with the flange (8) at the base (15) of the U-shape.

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the clamping element (6) has a first opening (17) between the rod (7) and the flange (8) and two second openings (18) respectively at the two free ends (16) of the U-shape, the first opening (17) and the two second openings (18) being intended for the passage of a clamping collar (19) to fix the cable(s) (9) to the flange (8).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the fixing support (4) has a fixing surface (20) intended to be pressed against the primary structure (5) on which the support device (1) is intended to be fixed, the fixing surface (20) and the first longitudinal axis (Al) of the profile forming an angle (|3) between 0° and 90°.

9. Method for fixing at least one cable (9) to a primary structure (5) using a support device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8,

10. characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - a step (SI) of fixing the cable(s) (9) to the flange (8) of at least one clamping element (6), - a step (S2) of fixing the fixing support (4) to the primary structure (5), - a step (S3) of inserting the rod (7) of at least one clamping element (6) into at least one passage hole (3) of the profile (2), - a step (S4) of fixing the clamping element(s) (6) to the profile (2) according to a desired insertion depth. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises: - a step (S5) of inserting the rod (7) of a clamping element (6) into the longitudinal hole (11) of the profile (2), - a step (S6) of fixing the clamping element (6) to the profile (2) according to a desired insertion depth in the longitudinal hole (11).

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