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 cable fixing 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 which need to be held or fixed to a fixed structure so that they remain substantially immobile.

[0003] Support devices already exist that allow cables to be held or fixed. However, these support devices are laborious to install, particularly in hard-to-reach places.

[0004] Existing support devices are therefore not fully satisfactory. Description of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of existing support devices.

[0006] For this purpose, 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 through hole passing transversely 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 attached 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 through hole through the first end of the rod, • a flange attached 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 through hole according to a desired insertion depth.

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

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the profile has 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 shank 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] Furthermore, the profile includes 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 stem of the clamping element(s) has at least one second fixing hole passing transversely through the stem along a fifth longitudinal axis perpendicular to the third longitudinal axis of the stem,

[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 through 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 fastening 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 through the first fixing hole(s) and through the second fixing hole(s) after insertion of the shank into a through hole in the profile to a desired insertion depth or after insertion of the shank into the longitudinal hole in the profile to a desired insertion depth, and - on the other hand, the blocking of the passage of the quarter-turn screw when said screw has was turned a quarter turn after the quarter-turn screw passed through the first fixing hole(s) and the second fixing hole(s).

[0015] In addition, the profile has an oblong opening through the profile between the two opposite second 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 base joining the free ends of the U-shape, the stem of the clamping element(s) being integral with the flange at the base 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 hose clamp to fix the cable(s) to the flange.

[0018] In addition, 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 process comprises the following steps: - a step of attaching the cable(s) to the flange of at least one clamping element, - a step of attaching the mounting bracket to the primary structure, - a step of inserting the stem of at least one clamping element into the minus one hole for the profile to pass through, - 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 involving the insertion of the stem 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 accompanying figures will clearly illustrate how the invention can be implemented. In these figures, identical reference numerals designate similar elements.

[0023] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of the support device to which cables are attached.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a clamping element inserted into a hole for the passage of the support device profile.

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

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

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

[0028] The cable support device 1 for 9 is shown from [Fig.1] 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 can also be intended to fix one or more pipes together.

[0030] By way of non-limitation, 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.1] 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 for holding 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 through hole 3 passing transversely 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

[0034] Preferably, the profile 2 has a plurality of through holes 3 distributed regularly parallel to the first longitudinal axis Al between the first two opposite faces Fl 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 fixed to the profile 2 at the first end El 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 in [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 3], the mounting support 4 has a mounting surface 20 intended to be pressed against the primary structure 5 to which the support device 1 is intended to be fixed. The mounting 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 mounting bracket 4 are one piece. Without limitation, the profile 2 and the mounting bracket 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 rod 7 and a second end E4 of rod 7. Rod 7 is intended to be inserted into a through hole 3 by the first end E3 of rod 7.

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

[0041] Preferably, the rod 7 and the flange 8 are one piece. Without limitation, 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 to the profile 2 the clamping element 6 or each of the clamping elements 6 when the rod 7 is inserted into a through hole 3 according to a desired insertion depth.

[0043] In the case where the profile 2 includes 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. 1] 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 has a longitudinal hole 11 which extends 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 is open at least at the second end E2 of the profile 2.

[0045] The longitudinal hole 11 is configured to receive the shank 7 of a clamping element 6 which can be 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 shank 7 of said clamping element 6 is inserted into the longitudinal hole 11 to a desired insertion depth.

[0046] The profile 2 may include at least one first fixing hole 12 passing transversely through the profile 2 between two opposing 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 through hole(s) 3 ([Fig. 2] and [Fig. 3]). The first fixing hole 12, or each first fixing hole 12, passes through a through hole 3 of the profile 2, respectively. Advantageously, the number of first fixing holes 12 is equal to the number of through 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 stem 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 an insertion of the rod 7 into a through hole 3 of the profile 2 according to a desired insertion depth or after an 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 includes 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 through 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.1] to [Fig.3], the rod 7 has 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 fastening 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 through the first fixing hole(s) 12 and through the second fixing hole(s) 13 after insertion of the rod 7 into a through hole 3 of the profile 2 to a desired insertion depth or after insertion of the rod 7 into the longitudinal hole 11 of the profile 2 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 enabling the passage of the quarter-turn screw to be blocked when said screw has been turned a quarter turn after the passage of the quarter-turn screw through 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 is perpendicular to the body 23 of the quarter-turn screw. Finger 22 allows the passage of the quarter-turn screw to be blocked. Thus, the cross-section of the first fixing hole(s) 12 and the second fixing hole(s) 13 has a shape that allows the passage of the finger when the finger is parallel to the first longitudinal axis Al.

[0053] As shown in [Fig.2], the face F4 of the profile 2 may have a circular recess 21 around each exit 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 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 Al between the first end El and the second end E2 of the profile 2. This oblong opening 14 saves material in 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 includes a base 15 joining the free ends 16 of the U-shape. The stem 7 of the clamping element(s) 6 is fixed 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 hose clamp 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 process 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 the [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 the 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 process further comprises the following steps which follow steps SI 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 can be implemented in parallel with steps S3 and S4.

Claims

Demands

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) passing transversely 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) integral with 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 through hole (3) by the first end (E3) of the rod (7), • a flange (8) integral with the rod (7) at the second end (E4) of the rod (7), the flange (8) being intended to receive and retain at least one cable (9); - at least one fixing element (10) intended to fix the clamping element or each of the clamping elements (6) to the profile (2) when the rod (7) is inserted into a through hole (3) to a desired insertion depth.

2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the profile (2) has a longitudinal hole (11) extending along the first longitudinal axis (Al) between the first end (E1) 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 shank (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 shank (7) of said clamping element (6) is inserted into the longitudinal hole (11) according to a desired insertion depth.

3. Device according to any 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 through hole(s) (3), the first fixing hole (12) or each first fixing hole (12) passing respectively through a through 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 through hole (3) of the profile (2) to a desired insertion depth or after insertion of the rod (7) into the longitudinal hole (11) of the profile (2) to a desired insertion depth.

4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the fastening element (10) corresponds to a quarter-turn screw, the first fastening hole(s) (12) and the second fastening hole(s) (13) having a cross-section having a shape allowing, - on the one hand, the passage of the quarter-turn screw through the first fixing hole(s) (12) and through the second fixing hole(s) (13) after the insertion of the rod (7) into a through hole (3) in the profile (2) to a depth 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, and - on the other hand, blocking the passage of the quarter-turn screw when said screw has been turned a quarter turn after the passage of the quarter-turn screw into 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 (Al) between the first end (El) and the second end (E2) of the profile (2).

6. Device according to any 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 free ends (16) of the U-shape, the stem (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 hose clamp (19) to fix the cable(s) (9) to the flange (8).

8. Device according to any 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 of attaching at least one cable (9) to a primary structure (5) using a support device (1) according to any 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 through 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. A 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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