Service line attachment device with push-on ratchet

Abstract

To provide a solution for arranging a service line by a highly reliable method.SOLUTION: A service line fitting arrangement (1), wherein a body unit (2) and a sliding unit (3) are configured to define, in an assembled state, a through opening (4) for one or more service lines, the body unit (2) having a first leg component (2a) and a second leg component (2b), the first and second leg components (2b) being connected by a base component (2c). The sliding unit (3) is configured to slide along the first leg elements (2a) and the second leg elements (2b) in order to adjust the dimensions of the through opening (4) in the transverse direction (TR). The base element (2c) comprises an attachment interface (2c ') for attaching the base element (2c) to another structure, and both leg elements (2a, 2b) comprise respective ratchet structures (2a ', 2b ').SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a service line mounting device having a main unit and a sliding unit, the main unit and the sliding unit being configured to define, in an assembled state, a through-opening for one or more service lines, the main unit having a first leg element and a second leg element connected by a base element, the sliding unit being configured to slide along the first leg element and the second leg element to adjust the size of the through-opening in a transverse direction transverse to the through-opening direction. [Background technology]

[0002] Cabling in many technical applications requires the attachment of service lines, i.e. cables, cable conduits, tubes, etc., to infrastructure elements such as machine housings or buildings. For this purpose, cable channels and individual clamps can also be used, which are screwed onto the infrastructure elements. Examples of such clamps are the "HellermannTyton ratchet P-clamp" or the "HellermannTyton High Voltage Cable Clamp."

[0003] Instead of using clamps to attach individual service lines, clamps can also be used to simultaneously attach multiple service lines that run adjacent to each other and parallel to each other. One example is the HellermannTyton Screwed Ratchet Clamp. In this case, one leg of a U-shaped base is secured to both ends of the infrastructure element. After the service lines are inserted into the clamp, a cap is slid onto the free end of the leg. In this solution, the service lines are positioned adjacent to each other.

[0004] Alternatively, rails similar to Unistrut rails are typically used to attach service lines when multiple service lines running alongside one another need to be installed. To attach a service line to the rail, a U-shaped metal clamp, such as a Phoenix Steel Cable Clamp, is used to clamp one or two individual cables to the rail. In some embodiments, similar to a quarter-turn fixing, the metal clamp is hooked into the rail, and the clamp is also fixed in place by tightening a metal screw that presses the service line against the rail. Such a solution allows cables to be placed on top of each other. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technical challenge is therefore to provide a space-saving solution for arranging service lines in a reliable manner, preferably with improved maintenance options and in an orderly manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are evident from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0007] One aspect relates to a service line mounting device (SLMD) comprising a body unit and a slide unit, the body unit and slide unit configured, in an assembled state, to define through openings for one or more service lines, which may be or include one or more cables, cable conduits, tubes, etc.

[0008] The body unit includes a first leg element and a second leg element, the first and second leg elements being connected by a base element at a first end region of the leg element. The leg elements have respective free ends at a second end region opposite the first end region. The leg elements can extend equally or at least essentially equally in a direction away from the base element (lateral direction, see below). The extension (length) of the legs away from the base element is greater than the distance between the legs, preferably at least 2 or at least 2.5 times greater. The body unit may be a single piece, i.e., the three elements refer to different parts of the body unit that can be, for example, injection molded in a single injection process.

[0009] The slide unit is configured to slide along the first and second leg elements in a lateral direction intersecting the penetration direction of the through-opening to adjust the lateral dimension of the through-opening. Therefore, when the slide unit simultaneously engages with the leg elements, i.e., when the body unit and the slide unit are in an assembled state, the limit of the through-opening is formed by the body unit and the slide unit. The assembled state is sometimes referred to as a closed state. The slide unit may include one or more grip-enhancement elements, such as protrusions and / or rubber coatings, on the inside of the slide unit to prevent unintentional slippage of the service line along the penetration direction after installation. Additionally or alternatively, the slide unit may include winglets that provide an additional contact surface for the service line during use. The winglets may protrude above the rest of the slide unit along the penetration direction. This distributes force along the lateral direction, allowing the slide unit to be pushed along the leg elements with greater force without damaging the service line. The additional contact surface may also include one or more of the grip enhancing elements described above, which further improves the reliability of the mounting device.

[0010] The base element includes a mounting interface for attaching the base element to another structure, and both leg elements include respective ratchet structures for ratcheting interaction between the respective leg elements and corresponding ratchet counterparts of the sliding unit. Preferably, each leg element has only one ratchet structure. The ratchet structure may be or include multiple, particularly a series / row of, ratchet teeth. The teeth of one ratchet structure are preferably arranged on a single (i.e., seamless and / or continuous) surface or area. This ratchet interaction is configured to prevent loosening of the sliding unit, i.e., unintentional movement of the sliding unit from the base element. The other structure may refer to an external structure such as a cable tray or a unistrut rail. As described in more detail below, the other structure may also be a foot structure for attaching to the base element via the mounting interface, and the foot structure may include an additional mount, such as a clip-in mount, for attaching the SLMD to an external structure, e.g., a unistrut rail.

[0011] This primarily provides the advantage of space-saving stacking of service lines laterally relative to the surface of the supporting external structure, i.e., elevated stacking of service lines. This is combined with the advantage of tool-free fastening of service lines in through-holes via ratchet interaction, since the sliding unit is simply pushed toward the base element to adjust the size of the through-hole and thus secure one or more service lines in the through-hole. The proposed design, with its spatially distributed ratchet interaction that reduces local load peaks, also enables an all-plastic solution in which all units are made of plastic. This contributes to maintenance options, as 100% current-insulating SLMDs are advantageous, especially in the event of electrical malfunctions. Furthermore, compared to standard U-shaped metal clamps, the space required laterally during installation and maintenance is reduced because a) no screws are required, which need to be accessed and b) which protrude significantly into the available space and therefore block the wiring space of the service lines. Therefore, with the proposed solution, more service lines can be stacked on top of each other with the same space requirement of a lateral device, thereby further saving space.

[0012] In one embodiment, the ratchet structure on each leg element is configured to extend in the penetration direction by less than 50%, preferably less than 40%, of the extension of the respective leg element in the penetration direction. Alternatively or additionally, the corresponding counterpart of the sliding unit (including in particular their associated sliding unit section, see below) extends in the penetration direction by less than 50%, preferably less than 40%, of the extension of the respective leg and / or sliding unit in the penetration direction. This allows for a slimmer design of the SLMD and therefore contributes to space savings.

[0013] In one embodiment, the ratchet structures of the different leg elements are located on the outer surfaces of each of the leg elements, with the outer surfaces of the leg elements facing away from the through opening, which provides the advantage that the ratchet interaction does not interfere with the service line in use, which is particularly useful during maintenance when the ratchet interaction needs to be loosened.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the ratchet structures of different leg elements are offset relative to one another in the penetration direction. Alternatively or additionally, corresponding counterparts of the sliding units (in particular their associated sliding unit sections, see below) are offset relative to one another in the penetration direction. Preferably, the offset is such that the respective ratchet structures and / or counterparts (in particular with their associated sliding unit sections, see below) do not overlap in orthogonal projections of the respective ratchet structures and / or counterparts onto a plane spanned by the penetration direction and the lateral direction. This contributes to a particularly close arrangement of multiple SLMDs adjacent to one another and thus saves space in many applications.

[0015] In another embodiment, in a cross section transverse to the lateral direction, the ratchet structures and / or corresponding counterparts of the sliding units of the different leg elements (in particular with their associated sliding unit sections, see below) are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to an axis extending along the lateral direction, which allows a particularly dense arrangement of several SLMDs adjacent to one another, thereby saving space in many applications.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the ratchet counterparts of the sliding units are arranged in respective sections (the aforementioned associated sliding unit sections) of the sliding units that protrude in the third direction from respective adjacent outer surfaces of the sliding units, the adjacent outer surfaces extending transversely to the third direction. The third direction extends transversely to the lateral and penetration directions. The widths of the sliding units measured in the third direction are at least substantially the same at the locations of the different ratchet counterparts (and / or the associated different sliding unit sections) of the sliding units. This allows the sliding units to be adapted to the constraints of the different sections of the sliding units, while at the same time allowing multiple SLMDs to be securely arranged in a line along the third direction. As a result, the space-saving characteristics of the proposed SLMD are further enhanced.

[0017] In another embodiment, in the assembled state, the extension of the service line attachment device in the third direction is defined by the slide unit. Therefore, in the third direction, the body unit is smaller than the slide unit. This also saves space and allows multiple SLMDs to be securely arranged in a row.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the SLMD includes a foot structure configured to be attached to the base element by an attachment interface. The attachment interface can be a snap-in interface. The foot structure can be a standardized foot structure and / or snap-in interface that is also a standardized interface used for other service line attachment devices other than the push-in SLMD for elevated stacking described herein, e.g., for hinge-design SLMDs for flat stacking of service lines.

[0019] The foot structure has a clip-in mount for attaching the SLMD to an external structure, such as a unistrut rail or technically equivalent rail. The clip-in mount has an at least substantially rectangular cross-section and prevents rotation of the foot structure around an axis extending laterally when attached to the external structure. Such a non-rotating clip-in mount is qualitatively different from established approaches such as quarter-turn fasteners. While both quarter-turn fasteners and U-shaped metal clamps can rotate within the rail, excessive force can prevent rotation, requiring tools and potentially damaging service lines. Therefore, the proposed design, in which the dimensions of the rectangular cross-section are tailored to the inside width of the external structure or rail, also reduces the force required, which promotes longevity and reliability as well as ease of maintenance.

[0020] A unistrut rail can be understood as a fastening rail having two parallel side walls with a base wall connecting the side walls, the side walls being flanged at their edges away from the base wall along their main extension direction to allow hook-in of respective individual attachment means such as the SLMDs mentioned above via foot structures.

[0021] In particular, the foot structure may be configured to slide along a guide rail, particularly a unistrut rail or a rail technically equivalent to a unistrut rail, as an external structure in a first direction, which is the main extension direction of the guide rail. The mounting interface is then configured to attach the foot structure to the base element by sliding the base element on the foot structure in a second direction, particularly via a snap-in interface. Preferably, the second direction extends transversely to the first direction. The clip-in mount may also have a clamping function to prevent unintentional sliding of the foot structure along the guide rail, for example, by having one or two (removable) wings that need to be pressed together for easy sliding. This is particularly useful for space-efficient installation and maintenance of a row of SLMDs on a guide rail.

[0022] In one embodiment, the ratchet interaction between the sliding unit and the leg element, and / or the attachment interface between the base element and the foot structure, and / or the clip-in mount of the foot structure are configured to removably secure the respective components to one another, in particular for non-destructive, tool-free removal, thereby contributing to space savings as no space is required for tools.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the body unit and / or the slide unit and / or the foot structure are made of plastic, in particular injection moulded, preferably as a single-piece unit / structure, which not only provides the above-mentioned advantages in terms of current isolation, but also makes it possible to deactivate the SLMD in a destructive manner, which may be a reasonable option in very harsh environments, thus saving space and facilitating maintenance.

[0024] The described features and feature combinations, including features and feature combinations in the general introduction, and features and feature combinations disclosed in the figures or only in the figures, may be used alone or in the combinations described, as well as with other features or without more than one of the disclosed features, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments are also part of the present invention, which are not explicitly shown or described in the figures, but which can be created by separately combining individual features disclosed in the figures. Accordingly, embodiments and feature combinations that do not include all features of the originally drafted independent claims are also considered to be disclosed. Furthermore, embodiments and feature combinations should be considered to be disclosed as departing from or exceeding the feature combinations set forth in the dependent claims.

[0025] In the context of the present disclosure, "lateral / along" can be understood as "at least substantially perpendicular / parallel," i.e., "vertical / parallel" or "substantially perpendicular / parallel," i.e., perpendicular / parallel except for a certain deviation. The certain deviation can be, for example, up to 15°, preferably up to 5°, and particularly preferably up to 3°. Thus, "oriented in opposite directions" can be understood in the context of the present disclosure as "oriented in at least substantially opposite directions," i.e., "oriented at least substantially antiparallel." The limitation "substantially" can also refer to a certain percentage of the maximum allowable deviation, for example, up to 15%, preferably up to 5%, and particularly preferably up to 3%.

[0026] Exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic diagrams. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the service line attachment device in an assembled state. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a slide unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of the row of two slide units of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a body unit. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the body unit of FIG. 5 with an exemplary slide unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a foot structure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the foot structure of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 1 is an exemplary setup of a service line mounted on a unistrut rail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In the drawings, identical or functionally identical features are marked with the same reference numbers.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a service line mounting device in an assembled state. The service line mounting device (SLMD) 1 comprises a main body unit 2 and a slide unit 3. In the assembled or closed state shown, the main body unit 2 and the slide unit 3 are configured to define a through-opening 4 for one or more service lines 7 ( FIG. 9 ). The main body unit 2 has a first leg element 2 a and a second leg element 2 b, which are connected by a base body 2 c. The slide unit 3 is configured to slide along the first leg element 2 a and the second leg element 2 b to adjust the size of the through-opening 4 in a lateral direction TR (here, the y-direction), where the lateral direction TR intersects with the through-opening 4's penetration direction TH (here, the z-direction).

[0030] Both leg elements 2a, 2b include respective ratchet structures 2a', 2b' for ratchet interaction between the respective leg elements 2a, 2b and corresponding ratchet counterparts 3a, 3b of the sliding unit 3. Thus, the sliding unit 3 engages with the leg elements 2a, 2b when pushed in the negative y direction, and the ratchet interaction prevents unintentional opening of the SLMD 1. The ratchet structure 2a' is offset in this example in the penetration direction TH relative to the ratchet structure 2b'.

[0031] The base element 2c includes an attachment interface 2c' for attaching the base element 2c to another structure, in this example a foot structure 5. The foot structure 5 is illustrated in more detail in FIGS.

[0032] The width w of the ratchet structures 2a', 2b', i.e., their extension in the through-through direction TH, is in this example about 1 / 3 of the width of the leg elements 2a, 2b, i.e., here less than 40%. Similarly, the width u of the corresponding ratchet counterparts 3a, 3b and the width v of the sliding unit sections 3aa, 3bb (FIG. 3) associated with the counterparts 3a, 3b, are here less than 50% of the extension in the through-through direction TH of the leg elements 2a, 2b. The width u may be smaller than the width w and / or the width w may be smaller than the width v.

[0033] 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sliding unit in a perspective view. The ratchet counterparts 3a, 3b of the sliding unit 3 are arranged in respective sections 3aa, 3bb of the sliding unit 3, which protrude in a third direction (here, the x-direction) from the outer surfaces 3ca, 3cb of the adjacent sliding unit 3. The adjacent outer surfaces 3ca, 3cb extend transversely to the third direction, i.e., along the direction TH and the transverse direction TR. The width t of the sliding unit 3 measured in the third direction is at least approximately the same at the position of each ratchet counterpart 3a, 3b and / or at the position of each section 3aa, 3bb of the sliding unit 3.

[0034] In this embodiment, the extension of SLMD1 in the third direction (here, the x-direction) is given by the extension of slide unit 3. Thus, the extension is width t at almost any position (e.g., greater than 90% or greater than 95% of all possible positions), and the total extension of slide unit 3, and therefore SLMD1, is (2*t)-(overlap s). Also, the arrangement of slide unit 3, which corresponds to the arrangement of ratchet structures 2a', 2b', is point-symmetric with respect to an axis along the horizontal direction here.

[0035] Figure 4 shows in a top view the advantages of the described layout of two adjacent slide units 3, 3 * have offset counterparts 3a, 3b, so that the sliding units 3, 3 *are in mechanical contact with each other, i.e., the section 3bb of one slide unit 3 is in contact with the section 3bb of the other slide unit 3. * The exterior of 3ca * and the other slide unit 3 * Section 3aa * abuts the outer surface 3cb of one of the sliding units 3. This also increases the stability of the entire row, especially against torsional forces around the z-axis. Such torsional forces are frequently generated in many situations by service lines 7 that are bent, especially in the xz plane. Therefore, the design shown here not only saves space in the x-direction while maintaining maximum stability of the individual sliding units 3 / SLMDs 1, but also improves the overall stability of the row of SLMDs 1. During installation, the SLMDs 1 can be slid along the guide rails 6 (Figure 9) until they abut each other; during maintenance, the SLMDs 1 can be slid away from each other along the guide rails 6 to improve accessibility.

[0036] 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the main unit in a side view. The leg elements 2a, 2b and the base member 2c form a U-shape on three sides of the through-opening 4. Due to the length (here, extension in the y-direction) of the ratchet structure 2a', this embodiment allows the use of up to three service lines 7 (with a maximum diameter, i.e., a diameter corresponding to the width of the through-opening in the x-direction). However, in contrast to known metal clamps that use screws to secure the service lines 7, the space requirement of the SLMD 1 in the lateral direction (here, the y-direction) does not depend on the number of installed service lines 7, which saves space, at least when the number of service lines 7 is large.

[0037] The mounting interface 2c' is configured as a snap-in interface with a snap-in direction extending along the penetration direction, as will be apparent with more detailed reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 6 shows another detail of the body unit of Figure 5 in cross section, together with an exemplary slide unit in cross section. The ratchet structure 2a' interacts with the counterpart 3a to allow the size (lateral direction) of the through opening 4 to be adjusted without tools.

[0038] 7 and 8 show an exemplary embodiment of a foot structure in perspective and side views, respectively. The foot structure includes a clip-in mount 5a having at least a substantially rectangular cross-section configured to mechanically contact a guide rail 6, such as a unistrut rail, at multiple (here, four) edge locations 5b. Due to this mechanical contact, the rectangular cross-section prevents rotation of the foot structure 5 about the y-axis when the foot structure 5 is clipped into the guide rail. The clip-in mounts 5a also include respective wing elements 5a' for tool-free removal of the clip-in mounts 5a. The wing elements 5a' also allow the foot structure 5 to slide freely in the x-direction along the guide rail 6, in this example.

[0039] The foot structure 5 is configured to be attached to the base element 2c by means of a mounting interface 2c'. For this purpose, it is provided with a corresponding snap-in element 5c with release wings 5c'. The snap-in element 5c is slid into the mounting interface 2c' here in the z direction, i.e. transverse to the main extension direction of the guide rail (along which, in this example, the foot structure can be slid).

[0040] Figure 9 shows an exemplary setup of a service line mounted on a unistrut rail as a guide rail. A foot structure 5 clips onto the guide rail 6 to mount the service line 7. The foot structure 5 can be moved along the main extension direction of the guide rail 6 (here, the x-direction) during installation and maintenance. The service line 7 can be locked into place by "pushing" the slide unit 3 toward the guide rail 6. No tools are required.

[0041] The proposed solution provides a space-saving, easy-to-maintain service line attachment device that focuses on elevated stacking of service lines, i.e., stacking service lines primarily transversely to the surface of the supporting external structure. Another related application provides an alternative solution for space-saving, easy-to-maintain service line mounting devices that focuses on flat stacking of service lines, i.e., stacking service lines primarily along the surface of the supporting external structure. Both types of service line attachment devices can rely on the same foot structure to mount the device to the unistrut rail, providing a versatile service line attachment system with solutions for many different applications.

Claims

1. A service line attachment device (1) comprising a main body unit (2) and a slide unit (3), - said body unit (2) and said slide unit (3) are configured to define, in an assembled state, a through opening (4) for one or more service lines; - the main unit (2) comprises a first leg element (2a) and a second leg element (2b), the first and second leg elements (2b) being connected by a base element (2c); the sliding unit (3) is configured to slide along the first (2a) and second (2b) leg elements in a transverse direction (TR) transverse to the through-opening (4) direction (TH) in order to adjust the transverse dimension of the through-opening (4); In the service line attachment device, - said base element (2c) comprises a mounting interface (2c') for mounting said base element (2c) to another structure; - both leg elements (2a, 2b) are provided with respective ratchet structures (2a', 2b') for ratcheting interaction between the respective leg elements (2a, 2b) and the corresponding ratchet counterparts (3a, 3b) of said sliding unit (3); A service line attachment device.

2. 2. A service line attachment device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the penetration direction (TH), the ratchet structure (2a', 2b') on each of the leg elements (2a, 2b) extends over less than 50%, preferably less than 40%, of the respective leg element (2a, 2b).

3. 3. A service line attachment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the penetration direction (TH), the ratchet structures (2a', 2b') of different leg elements (2a, 2b) are offset with respect to each other.

4. 4. A service line attachment device according to claim 1, wherein in a cross section transverse to the transverse direction (TR), the ratchet structures (2a', 2b') of different leg elements (2a, 2b) are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to an axis extending along the transverse direction (TR).

5. the ratchet counterparts (3a, 3b) of the sliding unit (3) are arranged in respective sections (3aa, 3bb) of the sliding unit (3) that protrude in a third direction from adjacent outer surfaces (3ca, 3cb) of the sliding unit (3), the adjacent outer surfaces (3ca, 3cb) extending transversely to the third direction; said third direction extends transversely to said transverse direction (TR) and to said through direction (TH); A service line mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the width (t) of the sliding unit (3) measured in the third direction is at least substantially the same at the positions of the different ratchet counterparts (3a, 3b) of the sliding unit (3).

6. A service line mounting device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in an assembled state, the extension of the service line mounting device (1) in the third direction is determined by the slide unit (3).

7. - a foot structure (5) adapted to be attached to said base element (2c) by said attachment interface (2c'), A service line attachment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foot structure (5) comprises a clip-in mount (5a) which has an at least substantially rectangular cross section and which prevents rotation of the foot structure (5) around an axis extending along the transverse direction (TR).

8. - said foot structure (5) is configured to be slidable in a first direction along a guide rail (6), in particular a unistrut rail or a rail technically equivalent to a unistrut rail; 8. The service line attachment device according to claim 7, characterized in that the attachment interface (2c') is configured to attach the foot structure (5) to the base element (2c) by sliding the base element (2c) onto the foot structure (5) in a second direction, the second direction extending transversely to the first direction.

9. - ratchet interaction between the sliding unit (3) and the leg elements (2a, 2b), and / or - the attachment interface (2c') between the base element (2c) and the foot structure (5), and / or - the clip-in mount (5a) of the foot structure (5), 9. A service line attachment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the attachment is adapted for releasable fastening, in particular for tool-free removal.

10. 10. The service line mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the main unit (2) and / or the slide unit (3) and / or the foot structure (5) are made of plastic, in particular by injection molding.

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