Curved guide tray for electrical installations

Abstract

Suitable for being secured to adjacent trays and having a base and sides, wherein the tray has a configurable angle and comprises a base in the form of a circular sector with an angle of between 10⁰ and 180⁰ with an external edge, an internal edge and two lateral faces, as well as an external plate including an elongated plate with free ends and with sliding grooves, said external plate being joined to the external edge of the circular sector via a weakened join, and an internal plate, which is elongated, with sliding grooves and with the ends of the plate being free, said internal plate being joined to the internal edge of the circular sector via a weakened join.

Description

[0001] CURVED GUIDE TRAY FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention, as its name indicates, relates to a configurable angle tray for electrical assemblies of the type used as a guide and support for electrical conduits. The tray is suitable for bridging the angle joints of two concurrent guide trays, easily adapting to the angle formed by said concurrent guides.

[0004] The tray in question offers advantages in terms of its manufacturing, use, and installation, as it is made from a single sheet, simplifying its production and storage. This same piece is versatile enough to be used at a variety of angles, further simplifying its use, and its installation is quick and easy.

[0005] The state of the art to which it belongs is that of electrical installations

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Patent literature describes several devices that bridge the angled joint between two cable trays in electrical installations. Among these, the following are noteworthy.

[0008] Patent ES2203036T3 relates to a cable channeling direction change assembly comprising a bottom and two side elements forming a bottom flange, characterized in that the bottom comprises at least one separable part that allows its dimension to be adjusted according to a transverse direction, the separable part being joined to a main part of the bottom by a break line.

[0009] Patent EP2368301 relates to a component for modifying bends and elevation offsets in a metal mesh cable tray system that maintains the cross-sectional area and conductivity of the original metal mesh cable tray before the bend and elevation offset modifications. By maintaining the cross-sectional area, the equipment grounding conductor compliance is preserved.

[0010] US Patent 2656999A relates to an adjustable angle connector for interposition between the facing ends of two straight channel units formed of lattice metal and having narrow reinforcing strips of longitudinally folded flat sheet metal secured over the upper edges of their side flanges. The connector comprises two coupled channel section components made of metal, with one end edge of a side flange of one component connected by a vertical hinge shaft in bearing relationship with the end edge of the corresponding side flange of the other component. The first component is straight throughout, while the other component has a relatively short straight portion of a length equal to that of its hinged side flange and a bottom extending beyond the transverse plane through the hinge shaft to overlap the bottom of the first component.

[0011] Patent ES2215114T3 relates to a cable guide element comprising a bottom plate (2) having at least two opposite side edges (4), at least two L-shaped profiles (6) each comprising, on the one hand, a support wing (8) disposed below the bottom plate (2) parallel to said plate and, on the other hand, a side wing (7) extending perpendicularly to the bottom plate (2) above said bottom plate, the side edges (4) of the bottom plate being fixed to the support wings (8) of the L-shaped profiles (6), said side edges (4) being parallel to the support wings (8) and resting on said support wings, characterized in that the side edges (4) of the bottom plate cooperate by crimping directly with the support wings (8) of the L-shaped profiles.

[0012] None of the above inventions show that the interconnecting piece is easy to manufacture and versatile, allowing the elimination of parts, and that it can be easily attached to electrical installations without needing to invest too much time.

[0013] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention aims to facilitate the manufacture of trays to bridge angles in installations, since it allows the tray and its sides to be made in one piece and in one sheet.

[0015] Another advantage of the invention is obtaining a tray that is versatile for overcoming different angles in electrical installations, while also being easy to install, avoiding having to machine or manipulate it when the planned angle of the tray does not coincide with that required by the installation.

[0016] Furthermore, the technical solution described here is applicable to any tray width. Another advantage is the savings in materials, screws, and fasteners, since the main components of the guide tray are joined together during manufacturing.

[0017] To address the aforementioned problems, the invention relates to a curved guide tray for electrical installations, which we will call the curved tray, that allows for bridging the joints between two adjacent guide trays at an angle. The curved guide tray allows for bridging a wide range of angles without the need for grinding or machining. Furthermore, its installation is simple and saves time and materials.

[0018] The curved tray comprises:

[0019] A circular sector-shaped surface with an opening of between 10° and 180°, preferably 90°. The circular sector has an outer edge, an inner edge, and two lateral faces.

[0020] An outer plate arranged on the outer edge of the circular sector and attached to it by a weakened joint.

[0021] An inner plate arranged on the inner edge of the circular sector and attached to it by a weakened joint.

[0022] Both plates have sliding slots.

[0023] During manufacturing and transport, the inner and outer plates are preferably coplanar with the circular sector and are joined to it by weakened joints. Weakened joints are defined as joints that can flex and allow these initially coplanar plates to be moved into a perpendicular position relative to the circular sector to form the sides of the curved tray for installation and use. These weakened joints preferably include weakening cuts.

[0024] These weakened joints are preferably located in the central areas of the outer and inner plates, so that the largest possible section of plate remains free on either side of these joints. These free ends of the plates are suitable for overlapping and can be joined and secured to the sides of the adjacent trays in the installation.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the joints are located in a central area of ​​the outer and inner edges of the circular sector. The curved tray is preferably made of steel sheet from 1 mm to 1.5 mm thick. The plates and weakened joints have weakening cuts to facilitate deformation and allow for changing the position of the plates and adjusting them to the geometry and position of the adjacent trays.

[0026] For the installation of the curved tray, the plates are pivoted on the weakened joining points and arranged perpendicular to the plane of the circular sector.

[0027] The curved tray is located between the adjacent trays whose angle must be overcome by overlapping the ends of the plates with the sides of the adjacent trays and the sides of the circular sector with the bottom of the adjacent trays.

[0028] The joints are secured with screws. Preferably, the joint of the inner plate to the sides of the adjacent trays is secured first, and then, after defining the required angle on the axis of that inner joint, the ends of the outer plate are fixed to the sides of the adjacent trays.

[0029] Since the ends of the plates are free and deformable, they can be easily fitted to the sides of adjacent trays. Furthermore, because the bottom of the curved tray has a circular cross-section, it will overlap the bottoms of adjacent trays as long as the angle between them is less than the angle formed by the sides of the circular section.

[0030] For greater versatility, the curved tray is preferably symmetrical and reversible so that the same piece can be used for angles of any orientation.

[0031] On the other hand, to reduce weight, save material, view the driving from a position below the tray and promote ventilation, the circular section preferably features a plurality of holes.

[0032] BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0033] Figure 1 shows the curved tray (1) in a pre-use stage, where all its elements are arranged coplanarly. The circular sector (2) has its outer edge (11) and inner edge (7), and the outer and inner plates (3) are joined to it by weakened joints (5) with weakening cuts (13) that allow for easy bending. Both the outer and inner plates have sliding grooves (6). The inner edge (7) is straight. Its side faces (12) are also straight.

[0034] In this figure, the symmetry of the tray is shown, with its axis of symmetry being the line a1-a2.

[0035] Figure 2 shows the curved tray (1) prepared for anchoring to two adjacent trays (8). For this purpose, the outer (3) and inner (4) plates are shown in a position perpendicular to the circular sector (2), flexed at the weakened joints (5). These plates are suitable, by geometry, size, and position, to overlap with the sides (9) of the adjacent trays.

[0036] FIGURE 3 shows the curved tray (1) already assembled in a straight line with the adjacent trays (8) and fixed to them by screws (10) housed in the sliding slots (6) of the inner plate.

[0037] FIGURE 4 shows the curved tray (1) assembled to the adjacent trays (8) forming an angle whose vertex is the inner base of the circular sector and this arrangement of the trays is fixed with screws housed in the sliding slots of the outer plate.

[0038] DESCRIPTION OF A WAY OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0039] We will now describe one way of carrying out the invention that is neither unique nor limiting but simply expository.

[0040] The invention relates to a support tray for pipes and installations suitable for bridging angled joints, which has the peculiarity of being easily configurable to bridge a wide range of angles.

[0041] For this purpose, this curved tray, made at least partially of deformable material, comprises:

[0042] A surface in the shape of a circular sector (2) with a 90° opening, with its side faces (12) straight and its inner edge (7) straight.

[0043] An outer rectangular plate (3) is attached to the outer edge (11) of the circular sector (2) by a weakened joint (5) located at the center of the outer plate and at the center of the outer edge, leaving the ends of the outer plate (3) free. An inner rectangular plate (4) is attached to the inner edge (7) of the circular sector by a weakened joint (5) located at the center of the inner plate and at the center of the inner edge, leaving the ends of the inner plate (4) free.

[0044] Before its installation and use, the assembly formed by the circular sector (2) and the outer (3) and inner (4) plates is coplanar, thus facilitating its manufacture, storage and transport.

[0045] The weakened joints (5), made of deformable material, allow the outer (3) and inner (4) extensions to move from a coplanar position with the circular sector (2) to a position perpendicular to it for the installation and use of the curved tray (1).

[0046] Since the weakened joints (5) are arranged centrally, on the axis of symmetry of the assembly formed by the circular sector and the outer and inner plates, the ends of these plates are free and can overlap with the sides (9) of the adjacent trays

[0047] (8).

[0048] The outer (3) and inner (4) plates have an elongated rectangular shape and comprise a series of sliding slots (6) suitable for housing the screws (10) that will fix the curved tray (1) and the adjacent trays (8).

[0049] These outer (3) and inner (4) plates, in addition to being made of deformable material, have the appropriate geometry, dimensions and position to overlap with the sides

[0050] (9) of the adjacent trays (8) on the inside of these. In a preferred embodiment the length of the outer plate (3) is greater than the outer edge.

[0051] The curved tray (2) is symmetric about its axis of symmetry represented by the line a1-a2.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- CONFIGURABLE ANGLE TRAY FOR INSTALLATIONS suitable for anchoring to adjacent trays with bottom and sides where the configurable angle tray is characterized in that it comprises: - A circular sector-shaped bottom (2) with an opening of between 10° and 180° with an outer edge (11) and an inner edge (7) and two side faces (12). - An outer plate (3) comprising an elongated plate with sliding grooves (6) the ends of the plate being free, this outer plate being joined to the outer edge (11) of the circular sector through a weakened joint (5). - An inner plate (4) comprising an elongated plate with sliding grooves (6) the ends of the plate being free, this inner plate (4) being joined to the inner edge (7) of the circular sector through a weakened joint (5). Wherein the outer plate (3), the inner plate (4) and the circular sector form an assembly by being joined by weakened joints (5) suitable to allow the movement of the outer (3) and inner (4) plates from a coplanar position with the circular sector (2) to a position perpendicular to the plane of the circular sector to form the sides of the curved tray, and where the outer plate, the inner plate and the weakened joints are made of deformable material. 2.- CONFIGURABLE ANGLE TRAY FOR INSTALLATIONS according to claim 1 characterized in that the circular sector (2) has a 90° opening. 3.- CONFIGURABLE ANGLE TRAY FOR INSTALLATIONS according to claim 1 characterized in that the circular sector has its inner edge (7) straight. 4.- CONFIGURABLE ANGLE TRAY FOR INSTALLATIONS according to claim 1 characterized in that the outer plate (3) is arranged tangentially to the circular sector. 5.- CONFIGURABLE ANGLE TRAY FOR INSTALLATIONS according to claim 1 characterized in that the joining points are arranged centered both on the outer and inner plates and on the outer and inner edges. 6.- CONFIGURABLE ANGLE TRAY FOR INSTALLATIONS according to claim 1 characterized in that it is symmetrical about the axis a1-a2 and its two faces are equal. 7.- CONFIGURABLE ANGLE TRAY FOR INSTALLATIONS according to claim 1 characterized in that the plates are rectangular. 8.- CONFIGURABLE ANGLE TRAY FOR INSTALLATIONS according to claim 1 characterized in that the upper plate (3) is longer than the outer edge (11). 9.- CONFIGURABLE ANGLE TRAY FOR INSTALLATIONS according to claim 1 characterized in that it is made of steel sheet with a thickness between 1 mm and 1.5 mm. 10.- CONFIGURABLE ANGLE TRAY FOR INSTALLATIONS according to claim 1 characterized in that the weakened joints have weakening cuts.

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