Apparatus for supporting cables on an electrified track

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for supporting cables on an electrified track (100) is described; the apparatus comprises a plurality of support elements (200, 300) configured to support at least one cable (11, 110, 120) and attachable to the outer surface (104) of the electrified track.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING CABLES ON AN ELECTRIFIED TRACK TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for supporting cables on an electrified track, in particular a suspended electrified track.

[0003] PRIOR ART

[0004] It is generally known in the state of the art to use electrified tracks for installing luminaries due to their characteristics of simplicity, versatility and speed.

[0005] In fact, the track carries out the dual function of electrical connection and mechanical support for the luminaire, which is normally coupled to the track itself by means of appropriate adapters.

[0006] Presently, electrified tracks are preferably arranged on the ceiling of buildings; in particular, the electrified tracks are either coupled directly to the ceiling or are suspended and coupled to the ceiling by means of ropes or other support elements. However, in addition to the passage of electrical cables, there is also a need in buildings for the passage of different types of cables, e.g. telephone or computer data cables. An aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for supporting cables on an electrified track.

[0007] Such object is achieved by the features of the invention reported in the independent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

[0008] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention provides an apparatus for supporting cables on an electrified track, characterised by comprising a plurality of support elements configured to support at least one cable and attachable to the outer surface of said electrified track.

[0010] It is thereby possible to exploit the electrified track for the passage of auxiliary cables outside the track but adjacent thereto.

[0011] According to an aspect of the invention, the electrified track extends along a longitudinal axis and said apparatus also extends along said longitudinal axis of the electrified track. Thereby, the auxiliary cables supported by the apparatus run externally thereto but parallel to the track.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, the support elements are adapted to define at least one support compartment for at least one cable on one of the two sidewalls of the electrified track.

[0013] Thereby, the cables are arranged adjacent to a side surface of the electrified track so as not to obstruct the track suspension elements coupled with the upper surface of the electrified track.

[0014] Preferably the support elements are adapted to define two support compartments for at least one cable on the two side walls of the electrified track.

[0015] Thereby, the cables are arranged adjacent to both side surfaces of the electrified track in a symmetrical manner.

[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, each support element of said plurality of support elements comprises a central part with an inverted U-shape for the arrangement of each support element on said electrified track.

[0017] The arrangement of the support elements on the electrified track is thereby simple.

[0018] According to an aspect of the invention, the central part of each support element comprises means for coupling and uncoupling with the outer surface of said electrified track.

[0019] Thereby, the support elements can easily be engaged with the track and can easily be removed from the track.

[0020] According to an aspect of the invention, said plurality of support elements comprises first support elements provided with at least one U-shaped peripheral part for supporting said at least one cable.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, said plurality of support elements comprises at least a second support element arranged at a longitudinal end of the apparatus and provided with a plate orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the electrified track and which is provided with at least one through hole for the passage of said at least one cable.

[0022] Preferably, the at least a second support element comprises at least one peripheral element provided with at least one perforated cavity adapted to accommodate said at least one cable, said peripheral element being separated from the central part of the second support element and being attachable thereto by means of attachment means. According to an aspect of the invention, said plurality of support elements comprises a pair of second support elements arranged at the longitudinal ends of the apparatus. Thereby, the second support elements serve to close the front and rear of theapparatus.

[0023] According to an aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises at least one branch element provided with means configured to allow the exit of said at least one cable from said apparatus in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the apparatus. Preferably, said at least one branch element comprises a central part with an inverted U-shape for its arrangement on said electrified track and a peripheral part provided with a through hole with axis orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis of the apparatus for the passage of said at least one cable or an external cable connectable to said at least one cable.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises profiles adapted to at least partially cover the plurality of support elements of said apparatus.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of a non-limiting example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus for supporting cables on an electrified track in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 3 is a top view of the apparatus of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cable guide support belonging to the apparatus of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 5 is a perspective view of another support element belonging to the apparatus of Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 6 is a rear view of the support element of Figure 5.

[0033] Figure 7 is a rear view of the support element of Figure 5 in accordance with a variant of the first embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a branch element belonging to the apparatus of Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 9 shows the branch element of Figure 8 with one of the cables exiting;

[0036] Figure 10 shows the branch element of Figure 8 with the connection of a cable with an auxiliary cable exiting.

[0037] Figures 11 and 12 show the support elements of Figures 4 and 5 provided with cables.BEST MODE TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0038] With particular reference to such figures, an apparatus for supporting at least one cable 11, but preferably a plurality of cables 11, on an electrified track 100, viz., a track on which electrical cables are arranged, has been referred to overall with 10.

[0039] Preferably, the electrified track 100 is of the suspended type, e.g. attachable to the ceiling of a building by means of suspension ropes 101 coupled to elements 102 which are in turn attached to the upper surface 103 of the outer surface 104 of the electrified track 100.

[0040] The electrified track 100 extends longitudinally, viz., it extends along a longitudinal axis L; the apparatus 10 also extends longitudinally, i.e. it extends along the longitudinal axis L of the electrified track 100. Preferably, the apparatus 10 extends longitudinally for substantially the entire length of the electrified track 100; the apparatus 10 can also extend longitudinally for only a part of the length of the electrified track 100.

[0041] Preferably the apparatus 10 is free of fastening means to the ceiling or wall of a building or structure; in fact, the apparatus 10 is attachable to the electrified track 100 and the electrified track 100 is attachable to the ceiling of a building by means of suspension ropes 101 as above mentioned.

[0042] The apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of support elements 200, 300 configured to support the plurality of cables 11, viz., additional cables, for example cables for propagating audio / video signals, cables for propagating computer data or even electrical cables, such as emergency power cables.

[0043] Said support elements 200, 300 are attachable to the outer surface 104 of the electrified track 100; preferably said support elements are attachable to the outer surface 104 of the electrified track 100 in a removable manner.

[0044] In particular, said support elements 200, 300 have an inverted U-shape in their central part 201, 301, preferably having an inverted U-shaped cross-section, in order to be arranged above and in contact with the outer surface of the electrified track 100, preferably on and in contact with the upper surface 103 and in contact with the sidewalls or side surfaces 105 of the outer surface 104 of the electrified track 100.

[0045] The engagement of the support elements 200, 300 with the outer surface 104 of the electrified track 100 can occur by means of snap means 20. Preferably, said snap means 20 comprise protrusions 15 of the support elements 200, 300, in particularprotrusions 15 of the inner surface 202, 302 of the inverted U-shaped central part 201, 301, which engage with loops 106 of the outer surface 104 of the electrified track 100 (as visible for the sole support element 300 in Figures 6 and 7).

[0046] Said loops 106 can be arranged in the upper surface 103 of the outer surface 104; in such a case said loops 106 are made by means of protrusions of the same upper surface 103.

[0047] Alternatively, said loops 106 can be arranged in the side surfaces 105 of the outer surface 104; in such a case said loops 106 are made by means of protrusions of the same side surfaces 105.

[0048] Alternatively, instead of the snap means 20, in accordance with a variant of the embodiment of the invention, the engagement of the support elements 200, 300 with the outer surface 104 of the electrified track 100 can occur by means of screws, which can be inserted in appropriate holes of the support elements 200, 300 and in appropriate cavities of the outer surface 104 of the electrified track 100.

[0049] Said support elements 200, 300 are adapted to define at least one support compartment 12 arranged on a wall or sidewall 105 of the electrified track 100. Preferably, the support elements 200, 300 are adapted to define separate compartments 12, 13 arranged on both side walls or sidewalls 105 of the electrified track 100.

[0050] Each support element 200 comprises at least one peripheral part 205 generally U-shaped, to support the cables 11 , as visible in Figures 4 and 11 ; the at least one peripheral part connects with the central part 201 , in particular it connects with a stem of the inverted U shape, again in particular with the outer side wall 210 of the stem of the inverted U shape. In particular, the peripheral parts 205 of the support elements 200 contribute to define said at least one support compartment 12 arranged on a wall or sidewall 105 of the electrified track 100.

[0051] Preferably, each support element 200 comprises another peripheral part 205 generally U-shaped, to support the cables 11 and connects to the central part 201 ; in particular said other peripheral wall 205 connects to the other stem of the inverted U shape of the central part 201.

[0052] In particular, each support element 200 comprises two peripheral parts 200, each opposite to the other, preferably with respect to a vertical plane passing through thelongitudinal axis L, and wherein each peripheral part 205 connects to the central part 201 so as to have symmetrical support elements 200. In particular, the pairs of peripheral parts 205 of the support elements 200 contribute to define said two support compartments 12, 13 arranged on the walls or sidewalls 105 of the electrified track 100. Preferably, each support element 200 comprises a U-shaped or double U-shaped upper part 260, adapted to receive one or more cables of the plurality of cables 11. The part 260 is adjacent to the central part 201, in particular adjacent and preferably contiguous to the branch 261 joining the stems of the inverted U-shaped central part 201 so as to be arranged above the central part 201 in an inverted U shape. Thereby, the peripheral part 205 connects to both a stem of the inverted U-shaped central part and to the corresponding stem of the U-shaped upper part 260; the outer side wall 210 represents the outer side wall of both a stem of the inverted U-shaped central part 201 and of the corresponding stem of the U-shaped upper part 260.

[0053] The apparatus 10 comprises at least one support element 200, but preferably a plurality of support elements 200; said plurality of support elements 200 also serves as a guide for the cables of the plurality of cables 11 so that the same cables of the plurality of cables 11 are arranged longitudinally to the electrified track, viz., they travel parallel to the electrified track 100.

[0054] Each support element 300, preferably an end support element, comprises at least one peripheral part 305 provided with perforated cavities 306, each adapted to accommodate one of the cables of the plurality of cables 11 , as visible in Figures 5 and 12; each perforated cavity 306 preferably has an arc shape, preferably it has a section which is transverse to the longitudinal axis L of the circumferential arc type or U type. The peripheral part 305 is separated from the central part 301 and engageable therewith by means of attachment means, e.g. screws 307 engageable with holes 308 of the peripheral part 305 and holes 309 of the central part 301 , in particular with an outer side part 310 of the central part 301 representing a stem of the inverted U-shape of the central part 301. The peripheral parts 305 engaging with the central part 301 enable the support and preferably the locking of cables of the plurality of cables 11 ; in particular, each perforated cavity 306, with the engagement of the peripheral parts 305 with the central part 301, forms a through channel for a cable of the plurality of cables 11.Preferably, each support element 300 comprises two peripheral parts 305 for supporting the plurality of cables 11 engageable with the central part 301 by means of screws 307 engageable with holes 308 of the peripheral part 305 and holes 309 of the central part 301, in particular with the outer side walls 310 of the central part 301 representing the stems of the inverted U section. Each peripheral part 305 is opposite to the other, preferably with respect to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis L, and is arranged so as to have symmetrical support elements 300.

[0055] Each support element 300 further comprises a cap element 320 arranged on an end of the support element 300 and representing an extension of the central part 301, as visible in Figure 6. The cap element 320 is a plate orthogonal to the electrified track 100, preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the electrified track 100. The cap element 320 comprises a plurality of holes 321 for the passage of the plurality of cables 11 ; the holes 321, prior to use of the support element 300, are presented as holes closed by easily removable plastic parts.

[0056] In particular, a peripheral part 305 and the cap element 320 contribute to define said at least one support compartment 12 arranged on a wall or sidewall 105 of the electrified track 100.

[0057] In particular, the pair of peripheral parts 305 for each support element 300 and the cap element 320 contribute to define said two support compartments 12, 13 arranged on the walls or sidewalls 105 of the electrified track 100.

[0058] The apparatus 10 comprises at least one support element 300 arranged at a longitudinal end of the apparatus 10, but preferably a pair of support elements 300 arranged at the longitudinal ends of the apparatus 10 so that one support element 300 serves as an inlet element for the plurality of cables 11 inside the apparatus 10 while the other support element serves as a longitudinal outlet element for the plurality of cables 11 from the apparatus 10.

[0059] Each support element 300, as well as each support element 200, also acts as a guide for the cables of the plurality of cables 11 so that the same cables are arranged longitudinally with respect to the electrified track, viz., they travel parallel to the electrified track 100.

[0060] Preferably, the apparatus 10 comprises at least one branch element 400 to allow the exit of at least one cable of the plurality of cablesl l from the apparatus 10 in anorthogonal direction with respect to the longitudinal direction in which the cables of the plurality of cables 11 travel inside the apparatus 10.

[0061] Like the support elements 200, 300, the branch element 400 has an inverted U shape in its central part 401, in particular an inverted U-shaped cross-section, in order to be arranged above and in contact with the upper surface 103 and in contact with the sidewalls 105 of the electrified track 100.

[0062] The engagement of the branch element 400 with the outer surface 104 of the electrified track 100, as with the support elements 200 and 300, can occur be by means of snap means 20, viz., with protrusions 15 of the branch element 400, in particular protrusions 15 of the inner surface 402 of the inverted U-shaped central part 401 engaging with loops 106 of the outer surface 104 of the electrified track 100.

[0063] Alternatively, instead of the snap means 20, in accordance with a variant of the embodiment of the invention, the engagement of the branch element 400 with the outer surface 104 of the electrified track 100, as with the support elements 200 and 300, can occur by means of screws, which can be inserted in appropriate holes of the branch element 400 and in appropriate cavities of the outer surface 104 of the electrified track 100.

[0064] Each branch element 400 comprises at least one peripheral part 405 provided with at least one through hole 406 each adapted to accommodate a cable of the plurality of cables 11 or an auxiliary cable 111 ; the axis A of each through hole 406 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the electrified track 100. The peripheral part 405 is an extension of the central part 401 , in particular an extension of the outer side part 410 of the central part 401 , which represents a stem of the inverted U section.

[0065] Preferably, each branch element 400 comprises at least two peripheral parts 405 each provided with at least one through hole 406 each adapted to accommodate a cable of the plurality of cables 11 or an auxiliary cable 111 ; the axis A of each through hole 406 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the electrified track 100. The two peripheral parts 405 are extensions of the central part 401 , in particular extensions of the outer side walls 410 of the central part 401 which represent the stems of the inverted U section. Preferably, each peripheral part 405 is opposite the other, preferably with respect to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis L, and is arranged so as to have symmetrical branch elements 400.If it is necessary to make a cable 110 of the plurality of cables 11 exit from the apparatus 10, preferably a cable for carrying an audio / video signal or a data cable, which travels parallel to the electrified track 100, viz., longitudinally, the cable 110 is passed through a hole 406 of the peripheral part 405 and locked therein by means of a screw 407 or other element acting thereon, in order to allow the cable to exit in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, as visible in Figure 9.

[0066] However, this can be implemented if the cable 110 can be bent to exit from the apparatus 10; this is not always possible. In fact, for certain types of cables of the plurality of cables 11, e.g. in the case of a cable 120 of the plurality of cables 11 which is for example an emergency power cable, the same cable 120 cannot be bent.

[0067] For this reason, preferably each branch element 400 comprises two peripheral parts 415, separated from the central part 401 but engageable therewith, provided with a perforated cavity 416 adapted to receive the cable 120; each perforated cavity 406 preferably has an arc shape, preferably has a section which is transverse to the longitudinal axis L of the circumferential arc or U-shaped type. The peripheral parts allow the cable 120 to be locked and supported by means of engagement with the central part 401 with screws 417 engageable in holes 418 of the peripheral part 415 and holes 419 of the central part 401 , in particular with the outer side walls 410 of the central part 401 representing the stems of the inverted U section; preferably, the perforated cavity 416, with the engagement of the peripheral parts 415 with the central part 401, forms a channel in which the cable 120 passes and is locked. Each peripheral part 415 is opposite the other and is arranged so that the peripheral part 405 is arranged therebetween.

[0068] Once the cable 120 is locked by means of the peripheral parts 415, it is sectioned and, by means of two three-way connectors 450, is connected to a further cable or auxiliary cable 111 arranged in the hole 406 of the peripheral part 405 and locked therein; the cable 111 is perpendicular to cable 120, as visible in Figure 10.

[0069] If several cables 11 are present, in which only one thereof, viz., the cable 120, must be locked, sectioned and connected with the auxiliary cable 111 , or in the presence of the cable 110 which must be made to exit perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L as already described, the other cable or cables of the plurality of cables 11 are arranged on the upper part of the branch element 400. In fact, each branch element 400 comprises aU-shaped or double U-shaped upper part 460, similar to the upper part 260 of the support means 200, adapted to receive one or more cables of the plurality of cables 11. Preferably, the other cable or cables of the plurality of cables 11 which are not subject to branching of the branch element 400 are arranged in the upper part 260 of each support means 200 preceding and / or following the branch element 400 in the longitudinal path of the plurality of cables 11 parallel to the longitudinal axis L and which is adjacent to the branch element 400, as visible in Figures 9 and 10.

[0070] The part 460 is adjacent to the central part 401, in particular adjacent and preferably contiguous to the branch joining the stems of the inverted U-shaped central part 401 so as to be arranged above the central part 401 in an inverted U shape. Thereby, the outer side wall 410 represents the outer side wall of both a stem of an inverted U-shaped central part and the corresponding stem of the U-shaped upper part 460.

[0071] Each branch element 400 also acts as support means.

[0072] The apparatus 10 preferably comprises thermoplastic profiles 500 which are couplable, preferably by snapping, onto the sides of the support elements 200, 300 and branch elements 400. The thermoplastic profiles 500 allow the side covering of the apparatus 10 so to form a channel for the passage of auxiliary cables combined with an electrified track 100 and closed at its ends by means of the cap elements 320 of the support elements 300.

[0073] Preferably, the profiles 500 comprise a plurality of modules 501 separate from each other and separately connectable to the elements 200, 300 and 400. Preferably, screws 502 can be provided for the branch element 400, which screws can be engaged with a hole 505 of the module 501 and with a hole 503 of the element 400 for the connection of the module 501 with the element 400.

[0074] The cover modules 501 which couple with the branch element 400 are provided with a cavity or hole 504 for the passage of the cable 110 or auxiliary cable 111 exiting from the apparatus 10.

[0075] Preferably, the upper part of the apparatus 100 is open for the application of the suspension means of the electrified track 100 and for heat dissipation.

[0076] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to many modifications and variants, all falling within the same inventive concept.

[0077] Moreover, all details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes, can be whatever according to the requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus (10) for supporting cables on an electrified track, characterised by comprising a plurality of support elements (200, 300) configured to support at least one cable (11 , 110, 120) and attachable to the outer surface (104) of said electrified track.

2. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that said electrified track (100) extends along a longitudinal axis (L) and said apparatus (10) also extends along said longitudinal axis (L) of the electrified track.

3. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that said support elements (200, 300) are adapted to define at least one support compartment (12, 13) for at least one cable on one of the two side walls (105) of the electrified track.

4. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that said support elements are adapted to define two compartments (12, 13) for supporting at least one cable (11) on the two side walls of the electrified track.

5. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that each support element of said plurality of support elements comprises an inverted U-shaped central part (201, 301) for the arrangement of each support element on said electrified track6. Apparatus (10) according to claim 4, characterised in that said central part (201, 301) of each support element comprises means (20) for coupling and uncoupling with the outer surface (104) of said electrified track.

7. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said plurality of support elements comprises first support elements (200) provided with at least one U-shaped peripheral part (205) for supporting said at least one cable.

8. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said plurality of support elements comprises at least a second support element (300) arranged at a longitudinal end of the apparatus and provided with a plate (320) orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the electrified track and which is provided with at least one through hole (321) for the passage of said at least one cable.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that said at least a second support element (300) comprises at least one peripheral element (305) provided with at least one perforated cavity (306) adapted to accommodate said at least one cable, said peripheral element being separated from the central part of the second support element and being attachable thereto by means of attachment means (307-309).

10. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that said plurality of support elements comprises a pair of second support elements (300) arranged at longitudinal ends of the apparatus.

11. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises at least one branch element (400) provided with means (405, 406) configured to allow the exit of said at least one cable (110, 120) from said apparatus in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of said apparatus.

12. Apparatus (10) according to claim 11, characterised in that said at least one branch element comprises an inverted U-shaped central part (401) for its arrangement on said electrified track and a peripheral part (405) provided with a through hole (406) with axis (A) orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis (L) of the apparatus for the passage of said at least one cable (110) or of an external cable (111) connectable to said at least one cable (120).

13. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by comprising profiles (500) adapted to at least partially cover the plurality of support elements of said apparatus.

14. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said at least one cable (11 , 110, 120) is a cable for propagating audio / video signals, and / or a cable for propagating computer data and / or an emergency power cable.

15. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the apparatus does not comprise fastening means for attaching it to the ceiling or a wall of a building.

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