AU2016204597A1

AU2016204597A1 - Cable retaining device

Info

Publication number: AU2016204597A1
Application number: AU2016204597A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Juan Monzon; Antonio Petris; Markus Theuer; Sergi Tornos
Original assignee: Hager Electro GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Hager Electro GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2015-09-30
Filing date: 2016-07-01
Publication date: 2017-04-13
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-01
Also published as: AU2016204597B2; DE102015218982A1

Description

2 2016204597 01 Μ 2016

Cable retaining device

Related Applications [0001] This application is related to German Patent Application No. 102015218982.1 filed on 30 September 2015, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field [0002] The invention relates to a cable retaining device suitable for use in a distribution cabinet of an electrical installation.

[0003] The cable retaining device may also be used in an electricity meter cabinet. Background of the Invention [0004] Known distribution cabinets usually comprise an opening, and a door that is suitable for closing said opening.

[0005] Cable retaining devices are also called devices for relieving strain or cable clamping devices.

[0006] Cable retaining devices are known from the prior art, which are suitable to be attached to the fixing section of the distribution cabinet. Such cable retaining devices usually comprise a retaining section that is suitable for retaining a partial length of a cable.

[0007] Due to a requirement of the local installation regulations in Australia, each distribution cabinet or electricity meter cabinet must be equipped with an appropriate cable retaining device because, in most cases, the distribution cabinet or electricity meter cabinet serves as a building site distribution cabinet during the construction phase, and it thus contains power points for the connection of extension leads.

[0008] Such a cable retaining device is known from the document AU 2008 221 569 B2. The cable retaining device comprises protruding guide elements arranged in a comb-like manner around which the cable can be laid and which are suitable to guide a section of cable into an interior or exterior space of the distribution cabinet.

[0009] It is desirable to provide a cable retaining device that is simple to use and provides for the secure retention of a cable. 3 2016204597 01 Μ 2016

Object of the Invention [0010] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, to meet the above desire, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention [0011] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a cable retaining device for a distribution cabinet of an electrical installation comprising at least one retaining section for retaining a partial length of the cable where the distribution cabinet comprises a fixing section for fixing the cable retaining device, an opening and a door which is suitable to close the opening wherein the retaining section comprises at least one insertion opening which is suitable for inserting a loop formed by the partial length of the cable, where the retaining section is formed such that the insertion opening is accessible from the front panel of the distribution cabinet when the door is open.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a distribution cabinet in an electrical installation comprising a cable retaining device according to the first aspect, a fixing section to which the cable retaining device is attached, an opening and a door that is suitable for closing the opening.

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the cable retaining device provide a secure strain relief that is easy to use while taking the appropriate bending radii of the cables into account.

[0014] The loop may preferably be inserted into the insertion opening in an insertion direction.

[0015] This embodiment provides for an easy and secure connection of the loop with the retaining section.

[0016] Furthermore, the insertion direction is preferably aligned approximately orthogonal to a plane in which the opening of the distribution cabinet is arranged and/or approximately orthogonal to a plane in which the insertion opening is arranged.

[0017] The retaining section is preferably designed such that the insertion opening is covered by the door when the door is closed.

[0018] This embodiment makes it possible to hold the loop securely in the retaining section when the door is closed. 4 2016204597 01 Μ 2016 [0019] The retaining section preferably comprises a support section which, in the insertion direction, is essentially arranged behind the insertion opening and is suitable to be in contact with at least part of the loop in order to hold the loop firmly in the retaining section.

[0020] This embodiment allows a secure retaining of the loop in the retaining section.

[0021] In a most preferred embodiment, the support section is formed as a curved surface, preferably approximating a section of a cylindrical surface.

[0022] With this embodiment, the loop is in contact with the support section such that the loop is held by following the shape of the support section.

[0023] Preferably, the retaining section comprises a retaining lip which preferably projects beyond the support section in the insertion direction of the loop.

[0024] Through this embodiment the loop is held to the support section, thus preventing a displacement away from the support section.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining section comprises a guiding slope which essentially extends in a first plane where the insertion direction of the loop preferably forms an angle with the first plane that lies between approximately 10° and approximately 40°, preferably between approximately 20° and approximately 30°, furthermore preferably approximately 25°.

[0026] This embodiment makes the insertion of the loop easier when it is joined with the retaining section. During insertion of the loop along the insertion direction, the loop slides across and beyond the guiding slope and can get into contact with the support section.

[0027] Preferably, the guiding slope gradually merges with the retaining lip such that the loop, during its insertion, can glide smoothly across the retaining lip.

[0028] The cable retaining device preferably comprises an upper wall and a lower wall where the insertion opening boundaries are formed by the upper wall and the lower wall where, essentially, the upper wall and the lower wall each preferably extend in a second plane that is aligned parallel to the insertion direction.

[0029] This embodiment provides for a simple construction of the cable retaining device.

[0030] The cable retaining device is preferably made from plastic.

[0031] The insertion direction runs preferably approximately parallel to the upper wall and/or the lower wall. 5 2016204597 01 Μ 2016 [0032] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining section comprises at least one first guiding device that is suitable to guide a first part of the cable, joined to a partial length of the cable, into an interior space delimited by the distribution cabinet when the door is closed.

[0033] The first guiding device is preferably formed by an opening with an approximately circular cross-section where the opening preferably has a diameter that is approximately equivalent to the cross-section of the cable.

[0034] This embodiment makes it possible, for example, to connect the first part of the cable to a power point arranged in the interior.

[0035] The first guiding device preferably also serves to hold the loop in the retaining section.

[0036] The first guiding device is preferably suitable to guide the first part of the cable into the interior space in a first insertion direction, which is aligned approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the first guiding device is arranged in the upper wall where the first guiding device is preferably formed by a first opening placed in the upper wall.

[0038] The second guiding device preferably also serves the purpose of retaining the loop in the retaining section.

[0039] The retaining section preferably comprises at least a second guiding device that is suitable to guide a second cable section into an exterior space separated by the distribution cabinet while the door is closed.

[0040] The second guiding device is preferably suitable to guide the second part of the cable into the exterior space, in a second insertion direction that is aligned approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the second guiding device is arranged in the lower wall where the second guiding device is preferably formed by a second opening placed in the lower wall.

[0042] The second guiding device is preferably formed by an opening with an approximately circular cross-section where the opening preferably has a diameter that is approximately equivalent to the cross-section of the cable. 6 2016204597 01 Μ 2016 [0043] The cable retaining device preferably comprises a closing element suitable for closing the second guiding device.

[0044] This embodiment offers the advantage of preventing the ingress of insects into the interior space of the distribution cabinet.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the closing element is joined to the lower wall with a hinge, preferably a film hinge.

[0046] The opening and closing of the second guiding device is achieved through a simple tilting of the closing element in this embodiment.

[0047] The closing element and/or the hinge is preferably moulded to the lower wall.

[0048] This embodiment makes it possible to fabricate the cable retaining device in a simple manner, for example by dead-mould casting.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the closing element comprises at least one projection while the lower wall has a recess with which the projection engages in order to close the second guiding device using the closing element.

[0050] This embodiment allows a secure closing of the second guiding device by way of the closing element.

[0051] Preferably, the cable retaining device comprises at least one fixing arrangement for fixing the cable retaining device to the fixing section, while the fixing arrangement is preferably formed in a tubular manner so that it is suitable for the insertion of a screw in order to attach the cable retaining device to the distribution cabinet.

[0052] This embodiment provides for a secure fixing of the cable retaining device to the fixing section.

[0053] Furthermore, the invention relates to a distribution cabinet comprising a cable retaining device in according to the invention, a fixing section to which the cable retaining device is attached, an opening and a door that is suitable to close this opening.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0054] Details and further advantages of the device in according to the invention are explained by way of the exemplary embodiment below. In detail, the following is shown: [0055] Fig. 1: a perspective view of the cable retaining device according to an exemplary embodiment; 7 2016204597 01 Μ 2016 [0056] Fig. 2: a perspective view of the cable retaining device according to the exemplary embodiment; [0057] Fig. 3: a partial view of the drawing in Fig. 2; [0058] Fig. 4: a plan view of the cable retaining device according to the first exemplary embodiment; [0059] Fig. 5: a perspective view of the cable retaining device according to the exemplary embodiment, showing a section along line I. in Fig. 4; [0060] Fig. 6: a side elevation of the cable retaining device shown in Fig. 5; [0061] Fig. 7: a perspective view of a distribution cabinet with a cable retaining device according to the exemplary embodiment; [0062] Fig. 8: a detailed view of Fig. 7; [0063] Figs. 9 to 11: a detailed view of the cable retaining device according to the exemplary embodiment attached to the distribution cabinet, in which the insertion of a cable loop in a retaining section of the cable retaining device is depicted.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0064] As illustrated in particular in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, a cable retaining device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment, comprises three retaining sections 20 that are each suitable for inserting a loop 204 of a cable 200. To bring the loop 204 into contact with the retaining section 20, the loop 204 is inserted into an insertion opening 22 of the retaining section in an insertion direction E. The insertion directions E of the respective retaining sections 20 are preferably aligned in an approximately parallel direction. The loop 204 is formed from a partial length 202 of the cable 200. The cable retaining device 10 is suitable to be attached to a fixing section 110 of a distribution cabinet 100 comprising a door 120, or of an electricity meter cabinet which is not illustrated. The retaining section 20 is formed such that the insertion opening 22 is accessible from the front side V of the distribution cabinet 100 when the door 120 is open.

[0065] The respective insertion openings 22 of the retaining sections 20 are bounded by the upper wall 28 and the lower wall 30. The upper wall 28 and the lower wall 30 each extend in a plane that is approximately parallel to the insertion direction E.

[0066] As is shown in Fig.l in particular, the retaining section 20 comprises a support section 24 which is preferably formed as a curved surface, furthermore approximating 8 2016204597 01 Μ 2016 preferably a section of a cylindrical surface. The partial length of the cable 202, or the loop 204 respectively, may be attached to the support section 24 in order to hold the partial length of the cable 202, or the loop 204 respectively, to the retaining section 20. Furthermore, the retaining section 20 may comprise a retaining lip 21 which preferably projects beyond the support section 24 in the insertion direction E of the loop 204. Thus, the support section 24 and/or the retaining lip 21 may form a rear grip suitable to positively hold the loop 204 in the retaining section 20.

[0067] Furthermore, the retaining section 20 comprises a guiding slope 26 which essentially extends in a first plane, in which, as illustrated in Fig. 6 in particular, the insertion direction E forms an angle a with the first plane that lies between approximately 10° and approximately 40°, preferably between approximately 20° and approximately 30°, furthermore it preferably is approximately 25°. Preferably, the guiding slope 26 gradually merges with the retaining lip 21.

[0068] Thus, the loop 204 can be brought into contact with the support section 24 in a simple manner by guiding the loop 204 into the insertion opening 22 in the insertion direction E, by letting the loop 204 slide over the guiding slope 26 and/or the retaining lip 21, and by letting the loop 204 reach the area behind the support section 24 in the insertion direction E. This is illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 in particular.

[0069] The cable retaining device 10 comprises at least one first guiding device 32 which is preferably arranged at the upper wall 28 and is suitable to guide a first cable section 206, joined to the partial length of the cable 202, into an interior space I that is bounded by the distribution cabinet 100, and this being possible even while the door 130 of the distribution cabinet 100 is closed.

[0070] The cable retaining device 10 comprises at least one second guiding device 34 which is preferably arranged at the lower wall 30 and is suitable to guide a second cable section 208, joined to the partial length of the cable 202, into an exterior space A bounded by the distribution cabinet 100.

[0071] Preferably, the first guiding device 32 and/or the second guiding device 34 are formed by an opening which also, preferably, has an approximately circular cross-section. The opening can preferably have a diameter that is approximately equivalent to the cross-section of the cable 200. 9 2016204597 01 Μ 2016 [0072] As is illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 in particular, the cable retaining device 10 can have at least one fixing arrangement 38 which is used for fixing the cable retaining device 10 to a fixing section 110 of the distribution cabinet 100. Preferably, the fixing arrangement 38 is formed in a tubular manner so that it is suitable for the insertion of a screw 50 in order to attach the cable retaining device 10 to the distribution cabinet 100.

[0073] Preferably, the cable retaining device 10 comprises at least one closing element 40 that is suitable to close the second guiding device 34. Preferably, the closing element 40 is joined to the lower wall 30 via a hinge 42, and also preferably moulded to the lower wall 30. The closing element 40 and/or the hinge 42 are formed together with the lower wall 30 and/or the cable retaining device 10 as a single piece.

[0074] The closing element 40 may comprise at least one projection 44. The lower wall 30 and/or the cable retaining device 10 may be provided with a recess 36 with which the projection 44 can engage in order to hold the closing element 40 in the closing position and to close the second guiding device 34. In the closing position, the closing element 40 is in an approximately coplanar alignment with the lower wall 30 while the projection 44 preferably engages with the recess 36.

[0075] The first guiding device 32 is preferably formed such that the first cable section 206 is guided into the interior space I via a first insertion direction Rl. The second guiding device 34 is preferably formed such that the second cable section 208 is guided into the exterior space A via a second insertion direction R2. Preferably, the first insertion direction Rl and/or the second insertion direction R2 are aligned approximately orthogonal to the insertion direction E.

[0076] As is disclosed in Figs. 7 to 11 in particular, the cable retaining device 10 may be attached to the fixing section 110 of the distribution cabinet 100. The fixing section 110 can be formed from a piece of sheet metal that forms the lower wall of the distribution cabinet 100 whereby the piece of sheet metal is folded twice with an insertion opening being provided for each retaining section 20, which is arranged opposite of the retaining section 20 and which allows an insertion of the loop 204 in the insertion direction E. Using the screws 50, the cable retaining device 10 is attached to the piece of sheet metal such that the retaining section 20 is aligned opposite of the insertion opening and thus allows the insertion of the loop 204 from the front panel V of the distribution cabinet 100 into the retaining section 20. 2016204597 01 Μ 2016 10 [0077] The cable retaining device 10 according to the exemplary embodiment ensures that it can be operated simply. The closing element 40 allows a simple closing of the second guiding device 34 in order to, for example, prevent the ingress of insects, frogs or snakes into the interior space I of the distribution cabinet 100.

[0078] The invention is of course not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments. Modifications, e.g. in the embodiments of the various components or replacements with technically equivalent solutions, are possible at any time, as long as they remain within the framework of the desired protection.

[0079] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A cable retaining device for a distribution cabinet of an electrical installation comprising at least one retaining section for retaining a partial length of the cable of a cable where the distribution cabinet comprises a fixing section for fixing the cable retaining device, an opening and a door which is suitable to close the opening wherein the retaining section comprises at least one insertion opening which is suitable for inserting a loop formed by the partial length of the cable, where the retaining section is formed such that the insertion opening is accessible from the front panel of the distribution cabinet when the door is open.
2. The cable retaining device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining section is formed such that the insertion opening is covered by the door when the door is closed.
3. The cable retaining device according to either one of claim 1 and claim 2, wherein the retaining section comprises a support section which is essentially arranged behind the insertion opening in an insertion direction of the loop and which is suitable to be at least partially in contact with the loop in order to positively hold the loop in the retaining section.
4. The cable retaining device according to claim 3, wherein the support section is formed by a curved surface, preferably approximating a section of a cylindrical surface.
5. The cable retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the retaining section comprises a retaining lip which preferably projects beyond the support section in an insertion direction of the loop.
6. The cable retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the retaining section comprises a guiding slope which extends in a first plane where the insertion direction forms an angle with the first plane that lies between approximately 10° and approximately 40°.
7. The cable retaining device according to claim 6, wherein the angle lies between approximately 20° and approximately 30°.
8. The cable retaining device according to claim 7, wherein the angle is approximately 25°.
9. The cable retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an upper wall and a lower wall where the insertion opening boundaries are formed by the upper wall and the lower wall where, essentially, the upper wall and the lower wall each extend in a second plane that is aligned parallel to the insertion direction of the loop.
10. The cable retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the retaining section comprises at least one guiding device which is suitable to guide a first cable section, joined to the partial length of the cable, into an interior space separated by the distribution cabinet while the door is closed.
11. The cable retaining device according to either one of claim 7 and claim 8, wherein the first guiding device is arranged at the upper wall, where the first guiding device is preferably formed by a first opening arranged in the upper wall.
12. The cable retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the retaining section comprises at least one second guiding device which is suitable to guide a second cable section, joined to the partial length of the cable, into an exterior space bounded by the distribution cabinet while the door is closed.
13. The cable retaining device according to claim 12 when appended to claim 9, wherein the second guiding device is arranged in the lower wall.
14. The cable retaining device according to claim 13, wherein the second guiding device is formed by a second opening arranged in the lower wall.
15. The cable retaining device according to either one of claim 13 and claim 14, further comprising a closing element suitable for closing the second guiding device.
16. The cable retaining device according to claim 15, wherein the closing element is joined to the lower wall using a hinge.
17. The cable retaining device according to either one of claim 15 and claim 16, wherein the closing element and/or the hinge are moulded onto the lower wall.
18. The cable retaining device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the closing element comprises at least one projection where the lower wall is provided with at least one recess with which the projection engages in order to close the second guiding device using the closing element.
19. The cable retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein there is at least one fixing arrangement for attaching the cable retaining device to the fixing section.
20. The cable retaining device according to claim 19, wherein the fixing arrangement is formed in a tubular manner so that it is suitable for the insertion of a screw for attaching the cable retaining device to the distribution cabinet.
21. A distribution cabinet in an electrical installation comprising a cable retaining device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, a fixing section to which the cable retaining device is attached, an opening and a door that is suitable for closing the opening.