EP2082157A2

EP2082157A2 - Cable routing device

Info

Publication number: EP2082157A2
Application number: EP07819110A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rainer Gerlach
Original assignee: Elabo GmbH
Current assignee: Elabo GmbH
Priority date: 2006-10-18
Filing date: 2007-10-18
Publication date: 2009-07-29
Also published as: DE202006019854U1; WO2008046621A3; WO2008046621A2

Abstract

Disclosed is a cable routing device, particularly a cable routing device for a workspace, comprising a channel for routing cables (3). Said cable routing device is characterized in that the channel encompasses at least one dividing element (1) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the channel such that a plurality of compartments are formed that extend in the longitudinal direction of the channel and are each suitable for routing a cable (3).

Description

cable management

State of the art

The present invention relates to a cable guide with a channel for guiding cables and a piece of furniture with such a cable guide.

Generic cable guides are used to guide cables in rooms or furniture orderly. The number of technical equipment at laboratory or computer workplaces requires the laying of a variety of cables. These come in at different places in the workplace and at others again, with it comes regularly to crossovers of cables. From the prior art it is known to provide a cable channel into which the cables can enter laterally and be led out over the entire length to a technical equipment item. The cables are usually not adapted to the required length, whereby it comes in practice to cable loops that make it difficult or impossible to remove or replace individual cables. Particularly problematic in this context is that cables are often not laid in common but at different times and unsystematically.

Object of the invention

An object of the present invention is therefore to improve the cable routing and the furniture known from the prior art, while overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the to provide a cable guide and furniture in which a flexible and orderly guidance of laid at different times cables is possible.

Disclosure of the invention

The object is achieved with a cable guide having a channel for guiding cables, wherein the channel comprises at least one separating element, which is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the channel, so that in the channel a plurality of aligned in the longitudinal direction of the channel compartments is formed each adapted to carry a cable therein. The cable guide is a device for guiding cables.

The solution according to the invention has the advantage that in the subjects a plurality of cables can be laid independently of each other, so that there is no entanglement of cables. By separating element is here to be understood any device which is suitable for forming a longitudinally oriented compartment in the channel of the cable guide, which predetermines a routing path for a cable. In this case, the separating element can also be lattice-like or fabric-like, ie it can have holes, the holes without tissue stitching having a maximum width, so that the cable is reliably held in the compartment. The separating element can have a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape, so that a separating element is also to be understood as meaning a U-shaped or a hollow profile with cable feedthrough openings provided therein. The longitudinal direction of the channel indicates the direction in which the cables are laid in the channel and is usually the direction with the largest longitudinal extent of the channel. The channel is preferably a U-shaped profile, although other profile shapes, such as V-shaped profiles or semicircular profiles are suitable. Preferably, the channel is at least partially open towards an opening side extending in the longitudinal direction of the channel, so that an access possibility to the compartments is formed on the opening side. For example, a U-shaped profile on the non-closed side forms a preferred opening side in the context of this embodiment. However, the opening side can also have openings or plates limited by webs. By arranged on the opening side of the channel webs or plates, the stability of the channel is increased. In general, the open side offers the advantage of simplified access to the compartments to facilitate routing of cables.

Advantageously, the separating element is movable substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction, so that an opening width of the opening side facing side of one of the compartments is substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction variable. It is particularly preferred that the separating element can be moved on the opening side to facilitate access to one of the compartments. This offers the advantage of simplifying the laying of cables in the compartments. The opening widths of the compartments can be varied so far that individual compartments can be completely or almost completely closed. This makes it possible to close compartments in which no cable is currently being laid and to open other compartments further, so that a cable can be laid in the wide-open compartments or in the widely open compartment in a simple manner, which is not accidental one in one closed cable can loop laid cable. Advantageously, the separating element is substantially freely movable transversely to the longitudinal direction, ie, a continuous adjustment of the separating element is possible. This offers the advantage of a variable adjustment.

The separating elements are preferably guided in their direction of movement substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the channel in guide elements which are arranged on the opening side of the channel. Suitable guide elements are for example in webs or plates arranged guide rails, in which guided on the separating elements guide pins are guided. It is also possible to orient the channel essentially horizontally, wherein the separating elements are held in the channel by their weight force. A further preferred possibility is to arrange dividing elements in the form of U-shaped profiles in a horizontally oriented U-shaped channel, ie the longitudinal direction of the channel is substantially horizontal, with the opening side of the channel being able to face upwards or to the side. With an orientation of the opening side to the side, there is the advantageous possibility that the separating elements, consisting of U-shaped profiles, can be introduced into the channel as drawers. This offers a particularly clear and easy way to lay cables in workplaces. Preferably, alignment elements are provided in the channel so that the separation elements are received in a defined manner in the channel. Examples of such alignment elements are grooves or drawers mounted in the channel which support the U-shaped partitions. Preferably, the separating element comprises a pliable material, such as textiles, fabric or plastic films. This offers the advantage that the space distribution of the individual compartments in the channel is made variable. This makes it possible to achieve an optimized packing density of the cables. The pliable material may be net-shaped, so that the cables are guided in a network.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the separating element comprises a strip which is fixed to the opening-side end of the pliable material, is aligned in the longitudinal direction and is movable transversely to the longitudinal direction. The attached to the pliable material, such as the fabric strip has the advantage that the fabric can be easily and handy pushed to the side to move a new cable in a widened by Beiseiteschieben compartment. If a guide of the separating element is provided in guide elements, the bar is preferably guided, for example on guide rails, which are arranged on the opening side of the channel. The advantage is that in the channel by the pliable material, a high packing density is achieved; at the access side, i. the opening side, but a handy access to the individual compartments is guaranteed.

Advantageously, the partition member forms a longitudinally oriented pocket which is open towards the opening side, the pocket forming one of the compartments. Such a bag can be formed with a limp material, ie for example a fabric or a plastic film, which is arranged between two strips. The bag will then formed between the strips, wherein a register-like arrangement of a plurality of pockets is advantageous, wherein on a bar respectively two separating elements or pockets are arranged and each separating elements from a bar to a next bar forms a pocket. In this case, the edge-side separating elements are preferably fastened directly to the channel at the edge end. Such a pocket register allows a flexible and easy manageable routing of cables in the channel.

Advantageously, the separating element comprises a plate of solid material. The solid material may be, for example, a plastic or metal, wherein a metal or plastic mesh is suitable to separate cables. The plate of a solid material offers the advantage that clearly defined compartments are formed.

Preferably, the plates are solid material along the channel, which offers the advantage that the compartments are completely resized over the entire length of the channel, so that there is no pinching of cables at area boundaries.

Advantageously, the separating element comprises at least two plates of a solid material, which are hinged together. The hinge may be implemented by a fixed, rotatable joint or by a piece of limp material disposed between the plates. The direction of rotation of the joint is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the channel. The solid plates can be made of metal and offer the advantage of a stable Separation. Generally, it is preferred in the invention to make the separator at least partially of a shielding material, such as metal or a metal coating, to provide shielding of various cables in the various compartments. It is also envisaged that the pliable material may comprise a shielding material.

Preferably, the channel has a bottom surface opposite the opening side, wherein the partition member is hinged to the bottom surface so that the end of the partition member facing the opening side is pivotable. Thus, it is possible to hingedly attach a plate of solid material to the bottom surface so that the compartments have a defined width at the bottom surface, but at the opening side, i. The side of the access to the trays can be varied for better access to a single tray similar to an address register. This greatly simplifies laying new cables or removing cables that are no longer needed.

Preferably, a holder for holding a cable guided in the channel is arranged on the separating element. The support is preferably arranged on the end of the separating element facing the opening side or on the end of the strip facing the opening side and thus advantageously allows defined guidance of a cable into or out of a respective compartment. In this way, even when feeding or taking out the Cable out or into the channel avoiding tangling of cables.

The holder preferably comprises a tooth or hook arranged on the separating element or an eyelet arranged on the separating element. This has the advantage that a cable can be passed through the eyelet, around the point or around the hook, so that the cable is led out of the channel or the compartment at a defined point. The cable has a special advantage when it comes to longer, rolled-up cables, as this minimizes the need for lateral space. The said holders are preferably arranged again on the side of the separating element facing the opening side, in order to allow guidance of the cables there. The hook can preferably be designed as a tab fastened to the separating element and protruding therefrom.

Advantageously, the holder is designed as a resealable Velcro. Such a Velcro strip is preferably arranged on the strip. This offers the advantage that cables are changeable positionable in the cable guide and also removable again.

Preferably, a plurality of brackets are arranged on the separating element in the longitudinal direction, wherein the brackets have a maximum distance of 20 cm from one another along the longitudinal direction. It is particularly preferred that over a majority of the length of the separating element holders are arranged at a substantially equidistant spacing, which is preferably smaller than 10, 15, 20, 30 or 50 cm. This allows light a flexible guidance of the cables out of or into the channel or compartments.

Advantageously, the channel or the compartments are open at a front end terminating the channel or compartments in the longitudinal direction, so that a supply possibility for a cable is formed at the front end. This provides the advantage of having one or more cables at the respective end, i. the front end of the channel or the compartments can be inserted into the compartments, where there a plurality of cables can be continued as a cable bundle. Another advantage is the laying of several cables in one compartment, especially if they belong to a uniform equipment group of the workplace. This promotes the clarity of the laid cables.

Preferably, a fastening element is arranged on the channel. This has the advantage that the channel can be attached to a piece of furniture or in a workplace. The fastening element can, for example, be a tab arranged on the channel with which the channel can be screwed to the furniture or in the workplace. As an alternative to the tab or in addition to the tab, an angle can also be arranged on the channel as a fastening element.

Further independent objects of the invention are a piece of furniture and a workstation to which a cable guide is fastened to the fastening element. The furniture is preferably a table or a desk. The workstation is preferably a laboratory workstation equipped for equipment with technical equipment. Another independent subject of the invention is a method for guiding cables with one of the described advantageous cable guides. This object of the invention relates to the use of an advantageous cable guide for guiding cables, especially in a piece of furniture or a workplace.

The cable guide according to the invention is preferably arranged in a workstation. The cable guide according to the invention may be adapted to be attached to a wall. For this purpose, the fastening element is preferably a holder for a rail or a hole for a fastening screw, with which the cable guide can be attached to a wall. A free-standing mounting of the cable guide according to the invention in a room is possible. This offers the advantage that cables in workshops can be laid neatly and easily replaceable. The cable guide according to the invention can be used not only for cables but also for air or water hoses.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

Fig. 1 shows schematically a section of a first cable guide according to the invention;

2 shows schematically a section of a second cable guide according to the invention; 3 shows schematically a section of a third cable guide according to the invention;

4 schematically shows a fourth cable guide according to the invention from the front;

FIG. 5 schematically shows the cable guide of FIG. 4 from above; FIG. and

Fig. 6 shows schematically the cable guide of Fig. 4 in a perspective view.

Preferred embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a cable guide according to the invention with a channel which consists of three separating elements, wherein the separating elements each comprise fabric pockets 1, which are arranged between each two strips 2. The middle of the strips 2 each carry two fabric pockets 1. In the fabric pockets each cable 3 are guided, in the illustrated embodiment, only in two fabric pockets 1 each a cable 3 is performed. In Fig. 1, the cable guide is formed from the channel, which in turn is formed by separating elements, each comprising a fabric bag 1, which are each arranged on two strips 2. Not shown in FIG. 1 are further devices of the cable guide, in particular guide elements for the strips 2, which are arranged at least at the two ends of the strips 2 and guide the strips 2, so that a movement of the strips 2 in the direction of arrow A possible is. In Fig. 2, an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein like parts bear like reference numerals. Again, several cables 3 are guided in fabric pockets 1. The fabric pockets 1 have the peculiarity that on their opening side, ie the opening side of the existing of the fabric pockets 1 channel, prongs 5 are arranged, which allow a defined guidance of the cable 3. The fabric pockets 1 are reinforced by plastic parts on their opening side to form the prongs 5.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a cable guide according to the invention, which comprises a channel 10 in which plate-shaped and rigid separating elements 11 are arranged. The separating elements 11 together with the channel 10 compartments, wherein in one of the compartments two cables 3 are guided. One of the separating elements 11 in turn has teeth 5 as holders, which allow a defined guidance of the cables 3. Furthermore, it is shown that over the brackets 5 cable loops can be placed to keep the cable 3 clean in the respective compartment of the cable guide. Not shown in FIG. 3 are further devices of the cable guide, in particular guide elements for the separating elements 11, which are arranged at least at the two ends of the separating elements 11 and guide the separating elements 11, so that a movement of the separating elements 11 in the direction of the arrow B is possible.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a further preferred embodiment of a cable guide according to the invention with several

Separators. Here again, like reference numerals designate The same applies to FIGS. 5 and 6, wherein the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is shown from above in FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. Guide shape of Figure 4 is shown. The separating elements are in turn designed as fabric pockets 1, which are suspended from strips 2. The strips 2 have hooks 15 which are slidably mounted on a rail 16. The rails 16 represent guide elements along which the fabric pockets 1 are displaceable as dividing elements transversely to their longitudinal direction. For better understanding of the embodiment shown in Figure 4, this will be described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6 even further.

FIG. 5 shows the embodiment of FIG. 4 from above, wherein the pushed-together fabric pockets 1 with the lateral rails 16 can be seen. In the perspective view of Figure 6, the fabric pockets 1 are also shown displaced to the rear end of the rails 16, wherein it is clear that by moving the hooks 15 of the front strip 2 of the front fabric bag 1 access to this front fabric bag 1 is possible , The rails 16 have a stop 17 so that the hooks 15 are prevented from being displaced beyond the end of the rails 16. With a fastener 18, the rails 16 can be attached to a lab bench or a desk. Furthermore, in FIG. 6, hook-and-loop tapes 19 are shown, with which cables which are guided in the fabric pockets 1 can be fastened, so that the formation of a cable knot can be prevented.

Claims

claims

1. Cable management, in particular workplace cable management, with a channel (10) for guiding cables (3), character- ized in that the channel (10) comprises at least one separating element (1, 11) in the longitudinal direction of the channel (10 ), so that a plurality of compartments oriented in the longitudinal direction of the channel (10) are formed in the channel (10), each being adapted to guide a cable (3) therein.

2. Cable guide according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel (10) to an opening in the longitudinal direction of the channel (10) extending opening side is at least partially open, so that on the opening side access to the subjects is formed.

3. Cable guide according to claim 2, characterized in that the separating element (1, 11) is movable substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction, so that an opening width of the opening side facing side of one of the compartments is substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction variable.

4. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that the separating element (1, 11) is guided transversely to the longitudinal direction of the channel (10) in guide elements (16), wherein the guide elements (16) on the opening side of the channel (10) are arranged.

5. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (1) comprises a limp material.

6. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (1) comprises a bar (2) which is attached to the lying on the opening side end of the pliable material, is aligned in the longitudinal direction and transverse to the longitudinal direction is movable.

7. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (1) forms a longitudinally aligned pocket (1) which is open to the opening side, wherein the pocket (1) forms one of the compartments.

8. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element (11) comprises a plate of a solid material.

9. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating element comprises at least two plates of a solid material, which are hinged together.

10. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channel (10) has a Öff ^¬ tion side opposite bottom surface, wherein the separating element hinged to the bottom surface is, so that the opening side facing the end of the separating element is pivotable.

11. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, character- ized in that on the separating element (1, 11) a holder (5) for holding a guided in the channel cable is arranged.

12. Cable guide according to claim 10, characterized in that the holder (5) comprises a on the separating element (1, 11) arranged prongs (5), hooks and / or on the separating element (1, 11) arranged eyelet.

13. Cable guide according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the holder (5) comprises a Velcro strip (19).

14. Cable guide according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that on the separating element (1, 11) in the longitudinal direction a plurality of holders (5) are arranged, wherein the holders (5) along the longitudinal direction with each other a maximum distance of 20 cm, 30 cm or a maximum of 50 cm.

15. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channel (10) and / or the compartments are open at one in the longitudinal direction of the channel (10) and / or the subjects final front end, so that at the front end a Zuführmöglichkeit for a cable (3) is formed.

16. Cable guide according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the channel (10) a fastening element is arranged.

17. Furniture on which a cable guide according to claim 15 with the fastening element (10) is attached.

18. Workplace on which a cable guide according to claim 15 with the fastening element (10) is attached.

19. A method for guiding cables (3), characterized in that a cable guide according to one of claims 1 to 15 is used.