FR3073682A1 - CONNECTING ELEMENT BETWEEN TWO TRUNCELS OF CABLES PATHWAYS AND CABLE PATHWAY LINES LINKED BY A CONNECTING ELEMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

Connecting element (4) intended to assemble two sections (2, 3) of cable trays, incorporating: - an armature (14) comprising a U-shaped weft wire in a transverse plane, giving the armature two wings ( 11, 12) and a bottom (13), - assembly means (15) reported on the wings and comprising lateral connecting pieces protruding from both sides of the wings, a lateral connecting piece being provided with an upper part provided with a hook with a concavity turned towards the outside of the connecting element, and a rectilinear section, and a lower part provided with a hook with an outwardly concavity and a rectilinear portion, the rectilinear portion and the rectilinear section are transversely offset from each other, and interconnected by a junction, forming a lateral loop defining an inclined plane.

Description

The invention relates to the field of cable trays, and more particularly to cable tray connecting elements.

[002]

Cable trays allow the support of cables over great heights (when they are arranged vertically) or great lengths (when they are arranged horizontally), and are used in particular for electric cables, telephone cables, cables of fiber optics, or computer network cables. The cable trays are formed of sections generally made of metal, in particular steel, optionally stainless steel, or polymer or composite material. The cable trays generally extend longitudinally, and most often have a cross section

U formed by a bottom and two wings.

international or European in the matter, the dimension in general as it is recalled page 2 lines 12 and 13 of the document

FR2737355 (METAL DEPLOYE).

From these sections, it is possible to form networks of cable trays according to the desired result. To do this, the sections of cable trays are positioned end to end, and fixed, from place to place, on brackets or hangers, or else suspended, the distance between the supports being typically of the order of one meter fifty.

Two main families of sections of cable trays can be distinguished, namely the sheet metal sections (perforated or not) and the wire mesh sections.

The invention relates more particularly to a connecting element for sections of wire mesh, or sections whose end portions are wire mesh.

The lattice sections of son usually include longitudinal son, called warp son, and transverse son, called weft son, crossed to the warp son, most often giving the section a U-shaped section, formed by a back wall and two wings. The warp threads and the weft threads are most often made of the same material, and are most often of the same round section.

The sections can undergo further processing, depending on the environment in which they are intended to be placed. Thus, the metal sections can be galvanized, or even be plasticized or coated with a layer of epoxy resin.

A problem in the mounting of cable trays relates to the connection between two successive sections.

It is known to fix two sections of cable trays together using metal plates, generally rectangular, called fishplates. The use of fishplates is advantageous because it offers the possibility of using sections of cable trays having identical ends, which facilitates the manufacture of sections of cable trays and thus limits costs.

There are known fishplates reported on the wire mesh sections by bolting, as described for example in documents EP 0298825 (METAL DEPLOYE), EP 0399790 (DATA TRAY SYSTEMS), or EP 0617493 (RIETH). The bolting of each of the fishplates, in particular on site, is long, tedious, and requires tools.

There are known splints which can be mounted on the wire mesh sections, without tools, by snap-fastening, as described for example in documents US5384937 (MAVIL), US6193434 (METAL DEPLOYE), FR2879036 (GEWISS), FR3014607 ( NIEDAX). This jointing with the aid of an added splint requires having the splints close at hand during assembly.

There are known sections of wire mesh cable trays provided with integrated assembly means, no splice being to be reported during the assembly of the sections. Each section of wire mesh is thus provided with an extreme male part, and an extreme female part, complementary to the male part, as described for example in documents EP1511142 (GEWISS), ES1076189 (BASOR), WO2015181421 (VALDINOX ), ES2355992 (PEMSA), ES2316256 (INTERFLEX), EP3139460 (GEWISS) and ES1078809U (VALDINOX), FR 3003098 (NIEDAX), FR3007590 (NIEDAX), FR3007591 (NIEDAX), FR3007592 (NIEDAX).

The integration of assembly means into the sections of wire mesh cable trays has many advantages. In particular, it is no longer necessary to have a stock of fishplates close at hand during assembly and no tools are required when connecting sections.

The production of cable trays by assembling sections of wire mesh comprising a male end and a female end, however, poses several difficulties.

[017] The sections having a predefined length, making a cut to adapt the length of the cable tray on the site can indeed prove to be problematic.

First, cutting an end part of such a section of cable tray makes its male part (or its female part) disappear and makes it impossible to assemble it at the female (or male) end of a section to which it must be abutted.

Second, cutting an end part of such a section of cable tray can cause falls comprising two female parts, which would then be unusable.

Known sections of wire mesh cable trays provided at each of their ends with male and female assembly means (see for example EP 1511142 GEWISS). Such a configuration does not provide solutions to the difficulties associated with assembling such sections after they have been cut.

Connection means are known for cable trays, these connection means comprising two identical male ends (see for example EP 578459 SWIFT, EP 521536 SWIFT). The document ES 2435736 (VALDINOX) similarly presents a connecting section for cable trellises in wire mesh, the connecting section comprising assembly hooks, at each of its two ends. In this linkage section of the prior art, on each of the two wings, the end portions of the warp threads project beyond the end weft thread. The assembly must be carried out by snap-fitting, following a longitudinal sliding of the connecting section. Such connecting sections have the disadvantage of having projecting hooks, which can injure the fitter during installation, or anyone handling the section during its manufacture, storage, assembly, disassembly or cleaning. In addition, once set up, such a connecting section cannot be easily disassembled, since it is necessary to remove one of the cable tray sections adjoining it beforehand.

[022] The invention proposes to respond to the aforementioned drawbacks.

[023] A first object of the invention is to provide a connecting element for cable trays which can allow the automatic joining of two sections of cable trays, that is to say without requiring the use of tools and additional fasteners. A second object of the invention is to provide such a connecting element, which can be assembled and dismantled independently of the rest of the path.

A third object of the invention is to provide such an easily mountable and dismountable connecting element, including in the case where the mounting space is reduced and / or the operator's vision is reduced.

A fourth object of the invention is to provide such a connecting element presenting no risk of injury to the operator during assembly, disassembly or an intervention such as, for example, cleaning.

[027] A fifth object of the invention is to provide such a connecting element requiring a minimum quantity of raw material, and a reduced number of manufacturing operations.

A sixth object of the invention is to provide an assembly comprising two sections of cable trays connected by a connecting element as presented above.

[029] To this end, it is proposed, firstly, a connecting element intended to assemble between them end parts of two sections of cable trays, the connecting element integrating:

a frame, comprising a weft wire curved in a U in a transverse plane, the weft wire giving the frame a first wing, a second wing and a bottom arranged between the two wings, assembly means, attached to the wings, and comprising lateral connecting pieces projecting on either side of the wings in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transverse plane, a lateral connecting piece being provided with an upper part provided with a hook comprising a concavity turned towards the outside of the connecting element, of a rectilinear section, as well as of a lower part, arranged between the upper part and the bottom, the lower part being provided with a hook comprising a concavity turned towards the outside and a rectilinear portion, the rectilinear portion and the rectilinear section being transversely offset with respect to each other, and connected together by a junction, so as to form a lateral loop defining an inclined plane relative to the wing.

Various additional characteristics can be provided, alone or in combination:

the assembly means comprise bottom connecting pieces and projecting on either side of the bottom, a bottom connecting piece comprising two bottom parts each provided with a curved division, with a turned concavity outwardly of the connecting element, and a rectilinear division extending longitudinally, the rectilinear divisions being interconnected by a connecting division, so as to form a bottom loop extending in a longitudinal plane;

an assembly means is formed by bending a wire; the frame comprises a plurality of weft threads, connected together by warp threads, a weft thread forming a first end part of the frame, another weft thread forming a second end part of the frame;

assembly means comprises an arm extending in the opposite direction of extension of one of the loops, the arm being made integral with a weft thread;

one of the arms extends longitudinally by connecting the weft threads;

one of the arms comprises terminations secured to the connecting pieces;

assembly means comprises two arms arranged in parallel, connected to two loops, the loops being symmetrical to each other with respect to a vertical plane passing through the middle of the arms;

the frame includes a single weft thread;

the bottom comprises four bottom connecting pieces, the bottom connecting pieces being arranged in pairs, on either side of the bottom of the connecting element.

[031] It is proposed, secondly, a set of cable trays comprising:

a first section and a second section of cable tray, each being provided with an end portion, a first wing as well as a second wing, the wings of the sections comprising an edge wire, a connecting element such as presented above, when the wings of the connecting element and the wings of the sections are aligned longitudinally, the orthogonal projection of the straight sections on a transverse plane being at intersection with the orthogonal projection of the edge wires of the sections on a transverse plane , so as to allow that when the connecting element and one of the sections are assembled, the edge wires of the sections rest on the rectilinear portions of the connecting element.

[032] Thirdly, a method of assembling an assembly as presented above is proposed, the method comprising the following steps:

approximation of an end portion of the connecting element with one of the end portions of the first section;

tilting, by lowering the connecting element, about a substantially longitudinal axis passing in the vicinity of an assembly means disposed on a first wing of the connecting element;

insertion of a straight section within the outside of the edge wire of the first wing;

tilting, by raising the connecting element, around the substantially longitudinal axis passing in the vicinity of an assembly means disposed on the first wing of the connecting element, until inserting a rectilinear section arranged on the second wing within the edge wire of the second wing which is still free, so as to cause the cable tray section to snap onto the chain wire of the first cable tray section.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and concretely on reading the following description of embodiments, which is made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a cable tray comprising two sections of cable tray secured at their ends by means of a connecting element, the connecting element being shown according to a first embodiment ;

2 shows a schematic perspective view of the connecting element according to the first embodiment, with a detail on a medallion on a lateral attachment means, and with a detail on the inset of the attachment means at the bottom wall ;

Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of the connecting element, according to the first embodiment;

Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of the connecting element, according to the first embodiment;

Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the connecting element, according to a variant of the first embodiment;

Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a connecting element, according to another variant of the first embodiment;

Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a connecting element, according to a second embodiment;

Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a connecting element, according to a third embodiment;

Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of a connecting element, according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 10 represents a schematic perspective view of a cable tray assembly comprising a first section and a second section of cable tray, not linked together, and of a connecting element shown according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 11 represents a schematic perspective view of a cable tray assembly comprising a first section and a second section of cable tray not linked together, and of a connecting element shown according to a first embodiment, the first section being mounted on the connecting element;

FIG. 12 represents a schematic perspective view of a cable tray assembly comprising two sections of cable tray not linked together, and of a connecting element shown according to a first embodiment, the first section being in progress mounting on the connecting element;

Figure 13 shows a schematic perspective view of a cable tray assembly comprising two cable tray sections and a connecting element shown according to a first embodiment, during disassembly;

Figure 14 shows a schematic perspective view of a cable tray assembly comprising two cable tray sections and a connecting element shown according to a first embodiment, the connecting element being dismantled.

[034] Figure 1 shows a set 1 of cable tray comprising a first section 2 of cable tray and a second section 3 of cable tray and a connecting element 4.

In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate similar elements, present on the sections 2.3 on the one hand, and on the connecting element 4 on the other hand.

As shown in Figure 1, the assembly 1 of cable tray is assembled, that is to say that the sections 2, 3 of cable tray are respectively secured to each other at portions 5, 6 extreme of the connecting element 4. More specifically, a first extreme part 7 of the first section 2 is linked to a first extreme portion 5 of the connecting element 4, and a second extreme part 8 of the second section 3 is linked to a second extreme portion 6 of the element 4 link.

We define with respect to a set 1 of assembled cable tray, an orthogonal coordinate system XYZ forming a direct trihedron, comprising three perpendicular axes two by two, namely:

an axis X, defining a longitudinal, horizontal direction, merged with a general direction of extension of the cable tray assembly, when the sections 2, 3 of cable tray are secured to the connecting element 4, an axis Y, defining a transverse, horizontal direction, which with the X axis defines a horizontal XY plane, a Z axis, defining a vertical direction, perpendicular to the horizontal XY plane.

In the following description, and in relation to the reference defined above, the terms longitudinal or longitudinally refer to a direction coincident with the axis X, the terms transverse or transversely refer to a direction confused with l axis Y, and the terms vertical or vertically refer to a direction confused with the axis Z. The terms of absolute position, such as forward, backward, up, down, left, right, or relative like above, top, bottom , lower, outer, inner are defined relative to the bottom 13 of one of the sections 2, 3 of cable tray.

[039] As shown, the sections 2, 3 of cable tray (or their end portions 7, 8) are formed by welding of wefts 9 weft, transverse, and son 10 of longitudinal chain. In Figures 1, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14, only the end portions of the sections 2, 3 are shown. In certain implementations, in each section 2, 3, the weft threads 9 are identical and equidistant. In other implementations, only the extreme parts of the sections 2, 3 are in wire mesh. In certain implementations, in each section 2, 3, the chain wires 10 are identical, and two chain wires 10 are placed at the bottom 13 of the sections 2, 3, each wing 11, 12 of the sections carrying two wires 10 of chain, as shown in Figures 1, 10-14. The weft threads 9 and the warp threads 10 are advantageously made of the same material and are of the same section, and are for example of steel and of circular section.

The warp threads 10 are fixed on the external face of the weft threads 9, the term "external" being used in opposition to the internal space of the sections 2, 3, delimited by the wings 11, 12 and the bottom 13 .

[041] For the manufacture of sections 2, 3, the weft threads 9 and the warp threads 10 are assembled perpendicular to each other and thus define a sheet. The ply is then shaped so as to obtain a first wing 11 and a second wing 12, facing each other, and a bottom 13. An interior space is thus defined, so as to allow the passage of the cables (not shown).

[042] According to the embodiments shown, the wings 11, 12 of the sections 2, 3 of cable tray are parallel to each other, and extend in a vertical plane, while the bottom 13 extends in a longitudinal plane .

[043] For simplicity, the sections 2, 3 of cable trays intended to be linked via the connecting element 4 are called sections 2, 3.

[044] In the embodiments shown, the first section 2 and the second section 3 are identical.

[045] In the embodiments shown, the connecting element 4 comprises a frame 14, as well as means 15 for assembly.

[046] The assembly means 15 are intended to allow the junction of parts 7, 8 extremes of sections 2, 3 of cable tray with the connecting element 4.

[047] The assembly means 15 project, protrude, extreme portions 5, 6, on either side of the connecting element 4, that is to say in the same direction of extension, but in opposite directions.

[048] The frame 14 comprises at least one wire 9 of weft curved in U, and extending along a transverse plane. Advantageously, the U-shaped curvature of the weft thread 9 gives the frame 14 a first wing 11 and a second wing 12 facing each other, and a bottom 13 disposed between the wings 11, 12.

[049] Reference is made more particularly to FIGS. 2 to 5, and 10 to 14 showing the connecting element 4 in a first embodiment.

[050] In the first embodiment, the frame 14 comprises two son 9 of transverse end frame. Each of the end weft threads 9 extends into an end portion 5, 6 of the frame 14, capable of carrying the assembly means 15, intended to secure an element 4 for connection with the sections 2, 3.

[051] The frame 14 comprises son 10 chain, which are mounted welded on two son 9 of frame. Advantageously, each of the wings 11, 12 carries a wire 10 of upper chain, called wire 16 of shore, and a wire 10 of chain between the bottom 13 and wire 16 of shore, called wire 17 intermediate.

[052] The weft threads 9, and the warp threads 10 are for example blunt, smooth or bevelled at their free end, so as not to form a cutting part, and thus improve the safety of handling of the element 4 connection, limiting the risk of injury to a user.

Advantageously, the frame 14 is a portion of a cable tray, identical to the sections 2, 3, but of shorter length, for example a few tens of centimeters. In this way, the frame 14 does not require the use of a totally specific tool for its manufacture, which limits the costs of obtaining it.

[054] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the connecting element 4 comprises six son 10 of chain. The bottom 13 of the connecting element 4 comprises two son 10 of chain and each of the wings 11, 12 is provided with two son 10 of chain. The frame 14 has a longitudinal dimension, for example of 100 mm, able to allow an efficient hand grip of the connecting element 4 by the user. The assembly, and disassembly of the connecting element 4 relative to the cable tray are thereby facilitated.

[055] According to the embodiments shown, the assembly means 15 are arranged on the wings 11, 12 of the connecting element 4, and advantageously on the bottom 13 of the connecting element 4.

[056] As shown in the first embodiment, the assembly means 15 attached to the wings 11, 12 are fixed on two contiguous weft threads 9, providing attachment at two distinct points to the assembly means 15, a weft thread 9 forming a first end portion 7 of the frame, another weft thread 9 forming a second end portion 8 of the frame. The assembly means 15 have in this way a reinforced fixing, allowing them to withstand transverse mechanical actions. The connecting element 4 is thus stiffened.

[057] Advantageously, each assembly means 15 is produced from bent wires, making it possible in particular to avoid the presence of pointed parts, or cutting orders.

[058] Advantageously, the wire used for producing the assembly means 15 is the same as that used for the warp threads 10 and / or the weft threads 9 of the sections 2, 3. The manufacture of the means 15 assembly is thus facilitated.

[059] According to other embodiments, the wire used for producing the assembly means 15 has a diameter less than that of the warp threads 10 and / or the weft threads 9 of the sections 2, 3.

The assembly means 15 arranged on the wings 11, 12 comprise side connecting pieces 18, and the joining means 15 arranged on the bottom 13 are provided with bottom connecting pieces 19.

[061] We will now describe the connecting pieces 18, 19.

[062] The connecting pieces 18, 19 are formed of a wire folded back on itself, projecting, and extending beyond the wire 9 of the end frame. The use of a folded wire avoids obtaining pointed parts, which would risk inadvertently catching on parts of sections 2, 3 of cable tray, or on other elements located near sections 2, 3 In addition, the absence of pointed or cutting parts minimizes the risk of injury when handling the connecting element 4.

[063] In the embodiments shown, the connecting pieces 18, 19 are fixed, for example by welding, on the outside of the weft threads 9, between two warp threads 10, which simplifies the manufacture of the connecting element 4.

[064] We now describe more particularly the parts 18 of lateral connections, arranged on the wings 11, 12 of the connecting element 4.

[065] The side connecting pieces 18 protrude on either side of the wings 11, 12, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transverse plane.

[066] The side connecting pieces 18 carried by each wing 11, 12 of the connecting element 4 each comprise an upper part 20 and a lower part 21.

[067] The lateral connecting pieces 18 comprise a lateral loop 22, capable of coming to hang on one of the extreme parts 7, 8 of one of the sections 2, 3. In this way, the connecting element 4 has a secure geometry for handling, and can be easily mounted.

[068] As shown in particular on the left medallion of FIG. 2, the upper part 20 is provided with a concave section 23, with a concavity turned towards the outside of the connecting element 4, forming a hook 24 , and a rectilinear section 25. The concave section 23 is able to come into contact with a weft thread 9 of an end part 7, 8 of one of the sections 2, 3.

[069] As shown in particular on the left medallion of FIG. 2, the lower part 21 is arranged for example between the upper part 20 and the bottom 13, the lower part 21 being provided with a concave portion 26, with a concavity facing outwards, forming a notch 27. The lower part 21 advantageously also includes a straight portion 28. The concave portion 26 is capable of engaging with a weft thread 9 of one of the extreme parts 7, 8 of one of the sections 2, 3.

[070] According to the embodiments shown, the concave section 23 and the concave portion 26 are both arranged one above the other. It is in this way possible to vertically insert a thread 9 of the weft end of one of the sections 2, 3 within the hook 24 and the hook 27. Such an arrangement facilitates guiding during the positioning of the part 18 for lateral connection on the weft thread 9 of one of the sections 2, 3, for example if the user does not have a clear or sufficiently lit vision on the cable tray.

[071] In order to allow the stop in translation of one of the sections 2, 3, the straight portion 28 and the straight section 25 are transversely offset.

[072] More specifically, the rectilinear portion 28 and the rectilinear section 25 are interconnected by a junction 29, so as to form the lateral loop 22 defining an inclined plane relative to the wing 11, 12. Such a junction 29 for example has a guiding function, during the assembly of the element 4 for connection with the sections 2, 3, which facilitates the assembly of the assembly 1 of cable tray. Such a junction 29 also avoids having a straight portion 28 and a protruding straight section 25.

[073] As shown in Figure 4, the side connecting pieces 18 have a profile along a transverse plane having an inverted Z shape allowing, as explained below, to facilitate the transverse assembly of one side of the element 4 for connection with one of the sections 2, 3 by transverse snap-fastening.

[074] When the wings 11, 12 of the connecting element 4 and the wings

11, 12 of the sections 2, 3 are aligned, the orthogonal projection of the rectilinear portions 28 on a transverse plane is in intersection with the projection of a warp wire 10 of the sections 2, 3 on a transverse plane, so as to allow that , when assembled, the edge wires 16 of the sections 2, 3 rest on the straight portions of the connecting element 4.

[075] Thus, when one of the extreme parts 7, 8 of one of the sections 2, 3 is assembled on an extreme portion 5, 6 of the connecting element, the rectilinear portion 28 and the rectilinear section 25 extend , seen from above, on either side of the warp threads 10 of the sections 2, 3.

[076] When the connecting element 4 and the sections 2, 3 are assembled, there is advantageously no play between the straight section 25 and the edge wire 16 of the sections 2, 3 which reinforces the mechanical strength of assembly 1 of assembled cable tray.

[077] The bottom link parts 19 are now described, which are attached to the bottom 13 of the link element 4.

[078] According to the illustrated embodiments, the assembly means 15 comprise bottom connecting pieces 19, which extend in projecting on either side of the bottom 13.

[079] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, a bottom connection part 19 comprises two bottom portions 30, which are each provided with a curved division 31. A curved division 31 has a concavity turned towards the outside of the connecting element 4, and a straight division 32, extending for example longitudinally.

Advantageously, the bottom parts 30 are identical, and are capable of coming to hang on the thread 9 of the weft end of the sections 2, 3. Such an arrangement facilitates guiding during the positioning of the part 19 for bottom connection on the end frame wire 9 of one of the sections 2, 3, for example if the user does not have an unobstructed or sufficiently lit view of the cable tray assembly 1.

[081] Advantageously, the two curved divisions 31 preferably have a profile in an arc, and describe a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of the thread 9 of the weft end of the sections 2, 3. The wire 9 of weft d the end thus closely follows the curved divisions 31, allowing precise and guided positioning of the wire. The assembly is thereby facilitated.

[082] As shown on the right medallion of Figure 2 and Figure 3, the straight divisions 32 are interconnected by a connecting division 33, so as to form a bottom loop 34 extending in a longitudinal plane . Such a bottom loop 34 offers in particular the advantage of stiffening the bottom parts 30, and of avoiding having assembly means 15 having protruding points or edges.

[083] We now describe more specifically the fixing of the assembly means 15 on the connecting element 4.

[084] According to the embodiments shown, the assembly means 15 comprise lateral arms 35, in the extension of the upper parts and lower parts 21, bottom arms 36 in the extension of the bottom parts 30.

[085] In the first embodiment, the lateral arms 35 connect two by two the side connecting pieces 18 projecting on either side of the frame 14, and the arms, bottom 36 connect two by two the parts 19 for the bottom connection projecting on either side of the frame 14.

[086] Advantageously, the lateral arms 35 are rectilinear, substantially parallel and advantageously extend in a substantially longitudinal direction. The lateral arms 35 in extension of the upper parts 20 can thus be held in position against a chain wire 10, for example a wire 16 from the edge of the connecting element 4. This results in increased and secure maintenance of the piece 18 of lateral connection, in particular if the connecting element 4 undergoes a vertical force linked to its mounting or dismounting.

[087] Advantageously, the lateral arms 35 and the bottom arms 36 each include a termination 38.

[088] In a variant of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 10 to 14, the terminations 38 are connected in the side connecting pieces 18, and the bottom connecting pieces 19. The assembly means 15 are then in the form of bars 37 added for example on the wings 11, 12, and on the bottom 13.

[089] Such bars 37 in particular for strengthening the rigidity of the connecting element 4, in particular in bending along a transverse axis. The connecting element 4 is thus able to withstand a vertical force, and a torsional stress along a longitudinal axis, during its assembly or disassembly. The occurrence of such mechanical actions can be frequent, in particular in the case where the connecting element 4 is caused to be cleaned completely, for example in the food industry.

Advantageously, the bars 37 each have a plane of symmetry passing through the middle of the arms 35, 36. Such symmetry gives the connecting element 4 the possibility of being reversible, which avoids any confusion during assembly. of the connecting element 4. In addition, the use of a bar 37 having two connecting parts 18, 19 reduces the number of assembly means 15 to be attached to the frame 14, reducing the manufacturing times of the connecting element 4.

[091] The lateral arms 35 are advantageously arranged in juxtaposition with the son 10 of the chain of the connecting element 4, which facilitates their positioning during the manufacture of the connecting element 4. In addition, such a characteristic gives increased rigidity to the assembly means, in particular to withstand transverse and vertical forces.

[092] In the embodiments shown, the lateral connecting pieces 18 include a curvature 39 describing a concavity facing inward of the element, matching a thread 9 of the weft end of the frame 14. The curve 39 makes it possible to connect the lateral loop 22 to a lateral arm 35, and makes it easier to install the lateral assembly means 15.

[093] According to two variants of the first embodiment, shown in Figures 5 and 6, the terminations 38 are left free.

[094] It is thus possible to obtain an offset configuration of the connecting pieces 18, as shown for example in the variant embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

[095] Similarly to the variant embodiments shown in FIG. 1-4 and described above, the lateral arms 35 in extension of the upper parts 20 are for example held against the edge wires 16.

[096] Advantageously, lateral arms 35 in extension of the lower parts 21 are held in position against a wire 17 intermediate the connecting element 4. This results in increased and secure maintenance of the lateral connecting pieces 18, in particular if the connecting element 4 undergoes a vertical force linked to its mounting or dismounting.

[097] In this way, the number of lateral arms 35 disposed between the wefts 9 of the weft of the connecting element 4 is increased, making it possible in particular to reinforce the armature 14 in the face of the forces associated with the mounting or dismantling of the connecting element 4 in a transverse direction.

[098] According to an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6, the connecting element 4 does not include a warp wire 10, the connection between the son 9 of the weft end being made through at least one of the arms 35, 36 of the assembly means 15. In this way, the manufacture of the connecting element 4 is simplified. Such an aspect is advantageous in the case where the weft threads 9 are close enough to one another so as not to require the addition of warp thread.

We are now interested in a second embodiment, shown in FIG. 7.

In the second embodiment, the lateral arms 35 have a longitudinal distance corresponding to the diameter of the thread 9 of the end weft. In other words, the arms 35, 36 extend towards the inside of the connecting element 4 until reaching the limit of the orthogonal projection of the end weft thread 9 on a vertical plane, that is to say - say so as not to exceed the wire 9 of the weft end. In this way, each of the arms 35, 36 has a minimum dimension, but sufficient to be able to be fixed on a wire 9 of the end weft.

In a third embodiment, shown in Figure 8, the frame 14 is provided with a single weft thread 9. In this way, the connecting element 4 has a minimum longitudinal dimension. Thus, a connection between two sections 2, 3 of cable tray of predetermined length can be achieved, limiting the impact of the connecting element 4 on the total length of the assembly 1 of cable tray formed. Such an arrangement is advantageous in certain situations, for example when the longitudinal space available for installing the cable tray assembly 1 is limited. Commonly to all the embodiments, the number of assembly means 15 provided is adapted to the dimensions of the sections 2, 3 or to the load that the set 1 of cable tray must be able to support. Thus, as shown in the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the connecting element 4 comprises four bottom connecting pieces 19, arranged in pairs, on either side of the connecting element. It is thus possible to reinforce the connection of the sections 2, 3 when the transverse dimension of the bottom 13 is increased relative to the transverse dimension of the bottom 13.

In a fourth embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, the connecting element 4 comprises only chain 10 wires, the edge wires 16 arranged on the wings 11, 12. In other words, the connection between the yarn 9 of the end weft is produced by means of at least one of the arms 35, 36 of the assembly means 15, and of the strands 16 of the edge. Such an embodiment is favorable, since it makes it possible to limit the amount of material used.

As shown in Figure 9, the strands 16 are in extension of the weft son, so as to allow the production of a one-piece frame 14 in the form of a single bent wire. Such a frame 14 does not have projecting edges, but only rounded corners 40, limiting the risk of injury when handling the connecting element 4. In addition, such a structure 14 is lighter than the structure 14 of the other embodiments, and facilitates the handling of the connecting element 4. Finally, such a structure 14 limits the number of welds to be made.

Referring now to Figures 10, 11, 12 showing an example of mounting a first section 2 on the first end portion of a connecting element 4, the connecting element 4 being an element 4 link shown according to a first embodiment. As shown, the connecting element 4 is already linked to a second 3 section, but such a mounting principle applies to an isolated connecting element 4.

To form the cable tray assembly 1, the user grasps the first section 2, still free, so as to place the first extreme part 7 near the first extreme portion 5 of the connecting element 4 . The user aligns the wings 11, 12 of the first section 2 with the wings 11, 12 of the connecting element 4. Such a reconciliation step is shown in FIG. 10.

As illustrated in Figure 11, the user switches the first section 2 down. The first tilting is carried out by rotating the first section 2, for example around an imaginary longitudinal axis passing in the vicinity of a lateral loop 22 of the first section 2 disposed on the first wing 11. At the same time, the section 25 rectilinear side loop 22 of the connecting element 4 is inserted between the edge wire 16 and the intermediate wire 17 located on the first wing 11 of the first section 2. Such an action is carried out by slightly displacing the first section 2, in a direction from the inside to the outside of the first section 2.

Concomitantly, the weft thread 9 of the first section 2 is inserted into the hook 24 and the hook 27 of the lateral loop 22 disposed on the first wing 11 of the connecting element 4. At the end of these operations, a lateral loop 22 of the first wing 11 of the connecting element 4 is engaged within the first section 2, the lateral loop 22 of the second wing 12 of the connecting element 4 being still free.

The user rotates the connecting element 4, itself linked to the second section 3 by exerting, for example, a substantially vertical downward force, as shown in FIG. 12. In this way, the strand 16 of the second wing 12 of the first section 2 comes into contact with the lateral loop 22 still free from the connecting element 4, and more precisely with the rectilinear portion 28.

The continued tilting allows the edge wire 16 of the second wing 12 of the first section 2 to slide along the junction 29, causing a push on the side loop 22, which causes its deformation inwards. Such a thrust is progressive, due to the angle of the junction 29.

The deformation of the lateral loop 22 allows the wire 16 of the bank of the second wing 12 of the first section 2 to be positioned above the lateral hook 24. The strand 16 of the first section 2 being placed above the rectilinear section 25, the lateral hook 24 returns to its initial position, causing the strand 16 of the second wing 12 of the first section 2 to snap relative to the lateral hook 24 of the second wing 12 of the connecting element 4.

Such an assembly method offers in particular the advantage of allowing the sections 2, 3 to be assembled on the connecting element 4, prior to the installation of the assembly 1 of cable trays assembled on supports of fixing like crosspieces (not shown) or hangers (not shown).

It is also possible, alternatively, to assemble the sections 2, 3 together, as and when the assembly of the cable tray assembly in its final location on the mounting brackets.

The mounting of a second section 3 on the second extreme portion 6 of the connecting element 4 is carried out in an identical manner, with near symmetry with respect to a longitudinal plane passing through the middle of a wing 11 , 12 of the connecting element 4.

In other methods, not shown, the connecting element 4 is assembled between sections 2, 3, advantageously already in place in their final location. In such a method, the connecting element 4 is positioned in vertical offset with respect to the sections 2, 3 so that the portions 5, 6 are plumb with the parts 7, 8. Then the connecting element 4 is lowered, the lateral loops 22 come into contact with the strands 16 of the edge of the sections 2, 3. Such contact causes the elastic deformation of the lateral loops 22 inwards by sliding.

The deformation of each lateral loop 22 allows the strands 16 of the strand to be positioned above each of the lateral hooks 24, causing the snap-fastening of the strands 16 of the flanges 11, 12 of the sections 2, 3 by relative to the lateral hooks 24 of the wings 11,12 of the connecting element 4.

Such a mounting method allows mounting of the connecting element 4 alone, while the sections 2, 3 are already in place, which is advantageous to allow for example a rapid reassembly after cleaning.

The snap-on mounting methods have the advantage of requiring no tools, as well as being intuitive for a user. In addition, the sensations and / or the noise caused by the latching of the wing 11, 12 act as a key for the user, allowing him to know immediately if the assembly has been correctly carried out or not.

Referring to Figure 13, showing a step of disassembly of the assembly 1 of cable tray performed by dismantling the first section 2 in isolation from the assembly 1 of cable tray.

The user exerts a mechanical action, for example on the second wing 12 of the element 4 connecting towards the outside, in order to generate an elastic deformation of the second wing 12 of the element 4 connecting towards the inside. In this way, the lateral hooks 24 of the second wing 12 of the connecting element 4 are moved towards the inside of the connecting element 4.

At the same time, the user can exert an outward force on the second wing 12 of the first section 2, as shown in FIG. 13. Such actions cause the release of the straight sections 25, and therefore of the wing 12, strands 16 from the edge of the second wing 12 of the first section 2. The user then exerts a force so as to separate the second section 2 from the connecting element 4, so as to successively move the weft thread 9 from the first section of the curved divisions 31 to the straight divisions 32, then out of the bottom loop 34. The effect of such an action is to allow the first wing 11 to be released. The user finally removes the first section 2 from the cable tray assembly 1.

Such disassembly allows the first section 2 to be removed in isolation, while leaving the element 4 and another of the sections 2, 3 permanently, held in place by fastening devices such as hangers or consoles.

Such a disassembly procedure is also possible for the second section 3.

We now describe an example of disassembly of the connecting element 4 in isolation from the cable tray assembly 1 when assembled, and fixed permanently. FIG. 14 illustrates a step of dismantling the connecting element 4.

The user exerts a mechanical action having a vertical and transverse component, for example on the second wing 12 of the connecting element 4. It results from the pressure force generated an elastic deformation of the second wing 12, towards the inside of the connecting element 4. In this way, the lateral hooks 24 of the second wing 12 of the connecting element 4 are moved towards the interior of the connecting element 4, causing the release of the straight sections 25 of the wires 16 from the edge of the second wings 11 , 12 of sections 2, 3. The second wing 12 of the connecting element 4 being released, the user stops the pressure force, and continues to tilt the connecting element 4 around the second wing 12, so as to free the straight sections. Such an action has the effect of releasing the first wing 11. The user finally removes the connecting element 4 from the assembly 1 of the cable tray. Disassembly by transverse action makes it possible to remove the connecting element 4, while leaving the sections 2, 3 permanently, held in place by the fixing devices such as hangers or consoles. The disassembly of the cable tray assembly 1 is carried out in a reduced number of operations, and does not require any particular tool. The disassembly of the connecting element 4 can therefore be carried out in a reduced time, and easily. Such a characteristic finds an advantageous application in the field of the food industry, where sanitary constraints impose frequent and regular cleaning.

Such disassembly of the cable tray assembly 1 also has the advantage of being achievable in reduced spaces, where large movements of the user are not possible.

The connecting element 4 described above has a large number of advantages, in particular:

ease of assembly and disassembly, in particular thanks to the principle of snap-on mounting, which only requires transverse action by the user;

flexibility of use, the connecting element 4 being reversible, which makes it suitable for use in several possible configurations;

robustness, making it possible to withstand multiple assembly and / or disassembly operations due to elastic deformations of the connecting pieces 18, 19;

a variety of possible applications, due to the possibility of attaching the assembly means to a single weft thread 9 or more weft threads 9, as well as to the different possible alternatives of the location and the number of means 15 of assembly;

simplified manufacturing, in particular when the armature 14 of the connecting element 4 is identical to the sections 2, 3 of the cable tray, the assembly means 15 being able to be produced separately, and added by a single welding operation.

Claims (12)

claims 1. Connecting element (4) intended to join together end portions (7, 8) of two sections (2, 3) of cable trays, the connecting element (4) integrating: - a frame (14) comprising a weft thread (9) curved in a U in a transverse plane, the weft thread (9) giving the frame (14) a first wing (11), a second wing (12) and a bottom (13) disposed between the two wings (11, 12), - Assembly means (15) attached to the wings (11, 12) and comprising lateral connecting parts (18) projecting on either side of the wings (11, 12) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane transverse, a side connecting piece (18) being provided with an upper part (20) provided with a hook (24) comprising a concavity turned towards the outside of the connecting element (4), of a section (25) rectilinear, as well as a lower part (21), disposed between the upper part (20) and the bottom (13), the lower part (21) being provided with a hook (27) comprising a turned concavity outwards and a straight portion (28), the connecting element (4), being characterized in that the straight portion (28) and the straight section (25) are transversely offset relative to the other, and connected together by a junction (29), so as to form a lateral loop (22) defining u n inclined plane with respect to the wing (11, 12). 2. Element (4) for connecting according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the means (15) for assembly comprise parts (19) for bottom connection which extend projecting on either side of the bottom ( 13), a bottom connecting part (19) comprising two bottom parts (30) each provided with a curved division (31), with a concavity turned towards the outside of the connecting element (4), and a rectilinear division (32) extending longitudinally, the rectilinear divisions (32) being interconnected by a connecting division (33), so as to form a bottom loop (34) extending in a longitudinal plane. 3. connecting element (4) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that a means (15) for assembly is formed by bending a wire. 4. Connecting element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (14) comprises a plurality of weft threads (9) connected together by warp threads (10), a weft thread (9) forming a first end portion (7) of the frame, another weft thread (9) forming a second end portion (8) of the frame. 5. connecting element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a means (15) for assembly comprises an arm (35, 36) extending in the opposite direction of extension of one of the loops (22, 34), the arm (35, 36) being made integral with a weft thread (9). 6. connecting element (4) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that one of the arms (35, 36) extends longitudinally by connecting the wefts (9). 7. Element (4) of connection according to the preceding claim, characterized in that one of the arms (35, 36) comprises a termination (38) secured to a part (18, 19) of connection. 8. connecting element (4) according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that a means (15) for assembly comprises two arms (35, 36) arranged in parallel, connected to one of the loops (22, 34 ), the loops (22, 34) being symmetrical to each other with respect to a vertical plane passing through the middle of the arms (35, 36). 9. connecting element (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frame (14) comprises a single weft thread (9). 10. Connecting element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom comprises four bottom connecting pieces (19), the bottom connecting pieces (19) being arranged in pairs of parts and on the other side of the bottom (13) of the connecting element (4). 11. Cable tray assembly (1) comprising: • a first section (2) and a second section (3) of cable tray, each being provided with an end portion (7, 8), a first wing (11) and a second wing (12 ), the wings (11, 12) of the sections (2, 3) comprising a strand wire (16), • a connecting element (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, the track assembly (1) of cables being characterized in that when the wings (11, 12) of the connecting element (4) and the wings (11, 12) of the sections (2, 3) are aligned longitudinally, the orthogonal projection on a transverse plane rectilinear sections (25) intersects the orthogonal projection of the strands (16) of the edge of the sections on a transverse plane, so as to allow that when the connecting element (4) and one of the sections (2, 3) are assembled, the strands (16) of the edge of the sections (2, 3) rest on the rectilinear portions of the connecting element (4). 12. A method of assembling a set (1) of cable tray according to the preceding claim, the method comprising the following steps: • approximation of an end portion (7, 8) of the connecting element (4) with one of the end portions (5, 6) of the first section (2); • tilting, by lowering the connecting element (4) around a substantially longitudinal axis passing in the vicinity of an assembly means (15) disposed on a first wing (11) of the element (4) of bond; • insertion of a straight section (25) within the outside of the edge wire (16) of the first wing (11); • tilting, by raising the connecting element (4) around the substantially longitudinal axis passing in the vicinity of an assembly means (15) disposed on the first wing (11) of the element (4) of connection, until inserting a rectilinear section (25) arranged on the second wing (12) within the edge wire (16) of the second wing (12) still free, so as to cause the latching of a part lateral connection on the wire (10) chain of the first section (2) of cable tray.