GB2268338A - Cable carrier arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

A cable or pipe carrier (1) has a channel shaped cross-section which includes pairs of longitudinally extending grooves, preferably some pairs (10, 10<1>) extending in planes parallel to the open mouth of the channel and some (11, 11<1>) extending in planes perpendicular to the mouth of the channel. The invention also provides an assembly in which plate members (2, 5, 8 etc.) are slidably engaged in the grooves (10, 10<1>;11, 11<1>). The plate members can include internal partitions (2); mounting or suspension plates (5, 8); end to end connector plates (91) having irretractile engagement means (92) or mitre engagement plates (35). The cable carrier assembly is capable of versatile use and can readily be assembled or disassembled. <IMAGE>

Description

Title - Cable Carrier Arrangement This invention relates to carriers or channelling for the support and enclosure or containment of electric cabling or the like.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved carrier arrangement capable of low cost production and whereby installation can be readily and satisfactorily carried out to suit varying requirements of use. These and other practical advantages will be apparent from the following disclosure.

According to one aspect of the invention an elongate cable carrier is provided of channel form which is internally grooved longitudinally to slidably receive located therein plate or strip like members primarily for partitioning and/or mounting or suspension purposes and/or for connection purposes. Planes of opposed grooves may be at right angles to one another or otherwise arranged for appropriate location of the plate or strip like members whilst one or more securing or clamping members may be provided to secure the plate or strip like members relative to the carrier.

Plate like mounting members for slidably engaging opposed internal grooving of the carrier can be for the suspension or direct wall or like mounting of the carrier and in the case of suspension provision can be included for adjustment of the suspension for obtaining accurate level positioning of the carrier or other required disposition of the latter.

According to a further aspect of the invention connector members are provided for engaging opposed internal grooving of carriers at their adjacent ends for effecting their end connection. The connectors may have an irretractile engagement with the carriers to retain their end connection. Such a connector is preferably releasible for disconnection purposes.

Practical examples of the carrier arrangement are shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a cross sectional elevation of a suspension assembly and including a perspective indication of the form of the carrier; Figure 2 is a plan view of the suspended carrier; Figure 3 is a detail plan view of a securing or clamping plate; Figure 4 is a cross sectional elevation of a direct wall mounting assembly; Figures 5 and 6 are respectively face and adjacent edge views of a mounting plate of the assembly shown in Figure 4; Figures 7, 8 and 9 are respectively face, adjacent edge and underside edge views of a retaining plate employed in the assembly of Figure 4; Figure 10 is a cross-section of the carrier showing the location of cable attachment and earthing plates and also the attachment of an end plate;; Figures 11 and 12 are respectively face views of the cable attachment plate and earthing plate shown in Figure 10; Figures 13 and 14 are a side elevation and an adjacent end view of an irretractile connector shown connecting adjacent carrier ends.

Figures 15 and 16 are plan and edge views respectively of a plate of a carrier junction suspension plate assembly; Figure 17 is a face view of a locking plate; Figures 18, 19 and 20 are plan views showing the application of the suspension plate assembly to a carrier cross junction, corner junction and T-junction respectively; Figures 21, 22 and 23 are an elevation and detail plan views respectively of one form of carrier column support, and Figures 24, 25 and 26 are an elevation and detail plan views respectively of a developed form of column support.

Like parts are referred to by the same or similar reference numerals throughout the drawings.

As shown in Figures 1, 4 and 10 the carrier 1 is of channel form and can be produced to the required form by extrusion in aluminium or other suitable material such as appropriate plastic material. The interior of the carrier is provided with upper and lower grooving shown consisting of opposed grooves 10, 10' lying in horizontal planes and further opposed grooves 11, 11' lying in vertical planes. However the arrangement of the grooving may be varied according to requirements. The exterior of the carrier is suitably formed especially for aesthetic purposes.

The vertical grooves 11, 11' are shown receiving partitioning 2 of steel or other suitable strip material to divide the interior of the carrier into a central main compartment 12 for accommodating electric cables (not shown) and smaller side compartments 13 for lightweight cabling or wiring. The partitioning 2 is also shown provided with knock out portions as at 20 and where required for communication between the compartments 12, 13.

Referring to Figure 1 a suspension assembly for the carrier 1 is shown in which a suspension plate 3 is slidably received by the upper horizontal grooves 10, 10' and is provided with raised oppositely directed tongues 30 pressed up from the plate 3 and which retentively receive transversely under them a suspension cable gripping end member 40. The tongues 30 may be bent downwardly about the cable end member 40 to locate the latter against end movement relative to the plate 3 whilst other means of attachment of the suspension cable 4 or cable end member 40 to the plate 3 can be employed.

The cable end member 40 receives the cable 4 through a cross bore 41 whilst a threaded axial bore 42 receives a screw 43 (or a pair of such screws) for clamping the cable 4 in the bore 41. In this arrangement ready access to the or each screw 43 is afforded for axial adjustment of the cable 4 in the cable end member 40 in obtaining accurate levelling or other disposition of the suspended carrier 1.

If necessary the suspension plate 3 can be secured at its required position on the carrier 1 by a securing or clamping plate 5 having threaded bosses such as rivet bushes 50 which are internally threaded to receive screws 55 passing through corresponding holes in the plate 3. In this instance the plate 5 bears against the underside surface 15 of those internal parts of the carrier 1 containing the upper horizontal grooves 10.

However in the case of a lower mounting or support plate 6, e.g. for control gear or a transformer indicated at 60, the securing plate 5 is slidably received by the lower horizontal grooves 10' and receives the screws 55 passing through the plate 6 which latter then rests on the surface 16 of those internal parts of the carrier 1 containing the lower grooves 10'. Pressed up projections 56 from the plate 5 locate against the mounting plate 6. As later described and shown in the drawings the plate 5 and screws 55 are used for similar securing purposes as and when necessary.

The upper end of the suspension cable 4 receives a further cable end member 40 located and retained in a fixing assembly 44 adapted to be secured to a ceiling or other overhead support.

The fixing assembly 44 is shown comprising a hollow base 45 which is secured directly to the-ceiling C by a screw 46, the base 45 receiving secured to it a cap 47 for retaining the upper cable end member 40 within the hollow interior of the fixing 44 so that the cable 4 can pass out through a central hole 470 in the cap 47. The cap 47 is secured in the base 45 by radial screws (e.g. three equi-spaced screws) one of which is shown at 48, the screws engaging an annular groove 49 about the cap 47.

Alternatively the cap 47 can be screwed into or about the base 45 or otherwise attached to it for assembly purposes.

The cable suspension 4 along a length or run of carrier 1 is provided at intervals depending upon the weight of cabling and any other equipment carried by the carrier 1 or other installation requirements. If desired suspension cable 4 may pass down from one fixing assembly 44 to a suspension plate 3 then up to a further fixing assembly, i.e. in a V arrangement of the cable 4.

For direct mounting of the carrier 1 on a wall or on a ceiling or other support, the assembly shown in Figure 4 can be employed in which a mounting plate 7 has a central part 71 for screwing or otherwise securing to a wall W and outwardly cranked side portions 72 which engage by their upper end edges the uppermost groove of the opposed grooves 10 adjacent the open part of the carrier 1 which grooves 10 now lie in a vertical plane. The lower end edges of the cranked side portions 72 do not engage the lower groove 10 so that the carrier 1 can be hooked over the upper edges of the side portions 72 of the mounting plate 7 for initial positioning on the plate 7 or on a spaced apart series of such plates.

In order to secure and locate the carrier 1 relative to the mounting plate 7 a retaining plate 70 is provided which engages respective grooves 10 by its upper and lower end edges, the plate 70 thus being positioned in between the cranked side portions 72 of the mounting plate 7. The retaining plate 70 has depending side limbs 74 formed with T-shaped protrusions or lugs 75 bent therefrom at their free ends, which lugs 75 engage respective slots 73 in the lower parts of the side portions 72 of the mounting plate 7. The lugs 75 are secured in relation to the slots by spring clips 76 each engaging behind the head of a corresponding T-shaped lug 75.

Whereas the retaining plate 70 is shown clamped to the carrier by a securing plate 5 and screws 55 this may not be necessary where the carrier 1 is horizontally positioned but applies more particularly in the case of vertical or inclined positioning of the carrier 1.

Especially where the carrier 1 is mounted from.. a ceiling or similar support the direct mounting assembly can be used in such a manner that the retaining clip 76 is situated at a convenient side of the carrier for final securing of the carrier 1 to the mounting plate 7 or for effecting its release from the plate.

As before partitioning strips 2 can be provided within the carrier and a mounting or similar plate 6 clamped within the inner part or bottom of the carrier 1 by a securing plate 5.

In Figures 10 to 12 the provision of an electric cable attachment plate 8 slidably received by the upper horizontal grooves 10 is shown, the plate 8 receiving a strain relief bush 81 for the cable (not shown). The plate 8 may be secured as necessary by a securing plate 5. The lower horizontal grooves 10' are shown slidably receiving an earthing plate 80 which is preferably clamped in position by a securing plate 5 to ensure good electrical contact between the earthing plate 80 and an aluminium or otherwise electrically conductive carrier 1.

Figure 10 also indicates the provision of an end plate 88 to the carrier of the same profile as the exterior configuration of the carrier 1 and secured to the latter by self tapping screws as at 84 engaging suitably formed longitudinal grooves 14 in the extruded form of the carrier 1.

Carrier sections 1 may be joined end to end or in mitred cross wise or T-junction connections or at bends by connector strips or plates similar to the partitioning strips 2 bent as necessary and inserted into corresponding grooves 11, 11'. The connector strips or plates are then welded or adhesively secured in position to the carrier sections 1.

However to avoid the use of welding or adhesive and also to enable the connection to be released for dismantling or similar purposes a connector 9 having an irretractile engagement with adjacent carrier end portions 1 is shown in Figures 13 and 14.

The connector 9 consists of a base plate 91 which slidably engages corresponding opposed grooves 11, 11' in the carrier end portions 1, the plate 91 being provided at each end part with levers 92 pivotally mounted at 93 on the plate 91 and spring loaded by respective torsion springs 94 about their pivotal mounting 93.

In the free condition of the connector 9 the levers 92 are lightly spring urged by their torsion springs 94 against respective stops 95 on the plate 91. This facilitates insertion of an appropriate end of the connector 9 into a corresponding carrier end portion 1 and the pushing of the other carrier end portion over the connector 9 until the carrier ends abut one another. If there is a tendency for the carrier ends to be pulled apart the spring loaded levers 92 have a wedging action against a co-operating internal surface 15 or 16 of the respective carrier end portion at the adjacent groove 10 or 10'; to thrust the base plate 91 firmly into frictional contact with the bottom of the opposite groove 11 or 11'. Thus movement apart of the carrier ends is effectively resisted.The free ends of the levers 92 may be serrated or similarly formed for better frictional engagement with the internal surfaces 15.

When it is desired to disengage one or both carrier ends from the connector 9, the levers 92 or an appropriate lever can be released from wedging engagement by a screw driver or other suitable tool inserted into the or each carrier end portion 1 for which purpose the levers 92 require to be accessible within the end portions of the carrier sections 1, i.e. in the compartment 12.

Usually a pair of connectors 9 are employed in respective pairs of grooves 11, 11' whilst at bends between the adjacent carrier end portions the connector plate or plates 9 can be bent about the transverse centre line or thereabouts.

Referring to Figures 15 to 20 a suspension plate assembly 33 is shown more particularly for the suspension of carriers 1 at their mitred junctions with one another such as at a cross junction, corner junction or T-junction as respectively shown in Figures 18-20.

Each plate assembly 33 comprises a pair of identical plates 35 (Figure 15) which are assembled in a diagonally overlapping manner to initially provide the assembly 33 of generally square configuration. The overlapping portions of the plates are recessed at 36 so that the outer portions and edges of the assembly lie in substantially the same plane.

The recessed portions 36 are slotted at 34 which slots are in register along the diagonal in an opposed manner to provide a central slot 340 having closed ends, and through which a suspension cable 4 passes, (see Figures 18 to 20) the lower end of the cable 4 under the plate assembly 33 receiving a cable end member 40.

Referring to Figure 18 and in use one plate 35, e.g., the right hand plate, is inserted at the junction of the carriers 1 until the corners of the plate 35 engage the carrier grooves 10 at corners of such grooves 10 formed by the mitred interfitting of the carriers 1. Prior to or during such fitting the slot 34 of the plate 35 is engaged with the suspension cable 4. The other or left hand plate 35 is placed over the right hand plate and also with engagement of its slot 34 with the cable 4 in the arrangement of the assembly 33 already described. This left hand plate 35 is then moved diagonally along the line of the slots 34 until its corners engage corresponding corners of grooves 10 for obtaining firm corner engagement of both plates 35.

For obtaining a locating corner engagement at least one corner of each plate 35 is shown notched as at 37. The assembly 33 of the plates is retained in its diagonally extended condition by a locking or clamping plate 38 (Figure 17) shown screwed at 39 to the right hand plate 35 into a rivet bush 350 provided on the latter, the plate 38 being cranked at 380 so as to overlap the left hand plate 35.

The suspension cable 4 is thus retained in the central slot 340 but permitted some extent of sliding movement along it for suspension adjustment purposes. As will be evident from Figures 18 to 20 the necessary extent of relative diagonal movement of the plates 35 for carrier groove engagement depends upon the particular application.

As shown in Figures 21 to 26 column support of a carrier 1 may be provided as the sole means of support or in conjunction with suspension or other mounting. For this purpose a length or lengths of carrier member 1 can be used vertically as at 1' in conjunction with head and base pieces or assemblies 100, 110 respectively.

In Figures 21 to 23 a single column arrangement is shown employing one length of carrier member as the column 1'. The upper end of the column receives thereon a plate 108 of the head assembly 100 which is preferably of outline configuration corresponding to the cross section of the column 1' and thus of the same such configuration as the end plate 88 of the horizontal carrier 1. A central hole 109 of the plate 108 receives the depending shank 102 of a head unit 101 of the head assembly 100, which shank 102 may be tubular as shown and is secured to a head plate 103. The head plate 103 is screwed at 104 or otherwise secured to the underside of the horizontal carrier 1 and one or more spacer rings - 105 about the shank 102 are shown provided between the head plate 103 and the top plate 108 which latter is also secured to the top of the column 1' at 106.

The base assembly 110 includes a lower end plate 112 again of outline configuration corresponding to the cross section of the column 1' which plate 112 is provided with a pair of upstanding lugs 111 which engage internal grooves 11, 11' in the column 1', (see Figure 1 for such grooves). The plate 112 rests on a base plate 113 which latter is preferably secured to the plate 112 by screws passing from underneath into rivet bushes 150 on the plate 112.

The otherwise open side of the column 1' is preferably closed by a longitudinal strip 120 secured are suitably spaced location to the column 1', e.g. by screws as at 121 countersunk into the strip 120 and held by a nut 122, or threaded into, a cross piece 125 which bears against the inner surfaces 15 of the column's internal formation (again see Figure 1). Such a cover strip 120 can be employed and fitted in the same manner as a dust cover to the carrier or carriers 1.

The plate 112 can be used for direct end mounting a carrier 1, e.g. from a wall by engagement of its lugs 111 with the internal grooves 11, 11' of the carrier.

A double column arrangement is shown in Figures 24 to 26 in which two column members 1' are employed with their open sides in abutment in a complementary opposed manner to provide a column of closed form and greater load bearing strength.

The head assembly 100 includes a double form top plate 118 (Figure 26) which is shown of outline configuration corresponding to the cross section of the complete column and is secured to the top of the latter, e.g. by screws 106. A central hole 119 of the plate 118 receives the depending shank 102 of a head unit 101 (Figure 25), the head plate 103 of which is screwed at 104 or suitably secured to the underside of the horizontal carrier 1.

As before a spacer ring 105 is shown about the shank 102 between the head plate 103 and the top plate 118.

The base assembly 110 incorporates a pair of lower end plates 112 which together are of outline configuration corresponding to the cross section of the complete column, the upstanding lugs 111 of the plates engaging the internal grooves 11, 11' in respective column members 1'. The plates 112 rest on a double size base plate 213 and again should be secured by screws into rivet bushes 150 on the plates 112.

The columns 1' can be employed to accommodate cabling or the like to or from the or each carrier 1 by suitable communication between them.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing the carriers 1 and their associated parts enable cable support systems to be readily installed to meet a very wide variety of requirements and likewise dismantled and re-used, e.g. where modification of the cable layout is required. In this regard the standardisation of the mounting or like parts and retaining plates makes the arrangement highly flexible in meeting varying requirements and changes of the latter. The carriers can be also used to carry electrical equipment of various kinds such as light fittings, e.g. in line fluorescent tubes. Alternatively or additionally pipework or tubing may be supported by the carriers.

It is to be understood that various modifications may be made to the carrier arrangement herein described and within the scope of the invention herein defined, especially to component parts thereof.

Claims (20)

1. A cable carrier comprising a constant cross-section channel having an open face and being provided with longitudinally extending internal grooves provided in pairs, each pair being adapted to receive, as a sliding fit, a plate member extending longitudinally of the carrier, and at least one pair of grooves lying in a plane at right angles to the plane of at least one other pair of grooves.

2. A cable carrier according to claim 1 wherein two pairs of grooves are provided in parallel planes parallel to the open face of the channel.

3. A cable carrier according to claim 1 or to claim 2 wherein two pairs of said other grooves are provided in parallel planes perpendicular to the open face of the channel.

4. A cable carrier according to claim 3 wherein the channel has laterally bowed side wails and said other grooves are spaced inwardly from respective adjacent bowed side walls.

5. A cable carrier assembly comprising a carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in combination with at least one plate member slidably engaged in a pair of grooves of the carrier.

6. A cable carrier assembly according to claim 5 wherein said plate member comprises an internal partition of the cable carrier assembly and is disposed in a pair of grooves perpendicular to the open face of the channel.

7. A cable carrier assembly according to claim 5 wherein said plate member comprises a mounting member.

8. A cable carrier assembly according to claim 7 wherein two plate members are provided, clamped in parallel, one of said plate members being slidably received in a pair of grooves parallel to the open face of the channel.

9. A cable carrier assembly according to claim 8 wherein said two plates are disposed at or adjacent the open face of the channel.

10. A cable carrier assembly according to claim 8 wherein said two plates are disposed at a position spaced from the open face of the channel and adjacent the base of the channel.

11. A cable carrier assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 10 wherein a pair of channel section carriers are joined together end to end by a plate member comprising a connector member having irretractile engagement with the carriers.

12. A cable carrier assembly according to claim 11 wherein irretractile engagement is provided by a pair of spring loaded levers having a wedging engagement with the carriers.

13. A cable carrier assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 12 wherein the pair of carrier members are joined together at right angles.

14. A cable carrier assembly according to claim 13 wherein said carrier members are joined together by means of a pair of interfitting slotted plate members, each slotted plate member being cranked so that, when interfitted, the plate members have their edges lying substantially co-planar and are slidably received in a pair of grooves of each carrier member.

15. A cable carrier assembly according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the carrier members are mitred.

16. A cable carrier assembly according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the carrier members meet at a T-joint.

17. A cable carrier assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 16 wherein a carrier member is mounted on a column comprising another carrier member by means of an adaptor.

18. A cable carrier assembly according to claim 17 wherein said column is mounted to a horizontal surface by a mount -having a pair of upright flanges engaging in two pairs of grooves of the carrier channel.

19. A cable carrier substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

20. A cable carrier assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.