GB2459007A

GB2459007A - Mesh cable tray quick fastening device

Info

Publication number: GB2459007A
Application number: GB0902362A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ernesto Chenoll Mora
Original assignee: Schneider Electric Espana SA
Current assignee: Schneider Electric Espana SA
Priority date: 2008-04-07
Filing date: 2009-02-13
Publication date: 2009-10-14
Anticipated expiration: 2029-02-13
Also published as: FR2929770A1; GB0902362D0; NL2002609C2; GB2459007B; ES2307447B2; ES2307447A1; NL2002609A1

Abstract

Quick fastening device for mesh cable trays(4, Fig 5) having a U-shaped body 1 whose lateral branches 5 comprise fastening means configured to actuate on lower longitudinal rods (2, Fig 5) situated on sides of the tray. The fastening means having folds 9 which emerge from the sides of an upper span of the body 1, constituting support areas 10 above the longitudinal rods 2, where the lateral branches 5 comprise flaps 11 corresponding to the folds 9 at an upper level open towards the support areas 10 which permits one to secure the longitudinal rods which are housed between said support areas 10 and flaps 11. The flaps and folds may extend towards the exterior of the body. The body may comprise a lower base with wings emerging from the base inclined outwards and having smaller dimensions than the lateral branches so as to retain the quick fastening device in a profile. The wings may have a fitting which coincide with a joint with internal walls on a profile. The quick fastening device may have a through hole at the base of the body to house a support rod.

Description

QUICK FASTENING DEVICE FOR MESH TRAYS

The invention, as stated in the present specification, relates to a quick fastening device for mesh trays.

More specifically, the object of the invention consists of a device whose aim is founded on constituting a quick fastening element for cable trays, of the so-called mesh trays which, specifically, require the fastening thereof to a structural support element, such as any facing, floor, walls, ceiling, profile or support rod, said trays being of those constituted by so-called chain wires or rods, disposed longitudinally, and so-called weft wires or rods, U-shaped and disposed transversally, so that they form a channel for the reception and support of the cables of an electrical system.

The field of application of the present invention is within the industry sector dedicated to the manufacture of elements and accessories applicable in electrical systems and such like.

Currently there are different devices known intended for the aim of this invention, amongst which should be mentioned document ES1031348, relating to a spacer support for trays laying on the ground, based on a hollow piece whose upper part has at least one pair of upwards projections, which define a tightened mouth hollow, suitable for receiving by snap-fitting and holding a rod, its configuration and characteristics being noticeably different from those of the present invention.

As a consequence, it can be stated that the existence of any other quick fastening device for mesh trays that features technical characteristics or characteristics relative to its structural configuration that are similar to those presented herein and which permit its fastening to support elements of various nature is unknown.

Specifically, the device proposed by the invention, as has been mentioned, is particularly applicable to fasten grid cable trays to a structural support element, such as any facing, profile or even support rod, as explained below.

The device of the invention features the special feature of being adaptable to different structural support elements, i.e. directly to any facing such as floor, walls or ceiling, with the collaboration of a support or profile fixed to the facing or even in absence of the profile, by means of a support rod fixed to the facing, which is materialized in a quick fastening, preferably of flexible nature, constituted by a body of general U-shaped configuration, which actuates on the lower longitudinal rods of the sides of the tray to be fastened and on the open face of the support element which constitutes the profile, when this is present.

It should be pointed out that, is assembly arrangement and for the cases wherein the profile is incorporated, the retaining means below the body of the device are completely or partially concealed in the interior thereof, without there being external areas or parts which could interfere, damage or cut the cables present in the interior of the trays, and in the event that the profile is not incorporated, even if these means of the body are not concealed, thanks to their studied structural design and arrangement in the coupling, they cannot damage said cabling either.

The aforementioned body of the fastening device, as has been said, features a general U-shaped configuration, whose lateral branches are notably pronounced and have, emerging from its lower part or base with wings inclined outwards, which feature notably reduced dimensions compared to the abovementioned lateral branches.

Focusing the explanation of the invention when the tray is fastened to a structural support element constituted by a profile, these wings include on their final span, and on their external wall, a fitting, which protrudes externally coinciding, in assembly position, with the joint of the internal walls of the profile, carrying out the retention thereof.

For its part, the outward inclination of the aforementioned wings advantageously permit their coupling both in profiles wherein their internal waIls are straight as well as those wherein said internal walls are inclined.

Furthermore, said inclination permits the insertion of a tool and levering in order to unclip the joint fittings so that they leave the wall of the profile and permit the removal of the device.

For their part, the lateral branches of the U-shaped body forming the device, in their upper span, each feature lateral folds which emerge from said body, which form above, respective support areas for the longitudinal rods featured on the sides of the tray. The lateral branches of the U-shaped body provide solidity and robustness to the support in said area.

In parallel, corresponding to the aforementioned lateral folds of the branches of the U-shaped body, and on an upper level, are arranged open flaps, intended to secure the longitudinal rods which rest on the abovementioned support areas provided on the upper part of the folds are housed between these and the flaps.

The possibility is provided for that said emerging lateral folds are arranged perpendicularly towards the exterior of the body and that each open flap is also disposed towards the exterior of said body.

In order to disassemble the device disposed on the profile, it is sufficient to insert a too! and lever the emerging wings of the base of the U-shaped body, unclipping the joint fittings of the interior walls of the profile.

For its part, in order to disassemble the device with respect to the tray, it is sufficient to press the upper span of the lateral branches, so that the flaps tilt with respect to their initial position, facilitating the removal of the longitudinal rods with respect to their support area.

For the case in which the grid tray must be fastened by means of the collaboration of a structural support element constituted by a support rod, the base of the U-shaped body forming the device is provided with an additional through hole, wherethrough can be introduced the aforementioned support rod, using for the fastening thereof at least one nut disposed corresponding to at least one of the walls of the base of the body. For the case in which the structural support element is constituted by the facing itself, that same hole permits the adaptation between both elements, device and facing, with the collaboration of the corresponding fastening means.

Logically, for the cases in which the structural support element is not constituted by the profile, i.e., either directly to the facing or the support rod, the wings which emerge from the base of the U-shaped body and the fitting which they feature do not intervene in the support of the device.

The quick fastening device for mesh trays disclosed therefore represents an innovative structure of unknown structural and constitutive characteristics to date for such a purpose, reasons which, together with its practical utility, provide it with sufficient foundation to obtain the privilege of exclusivity it seeks.

In order to complement the description being carried out and with the aim of helping towards a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, the present specification is accompanied by a set of plans, as an integral part thereof, wherein the following has been represented in an illustrative and non-limitative character: figs 1, 2 and 3 respectively show a front elevational view, a side elevational view and a plan view of the quick fastening device for mesh trays object of the invention, observing the fig. 4 shows an upper perspective view of the device; figs. 5, 6 and 7 show several perspective views of the device coupled to the tray and a profile of internal inclined walls; figs. 8, 9 and 10 show three more perspective views of the device coupled to the tray and a profile with straight internal walls; fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the device fastened to a support rod; fig. 12 shows the device anchored to a tray, fastened to facing without rod and without profile.

In view of the abovementioned figures, and in accordance with the adopted numeration, an example of preferred embodiment of the invention can be observed therein, which comprises the parts and elements which are indicated and described in detail below.

Thus, as can be observed in said figures, the device in question is materialized in a quick fastening of flexible nature, constituted by body (1) of general U-shaped configuration, which actuates on the lower longitudinal rods (2) featured on the sides of a grid tray (4) and particularly applicable for the fastening thereof to a structural support element of various nature, the latter featuring the possibility of materializing in a profile (3) and more specifically adaptable on its open face, as has been represented in the examples shown in figures 5 through 10, in a support rod (13) which fastens it to the facing without having the aforementioned profile (3), as shown by figure 11, or even directly to the facing (16) such as walls or other surfaces, as has been represented in figure 12.

In assembly arrangement, for the cases in which the profile (3) is incorporated as structural support element, the retaining means below the body (1) of the device remain advantageously concealed in the interior thereof, without there being external areas or parts which could interfere, damage or cut the cables present inside the trays (4), while in the case that it does not incorporate the profile (3), even if said retaining means below the body (1) are not concealed, thanks to its studied structural design and arrangement in the coupling, said cabling cannot be damaged either.

Looking at figures 1 through 5, it can be clearly observed that the aforementioned body (1), as has been said, features a general U-shaped configuration, whose lateral branches (5) are notably pronounced and emerging from its lower part or base (6) wings (7) inclined outwards, which feature reduced dimensions compared to said lateral branches (5).

These wings (7) include, on their external wall, a fitting (8) on its end span, which protrudes externally coinciding, in assembly position, with the joint (3a) of the internal walls (3b) of the profile (3) when this is present, carrying out the retention thereof.

It must be noted that the outward inclination of the wings (7) advantageously allows its coupling on profiles (3) wherein its internal walls (3b) are both straight and inclined, as observed in figures 8, 9 and 10, for the case of straight internal walls (3b), and in figures 5 through 7, for the case of inclined internal walls (3b). Furthermore, said inclination permits the insertion of a tool and levering on the wings (7) emerging from the base (6) of the body (1), unclipping the fittings (8) of the aforementioned joint (3a) leaving the wall of the profile (3) and removing the device.

For its part, the lateral branches (5), in their upper span, each feature folds (9) which emerge from their sides, preferably perpendicular towards the exterior of the body (1), folds (9) which each form, above, support areas (10) for the longitudinal rods (2) featured on the sides of the tray (4). The branches (5) provide solidity and robustness to the support in said area.

In parallel, corresponding to the aforementioned folds (9) and at an upper level, the lateral branches (5) of the U-shaped body (1) each dispose of open flaps (11), preferably towards the exterior, in order to secure the longitudinal rods (2) which rest on the said support areas (10) are housed between these and said flaps (11).

In order to disassemble the device with respect to the tray (4), it is sufficient to press the upper span of the lateral branches (5), so that the flaps (11) come out of their position, facilitating the removal of the longitudinal rods (2) with respect to their support area (10).

For the case in which the tray (4) must be fastened with the body (1) to a structural bearing element constituting a support rod (13), the base (6) of the body (1) is provided with an additional through hole (12), wherethrough can be introduced said support rod (13), using for the fastening thereof a nut (14) which corresponds to at least one of the walls of the base (6) of the body (1).

For the case in which the structural support element is constituted by the facing (16) itself, that same hole (12) permits the adaptation between both elements, body (1) of the device and facing (16), with the collaboration of the corresponding fastening means (15).

Logically, for the case in which the incorporation of the profile (3) is not required, the wings (7) and the fitting (8) which these feature do not intervene in the support of the device.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Quick fastening device for mesh trays, configured to fasten cable trays constituted by longitudinal and transversal rods which require their arrangement on at least one structural support element selected from a profile, a support rod and directly a facing, characterized in that it is constituted from a body, of general U-shaped configuration, whose lateral branches are notably pronounced and comprise fastening means configured to actuate on the lower longitudinal rods situated on the side of the tray, said fastening means consisting of folds which emerge from the sides of an upper span of the body, each area constituting support areas above said longitudinal rods, where said lateral branches comprise, corresponding to the folds and at an upper level, flaps open towards the support areas, being configured to secure the longitudinal rods which are housed between said support areas and flaps.
2. Quick fastening device for mesh trays, according to claim 1, characterized in that the folds emerge perpendicularly from the lateral branches towards the exterior of the body and the flaps are disposed openly towards the exterior of said body.
3. Quick fastening device for mesh trays, according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body comprises a lower part or base wherefrom emerge wings inclined outwards which have a smaller dimension that the lateral branches, said wings comprising lower retaining means configured to actuate on an open face of the profile for the retention thereof, said retaining means being below the body at least partially concealed in the interior of the profile.
4. Quick fastening device for mesh trays, according to claim 3, characterized in that the lower retaining means situated on the wings consists of a fitting which has said wings on an end span of its external wall, where said fittings protrude externally being configured to coincide with a joint which has internal walls of the profile.
5. Quick fastening device for mesh trays, according to either of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the inclination of the wings is configured to permit coupling said wings on profiles which have internal walls, both straight and inclined.
6. Quick fastening device for mesh trays, according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the wings are configured to permit the insertion of a tool to lever and unclip the fittings of the joint of the interior wall of the profile.
7. Quick fastening device for mesh trays, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that additionally the base of the body comprises a through hole configured to house a support rod.
8. Quick fastening device for mesh trays, according to any of claims I to 6, characterized in that additionally the base of the body comprises a through hole configured to permit the joining of said body to a facing by means of the collaboration of fastening means.