GB2467443A

GB2467443A - Cable tray bridge for joining trays or ducts

Info

Publication number: GB2467443A
Application number: GB1001630A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Juan Jose Martinez Ramos; Carlos Dominguez Rodriguez
Original assignee: Pequeno Material Electrico SA PEMSA
Current assignee: Pequeno Material Electrico SA PEMSA
Priority date: 2009-01-30
Filing date: 2010-02-01
Publication date: 2010-08-04
Also published as: ES1069695U; GB201001630D0; ES1069695Y; FR2941820B1; FR2941820A1

Abstract

Improved fitting (cable tray bridge) 1 for joining cable trays and/or channels 2 comprises a base 3 and several roll topped side walls 4. The openings defined to receive the trays to be connect have flanges (protrusions) 5 extending from the bridge side wall ends. The flanges 5 comprise at least one tab 6 performed on them for passing though an aperture in the tray wall. Additional security may be achieved though a threaded fitting inserted though the hole left by the tab and reinforcing ribs (inlays) 11 may be formed on the base 3. Embodiments for connect trays at an angle are disclosed as are covering sections which couple with the roll top of the side wall. A cut-out 10 may secured a threaded suspension rod or act as a ground connection point. Cable exit knock outs 9 may be provided in the side walls. The taps may be "C" or "U" shaped.

Description

IMPROVED FITTING FOR JOINING CABLE TRAYS

AND/OR CHANNELS

Field of the invention

This invention refers to an improved fitting for joining cable trays and/or channels, intended especially to be coupled to these types of elements in areas where the mounting of straight sections could be difficult, or could require a great deal of skill and manipulation of the initial straight section and/or in areas where it is necessary to connect them to each other, forming cable channels with the desired configuration.

Backciround of the invention The fittings used normally for coupling cable trays and forming channels with different configurations allow several sections of trays. Specifically, they tend to have a curved shape on a right angle (for the joining of the two trays), a T-shape (for joining three trays). They can even have more openings (such as cross-shaped for the joining of four or more trays), and can serve as a branch from one straight section on one of its sides to another straight section perpendicularly, or generate a channel with a concave-convex shape (for joining trays running horizontally to the vertical tray or the reverse).

These fittings tend to be mounted in most cases through additional and independent joining parts both to the fitting itself and to the cable tray, being a continuation of the side walls at each opening, and being used to couple with the corresponding sections of the cable trays. Said joining parts (or the same side walls) are normally equipped with horizontal or vertical slots, which allow the passing of threaded elements, which, along with the corresponding nuts, form threaded joints that allow secure fastening between the tray and the fitting. In some cases, instead of additional joining parts, the fittings can have some protrusions that are a continuation of the side walls at each opening.

Despite the fact that said joint is performed securely and simply, it requires a certain amount of time by the operator, who shall have on hand the necessary parts and mount the plate and threaded joint in the same task.

In addition and in some cases, the requirements of tightness for the tray system and fittings are mostly restrictive.

This makes it necessary then to have a fitting that allows an immediate joint with the trays that are coupled to it, being able to improve the tightness index at the same time.

Summary of the invention

Thus, the purpose of this invention is to provide an improved fitting for joining cable trays and/or channels that manages to perform the joint with the cable trays and/or channels more rapidly and optimize tightness.

The invention provides an improved fitting for joining cable trays and/or channels, which comprises a base and several side surfaces with vertical walls that are elevated from the base, delimiting at least two side openings and have both protrusions at said openings, in which the protrusions comprise at least one tab that is made on them.

Through this configuration greater simplicity is achieved and more speed in mounting the fitting with the cable trays that are coupled to it, and still increasing the strength and functional possibilities of the part itself.

In addition, through this configuration and on a completely blind plate, having boltholes and/or punched holes, a fitting can be obtained for channelling with a high degree of tightness, due to the lack of clearly visible slots, which may allow the penetration of solids and/or liquids once it is mounted and its corresponding cover is placed.

Another advantage of the invention is that it avoids the need to turn to external joining elements or parts for mounting the trays to the fitting.

Other characteristics and advantages of this invention will be taken from the detailed description that follows of an illustrative embodiment of its purpose in relation to the attached figures.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a fitting as per the invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the fitting as per the invention.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the fitting as per the invention.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the fitting as per the invention.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the fitting as per the invention.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the detail of the quick joint between a fitting as per the invention and a cable tray.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the detail of the joint between a fitting as per the invention and a cable tray, according to another use of the fitting.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the detail of the joint between another embodiment of the fitting as per the invention and a cable tray.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the detail of the joint between another embodiment of the fitting as per the invention and a cable tray, according to another use of the fitting.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the detail of the joint between a fitting as per the invention and several cable trays.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the combination formed by a fitting from figure 5 and two cable trays, with the corresponding covers.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the combination formed by a fitting as per the invention and two cable trays, with the corresponding covers.

Detailed description of the invention

Figures 1 to 5 show perspective views of fitting 1 as per the invention, in several different formats. As can be observed, figure 1 has a curve shape at a right angle, and it is therefore suitable for the joining of two trays that are going in perpendicular directions. Fitting 1 from figure 2 has a T shape, and it is ideal for joining three cable trays. Another possibility is the fitting 1 from figure 3, with a configuration in a cross shape, especially ideal for joining four trays.

Fitting I from figure 4 is a "branch" type fitting, which couples two perpendicular trays, with one of them being coupled on the widest opening and with a cut wall to allow the entry of the cables.

Fitting I from figure 5 is a "level change" type fitting for joining trays in a horizontal direction to the vertical tray or the reverse.

In these figures, it can be observed that fitting 1 comprises a base 3 and several side surfaces 4 with vertical walls that are elevated from the base 3. These side walls delimit the corresponding side openings for joining with the tray and/or channel (two in the fitting I from figures 1, 4 and 5, three in the fitting 1 from figure 2 and four for the fitting 1 from figure 3). Likewise, the side surfaces 4 continue through protrusions 5 that each comprise at least one tab 6 performed on them.

In the fittings from figures 1 to 4, it can be observed that the protrusions 5 are aligned with the side surfaces 4.

In the fitting I from figure 5, it can be observed that the protrusions 5 have a descending slope with respect to the side surfaces 4. They could also have an ascending slope (see the fitting from figure 12).

The detail of the joint between a fitting 1 as per the invention and a cable tray 2 is represented in figure 6. It can be observed that the protrusions 5 of the side surfaces 4 have two tabs 6 performed on them. Specifically, the tabs 6 are aligned vertically (the horizontal alignment of the tabs 6 would also be possible). In said figure 6, the tabs 6 that are coupled to the corresponding openings of the cable tray 2 are those that located below. The tabs 6 that are located above and below could be coupled, where applicable, to the corresponding row of openings from the side wall of the tray, based upon, where necessary, the cutting of the tray by performing the assembly 2.

The tabs 6 represented in figure 6 have a "U" shape, i.e. they are delimited by two side slots and a bottom slot performed on the corresponding protrusion 5. The use of said tabs does not prevent the use of threaded joints where necessary.

To perform the quick coupling between the fitting 1 and the cable tray 2, the tab 6 of fitting 1 is made to match with the corresponding opening of the side wall of the tray 2. Then the tab 6 is bent outwards (for example, by a screwdriver) so that it comes into contact with the outside face of the side wall of tray 2 and in this manner the fastening between fitting 1 and tray 2 is performed. Upon performing this fastening at the two protrusions 5 for each opening, the coupling between fitting 1 and tray 2 is appropriately secured.

Tab 6 can also be provided previously bent (i.e. previously bent outwards, such as the one that appears first in figure 6), and therefore the use of a tool such as a screwdriver would not be necessary to bend it.

Figure 7 represents a perspective view of the detail of the joint between fitting I as per the invention and cable tray 2 of figure 6, to which a threaded joint has been added at the fastenings between the tabs 5 and the side walls of the cable tray 2, specifically at the hole left by the tabs 6.

This threaded joint can be composed of a bolt, nut and washer set. It is through this threaded joint that greater security is given to the set, and it also manages to cover the hole left by the tab 6, and therefore the tightness in the corresponding area would be optimised.

Any other means of joining could be used that may be coupled to the hole left by tab 6.

Figure 8 represents the joint between fitting 1 as per the invention and cable tray 2, using another type of tab 6.

It can be observed that the protrusions 5 of the side surfaces 4 have two tabs 6 performed on them, which are vertically aligned in the embodiment of the figure. In said figure 8, the tabs 6 that are coupled to the corresponding openings of cable tray 2 are those located below. The tabs 6 located below could be coupled, where applicable, to the upper row of openings of the corresponding side wall of tray 2.

The tabs 6 represented in figure 8 have a "C" shape, i.e. they are delimited by an upper slot, a lower slot and a side slot between the two previous ones, performed on the corresponding protrusion 5.

To perform the coupling between the fitting 1 and the cable tray 2, the tab 6 of fitting 1 is made to match with the corresponding opening of the side wall of the tray 2.

Then the tab 6 is bent outwards (for example, by a screwdriver) and towards fitting 1 in the embodiment of figure 8, so that it comes into contact with the outside face of the side wall of tray 2 and in this manner the fastening between fitting 1 and tray 2 is performed. Upon performing this fastening at the two protrusions 5 for each opening, the coupling between fitting 1 and tray 2 is appropriately secured.

Tab 6 can also be provided previously bent (i.e. previously bent outwards, such as the one that appears first in figure 8), and therefore the use of a tool such as a screwdriver would not be necessary to bend it.

Figure 9 represents a perspective view of the detail of the joint between fitting 1 as per the invention and cable tray 2 of figure 8, to which a threaded joint has been added at the fastenings between the tabs 5 and the side walls of the cable tray 2, specifically at the hole left by the tabs 6, in a similar fashion to the embodiment shown in figure 7. The threaded joint used would also be as the one described in figure 7.

Figure 10 represents a perspective view of the detail of the joint between fitting 1 as per the invention and several cable trays 2, in a cross-type configuration for the joining of four cable trays 2. In this fitting 1, we observe that one of the openings uses tabs 6 in a "U" shape (the inside wall of the fastening between protrusion 5 and the side wall of the tray 2 is observed), while in the other opening a tab 6 is observed in a "C" shape (specifically, the outside part of the side wall of tray 2 is observed with the tab 6 bent towards it).

Figure 11 represents a perspective view of the combination formed by a fitting 1 of figure 5 and two cable trays 2, with the corresponding covers 12 of the fitting and the covers 13 of the trays, and which uses the coupling system described previously. The protrusions 5 show a descending slope with respect to the side surfaces 4. The upper cover 12 of the fitting has a flat surface that extends along the side through vertical walls that end at lengthwise channels that can be coupled with the corresponding channels of fitting 1. By incorporating the corresponding cover 12 and with the assembly being completely blind, being attached to a tray and/or channel with similar characteristics, this therefore achieves an improvement on the tightness index.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the combination formed by fitting 1 of the "level change" type and two cable trays, with the corresponding covers 12 of the fitting and the covers 13 of the trays.

The fitting 1 of figure 12 serves to join trays in a horizontal direction towards the vertical tray or the reverse, as per the invention, with the protrusions 5 showing an ascending slope with respect to the side surfaces 4.

In all of the figures, it is observed that the side walls end at incoming lengthwise channels 7, over which both upper curved lengthwise edges 8 are placed for the effect of a security edge, both for the purposes of the operator/mounting, and for the very functionality of the installation. A cover 12 can be coupled on the vertical walls with channels complementary to that of the channels 7, and they could therefore be coupled to them and optimize tightness, as can be observed in figures 11 and 12. The upper bending of the vertical walls has a "V" shape in order to be able to fasten the upper cover 12 and there are some ending tabs that serve to fasten and secure the cover 12.

The mounting of fitting 1 with the cover 12 allows the tightness index to be improved, by incorporating the corresponding cover 12 and the assembly being completely blind, and by being joined to a tray and/or channel 2 with similar tightness characteristics.

The existence of some areas 9 that are inlayed with a weakened outline performed on the side walls of the side surfaces 4 can also be observed in the figures.

These areas 9, despite not being perforated, can be easily broken to facilitate manual coupling, for example, of a racor fitting, a stuffing box or cable duct for the exiting of cables in a likewise tight fashion. In this manner, they allow the cables to be branched out quickly, securely, optimizing the tightness index and being completely integrated with the same fitting I as a continuation of the same assembly, without the need for using tools to perforate or fasten sub-fittings.

Preferably, the base 3 can have a pre-cut 10 outlined for the location of a threaded rod to the ceiling, in the event that this fastening of supports were necessary, and indicating that this type of cut (in all of the locations of the part) could be used as a possible ground connection. Said element would have a mark indicating the ground connection.

The base 3 can comprise a series of reinforcing inlays 11 to achieve better behaviour when faced with extreme loads of cables on fitting 1.

Since drills are not needed (in the weakened areas 9 or with the pre-cuts 10 the sheet is not perforated), the tightness of the fitting 1 is achieved and therefore of the cabling system, provided that the rest of the combination provides said characteristics.

The coupling with the cover 12 and with the cable trays 2 (in this case, by using an additional threaded joint to the tabs 6) also contributes to improving the tightness of fitting 1.

Although some embodiments of the invention have been described and represented, it is evident that modifications can be introduced into them that are included within their scope, and this invention must not be deemed as limited to said embodiments, but only to the content of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), which comprises a base (3) and several side surfaces (4) with vertical walls that are elevated from the base (3), delimit at least two side openings and show both protrusions (5) at said openings, characterised in that the protrusions (5) comprise at least one tab (6) performed on them.
2. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), as per claim 1, characterised in that the tabs (6) have a "U" shape.
3. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), as per claim 1, characterised in that the tabs (6) have a "C" shape.
4. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), as per any of the above claims, characterised in that the tabs (6) are previously bent.
5. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), as per any of the above claims, characterised in that each protrusion (5) comprises two tabs (6), aligned vertically or horizontally.
6. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), as per any of the above claims, characterised in that it also comprises an external joining means for coupling to the opening that is left by the tab (6) when bent, or previously bent.
7. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), as per claim 6, characterised in that the additional means of joining is a threaded joint set that comprises a threaded bolt, nut and washer.
8. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), as per any of the above claims, characterised in that the side surfaces (4) with vertical walls end at incoming lengthwise channels (7) and upper lengthwise curved security edges (8) that can be coupled with a cover.
9. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), as per any of the above claims, characterised in that the vertical walls of the side surfaces (4) comprise some inlayed areas (9) with a weakened outline.
10. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), as per any of the above claims, characterised in that the base (3) has outlined at least one pre-cut (10) for possible fastening of a threaded rod to the ceiling as a bearing element and/or ground connection.
11. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), as per any of the above claims, characterised in that the base (3) comprises reinforced inlays (11).
12. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), as per any of the above claims, characterised in that it comprises an upper cover (12) with a flat surface that extends along the side through vertical walls that end at lengthwise channels that can be coupled with the corresponding channels of the fitting.
13. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), as per any of the above claims, characterised in that the protrusions (5) are aligned with the side surfaces (4).
14. Improved fitting (1) for joining cable trays and/or channels (2), as per any of the above claims, characterised in that the protrusions (5) have a descending slope or ascending slope with respect to the side surfaces (4).