Frame

SWEDEN (12) PATENT (13) C2 tu) 523 975 (19) SE (si)

International class ⁷H02G 3/22, F16L 5/02

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PATENT AND REGISTRATION (45) (41) (22) (24) (62) (86) (86) (83)

Patent filed Application widely available The patent application was submitted on expiration date

Application number International filing date

Filing date for European patent application Deposit of microorganism

2004-06-08

2004-04-11

2002-10-10

2002-10-10 (21) Patent Application Number (J203044-3

Application received as:

Swedish patent application completed international patent application with number □ converted European patent application with number (30) Problems information (73) (72) (74) (54) (56) (57)

PATIENTS Roxtec International AB, Box 540 371 23 INVENTOR Tomas Kreutz, Lyckeby SE

OMBUD Ström &amp; Gulliksson IPC AB

NAME Frame

CALLED PUBLICATIONS: - SUMMARY:

Karlskrona SE

The present invention relates to a frame of modular form for cable ducts, pipe ducts or the like. The frame comprises at least two identical end modules (1). Depending on the dimensions desired, one or more intermediate modules (2) are placed between the end modules (1). The modules (1, 2) form at least one aperture to receive the cable ducts, pipe ducts or the like. The frame has devices for covering the openings of the frame before receiving the cables, tubes or the like.

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The numbers in brackets indicate international identification code, iNID code. Letters in clamps indicate international document code.

523 975

040121 MD G: \ P \ 4842 Roxtec International \ P \ 017 \ P-SE \ P48420017 _040119_ translation to SE of patent text.doc

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a frame of modular form for cable ducts, pipe ducts or the like. The frame comprises at least two identical end modules (1). Depending on the dimensions desired, one or more intermediate modules (2) are placed between the end modules (1). The modules (1, 2) form at least one orifice to receive the cable glands, tube glands or the like. The frame has devices for covering the openings of the frame before receiving the cables, tubes or the like.

523 975

040121 MD G: \ P \ 4842 Roxtec International \ P \ 017 \ P-SE \ P48420017_040119_Translated to SE by patenttext.doc

Technical area

The present invention relates to a frame of modular form for cable ducts, pipe ducts or the like.

Previous technology

Various frameworks of this kind are widely used today. The frames are parts of systems used for sealing in cable ducts, pipe ducts etc. In addition to the frame, the systems include additional elements or units to be placed tightly around the cables, compression units, etc. Systems of this type are used in many different environments, such as for cabinets, technical guards, junction boxes and machines. They are used in various industrial environments, such as the automotive industry, telecom, power generation and distribution as well as marine and off-shore.

Systems of this kind or rather the frames for receiving different parts are often pre-assembled in different parts, such as building components, walls, roofs etc., containers or the like. Additional system parts together with the cables, pipes or the like are normally mounted once the building parts or containers are in their final place. Containers are often used to enclose different types of special equipment, which containers can be relatively flexible and transported in a mounted state to a final destination.

The systems may need to seal against liquid, gas, fire, rodents, termites, dust, moisture etc. and can receive cables for electricity, communication, computers etc. or pipes for various gases or liquids such as water, compressed air, hydraulic fluid and household gas.

Summary of the Invention

A general object of the present invention is to keep the costs of the frame as low as possible

523 975

040121 MD G: \ P \ 4842 Roxtec International \ P \ 017 \ P-SE \ P48420017_040119_ translation to SE of patenttext.doc without compromising the function. Costs in both manufacturing and handling must be kept low. In order to simplify handling, the various frame parts should be easy to mount both to each other and to structures where they are to be placed. Another way to simplify handling is to reduce the number of parts required to form frames of different sizes. This means that there will be a reduced requirement for parts for manufacturing and storage.

Since the frames are often pre-assembled, it is advantageous if the frame includes some type of transport cover that covers the openings of the frame that will receive the cables, tubes or the like. By covering the openings, dust, liquid, moisture etc. are prevented from entering a container or the like during transport or before the actual installation of cables, pipes or the like.

The frames are normally used in many different positions and for many different cables, pipes or the like and there is thus a need for a frame that can be adapted in a relatively simple way to the requirements for each specific case.

According to the invention, a frame is formed for cable ducts, pipe ducts or the like. The frame comprises at least two end modules which form at least one aperture for receiving the cable gutters, tube gutters or the like. In addition, it has devices for covering the frame openings before receiving the cables, tubes or the like.

In addition, the frame of the present invention is provided with a flange to facilitate mounting.

The transport covers can also be used to enable the frame to be adapted for future use. It is thus possible to mount a frame which has a number of positions occupied by the transport guard and which is removed only if additional cables, pipes or the like are to be received. Another object is that the frame should be relatively simple

523 975

040121 MD G: \ P \ 4842 Roxtec International \ P \ 017 \ P-SE \ P48420017_040119_ translation to SE by patenttext.doc can be adapted to different uses, possibly by retrofitting.

The systems using frames according to the present invention have been developed to contain some type of compression unit. In use, the compression unit will exert pressure on the frame. Thus, the frame must be able to withstand pressures formed when the compression unit (s) are used.

To obtain a low weight, the frame is preferably made of a plastic material.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description below of preferred embodiments.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be described in more detail below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an end portion of a modular frame of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an intermediate portion of a modular frame of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a frame formed by two end modules which illustrates the joining principle of the modules; 4 a perspective view of a frame formed by end modules and intermediate modules of FIG. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of a module of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a top plan view of a locking clamp used in the present invention; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a compression plate that can be used in a frame of the present invention; Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing mounting of the compression plate of Fig. 7; and

523 975

040121 MD G: \ P \ 4842 Roxtee International \ P \ 0mP-SE \ P484200n_040119_ translation to SE of patent text.doc Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of a module of the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

When the terms vertical, horizontal, outer, inner, and other similar terms are used in the description below, they refer to the directions as shown in the accompanying figures. One skilled in the art will recognize that in use, the frames may have any orientation, the orientation being determined by actual use.

An example of an end portion or module 1 and an intermediate portion or module 2 used to form a frame that receives separate cable feed, tube, or the like units are shown in the accompanying figures. The frame also normally receives one or more compression units. To form the frame, at least two end modules are required. Depending on the desired width of the frame, one or more intermediate modules 2 may be positioned between the end modules 1. As indicated above, no intermediate module 2 is required if the size of two composite end modules 1 is sufficient. One skilled in the art will recognize that the design of the modules may vary.

As used in this specification, the term height refers to the distance between the inner parts of the side walls 6, 9 of each respective frame module 1, 2. The height is denoted by h in Fig. 4. The term width as used in the present invention refers to the distance between the inner parts of the end walls 5. with a mounted frame. The width is denoted by wi Fig. 4.

The end module 1 has a wall formed by an end wall 5 and two side walls 6. On the outside of the walls 5, 6 a flange 3 is formed. In the flange 3 there are a number of holes 4. The holes 4 are to receive fasteners for fixing the frame to a wall, floor, ceiling, upper part, lower part or the like of a house, vessel, cabinet, container or the like. In other embodiments, the flange 3 has no preformed holes. Instead

523 975

040121 MD G: \ P \ 4B42 Roxtec International \ P \ 017 \ p-SE \ P4B420017_040119_ translation to SE of patent text.doc holes are made depending on the actual requirements for each specific case or the frame is mounted using glue or the like. Depending on the actual location of the frame, different types of fasteners can be used, as one skilled in the art will recognize.

As the fasteners as such have no bearing on the present invention, they will not be discussed further here.

A groove 8 is provided in each side wall 6 to be used when mounting the frame, as discussed further below. On the free ends of the side walls 6 a pin 10 and an opening 11 are provided. The pin 10 is arranged on one of the side walls 6, while the opening is arranged on the other side wall 6. The pin 10 and the opening 11 must cooperate with the corresponding pins 10 and openings 11 on adjacent parts when the frame is mounted. The pins 10 and the openings 11 help keep the various parts in a desired, correct position.

Inside the wall 5, 6, the frame has a central part.16.

The central part 16 acts as a transport guard if the frame is pre-assembled in a building part, container etc. The middle part 16 must be removed just before receiving cables, pipes or the like.

Sealing and compression units shall be received within the walls 5, 6 of the frame, as is known to those skilled in the art. These devices shall seal against cables, pipes or the like received in the frame. As the exact shape and function of these units do not form part of the present invention, they will not be discussed further herein.

However, an example of a compression unit is shown as an example in Figures 7 and 8. The compression unit is manufactured in a simple manner to keep costs and the number of parts to a minimum, as this is an important part of the present invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that other types of compression units can be used with the frame of the present invention. Compression unit523 975

040121 MO G: \ P \ 4842 Ftoxtec International \ P \ 0n \ P-SE \ P48420017_040119_ translation to SE of patent text doc '

The embodiment of Figs. 7 and 8 is based on a compression plate 21 which is tensioned between the frame 24 and the separate units 28 in the form of cable penetrations, pipe penetrations, etc. in use. The compression plate 21 has projections 22 at the ends, which are to be received in grooves 25, 26 of the frame 24. The grooves have an insertion portion 25 and a rounded portion 26, to enable the compression plate 21 to be rotated once in place in the frame.

24th The compression plate 21 is rotated by means of a tool 27 which is inserted into an opening 23 of the compression plate 21. In figure 8 the mounting steps for the compression plate are shown schematically. When the compression plate 21 is mounted, it will compress the separate units 28 by pressing the plate 21 on a partition 29. Partitions 29 have also been inserted between the separate units 28. A lid 30 is often placed on the compression plate 21 after mounting, whereby a knob 31 of the lid 30 is received in the opening 23 of the compression plate 21. One skilled in the art will recognize that at least one compression unit is received in each opening of the frame surrounded by end, side and / or intermediate walls 5, 6, 9

12th The number of openings and compression units is thus determined by the number of modules used 1,2.

Fig. 2 shows an example of an intermediate module 2. One or more intermediate modules 2 must be mounted between two end modules 1 to form a frame having two or more openings.

The intermediate module 2 has two side walls 9. The position of these side walls 9 shall match the position of the side walls 6 of the end modules 1 and also the side walls 9 of any additional intermediate modules 2. Between and perpendicular to the side walls 9 an intermediate wall 12 is arranged. Outside the side walls 9, the intermediate module 2 has a flange 15. Also, the flange 15 of the intermediate module 2 is provided with holes 4 for receiving suitable fasteners. One skilled in the art will realize that the number and position of the

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040121 MD G: \ P \ 4842 Roxtec International \ P \ 017 \ P-SE \ P484200n_040119_ translation to SE of patent text.doc '

holes 4 may vary. In other embodiments, there are no holes in manufacture. Any holes required are then formed when mounting the frame or the frame can be fixed in a way that does not require any holes.

Also, the intermediate module 2 is provided with a central portion 17 between the side walls 9, which acts as a possible transport protection. The central portion 17 shall be removed when one or more cables, tubes or the like are to be received. In order to facilitate removal of the central portion 17, fracture instructions are normally formed. This also applies to the central part 16 of the end module 1.

A groove 13 is provided in each side wall 9 to be used when the frame is mounted, which is discussed further below. On the free ends of the side walls 9 a pin 10 and an opening 11 are provided. The pin 10 is arranged on one of the side walls 9, while the opening 11 is arranged on the other side wall 9. The pin 10 and the opening 11 must cooperate with the corresponding pins 10 and openings 11 on adjacent parts when the frame is mounted. The pins 10 and the openings 11 help keep the various parts in a desired, correct position.

In use, the frame is usually first assembled by the appropriate number of end and intermediate modules 1, 2. To assemble the frame, at least two end modules 1 and one possible intermediate module (s) are locked together by means of locking clips 7. Locking clamps 7 are taken receiving in the grooves 8, 13 of the side walls 6, 9 in adjacent modules 1, 2. The shape of the locking clips 7 and the grooves 8, 13 are adapted to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves 8, 13 of the side walls 6, 9 have a protruding edge 14 extending along one side of the groove 8, 13 and covering part of the opening of the groove 8, 13 as shown in Fig. 5. The locking clamp 7 has a corresponding design with a base portion 18, two side portions 19 at the ends of and at right angles to the base portion 18, and two projecting edges 20 at the ends of and at right angles to side portions 523 975

040121 MD G: \ P \ 4842 Roxtec International \ P \ 0n \ P-SE \ P484200n_040119_ translation to SE of patent text.doc na 19. The base portion 18 and protruding edges 20 of the lock clip 7 are parallel in the embodiment shown. The protruding edges 20 of the locking clamp 7 should grip behind the protruding edges 14. of the grooves 8, 3 When assembling the frame, the pins 10 and the openings 11 of adjacent modules 1, 2 also help to lock the modules 1, 2 together. The modules 1, 2 will thus be securely locked together. One skilled in the art will recognize that the precise design of the grooves and locking clips can vary as long as they are adapted to each other and provide a secure and firm locking of the frame modules 1, 2. By interaction between the locking clamp 7 and the grooves 8, 13, any mutual movement in the directions is counteracted. for the height h and the width w respectively of the formed frame.

Normally, a seal, in the form of a sealing tape, an O-ring, a gasket, etc. is placed between the module parts which abut each other after assembly. To receive the sealing member, at least one of the surfaces of the modules in contact with each other has a recess or the like.

An example of how the sealing member is received is indicated in Fig. 9.

In the example of Figure 9, a side wall 9 of an intermediate module 2 is shown enlarged. The side wall 9 has an end surface 32 for contact with an adjoining module and also the part of the module which is below the side wall 9 has an end surface 33 for contact with an adjacent module. As indicated in the enlarged portion, the lower end surface 33 is located slightly inside the end surface 32 of the side wall 9. As the interacting surfaces of the adjacent modules are aligned, a small space will form under the side walls 9 as the frame is assembled.

In this space, a sealing tape or the like must be received. The size of the space is adjusted to the sealing element in such a way that the sealing element is put under suitable pressure after the composition.

When the frame is assembled, it is fixed to a wall, upper part, lower part, floor, ceiling etc. of a cabinet, house, vessel or the like. The outer wall formed by the side walls

523 975

040121 MD G: \ P \ 4842 Roxtec International \ P \ 017 \ P-SE \ P48420017_040119_Translation into SE of patent text.doc

6, 9 and the end walls 5 will normally be positioned adjacent the sides of a suitable opening formed in the road etc. The frame is fixed to the wall etc. by means of suitable fasteners with or without the use of the holes 4 of the flange 3. Normally the central parts 6, 17 are held. remain in place for as long as possible as protection. This can be an advantage if a cabinet or the like is to be transported to a final destination.

Before receiving the cable, pipe or the like, together with any additional sealing and compression units, the relevant central portions 16, 17 are removed. Normally, the central portions 16, 17 can be removed by a relatively light pressing or tapping. As indicated above, the central portions 16, 17 may have directions along the walls to facilitate the complete removal of the central portions 16, 17. However, in some cases, where the protection is more critical, the central portions 16, 17 are fixedly attached to the modules 1,2. In this latter case, the central parts 16, 17 are removed using some kind of cutting tool.

In Fig. 4, a frame is shown, as an example, composed of two end modules 1 and two intermediate modules 2. In the lower part of the frame, shown in Fig. 4, the central parts have been removed from the end module 1 and 1, respectively. the intermediate module 2. This frame part can thus now receive pipes, cables or the like together with sealing units. Normally, a compression unit is also received to seal the pipe, cable or the like.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the various frame modules can be varied in many different ways. The frame module 1, 2 can be formed without flanges 3, 15 and / or without central parts 16, 17. In addition, the composite frames and thus also the separate frame modules, may have shapes and dimensions other than those indicated by the figures shown. The frames may have more rounds

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040121 MD G: \ P \ 4842 Roxtec International \ P \ 017 \ P-SE \ P48420017 040119_ translation to SE of patent text.doc

10 'shapes and they may have other height-to-width ratios.

Normally, the frame modules 1, 2 are made of a plastic material, but one skilled in the art will recognize that the frame parts can be made of any suitable material, including metal material.

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040121 MD G: \ P \ 4842 Roxtec International \ P \ 017 \ P-SE \ P48420017_040119_ translation to SE of patent text.doc ιΓ