Patent Application
20050115733
The present invention concerns a frame for cable entries, pipe penetrations or the like. More specifically the invention concerns a compression unit to be used in said frame.
Different frames of this kind are widely used today. The frames are parts of systems used to seal at a cable entry, pipe penetration etc. In addition to the frame the systems normally comprises further elements to be placed tightly surrounding the cables etc. Systems of this kind are used in many different environments, such as for cabinets, technical shelters, junction boxes and machines. They are used in different industrial environments, such as automotive, telecom, power generation and distribution, as well as marine and offshore.
The seals may have to seal against fluid, gas, fire, rodents, termites, dust, moisture etc. The seal may receive cables for electricity, communication, computers etc. or pipes for different gases or liquids such as water, compressed air, hydraulic fluid and cooking gas.
In a common type of frames of this kind rather intricate compression units are used to put pressure on the separate units receiving cables, pipes etc. The pressure is needed to give a positive sealing. The compression units often comprise a number of different parts, including screws or the like used to displace two or more parts in relation to each other, which parts may have the form of wedges. These more complex compression units are needed, when e.g. the demands regarding maximal pressure difference on each side of a wall are relatively high. However, if the demands are not that severe such compression units may be felt as too complicated both regarding manufacture and handling. Thus, there is a need for a more simple, but yet reliable compression unit, which may be used when the demands are somewhat lower.
In view of the above, the compression unit of the present invention is mainly intended for frames having medium or lower demands on the sealing, regarding the pressure it can withstand.
One object of the present invention is to arrange a simplified but yet robust compression unit for a frame, which compression unit should be relatively easy to use. A further object is that the compression unit should have as few parts as possible, simplifying both the production and general handling of the compression unit. Furthermore, the compression unit should be possible to use with different frames. It is also an advantage if the compression unit has small or no risk of malfunction.
According to the present invention a compression unit for a frame, receiving one or more separate units for cable entries, pipe penetrations etc., is arranged. Said compression unit comprises a compression plate to be received turnable in the frame. The compression plate and frame are connected by means of protrusions and grooves.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious for a person skilled in the art, when reading the detailed description below of one at present preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The invention will now be described further below, by way of an example and with reference to the drawings below. In the drawings:
The expressions “horizontal”, “vertical”, “upper”, “lower” and similar expressions, as used in this description, are with reference to the directions as shown in the enclosed Figs. A person skilled in the art realises that the frame may have any orientation in use.
The present invention is used in connection with frames 1 for receiving one or more separate units 2 in the form of cable entries, pipe penetrations etc. The frame 1 is used to bring cables, pipes etc. through an opening of a wall, ceiling etc. in a sealed way.
In the embodiment shown in the enclosed drawings, the frame 1 is formed of two frame parts 8. Even tough the frame 1 is shown as made of two parts 8, the invention is not limited to such frames. A person skilled in the art realises that it is of no importance for the invention as such if the frame 1 is made of only one single, two or more parts. As indicated in
Inside the frame 1 a number of separate units 2 are received. Said separate units 2 have the form of cable entries, pipe penetrations etc. The separate units 2 are made of an elastic material, giving a sealing effect when put under pressure. Between different rows of separate units 2, partitions 13a, 13b are arranged. The partitions 13a, 13b are arranged in such a way within the frame 1 that the partitions may slide in relation to the frame 1. Furthermore, a compression plate 3 is received in the frame 1. The uppermost partition 13a, i.e. the one in contact with the compression plate 3 is often made stronger than the rest of the partitions 13b. This is normally achieved in that said uppermost partition 13a is made thicker than the rest of the partitions 13b.
The compression plate 3 has a generally rectangular form in the shown embodiment. On each short side of the compression plate 3 a protrusion 5 is arranged. Each protrusion 5 is formed with long and short sides aligned with the extension of the short sides of the compression plate 3. The long sides of the compression plate 3 have bevels 7. Furthermore, the compression plate has an opening 6, which preferably is a through opening 6. The compression plate 3 may be formed of any material plastic, metal etc. giving enough stiffness. The exact form of the compression plate 3 may vary but is adapted to the form of the frame 1, which is to receive the compression plate 3.
The protrusions 5 of the compression plate 3 are to co-operate with grooves 9, 10 of the frame 1. The grooves of the frame 1 have a straight introduction part 9, which goes over into a rounded part 10. The grooves 9, 10, as shown in the enclosed Figs., are not through grooves and, thus, are ended by the rounded part 10. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown) the grooves may be through grooves, allowing insertion of a compression plate 3 from either side of the frame. For such through grooves the rounded part 10 is normally placed in the middle, with straight parts 9 on both sides. The dimensions of the protrusions 5 of the compression plate 3 and the grooves 9, 10 of the frame 1 are such that the compression plate 3 may be inserted into the frame 1 and then turned. Furthermore, the round parts 10 of the grooves have a locking function, i.e. when the compression plate 3 is in a vertical position it is hindered from going along the groove 9, 10. The compression plate 3 is introduced into the frame 1 directed mainly perpendicular to the general extension of the frame 1. The grooves 9, 10 are arranged at the upper part of the frame 1. The grooves 9, 10 are positioned to enable for the compression plate 3 to be pressed against the upper vertical part of the frame 1, when the compression plate 3 is turned in the frame 1. In that the compression plate 3 abuts and is pressed against the upper part of the frame 1, the compression plate 3 will transfer that pressure to the separate units 2 of the frame 1, placed below said compression plate 3.
In an alternative embodiment the grooves of the frame 1′ receiving the compression plate 3′ have a different form. For said grooves there is no connection between the straight part 9′ and the rounded part 10′ of the grooves. These types of grooves are intended for use with relatively flexible frames 1′. To mount the compression plate 3′ the protrusions 5′ of the plate is first introduced in the straight part 9′ of the grooves. To bring the protrusions 5′ into the rounded part 10′ of the grooves, the frame 1′ is flexed just enough to allow the protrusions 5′ to pass from the straight to the rounded parts 9′, 10′ of the grooves. With the protrusions 5′ in the rounded parts 10′ of the grooves the compression plate 3′ may be turned in the same way as described above. In a further alternative embodiment the grooves have no straight part, in which case the protrusions 5′ of the plate 3′ are brought directly into the rounded parts by flexing the frame. The protrusions 5′ of the compression plates 3′ often have a circular form when co-operating with grooves having separated straight and rounded parts.
A person skilled in the art realises that the exact form and position of the protrusions 5 and grooves 9, 10 may vary. The only demand is that it should be possible to introduce the compression plate 3 in the frame 1 and then to turn the compression plate 3 to a position in which it puts pressure on the separate units 2 in the frame 1. As stated above the compression plate 3 should be locked in a vertical position by the protrusions 5 and grooves 9, 10.
Furthermore, a cover 15 is arranged, which is to be placed over the compression plate 3, in order to seal the area of the compression plate 3 in the frame 1. The cover 15 has the same general rectangular form as the compression plate 3. The side of the cover 15 intended to be faced outwards is slightly inclined and, thus, the short sides of the cover 15 have one narrow end 16 and one broad end 17. At the broad end 17 of the cover 15 a notch 18 is formed, which notch 18 goes along the lower long side of the cover 15. The notch 18 is to be placed along the uppermost partition 13a. On one side of the cover 15 a knurl 19 is provided, which is to be received in the opening 6 of the compression plate 3. The cover 15 has also a protruding rim and protrusions 20, which protrusions 20 are to be received in the straight parts 9 of the grooves. The notch 18, the rim, the knurl 19 and the protrusions 20 of the cover 15 contribute to the fixation of said cover 15 to the frame 1. The cover 15 is normally formed of rubber or other elastic material.
In an alternative embodiment, indicated in
When the compression plate 3, 4 is introduced into the frame 1 (
When the compression plate 3 according to the embodiment of
If the frame 1 is to receive new cables, pipes etc., the above-indicated sequence of operations is reversed. Thus, the cover 15, if used, is first removed. Then the compression plate 3, 4 is turned to a generally horizontal position, whereby the protrusions 5 will turn in the rounded part 10 of the groove. When the compression plate 3, 4 has been turned the pressure on the separate units 2 will be relived. The partition 13a, 13b placed above the separate unit 2, which is to receive a new cable, pipe or the like, may be slid upwards giving access to the desired unit 2. The separate unit 2 is taken out the cable, pipe or the like is then introduced and the separate unit is adapted to the new cable, pipe or the like. In the shown embodiment this is done in that an appropriate number of sheets are peeled from the separate unit 2. Thereafter, the unit 2 is place in the frame surrounding the cable, pipe or the like. Finally, the compression plate 3 is once again turned to a vertical position putting pressure on the separate units 2 received in the frame 1. By means of the induced pressure the separate units 2 will seal the cables, pipes etc. The same line of operations are done if one is to replace one or more of the separate units 2, either due to damage, that the dimensions are to be altered etc.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0201704-4 | Jun 2002 | SE | national |
