The invention relates to a cable trough assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such an assembly is known from practice and is generally manufactured from steel. Assembling a cable trough system made of steel requires much time and many tools. The cable trough elements are to be sawn to size and connected to each other by means of screwed and/or clamped joints. In corrosive environments such as factory sites, a cable trough system made of steel should undergo an anti- corrosion treatment, such as for instance a painting treatment, in order to prevent corrosion of the cable trough system. In particular, such an anti-corrosion treatment is of essential importance for cable trough elements which have been sawn off at a particular length, since the anti- corrosion coat originally applied, such as for instance a zinc coat, is broken at that point.

Moreover, while the cable trough elements are reduced to size and subjected to any further treatments, sparking may occur, which is to be prevented in environments involving explosion risks.

Further, the cable trough elements must be supported at a short distance therefrom, since the cable trough elements are relatively heavy and have a self-supporting function only to a limited extent. For the purpose of such support, in many cases a supporting construction has to be arranged, which entails great cost.

The object of the invention is to provide a cable trough assembly without the above-described disadvantages .

To that end, the cable trough assembly according to the preamble of claim 1 is characterized by the features recited in the characterizing clause of claim 1.

Due to its being manufactured from plastic, the cable trough profile is light in weight. The at least two legs which make an angle with each other render the construction of the cable trough profile stiff. Due to its light weight and its stiff construction, the cable trough profile is self-supporting and can span a great distance without undue sagging. Since both the cable trough profiles and the connecting pieces of the assembly are manufactured from plastic, corrosion has no hold, or hardly any, on these elements. Their use in a corrosive environment is therefore very well possible. The assembly parts do not need any anti- corrosion treatment, such as for instance a painting treatment. The cable trough profiles need only be made to the desired length, which can be effected, for instance, with a saw, whereafter the different cable trough profiles can be joined together by means of connecting pieces. Sawing off and assembling the cable trough profiles gives no rise to the risk of sparking. This is an important advantage, in particular in environments involving explosion hazards, such as for instance factory sites. Since the connections between the different parts of the cable trough system are all effected by snapping, the cable trough assembly according to the invention can be assembled about four times as fast as a

conventional cable trough system made of metal. Since all parts of the cable trough assembly can be manufactured by extrusion or moulding, the assembly can be realized in an economic manner. Further elaborations of the different parts of the cable trough assembly are described in the subclaims and will be further clarified hereinafter on the basis of a few exemplary embodiments, with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cable trough profile;

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the cable trough profile represented in Fig. 1, with an insert piece and covering profile fitted thereon;

Figs. 3-5 show exemplary embodiments of connecting pieces for interconnecting cable trough profiles as represented in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 shows an intermediate piece serving to fix the connection between a cable trough profile and a connecting piece; Fig. 7 shows an angle piece by means of which a connecting piece can be connected to the surroundings;

Fig. 8 shows an insert piece which can be snap-fitted in the cable trough profile and by means of which a cable binder is connected to the cable trough profile; Fig. 9 shows the connection of a connecting piece as represented in Fig. 3 to a cable trough profile as represented in Fig. 1, with the connection being fixed by means of an intermediate piece as represented in Fig. 6; and

Figs. 10 and 11 show an attachment member by means of which a cable trough profile can be attached directly to the surroundings.

The drawings show parts of an assembly for guiding and suspending cables K in buildings and factories or on factory sites. The assembly comprises at least cable trough profiles 1 (Figs. 1 and 2) and connecting pieces 2, 3, 4, as for instance a bend piece 2 (Fig. 3), a T-piece 3 (Fig. 4) , and straight connecting pieces 4 (Fig. 5) . The assembly according to the invention is characterized in that both the cable trough profiles 1 and the connecting pieces 2, 3, 4 are manufactured from plastic. The cross section of the cable trough profiles 1 shows a web portion 5 and at least two legs 6, with the legs 6 defining a substantially triangular cable accommodation space 7 between them. The exemplary embodiment depicted shows a cable trough profile 1 with four legs 6a-6d extending from the web portion 5. The legs 6a-6d are arranged in the form of a cross, with each pair of adjacent legs 6a-6b, 6b-6c, 6c-6d, 6d-6a defining a substantially triangular cable accommodation space 7. Due to the legs 6a-6d being arranged at an angle relative to each other, the cable trough profile 1 has a great stiffness, so that a large span can be effected with the cable trough profile 1 without the cable trough profile 1 sagging. The cable trough profiles 1 are self-supporting as a result of their high stiffness with respect to their relatively low weight per linear meter. By virtue of the self-supporting function of the cable trough

profiles 1, the cable trough assembly needs to be supported at much fewer points than the known cable trough systems. The presence of the legs 6a-6d arranged in the form of a cross provides four triangular cable accommodation spaces 7. A cable trough profile 1 accordingly can accommodate cables K on four sides, so that the capacity of the cable trough profiles 1, that is, the number of cables K a single cable trough profile 1 is capable of guiding, is large. The depicted exemplary embodiment with the four legs 6a-6d is symmetrical with respect to four longitudinal median planes, so that the stiffness of this profile is the same in at least four rotational positions, which facilitates assembly. As is clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the web portion 5 of the cable trough profile 1 is of tubular design. The shape of the internal cross section 5a of the tubular web portion 5 corresponds with the shape of the external cross section 8 (see Figs. 3-5) of the free ends 9 of the connecting pieces 2, 3, 4. The connecting pieces are therefore slidably receivable in the tubular web portions 5 at the ends of the cable trough profile 1. Because the shape of the internal cross section 5a of the tubular web portion 5 corresponds with the shape of the external cross section 8 of the free ends 9 of the connecting pieces 2, 3, 4, and this shape is not circular, the cable trough profiles 1 are connected to the connecting pieces 2, 3, 4 in such a manner as to be restrained from rotation.

In order to limit the extent to which the connecting pieces 2, 3, 4 can be slid into the web portion 5, the

connecting pieces 2, 3, 4 at the free ends 9 thereof comprise integrally formed lips 10 extending parallel to and spaced from the free ends 9 of the connecting pieces 2 , 3 , 4. In the assembled condition of the connecting pieces 2, 3, 4, the lips 10 abut against the outer circumference of the web portion 5 and thus are disposed in the cable accommodation space 7 of the cable trough profile 1.

The manner in which the connection between a connecting piece 2, 3, 4 and a cable trough profile 1 is effected, is represented in Fig. 9. In order to also limit the relative displacement of a connecting piece 2, 3, 4 and a cable trough profile 1 away from each other, the connection is fixed by means of an intermediate piece 11 (Fig. 6) . In the fixed condition of the connection, a limited displacement of the cable trough profile 1 relative to the connecting piece 2, 3, 4 in the longitudinal direction of the cable trough profile 1 is possible. Such a displacement in longitudinal direction is of importance for accommodating changes in length of the cable trough profiles 1 as a result of, for instance, fluctuations of temperature. The intermediate piece 11, as is clearly shown in Fig. 6, comprises at a first end 12 thereof a substantially U-shaped coupling portion of which the legs 12a, 12b include an angle which substantially corresponds with the angle included by the legs 6a-6d of the cable trough profile 1. The U-shaped coupling portion 12 is receivable in the cable accommodation space 7 through a snap connection and so is connectible to the cable trough profile 1. The intermediate piece 11 at a

second end thereof comprises hook-shaped snap elements 13 adapted for engagement of the connecting piece 2, 3, 4, and a slotted hole 14 in which a projection 15 of the connecting piece 2, 3, 4 is receivable. The slotted hole 14, together with the projection 15, limits the movement of the cable trough profile 1 relative to the connecting piece 2, 3, 4.

As is shown clearly in Figs. 1 and 2, the free ends of the legs 6a-6d of the cable trough profiles 1 comprise a thickened edge 20a-20d, anchor-shaped in cross section. The snap connection between the U-shaped coupling portion 12 of the intermediate piece 11 and the cable trough profile 1 is formed in that the legs 12a, 12b of the coupling portion 12 can each be clamped, by the free ends thereof, behind an anchor-shaped thickening 20a-20d. The connection between the intermediate piece 11 and the cable trough profile 1 can thus be readily effected by snapping the two parts into each other without utilizing any tools. The connection between the intermediate piece 11 and a connecting piece 2, 3, 4 is also effected by snapping them onto each other. A complete cable trough assembly can therefore be composed by snap connections.

It is clear that under certain conditions, fixing the connection between a cable trough profile 1 and a connecting piece 2, 3, 4 can also be effected without intermediate piece 11. Thus the connecting pieces 2, 3, 4 can be joined to the cable trough profile 1 by gluing, for instance. In particular when the chances of expansion and shrink of the cable trough profiles 1 are minimized, even a loose

connection can suffice. Thus a connecting piece 2, 3, 4 could be glued to the cable trough profile 1 at one end of the cable trough profile 1, while the connecting piece situated at the other end of the cable trough profile 1 is merely connected loosely to the cable trough profile 1. Thus the cable trough profile 1 is still fixedly connected to the surroundings while yet some expansion and shrink can occur.

The connection of the cable trough assembly to the surroundings is effected by angle pieces 16 which are fixedly connectible to the connecting pieces 2, 3, 4 and to elements of the surroundings . The angle pieces 16 are only mentioned by way of example: it goes without saying that straight plate elements with slotted holes or other supports can also be used to connect the connecting pieces 2, 3, 4 to elements of the surroundings . Elements of the surroundings can for instance be walls, ducts, frame constructions, ceilings or like elements.

The cable trough assembly can be assembled with the above-described parts. Now the cables K need to be connected to the assembly. To that end, the assembly comprises insert pieces 17 (Fig. 8) which are fixedly receivable in the triangular cable accommodating space 7 of a cable trough profile 1 through a snap connection. The insert pieces 17 comprise means 18 for connecting cable binders 19 with the insert pieces 17. Such cable binders are known per se and commercially available as a standard part. The insert pieces 17 are designed as profiles which are relatively short with respect to the cable trough profile 1, having a

substantially U-shaped cross section. The legs 17a, 17b of the U-shaped insert piece 17 include an angle which corresponds substantially to the angle included by the legs 6a-6d of the cable trough profile 1. The means for connecting the cable binders 19 to the insert piece 17 are designed as two orifices 18 in the legs 17a, 17b of the insert piece 17. To form the snap connection between the insert pieces 17 and the cable trough profile 1, the legs 17a, 17b of the insert piece 17 can each be clamped, by the free ends thereof, behind the anchor-shaped thickening 20a- 20d of the legs 6a-6d. Between the cable trough profile 1 and the insert piece 17, at the location of the apical angle of the substantially triangular cable accommodation space defined by the legs 6a-6d, there is a space through which extends a part of the cable binder 19. In order to guide the cable binder in a simple manner from one orifice 18, via the space mentioned, to the other orifice, it is particularly advantageous when the apical angle of the substantially triangular cable accommodation space 7 is rounded off. For the purpose of fitting the cables K, the insert pieces 17 are snapped in the cable trough profiles 1, whereafter the cable binders 19 are fitted and thereafter the cables K are mounted on the cable trough assembly by means of the cable binders. It is also possible to connect the insert pieces 17 to the cables K to be guided by means of cable binders 19, whereafter the insert pieces are snapped in the cable trough profiles.

Under certain conditions, the cables K need to be covered. To that end, the assembly comprises a covering profile 28 which is connectible to the cable trough profile 1 through a snap connection and is so designed as to close off the cable accommodation space 7 in assembled condition. The covering profile 28, which is represented in Fig. 2, comprises resilient lips 29 which, for the purpose of forming the snap connection, can each be clamped, by the free ends 29a thereof, behind the anchor-shaped thickening 20-20d of two adjacent legs 6a-6b, 6b-6c, 6c-6d, 6d-6a of the cable trough profile 1.

The insert pieces 17 as well as the cable binders 19, and the covering profiles 28 can be connected to the cable trough assembly without necessitating special tools for the purpose. Assembly occurs through simple snap connections without giving rise to the risk of sparking. In particular in environments involving risks of explosion, such as for instance a factory site, this provides a great advantage over the known cable trough systems, which are often manufactured from metal.

When due to certain circumstances it is impossible to interrupt a cable trough profile 1 with a straight connecting piece 4 for the purpose of assembling the cable trough profile 1, use can be made of an attachment member 21 which is represented in Figs. 10 and 11. The attachment member 21 is adapted for engagement, through a snap connection, of two adjacent legs 6a-6b, 6b-6c, 6c-6d, 6d-6a of the cable trough profile 1. In addition, the attachment

member 21 is connectible to an element of the surroundings, such as for instance a wall or a ceiling. The attachment member 21 comprises a carrying part 22 and a hinge part 23 which is connected to the carrying part 22 through a hinge 24 and which in a fixed condition engages, by a free end 25 remote from the hinge 22, behind the anchor-shaped thickened edge 20 of a leg 6 of the cable trough profile 1. In the fixed condition, the carrying part 22, through a projection 26 thereof, engages behind the anchor-shaped thickened edge 20 of an adjacent leg 6 of the cable trough profile 1. A second projection 27 under the carrying part 22 retains the hinge part 23 in the fixed condition. Such a construction is necessary to provide a firm support of the cable trough profile 1 when support by means of angle pieces 16 which are attached to connecting pieces 2, 3, 4 is not possible. Such a situation could arise when the cable K should not be exposed to the environment at the location of the support, but should be screened off entirely by the cable trough profile 1 and a covering profile 28. Fig. 10 shows the cable trough profile 1 right before it is snapped on the attachment member 21 and Fig. 11 shows the cable trough profile 1 in snapped condition.

Because the connecting pieces 2, 3, 4 comprise no cable trough accommodation space, all bend pieces for the different kinds of bends can be of equal design, so that much fewer different parts are necessary for the assembly of the cable trough assembly. Moreover, making connecting pieces for junctions has become much simpler. Thus, without

special efforts, in addition to the T-piece, a connecting piece can be manufactured which is designed as a four-way junction piece by means of which four cable trough profiles can be connected with each other. Without interfering with the four-way junction piece, the cables K can easily be guided from one cable trough profile to the other cable trough profile.

The term cable K such as it is used in the present specification is to be understood to mean: power cables, gas pipes, pumping lines, glass fiber cables, and like energy or information carrying cables and/or lines.

It is clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described. Thus, for instance, an intermediate piece 11, when it is to transmit a substantial bearing force, can be glued to the cable trough profile by means of the U-shaped coupling portion 12. Shrink and expansion of the cable trough profile 1 are still possible by virtue of the sliding connection between the intermediate piece 11 and the connecting piece 2, 3, 4. It is also possible, when a single cable trough profile does not provide sufficient cable accommodation space, to connect a second cable trough profile with the first cable trough profile. To that end, the assembly can comprise special coupling members which are designed as two U-shaped insert pieces which, having their respective base facing away from each other, are interconnected through a partition and form an integral coupling member. It is clear that it is possible

to extend the assembly with other parts for the purpose of other functions, not described here.