AU662163B2

AU662163B2 - Ducting system assembly

Info

Publication number: AU662163B2
Application number: AU23519/92A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Noel Booth; Ian Green; Graeme Rojo
Original assignee: Moduline Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Clipsal Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1988-08-26
Filing date: 1992-09-11
Publication date: 1995-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2009-08-25
Also published as: AU2351992A; AU662163C

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT P/00/011 Regulation 3. 2 a. 0 4 6. 1.

0..q 0 4' Invention Title: Ducting system assembly The following statement Is a full description of this Invention, including the best method of perfoirmIng It known to us: 1P61594/IP 10/09/92 iit 1 E :I e: -ll- ,c~ DUCTING SYSTEM ASSEMBLY ri ai S i4 a f 8*a a -n i a.

N ii alafta The invention relates to a ducting system assembly. In particular, the assembly is adapted for use with electric cables, such as power cables, telecommunication cables and data cables.

Electric cable ducting system assemblies have been developed over a number of years for use in buildings and other installations. By having separate electric cable ducting to carry cable it is possible to avoid the need to run cable within the wall cavity which is traditionally carried out during construction. Ducting may be installed on the exterior face of the wall and may conveniently also constitute the skirting board. Clearly, the double use of these ducts makes them attractive from a maintenance point of view as well. In particular, as these ducts are external to the wall cavity they allow the cables to be easily accessed.

The ducting commonly in use may have one or more longitudinal chambers depending upon how many services cables) are to be located in it. These separate chambers are needed when the ducting is to house cables used for different purposes. Typically, electric cables relating variously to data processing systems, power supply systems, telecommunication systems and other systems are each isolated in separate chambers within the same duct, by means of a series of rigid, impenetrable, internal walls. Usually the ducting is manufactured by an extrusion technique and as such the walls may be formed in the original extrusion.

Safety requirements determine that the electric cable is not to be exposed outside the duct. Therefore, external connector assemblies such as computer power sockets, power points or telephone cable sockets are affixed to the surface of the duct to receive ends of the cable. As a result, external connector assemblies are normally located on the duct directly above the chamber in which the cable system connected to it is located. Where the duct is also used as a skirting board and a number of different cables are utilised, the socket assemblies are spread both laterally across and longitudinally along the surface of the duct and do not result in an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

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2 The invention has arisen from a study of electric cable ducting systems assemblies currently in use, and a desire to achieve a substantially axial appearance in the location of the external connector assemblies. Surprisingly, in pursuing this object it has also been found that an improved location system can be achieved.

Summary of the Invention Accordingly, there is provided a ducting system assembly including a duct having at least two longitudinal chambers adapted to receive electrical cable, including at least a first longitudinal chamber and a second longitudinal chamber which each have an open longitudinal side and which are separated from one another by an inner wall, a connector assembly to receive an electrical cable plug, the connector assembly including a connector assembly housing for a part of the connector assembly external to the duct and the connector assembly being locatable in use on the open longitudinal side of the first longitudinal chamber, wherein the inner wall extends transversely substantially across the duct and has an opening or a displaceable portion, the opening or displaceable portion being a passageway for cable from the first longitudinal chamber to the second longitudinal chamber.

0* o or o *0 0s 0 alr o 0 0 90 0 04 as According to a second form of the invention, there is a provided a ducting system assembly for electrical cable including a duct having at least two longitudinal chambers adapted to receive electrical cable, including a first longitudinal chamber and a second longitudinal chamber which each have an open longitudinal side and which are separated from one another by an inner wall, a connector assembly to receive an electrical cable plug, the i, connector assembly being locatable in use on the open longitudinal side of the first longitudinal chamber, a cover plate locatable on the open longitudinal sides of the first and second longitudinal chambers and, in use, extending across an edge of the inner wall, a back shielding cover locatable in use in the first chamber behind the external connector assembly to define a further chamber with the connector assembly, the first chamber rear of the back shielding cover thereby being isolated from both the further chamber and the connector assembly, wherein the inner wall extends transversely substantially across the Z. OF0 3 duct and is adapted to define a passageway with a surface of the cover plate which passageway is located to permit passage of cable from the first longitudinal chamber to the second longitudinal chamber.

According to a third form of the invention, there is a provided a ducting system assembly including a duct having at least two longitudinal chambers adapted to receive electrical cable, including a first longitudinal chamber and a second longitudinal chamber which each have an open longitudinal side and which are separated from one another by an inner wall, a connector assembly to receive an electrical cable plug, the connector assembly including a connector assembly housing for a part of the connector assembly external to the duct and the connector assembly being locatable in use on the open longitudinal side of the first longitudinal chamber, a back shielding cover locatable in use in the first chamber behind the external connector assembly to define a further chamber with the connector assembly, the first chamber rear of the back shielding cover thereby being isolated from 4both the further chamber and the connector assembly, wherein the inner wall extends S- transversely substantially across the duct and the connector assembly housing, when ip o• located on the open longitudinal side of the first longitudinal chamber, extends at least partially across the open longitudinal sides of the first and second longitudinal chambers i and defines with the inner wall a passageway for cable from the first longitudinal chamber to the second longitudinal chamber.

STypically the connector assembly housing includes at least one terminal to which the cable is to be connected. As the connector assembly housing traverses at least two chambers and as a portion of the wall is displaceable, it is possible to feed the respective cables located in each chamber beneath each connector assembly housing to axially i align the external connector assemblies.

Preferably the wall is removable from the duct housing. It may comprise a base member engageable with a portion of the duct housing and a separator means including at least one displaceable divider. Where there are two dividers, they can define a further .4y. chamber interposed between the longitudinal chambers.

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3A Preferably, the wall is fabricated from flexible material. In this arrangement the flexible material may be displaced to allow the cable to be lead to the connector assembly.

Similarly by using appropriate semi-flexible material, it is also possible to form a perforation, notch or hole in the wall material or otherwise remove a part of the wall to allow the passage of the cable to the connector assembly. Typically, the flexible 9t.Q 4 4 4r c Cl it

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4 material is a plastic. Alternatively, the displaceable portion of the wall may be fabricated of resilient material.

Typically, the wall is attached at an angle against the inside of the outer wall of the duct housing destined to support the connector housing. Where the outer wall of the duct housing is a cover plate which is removable, usually to allow maintenance, the resilient material can force the cover plate or outer wall against retaining lugs incorporated in the upper or lower sections of the duct to hold the cover plate or wall firmly in position.

In another preferred form of the invention the assembly includes a duct housing having at least three longitudinal chambers. In this arrangement, in situ, the separating walls define with the duct or cover plate an external passageway to enable cables to be fed from either chamber to the connector assembly and hence to the electrical connectors, which are part of the connector assembly.

In a more particular form of an embodiment of the invention previously mentioned, access to the connector assembly from a first chamber may be isolated from an adjoining to chamber by providing the wall with at least two subsidiary walls. These walls may be of 'any convenient cross-sectional shape, e.g. straight, curved, or kinked. At least one of the subsidiary walls is partially removable or displaceable to enable cable in one of the 00 chambers to access the connector housing. For example, the edge closest to the Sconnector housing and the first chamber may be removed or displaced to form the passageway or access described above. Alternatively, the adjoining chamber may similarly be isolated by an interior housing located in the adjoining chamber which defines a further chamber with the connector assembly located above the adjoining L( t( chamber. Cable may be lead into this further chamber from the first chamber.

The invention will now be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a duct with external connector assemblies according to the prior art.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of one form of the invention.

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Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a wall insert for ducting according to another form of the invention.

Figures 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of alternative wall configurations.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second form of the invention.

VFigure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a third form of the invention.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth form of the invention.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth form of the invention.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative wall configuration involving the use of subsidiary walls.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a form of the invention showing a telephone outlet housing with the appropriate connection assemblies.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a form of the invention showing a power point connector housing with the power point connection assemblies.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a form of the invention showing a cable outlet :04 housing with the appropriate data outlet connection assemblies.

Figure 1 depicts the arrangement commonly adopted in the prior art. As illustrated, the external connector assemblies are offset from each other in two out of three possible Splanes to ensure direct connection between the relevant cable and chambei- and the 444 4 designated connector assembly. This arrangement has been found to be highly space inefficient and lacking aesthetic appeal.

In figure 2, a duct 1 is shown which comprises three chambers 2 defined by walls 3.

Walls 3 form part of a divider 4 which is attached to duct 1 by clip 5. Duct 1 also has a facia member 6 which is engaged in slot 7 along one edge and is held in position at its upper edge under the influence of resilient member 8 of wall 3.

Abutting the front face of member 6 is a connector assenibly housing 9 which extends S. l across the three chambers 2 and within which electric terminals (not shown) are located.

14 K I1IY 7 6 In use, cables destined for different purposes are located in respective chambers 2. A cable running along chamber 2A can be directly connected to electric terminals in a connector assembly (not shown), which is partly housed by connector assembly housing 9. The cables passing through chamber 2B may be passed behind resilient member 8 into connector assembly housing 9 or alternatively resilient member 8 may be partially trimmed to allow appropriate access. As can be seen from the extension of connector assembly housing 9 below lower wall 3, it is also possible for a cable in chamber 2C to access connector assembly housing 9.

Of course, in use, three cables would not be located in the same connector assembly housing 9 and the above description merely indicates the fact that notwithstanding which cable containing chamber is selected, it is possible to utilise axially located connector assembly housing 9.

Similar arrangements are depicted in figures 6, 7 and 8 and like components are given like numerals.

In figure 6 an alternative form of divider is used to provide walls 3. In this arrangement *base plates 10 are retained on the rear wall of duct 1. Walls 3 project from these P P -plates 10 and are provided with resilient fingers 8. Unlike the arrangement depicted in figure 2 these fingers 8 do not have the function of holding facia member 6 in position.

Similarly connector assembly housing 9 extends further over chamber 2B.

I. In figure 7 yet another type of wall 3 is depicted. This comprises a smaller base plate .and an alternative shape of wall 3 which is more particularly shown in figure 5. The outer portion of wall 3 in figure 5 is hatched and indicates the resilient fingers 8. The crossmember 11 provides a support upon which the connector assembly (in ghost outline) can be located. An alternative plain wall 3 structure is shown in figure 4. Again the hatched section 8 is of resilient material.

In figure 8, an alternative simplified arrangement very similar to figure 2 is depicted, Unlike figure 2, the connector assembly housing 9 does not extend substantially over h~,iic~ ~A -1 rl. 7 chamber 2B. Nevertheless it is still accessible from chamber 2B either by deforming resilient material 8 or forming an aperture in it.

Figure 3 is yet another example of an alternative insert into duct 1 of Figure 8 where there is an increased depth of duct i. Apart from this, it depicts two walls 2 and a resilient arm 8 of the type described with reference to figure 2.

In figure 9 a different illustration of the invention is shown which does not rely upon the provision of resilient arms or flexible fingers 8. Rather the extended connector assembly housing support 12 is part of duct 1 and a connector assembly housing 9 is mounted on it. Arms 3 are co-extruded with duct 1 and are rigid. At the end of the lower of arms 3 are holders 13 to retain a back shielding cover or interior housing 14.

In use, due to the shape of connector assembly housing support 12 and the fact that it projects away from arms 3, passageways 15 are formed to permit passage therethrough of cables (not shown) and thus allows the axial positioning of connector assembly housing 9.

Of course, the external connector assembly housing 9 may simultaneously perform the function of housing support 12. In this way, a cable can be led from the top chamber through an opening in the housing support 12, or cover plate as it is often called when it is planar (or substantially two-dimensional), to the rear of the external connector assembly. In order to maintain segregation (or isolation) between this cable and any cable in the central chamber, a back shielding cover 14 or interior housing is included.

Thus, although not illustrated, the features of the embodiments shown in figures 2 and 9 can be combined so that the connector assembly housing 9 is located as shown in figure 2 but with rigid walls 3 and an interior housing 14 as shown in figure 9.

9 0~ (It (L1 I In figure 10, an alternative wall configuration is illustrated. In this arrangement subsidiary walls 16 and 17 are attached to or form part of a wall 3. Passage from chamber 2B to connector assembly housing 9 is made by removing or displacing part of subsidiary wall 16 to form an opening. Chamber 2A remains isolated from chamber 2B in this arrangement by reason of the presence of the undisturbed subsidiary wall 17.

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i:; ii i i 8 Subsidiary wall 16 comprises two parts, being a removable or displaceable part 18 and a rim 19. The rim 19 retains the bulk of a cable located in chamber 2B within that chamber when part 18 is removed or displaced to form an opening to allow access of that cable to connector assembly housing 9. Interior housing 20 functions to isolate chamber 2A from switching or connector assemblies 21 projecting away from connector assembly housing 9 into the space enclosed by duct 1.

In figure 11, a similar arrangement to that in figure 10 is adopted for a telephone outlet housing 9 with connector assemblies 21.

In figure 12, a similar arrangement to that in figure 10 is adopted for a power connector housing except that interior housing 20 not only isolates chamber 2A from switching or connector assemblies 21 but interior housing 20 also functions to divide chamber 2A into two separate or isolated chambers.

In figure 13, a similar arrangement to that in figure 11 is adopted for a cable housing 21.

r o r Passage from chamber 2C to connector assembly housing9 is made through e f ft.passageway 23 between connector assembly housing 9 and wall 2. Interior housing f tfunctions to isolate chamber 2C from switching or connector assemblies 21 projecting t "away from connector assembly housing 9 into the space enclosed by duct 1.

Accordingly, the invention in various forms allows for: ft I, ft oI free passage of an end portion of a cable located in a first chamber to an external N connector assembly located on the open side of a second chamber without

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exposure of the cab,- to an environment outside both the duct and external connector assembly; (ii) isolation of electric cables within their respective chambers other than those points selected for exit of a cable from its respective chamber and subsequent connection to an external connector assembly; and (iii) if desired a longitudinal axial alignment of external connector assemblies, thus S. allowing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

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Claims

3. A ducting system assembly for electrical cable including: a duct having at least two longitudinal chambers adapted to receive electrical cable, including a first longitudinal chamber and a second longitudinal chamber which each have an open longitudinal side and which are separated from one another by an inner wall, a connector assembly to receive an electrical cable plug, the connector assembly including a connector assembly housing for a part of the connector assembly external to the duct and the connector assembly being locatable in use on the open longitudinal side of the first longitudinal chamber, a back shielding cover locatable in use in the first chamber behind the external connector assembly to define a further chamber with the connector assembly, the first chamber rear of the back shielding cover thereby being isolated fiom both the further chamber and the connector assembly, wherein the inner wall extends transversely substantially across the duct and the connector assembly housing, when located on the open longitudinal side of the first longitudinal chamber, extends at least partially across the open longitudinal sides of the first and second longitudinal chambers and defines with the inner wall a passageway for cable from the first longitudinal chamber to the second longitudinal chamber.
4. An assembly according to claim 1 further including a back shielding cover locatable in use in the first chamber behind the external connector assembly to define a further chamber with the connector assembly, the first chamber rear of the back shielding cover thereby being isolated from both the further chamber and the connector assembly. An assembly according to any of claims 1, 3 or 4 in which the inner wall has a longitudinal groove adapted to facilitate the removal of a part of the inner wall to create the passageway. S A ducting system assembly for electrical cable including: 11 a duct having at least two longitudinal chambers adapted to receive electrical cable, including a first longitudinal chamber and a second longitudinal chamber which each have an open longitudinal side and which are separated from one another by an inner wall, a connector assembly to receive an electrical cable plug, the connector assembly being mounted on a connector assembly support locatable in use on the open longitudinal sides of the longitudinal chambers, a back shielding cover locatable in use in the first chamber behind the external connector assembly to define a further chamber with the connector assembly, the first chamber rear of the back shielding cover thereby being isolated from both the further chamber and the connector assembly, wherein the inner wall extends transversely substantially across the duct and the connector assembly support, when located on the open longitudinal sides of the longitudinal chambers, defines with the inner wall a passageway for cable from the first longitudinal chamber to the second longitudinal chamber.
7. An assembly according to claims 1 or 4 in which the displaceable portion of the inner wall is made from a flexible plastic material. H
8. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7 having three longitudinal chambers. 1 m to an o o
9. A ducting system assembly for electrical cable including: *o a duct having at least two longitudinal chambers adapted to receive electrical cable, including at least a first longitudinal chamber and a second longitudinal chamber which t each have an open longitudinal side and which are separated from one another by an inner S. wall, a connector assembly to receive an electrical cable plug, the connector assembly including a connector assembly housing for a part of the connector assembly external to the duct, the connector assembly located on the open longitudinal side of the first longitudinal chamber, 12 wherein the inner wall extends transversely substantially across the duct and has an opening or a displaceable portion, the opening or displaceable portion being a passageway for cable from the first longitudinal chamber to the second longitudinal chamber. A ducting system assembly for electrical cable including: a duct having at least two longitudinal chambers adapted to receive electrical cable, including a first longitudinal chamber and a second longitudinal chamber which each have an open longitudinal side and which are separated from one another by an inner wall, a connector assembly to receive an electrical cable plug, the connector assembly including a connector assembly housing for a part of the connector assembly external to the duct, the connector assembly located on the open longitudinal side of the first longitudinal chamber and extending at least partially across the open longitudinal sides of the first and second longitudinal chambers, wherein the inner wall extends transversely substantially across the duct and defines with 1 ,,the connector assembly housing a passageway for cable from the first longitudinal chamber to the second longitudinal chamber. II. An assembly according to claims 9 or 10 further including a back shielding cover located in the first chamber behind the external connector assembly and defines a further chamber with the connector assembly, the first chamber rear of the back shielding cover thereby being isolated friom both the further chamber and the connector assembly.
12. An assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11 in which a cable is led from a second longitudinal chamber through the passageway to the connector assembly. 3. An assembly according to claims 1, 2 or 9 wherein the connector assembly further includes $I a terminal to receive cable from a longitudinal chamber.
14. An assembly according to any of claims 1, 4, 9 or 13 in which the wall is perforated to form the opening or has notches to facilitate the displacement of the displaceable portion. L I 13 A duct for use in a ducting system assembly which includes a connector assembly, the duct: having at least two longitudinal chambers adapted to receive electrical cable, at least two of the longitudinal chambers each having an open longitudinal side and being separated from one another by an inner wall, the wall extending transversely substantially across the duct and having a longitudinal groove adapted to facilitate the removal of a part of the inner wall to create an opening in the wall, the opening being a passageway for cable, and being adapted to receive the connector assembly, or a mount for the connector assembly, the connector assembly locatable on one of the open longitudinal sides of the chambers.
16. An assembly as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by each of figures 2 to 13 (inclusive). MODULINE PTY LTD 11 September 1992 CO I 9 I i tALI; '0 !i ABSTRACT A ducting system assembly for electrical cable including a duct having longitudinal chambers adapted to receive electrical cable, at least two of the longitudinal chambers each having an open longitudinal side and being separated from one another by an inner wall, the wall extending transversely substantially across the duct, and (ii) a connector assembly to receive an electrical cable outlet, the assembly located on the open side of the chambers and including a connector housing which housing extends across at least two of the open longitudinal sides; the wall having at least one portion which is displaceable or at least one opening to permit passage of cable to the electrical cable outlet. 'li I *'Ii MPSO123/PS