Abstract:
A connecting structure for electric or electronic systems comprising a bracket for directing cables, on which is installed at least one plate supporting connectors. The at least one plate may be fastened, released and moved with respect to the bracket by means of housing slots open in the bracket, rotating hinges connecting the plate to the bracket and means for rotatably lifting the plate with respect to the bracket for servicing. Two plates are preferably installed on each bracket.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This invention refers to a connecting structure for electric or electronic systems which is an improvement of the structure described and depicted in the Italian utility model Patent No. 00220521 filed on Dec. 10, 1990 at the name of the present applicant. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The structure described in the above mentioned utility model essentially consists of a support plate, as shaped as two steps, to which are fastened, within proper holes open in the planes of the two steps, fixed connectors (usually of female kind), and of a cable directing bracket useful to support the plate itself and to direct cables connected to fixed and/or movable connectors present around the plate. 
     Such a structure is certainly of great use in its field, however an increasing demand of compactness of the systems compels to ask for solutions which for the same bracket encumbrance: 
     1. increase, at least doubling, the number of plates connected to any bracket; 
     2. increase the most the possible the number of seats for fixed connectors on any plate, always allowing any manipulation of the connectors and associated cables. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above mentioned objects are met by a structure according to the present invention comprising an essentially rectangular bracket provided with: 
     two superimposed windows for directing cables connected to connectors; 
     two slot pairs substantially parallel to one of the longest sides of the bracket for engaging two half-cylindrical hinges present on the longest side of any plate, supporting the connectors, adjacent the bracket; and 
     at least means for fastening at will any plate to the cable-directing bracket. 
     Specifically, the means for fastening any plate to the cable-directing bracket are two in number and are externally arranged with respect to two slot pairs provided for engaging the hinges. 
     More specifically, the means for fastening any plate to the bracket consist of screws, engaged in threaded members integral with the bracket, anyone crossing a hole, as shaped as an oblong slot in a finger of the plate adjacent the bracket. 
     Preferably, the screws support, between their head and the fingers of the plate, a spring, resting against a washer, operating as a resilient return closing the plate against the bracket. 
     In addition, besides the means to fasten any plate to the bracket, are provided at least means to lift the plate with respect to the bracket to expose the area under the plate, usually hidden, in order to promote checking and servicing thereof. 
     As a variation, it is possible to provide just one means operating, in a first direction, as plate lift with respect to the bracket and, in an opposed direction, as fastener of the plate to the bracket. 
     As an alternative, the means to fasten the plate to the bracket can be spring tang means fastened to the bracket and interfering with slots in the plate. 
     As a further alternative, the means to fasten the plate to the bracket can be latching means arranged on the bracket and engaging at least a shaped hole in the plate. 
     As a variation, the means fastening the plate to the bracket can be latching means arranged on the bracket and engaging a relief arranged on the plate. 
     As a further variation, the means for fastening the plate to the bracket can be latching means arranged on the plate and engaging a relief arranged on the bracket. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The features of the invention will be defined in the claims concluding the present description. However other features and advantages will be detailed in the description of some specific embodiments, not to be considered as limiting the invention, provided with the enclosed drawing, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connection structure, according to the present invention, comprising a cable directing bracket and two plates supporting connectors; 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the only cable-directing bracket; 
     FIG. 3 is a top view of a connector supporting plate according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a front view of the same plate; 
     FIG. 5 is a side profile view of the same plate; 
     FIG. 6 is a side cross-section view of first screw fastening means comprising a screw engaged in a threaded hole open through the bracket and crossing an oblong slot into the plate; 
     FIG. 7 is a side cross-section view of second screw fastening means comprising a screw engaged in an encased nut fastened to the bracket and crossing an oblong slot into the plate; 
     FIG. 8 is a side cross-section view of third screw fastening means comprising a screw engaged in an inserted and riveted nut fastened to the bracket and crossing an oblong slot into the plate; 
     FIG. 9 is a side cross-section view of fourth screw fastening means comprising a driving screw, engaged in a threaded hole open through the bracket and provided with a spring between the head thereof and a washer abutting on the plate to provide a resilient reaction to the lifting of the plate with respect to the bracket; 
     FIG. 10 is a front view of the fastening means depicted in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a side cross-section view of fifth screw fastening means comprising a screw engaged in a threaded hole of the bracket, crossing an oblong slot into the plate and provided with a spring, as in FIG. 9, with in addition a screw, for stiff fastening the plate to the bracket, engaged in a threaded hole present in the same bracket; 
     FIG. 12 is a front view of the fastening means depicted in FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 13 is a side cross-section view of sixth screw fastening means, similar to FIG. 11, with the difference that the screw for rigid fastening is engaged by an encased nut; 
     FIG. 14 is a front view of the fastening means depicted in FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 15 is a side cross-section view of seventh fastening means comprising, besides a screw for rigid fastening of the plate on the bracket, depicted in FIG. 6, a lifting screw engaging a threaded hole in the plate and abutting against a seat in the bracket; 
     FIG. 16 is a front view of the fastening means depicted in FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 17 is a side cross-section view of eighth fastening means comprising, besides a screw for rigid fastening of the plate on the bracket engaging an encased nut fastened to the bracket, as depicted in FIG. 7, a lifting screw engaging a threaded hole in the plate and abutting against a seat in the bracket; 
     FIG. 18 is a side cross-section view of ninth fastening means comprising, bedsides a screw for rigid fastening of the plate on the bracket engaging a nut riveted to the bracket, as depicted in FIG. 8, a lifting screw engaging a threaded hole in the plate and abutting against a seat in the bracket; 
     FIG. 19 is a side cross-section view of tenth fastening means comprising a rigid fastening of the plate against the bracket consisting in a threaded stud bolt, inserted in the bracket, providing to fasten, by means of a nut, the plate against the bracket and a lifting screw engaging a threaded hole in the plate and abutting against a seat in the bracket; 
     FIG. 20 is a side cross-section view of eleventh fastening means comprising a double resilient tang, fastened to the bracket, engaged in a corresponding closed slot of the plate and a lifting screw engaging a threaded hole in the plate and abutting against a seat in the bracket; 
     FIG. 21 is a side cross-section view of twelfth fastening means comprising a simple resilient tang, fastened to the bracket, engaged in a corresponding closed slot of the plate and a lifting screw engaging a threaded hole in the plate and abutting against a seat in the bracket; 
     FIG. 22 is a side cross-section view of thirteenth fastening means comprising a simple resilient tang, fastened to the bracket, engaged in a corresponding open slot or recess of the plate and abutting against a seat in the bracket; 
     FIG. 23 is a side cross-section view of fourteenth fastening means consisting of just one screw means and cylindrical articulations operating both as a lift of the plate with respect to the bracket when it is rotated in a first direction and as fastening of the plate against the bracket, when it is rotated in the opposite direction; 
     FIG. 24 is a front view of the fastening means depicted in FIG. 23; 
     FIG. 25 is a front view of cable directing bracket suitable for a plate for connectors of the FIGS. 23 and 24; 
     FIG. 26 is a top view of one of the plates for supporting connectors to be coupled to the cable bracket of FIG. 25; 
     FIG. 27 is a front view of a plate for connectors to be used with the fastening means of the FIGS. 23 and 24; 
     FIG. 28 is a front view of latch fastening means comprising a turning cylindrical body, fastened to the bracket, and provided with a key to be passed through a cylindrical hole provided with diametrically opposed slots to allow the passing of the key, but permitting an engagement of the key with the plate when the cylindrical body is turned, for example by 90°; 
     FIG. 29 is a side cross-section view of the fastening means depicted in FIG. 25; 
     FIG. 30 is a front view of latch fastening means comprising a bridge, pivoted on the bracket, engaging a relief of the plate; 
     FIG. 31 is a front view of latch fastening means comprising a bridge, pivoted on the plate, engaging a relief of the bracket; 
     FIG. 32 is a front view of latch fastening means comprising a turning cylindrical body, pivoted on the bracket, to be engaged in a semicircular recess in the plate; 
     FIG. 33 is a front view of latch fastening means comprising a turning bevel lever pivoted on the bracket and suited to be rotated for engaging a leg thereof with the plate; and 
     FIG. 34 is a front view of latch fastening means comprising a turning bevel lever pivoted on the plate and suited to be rotated for engaging a leg thereof with the bracket. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference to the FIGS. 1 to  5 , it is seen that a connecting structure  10  according to the invention consists of a cable directing bracket  12  supporting two plates  14  and  16  perpendicular with respect to the bracket  12  and each provided with two planes  18  and  20  having openings  22   a-n  and  24   a-n  suited to house fixed connectors for cables (not shown), in which are inserted movable connectors  28 . 
     Looking specifically at FIGS. 2 and 3, it is seen that any bracket  12  consists of a rear wall  30  provided with two large rectangular windows  32  and  34 , for passing cables, which can be either whole windows or subdivided windows. Further, the rear wall  30 , which can be either smooth for thicker brackets or provided with ribs for thinner brackets, comprises two pairs of rectangular slots  36 ,  38  and  40 ,  42 , into which are inserted half-cylindrical hinges  44  and  46  of the plates  14  and  16  of the connectors, and two oblong recesses  45  and  47  suited to fasten the bracket  12  to some frame member (not shown). Any plate  14  or  16  comprises steps  48  and  50  of which the step  48  separates the respective planes  18  and  20 , while the step  50  has a stiffening function for the plane  18 , possibly operating also as support for frames of indicating tags. Further, the step  48  can have one or more holes (for example  49   a,    49   b,    49   c ) for passing tools acting for the fastening and lifting of the plates  14  and  16  with respect to the bracket  12 . 
     As already mentioned, the plates  14  and  16 , operating as supports for the fixed connectors, have to be easily disengaged from the bracket  12  in order to make checks and repairs under them. To this purpose any plate  14  and  16  is provided with bevelled fingers  52  and  54  abutting against the wall  30  of the bracket  12  and provided with means allowing at least the fastening of the plates  14  and  16  to the bracket  12  and, possibly, a controlled lifting of the plates  14  and  16  by rotation around the half-cylindrical hinges  44  and  46 , being said means, embodied in a plurality of ways, depicted in the following figures. 
     In FIGS. 6 to  8  are depicted simple, fastening means comprising essentially a screw engaged in a corresponding threaded hollow member. 
     In particular, in FIG. 6 it is seen that the wall  30  of the bracket is provided with a threaded hole  60  engaging a screw  62  comprising a head  64  and a threaded shank  66  provided with a washer  68  preventing any possible loss of the screw  62 . The screw  62  crosses an oblong slot  70  through the bevelled finger  52  to allow a rotation of the plate  18  around the hinges  44  and  46  when the screw  62  is loosened, as shown in FIG.  6 . 
     In FIG. 7 is seen a fastening system also comprising a screw  62 , however engaged in a nut  61  of the kind encased in a cage  63  fastened to the wall  30  of the bracket  12 . 
     In FIG. 8 is seen another similar system comprising the screw  62  engaged in a riveted nut. The remainder of the figure is identical to FIG. 6 where the screw  62  has the same function. The nuts  61  and  61   a  of the FIGS. 7 and 8 ensure higher fastening strength of he screw  62  with respect to the simple threaded hole depicted in FIG.  6 . 
     The FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of further fastening means, similar to FIG. 6, in which a long screw  72 , provided with head  74  and threaded shank  76 , is engaged in a threaded hole  60  open through the wall  30  of the bracket  12 . The shank  76  of the screw  72  crosses an oblong slot  70  through the bevelled finger  52  of the plate  14 , allowing rotating movement of plate  14  around the hinges, such as the hinge  44  visible in the figure when the screw  72  is extended enough. The screw  72  is provided at the end of the threaded shank  76 , farthest from the head  74 , with a Seger washer for locking the screw itself in a most unscrewed position. On the shank  76  are inserted a washer  80  and an axial spring  82  which, according to the tightening of the screw  72 , provides a more or less strong pressure on the bevelled finger  52  of the plate  14 , so that, when the screw  72  is at most loosened, it provides a directing function to the plate  14 , in order to avoid exit of the hinges  44 ,  46  from the slots  36 ,  38  of the wall  30  of the bracket  12 , and at the same time allows some lifting rotation of the plate  14 . On the contrary, when the screw  72  is at most tightened, the spring  82  is compressed giving a sufficient resilient strength to the bevelled finger  52  to fasten the finger  52  against the wall  30  of the bracket  12 . In short, the screw  72  with the washer  80  and the spring  82  provides means for both fastening of the plate  14  to the wall  30  of the bracket  12  and directing the plate  14  when, after having loosened the screw  72 , it is desirable to lift by rotation the plate for check and repair of components under the same plate. FIG. 10 shows in front as are arranged the screw  72  and the oblong slot  70 . 
     FIG.  11  and FIG. 12 show another fastening and directing solution of the plate  14  in which to the screw  72  is left just a directing duty, while the fastening duty is provided by another screw  84  provided with head  86  and threaded shank  88  engaged in a threaded hole  90  through the wall  30 . In such a case, the screw  72  can be left always loosened, giving it the simple duty of directing the plate  14 , while by tightening the screw  84  a complete fastening of the bevelled finger  52  against the wall  30 . Of course, to lift the plate  14  with respect to the bracket  12 , it is necessary to loosen the screw  84 , by completely disengaging it from the threaded hole  90 . 
     FIGS. 13 and 14 show a further fastening and directing solution of the plate  14  in which the screw  84  engages the threaded shank  88  in a nut  61  held in touch with the wall  30  by means of a cage  63  in analogy with the solution shown in FIG.  7 . Of course, the screw  72  with the spring  82  has the same directing function of the screw  72  of the solutions depicted in FIGS. 9,  10 ,  11  and  12 . 
     FIGS. 15 and 16 show a solution using a screw  84  for firmly fastening the finger  52  to the wall  30  and a screw  92  for making a stable lifting of the plate  14  with respect to the bracket  12 . The screw  84  is the same of FIG. 11, with the same components and the same functions, so that does not need any additional explanation, while the screw  92 , provided with head  94  and shank  96 , is engaged in a threaded hole  97  open in the finger  52 , is provided with a possible washer  98  against lost and abuts against a seat  100  open in the wall  30  for providing a support allowing the above mentioned solid lifting of the plate  14  when the screw  92  is tighten. Of course, a loosening of the screw  92  makes a drop of the finger  52  for causing the screw  84  to insert the shank  88  in the threaded hole  90  of the wall  30 . 
     FIG. 17 shows a variation of the solution of FIGS. 15 and 16 in which a screw  62 , engaged in an encased nut  61 , crosses an oblong slot  70  in the finger  52 , so that when the screw  92  pushes to lift the plate  14 , the shank  66  of the screw  62  can follow the rotation lifting of the finger  52 . 
     FIG. 18 is completely similar to FIG. 17 with just the exception that, instead of the encased nut  61 , a riveted nut  61   a  is used. 
     FIG. 19 shows a solution in which instead of the screw  62  of the FIGS. 17 and 18, a stud bolt  102  is used comprising a head  104  and a threaded shank  108  inserted in an oblong slot  70  of the finger  52  and engaged by a nut  106  which, by a means, such as a pipe spanner, can fasten the finger  52  against the wall  30 . The screw  92  provides the usual lifting by rotation of the finger  52 . 
     FIG. 20 shows a solution in which to fasten the finger  52  to the wall  30  are used resilient fastening means  110  comprising two resilient shaped tangs  112  and  114 , which are different in length for reasons of the rotating movement of the finger  52  around the hinge  44 , engaged in a window  115  open in the finger  52 . The two fingers  112  and  114  form just one body with a bridge  116  open for the passage of a rivet  118  fixing the fastening resilient means  110  to the wall  30  of the bracket  12 . A screw  92  engaged in a threaded hole  97  of the finger  52  and abutting against a seat  100  of the wall  30  provides the usual lifting by rotation of the finger  52 . 
     FIG. 21 shows a solution in which to fasten the finger  52  to the wall  30  are used resilient fastening means  110   a  comprising a resilient shaped tang  112   a  engaged in a window  115  open in the finger  52 . The tang  112   a  is extended in a bevelled open finger  116   a  crossed by a rivet  118  fixing the resilient fastening means  110   a  to the wall  30  of the bracket  12 . The screw  92  provides the usual lifting by rotation of the finger  52 . 
     FIG. 22 shows an alternative solution, similar to FIG. 21, with only the difference that resilient fastening means  110   b,  comprising a tang  112   b,  extended in a open bevelled finger  116   b  fixed by means of a rivet  118   b  to the wall  30 , engaging a recess  120 , open along a side. The screw  92  provides the usual lifting by rotation of the finger  52 . 
     FIG. 23 shows a particular solution comprising just one screw means and cylindrical articulations operating both as a lift of the plate  14  with respect to the bracket  12  and as fastening of the same plate  12  against the bracket  12 . The above mentioned screw and cylindrical articulation means consists of a special screw  130  comprising a head  132 , a first portion of threaded shank  134  extended in a second smooth portion  136  of smaller diameter bounded by two Seger washers  138  and  140 . The threaded shank  134  is engaged in a threaded hole of a first cylinder  142 , which is fastened to the finger  52  by a cage  144 . The smooth shank  136  of smaller diameter is engaged in a corresponding smooth hole of a second cylinder  146 , fastened by a cage  148  to a finger  39  of the bracket  12 , as it is visible in the subsequent FIG.  25 . The cage  148  is provided with a window  150  through which passes the shank  136  with the Seger washer  140 . Both the finger  52   a  and the finger  39  are provided with respective oblong slot windows  152  and  154  having the duty to prevent forcing of the shanks  134  and  136  of the special screw  130  during the lifting movement of the plate  14  with respect to the bracket  12 , as visible in the shaded line representation of the same finger having numeral  52   a′,  with the screw having the numeral  130 ′. It results obvious with this particular solution that, when the screw  130  is rotated to be lightened, it moves the first cylinder  142  far from the finger  39  of the bracket  12 , as the Seger washer  138 , fastened to the shank  136 , abuts against the second cylinder  146  retained by the cage  148  against the finger  39 . It results that the cage  144  of the cylinder  142  trails in lifting rotation the finger  52   a.  On the contrary, when the screw  130  is rotated for loosing, the first cylinder  142  is pushed against the finger  39  of the bracket  12  while the Seger washer  140  retains the shank of the screw  130  against the second cylinder  146 , so that the finger  52   a  of the plate  14  is pushed against the finger  39  of the bracket  12  till stopping against it, as indicated by the full line depiction of FIG.  23 . 
     In order to have the lifting and fastening depicted in FIG. 23 easily operating, it needs to use no more than one of it for every plate  14  and  16  mounted on the bracket  12  and both he bracket  12  and the plates  14  and  16  have to be modified as depicted in the FIGS. 25,  26  and  27 . 
     Referring to the above mentioned Figures, it is seen that a bracket  12   a  is similar to the bracket  12  of the FIG. 2 with the exception of a finger  39  located midway the upper side of a rectangular window  32   a,  corresponding to the window  32  of the FIG. 2, and two oblong slot windows  154  and  154  aligned with the middle of the finger  39 . The finger  39  operates for the self-evident purpose of providing support to the second cylinder  146  of the lifting and fastening means of FIG.  23 . Looking now at FIGS. 26 and 27, it is seen that a plate  14   a  is similar to the plate  14  depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 with the exception of an auxiliary finger  52   a,  having the purpose of engaging the first cylinder  142  of the lifting and fastening means of FIG. 23, and of only one hole  49   c  on the step  48  to gain access to the head  132  of the screw  130 . 
     Reference is made to FIGS. 28 and 29 depicting first latch fastening means of the finger  52  of the plate  14  against the wall  30  of the bracket  12 . This latch  160  consists of a cylindrical body  162  provided with a key  164  allowing to rotate it around a support  166  riveted in the wall  30 . The cylindrical body  162 , with the key  164 , passes through a hole  168  provided with diametrical slots  170  and  172  allowing the crossing of the latch  160  through the finger  52 , when it is located as shown by full lines in the FIG. 28, while locks the finger  52  against the wall  30  by a 90° rotation to reach the position indicated by  164   a  in the same FIG.  28 . Of course, this latch fastening means can be associated to a lifting screw, such as the screw  92  depicted in the FIGS. 15 to  22 . 
     FIG. 30 depicts a second latch fastening means of the finger  52  of the plate  14  against the wall  30  of the bracket  12  consisting of a bridge  180 , turning around a pivot  182 , fastened to the wall  30 , which once turned in the direction indicated by the arrow  184 , brings a recess  186  thereof to embrace a pin  188  fastened to the finger  52 . A fin  190  coming from the bridge  180  and forward protruding, moves the bridge  180  to reach the two respective engaged and, disengaged positions for fastening and release the finger to and from the wall  30 . 
     FIG. 31 depicts another latch fastening means of the finger  52  of the plate  14  against the wall  30  of the bracket  12  consisting of a bridge  200  turning around a pivot  202  fastened to the finger  52  which, when moved according the direction indicated by the arrow  204 , engages a tooth  206  extending from the wall  30 , remaining retained under the same tooth  206 . A rotation in opposite direction of the bridge  200  releases it from the tooth  206 , so releasing the finger  52  from the wall  30 . 
     FIG. 32 depicts a third latch fastening means of the finger  52  of the plate  14  against the wall  30  of the bracket  12  consisting of a key  210 , provided with fins  212 , filling a half-circular recess  214  of the finger  52 , which, when rotated by 90° in the direction indicated by the arrow  216 , reaches the position  212   a  engaging the finger  52  of the plate  14 . 
     FIG. 33 depicts a fourth latch fastening means of the finger  52  of the plate  14  against the wall  30  of the bracket  12  consisting of a bevelled lever  220 , turning around a pivot  222 , fastened to the wall  30 , comprising a first leg  224  and a second leg  226 . The bevelled lever  220  can rotate in the direction of the arrow  228  to have the leg  226  passing over the finger  52 , stopping against a tooth  230  arranged on the wall  30  (but could also be arranged on the finger  52 ). As depicted in the FIG. 33, if the bevelled lever  220  were rotated in the direction reversed with respect to the arrow  228 , should release the finger  52  from the wall  30 , so releasing the plate  14  from the bracket  12 . 
     FIG. 34 depicts a fifth latch fastening means of the finger  52  of the plate  14  against the wall  30  of the bracket  12  consisting of a bevelled lever  240 , turning around a pivot  242 , fastened to the finger  52 , comprising a first leg  244  and a second leg  246  which, when the lever  240  rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow  248 , engages a stopping hook  250  fastened to the wall  30  of the bracket  12 , so ensuring the fastening of the finger  52  to the same wall  30 . Of course, a rotation of the lever  240  in reverse direction with respect to the arrow  248  releases the leg  246  from the stopping hook  250 , releasing the finger  52  from the wall and thus the plate  14  from the bracket  12 . 
     What has been here above disclosed describes just some embodiments of the present invention and it will be easy to those skilled in this art to devise, after having read the preceding description, similar and equivalent solutions to be held as covered by the enclosed claims. 
     For example, the lifting screws  92  do not have necessarily to be equal in number to the fastening means of the fingers  52  of the plates  14  to the wall  30  of the bracket, as it is possible to have just one lifting screw for any plate  14  and being this solution also simpler and more practical than the solution having two lifting screws  92 , because with just one screw is avoided the danger of a not uniform lifting of the plate  14 . Also, the bracket  12   a  depicted in FIG. 25 with the auxiliary finger  39  and corresponding holes under the FIGS. 52 and 54 could be universally used for all the connecting structures  10  according to the present invention. 
     Further, the solution with just the one screw and cylindrical articulation means depicted in FIG. 23 could be reversed with the first cylinder  142  provided with a smooth hole and the second cylinder  146  provided with a threaded hole. This reversal should have the advantage of protruding the screw  130  behind the wall  30  of the bracket  12  instead than in front of the finger  52 , as it appears in the FIG.  23 .