A FRAME CONSTRUCTION PROVIDING LEADTHROUGH FACILITIES FOR CABLES OR LIKE DEVICES

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame structure for providing a lead-through facility for passing cables or like devices sealingly through a wall or like structure. The frame con­ struction is substantially of rectangular configuration and is intended to be filled with packing pieces made of a material which has a given compressibility, in a manner to present through-passing holes which correspond in size and in number to the size and the number of cables or like devices to be passed through the frame construction. The invention is mainly characterized in that the frame con­ struction comprises a plurality of mutually interconnected frame members (1-4) namely at least one frame side-piece (1-3) for each side of the frame, and one corner piece (4) for each corner. The frame construction also comprises partition walls (7-9) which divide the interior of the frame construction into sections substantially perpendicu­ larly to the frame side-pieces (1-3) in the case of frame sides which comprise more than one frame side-piece (1-3). The partition walls (7-9) have the same length as those frame side-pieces (1-3) that extend parallel therewith. A connector device (10) is provided for connecting mutually adjacent and/or intersecting partition walls (7-9) one to the other.

Description: The present invention relates to a frame construction which provides leadthrough facilities for passing cables or like devices sealingly through a wall or like struc­ ture, said frame construction being essentially of rec­ tangular configuration and being intended to be filled with packing pieces having a given compressibility, such as to present through-passing holes, the sizes and numbers of which holes correspond to the sizes and numbers of cables or like devices to be passed through the frame con­ struction. With known leadthrough facilities of this kind, the frame constructions used are normally made of steel or some other metal material, and the frames are constructed on site, e.g. welded together, and are delivered from the factory in a state ready for mounting in a wall or like structure. The frame construction is then connected to the wall, e.g. by cementing the frame construction in a con­ crete wall or by welding the frame construction in posi­ tion in the case of a metal wall. Since the known frame constructions are delivered as completed units, the manu­ facturer is constantly required to hold a large number of different types of frames and different frame sizes in stock, in order to satisfy requirements. Alternatively, the manufacturer must manufacture the frames to suit each order received, which will naturally increase delivery times. Since the frame constructions are relatively bulky, the known frame constructions have the added disadvantage of the higher handling and transport costs commensurately entailed. The object of the invention is to provide a frame con­ struction which avoids the aforesaid drawbacks encountered with prior art frame constructions and which simplifies storage, shortens delivery times and which can be adapted more readily to prevailing conditions on the building site. This object is achieved in accordance with the invention by means of a frame construction of the afore­ said kind which is essentially characterized in that it comprises a plurality of mutually interconnected frame components, namely at least one frame side-piece for each frame side and a corner piece for each frame corner; in that partition walls are provided for dividing the inte­ rior of the frame construction into sections essentially at right angles to the frame side-pieces in the case of frame sides which comprise more than one frame side-piece; in that the partition walls are mutually of the same length as those frame side-pieces which extend parallel with respective partition walls; and in that a connector device is provided for connecting together mutually adja­ cent and/or mutually intersecting partition walls. The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a frame con­ struction according to the invention; Figs. 2a and 2b are respectively a front view and a side view of a frame side-piece incorporated in the frame con­ struction of Fig. 1; Figs. 3a and 3b are respectively a side view and a front view of a corner piece incorporated in the frame construc­ tion according to the invention; Figs. 4a and 4b are respectively a side view and a front view of a partition wall incorporated in the frame con­ struction according to Fig. 1; and Fig. 5 is a front view of a connector means incorporated in the frame construction shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a frame con­ struction according to the invention. The illustrated frame construction comprises a plurality of interconnected frame members, namely frame side-pieces 1, 2 and 3, and corner pieces 4. Mutually adjacent frame members are joined together by means of fastening devices 5, 6. Each side of the illustrated frame construction comprises two side-pieces 1, 2, 3 which have mounted therebetween a respective partition wall 7, 8 and 9. The partition walls 7-9 divide the space within the frame construction into sections, and the ends of the partition walls remote from the frame side-pieces 1-3 are connected to a connector device 10. The frame construction shown in Fig. 1 merely illustrates the principle according to which the inventive frame con­ struction is achieved, and it will be understood that frame constructions that comprise a desired number of sec­ tions to suit mutually different pruposes can be achieved by varying the number of side-pieces 1-3 and partition walls 7-9 used. Each section of the frame construction is intended to be filled with packing pieces made of a mate­ rial having a given compressibility, such as to present in said sections a plurality of through-passing holes which correspond in size and number to the size and number of cables or like devices to be passed through said sections or said frame construction. Since these components form no part of the present invention, they have not been shown in the drawing. The frame side-pieces 1-3 incorporated in the inventive frame construction differ from one another only with regard to their respective lengths, which also app­ lies to the illustrated partition walls 7-9. It will be understood, however, that partition walls of a different configuration to that shown may be required in the case of frame constructions in which one frame side comprises solely a single frame side-piece or comprises more than two side-pieces. This will be described in more detail hereinafter. As beforementioned, the frame side-pieces 1-3 are iden­ tical with one another with the exception of their respec­ tive lengths. Figs. 2a and 2b illustrate a particular frame side-piece 2, although it will be understood that the following description of this frame side-piece also applies to the remaining frame side-pieces 1 and 2. As illustrated in Figs. 2a and 2b, the frame side-piece 2 includes a flat piece 11, having a surface 12 which when the frame construction is mounted in position faces the interior of the frame construction and forms a support for the packing pieces placed in the frame. A stiffening flange 13 extends outwardly from one longitudinal edge of the plate 11 away from the support surface 12. The short sides of the plate 11 have provided thereon end flanges 14 and 15 which extend out from the plate 11 in the same direction as the stiffening flange 13. The end flanges 14 and 15 are connected to the stiffening flange 13 and have a height or depth which corresponds to the height or depth of the stiffening flange 13 in the region where the end flanges adjoin the stiffening flange, and which decrease in depth in a direction towards the other long side of the plate 11, as illustrated in Fig. 2b. The end flanges 14 and 15 are provided with recesses 16 and 17 respectively, which are substantially parallel with the plate 11 and are open in a direction away from the stiffening flange 13. The recesses 16 and 17 are intended to accommodate respective connecting devices 5 and 6. In order to enable the frame side-piece 2 to be aligned more precisely with an adjacent corner piece 4 or partition wall 7-9, each end flange 14, 5 is provided on its out­ wardly directed surface around respective recesses 16 and 17 with a projection 18 and 19, which has the form of a shoulder or strip and which is intended for engagement with a corresponding recess or channel in an adjacent corner piece 4 or partition wall 7-9 as described in more detail hereinafter. Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate a corner piece 4, which is con­ structed to fit frame side-pieces 1-3 having the configu­ ration illustrated in Figs. 2a and 2b. Accordingly, the corner piece 4 includes two mutually identical flanges 20 and 21 which extend at right angles to one another and which have the same configuration as the end flanges 14 and 15 on the frame side-piece 2 illustrated in Figs. 2a and 2b. The flanges 20 and 21 on the corner piece 4 are also provided with recesses 22 and 23 respectively of the same configuration as the recesses 16, 17 in respective end flanges 14 and 15 of the frame side-piece 2. The flanges 20 and 21, however, are not provided with projec­ tions around the recesses 22, 23. Instead there are provi­ ded around the recesses 22, 23 on the outer surfaces of the flanges 20, 21, recesses 24 and 25 which are so formed as to be capable of accommodating, with a small clearance, the projections 18 and 19 on a frame side-piece according to Figs. 2a and 2b. The flanges 20 and 21 are connected at their high edges by means of a stiffening flange 26, which imparts the requisite rigidity to the corner piece 4. Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate the partition wall 8 in more detail. It will be understood, however, that the other partition walls 7 and 9 have the same configuration as the partition wall 8, and differ from said partition wall solely with regard to their respective lengths. As will be seen from Fig. 4a in particular, the upper end of the par­ tition wall 8, as seen in the drawing, which is intended to be mounted between two frame side-pieces 1 of the frame construction illustrated in Fig. 1, is formed in a manner which corresponds to the flanges 20 and 21 of the corner piece 4 illustrated in Figs. 3a and 3b. Thus, the parti­ tion wall 8 is provided with a recess 27 for a connecting device 6 although, as distinct from the flanges 20, 21 on the corner piece 4, the partition wall 8 is provided with a recess 28 and 29 on respective sides. The recesses 28, 29 are therewith so formed as to fit or accommodate res­ pective projections 18 and 19 on a frame side-piece 1-3 in accordance with Figs. 2a and 2b. The partition wall 8 illustrated in Figs. 4a and 4b is provided on its opposite end with a projection 30 for connecting the partition wall to the connector device 10. The projection 30 is slightly thinner than the partition wall 8 and is also provided with a groove 31 which extends along the whole length of the projection 30 and the func­ tion of which will be described in more detail hereinafter. It is also conceivable for a partition wall to extend along the whole of the extension between two frame sides when the distance therebetween corresponds to the length of a frame side-piece 1-3. Although not shown in the draw­ ing, the two ends of the partition wall in this case have the same configuration as the upper end of the partition wall 8 illustrated in the drawing. It is also conceivable for a partition wall to extend between two connector devi­ ces 10, when the frame construction comprises frame sides which include more than two frame side-pieces 1-3. Although no such partition wall is illustrated in the drawing, it will be understood that both ends of such a partition wall will have the same configuration as the lower end of the partition wall 8 illustrated in the draw­ ing. Fig. 5 is a detailed end view of the connector device 10. The connector device 10 comprises a rail which has a cruciform cross-sectional configuration with the arms 32 of the cruciform being of equal length and extending at right angles to one another. Each of the arms 32 is provi­ ded with a groove 33 which is open towards the free end of its respective arm. Each groove 33 has a configuration which corresponds to the configuration of the projection 30 at one end of the partition wall 7-9 to be connected to the connector device 10. Accordingly, each groove 33 is provided on one side wall thereof with a strip or shoulder 34 having a shape and orientation which corresponds to the groove 31 in the projection 30 of the partition wall. Con­ sequently, subsequent to being mounted in position relati­ ve to the connector device 10, the respective partition walls 7-9 will be held rigidly in relation to said means. The components of the aforedescribed frame constructions, particularly the frame side-pieces 1-3, the corner pieces 4 and the partition wall 7-9, are constructed in a manner which enables them to be produced advantageously from a reinforced plastics material. The frame members may, for example, be manufactured from a pre-impregnated reinfor­ cing net-like material, so-called SMC-plastic (Sheet Moul­ ding Compound). The plastic material used shall be resis­ tant against, for example concrete, and shall be capable of adhering firmly thereto, since in the majority of cases the frame construction will need to be cemented into con­ crete walls. Furthermore, the material shall be resistant to aggressive substances present in the environment in which the frame construction is used, and the material should not produce aggressive gases when subjected to the effect of fire. Furthermore, the material used shall be capable of withstanding variations in temperature between -40°C and +110°C. A material which fulfills these requirements is retailed under the designation ASEA SMC 55508. The frame construction according to the invention affords many advantages over previously known steel frame con­ structions. For example, the inventive frame construction can be stored more readily and transported at lower costs than the prior art frame construction, since the inventive frame construction is not assembled until it reaches its place of use. By manufacturing the frame components from a plastics material, the added advantage is gained that the low theremal conductivity of the plastic counteracts car­ bonization of the sealing material, therewith providing a more effective fire guard than the prior art steel con­ structions. It will be understood that the described and illustrated embodiment is not restrictive of the invention, but that modifications can be made within the scope of the follow­ ing claims.

Claims: 1. A frame construction for providing leadthrough facili­ ties for passing cables and like devices sealingly through a wall or like structure, the frame construction being of substantially rectangular configuration and being intended to be filled with packing pieces made from a material having a given compressibility, such as to present through-passing holes which correspond in size and number to the sizes and numbers of the cables or like devices which are to be passed through the frame construction, characterized in that the frame construction comprises a plurality of mutually interconnected frame members (1-4), namely at least one frame side-piece (1-3) for each frame side, and a corner piece (4) for each corner of the frame construction; in that partition walls (7-9) are arranged such as to divide the interior of the frame construction into sections, substantially perpendicularly to the frame side-pieces (1-3) in the case of frame sides comprising more than one frame side-piece (1-3), said partition walls (7-9) having the same length as those frame side-pieces (1-3) which extend parallel with respective partition walls; and in that a connector device (10) is provided for connecting together mutually adjacent and/or mutually intersecting partition walls (7-9). 2. A frame construction according to Claim 1, characteri­ zed in that each frame side-piece (1-3) comprises substan­ tially a plate (11) having a surface (12) which faces the interior of the frame construction and which is provided at each end thereof with a flange (14, 15) which extends outwardly substantially at right angles to the plate (11) and which is provided with a through-passing hole or a recess (16, 17); in that each corner piece (4) is provided with two substantially mutually perpendicular flanges (20, 21) provided with through-passing holes or recesses (22, 23); in that each partition wall comprises substantially a plate which is provided at each end thereof intended for connection with a frame side with a through-passing hole or recess (27); and in that fastening devices (5, 6) are inserted through the holes or recesses (16, 17, 22, 23, 27) in the mutually abutting flanges (14, 15, 20, 21) on mutually adjacent frame members (1-4), and when applicable with partition walls (2-9) arranged therebetween, said fastening devices (5, 6) being intended to clamp together the frame members (1-4). 3. A frame construction according to Claim 2, characteri­ zed in that the frame members (1-4) and the partition walls (7-9) in the location of the holes or the recesses (16, 17, 22, 23, 27) for accommodating the fastening devi­ ces (5, 6) are provided with recesses or hollows (24, 25, 29) and/or projections (18, 19) which fit into one another so as to achieve, together with the fastening devices (5, 6), mutual alignment of the frame members (1-4) and the partition walls (7-9). 4. A frame construction according to Claim 3, characteri­ zed in that each frame side-piece (1-3) in the region of each hole or recess (16, 17) for accommodating a fastening device (5, 6) has projections (18, 19) which extend around said holes or said recesses; and in that each corner piece (4) and each partition wall (7-9) in the region of each hole or recess (22, 23, 27) for accommodating a fastening device (5, 6) has provided around said holes or said recesses hollows (24, 25, 29) which accommodate said projections (18, 19). 5. A frame construction according to any of Claims 1-4, characterized in that each connector device (10) comprises a rail of cruciform cross-sectional shape, having four mutually identical arms (32) which extend at right angles to one another and each of which is provided with a groove (33) which is open towards the free end of its respective arm; and in that each partition wall (7-9) for connection to the connector device (10) is provided on the end there­ of facing the connector device (10) with a projection (30) having a configuration which corresponds to the configura­ tion of the grooves (33) in the arms (32) of the connector device (10). 6. A frame construction according to Claim 5, characteri­ zed in that the arms (32) of the connector device (10) have a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the partition walls (7-9), such that the side surfaces of the arms (32) of the connector device lie flush with the side surfaces of the partition walls (7-9). 7. A frame construction according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, characterized in that the grooves (33) in the arms (32) of the connector device (10) are provided with means (34) which, in co-action with correspondingly shaped means (31) on the projections (30) of the partition walls (7-9), prevent the projection (30) from being inserted into the groove (33) or withdrawn therefrom in the longitudinal direction of the partition walls (7-9). 8. A frame construction according to any of Claims 1-7, characterized in that at least the frame elements (1-4) and the partition walls (7-9) are made from a reinforced plastics material on the basis of a pre-impregnated rein­ forcing woven or non-woven meshwork (SMC).

Inventors: JOHANSSON, BENGT-GOERAN, KREUTZ, TOMAS, OLAUSSON, BENGT, Johansson, Bengt-Göran
Applicants: LYCAB AB
Application year: 1987
Main classification: F16L5
IPC codes: H02G3, F16L5