CA2205617A1 - A coupler for cables used in permafrost regions - Google Patents
A coupler for cables used in permafrost regionsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2205617A1 CA2205617A1 CA002205617A CA2205617A CA2205617A1 CA 2205617 A1 CA2205617 A1 CA 2205617A1 CA 002205617 A CA002205617 A CA 002205617A CA 2205617 A CA2205617 A CA 2205617A CA 2205617 A1 CA2205617 A1 CA 2205617A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- coupler
- armouring
- cable
- protective tube
- tube
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- 239000008186 active pharmaceutical agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000006004 Quartz sand Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 101100171668 Arabidopsis thaliana EDL2 gene Proteins 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 101100171667 Arabidopsis thaliana EDL1 gene Proteins 0.000 claims 3
- -1 EDK1 Proteins 0.000 claims 1
- 239000002923 metal particle Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910001018 Cast iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000002730 additional effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006399 behavior Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/255—Splicing of light guides, e.g. by fusion or bonding
- G02B6/2558—Reinforcement of splice joint
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
- G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
- G02B6/4471—Terminating devices ; Cable clamps
- G02B6/4476—Terminating devices ; Cable clamps with heat-shrinkable elements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
- G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
- G02B6/4471—Terminating devices ; Cable clamps
- G02B6/44775—Cable seals e.g. feed-through
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G15/00—Cable fittings
- H02G15/08—Cable junctions
- H02G15/10—Cable junctions protected by boxes, e.g. by distribution, connection or junction boxes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
- G02B6/4401—Optical cables
- G02B6/4415—Cables for special applications
- G02B6/4416—Heterogeneous cables
- G02B6/4422—Heterogeneous cables of the overhead type
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G15/00—Cable fittings
- H02G15/08—Cable junctions
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
- Cable Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a coupler for armoured cable (K1, K2), the transmission elements (LWL) of which are accommodated within a central tube (ZR1, ZR2). The armouring (B1, B2) of the cables (K1, K2) that are to be joined is laid up on alternating sides over a protective tube (SR) that covers the area of the splice . A spiral cover (DS) is arranged over this.
Description
CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 A Coupler for Cables Used in Permafrost Regions The present invention relates to a coupler with an external shrinkable casing for splices made in armoured cable, the transmission elements of which are accommodated within a central tube, these preferably being fibre optics cables, the area of the splice being 10 covered by a spiral cover.
DE-OS 41 26 464-A1 describes a coupler for accommodating splices made in armoured cable, preferably in fibre optics cables. This couple is flexible in the longitudinal direction and is resistant to tension. The armouring of the two cables that are introduced 15 into the coupler is removed as far back as the entry point into the coupler, the area of the splice being covered by a connector spiral once the splicing operation has been completed; this spiral is fixed on the reduced ends of the cable armouring. Cables of this kind are particularly well suited for use in a submarine environment.
20 In contrast to the foregoing, however, in permafrost regions it is usual to use cable couplers that are of a diameter that is three to fifteen times greater than the diameter of the cable. The maximum size is reached if the actual splice coupler is additionally enclosed in a protective casing that may be of cast iron, for example. However, the most frequent type of failure in permafrost regions is in the area that forms the transition CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 between the cable and the coupler. The failures that occur are caused as a result of the following:
because of the different diameters of the cable and the cable coupler, each displays different buoyancy characteristics on the change from thawed to frozen conditions, so that considerable forces may come into play during the transition periods. Taken by and large, the ground is frozen throughout the whole of the year, although the surface may 10 thaw to a depth of about 1 m. This results in the different behaviours. If the ground thaws to a marked extent, considerable axial displacement may occur, so that under certain circumstances the cable coupler, which is of the greater diameter, may be left h~nging in areas that have not thawed as much, with the result that it may be subjected to considerable tensile strain.
In order to avoid these effects to the greatest extent possible, up to now the cables have been laid out at excessive lengths, in curves, before they enter the coupler, so that relative movements could be evened out. Another solution is to use a coupler in which the cable ingress point and the cable egress point are located on one side of the coupler.
20 Occasionally, cone-shaped transitions from the coupler to the cable are used. Despite this, the possibility of failures of this kind occurring in permafrost regions cannot be ruled out.
It is the task of the present invention to create a flexible and very slim coupler that 25 essentially displays the same characteristics as a cable, so that, from the outside, the same CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 conditions prevail with respect to the environment. This problem has been solved according to the present invention with a coupler of the type described in the introduction hereto, in that the splices are supported within a protective tube; in that the protective tube is fixed, so as to be resistant to tension and compression, on the ends of the central tube, the protective tube being of a diameter that is smaller than or equal to the inside 10 diameter of the cable armouring; in that the ends of the cable armouring, which consists of laid-up single wires, is laid up over the protective tube, each second single wire being cut out at the ends of the armouring, so that gaps are formed in each section of the armouring, and then, on altern~lin~ sides, the rem~ining long single wires of each opposite end of the armouring are so interlaced that once again a closed, laid-up 15 armouring results; and in that the spiral cover is arranged over the cable armouring that is laid up on altern~ting sides over the protective tube.
An important advantage of the coupler according to the present invention is that it is very slim and is at most 30 percent thicker than the cable itself. Because of the fact that a 20 spiral cover, which is arranged over the armouring that is on altern~ting sides of the cable is used, the coupler remains flexible. For the remainder, a good electrically conductive connection is ensured between the armouring used on both cables and the spiral cover.
This is essential, for there is a great risk of lightning in permafrost regions. The reason for this is the poor conductivity of the ground. In addition, it is possible to attach a 25 ground line or a measurement line to the armouring or to the spiral cover, and this can CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 then be led to the outside of the cable. Such a line can be used, for example, for insulation measurements.
The coupler according to the present invention can be used to accommodate cables that are of round cross section, in which the transmission elements, for example fibre optics 10 conductors, are accommodated within a central tube. An inner casing is arranged over the central tube, and the armouring, which is in the form of twisted single wires, is laid up over this inner casing. The ends of the armouring on the cables that are to be connected are first curved out from the inner cable casing to the required length. The inner casing is also removed from a short end section of the cable, so that the central tube is exposed.
15 Once the assembly work has been completed, the protective tube, within which the splice in the fibre optics conductor is located, is then fixed on this exposed end so that it is resistant to tension and compression. The single wires of the armouring are similarly cu~ved upwards at the end of the second cable, this area being greater by the length of the protective tube. The inner casing is also removed in this assembly area, so that the 20 central tube of this cable is exposed. This means that the protective tube can be slid over this assembly area during assembly work in the area of the splice, so that the area of the splice is accessible for m~king the splice. Once the splicing operation has been completed, the protective tube is slid back as far as the end of the central tube of the first cable, and in this position it is fixed at both ends to the central tubes of both cables, 25 preferably by c~ pillg, which is to say by squeezing the protective tube onto the central CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 tube. This means that the area of the splice is protected. The rem~ining assembly area of the second central tube is filled with a suitable filler substance so that the transitions to the protective tube or to the inner casing can be made without any steps or ridges. Now the armouring has to be restored, the ends of the armouring on both cables being interlaced into each other on altern~ting sides. This is done by shortening a single wire of 10 the armouring, whereas the next single wire is left at its original length. This leaves gaps in the wire in a section of the armouring, and then the single wires that have been left at their original length are threaded into the armouring of the second cable and laid up, so that the desired altern~ting lay-up results. This entails the advantage that continuous armouring runs across the area of the coupler, the sections or lengths of the single wires 15 being so matched to each other that they abut axially. Next, a spiral cover is drawn over this altern~ting lay-up of the armouring of both cables, and this ensures that the cable is resistant to axial tension and compression. An additional effect of this spiral cover is that is presses the laid-up single wires of the armouring of both cables fLnnly against each other, thereby producing a good electrical contact.
The spiral cover over the cable armouring on the cable can be covered with quartz sand in order to increase the amount of friction, at least in some areas. In order to provide additional assurance of obtaining a good electrical transition, the application of sand in some areas is such that good electrical transitions are formed in the unsanded areas. In 25 addition, it is possible to mix conductive material such as steel filingcinto the quartz sand, CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 so that a good transition can be created by this means. If an uncoated spiral cover is used, electrically conductive material and quartz sand are both applied between the individual wire turns of the armouring and the spiral cover. If the spiral cover is completely sanded, care must be taken to ensure that after assembly, the displaced/disarranged individual wires of the cable armouring are pressed against each other so that an electrical contact is lo made. In addition, it is also possible to use an additional metal tube or a protective tube that is of metal, and the armouring wires are pressed against this so as to be electrically conductive. As has already been pointed out, the protective tube can be of metal so that only a single element is available for forming the contact.
15 The protective tube can be if desired be provided with openings through which the area of the splice be filled with the desired filler substance.
A reinforcing tube can be introduced into the end of the central tube of an installed cable;
this supports the central tube at the crimp point, so that compression of the central tube is 20 avoided.
After the protective tube has been f1xed over the area of the splice, the assembly area of the second cable that is exposed is filled with filler, the half-shells being of any material, a slit tube, a shrink sleeve, or a similar element being used for this purpose.
CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 A suitable adhesive can be used at the crimp point, between the central tube and the protective tube, so as to provide additional security.
The coupler according to the present invention can be used for ground-cable systems as well as for connections on ground or phase cables in high-voltage systems, because these l o require good linear conductivity. If it is used in ground-cable systems, the cable coupler is also surrounded by an external shrinkable casing that protects it against corrosion, although this can be dispensed with in high-voltage systems.
The present invention will be described in greater detail below on the basis of the five 15 drawings appended hereto. These drawings show the following:
Figure 1: The principles of the coupler construction;
Figure 2: The coupler in cross-section;
Figure 3: A cross-section of a fibre-optics cable with a central tube and armouring;
Figure 4: The connection of a measurement line within a coupler;
20 Figure 5: A cross-section through the connection area for a measurement line as in Figure 4.
Figure 1 shows the construction of a cable coupler according to the present invention.
The two cables Kl and K2 (the outer cable casing is not shown) are to be connected to 25 each other in the coupler according to the present invention. These are cables that CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 incorporate a central tube ZRl or ZR2, respectively, in which the fibre-optics conductors LWL are located. These fibre optics conductors LWL of the two cables Kl and K2 are connected to each other through splices S. These splices S are accommodated within a protective tube SR that is fixed at both ends on a central tube ZRl or ZR2, respectively.
It is particularly advantageous that this fixing be effected by c~ ing at the crimp point 10 K, although other methods can be used. At the two ends of the cables Kl or K2 the individual wires of the armouring are bent up, the length being such that the individual wires each extent across the total connection area. The inner cable casing Ml of the one cable Kl is moved just far enough away from the central tube ZRl to make it possible to install and fix the protective tube SR. In contrast to this, the inner cable casing M2 of the 15 cable K2 is moved far enough away in an assembly area MB that the protective tube SR
can be pushed back in the assembly phase. This means that the splice area is readily accessible when the splice is to be completed. Once the connection has been made, the protective tube SR is once again slid back over the splice area, until the end is against the central tube ZRl of cable Kl. Now fixing is effected at both ends of the protective tube 20 SR, this being done by clilllpillg, for example. The protective tube SR can incorporate openings O through which the area surrounding the splice can be filled. The assembly area MB is now filled with a filler that can consist, for example, of a half shell, a wrapping tape, a slotted hose, a shrink tube or a similar element. The filling is effected in such a way that there are no ridges or steps at ends of the assembly area MB. The 25 armouring is next completed around the protective tube SR; this is achieved by ' CA 0220S617 1997-0~-16 5 interlacing the ends of the individual wires of the ends of the cable Kl and cable K2 on alternating sides. In order to do this, it is necessary to shorten an individual wire EDKl or EDK2, respectively, whereas the next individual wire EDLl or EDL2, respectively (not shown herein), is left long enough to reach across the coupler. This leaves gaps DLl, DL2 (not shown herein) between the wires of the two sections of armouring B 1, 10 B2, respectively. The same steps are taken with respect to the armouring B2 of the second cable, so that here, too, gaps DL2 are formed between the individula fibre-optics conductors EDL2 that similarly reach across the coupler. However, for purposes of clarity, formation of the armouring B2 in this manner is not shown in the drawing; it is, however, identical to that at the left-hand side of the drawing. Once the individual wires 15 of the armouring B 1, B2 have been "thinned out" in this way the armouring wires can be laid up onto the protective tube SR, when the long individual wires of the second section of armouring are intertwined into the gaps left between the wires of the first section of armouring. This results in a continuous and complete "lay-up" in the area of the coupler above the protective tube SR, this resulting in reciprocal electrical contact between the 20 sections of armouring. After production of the alternating intertwined armouring B l/B2, a spiral cover is drawn onto this area, whereupon the armouring sections B 1 and B2 are connected so as to be resistant to tension and compression. This also provides for the necessary contact between the individual sections of the armouring. Finally, anti-corrosion protection is applied over the whole arrangement, this can be in the form of a 25 shrinkable casing, for example; this is not shown in the drawing.
CA 0220.76 17 1 997 - 0.7 - 1 6 5 Figure 2 is a cross-section through a coupler according to the present invention. The fibre-optics conductors LWL, which are spliced together here, too, are shown within the protective tube SR. The armouring B l/B2 on alternate sides, which is formed from the altern~ting interlacing of the individual wires of the armouring B l/B2 is shown on the outer periphery of the protective tube SR. The spiral cover DS is then drawn onto the 10 armoured layer Bl/B2, and then this in its turn is enclosed in anti-corrosion protection in the form of a shrinkable sleeve SU.
Figure 3 shows a cross-section of a cable of the kind that can be used for connection inside a cable coupling. The fibre-optics conductors LWL are accommodated within a 15 central tube ZRl or ZR2. An inner casing Ml or M2 is drawn onto the central tube ZRl or ZR2, respectively, and the armouring B 1 or B2 is wound onto this. An outer protective casing AMl or AM2 is applied over this.
Figure 4 shows how a connection for a measurement line ML can be made to make 20 contact with the armouring, in this case on the spiral cover DS within the cable couple according to the present invention. To this end, a single wire GDDS in the spiral cover DS is cut out and the section is removed from the winding so that a gap is created, through with the measurement line ML can be introduced. This measurement line ML is fitted with a cable shoe KS, the ends of which fit under the spiral cover DS around the 25 armouring that is prepared on alternating sides, or around and electrically conductive tube ' CA 0220S617 1997-0~-16 5 or around an electrically conductive protective tube. The creates a reliable electrical connection. The egress point for the measurement line ML can be sealed, preferably by a protective a&esive, the seal being effected when the shrinkable cover SU is shrunk on.
Figure 5 shows the connection of a measurement line that is fitted with a cable shoe KS
10 The inner ends of this cable shoe fit between the spiral cover DS and the protective tube SR so as to form a contact. This type of contact can, of course, be effected with an armour on alternating sides, as has been described in the previous examples.
DE-OS 41 26 464-A1 describes a coupler for accommodating splices made in armoured cable, preferably in fibre optics cables. This couple is flexible in the longitudinal direction and is resistant to tension. The armouring of the two cables that are introduced 15 into the coupler is removed as far back as the entry point into the coupler, the area of the splice being covered by a connector spiral once the splicing operation has been completed; this spiral is fixed on the reduced ends of the cable armouring. Cables of this kind are particularly well suited for use in a submarine environment.
20 In contrast to the foregoing, however, in permafrost regions it is usual to use cable couplers that are of a diameter that is three to fifteen times greater than the diameter of the cable. The maximum size is reached if the actual splice coupler is additionally enclosed in a protective casing that may be of cast iron, for example. However, the most frequent type of failure in permafrost regions is in the area that forms the transition CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 between the cable and the coupler. The failures that occur are caused as a result of the following:
because of the different diameters of the cable and the cable coupler, each displays different buoyancy characteristics on the change from thawed to frozen conditions, so that considerable forces may come into play during the transition periods. Taken by and large, the ground is frozen throughout the whole of the year, although the surface may 10 thaw to a depth of about 1 m. This results in the different behaviours. If the ground thaws to a marked extent, considerable axial displacement may occur, so that under certain circumstances the cable coupler, which is of the greater diameter, may be left h~nging in areas that have not thawed as much, with the result that it may be subjected to considerable tensile strain.
In order to avoid these effects to the greatest extent possible, up to now the cables have been laid out at excessive lengths, in curves, before they enter the coupler, so that relative movements could be evened out. Another solution is to use a coupler in which the cable ingress point and the cable egress point are located on one side of the coupler.
20 Occasionally, cone-shaped transitions from the coupler to the cable are used. Despite this, the possibility of failures of this kind occurring in permafrost regions cannot be ruled out.
It is the task of the present invention to create a flexible and very slim coupler that 25 essentially displays the same characteristics as a cable, so that, from the outside, the same CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 conditions prevail with respect to the environment. This problem has been solved according to the present invention with a coupler of the type described in the introduction hereto, in that the splices are supported within a protective tube; in that the protective tube is fixed, so as to be resistant to tension and compression, on the ends of the central tube, the protective tube being of a diameter that is smaller than or equal to the inside 10 diameter of the cable armouring; in that the ends of the cable armouring, which consists of laid-up single wires, is laid up over the protective tube, each second single wire being cut out at the ends of the armouring, so that gaps are formed in each section of the armouring, and then, on altern~lin~ sides, the rem~ining long single wires of each opposite end of the armouring are so interlaced that once again a closed, laid-up 15 armouring results; and in that the spiral cover is arranged over the cable armouring that is laid up on altern~ting sides over the protective tube.
An important advantage of the coupler according to the present invention is that it is very slim and is at most 30 percent thicker than the cable itself. Because of the fact that a 20 spiral cover, which is arranged over the armouring that is on altern~ting sides of the cable is used, the coupler remains flexible. For the remainder, a good electrically conductive connection is ensured between the armouring used on both cables and the spiral cover.
This is essential, for there is a great risk of lightning in permafrost regions. The reason for this is the poor conductivity of the ground. In addition, it is possible to attach a 25 ground line or a measurement line to the armouring or to the spiral cover, and this can CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 then be led to the outside of the cable. Such a line can be used, for example, for insulation measurements.
The coupler according to the present invention can be used to accommodate cables that are of round cross section, in which the transmission elements, for example fibre optics 10 conductors, are accommodated within a central tube. An inner casing is arranged over the central tube, and the armouring, which is in the form of twisted single wires, is laid up over this inner casing. The ends of the armouring on the cables that are to be connected are first curved out from the inner cable casing to the required length. The inner casing is also removed from a short end section of the cable, so that the central tube is exposed.
15 Once the assembly work has been completed, the protective tube, within which the splice in the fibre optics conductor is located, is then fixed on this exposed end so that it is resistant to tension and compression. The single wires of the armouring are similarly cu~ved upwards at the end of the second cable, this area being greater by the length of the protective tube. The inner casing is also removed in this assembly area, so that the 20 central tube of this cable is exposed. This means that the protective tube can be slid over this assembly area during assembly work in the area of the splice, so that the area of the splice is accessible for m~king the splice. Once the splicing operation has been completed, the protective tube is slid back as far as the end of the central tube of the first cable, and in this position it is fixed at both ends to the central tubes of both cables, 25 preferably by c~ pillg, which is to say by squeezing the protective tube onto the central CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 tube. This means that the area of the splice is protected. The rem~ining assembly area of the second central tube is filled with a suitable filler substance so that the transitions to the protective tube or to the inner casing can be made without any steps or ridges. Now the armouring has to be restored, the ends of the armouring on both cables being interlaced into each other on altern~ting sides. This is done by shortening a single wire of 10 the armouring, whereas the next single wire is left at its original length. This leaves gaps in the wire in a section of the armouring, and then the single wires that have been left at their original length are threaded into the armouring of the second cable and laid up, so that the desired altern~ting lay-up results. This entails the advantage that continuous armouring runs across the area of the coupler, the sections or lengths of the single wires 15 being so matched to each other that they abut axially. Next, a spiral cover is drawn over this altern~ting lay-up of the armouring of both cables, and this ensures that the cable is resistant to axial tension and compression. An additional effect of this spiral cover is that is presses the laid-up single wires of the armouring of both cables fLnnly against each other, thereby producing a good electrical contact.
The spiral cover over the cable armouring on the cable can be covered with quartz sand in order to increase the amount of friction, at least in some areas. In order to provide additional assurance of obtaining a good electrical transition, the application of sand in some areas is such that good electrical transitions are formed in the unsanded areas. In 25 addition, it is possible to mix conductive material such as steel filingcinto the quartz sand, CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 so that a good transition can be created by this means. If an uncoated spiral cover is used, electrically conductive material and quartz sand are both applied between the individual wire turns of the armouring and the spiral cover. If the spiral cover is completely sanded, care must be taken to ensure that after assembly, the displaced/disarranged individual wires of the cable armouring are pressed against each other so that an electrical contact is lo made. In addition, it is also possible to use an additional metal tube or a protective tube that is of metal, and the armouring wires are pressed against this so as to be electrically conductive. As has already been pointed out, the protective tube can be of metal so that only a single element is available for forming the contact.
15 The protective tube can be if desired be provided with openings through which the area of the splice be filled with the desired filler substance.
A reinforcing tube can be introduced into the end of the central tube of an installed cable;
this supports the central tube at the crimp point, so that compression of the central tube is 20 avoided.
After the protective tube has been f1xed over the area of the splice, the assembly area of the second cable that is exposed is filled with filler, the half-shells being of any material, a slit tube, a shrink sleeve, or a similar element being used for this purpose.
CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 A suitable adhesive can be used at the crimp point, between the central tube and the protective tube, so as to provide additional security.
The coupler according to the present invention can be used for ground-cable systems as well as for connections on ground or phase cables in high-voltage systems, because these l o require good linear conductivity. If it is used in ground-cable systems, the cable coupler is also surrounded by an external shrinkable casing that protects it against corrosion, although this can be dispensed with in high-voltage systems.
The present invention will be described in greater detail below on the basis of the five 15 drawings appended hereto. These drawings show the following:
Figure 1: The principles of the coupler construction;
Figure 2: The coupler in cross-section;
Figure 3: A cross-section of a fibre-optics cable with a central tube and armouring;
Figure 4: The connection of a measurement line within a coupler;
20 Figure 5: A cross-section through the connection area for a measurement line as in Figure 4.
Figure 1 shows the construction of a cable coupler according to the present invention.
The two cables Kl and K2 (the outer cable casing is not shown) are to be connected to 25 each other in the coupler according to the present invention. These are cables that CA 0220~617 1997-0~-16 5 incorporate a central tube ZRl or ZR2, respectively, in which the fibre-optics conductors LWL are located. These fibre optics conductors LWL of the two cables Kl and K2 are connected to each other through splices S. These splices S are accommodated within a protective tube SR that is fixed at both ends on a central tube ZRl or ZR2, respectively.
It is particularly advantageous that this fixing be effected by c~ ing at the crimp point 10 K, although other methods can be used. At the two ends of the cables Kl or K2 the individual wires of the armouring are bent up, the length being such that the individual wires each extent across the total connection area. The inner cable casing Ml of the one cable Kl is moved just far enough away from the central tube ZRl to make it possible to install and fix the protective tube SR. In contrast to this, the inner cable casing M2 of the 15 cable K2 is moved far enough away in an assembly area MB that the protective tube SR
can be pushed back in the assembly phase. This means that the splice area is readily accessible when the splice is to be completed. Once the connection has been made, the protective tube SR is once again slid back over the splice area, until the end is against the central tube ZRl of cable Kl. Now fixing is effected at both ends of the protective tube 20 SR, this being done by clilllpillg, for example. The protective tube SR can incorporate openings O through which the area surrounding the splice can be filled. The assembly area MB is now filled with a filler that can consist, for example, of a half shell, a wrapping tape, a slotted hose, a shrink tube or a similar element. The filling is effected in such a way that there are no ridges or steps at ends of the assembly area MB. The 25 armouring is next completed around the protective tube SR; this is achieved by ' CA 0220S617 1997-0~-16 5 interlacing the ends of the individual wires of the ends of the cable Kl and cable K2 on alternating sides. In order to do this, it is necessary to shorten an individual wire EDKl or EDK2, respectively, whereas the next individual wire EDLl or EDL2, respectively (not shown herein), is left long enough to reach across the coupler. This leaves gaps DLl, DL2 (not shown herein) between the wires of the two sections of armouring B 1, 10 B2, respectively. The same steps are taken with respect to the armouring B2 of the second cable, so that here, too, gaps DL2 are formed between the individula fibre-optics conductors EDL2 that similarly reach across the coupler. However, for purposes of clarity, formation of the armouring B2 in this manner is not shown in the drawing; it is, however, identical to that at the left-hand side of the drawing. Once the individual wires 15 of the armouring B 1, B2 have been "thinned out" in this way the armouring wires can be laid up onto the protective tube SR, when the long individual wires of the second section of armouring are intertwined into the gaps left between the wires of the first section of armouring. This results in a continuous and complete "lay-up" in the area of the coupler above the protective tube SR, this resulting in reciprocal electrical contact between the 20 sections of armouring. After production of the alternating intertwined armouring B l/B2, a spiral cover is drawn onto this area, whereupon the armouring sections B 1 and B2 are connected so as to be resistant to tension and compression. This also provides for the necessary contact between the individual sections of the armouring. Finally, anti-corrosion protection is applied over the whole arrangement, this can be in the form of a 25 shrinkable casing, for example; this is not shown in the drawing.
CA 0220.76 17 1 997 - 0.7 - 1 6 5 Figure 2 is a cross-section through a coupler according to the present invention. The fibre-optics conductors LWL, which are spliced together here, too, are shown within the protective tube SR. The armouring B l/B2 on alternate sides, which is formed from the altern~ting interlacing of the individual wires of the armouring B l/B2 is shown on the outer periphery of the protective tube SR. The spiral cover DS is then drawn onto the 10 armoured layer Bl/B2, and then this in its turn is enclosed in anti-corrosion protection in the form of a shrinkable sleeve SU.
Figure 3 shows a cross-section of a cable of the kind that can be used for connection inside a cable coupling. The fibre-optics conductors LWL are accommodated within a 15 central tube ZRl or ZR2. An inner casing Ml or M2 is drawn onto the central tube ZRl or ZR2, respectively, and the armouring B 1 or B2 is wound onto this. An outer protective casing AMl or AM2 is applied over this.
Figure 4 shows how a connection for a measurement line ML can be made to make 20 contact with the armouring, in this case on the spiral cover DS within the cable couple according to the present invention. To this end, a single wire GDDS in the spiral cover DS is cut out and the section is removed from the winding so that a gap is created, through with the measurement line ML can be introduced. This measurement line ML is fitted with a cable shoe KS, the ends of which fit under the spiral cover DS around the 25 armouring that is prepared on alternating sides, or around and electrically conductive tube ' CA 0220S617 1997-0~-16 5 or around an electrically conductive protective tube. The creates a reliable electrical connection. The egress point for the measurement line ML can be sealed, preferably by a protective a&esive, the seal being effected when the shrinkable cover SU is shrunk on.
Figure 5 shows the connection of a measurement line that is fitted with a cable shoe KS
10 The inner ends of this cable shoe fit between the spiral cover DS and the protective tube SR so as to form a contact. This type of contact can, of course, be effected with an armour on alternating sides, as has been described in the previous examples.
Claims (20)
1. A coupler with an outer shrinkable covering for splices in armoured cables, the transmitting elements of which are accommodated within a central tube, preferably fibre optics cables, the splice area of the coupling being covered by a spiral cover, characterized in that the splices (S) are supported with a protective tube (SR), in that the protective tube (SR) is fixed on the ends of the central tube (ZR1, ZR2) of the cable (K1, K2) that has been introduced so as to resist tension and compression, the protective tube (SR) being of an outside diameter that is smaller than or equal to the inside diameter of the armouring (B1, B2) of the cable (K1, K2); in that the ends of the existing armouring (B1, B2) of the cables (K1, K2) that is made up of laid-up single wires (EDL1, EDK1, EDL2, EDK2) are laid up over the protective tube (SR), every second single wire (EDK1,EDK2) being cut out at the ends of the armouring (B1, B2) so that in each section of armouring (B1, B2), there are gaps (DL1, DL2) in which, on alternating sides, the remaining long single wires (EDL1, EDL2) of the opposite ends of the armouring (B1, B2) are so interlaced that a closed, laid-up armouring (B1/B2) is formed, and in that the spiral cover (DS) is arranged on the armouring of the cable (K1, K2) that is laid up on alternating sides, over the protective tube (SR).
2. A coupler as defined in Claim 1, characterized in that the protective tube (SR) is crimped onto the ends of the central tube (ZR1, ZR2) of the cable (K1, K2).
3. A coupler as defined in Claim 2, characterized in that in each instance a supporting tube (STR) is inserted into the ends of the central tube (ZR1, ZR2) of the cable (K1, K2) in the crimp area.
4. A coupling as defined in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end of the cable (K2) is freed from its inner casing (M2) that is located beneath the armouring (B2) in an assembly area (MB) that corresponds to the length of the protective tube (SR); and in that after the protective tube (SR) has been fixed in position, this assembly area (MB) is filled with a filler substance (FM) up to the thickness of the inside casing (M2).
5. A coupling as defined in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective tube (SR) incorporates filler or ventilating openings (O).
6. A coupling as defined in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective tube (SR) is of plastically deformable material.
7. A coupling as defined in Claim 6, characterized in that the protective tube (SR) is of metal.
8. A coupling as defined in Claim 4, characterized in that the filler (FM) is a slit hose.
9. A coupler as defined in Claim 4, characterized in that the filler (FM) is formed from half shells.
10. A coupler as defined in Claim 4, characterized in that the filler (FM) is a shrink hose.
11. A coupler as defined in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adhesive is installed in the area of the crimp point (K) between the protective tube (SR) and the central tube (ZR1, ZR2).
12. A coupler as defined in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a ground or measurement line connector (ML) is attached to the armouring and led tightly out of the coupling.
13. A couple as defined in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spiral cover (DS) is coated in at least some areas with quartz sand.
14. A coupler as defined in Claim 13, characterized in that the quartz sand is mixed with conductive metal particles, preferably steel filings.
15. A coupler as defined in Claim 13 or Claim 14, characterized in that the quartz sand or the quartz sand mixture is introduced between the laid-up armouring (B1/B2) and the spiral cover (DS).
16. A coupler as defined in Claim 13, characterized in that the spiral cover (DS) is fully sanded and the spiral cover (DS) presses the individual wires (EDL1, EDL2) of the alternate side armouring (B1/B2) together such that electrical contact is ensured.
17. A coupler as defined in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spiral cover (DS) is replaced by a metal tube.
18. A coupler as defined in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is used in ground cable systems.
19. A coupler as defined in one of the Claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it is used in ground or phase cables of high-voltage systems.
20. A coupler as defined in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all the individual elements of the coupler ensure electrically conductive passage
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19620432.1 | 1996-05-21 | ||
| DE19620432A DE19620432B4 (en) | 1996-05-21 | 1996-05-21 | Sleeve for cables in permafrost areas |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2205617A1 true CA2205617A1 (en) | 1997-11-21 |
Family
ID=7794898
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002205617A Abandoned CA2205617A1 (en) | 1996-05-21 | 1997-05-16 | A coupler for cables used in permafrost regions |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2205617A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE19620432B4 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2183374C2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6272273B1 (en) * | 1999-09-02 | 2001-08-07 | Alcatel | Hermetic cable joint |
| NO20035596L (en) * | 2003-12-15 | 2005-06-16 | Nexans | Fiber optic cable connection for offshore umbilical |
| EP2762938B1 (en) * | 2013-02-01 | 2020-07-15 | Corning Optical Communications LLC | Cable assembly having electrical power conductors and fiber optic data lines and a shielded furcation or joining location |
| US9784937B2 (en) | 2013-02-01 | 2017-10-10 | Ccs Technology, Inc. | Cable assembly having electrical power conductors and fiber optic data lines |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2537357B1 (en) * | 1982-12-03 | 1985-05-31 | Cables De Lyon Geoffroy Delore | ARMOR JOINING DEVICE FOR TWO ELECTRIC CABLES |
| DE4126464C2 (en) * | 1991-08-09 | 2001-06-21 | Siemens Ag | Sleeve, for armored cables, preferably fiber optic cables |
-
1996
- 1996-05-21 DE DE19620432A patent/DE19620432B4/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1997
- 1997-05-16 CA CA002205617A patent/CA2205617A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-05-20 RU RU97108075/09A patent/RU2183374C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| RU2183374C2 (en) | 2002-06-10 |
| DE19620432B4 (en) | 2004-11-25 |
| DE19620432A1 (en) | 1997-11-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |