CA2581186A1 - Cable, method for producing a cable and method for locating a cable - Google Patents
Cable, method for producing a cable and method for locating a cable Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2581186A1 CA2581186A1 CA002581186A CA2581186A CA2581186A1 CA 2581186 A1 CA2581186 A1 CA 2581186A1 CA 002581186 A CA002581186 A CA 002581186A CA 2581186 A CA2581186 A CA 2581186A CA 2581186 A1 CA2581186 A1 CA 2581186A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cable
- transponder
- digital data
- memory
- arrangement
- 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
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
- H01B7/00—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form
- H01B7/36—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form with distinguishing or length marks
- H01B7/368—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form with distinguishing or length marks being a sleeve, ferrule, tag, clip, label or short length strip
-
- 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
- G02B6/46—Processes or apparatus adapted for installing or repairing optical fibres or optical cables
- G02B6/56—Processes for repairing optical cables
- G02B6/562—Processes for repairing optical cables locatable, e.g. using magnetic means
Abstract
The invention relates to extensive and precise information concerning a cable, for example production information that is provided by the manufacturer. The invention also aims to facilitate the access to said information, for example to a continuous number of metres. The inventive cable (40) therefore comprises a transponder assembly (10) with a memory (123) for storing digital data (1231) and a transponder for the wireless transmission of said digital data (1231).
Description
P2004,0821 WO N
Description Cable, method for producing a cable, and method for locating a cable Prior Art Manufacturing data which is obtained during the production of a cable has until now been stored in the form of manufacturing documentation or in computers separately from the cable. Manufacturing data such as this includes, for example, the type of cable, the number of individual fibers, the type of the individual fibers or a unique identification for the cable or the individual fibers.
Sequential meter lengths are normally applied to the cable sheath, in particular during production of the cable, by means of ink printers, hot-stamp film or length strips composed of paper or plastic. The length of the section of the cable arranged in between is defined by two of the meter lengths. Once the cable has been laid, the information about the meter length is no longer accessible.
Since a cable that has been laid in the ground has a corrugated profile, reliable association of the length of a cable section laid between two points with a distance between the two points, as determined by way of example from a location plan, is not possible.
The document DE 198 14 540 Al proposes a cable and a measurement apparatus for determination of the cable length, with the cable being fitted at defined length positions with data storage media, such as transponders, a barcode or magnetic strips, which can be read by a data reader. The advantage of a transponder or a magnetic strip is that the contents of these data storage media can be changed by writers.
P2004,0821 WO N
Description Cable, method for producing a cable, and method for locating a cable Prior Art Manufacturing data which is obtained during the production of a cable has until now been stored in the form of manufacturing documentation or in computers separately from the cable. Manufacturing data such as this includes, for example, the type of cable, the number of individual fibers, the type of the individual fibers or a unique identification for the cable or the individual fibers.
Sequential meter lengths are normally applied to the cable sheath, in particular during production of the cable, by means of ink printers, hot-stamp film or length strips composed of paper or plastic. The length of the section of the cable arranged in between is defined by two of the meter lengths. Once the cable has been laid, the information about the meter length is no longer accessible.
Since a cable that has been laid in the ground has a corrugated profile, reliable association of the length of a cable section laid between two points with a distance between the two points, as determined by way of example from a location plan, is not possible.
The document DE 198 14 540 Al proposes a cable and a measurement apparatus for determination of the cable length, with the cable being fitted at defined length positions with data storage media, such as transponders, a barcode or magnetic strips, which can be read by a data reader. The advantage of a transponder or a magnetic strip is that the contents of these data storage media can be changed by writers.
P2004,0821 WO N
Other information can thus also be recorded, in addition to length information.
When using transponder arrangements in a cable, care must be taken to ensure that the transponder arrangements are protected against external influences on the cable, for example against mechanical loads, for instance resulting from impacts, or against the ingress of moisture. Furthermore, the transponder arrangements must be arranged such that they are not directly subjected to the high temperatures which occur, for example, during an extrusion process, during cable manufacture.
The object of the invention is to provide a cable in which a transponder device is integrated in the cable such that it is protected as well as possible against influences during production of the cable and during operation of the cable, in order to provide extensive and accurate information about the cable at the manufacturer's works, and to simplify access to this information. A further object of the invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a cable, in which a transponder device is integrated in the cable such that it is protected as well as possible against influences during production of the cable and during operation of the cable, in order to provide extensive and accurate information about the cable at the manufacturer's works, and to simplify access to this information. A
further object of the invention is to specify a method for location of a point on a cable such as this.
The object is achieved by a cable having the features of Claim 1, by a method for manufacturing a cable having the features of Claim 16, and by a method for location of a cable having the features of Claim 21.
P2004,0821 WO N
When using transponder arrangements in a cable, care must be taken to ensure that the transponder arrangements are protected against external influences on the cable, for example against mechanical loads, for instance resulting from impacts, or against the ingress of moisture. Furthermore, the transponder arrangements must be arranged such that they are not directly subjected to the high temperatures which occur, for example, during an extrusion process, during cable manufacture.
The object of the invention is to provide a cable in which a transponder device is integrated in the cable such that it is protected as well as possible against influences during production of the cable and during operation of the cable, in order to provide extensive and accurate information about the cable at the manufacturer's works, and to simplify access to this information. A further object of the invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a cable, in which a transponder device is integrated in the cable such that it is protected as well as possible against influences during production of the cable and during operation of the cable, in order to provide extensive and accurate information about the cable at the manufacturer's works, and to simplify access to this information. A
further object of the invention is to specify a method for location of a point on a cable such as this.
The object is achieved by a cable having the features of Claim 1, by a method for manufacturing a cable having the features of Claim 16, and by a method for location of a cable having the features of Claim 21.
P2004,0821 WO N
The cable has a transponder arrangement which has a memory for storing digital data and has a transponder for wire-free transmission of digital data, a cable sheath, which surrounds the transponder arrangement, a transmission element, which is surrounded by the cable sheath with the transponder arrangement being arranged between the transmission element and the cable sheath, a braiding which surrounds the transmission element and the transponder arrangement, holds the transponder arrangement on the transmission element, and very largely protects the transponder arrangement against temperature influences.
A transponder arrangement such as this is normally referred to by the expressions RFID Tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag), Smart Chip or Green Tag.
The transponder arrangement uses an antenna to receive, for example, a radio pulse from a communication appliance, in particular a reader or a writer, and sends back fixed or variable information. The transponder arrangement is integrated in the physical structure of a cable or of a core during production and, in a label, contains all of the functions which are required for storage and for interchange of the digital data. The cable or the core may contain electrical or optical conductors and may be intended for transmission of power or for transmission of messages. Passive transponder arrangements which obtain the electrical power required for their operation from the signals from the communication appliance have a virtually unlimited life and are insensitive to dirt, grease and static charging. A typical memory volume for a transponder arrangement such as this is, for example, 2 MB (megabytes) . The digital data may, for example, include manufacturing information or information which is dependent on the length of a cable section. The data can be read from the memory, or written to the memory, P2004,0821 WO N
A transponder arrangement such as this is normally referred to by the expressions RFID Tag (Radio Frequency Identification Tag), Smart Chip or Green Tag.
The transponder arrangement uses an antenna to receive, for example, a radio pulse from a communication appliance, in particular a reader or a writer, and sends back fixed or variable information. The transponder arrangement is integrated in the physical structure of a cable or of a core during production and, in a label, contains all of the functions which are required for storage and for interchange of the digital data. The cable or the core may contain electrical or optical conductors and may be intended for transmission of power or for transmission of messages. Passive transponder arrangements which obtain the electrical power required for their operation from the signals from the communication appliance have a virtually unlimited life and are insensitive to dirt, grease and static charging. A typical memory volume for a transponder arrangement such as this is, for example, 2 MB (megabytes) . The digital data may, for example, include manufacturing information or information which is dependent on the length of a cable section. The data can be read from the memory, or written to the memory, P2004,0821 WO N
without the use of wires and without a visual link, at a high transmission rate. The data can be interchanged irrespective of the location, that is to say without the communication appliance and the transponder arrangement being in a defined relative position with respect to one another. However, the direction to the transponder arrangement can also be found, and it can also be located, by means of a suitably designed communication appliance when it is necessary to determine the position of the transponder arrangement in order to determine the route of the cable or of the conductor.
Storage of the information on the cable at the manufacturer's works avoids difficulty in the association between the cable and the information from the manufacturer about the cable, such as those which can occur when the data is stored separately from the cable.
After manufacturing the cable, the cable sheath also intrinsically provides the transponder arrangement with more protection than the support element.
Introduction of the transponder arrangement into the cable core which is surrounded by the cable sheath ensures that the transponder arrangement is protected against the temperatures which occur during extrusion of the sheath.
Attachment of the transponder arrangement to a transmission element makes it easier to introduce the transponder arrangement into the sheath extruder.
The braiding separates the transponder arrangement from the cable sheath, thus effectively protecting it P2004,0821 WO N
Storage of the information on the cable at the manufacturer's works avoids difficulty in the association between the cable and the information from the manufacturer about the cable, such as those which can occur when the data is stored separately from the cable.
After manufacturing the cable, the cable sheath also intrinsically provides the transponder arrangement with more protection than the support element.
Introduction of the transponder arrangement into the cable core which is surrounded by the cable sheath ensures that the transponder arrangement is protected against the temperatures which occur during extrusion of the sheath.
Attachment of the transponder arrangement to a transmission element makes it easier to introduce the transponder arrangement into the sheath extruder.
The braiding separates the transponder arrangement from the cable sheath, thus effectively protecting it P2004,0821 WO N
against the temperatures which occur during extrusion of the sheath.
The cable preferably comprises an elongated support element in the form of a strip, to which the transponder arrangement is attached, or in which it is mounted.
The support element may be a plastic strip or may have a round cross section. The transponder arrangement may be encapsulated in the support element. This allows the transponder arrangement to be protected against dirt, grease and electrostatic charging even during production of the cable.
The braiding preferably contains holding elements in the form of threads.
The holding elements in the form of threads can be extruded from a melt.
The holding elements in the form of threads preferably contain Kevlar fibers or glass fibers.
The Kevlar fibers or glass fibers can also be used for strain relief.
The transmission element preferably has an optical waveguide, and the cable is preferably formed only from dielectric materials in a surrounding area which surrounds the transponder arrangement.
If no metal is arranged in the vicinity of the antenna of the transponder arrangement, then digital data which has been stored in the transponder arrangement can be read over a relatively long distance by a communication appliance.
P2004,0821 WO N
The cable preferably comprises an elongated support element in the form of a strip, to which the transponder arrangement is attached, or in which it is mounted.
The support element may be a plastic strip or may have a round cross section. The transponder arrangement may be encapsulated in the support element. This allows the transponder arrangement to be protected against dirt, grease and electrostatic charging even during production of the cable.
The braiding preferably contains holding elements in the form of threads.
The holding elements in the form of threads can be extruded from a melt.
The holding elements in the form of threads preferably contain Kevlar fibers or glass fibers.
The Kevlar fibers or glass fibers can also be used for strain relief.
The transmission element preferably has an optical waveguide, and the cable is preferably formed only from dielectric materials in a surrounding area which surrounds the transponder arrangement.
If no metal is arranged in the vicinity of the antenna of the transponder arrangement, then digital data which has been stored in the transponder arrangement can be read over a relatively long distance by a communication appliance.
P2004,0821 WO N
The transmission element preferably comprises a metal line.
The disadvantageous influence of the metal line can be partially compensated for by suitable orientation of the antenna of the transponder arrangement.
The cable preferably has a cable sheath in which the transponder arrangement is embedded. In this case, the cable sheath is preferably composed of two layers, which are produced by an extrusion process. The transponder arrangement is fitted to a first sheath layer. A second sheath layer is then extruded over it.
A transponder arrangement may be subject to temperatures of about 200 C. Temperatures of about 85 C
occur during sheath extrusion. For example, the transponder arrangement can thus be pushed into the cable sheath while it is still hot.
The cable preferably has a transmission element which has a sleeve, with the transponder arrangement being surrounded by the sleeve.
A transponder arrangement could thus be arranged within a transmission element. In this case, it would also be feasible for a cable to contain a plurality of such transmission elements, each having a corresponding transponder arrangement. The internal configuration of a cable is reflected by all of the information which can be read from the cable.
The transponder arrangement preferably has a processor to which electrical power and a system clock can be supplied via the transponder and which is designed to P2004,0821 WO N
The disadvantageous influence of the metal line can be partially compensated for by suitable orientation of the antenna of the transponder arrangement.
The cable preferably has a cable sheath in which the transponder arrangement is embedded. In this case, the cable sheath is preferably composed of two layers, which are produced by an extrusion process. The transponder arrangement is fitted to a first sheath layer. A second sheath layer is then extruded over it.
A transponder arrangement may be subject to temperatures of about 200 C. Temperatures of about 85 C
occur during sheath extrusion. For example, the transponder arrangement can thus be pushed into the cable sheath while it is still hot.
The cable preferably has a transmission element which has a sleeve, with the transponder arrangement being surrounded by the sleeve.
A transponder arrangement could thus be arranged within a transmission element. In this case, it would also be feasible for a cable to contain a plurality of such transmission elements, each having a corresponding transponder arrangement. The internal configuration of a cable is reflected by all of the information which can be read from the cable.
The transponder arrangement preferably has a processor to which electrical power and a system clock can be supplied via the transponder and which is designed to P2004,0821 WO N
read digital data from the memory, and to send the digital data via the transponder.
The digital data received via the transponder can be written to the memory preferably by the processor.
By way of example, the transponder arrangement memory may be written to for the first time before, during or after production. Furthermore, the digital data contained in the memory can be updated after a cable repair.
A length section of the cable has a length, and the digital data in the memory preferably contains information about the length of the length section.
The meter length of a cable can be read by a communication appliance, without the use of wires. The length of the section of cable arranged between two different points can be determined by reading the meter lengths at these two different points.
The digital data in the memory preferably contains a first feature, a second feature is preferably defined by further digital data received by the transponder, and the digital data in the memory can preferably be read from the memory only if the first feature and the second feature match.
The first feature may, for example, be a security feature which is stored in the transponder arrangement at the manufacturer's works. A keyword which is transmitted by a communication appliance is checked on the basis of the security feature, and the stored data is or is not transmitted as a function of the result of the check. This allows the stored digital data to be protected against access by unauthorized persons.
P2004,0821 WO N
The digital data received via the transponder can be written to the memory preferably by the processor.
By way of example, the transponder arrangement memory may be written to for the first time before, during or after production. Furthermore, the digital data contained in the memory can be updated after a cable repair.
A length section of the cable has a length, and the digital data in the memory preferably contains information about the length of the length section.
The meter length of a cable can be read by a communication appliance, without the use of wires. The length of the section of cable arranged between two different points can be determined by reading the meter lengths at these two different points.
The digital data in the memory preferably contains a first feature, a second feature is preferably defined by further digital data received by the transponder, and the digital data in the memory can preferably be read from the memory only if the first feature and the second feature match.
The first feature may, for example, be a security feature which is stored in the transponder arrangement at the manufacturer's works. A keyword which is transmitted by a communication appliance is checked on the basis of the security feature, and the stored data is or is not transmitted as a function of the result of the check. This allows the stored digital data to be protected against access by unauthorized persons.
P2004,0821 WO N
The first feature preferably contains the information about the length of the length section of the cable.
The first feature may include the meter length stored in the transponder arrangement. The second feature may include a test value. The transponder arrangement may be designed to respond to a broadcast signal only if the test value and the stored meter length match. This makes it possible to implement an anti-collision protocol in order to deliberately ensure a response from one, and only one, of a plurality of transponder arrangements which are located within a response range of a communication appliance.
The transponder arrangement is preferably in the form of a passive system. In this case, there is no need to provide any power supply device on a chip which contains the transponder arrangement. The power for operation of the transponder arrangement is taken directly from an electromagnetic field, for example the field of the communication appliance.
In one development of the invention, the transponder arrangement is in the form of an active system which has its own supply device for provision of a power supply for the transponder arrangement. The power supply for the transponder arrangement is in this case preferably provided by a rechargeable supply device.
According to a further feature of the invention, the rechargeable supply device is a rechargeable battery.
The rechargeable supply device can preferably be recharged by wire-free means.
The transponder arrangement therefore does not require any exposed connections in order to supply electrical power or in order to interchange digital data, can be P2004,0821 WO N
The first feature may include the meter length stored in the transponder arrangement. The second feature may include a test value. The transponder arrangement may be designed to respond to a broadcast signal only if the test value and the stored meter length match. This makes it possible to implement an anti-collision protocol in order to deliberately ensure a response from one, and only one, of a plurality of transponder arrangements which are located within a response range of a communication appliance.
The transponder arrangement is preferably in the form of a passive system. In this case, there is no need to provide any power supply device on a chip which contains the transponder arrangement. The power for operation of the transponder arrangement is taken directly from an electromagnetic field, for example the field of the communication appliance.
In one development of the invention, the transponder arrangement is in the form of an active system which has its own supply device for provision of a power supply for the transponder arrangement. The power supply for the transponder arrangement is in this case preferably provided by a rechargeable supply device.
According to a further feature of the invention, the rechargeable supply device is a rechargeable battery.
The rechargeable supply device can preferably be recharged by wire-free means.
The transponder arrangement therefore does not require any exposed connections in order to supply electrical power or in order to interchange digital data, can be P2004,0821 WO N
introduced into the cable in a sealed form, is not subject to any wear, and requires no maintenance.
Transponder arrangements having a rechargeable battery can be used if the transponder is intended to have a relatively long range or the cable contains transmission elements with metal lines.
The use of a rechargeable battery ensures that the functions of the transponder device are available to a user without any time constraint. If the rechargeable battery has been discharged or if, as a result of the transponder already having been accessed a number of times, a state of charge is reached at which it is no longer possible to read or write information from or to a memory in the transponder arrangement, the supply device can be recharged in order to provide the power supply for the transponder arrangement. Since the charging process is preferably carried out via a radio link without the use of wires, there is no need to expose a cable that has been buried in the ground. If, nevertheless, a non-rechargeable battery is used to supply power, then the battery should be used only for transmission, in order to ensure a long life.
The method for manufacturing a cable includes a step of providing a transmission element which has at least one optical waveguide, as well as a step of providing a plurality of transponder arrangements, each having a memory for storage of digital data. The transmission element and the plurality of transponder arrangements are supplied to a manufacturing unit. A braiding is produced in the manufacturing unit, by means of which the transponder arrangements are held on the transmission element. A cable sheath is extruded around the braiding, with the transponder arrangements being very largely protected by the braiding against high P2004,0821 WO N
Transponder arrangements having a rechargeable battery can be used if the transponder is intended to have a relatively long range or the cable contains transmission elements with metal lines.
The use of a rechargeable battery ensures that the functions of the transponder device are available to a user without any time constraint. If the rechargeable battery has been discharged or if, as a result of the transponder already having been accessed a number of times, a state of charge is reached at which it is no longer possible to read or write information from or to a memory in the transponder arrangement, the supply device can be recharged in order to provide the power supply for the transponder arrangement. Since the charging process is preferably carried out via a radio link without the use of wires, there is no need to expose a cable that has been buried in the ground. If, nevertheless, a non-rechargeable battery is used to supply power, then the battery should be used only for transmission, in order to ensure a long life.
The method for manufacturing a cable includes a step of providing a transmission element which has at least one optical waveguide, as well as a step of providing a plurality of transponder arrangements, each having a memory for storage of digital data. The transmission element and the plurality of transponder arrangements are supplied to a manufacturing unit. A braiding is produced in the manufacturing unit, by means of which the transponder arrangements are held on the transmission element. A cable sheath is extruded around the braiding, with the transponder arrangements being very largely protected by the braiding against high P2004,0821 WO N
temperatures which occur during extrusion of the cable sheath.
For example, a plurality of transponder arrangements can be supplied to a sheath extruder at regular intervals during the production of the cable. The cable sheath is then extruded around the plurality of transponder arrangements in the sheath extruder, with a temperature of about 85 C being reached in the sheath material. Since a normal transponder arrangement may be subject to a temperature of up to 200 C, the plurality of transponder arrangements can also be pressed into the sheath material, while it is still hot.
Normal braiding includes, for example, strain-relief elements or expanding felts. Many of the normal substances are also suitable for thermal insulation of the transponder arrangements against the temperatures which occur in the sheath material immediately after sheath extrusion.
The step of producing the braiding preferably comprises a step of supplying Kevlar fibers or glass fibers.
Kevlar or glass fibers are normally also used for strain relief.
The method preferably includes a step of provision of a writer for wire-free transmission of the digital data to in each case one of the plurality of transponder arrangements, and a step of writing of the digital data to the memory of the respective one of the plurality of transponder arrangements.
The transponder arrangements can be programmed before or after being introduced into the cable. After being introduced into the cable, one of the plurality of P2004,0821 WO N
For example, a plurality of transponder arrangements can be supplied to a sheath extruder at regular intervals during the production of the cable. The cable sheath is then extruded around the plurality of transponder arrangements in the sheath extruder, with a temperature of about 85 C being reached in the sheath material. Since a normal transponder arrangement may be subject to a temperature of up to 200 C, the plurality of transponder arrangements can also be pressed into the sheath material, while it is still hot.
Normal braiding includes, for example, strain-relief elements or expanding felts. Many of the normal substances are also suitable for thermal insulation of the transponder arrangements against the temperatures which occur in the sheath material immediately after sheath extrusion.
The step of producing the braiding preferably comprises a step of supplying Kevlar fibers or glass fibers.
Kevlar or glass fibers are normally also used for strain relief.
The method preferably includes a step of provision of a writer for wire-free transmission of the digital data to in each case one of the plurality of transponder arrangements, and a step of writing of the digital data to the memory of the respective one of the plurality of transponder arrangements.
The transponder arrangements can be programmed before or after being introduced into the cable. After being introduced into the cable, one of the plurality of P2004,0821 WO N
transponder arrangements can then be programmed only via the transponder, so that it must be possible for the processor to write to the memory. Before introduction into the cable and in particular before sealing of the transponder arrangement, it would also be possible to program the memory with the transponder or processor being bypassed. It would then be possible to configure the memory such that it can be read only for the processor.
The method preferably includes a step of supplying the plurality of transponder arrangements with the aid of an elongated support element in the form of a strip, which is subdivided in the longitudinal direction into a plurality of sections in or to which in each case one of the plurality of transponder arrangements is respectively mounted or attached.
By way of example, the support element could have a round cross section and could be introduced into the cable by means of a supply apparatus which is intended for transmission elements or strain-relief elements.
The method preferably includes a step of twisting of the support element with the transmission element.
Such twisting is, for example, worthwhile when the mechanical characteristics of the support element and of the transmission element are similar to one another.
However, a plurality of transmission elements can also be twisted around the support element.
The method for location of a cable includes a step of providing the cable according to the invention, a step of storing digital data, from which the length of a length section of the cable can be determined, in the memory of the transponder arrangement, and a step of P2004,0821 WO N
The method preferably includes a step of supplying the plurality of transponder arrangements with the aid of an elongated support element in the form of a strip, which is subdivided in the longitudinal direction into a plurality of sections in or to which in each case one of the plurality of transponder arrangements is respectively mounted or attached.
By way of example, the support element could have a round cross section and could be introduced into the cable by means of a supply apparatus which is intended for transmission elements or strain-relief elements.
The method preferably includes a step of twisting of the support element with the transmission element.
Such twisting is, for example, worthwhile when the mechanical characteristics of the support element and of the transmission element are similar to one another.
However, a plurality of transmission elements can also be twisted around the support element.
The method for location of a cable includes a step of providing the cable according to the invention, a step of storing digital data, from which the length of a length section of the cable can be determined, in the memory of the transponder arrangement, and a step of P2004,0821 WO N
providing an instrument for production of a first measurement signal which propagates along the cable, for detecting a second measurement signal which arrives via the cable, and for determining a delay time between the first and the second measurement signal, on the assumption that the second measurement signal is produced by the reflection of the first measurement signal at the point located along the cable. The distance between the instrument and that point is determined from the delay time.
Furthermore, the method includes a step of providing a reader having a spatially restricted response range which is dependent on the position of the reader, in which case the digital data can be read by the reader from the transponder arrangement when the transponder arrangement is arranged within the response range, and a step of reading of the digital data from the memory and a step of determining the length of the length section of the cable, and associating the length with the position of the reader.
The position of that point can be determined by comparison of the distance determined from the delay time and the length read from the memory of the transponder arrangement.
The length of a section of cable laid between two points can be determined by reading the digital data.
The distance between the two points can be estimated from the position of the reader and the dimensions of the response range. This allows the position coordinates for example of a meter marking on a cable which has been laid in the ground to be estimated relatively accurately.
P2004,0821 WO N
Furthermore, the method includes a step of providing a reader having a spatially restricted response range which is dependent on the position of the reader, in which case the digital data can be read by the reader from the transponder arrangement when the transponder arrangement is arranged within the response range, and a step of reading of the digital data from the memory and a step of determining the length of the length section of the cable, and associating the length with the position of the reader.
The position of that point can be determined by comparison of the distance determined from the delay time and the length read from the memory of the transponder arrangement.
The length of a section of cable laid between two points can be determined by reading the digital data.
The distance between the two points can be estimated from the position of the reader and the dimensions of the response range. This allows the position coordinates for example of a meter marking on a cable which has been laid in the ground to be estimated relatively accurately.
P2004,0821 WO N
The length of the cable, measured from the measurement position, to a line discontinuity can be determined by measurement of the delay time of an electromagnetic signal which has been reflected at that line discontinuity. The route of the cable is then followed and the length-dependent information is read from in each case one of the plurality of transponder arrangements. When a point is reached which corresponds to the length determined from the measurement of the delay time, the adjacent transponder arrangements are located with the greatest possible accuracy by narrowing the response range, and the location of the line discontinuity is fixed by suitable interpolation.
The cable can then be exposed, and the line discontinuity rectified.
The method preferably includes a step of reducing the response range for more accurate bounding of the location of the transponder arrangement.
A response range may, for example, initially have a radius of about 30 m, and is then reduced in steps to, for example, about 1 m in order to precisely locate one of the plurality of transponder arrangements.
Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 illustrates, by way of example, the interchange of signals between a cable according to the present invention and a communication appliance.
Figure 2 shows one exemplary embodiment of a cable according to the present invention.
Figure 3 shows a cross section through one exemplary embodiment of a cable according to the present invention.
P2004,0821 WO N
The cable can then be exposed, and the line discontinuity rectified.
The method preferably includes a step of reducing the response range for more accurate bounding of the location of the transponder arrangement.
A response range may, for example, initially have a radius of about 30 m, and is then reduced in steps to, for example, about 1 m in order to precisely locate one of the plurality of transponder arrangements.
Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 illustrates, by way of example, the interchange of signals between a cable according to the present invention and a communication appliance.
Figure 2 shows one exemplary embodiment of a cable according to the present invention.
Figure 3 shows a cross section through one exemplary embodiment of a cable according to the present invention.
P2004,0821 WO N
Figure 4 shows one exemplary embodiment of a method for production of a cable according to the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates, by way of example, a method for location of a cable, and the use of the method for finding a line defect.
Figure 6 shows the circuit of the transponder arrangement for a cable according to the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates, by way of example, the electromagnetic coupling between a communication appliance and the transponder arrangement for a cable according to the present invention.
Explanation of Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention Figure 1 shows an example of an arrangement having a cable according to the present invention and having a communication appliance 20. The cable 40 has a plurality of transponder arrangements 10, which are arranged at a distance from one another along the cable 40 and are integrated in the cable 40. The transponder arrangements 10 are each designed to store digital data 1231, to receive a first signal 51 and to produce a second signal 52. A section of the cable 40 is arranged between each of the adjacent transponder arrangements 10. The communication appliance 20 is designed to produce the first signal and to detect the second signal 52. The first signal 51 is used for transmission of electrical power 511 and of a clock control signal 512 from the communication appliance 20 to the transponder arrangement 10. The second signal 52 is used for transmission of the digital data 1231 from the P2004,0821 WO N
Figure 5 illustrates, by way of example, a method for location of a cable, and the use of the method for finding a line defect.
Figure 6 shows the circuit of the transponder arrangement for a cable according to the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates, by way of example, the electromagnetic coupling between a communication appliance and the transponder arrangement for a cable according to the present invention.
Explanation of Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention Figure 1 shows an example of an arrangement having a cable according to the present invention and having a communication appliance 20. The cable 40 has a plurality of transponder arrangements 10, which are arranged at a distance from one another along the cable 40 and are integrated in the cable 40. The transponder arrangements 10 are each designed to store digital data 1231, to receive a first signal 51 and to produce a second signal 52. A section of the cable 40 is arranged between each of the adjacent transponder arrangements 10. The communication appliance 20 is designed to produce the first signal and to detect the second signal 52. The first signal 51 is used for transmission of electrical power 511 and of a clock control signal 512 from the communication appliance 20 to the transponder arrangement 10. The second signal 52 is used for transmission of the digital data 1231 from the P2004,0821 WO N
transponder arrangement 10 to the communication appliance 20. The first signal 51 can also be used for transmission of the digital data 1231, or for transmission of further digital data 1232. The transponder arrangements 10 are each designed to store the digital data 1231 transmitted with the first signal.
Figure 2 shows one exemplary embodiment of a cable according to the present invention. The cable 40 contains a plurality of transmission elements 400, which are surrounded by a cable sheath 41 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the cable. The transmission elements 400 each have at least one optical waveguide and/or metal wire which extends in the longitudinal direction of the cable. The illustrated section of the cable also contains one of the transponder arrangements 10. One of the transponder arrangements 10 in each case has an antenna 11, an integrated circuit 12 and connecting contacts 13, with the integrated circuit 12 being connected to the antenna 11 via in each case one of the connecting contacts 13. The integrated circuit 12 is designed to receive the first signal 51 via the antenna 11, to transmit the second signal 52 via the antenna 11, and to store digital data 1231 transmitted with the first signal 51. By way of example, the digital data 1231 may include information about the length d of that length section of the cable 40 which is arranged between the reference position 0 and in each case one of the transponder arrangements 10.
Figure 3 shows a cross section through a cable according to the present invention. The cable 40 contains a cable sheath 41 and, in general, a plurality of transmission elements 400 which are surrounded by the cable sheath 41. One of the transmission elements P2004,0821 WO N
Figure 2 shows one exemplary embodiment of a cable according to the present invention. The cable 40 contains a plurality of transmission elements 400, which are surrounded by a cable sheath 41 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the cable. The transmission elements 400 each have at least one optical waveguide and/or metal wire which extends in the longitudinal direction of the cable. The illustrated section of the cable also contains one of the transponder arrangements 10. One of the transponder arrangements 10 in each case has an antenna 11, an integrated circuit 12 and connecting contacts 13, with the integrated circuit 12 being connected to the antenna 11 via in each case one of the connecting contacts 13. The integrated circuit 12 is designed to receive the first signal 51 via the antenna 11, to transmit the second signal 52 via the antenna 11, and to store digital data 1231 transmitted with the first signal 51. By way of example, the digital data 1231 may include information about the length d of that length section of the cable 40 which is arranged between the reference position 0 and in each case one of the transponder arrangements 10.
Figure 3 shows a cross section through a cable according to the present invention. The cable 40 contains a cable sheath 41 and, in general, a plurality of transmission elements 400 which are surrounded by the cable sheath 41. One of the transmission elements P2004,0821 WO N
400 contains a sleeve 401 and in general a plurality of conductors 4000, for example optical waveguides and/or electrical conductors, which each contain a centrally arranged line area 4002, for example a glass fiber or a metal wire, and an insulation area 4001 which surrounds the line area 4002, for example a plastic layer. The cable 40 may contain a braiding 43, which surrounds the transmission elements 400. The braiding may contain holding elements 431 in the form of threads, for example carbon fibers or glass fibers. The holding elements in the form of a threads may also be used for strain relief. The cable has a plurality of transponder arrangements 10, which are attached to a support element 60 which extends in the longitudinal direction of the cable 40. The support element 601 is preferably a film composed of plastic, to which the transponder arrangements 10 are attached or in which the transponder arrangements 10 are mounted. The support element 60 and the transponder arrangements 10 are, for example, arranged between the transmission elements 400 and the holding elements 431 in the form of threads.
The support element 60 and the transponder arrangements can also be arranged between the braiding 43 and the cable sheath 41. The transponder arrangements 10 may also be embedded individually in the cable sheath 41.
Figure 4 shows one exemplary embodiment of a method for manufacturing a cable according to the present invention. A production line for manufacturing the cable 40 has a plurality of sleeve extruders 81, a twisting and braiding apparatus 82, a sheath extruder 83 and a cooling section 84. An appropriate sleeve 401 is extruded, in each case one of the sleeve extruders 81, generally around a plurality of corresponding conductors 4000, for example optical waveguides or electrical conductors, thus in each case producing one of the transmission elements 400. The sleeve extruders P2004,0821 WO N
The support element 60 and the transponder arrangements can also be arranged between the braiding 43 and the cable sheath 41. The transponder arrangements 10 may also be embedded individually in the cable sheath 41.
Figure 4 shows one exemplary embodiment of a method for manufacturing a cable according to the present invention. A production line for manufacturing the cable 40 has a plurality of sleeve extruders 81, a twisting and braiding apparatus 82, a sheath extruder 83 and a cooling section 84. An appropriate sleeve 401 is extruded, in each case one of the sleeve extruders 81, generally around a plurality of corresponding conductors 4000, for example optical waveguides or electrical conductors, thus in each case producing one of the transmission elements 400. The sleeve extruders P2004,0821 WO N
81 are for this purpose each supplied with the appropriate conductors 4000 and a melt of a sleeving material 811. In the twisting and braiding apparatus 82, the transmission elements 400 are first of all twisted with one another and are then provided with a braiding 43, in order in this way to form a cable core 42. The twisting and braiding apparatus 82 is for this purpose supplied with the transmission elements 400 and the holding elements 431 in the form of threads. The holding elements 431 in the form of threads can also be extruded from a melt of a braiding material. The cable sheath 41 is extruded around the cable core 42 in a sheath extruder 83, in order in this way to form the cable 40. For this purpose, the sheath extruder 83 is supplied with the cable core 42 and a melt of a liquid sheath material 831. The cable 40 is cooled down along a cooling section 84, and is wound up onto a cable drum.
The production line also has a supply unit 85 for introduction of the transponder arrangements 10 into the cable 40. By way of example, the transponder arrangements 10 are fitted by means of a mounting apparatus 85 to or in an elongated support element 60 in the form of a strip, and are introduced into the cable sheath 41. By way of example, the support element 60 is supplied together with the transmission elements 400 to the twisting and braiding apparatus 82. This results in the braiding 43 surrounding the support element 60 and the transponder arrangements 10.
The support element 60 can also be supplied to the sheath extruder 83 together with the cable core 42.
This results in the transponder arrangements 10 being arranged between the cable core 42 and the cable sheath 41.
P2004,0821 WO N
The production line also has a supply unit 85 for introduction of the transponder arrangements 10 into the cable 40. By way of example, the transponder arrangements 10 are fitted by means of a mounting apparatus 85 to or in an elongated support element 60 in the form of a strip, and are introduced into the cable sheath 41. By way of example, the support element 60 is supplied together with the transmission elements 400 to the twisting and braiding apparatus 82. This results in the braiding 43 surrounding the support element 60 and the transponder arrangements 10.
The support element 60 can also be supplied to the sheath extruder 83 together with the cable core 42.
This results in the transponder arrangements 10 being arranged between the cable core 42 and the cable sheath 41.
P2004,0821 WO N
The production line also has a writer 201 for programming of the transponder arrangement 10. The transponder arrangements 10 can be programmed before or after introduction into the cable 40. In this case, the digital data 1231 and in particular information about the length d of that section of the cable 40 which is arranged between the respective one of the transponder arrangements 10 and a reference position 70 are stored in the memory 123 of in each case one of the transponder arrangements 10.
Figure 5 shows one exemplary embodiment of a method for location of a cable 40 and for finding a line defect. A
plurality of transponder arrangements 10 are arranged in the cable 40. A longitudinal section of the cable 40 with an appropriate length d is arranged between in each case one of the transponder arrangements 10 and a measurement position 70. Length sections of the cable 40 with lengths of dl and d2 are in each case arranged between a first and a second of the transponder arrangements 10 and the reference position 70. One of the lengths dl and d2 is in each case stored in in each case one of the first and of the second of the transponder arrangements 10. A line defect 71 has occurred between the first and the second of the transponder arrangements 10. The cable 40 is accessible at the reference position 70. In order to find the line defect 71, a signal is first of all produced with the aid of a measurement apparatus 90, which is connected to one of the conductors 4000 at the reference position 70, and this signal propagates along the cable 40. A
portion of the signal is reflected at the line defect 71, and is detected by the measurement apparatus 90.
The length Ls of that section of the cable 70 which is arranged between the reference position 70 and the line defect is determined from the delay time Ot of the reflected portion of the signal. The first and the P2004,0821 WO N
Figure 5 shows one exemplary embodiment of a method for location of a cable 40 and for finding a line defect. A
plurality of transponder arrangements 10 are arranged in the cable 40. A longitudinal section of the cable 40 with an appropriate length d is arranged between in each case one of the transponder arrangements 10 and a measurement position 70. Length sections of the cable 40 with lengths of dl and d2 are in each case arranged between a first and a second of the transponder arrangements 10 and the reference position 70. One of the lengths dl and d2 is in each case stored in in each case one of the first and of the second of the transponder arrangements 10. A line defect 71 has occurred between the first and the second of the transponder arrangements 10. The cable 40 is accessible at the reference position 70. In order to find the line defect 71, a signal is first of all produced with the aid of a measurement apparatus 90, which is connected to one of the conductors 4000 at the reference position 70, and this signal propagates along the cable 40. A
portion of the signal is reflected at the line defect 71, and is detected by the measurement apparatus 90.
The length Ls of that section of the cable 70 which is arranged between the reference position 70 and the line defect is determined from the delay time Ot of the reflected portion of the signal. The first and the P2004,0821 WO N
second of the transponder arrangements 10, between which the line defect has occurred, are then located.
For this purpose, the reader 20 is moved along the approximate route of the cable 40, starting from the reference position 70, in the direction of the line defect 71. During this process, the reader 20 emits a first signal 51. One of the transponder arrangements 10 which is in each case located in the response range 2011 around the reader 20 receives electrical power and a system clock via the first signal 51, and transmits the digital data 1231 stored in it via the second signal 52. This in each case results in the reader 20 reading the digital data 1231 from those transponder arrangements 10 which are within the response range 2011. If no data is read, then none of the transponder arrangements 10 are within the response range 2011. If at least one of the transponder arrangements 10 is within the response range 2011, then the length d of that length section of the cable 40 which is arranged between the at least one of the transponder arrangements 10 and the reference position 70 can be determined. At the same time, the position 2010 and the response range 2012 of the reader are known. If, in particular, the digital data 1231 from the first and the second of the transponder arrangements 10 is read by the reader 20 with the respectively stored value for the lengths dl and d2, then the line defect 71 which is arranged between the first and the second of the transponder arrangements 10 is located within the response range of the reader 20, and is thus located.
The accuracy of the described location process can be improved by reducing the radius and/or the spatial angle of the response range 2011, by decreasing the transmission power and/or by using a directional antenna.
P2004,0821 WO N
For this purpose, the reader 20 is moved along the approximate route of the cable 40, starting from the reference position 70, in the direction of the line defect 71. During this process, the reader 20 emits a first signal 51. One of the transponder arrangements 10 which is in each case located in the response range 2011 around the reader 20 receives electrical power and a system clock via the first signal 51, and transmits the digital data 1231 stored in it via the second signal 52. This in each case results in the reader 20 reading the digital data 1231 from those transponder arrangements 10 which are within the response range 2011. If no data is read, then none of the transponder arrangements 10 are within the response range 2011. If at least one of the transponder arrangements 10 is within the response range 2011, then the length d of that length section of the cable 40 which is arranged between the at least one of the transponder arrangements 10 and the reference position 70 can be determined. At the same time, the position 2010 and the response range 2012 of the reader are known. If, in particular, the digital data 1231 from the first and the second of the transponder arrangements 10 is read by the reader 20 with the respectively stored value for the lengths dl and d2, then the line defect 71 which is arranged between the first and the second of the transponder arrangements 10 is located within the response range of the reader 20, and is thus located.
The accuracy of the described location process can be improved by reducing the radius and/or the spatial angle of the response range 2011, by decreasing the transmission power and/or by using a directional antenna.
P2004,0821 WO N
Figure 6 shows the circuit of the transponder arrangement 10 for a cable 40 according to the present invention. The circuit has a transmitter 124 and a receiver 125, which are each connected to the antenna 11, a processor 122 which is connected to the transmitter 124 and to the receiver 125, and a memory 123 which is connected to the processor 122. The circuit also has a rectifier 120, which is connected to the antenna 11, in order to supply the processor 122, the transmitter 124 and the receiver 125 with a DC
voltage, and has a clock control 121, which is connected to the antenna 11, for supplying the processor 122 with a system clock C. A rechargeable battery 126 is provided in order to supply a voltage V
to the rectifier 120. The rechargeable battery 126 can in this case preferably be recharged without the use of wires. This means that the transponder arrangement is available at any time, after a short charging phase.
The use of a radio link to charge the rechargeable battery avoids the need to dig up and expose the cable and the transponder device. Instead of this, the rechargeable battery can be charged by a user through the surface of the earth.
It is, of course, also possible to use a purely passive system. In this case, the rechargeable battery 126 in figure 6 is not provided. In order to supply power passively to the transponder arrangement, power is taken from the electrical field which is emitted from the reader to the antenna 11, and is used to operate the transponder arrangement.
The receiver 125 receives digital input data I from the first signal 51, which is received via the antenna 11, and transmits this to the processor 122. The transmitter 124 inserts digital output data 0, which has been transmitted from the processor 122, into the P2004,0821 WO N
voltage, and has a clock control 121, which is connected to the antenna 11, for supplying the processor 122 with a system clock C. A rechargeable battery 126 is provided in order to supply a voltage V
to the rectifier 120. The rechargeable battery 126 can in this case preferably be recharged without the use of wires. This means that the transponder arrangement is available at any time, after a short charging phase.
The use of a radio link to charge the rechargeable battery avoids the need to dig up and expose the cable and the transponder device. Instead of this, the rechargeable battery can be charged by a user through the surface of the earth.
It is, of course, also possible to use a purely passive system. In this case, the rechargeable battery 126 in figure 6 is not provided. In order to supply power passively to the transponder arrangement, power is taken from the electrical field which is emitted from the reader to the antenna 11, and is used to operate the transponder arrangement.
The receiver 125 receives digital input data I from the first signal 51, which is received via the antenna 11, and transmits this to the processor 122. The transmitter 124 inserts digital output data 0, which has been transmitted from the processor 122, into the P2004,0821 WO N
second signal 52. The input data I is used by the processor 122 for control purposes, or is stored in the memory 123. The output data 0 is read by the processor 122 from the memory 123.
Figure 7 shows the electromagnetic coupling between the reader 20 and one exemplary embodiment of the circuit of the transponder arrangement 10 according to the present invention. The antenna 11 of the transponder arrangement 10 and the further antenna 21 of the reader 20 are each in the form of coils, which are inductively coupled. The inductance of the antenna 11 and the input capacitance 1251 form a parallel resonant circuit, which is damped by the winding resistance 111 of the antenna 11 and by the load resistance 1252, and whose resonant frequency is tuned to the transmission frequency of the reader 20.
A radio-frequency magnetic alternating field is produced in the further antenna 21 of the reader 20 in order to read the digital data 1231 which is stored in the transponder arrangement 10. This results in a radio-frequncy AC voltage being induced in the antenna 11 of the transponder arrangement 10. A DC voltage and a clock frequency for the power supply and clock control for the processor 122 are derived from the radio-frequncy AC voltage.
A switch S is controlled by the output data 0 that is transmitted from the processor 122 of the transponder arrangement 10 to the transmitter 124. For example, a high level corresponds to a closed state, and a low level corresponds to an open state of the switch S.
When the switch S is closed, the further load resistance 1253 is connected in parallel with the load resistance 1252. The total load resistance on the parallel resonant circuit is thus changed as a function P2004,0821 WO N
Figure 7 shows the electromagnetic coupling between the reader 20 and one exemplary embodiment of the circuit of the transponder arrangement 10 according to the present invention. The antenna 11 of the transponder arrangement 10 and the further antenna 21 of the reader 20 are each in the form of coils, which are inductively coupled. The inductance of the antenna 11 and the input capacitance 1251 form a parallel resonant circuit, which is damped by the winding resistance 111 of the antenna 11 and by the load resistance 1252, and whose resonant frequency is tuned to the transmission frequency of the reader 20.
A radio-frequency magnetic alternating field is produced in the further antenna 21 of the reader 20 in order to read the digital data 1231 which is stored in the transponder arrangement 10. This results in a radio-frequncy AC voltage being induced in the antenna 11 of the transponder arrangement 10. A DC voltage and a clock frequency for the power supply and clock control for the processor 122 are derived from the radio-frequncy AC voltage.
A switch S is controlled by the output data 0 that is transmitted from the processor 122 of the transponder arrangement 10 to the transmitter 124. For example, a high level corresponds to a closed state, and a low level corresponds to an open state of the switch S.
When the switch S is closed, the further load resistance 1253 is connected in parallel with the load resistance 1252. The total load resistance on the parallel resonant circuit is thus changed as a function P2004,0821 WO N
of the state of the switch S. If the load resistance is relatively low, a greater current flows in the antenna 11. A change in the total load resistance results in a change in the current in the antenna 11 and, as a consequence of the inductive coupling, also in an additional voltage in the further antenna 21 of the reader 20. The output data 0 can thus be transmitted from the transponder arrangement 10 to the reader 20 by means of this so-called transformer coupling.
P2004,0821 WO N
P2004,0821 WO N
List of Reference Symbols Transponder arrangement 11 Antenna 111 Antenna resistance 12 Integrated circuit 1251 Input capacitance, capacitor 1252 Input resistance 1253 Load resistance 1254 Controllable switch 120 Rectifier 121 Clock control 122 Processor 123 Memory 124 Transmitter 125 Receiver 13 Connecting contacts Communication appliance 2010 Location of the communication appliance 2011 Response range R Radius 8 Spatial angle Further processor with control program Cable 41 Cable sheath 42 Cable core 43 Braiding 400 Transmission element 401 Sleeve 4000 Optical waveguide or electrical conductor 4001 Fiber coating or wire insulation 4002 Glass fiber or metal wire 51 First signal 52 Second signal 511, P Electrical power 512, C System clock 1231 Digital data P2004,0821 WO N
12311 First feature 1232 Further digital data 12321 Second feature 60 Support element 70 Reference position 71 Line defect 81 Sleeve extruder 811 Sleeve material 82 Twisting and braiding apparatus 83 Sheath extruder 831 Sheath material 84 Cooling path 85 Mounting apparatus 90 Instrument for measurement of a delay time
Claims (22)
1. A cable (40) comprising:
a transponder arrangement (10) which has a memory (123) for storage for digital data (1231) and has a transponder (11, 124, 125) for wire-free transmission of digital data (1231), a cable sheath (41), which surrounds the transponder arrangement (10), a transmission element (400), which is surrounded by the cable sheath (41) with the transponder arrangement (10) being arranged between the transmission element (400) and the cable sheath (41), a braiding (43) which surrounds the transmission element (400) and the transponder arrangement (10), holds the transponder arrangement (10) on the transmission element (400), and very largely protects the transponder arrangement against temperature influences.
a transponder arrangement (10) which has a memory (123) for storage for digital data (1231) and has a transponder (11, 124, 125) for wire-free transmission of digital data (1231), a cable sheath (41), which surrounds the transponder arrangement (10), a transmission element (400), which is surrounded by the cable sheath (41) with the transponder arrangement (10) being arranged between the transmission element (400) and the cable sheath (41), a braiding (43) which surrounds the transmission element (400) and the transponder arrangement (10), holds the transponder arrangement (10) on the transmission element (400), and very largely protects the transponder arrangement against temperature influences.
2. The cable as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
an elongated support element (60) in the form of a strip, which is surrounded by the cable sheath (41), with the transponder arrangement (10) being attached to or mounted in the support element (60).
an elongated support element (60) in the form of a strip, which is surrounded by the cable sheath (41), with the transponder arrangement (10) being attached to or mounted in the support element (60).
3. The cable (40) as claimed in any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the braiding (43) contains holding elements (431) in the form of threads.
4. The cable (40) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the holding elements (431) in the form of threads contain Kevlar fibers or glass fibers.
5. The cable (40) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transmission element (400) has an optical waveguide (4000), and the cable (40) is designed to be purely dielectric in a surrounding area (402) which surrounds the transponder arrangement (10).
6. The cable (40) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transmission element (400) comprises a metal line.
7. The cable (40) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transponder arrangement (10) comprises:
a processor (122) to which an electrical power and a system clock (C) can be supplied via the transponder (124, 125) and which is designed to read digital data (1231) from the memory (123), and to send the digital data (1231) via the transponder (124, 125).
a processor (122) to which an electrical power and a system clock (C) can be supplied via the transponder (124, 125) and which is designed to read digital data (1231) from the memory (123), and to send the digital data (1231) via the transponder (124, 125).
8. The cable (40) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the digital data (1231) received via the transponder (124, 125) can be written to the memory (123) by the processor (122).
9. The cable (40) as claimed in any of claims 7 or 8, wherein a length section of the cable (40) has a length (d1, d2), and the digital data (1231) in the memory (123) contains information about the length (d1, d2) of the length section (401).
10. The cable (40) as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the digital data (1231) in the memory (123) contains a first feature (12311), a second feature (12321) is defined by further digital data (1232) received by the transponder (124, 125), and the digital data (1231) in the memory (123) can be read from the memory (123) only if the first feature (12311) and the second feature (12321) match.
11. The cable (40) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first feature (12311) includes the information about the length (d1, d2) of the length section of the cable (40).
12. The cable (40) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the transponder arrangement is in the form of a passive system which draws power for operation of the transponder arrangement from an electromagnetic field.
13. The cable (40) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the transponder arrangement is in the form of an active system which has a supply device (126) for provision of a power supply for the transponder arrangement.
14. The cable as claimed in claim 13, wherein the supply device has a rechargeable battery for provision of a power supply.
15. The cable as claimed in claim 14, wherein the supply device can be recharged by wire-free means.
16. A method for manufacturing a cable (40), comprising the steps of:
providing a transmission element (400) which has at least one optical waveguide (4000), providing a plurality of transponder arrangements (10), each having a memory (123) for storage of digital data (1231), supplying the transmission element (400) and of the plurality of transponder arrangements (10) to a manufacturing unit (82), producing a braiding (43) in the manufacturing unit (82), by means of which the transponder arrangements are held on the transmission element, extruding a cable sheath (41) around the braiding (43), with the transponder arrangements (10) being very largely protected by the braiding (43) against high temperatures which occur during the extrusion of the cable sheath.
providing a transmission element (400) which has at least one optical waveguide (4000), providing a plurality of transponder arrangements (10), each having a memory (123) for storage of digital data (1231), supplying the transmission element (400) and of the plurality of transponder arrangements (10) to a manufacturing unit (82), producing a braiding (43) in the manufacturing unit (82), by means of which the transponder arrangements are held on the transmission element, extruding a cable sheath (41) around the braiding (43), with the transponder arrangements (10) being very largely protected by the braiding (43) against high temperatures which occur during the extrusion of the cable sheath.
17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the step of production of the braiding (43) comprises a step of supplying Kevlar fibers (431) or glass fibers (432).
18. The method as claimed in any of claims 16 or 17, comprising the steps of:
providing a writer (20) for wire-free transmission of the digital data (1231) to in each case one of the plurality of transponder arrangements (10), writing the digital data (1231) to the memory (123) of the respective one of the plurality of transponder arrangements (10).
providing a writer (20) for wire-free transmission of the digital data (1231) to in each case one of the plurality of transponder arrangements (10), writing the digital data (1231) to the memory (123) of the respective one of the plurality of transponder arrangements (10).
19. The method as claimed in any of claims 16 to 18, comprising the step of:
supplying the plurality of transponder arrangements (10) to the manufacturing unit (82) with the aid of an elongated support element (60) in the form of a strip, which is subdivided in the longitudinal directions into a plurality of sections (601) in or to which in each case one of the plurality of transponder arrangements (10) is respectively mounted or attached.
supplying the plurality of transponder arrangements (10) to the manufacturing unit (82) with the aid of an elongated support element (60) in the form of a strip, which is subdivided in the longitudinal directions into a plurality of sections (601) in or to which in each case one of the plurality of transponder arrangements (10) is respectively mounted or attached.
20. The method as claimed in claim 19, comprising the step of:
twisting the support element (60) with the transmission element (400).
twisting the support element (60) with the transmission element (400).
21. Method for location of a point (71) in a cable (40), comprising the steps of:
providing a cable (40) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, storing digital data (1231), from which the length (4011) of a length section (401) of the cable (40) can be determined, in the memory (123) of the transponder arrangement (10), providing an instrument (90) for production of a first measurement signal (901) which propagates along the cable (40), for detecting a second measurement signal (902) which arrives via the cable (40), and for determining a delay time (.DELTA.t) between the first and the second measurement signal (901, 902), on the assumption that the second measurement signal (902) is produced by the reflection of the first measurement signal (901) at the point (71) located along the cable (40), determining the distance (.DELTA.s) between the instrument (90) and the point (71) from the delay time (.DELTA.t), providing a reader (20) having a spatially restricted response range (2011) which is dependent on the position (2010) of the reader (20), in which case the digital data (1231) can be read by the reader (20) from the transponder arrangement (10) when the transponder arrangement (10) is arranged within the response range (2011), reading the digital data (1231) from the memory (123) and determination of the length (d1, d2) of the length section of the cable (40), and association of the length (d1, d2) with the position (2010) of the reader (20), determining the position of the point (71) by comparison of the distance (.DELTA.s) determined from the delay time (.DELTA.t) and the length (d1, d2) read from the memory (123) of the transponder arrangement (10).
providing a cable (40) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, storing digital data (1231), from which the length (4011) of a length section (401) of the cable (40) can be determined, in the memory (123) of the transponder arrangement (10), providing an instrument (90) for production of a first measurement signal (901) which propagates along the cable (40), for detecting a second measurement signal (902) which arrives via the cable (40), and for determining a delay time (.DELTA.t) between the first and the second measurement signal (901, 902), on the assumption that the second measurement signal (902) is produced by the reflection of the first measurement signal (901) at the point (71) located along the cable (40), determining the distance (.DELTA.s) between the instrument (90) and the point (71) from the delay time (.DELTA.t), providing a reader (20) having a spatially restricted response range (2011) which is dependent on the position (2010) of the reader (20), in which case the digital data (1231) can be read by the reader (20) from the transponder arrangement (10) when the transponder arrangement (10) is arranged within the response range (2011), reading the digital data (1231) from the memory (123) and determination of the length (d1, d2) of the length section of the cable (40), and association of the length (d1, d2) with the position (2010) of the reader (20), determining the position of the point (71) by comparison of the distance (.DELTA.s) determined from the delay time (.DELTA.t) and the length (d1, d2) read from the memory (123) of the transponder arrangement (10).
22. The method as claimed in claim 21, comprising the step of:
reducing the response range (2011) for more accurate bounding of a location (1010) of the transponder arrangement (10).
reducing the response range (2011) for more accurate bounding of a location (1010) of the transponder arrangement (10).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE102004051594A DE102004051594A1 (en) | 2004-10-22 | 2004-10-22 | Cable, method of making a cable, and method of locating a cable |
| DE102004051594.8 | 2004-10-22 | ||
| PCT/EP2005/011360 WO2006045560A1 (en) | 2004-10-22 | 2005-10-21 | Cable, method for producing a cable and method for locating a cable |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2581186A1 true CA2581186A1 (en) | 2006-05-04 |
Family
ID=35500751
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002581186A Abandoned CA2581186A1 (en) | 2004-10-22 | 2005-10-21 | Cable, method for producing a cable and method for locating a cable |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1803132A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2008517336A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101044581A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2581186A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102004051594A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2006045560A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8023786B2 (en) | 2007-05-08 | 2011-09-20 | Lapp Engineering & Co. | Cable |
| US8155491B2 (en) | 2007-04-10 | 2012-04-10 | Lapp Engineering & Co. | Cable |
| US8487181B2 (en) | 2007-05-15 | 2013-07-16 | Lapp Engineering & Co. | Cable with embedded information carrier unit |
| US8515230B2 (en) | 2007-04-10 | 2013-08-20 | Lapp Engineering & Co. | Cable with embedded information carrier unit |
| US8629774B2 (en) | 2007-07-19 | 2014-01-14 | Lapp Engineering & Co. | Cable receiving unit |
| US8912889B2 (en) | 2009-09-16 | 2014-12-16 | Prysmian S.P.A. | Monitoring method and system for detecting the torsion along a cable provided with identification tags |
| US9032809B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2015-05-19 | Prysmian S.P.A | Electric cable with bending sensor and monitoring system and method for detecting bending in at least one electric cable |
| EP4174880A1 (en) * | 2021-10-28 | 2023-05-03 | Nexans | Power cable equipped with a plurality of electronic radiofrequency identification devices and associated production method |
Families Citing this family (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102005059968B4 (en) * | 2005-12-15 | 2007-12-13 | Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH | Apparatus and method for testing fasteners on a wire harness |
| ATE555405T1 (en) * | 2006-08-05 | 2012-05-15 | Strumann Werner Egeplast | TUBE WITH SENSOR |
| DE102007017964A1 (en) * | 2007-04-10 | 2008-10-23 | Lapp Engineering & Co. | electric wire |
| GB0805589D0 (en) * | 2008-03-27 | 2008-04-30 | British Telecomm | Records components reader |
| DE102008055917A1 (en) * | 2008-11-05 | 2010-05-06 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Device for suburb-deposit of e.g. current cable information during drilling on building wall, has reader reading line information written on memory units, where line is clearly identified and located based on read information |
| CN101982939A (en) * | 2010-09-08 | 2011-03-02 | 江西三创科技发展有限公司 | Cable internally connected with microelectronic component |
| DE102014226995A1 (en) * | 2014-12-29 | 2016-06-30 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Method for operating an automation device |
| DE202016002171U1 (en) | 2016-04-05 | 2017-07-07 | Liebherr-Werk Biberach Gmbh | Device for monitoring operating data and / or determining the Ablegereife a rope when used on lifting equipment |
| DE102016209067A1 (en) | 2016-05-25 | 2017-11-30 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Implement and component for a work implement |
| FR3067161B1 (en) * | 2017-05-30 | 2021-12-31 | Commissariat Energie Atomique | REMOTE DETECTION DEVICE FOR MULTI-CORE ELECTRICAL CABLES |
| DE102020104817A1 (en) | 2020-02-24 | 2021-08-26 | Philip Mangelberger | Device and method for attaching a transponder to an electrical line, assembly device and electrical line |
| DE102020110403B4 (en) | 2020-04-16 | 2023-11-02 | Philip Mangelberger | Device for handling electrical cables, system for handling electrical cables during their assembly in a switchgear or a cable harness and associated method |
| CN114388194A (en) * | 2021-01-18 | 2022-04-22 | 吕晓政 | Low capacitance cable and variable capacitance switch |
| CN114977065B (en) * | 2022-05-09 | 2024-01-19 | 西安热工研究院有限公司 | Intelligent construction cable laying method, device, equipment and medium |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3144851A1 (en) * | 1981-11-11 | 1983-05-19 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | CABLES AND METHOD FOR THEIR PRODUCTION |
| US5045368A (en) * | 1989-09-18 | 1991-09-03 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Self-dispensing spaced electronic markers |
| AT395224B (en) * | 1990-08-23 | 1992-10-27 | Mikron Ges Fuer Integrierte Mi | CONTACTLESS, INDUCTIVE DATA TRANSFER SYSTEM |
| FR2708781B1 (en) * | 1993-07-30 | 1996-01-19 | Europ Propulsion | Fire-resistant sheath and method of making this sheath. |
| DE19601651A1 (en) * | 1996-01-18 | 1997-07-24 | Sander Karl Heinz Gmbh & Co Kg | Sewerage system |
| DE19702536A1 (en) * | 1997-01-24 | 1998-07-30 | Siemens Ag | Elongated element with at least one electrical and / or optical conductor |
| GB9804415D0 (en) * | 1998-03-02 | 1998-04-29 | Gore & Ass | Cable |
| DE19814540A1 (en) * | 1998-04-01 | 1999-10-28 | Itv Ges Fuer Ind Tv Mbh | Cable or similar, e.g. for use in inspection of pipe systems, with length measurement arrangement achieves improved measurement of cable length |
| AU2363900A (en) * | 1999-05-17 | 2000-12-05 | Goodyear Tire And Rubber Company, The | Programmable modulation index for transponder |
| CA2416513C (en) * | 2003-01-17 | 2009-09-15 | Guardian Angel Protection Inc. | Method of locating underground utility lines and an underground utility line |
| JP2004245958A (en) * | 2003-02-12 | 2004-09-02 | Fujikura Ltd | Optical fiber cable and method and apparatus for manufacturing optical fiber cable |
-
2004
- 2004-10-22 DE DE102004051594A patent/DE102004051594A1/en not_active Ceased
-
2005
- 2005-10-21 CN CNA200580036275XA patent/CN101044581A/en active Pending
- 2005-10-21 JP JP2007537227A patent/JP2008517336A/en active Pending
- 2005-10-21 CA CA002581186A patent/CA2581186A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-10-21 EP EP05800615A patent/EP1803132A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-10-21 WO PCT/EP2005/011360 patent/WO2006045560A1/en active Application Filing
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8155491B2 (en) | 2007-04-10 | 2012-04-10 | Lapp Engineering & Co. | Cable |
| US8515230B2 (en) | 2007-04-10 | 2013-08-20 | Lapp Engineering & Co. | Cable with embedded information carrier unit |
| US8023786B2 (en) | 2007-05-08 | 2011-09-20 | Lapp Engineering & Co. | Cable |
| US8487181B2 (en) | 2007-05-15 | 2013-07-16 | Lapp Engineering & Co. | Cable with embedded information carrier unit |
| US8629774B2 (en) | 2007-07-19 | 2014-01-14 | Lapp Engineering & Co. | Cable receiving unit |
| US8912889B2 (en) | 2009-09-16 | 2014-12-16 | Prysmian S.P.A. | Monitoring method and system for detecting the torsion along a cable provided with identification tags |
| US9032809B2 (en) | 2009-09-18 | 2015-05-19 | Prysmian S.P.A | Electric cable with bending sensor and monitoring system and method for detecting bending in at least one electric cable |
| EP4174880A1 (en) * | 2021-10-28 | 2023-05-03 | Nexans | Power cable equipped with a plurality of electronic radiofrequency identification devices and associated production method |
| FR3128814A1 (en) * | 2021-10-28 | 2023-05-05 | Nexans | POWER CABLE EQUIPPED WITH A PLURALITY OF ELECTRONIC RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED MANUFACTURING METHOD |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1803132A1 (en) | 2007-07-04 |
| CN101044581A (en) | 2007-09-26 |
| WO2006045560A1 (en) | 2006-05-04 |
| DE102004051594A1 (en) | 2006-05-04 |
| JP2008517336A (en) | 2008-05-22 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2581186A1 (en) | Cable, method for producing a cable and method for locating a cable | |
| JP4972911B2 (en) | RFID readers used in RFID built-in cable systems | |
| CN102625901B (en) | Monitoring method and system for detecting the torsion along a cable provided with identification tags | |
| US20100166374A1 (en) | Cable | |
| CN103217181B (en) | A kind of plug and play type sensing system and the method obtaining characteristic information from plug and play type sensor periphery element | |
| KR100694171B1 (en) | Location management method using rfid series | |
| US8155491B2 (en) | Cable | |
| US8515230B2 (en) | Cable with embedded information carrier unit | |
| US20020034365A1 (en) | Locating system for indentifying and locating subterranean optical cables | |
| US8023786B2 (en) | Cable | |
| US8629774B2 (en) | Cable receiving unit | |
| CN105720430A (en) | Patch cord and patch cord management system and management method | |
| JP2005092107A (en) | Management system of transmission component using connector plug with memory | |
| JP2004146068A (en) | String length body equipped with information storage element and cable | |
| US20100147583A1 (en) | Cable | |
| CN103455776A (en) | Mechanical displacement measurement RFID system and mechanical displacement measurement method thereof | |
| CN102809583B (en) | RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system of measuring gas concentration and method of measuring gas concentration of RFID system | |
| CN102722747B (en) | A kind of with the RFID tag of temperature sensitive device, RFID system and temperature checking method | |
| JP7053862B2 (en) | Device for manually applying liquid | |
| CN103903779A (en) | Cable with built-in radio frequency identification chip | |
| CN110763347A (en) | Method, system and device for monitoring temperature of power capacitor based on RFID | |
| KR100729605B1 (en) | Rfid series and method for constructing location management system using rfid series | |
| CN107623170A (en) | A kind of radio frequency identification reader antenna and the radio-frequency recognition system based on the antenna | |
| EP3522138B1 (en) | Thermoplastic pipe system | |
| JP2004139535A (en) | Information storing device and string length body equipped with the same |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |