DE102006061599A1 - Filling and sealing system for electrically insulating housings and enclosures for holding cable and wire connections - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the concept of the invention, the filling and sealing system for electrically insulating housing (1) and sheaths for receiving cable and wire connections (10) of two complementary, together the housing (1) forming rigid housing shells (2) and one in each Housing shell (2) arranged and this substantially completely filling and sealing material for receiving the cable ends (9) and the cable and line connection (10). To take a closed position of the housing (1), the housing shells (2) engage in one another in the manner of a snap closure, wherein the cable ends (9) or the cable and conduit connection (10) are completely enclosed in the filling and sealing material under pressure. According to the filling and sealing material of each housing shell (2) is at least partially formed in two layers with an inner layer (6) and an outer layer (5), wherein the cable ends (9) or the cable and line connection (10) enveloping and provided for sealing and electrical insulation inner layer (6) is designed as a plastic layer and the inner layer (6) enveloping and used as pressure accumulator and electrical insulation outer layer (5) is formed as a soft elastic layer.

Description

The The invention relates to a filling and sealing system for electrically insulating housings and enclosures for receiving cable and wire connections according to the Preamble of claim 1.

electrical insulating housings are needed above all there where cable and wire connections after installation of the cable or line connection or cable or line branches insulated or there is a need for an inspection opening for maintenance purposes.

As is known, is the penetration of moisture into the electrically insulating Housing causal for an impermissible Reduction of the insulation capacity between adjacent ones To call connections and between connections and environment. The Restrict requirements for reliable enclosures Therefore, not only on a simple and easy to install Design of the housing or its components, but rather also on the permanent prevention of moisture and dirt as well as the air inclusion.

Out The above reasons are also inadmissible Formation of liquid condensate in the area of the compound to avoid. This is usually achieved by by largely displacing the air from the connection area becomes. For this purpose, in the prior art housing with an insulating filler, e.g. B. a liquid or hardening potting compound or sheaths by heat shrink tubing, z. B. in conjunction with a Hot melt adhesive, used.

The Housing is with a flowable, low-viscosity potting compound filled. The used for it Potting compounds are in a first case 2-component reaction masses, z. As a casting resin, mixed immediately before the potting and then poured into the housing. In in a second case, a 1-component potting compound is used, the z. B. under the entry of moisture in a given period cures. The advantage of flowable Vergussmassen is in addition to the sometimes very reasonable price in particular complete enclosing and Filling in complicated geometric surfaces the cable connections. The main disadvantage of the previously known Solutions, however, is that the potting compounds and the housing be present separately and the assembly, in particular by the mixing process when using 2-component potting compounds, quite time consuming is. In addition, z. Example, when using a two-chamber mixing bag the mixing process with the risk of insufficient mixing Affected by the fitter, whereby the reaction mass in the final state does not have its necessary functional properties.

From the US 3,879,575 and WO 97/16869 Cases are previously known, which have two half-shells which can be coupled together, in which a soft and possibly electrically insulating elastomer, partly with extender oil, is placed as the filling material. The two halves coupled by means of a film hinge are locked together to achieve the closed position of the housing by applying pressure to press the soft elastomer located in the half shells against all surfaces to be sealed and to force them into cavities, so that a sealant equivalent sealing effect arises.

However, the advantage of this solution that the formed as a soft elastomer filling material is already integrated in the housing and that a subsequent opening of the housing for the purpose of a possible control of the connection point is possible, however, a number of disadvantages. On the interfaces between the elastomeric filler material and between the filler material and the surfaces of the cable joint, a permanent pressure must be exerted over the entire service life, comparable to the up to 40-year life of a power cable, in order to achieve a permanent sealing effect. This pressure is in the known embodiments by the elastic deformation of the filling material in the displacement of the volume of the cable connection to be wrapped and by additional mechanical device, for. B. spring elements generated. Ensuring the required pressure build-up during assembly and its maintenance during operation requires a structurally complex design of the housing to z. B. different volume displacements of the connection point during assembly and to consider the volume changes of the filling material by the thermal expansion during operation. Further embodiments of this solution are the EP 0414756 as well as the US 4,909,756 refer to.

It has been shown that by a temporary increase in volume of the incompressible filling material, for. B. caused by the current load of the cable thermal expansion, the filler is partially irreversibly pushed out of the openings provided for the cable ducts of the housing. Especially when moving through narrow and sharp-edged openings of the housing, the elastomeric filler can be sheared so much that its elastic bonds are destroyed. The sheared off part of the filling material than is then no longer involved in the pressure storage by elastic deformation. In addition, in a subsequent contraction by cooling of the elastomeric filler this sheared part is missing within the housing, which can result in that the required pressure is exceeded on the boundary surfaces of the sealed cable connection to ensure a media-tight seal. As a result, voids can form in the region of the interfaces, with the result that z. B. Water can penetrate or condensation processes can occur.

This technical inadequacy can according to the EP 0414756 and the US 4,909,756 be eliminated by the housing is completely sealed on the outside and possibilities for the reversible volume expansion without loss of parts of the filling material are created. For this purpose, compressible spring elements, z. As elastic foams, special expansion chambers or two mutually displaceable half-shells, which are held by an external spring under a permanent compressive stress used.

Of the associated manufacturing costs inevitably increased the manufacturing cost of the half-shells of the insulating housing.

The The object of the invention is now to provide a filling and sealing system for electrically insulating housings and sheaths for receiving cable and wire connections to propose a reliable and permanent seal the cable or cable connection or the cable or cable ends ensured against moisture and easy to assemble is trained.

These The task is fulfilled by a filling and sealing system for electrically insulating housings and enclosures solved for receiving cable and wire connections, which consists of two complementary, common housing forming rigid housing shells and one in each housing shell arranged and this substantially completely filling Filling and sealing material for receiving the cable ends or the cable and wire connection exists. To take a closed position of the housing grab the housing shells snap-like into each other, so that the cable ends or the cable and wire connection completely pressurized in the filling and sealing material are included. According to the invention, the filling and sealing material of each housing shell at least partially two-layered with an inner layer and an outer layer Layer formed. The enclosing the cable ends or cable and wire connection and provided for sealing and electrical insulation inner Layer is formed as a plastic layer. On the other hand is the enveloping the inner layer and as pressure accumulator and used for electrical insulation outer Layer formed as a soft elastic layer.

The Solution according to the invention combines the Advantage of easy installation of the filling and sealing system for electrically insulating housings and enclosures through a soft elastic layer integrated in the housing with the filling properties of a flowable, plastic filling material.

The elastic, outer layer is in this combination, compared to the previously known from the prior art sleeves with an integrated, soft-elastic filling material, not directly to seal the cable ends or cable and line connection, but primarily as an accumulator as well used for electrical insulation. The during the Taking the closed position built up pressure inside The housing is created by the internal deformation the elastic layer. Suitable for this are permanently elastic Materials with a Shore A hardness less than 5 and an elongation at break of> 300%. The elastic Layer secures after assembly of the filling and sealing system at least as long as a contact pressure on the cable ends or the cable and conduit connection enclosing flowable, plastic layer until these all surfaces and cavities in the Filled area of the cable ends or the cable and line connection Has. The seal is primary according to the invention taken from the flowable, plastic layer, the electrical insulation, however, of both layers. Thereby, that the flowable, plastic layer now directly on the surface of the cable ends or the Cable and wire connection is placed, can yourself complicated geometric structures or surfaces of Cable and wire connections permanently wrapped in media-tight become.

With the solution according to the invention can not only cable ends connected to each other and electrically and media-tight be isolated, but also cable taps. For cable branches extend Both the main cable and the smaller in cross-section Branch cable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing shells of the housing. Both cables are on one end of the Housing shells led out in parallel.

The Inner layer preferably has a high self-tackiness, so that both a permanent seal to the cable ends or the cable and wiring as well as the outer layer is ensured.

For the inner layer is preferably a highly viscous plastic material used. The static flow properties of such a plastic material can be z. B. by cone penetration according to ASTM D217 determine. A typical value for such a material, measured with a 150 g cone IP50 over a period of 6 s at 20 ° C., is for example 40 1/10 mm. The sole use of such a plastic filling material in the housing without elastic layer would require a very high effort or a high expenditure of time in the short time course for taking the closed position of the housing by hand due to the high viscosity. In the combination of a plastic layer with an elastic layer, this deficiency can be overcome and the housing can be closed more easily, since during the closing process the energy is stored in the elastic layer and from there is available for a longer time to the flow of the plastic layer.

A plastic layer of a highly viscous material resists Waterproofing in continuous use of the filling and sealing system longer than the pressure of the penetrating water as a layer low-viscosity material.

By the inventive supplement of prior art soft elastic layer with a plastic layer is avoided that at one by relaxation or partial loss of material due to material loss the elastic layer voids arise in the sealing area, the formation of electrically conductive layers of moisture on the Surfaces of cable ends or cable connections due to condensation or adsorption. In addition, that will Risk of cracking caused by the formation of a gap sustainably reduced.

There the plastic layer from areas of the housing with higher Pressure on the material migrates to areas of lower pressure, Typically, the cavities are also compressed by compression and the permeation of the gas therein through the plastic Layer filled.

the The idea of the invention is also not opposed if instead of the elastic layer an irreversibly swelling material, for example a precompressed foam or air cushion. The essential difference of the irreversibly swelling material opposite to an elastic layer is that while taking the closed position of the housing deforms the elastic layer and thus simultaneously the pressure is built on the plastic material; while that irreversibly swelling and already precompressed material first during its expansion, which is in time the taking of the closed position of the housing connects, builds the pressure on the plastic material.

According to the invention the inner plastic layer as factory prefabricated or be subsequently applied paint film layer. In the latter case, the plastic layer is only immediately before the mounting on the cable ends, the cable and wire connection or the elastic layer applied. Conveniently, For this purpose, commercial packaging, such. As cartridges or tubes and other application tools, such. As spatula or slot nozzles, are used.

Of Furthermore, it is possible to use the inner layer as aufbringbares on the cable ends or the cable and wire connection Form wrapping tape. The advantage of using one out of one plastic material existing winding tapes lies in its simple and uncomplicated handling.

at In a further embodiment of the invention, the inner layer is made from one or more component (s). If the inner plastic layer is constructed of several components, these can be immediate before application using a suitable device mixed and brought into contact with each other. In the Practice will be either a 2-chamber mixing bag, a Mehrkartuschenverpackung with static mixer or other suitable mixing system.

at modified a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the inner layer through a chemical crosslinking reaction their Properties such that they are in the closed position of the housing starting from a plastic layer to a permanently elastic or solid layer hardens.

at A preferred embodiment of the invention is the inner layer however, as moisture-crosslinking silicone, polyurethane or MS polymer (eg Henkel Teroson MS931). In practical experiments could be proved that a trained as a thin plate Moisture-crosslinking silicone rubber, the handling of the invention Filling and sealing system on the construction site not only insignificant simplified.

Furthermore The plastic inner layer can be made as a plate from a room temperature slowly be formed crosslinking HTV-1 silicone rubber.

Also preferred are butyl or silicone based materials as a plastic sealant for the inner, the cable ends or cable and wire connection directly covering layer used.

The Choice of the thickness ratio between the inner plastic Layer and the outer elastic layer is essentially of the shape and the volume to be displaced the cable ends or cable and cable connection to be sealed dependent. Firstly, it must be ensured that the available plastic layer the surface the cable ends or the cable and cable connection completely encloses. The thickness and viscosity of the inner plastic layer may again not be too big so that the closing process of the housing by hand, respectively the snap closure-like interlocking of the two Housing shells, due to the layer thickness and viscosity typically increasing closing forces, not unacceptably difficult or prevented. Likewise must the thickness of the outer elastic layer still be sized large enough to act as a pressure accumulator to be able to. The preferred average thickness ratio between the inner plastic layer and the outer one elastic layer is therefore in a range between 1: 1 and 1:40 chosen.

• – die Kombination einer weichelastischen Schicht mit den Funktionen eines Druckspeichers und einer elektrischen Isolierung mit einer plastischen Schicht als primärer Abdichtung und als elektrischer Isolierung verhindert permanent den Feucht- und Schmutzeintritt sowie die Kondensatbildung im Gehäuse,
• – mittels der plastischen Schicht können auch komplizierte geometrische Strukturen der Kabel- und Leitungsverbindung permanent mediendicht umhüllt werden und
• – einfache Montage des Füll- und Abdichtsystems, da die Schichten, in einigen Ausgestaltungen, bereits werkseitig in die Halbschalen des Gehäuses eingebracht sind.

The significant advantages and features of the invention over the prior art are essentially:

• - The combination of a soft elastic layer with the functions of a pressure accumulator and an electrical insulation with a plastic layer as a primary seal and as electrical insulation permanently prevents the ingress of moisture and dirt as well as the condensation in the housing,
• - By means of the plastic layer and complicated geometric structures of the cable and cable connection can be permanently wrapped media-tight and
• - Easy installation of the filling and sealing system, since the layers, in some embodiments, are already inserted into the shells of the housing in the factory.

The Objects and advantages of this invention are after careful Study the following detailed description of the Here is a preferred, non-limiting example embodiment to better understand the invention with the accompanying drawings and to evaluate, of which show:

1 FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an electrically insulating housing in the closed position for receiving cable and wire connections of the prior art with a cable and wire connection and a flexible filling and sealing material after assembly, FIG.

2 FIG. 2: a sectional view of an electrically insulating housing in the closed position for accommodating cable and line connections from the prior art with a cable and line connection and a soft-elastic filling and sealing material as well as an air gap formation in the sealing area, FIG.

3 : perspective view of an electrically insulating housing in the open position for receiving cable and wire connections without a filling and sealing material and without a cable and line connection,

4 : perspective view of an electrically insulating housing in the open position for receiving cable and wire connections with the filling and sealing material according to the invention but without the cable and wire connection in a first embodiment,

5 : a sectional view of the 4 .

6 : perspective view of an electrically insulating housing in the open position for receiving cable and wire connections with the filling and sealing material according to the invention but without a cable and line connection in a second embodiment,

7 : perspective view of an electrically insulating housing in the open position for receiving cable and wire connections with the filling and sealing material according to the invention with a cable and wire connection in the second embodiment,

8th : perspective view of an electrically insulating housing in the closed position for receiving cable and wire connections with the filling and sealing material according to the invention with a cable and wire connection and

9 : A sectional view of an electrically insulating housing in the closed position for receiving cable and wire connections with the filling and sealing material according to the invention with a cable and cable connection after assembly.

The 1 shows a sectional view of an electrically insulating housing 1 in the closed position for receiving cable and wire connections 10 from the prior art with a cable and wire connection 10 and a soft elastic filling and sealing material 7 , z. As an elastomeric gel, after assembly. The housing 1 includes two rigid housing shells 2 , each on one of its long sides by means of a film crowd niers 3 connected to each other. On the opposite longitudinal sides, the two housing shells 2 each latching elements complementary to each other 8th on that in the closed position of the housing 1 mesh. At each end of the housing shells 2 are further, unspecified described film-like boundaries placed in the pressure-sensitive closed position of the housing 1 both in each case an end opening 4 for the discharge of excess filling and sealing material 7 release as well as an implementation for the in 7 shown cable ends 9 the cable and wire connection 10 form.

Every housing shell 2 of the housing 1 is factory-fitted with a soft-elastic filling and sealing material 7 filled. When installing the cable and wire connection 10 become the cable ends 9 over the openings 4 of the housing 1 or its housing shells 2 positioned and the cable and wire connection 10 in one of the two housing shells 2 in soft elastic filling and sealing material 7 placed. To take the closed position of the housing 1 become the two housing shells 2 placed on each other and under pressure by means of their latching elements 8th locked together. During the closing process, the excess soft-elastic filling and sealing material penetrates 7 from the frontal openings 4 the housing shells 2 of the housing 1 , The exiting soft elastic filling and sealing material 7 is then no longer involved in the pressure storage by elastic deformation, resulting in the aforementioned disadvantages of the gap formation and thus the penetration of moisture into the housing 1 leads.

The 2 shows a sectional view of an electrically insulating housing 1 in the closed position for receiving cable and wire connections 10 from the prior art with a cable and wire connection 10 and the elastomeric gel formed soft elastic filling and sealing material 7 as well as the mentioned air gap formation. In the gusset area 12 that is, at the interface between the superposed elastomeric gel surfaces and the cable and wire connection 10 , arises due to the above-described loss of material after taking the closed position of the housing 1 an undesirable air gap 11 , the cause of the ingress of moisture into the interior of the case 1 to call.

The 3 shows a perspective view of an electrically insulating housing 1 in the open position for receiving cable and wire connections 10 without a filling and sealing material 5 . 6 . 7 as well as without a cable and wire connection 10 , Both the previously known from the prior art housing 1 as well as the case 1 of the present invention basically have two, by means of a film hinge 3 interconnected housing shells 2 , At least one of the film hinge opposite latching element 8th as well as frontal openings 4 for the cable ends 9 the cable and wire connection 10 on.

The 4 illustrates a perspective view of an electrically insulating housing 1 in the open position for receiving cable and wire connections 10 with the filling and sealing material according to the invention 5 . 6 but without a cable and wire connection 10 in a first embodiment. The structure of the housing 1 corresponds to the 3 using identical reference numerals. Characteristic of the filling and sealing material according to the invention 5 . 6 is his layered construction. Every housing shell 2 of the housing 1 has two layers 5 . 6 on, namely an inner, immediately the cable and wire connection 10 enveloping pasty plastic layer 6 , which is about 1 mm in each case. This inner layer 6 serves as a seal and electrical insulation in the 7 shown cable and wire connection 10 , Furthermore, each housing shell includes 2 an outer, soft-elastic layer 5 sandwiched between the rigid housing shells 2 and the inner plastic layer 6 is arranged. This approximately 15 mm thick outer layer 5 serves both as an accumulator and as electrical insulation for during the closing of the housing 1 manually applied pressure. On the plastic inner layer 6 Furthermore, an unillustrated protective film is arranged exclusively for the purpose of avoiding the premature bonding of the plastic inner layers 6 the two housing shells 2 is provided at the factory during transport in the closed position. The unillustrated protective film is used to mount the housing 1 subtracted and the plastic inner layers 6 exposed with it.

The 5 shows a sectional view of the 4 , As can be clearly seen, are in each of the two housing shells 2 an inner, immediately the cable and wire connection 10 enveloping pasty plastic layer 6 and an outer, soft-elastic layer 5 in the closed position of the housing 1 between the rigid housing shells 2 and the inner plastic layer 6 is placed. In the delivery state of the electrically insulating housing according to the invention 1 with its filling and sealing system 5 . 6 fills any outer, soft-elastic layer 5 the respective associated housing shell 2 largely off. Above the outer, soft-elastic layer 5 is the inner, pasty plastic layer 6 arranged.

The 6 shows a perspective view of an electrically insulating housing 1 in the Open position for receiving cable and wire connections 10 with the filling and sealing material according to the invention 5 . 6 but without a cable and wire connection 10 in a second embodiment. This presentation essentially corresponds to the representation in accordance with 4 but with the difference that the inner plastic layer 6 only a portion of the outer soft elastic layer 5 covered.

The 7 shows a perspective view of an electrically insulating housing 1 in the open position for receiving cable and wire connections 10 with the filling and sealing material according to the invention 5 . 6 with the cable and wire connection 10 in the second embodiment. The presentation of the 7 corresponds essentially to the representation of the 6 which is about the actual cable and wire connection 10 was added. The cable ends to be connected 9 Be centered on the front sides of the housing shells 2 placed and sealed in the delivery state through the film-like boundaries openings 4 the housing shells 2 positioned and with the actual cable and wire connection 10 on the plastic inner layer 6 placed. To take a closed position of the housing 1 become the two housing shells 2 according to the 8th placed on top of each other and by means of their latching elements 8th snap-locked together. During the closing process excess soft elastic material penetrates 5 from the frontal openings 4 of the housing 1 or its housing shells 2 , The leaked soft elastic material 5 is then no longer involved in the pressure storage by elastic deformation. But there in the closed position of the housing 1 the plastic inner layer 6 completely the surface of the cable ends 9 and the cable and wire connection 10 Media-tight wrapped, no moisture to the actual cable and wire connection 10 penetrate more. During the closing process, excess air will also be released from the cable and wiring connections 10 displaced to traced cavities and over the outer soft elastic layer 5 derived, so no condensate in the range of cable and wire connection 10 can arise.

The 8th shows a perspective view of an electrically insulating housing 1 in the closed position for receiving cable and wire connections 10 with the filling and sealing material according to the invention 5 . 6 with the cable and wire connection 10 after assembly.

In 9 is a sectional view of an electrically insulating housing 1 shown in the closed position for receiving cable and wire connections with a cable and cable connection after installation. As can be seen, the inner layer envelops 6 the filling and sealing material, so the pasty plastic layer, even complicated surfaces of both the cable and cable connection 10 as well as the cable ends 9 practically complete and thus prevents the ingress of moisture into the immediate sealing and insulating area. The gusset area 12 is now completely free of air gaps 11 ,

1

casing

2

shell

3

film hinge

4

frontal opening

5

outer layer

6

inner layer

7

soft elastic Filling and sealing material

8th

latching

9

cable end

10

Electric wire- or line connection

11

air gap

12

interstitial region

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 3879575 [0006]
• WO 97/16869 [0006]
• - EP 0414756 [0007, 0009]
• - US 4909756 [0007, 0009]

Claims (12)

Filling and sealing system for electrically insulating housings ( 1 ) and sheaths for accommodating cable and wire connections ( 10 ), consisting of two complementary, common housing ( 1 ) forming rigid housing shells ( 2 ) and one in each housing shell ( 2 ) and this substantially completely filling filling and sealing material for receiving the cable ends ( 9 ) or the cable and line connection ( 10 ), wherein to assume a closed position of the housing ( 1 ) the housing shells ( 2 ) snap-together, and the cable ends ( 9 ) or the cable and line connection ( 10 ) are completely enclosed by pressure in the filling and sealing material, characterized in that the filling and sealing material of each housing shell ( 2 ) at least partially in two layers with an inner layer ( 6 ) and an outer layer ( 5 ), wherein a. the cable ends ( 9 ) or the cable and line connection ( 10 ) enveloping and provided for sealing and electrical insulation inner layer ( 6 ) is formed as a plastic layer, and b. the inner layer ( 6 ) enveloping and used as an accumulator and electrical insulation outer layer ( 5 ) is formed as a soft elastic layer. Filling and sealing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner layer ( 6 ) has a high self-tackiness, so that both a permanent seal to the cable ends ( 9 ) or the cable and line connection ( 10 ) as well as the outer layer ( 5 ) is ensured. Filling and sealing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the closed position of the housing ( 1 ) the inner layer ( 6 ) is cured by a chemical crosslinking reaction to a permanently elastic or solid layer. Filling and sealing system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inner layer ( 6 ) is designed as a paintable or factory prefabricated film layer. Filling and sealing system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the inner layer ( 6 ) than on the cable ends ( 9 ) or as the cable and line connection ( 10 ) coatable wrapping tape is formed. Filling and sealing system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the inner layer ( 6 ) is composed of several components. Filling and sealing system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the inner layer ( 6 ) is formed as a moisture-crosslinking silicone, polyurethane or MS polymer. Filling and sealing system according to claim 7, characterized in that the inner layer ( 6 ) is formed as a plate made of a moisture-crosslinking silicone rubber. Filling and sealing system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the inner layer ( 6 ) is formed as a plate made of a plastic sealant, in particular on butyl or silicone-based. Filling and sealing system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the inner layer ( 6 ) is formed as a plate of a slowly crosslinking at room temperature HTV-1 silicone rubber. Filling and sealing system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the inner plastic layer ( 6 ) and the outer elastic layer ( 5 ) have a thickness ratio in a range between 1: 1 and 1:40. Filling and sealing system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the housing together ( 1 ) forming rigid housing shells ( 2 ) at least one end opening ( 4 ) for carrying out the cable ends to be connected ( 9 ) exhibit.