EP0803878B1 - Process and device for manufacturing an aerated casing made of insulating material around a conductor, and cable with such a casing - Google Patents

Process and device for manufacturing an aerated casing made of insulating material around a conductor, and cable with such a casing Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0803878B1
EP0803878B1 EP97400862A EP97400862A EP0803878B1 EP 0803878 B1 EP0803878 B1 EP 0803878B1 EP 97400862 A EP97400862 A EP 97400862A EP 97400862 A EP97400862 A EP 97400862A EP 0803878 B1 EP0803878 B1 EP 0803878B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
conductor
sheath
die
passage
cells
Prior art date
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP97400862A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0803878A1 (en
Inventor
Pascal Clouet
François Vaille
Jean-Jacques Maisseu
Alain Vernanchet
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Nexans France SAS
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Nexans France SAS
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B13/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing conductors or cables
    • H01B13/06—Insulating conductors or cables
    • H01B13/14—Insulating conductors or cables by extrusion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B13/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing conductors or cables
    • H01B13/06—Insulating conductors or cables
    • H01B13/14—Insulating conductors or cables by extrusion
    • H01B13/142—Insulating conductors or cables by extrusion of cellular material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B13/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing conductors or cables
    • H01B13/06—Insulating conductors or cables
    • H01B13/14—Insulating conductors or cables by extrusion
    • H01B13/143—Insulating conductors or cables by extrusion with a special opening of the extrusion head
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
    • H01B13/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing conductors or cables
    • H01B13/06—Insulating conductors or cables
    • H01B13/14—Insulating conductors or cables by extrusion
    • H01B13/148—Selection of the insulating material therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a device for manufacturing a ventilated sheath of insulating material around a conductor. It relates more particularly, but not limited to, the manufacture of dielectric sheaths coaxial cable intermediates.
  • coaxial cables generally include a central conductor (solid or stranded) surrounded by an intermediate sheath an insulating dielectric material, itself surrounded by a protected external conductor by an external protective sheath.
  • the intermediate dielectric sheath must have specific dielectric properties in order to obtain the characteristics for the cable required attenuation, especially at high frequencies. More specifically, we generally requests that this sheath have a dielectric constant of less than 1.8 approximately, and as close as possible to 1. The closer the dielectric constant is to 1, the more the cable can be used at high frequencies.
  • Insulating materials conventionally used in cables do not have such dielectric constants when used in massive form. Their constants dielectrics are generally close to 2. This is particularly the case for polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). To lower this dielectric constant, it is known to use these materials to form cellular or aerated sheaths.
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • the cell sheaths are those into which are introduced, during the processing (generally by extrusion) of the insulating material in the form of a sheath and the more often by the effect of a chemical reaction, a plurality of bubbles filled with air or of a gas with a dielectric constant close to 1. This type of sheath is not concerned by the present invention.
  • the ventilated sheaths are those having longitudinally extending cells (in a straight line or in helix) along the cable and separated from each other by radial walls, the cells being obtained by shaping the insulating material used, which is in this massive case, using an extrusion device having for this purpose the openings and adequate passages. These cells are fully closed, so that the sheath intermediate is cylindrical or polygonal and its cross section has substantially the shape of a spoke wheel.
  • the shaped material suddenly passes from the guide to the conductor, which makes it undergo a significant variation in diameter which can cause cracks longitudinal in the sheath formed.
  • a first aim of the present invention is therefore to develop a method manufacturing a ventilated sheath around a conductor which allows to do without the use of overpressure in the alveoli.
  • Another object of the present invention is to develop such a method which does not entail risks of cracking of the formed sheath.
  • the method according to the invention makes it possible to manufacture the sheath insulating intermediate of a small diameter coaxial cable on an intermediate sheath (less than 5 mm) and low dielectric constant (less than 1.7), which could not to be obtained so far.
  • the device for implementing the method described in the patent US-3,771,934 includes a guide having an inner longitudinal channel intended for passage of the central conductor of the cable, and a coaxial die to the guide, surrounding this last and defining with the outer surface of the guide a passage for the material insulating in a viscous state, the shape of the sheath being obtained by means of openings practiced in the guide itself, so that the shape of the cross section of the intermediate sheath obtained is substantially identical to that of the openings of the guide associated with that of the passage defined between the die and the guide.
  • Another object of the present invention is therefore to provide a setting device using the above method for manufacturing cables having both a small diameter on an intermediate sheath and a low dielectric constant.
  • the sector comprises a plurality of identical and arranged openings symmetrically around its longitudinal axis, the cross section of each of these openings having substantially the shape of a T whose horizontal bar is curved around the longitudinal axis, the horizontal curved bars of the T all belonging to the same cylinder and the extensions of their vertical bars crossing on the axis longitudinal.
  • the method and the device according to the invention have for the first time made it possible to make such a cable.
  • FIG. 2 shows an extrusion device 1 according to the invention, making it possible to fabricate the intermediate sheath 5 of the cable 10 of FIG. 1.
  • This device comprises a guide 2 and a sector 3.
  • Guide 2 is provided with a cylindrical inner channel 20 around the axis longitudinal Y of the guide. This channel 20 allows the passage of the conductor 4.
  • the guide 2 comprises a substantially cylindrical part 21 extended by a frustoconical part 22 whose base of smaller diameter has a diameter equal to that of the cylindrical part 21.
  • the die 3 surrounds the guide 2 and is coaxial with it. Its outer surface is cylindrical, while its inner surface 30 has a cylindrical part 31 extended by a frustoconical part 32.
  • the internal surface 30 of the die 3 defines with the guide 2 a cylindrical passage 34 for the insulating material 35 intended for constitute the intermediate sheath 5. This insulating material 35 comes from the angle head (not shown) of the extrusion device, located downstream of the die-guide assembly.
  • Openings (not shown in Figure 2) communicating with the passage 34 are made in the cylindrical part 31 of the die 3 to give the insulating material 35 the desired shape so that the sheath 5 has a cross section in the shape of a spoke wheel. These openings could also be made in the guide 2, but we will see later why it is preferable that they be practiced in sector 3.
  • the insulating intermediate sheath 5 around the conductor 4 we do scroll the latter inside channel 20 in the direction indicated by the arrow F on the Figure 2, that is to say in the direction of reduction of diameter of the frustoconical parts 21 and 31 of guide 2 and of chain 3 respectively.
  • the material is introduced insulator 35 in the viscous state under pressure, so that it fills the passage 34 as well as the openings of the die 3.
  • the material thus formed does not come into contact with the conductor 4 immediately at exit 37 of die 3 (in the direction of arrow F), but at a non-zero distance from this exit 37, so that it undergoes a stretch before to be applied to conductor 4. It is this stretching which prevents the walls 53 and 54 of the cells 52 do not collapse while the material constituting them is still viscous, without the need, as in the prior art, to introduce an overpressure in alveoli 52.
  • the distance between the outlet 37 of the die 3 and the contact zone between the sheath formed and the conductor 4 is a function of the desired stretch rate. For a rate given stretch, it is fixed as a function of the running speed of the conductor 4. As an indication, it can vary between 2 times and 20 times the internal diameter of the die 3.
  • the distance between the outlet 37 of the die 3 and the point application of the sheath during training on the conductor 4 must be such that the stretch ratio is at least 25.
  • DDR D 2 F - D 2 G D 2 f - D 2 g , where D F is the outside diameter of the die openings 3, D G is the outside diameter of the cylindrical part 21 of the guide 2, D f is the outside diameter of the sheath 5 and D g the outside diameter of the tubular part 51 sheath 5.
  • the cross section of the intermediate sheath obtained is necessarily less than that of the empty parts defined by the openings of passage of the material in the viscous state, and homothetic to the latter.
  • FIG 4 There is shown in Figure 4 the cross section of the guide 2 and a die 3 ' according to the invention.
  • the four openings 38 'of this die 3' pass through it longitudinally right through at its cylindrical part 31 and communicate with passage 34.
  • the openings 38 ′ each have substantially the shape of a T whose the horizontal bar 39 'is curved around the Y axis. They all belong to a same cylinder of axis Y.
  • the vertical bars 40 'of the T communicate with the passage 34 and their extensions cross on the Y axis.
  • the diameter at the top of the curved horizontal parts 39 ' is 8 mm, and their diameter at the base is 6.4 mm, so that they have a thickness of 0.8 mm.
  • the die 3 makes it possible to obtain the intermediate sheath 5' shown in FIG. 3, when the stretch ratio is 235.
  • the parts of the sheath 5 'coming from the horizontal bars of the T 39' came into contact with each other others to form the substantially cylindrical outer tubular part 54 'of the sheath 5 '.
  • the cross section of the sheath 5 ' is practically identical to that of the empty parts (openings 38 'and passage 34) of the 3 ′ die, apart from the fact that the horizontal bars of the T came into contact with each other. This happens when the stretch rate is high, in practice greater than 150.
  • FIG. 6 There is shown in Figure 6 the cross section of the guide 2 and another 3 “die according to the invention.
  • the four openings 38" of this 3 “die pass through it longitudinally right through at its cylindrical part 31 and communicate with passage 34.
  • the openings 38 "each have substantially the shape of a T whose the horizontal bar 39 "is curved around the Y axis. They all belong to a same cylinder of axis Y.
  • the vertical bars 40 "of the T communicate with the passage 34 and their extensions cross on the Y axis.
  • the diameter at the top of the 39 "curved horizontal parts is 7 mm and their diameter at the base of 4.37 mm, so that they have a thickness of 1.315 mm, that is, they are much thicker than the curved horizontal parts 39 'of the openings 38' of the die of FIG. 3.
  • the die 3 "makes it possible to obtain the intermediate sheath 5" shown in the figure 5, when the stretch ratio is 32. It can be seen in FIG. 5 that not only the parts of the sheath 5 "coming from the horizontal bars of the T 39" came to the contact with each other, but also that there was interpenetration between them, to form the substantially cylindrical outer tubular part 54 "of the sheath 5". We Also observe in this figure that the cross section of the 5 "sheath is quite different from that of the empty parts (openings 38 "and passage 34) of the die 3". This occurs when the stretch rate is lower, in practice on the order of 50.
  • the air volume present in the 5 "duct is less precisely controlled, since the latter is not homothetic to the empty parts of the 3 "die.
  • This type of die, used with a lower stretch rate, is rather intended for the manufacture of sheaths medium-sized intermediates, for coaxial cables used in telecommunications.
  • an intermediate sheath with an external diameter of 1.2 mm can be obtained, having a low dielectric constant (1.56).
  • Coaxial cables obtained with the method and device of this invention have electrical characteristics that meet the requirements of generally for the applications for which they are intended. Their impedance is close to 75 ⁇ .
  • the method according to the invention allows the same type of device to be used. than those used for the extrusion of massive insulating sheaths, unlike almost machining of the die.
  • ventilated sheaths of coaxial cables can be used not only for the manufacture of ventilated sheaths of coaxial cables, but also for the manufacture of ventilated sheaths in any type of cable requiring this form of sheath, and for example in cables with pairs or quads of twisted conductors.
  • the material used to manufacture the sheath can be any type of extrudable material, and in particular of thermoplastic material, capable of undergoing stretch rates such as those necessary for the implementation of the invention. It can be in particular FEP, but also Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), Polyvinylidenedifluoride (PVDF) or Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) ®, registered trademark by the company Du Pont de Nemours.
  • EFE Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene
  • PVDF Polyvinylidenedifluoride
  • PFA Perfluoroalkoxy
  • the cells can be filled with air or any other gas allowing lower the dielectric constant of the sheath. For this, the extrusion is then carried out under an atmosphere of filling gas in the cells.
  • the geometry of the die openings can be arbitrary at the moment that it makes it possible to obtain the desired shape of sheath.
  • the sector can have an opening having a shape strictly identical to the cross section of the sheath to be manufactured.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Communication Cables (AREA)
  • Insulated Conductors (AREA)
  • Extrusion Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Processing Of Terminals (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un dispositif de fabrication d'une gaine aérée en un matériau isolant autour d'un conducteur. Elle se rapporte plus particulièrement, mais de manière non limitative, à la fabrication des gaines diélectriques intermédiaires de câbles coaxiaux.The present invention relates to a method and a device for manufacturing a ventilated sheath of insulating material around a conductor. It relates more particularly, but not limited to, the manufacture of dielectric sheaths coaxial cable intermediates.

Il est bien connu que les câbles coaxiaux comportent de manière générale un conducteur central (massif ou sous forme de toron) entouré d'une gaine intermédiaire en un matériau diélectrique isolant, elle-même entourée d'un conducteur extérieur protégé par une gaine extérieure de protection. La gaine diélectrique intermédiaire doit avoir des propriétés diélectriques spécifiques afin d'obtenir pour le câble les caractéristiques d'affaiblissement requises, notamment aux fréquences élevées. Plus précisément, on demande généralement que cette gaine ait une constante diélectrique inférieure à 1,8 environ, et la plus proche possible de 1. Plus la constante diélectrique est proche de 1, plus le câble peut être utilisé à des fréquences élevées.It is well known that coaxial cables generally include a central conductor (solid or stranded) surrounded by an intermediate sheath an insulating dielectric material, itself surrounded by a protected external conductor by an external protective sheath. The intermediate dielectric sheath must have specific dielectric properties in order to obtain the characteristics for the cable required attenuation, especially at high frequencies. More specifically, we generally requests that this sheath have a dielectric constant of less than 1.8 approximately, and as close as possible to 1. The closer the dielectric constant is to 1, the more the cable can be used at high frequencies.

Les matériaux isolants classiquement utilisés en câblerie n'ont pas de telles constantes diélectriques lorsqu'ils sont utilisés sous forme massive. Leurs constantes diélectriques sont en général voisines de 2. C'est le cas notamment du polyéthylène et du polytétrafluoroéthylène (PTFE). Pour abaisser cette constante diélectrique, il est connu d'utiliser ces matériaux pour former des gaines cellulaires ou aérées.Insulating materials conventionally used in cables do not have such dielectric constants when used in massive form. Their constants dielectrics are generally close to 2. This is particularly the case for polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). To lower this dielectric constant, it is known to use these materials to form cellular or aerated sheaths.

Les gaines cellulaires sont celles dans lesquelles sont introduites, durant la mise en oeuvre (en général par extrusion) du matériau isolant sous forme de gaine et le plus souvent par l'effet d'une réaction chimique, une pluralité de bulles remplies d'air ou d'un gaz de constante diélectrique proche de 1. Ce type de gaines n'est pas concerné par la présente invention.The cell sheaths are those into which are introduced, during the processing (generally by extrusion) of the insulating material in the form of a sheath and the more often by the effect of a chemical reaction, a plurality of bubbles filled with air or of a gas with a dielectric constant close to 1. This type of sheath is not concerned by the present invention.

Les gaines aérées, auxquelles s'intéresse la présente invention, sont celles présentant des alvéoles s'étendant longitudinalement (de manière rectiligne ou en hélice) le long du câble et séparées les unes des autres par des parois radiales, les alvéoles étant obtenues par mise en forme du matériau isolant utilisé, qui est dans ce cas massif, à l'aide d'un dispositif d'extrusion présentant à cet effet les ouvertures et passages adéquats. Ces alvéoles sont entièrement fermées, de sorte que la gaine intermédiaire est cylindrique ou polygonale et que sa section transversale a sensiblement la forme d'une roue à rayons. The ventilated sheaths, in which the present invention is concerned, are those having longitudinally extending cells (in a straight line or in helix) along the cable and separated from each other by radial walls, the cells being obtained by shaping the insulating material used, which is in this massive case, using an extrusion device having for this purpose the openings and adequate passages. These cells are fully closed, so that the sheath intermediate is cylindrical or polygonal and its cross section has substantially the shape of a spoke wheel.

Un procédé de fabrication d'une gaine intermédiaire cylindrique aérée dans laquelle les alvéoles sont entièrement fermées est décrit dans le brevet US-3 771 934. Il consiste de manière générale à extruder le matériau isolant, à l'état visqueux bien entendu, en lui donnant la forme souhaitée à l'aide de moyens de mise en forme pour former les alvéoles, puis à appliquer ce matériau ainsi formé sur le conducteur central, et enfin à faire refroidir ce matériau isolant pour obtenir la gaine.A method of manufacturing an aerated cylindrical intermediate sheath in which the cells are completely closed is described in US Pat. No. 3,771,934. generally consists in extruding the insulating material, in the viscous state well heard, giving it the desired shape using shaping means to form the cells, then apply this material thus formed on the central conductor, and finally to cool this insulating material to obtain the sheath.

Dans ce procédé, le matériau mis en forme par extrusion est appliqué sur le conducteur central immédiatement à la sortie des moyens de mise en forme. De ce fait, il est nécessaire, afin d'éviter un affaissement des parois supérieures (celles destinées à venir en contact avec le conducteur extérieur du câble) très fines des alvéoles formées, d'introduire une surpression à l'intérieur de ces dernières au cours de la fabrication. Ceci rend la fabrication complexe.In this process, the material formed by extrusion is applied to the central conductor immediately at the exit of the shaping means. Thereby, it is necessary, in order to avoid sagging of the upper walls (those intended for come into contact with the outer conductor of the cable) very fine of the cells formed, to introduce an overpressure inside the latter during manufacture. This makes manufacturing complex.

De plus, la matière mise en forme passe brutalement du guide au conducteur, ce qui lui fait subir une variation de diamètre importante qui peut entraíner des fissures longitudinales dans la gaine formée.In addition, the shaped material suddenly passes from the guide to the conductor, which makes it undergo a significant variation in diameter which can cause cracks longitudinal in the sheath formed.

Enfin, ce procédé ne permet pas de fabriquer des câbles coaxiaux à isolant aéré ayant une faible constante diélectrique et un faible diamètre sur gaine intermédiaire.Finally, this process does not make it possible to manufacture coaxial cables with insulation. ventilated with a low dielectric constant and a small sheath diameter intermediate.

Un premier but de la présente invention est donc de mettre au point un procédé de fabrication d'une gaine aérée autour d'un conducteur qui permette de se passer de l'utilisation d'une surpression dans les alvéoles.A first aim of the present invention is therefore to develop a method manufacturing a ventilated sheath around a conductor which allows to do without the use of overpressure in the alveoli.

Un autre but de la présente invention est de mettre au point un tel procédé qui n'entraíne pas de risques de fissuration de la gaine formée.Another object of the present invention is to develop such a method which does not entail risks of cracking of the formed sheath.

La présente invention propose à cet effet un procédé de fabrication d'une gaine aérée en un matériau isolant autour d'un conducteur, ladite gaine comportant un passage longitudinal dans lequel est logé ledit conducteur ainsi que des alvéoles fermées s'étendant longitudinalement et séparées les unes des autres par des parois radiales, ledit procédé comprenant les opérations suivantes :

  • on extrude ledit matériau isolant à l'état visqueux en lui donnant la forme souhaitée à l'aide de moyens de mise en forme pour former lesdites alvéoles,
  • on applique ledit matériau isolant ainsi formé sur ledit conducteur,
  • on fait refroidir ledit matériau isolant pour obtenir ladite gaine,
caractérisé en ce que ledit matériau isolant est appliqué sur ledit conducteur à une distance de la sortie des moyens de mise en forme telle que ledit matériau est suffisamment étiré pour que les parois des alvéoles ne s'affaissent pas, sans utilisation d'une surpression à l'intérieur desdites alvéoles. The present invention provides for this purpose a method of manufacturing a ventilated sheath made of an insulating material around a conductor, said sheath comprising a longitudinal passage in which said conductor is housed as well as closed cells extending longitudinally and separated from each other. to each other by radial walls, said method comprising the following operations:
  • said insulating material is extruded in the viscous state, giving it the desired shape using shaping means to form said cells,
  • applying said insulating material thus formed on said conductor,
  • said insulating material is cooled to obtain said sheath,
characterized in that said insulating material is applied to said conductor at a distance from the outlet of the shaping means such that said material is sufficiently stretched so that the walls of the cells do not collapse, without using overpressure to the interior of said cells.

Grâce au procédé selon l'invention, étant donné que l'on n'applique pas le matériau mis en forme sur le conducteur immédiatement après la sortie des moyens de mise en forme, l'étirement de ce matériau est suffisant pour empêcher les parois des alvéoles de s'affaisser, et il n'est donc plus nécessaire d'utiliser une surpression à l'intérieur de ces dernières. Le procédé selon l'invention est donc beaucoup plus simple à mettre en oeuvre que celui de l'art antérieur.Thanks to the method according to the invention, since the material formed on the conductor immediately after the exit of the means of shaping, stretching this material is enough to prevent the walls of cells to collapse, so there is no longer any need to use overpressure to inside these. The process according to the invention is therefore much simpler to implement than that of the prior art.

En outre, du fait de l'étirement, il ne peut se produire de fissuration de la gaine fabriquée.In addition, due to stretching, cracking of the sheath cannot occur. manufactured.

Par ailleurs, le procédé selon l'invention permet de fabriquer la gaine intermédiaire isolante d'un câble coaxial de faible diamètre sur gaine intermédiaire (inférieur à 5 mm) et de faible constante diélectrique (inférieure à 1,7), ce qui n'avait pu être obtenu jusqu'à présent.Furthermore, the method according to the invention makes it possible to manufacture the sheath insulating intermediate of a small diameter coaxial cable on an intermediate sheath (less than 5 mm) and low dielectric constant (less than 1.7), which could not to be obtained so far.

Le dispositif pour mettre en oeuvre le procédé décrit dans le brevet US-3 771 934 comprend un guide présentant un canal longitudinal intérieur destiné au passage du conducteur central du câble, et une filière coaxiale au guide, entourant ce dernier et définissant avec la surface extérieure du guide un passage pour le matériau isolant à l'état visqueux, la forme de la gaine étant obtenue grâce à des ouvertures pratiquées dans le guide lui-même, de sorte que la forme de la section transversale de la gaine intermédiaire obtenue est sensiblement identique à celle des ouvertures du guide associée à celle du passage défini entre la filière et le guide.The device for implementing the method described in the patent US-3,771,934 includes a guide having an inner longitudinal channel intended for passage of the central conductor of the cable, and a coaxial die to the guide, surrounding this last and defining with the outer surface of the guide a passage for the material insulating in a viscous state, the shape of the sheath being obtained by means of openings practiced in the guide itself, so that the shape of the cross section of the intermediate sheath obtained is substantially identical to that of the openings of the guide associated with that of the passage defined between the die and the guide.

Cette disposition ne permet pas de fabriquer des câbles coaxiaux de faible diamètre sur gaine intermédiaire, typiquement inférieur à 5 mm, utilisés notamment dans le domaine médical. En effet, pour fabriquer la gaine intermédiaire de tels câbles selon le procédé décrit dans le brevet précédent, dans lequel la forme de la gaine intermédiaire obtenue est une "photographie" sans réduction des parties vides du guide, il faudrait utiliser un guide de très petite taille, afin d'obtenir immédiatement en sortie du dispositif une gaine ayant les dimensions souhaitées. Or on souhaite obtenir, dans une section transversale de la gaine, un rapport élevé entre la surface totale des parties vides de matière et la surface totale, typiquement supérieur à 40, c'est-à-dire une faible constante diélectrique, typiquement inférieure à 1,7. Il n'est pas possible de pratiquer dans un guide de si petite taille des ouvertures permettant d'obtenir un tel rapport, car cela conduirait à fabriquer un guide ayant une tenue mécanique insuffisante pour être utilisé dans la fabrication de la gaine intermédiaire.This arrangement does not allow the production of low coaxial cables diameter on intermediate sheath, typically less than 5 mm, used in particular in the medical field. Indeed, to manufacture the intermediate sheath of such cables according to the process described in the previous patent, in which the shape of the sheath intermediate obtained is a "photograph" without reduction of the empty parts of the guide, a very small guide should be used, in order to immediately get out of the device a sheath having the desired dimensions. Now we want to obtain, in a sheath cross section, a high ratio between the total area of the parts voids of material and the total surface, typically greater than 40, that is to say a small dielectric constant, typically less than 1.7. It is not possible to practice in a guide of such small size of the openings making it possible to obtain such a ratio, because this would lead to manufacturing a guide having insufficient mechanical strength to be used in the manufacture of the intermediate sheath.

Un autre but de la présente invention est donc de réaliser un dispositif de mise en oeuvre du procédé précédent permettant de fabriquer des câbles ayant à la fois un faible diamètre sur gaine intermédiaire et une faible constante diélectrique. Another object of the present invention is therefore to provide a setting device using the above method for manufacturing cables having both a small diameter on an intermediate sheath and a low dielectric constant.

La présente invention propose ainsi à cet effet un dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention, comprenant :

  • un guide présentant un canal longitudinal intérieur destiné au passage dudit conducteur,
  • une filière coaxiale audit guide, entourant ce dernier et définissant avec la surface extérieure dudit guide un passage pour ledit matériau isolant à l'état visqueux,
caractérisé en ce que ladite filière comporte au moins une ouverture communiquant avec ledit passage et dans laquelle peut être introduit ledit matériau à l'état visqueux, la disposition autour dudit passage et la forme de la ou desdites ouvertures étant adaptée pour qu'en sortie de ladite filière, ledit matériau comporte lesdites alvéoles.The present invention thus provides for this purpose a device for implementing the method according to the invention, comprising:
  • a guide having an internal longitudinal channel intended for the passage of said conductor,
  • a die coaxial with said guide, surrounding the latter and defining with the external surface of said guide a passage for said insulating material in the viscous state,
characterized in that said die comprises at least one opening communicating with said passage and into which can be introduced said material in a viscous state, the arrangement around said passage and the shape of said opening (s) being adapted so that at the outlet of said die, said material comprises said cells.

La combinaison des deux caractéristiques suivantes :

  • utilisation d'un dispositif dans lequel les ouvertures sont pratiquées dans la filière et non pas dans le guide,
  • étirage du matériau avant son application sur le conducteur,
permet d'obtenir des gaines intermédiaires de dimensions aussi faibles qu'on le souhaite, et notamment des dimensions compatibles avec les applications dans le domaine médical.The combination of the following two characteristics:
  • use of a device in which the openings are made in the die and not in the guide,
  • stretching of the material before its application on the conductor,
makes it possible to obtain intermediate sheaths of dimensions as small as desired, and in particular of dimensions compatible with applications in the medical field.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulièrement avantageux du dispositif selon l'invention, la filière comporte une pluralité d'ouvertures identiques et disposées symétriquement autour de son axe longitudinal, la section transversale de chacune de ces ouvertures ayant sensiblement la forme d'un T dont la barre horizontale est courbée autour de l'axe longitudinal, les barres horizontales courbées des T appartenant toutes à un même cylindre et les prolongements de leurs barres verticales se croisant sur l'axe longitudinal.According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the sector comprises a plurality of identical and arranged openings symmetrically around its longitudinal axis, the cross section of each of these openings having substantially the shape of a T whose horizontal bar is curved around the longitudinal axis, the horizontal curved bars of the T all belonging to the same cylinder and the extensions of their vertical bars crossing on the axis longitudinal.

Avec un tel dispositif, étant donné que le matériau isolant mis en forme est étiré avant d'être appliqué sur le conducteur, il subit une pression à la sortie de la filière qui tend à amener les barres horizontales des T en contact les unes avec les autres ce qui permet d'obtenir la gaine souhaitée.With such a device, since the shaped insulating material is stretched before being applied to the conductor, it undergoes pressure at the outlet of the die which tends to bring the horizontal T bars into contact with each other which provides the desired sheath.

Avec le dispositif et le procédé selon l'invention, selon le taux d'étirement appliqué, on peut fabriquer des gaines intermédiaires ayant soit une forme sensiblement identique, à un rapport d'homothétie près, à celle de la filière (lorsque celle-ci comporte des ouvertures en forme de T, la forme de la gaine est identique à celle de la filière après rapprochement des barres horizontales des T), soit assez différente.With the device and method according to the invention, according to the stretch rate applied, it is possible to manufacture intermediate sheaths having either a substantially shape identical, except for a ratio of homothety, to that of the sector (when this comprises T-shaped openings, the shape of the sheath is identical to that of the die after approximation of the horizontal bars of T), is quite different.

Enfin, la présente invention concerne un câble coaxial obtenu selon le procédé de l'invention, comprenant, disposés coaxialement de l'intérieur vers l'extérieur :

  • un conducteur central,
  • une gaine intermédiaire isolante en un matériau diélectrique comportant un passage longitudinal dans lequel est logé ledit conducteur ainsi que des alvéoles fermées s'étendant longitudinalement et séparées les unes des autres par des parois radiales,
  • un conducteur extérieur,
  • une gaine extérieure de protection,
caractérisé en ce que le diamètre extérieur de ladite gaine intermédiaire est inférieur à 5 mm et en ce que sa constante diélectrique est inférieure à 1,7.Finally, the present invention relates to a coaxial cable obtained according to the method of the invention, comprising, arranged coaxially from the inside to the outside:
  • a central conductor,
  • an insulating intermediate sheath made of a dielectric material comprising a longitudinal passage in which said conductor is housed as well as closed cells extending longitudinally and separated from each other by radial walls,
  • an external conductor,
  • an outer protective sheath,
characterized in that the outside diameter of said intermediate sheath is less than 5 mm and in that its dielectric constant is less than 1.7.

Le procédé et le dispositif selon l'invention ont pour la première fois permis de fabriquer un tel câble.The method and the device according to the invention have for the first time made it possible to make such a cable.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaítront dans la description suivante d'un procédé et d'un dispositif selon l'invention, donnée à titre illustratif et nullement limitatif.Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear in the following description of a method and a device according to the invention, given at Illustrative title and not limiting.

Dans les figures suivantes :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective avec arrachements partiels d'un câble coaxial à gaine intermédiaire aérée obtenu selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente une vue de côté schématique d'un dispositif selon l'invention,
  • la figure 3 est une coupe transversale de la figure 1 dans laquelle on voit uniquement le conducteur intérieur et la gaine intermédiaire,
  • la figure 4 est une coupe transversale de la figure 2 au niveau du guide et de la filière permettant d'obtenir la gaine intermédiaire représentée en figure 3,
  • la figure 5 est une coupe transversale de la figure 1 dans laquelle on voit uniquement le conducteur intérieur et une variante de la gaine intermédiaire.
  • la figure 6 est une coupe transversale de la figure 2 au niveau du guide et d'une variante de la filière permettant d'obtenir la gaine intermédiaire représentée en figure 5.
In the following figures:
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view with partial cutaway of a coaxial cable with ventilated intermediate sheath obtained according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 represents a schematic side view of a device according to the invention,
  • FIG. 3 is a cross section of FIG. 1 in which only the inner conductor and the intermediate sheath are seen,
  • FIG. 4 is a cross section of FIG. 2 at the level of the guide and of the die making it possible to obtain the intermediate sheath shown in FIG. 3,
  • Figure 5 is a cross section of Figure 1 in which only the inner conductor and a variant of the intermediate sheath are seen.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross section of FIG. 2 at the level of the guide and of a variant of the die making it possible to obtain the intermediate sheath shown in FIG. 5.

Dans toutes ces figures, les éléments communs portent les mêmes numéros de référence.In all these figures, the common elements have the same numbers of reference.

Un câble coaxial 10 que l'on peut obtenir selon l'invention est représenté à la figure 1. Il comporte, disposés coaxialement de l'intérieur vers l'extérieur autour d'un axe longitudinal X :

  • un conducteur électrique intérieur 4 en cuivre constitué par exemple d'un toron de fils conducteurs,
  • une gaine intermédiaire 5 en un matériau isolant diélectrique, par exemple en Fluorure d'Ethylène et de Propylène (FEP), comprenant une partie tubulaire cylindrique 51 en contact avec le conducteur 4, une pluralité d'alvéoles 52 s'étendant longitudinalement et de manière rectiligne le long de l'axe X et séparées les unes des autres par des parois radiales 53, ainsi qu'une partie tubulaire cylindrique 54 entourant les parois radiales 53, de sorte que la gaine intermédiaire 5 a sensiblement une section transversale en forme de roue à rayons,
  • un conducteur extérieur 6 sous forme de tresse ou de guipage, qui s'appuie sur la partie tubulaire cylindrique 54 de la gaine 5,
  • une gaine extérieure de protection 7.
A coaxial cable 10 which can be obtained according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1. It comprises, arranged coaxially from the inside to the outside around a longitudinal axis X:
  • an interior electrical conductor 4 made of copper, for example a strand of conductive wires,
  • an intermediate sheath 5 made of a dielectric insulating material, for example made of Ethylene and Propylene Fluoride (FEP), comprising a cylindrical tubular part 51 in contact with the conductor 4, a plurality of cells 52 extending longitudinally and rectilinear along the X axis and separated from each other by radial walls 53, as well as a cylindrical tubular part 54 surrounding the radial walls 53, so that the intermediate sheath 5 has substantially a cross section in the shape of a wheel with rays,
  • an outer conductor 6 in the form of a braid or covering, which rests on the cylindrical tubular part 54 of the sheath 5,
  • an outer protective sheath 7.

On donne ci-après des dimensions typiques pour deux câbles coaxiaux du type décrit ci-dessus.Typical dimensions are given below for two coaxial cables of the type described above.

Un câble coaxial utilisable dans le domaine médical, c'est-à-dire de faibles dimensions, a les dimensions suivantes :

  • diamètre du conducteur intérieur 4 : 0,12 mm
  • diamètre extérieur de la gaine intermédiaire 5 : 0,51 mm
  • conducteur extérieur 6 constitué d'un guipage de brins de 0,03 mm de diamètre avec un taux de recouvrement de 98%,
  • diamètre extérieur de la gaine extérieure 7 : 0,55 mm.
A coaxial cable usable in the medical field, that is to say of small dimensions, has the following dimensions:
  • inner conductor 4 diameter: 0.12mm
  • outer diameter of intermediate sheath 5: 0.51 mm
  • outer conductor 6 consisting of a covering of strands of 0.03 mm in diameter with a recovery rate of 98%,
  • outer diameter of the outer sheath 7: 0.55 mm.

Un câble coaxial utilisable dans les télécommunications, c'est-à-dire de dimensions moyennes, a les dimensions suivantes :

  • diamètre du conducteur intérieur 4 : 0,25 mm
  • diamètre extérieur de la gaine intermédiaire 5 : 1,20 mm
  • conducteur extérieur 6 constitué d'une tresse de brins de 0,10 mm de diamètre avec un taux de recouvrement de 66%,
  • diamètre extérieur de la gaine extérieure 7 : 2 mm.
A coaxial cable usable in telecommunications, that is to say of medium dimensions, has the following dimensions:
  • inner conductor 4 diameter: 0.25 mm
  • outer diameter of the intermediate sheath 5: 1.20 mm
  • outer conductor 6 consisting of a braid of strands 0.10 mm in diameter with a recovery rate of 66%,
  • outer diameter of the outer sheath 7: 2 mm.

On voit en figure 2 un dispositif d'extrusion 1 selon l'invention, permettant de fabriquer la gaine intermédiaire 5 du câble 10 de la figure 1. Ce dispositif comprend un guide 2 et une filière 3.FIG. 2 shows an extrusion device 1 according to the invention, making it possible to fabricate the intermediate sheath 5 of the cable 10 of FIG. 1. This device comprises a guide 2 and a sector 3.

Le guide 2 est muni d'un canal intérieur cylindrique 20 autour de l'axe longitudinal Y du guide. Ce canal 20 permet le passage du conducteur 4. Le guide 2 comporte une partie sensiblement cylindrique 21 prolongée par une partie tronconique 22 dont la base de plus petite diamètre a un diamètre égal à celui de la partie cylindrique 21.Guide 2 is provided with a cylindrical inner channel 20 around the axis longitudinal Y of the guide. This channel 20 allows the passage of the conductor 4. The guide 2 comprises a substantially cylindrical part 21 extended by a frustoconical part 22 whose base of smaller diameter has a diameter equal to that of the cylindrical part 21.

La filière 3 entoure le guide 2 et lui est coaxiale. Sa surface extérieure est cylindrique, alors que sa surface intérieure 30 présente une partie cylindrique 31 prolongée par une partie tronconique 32. La surface intérieure 30 de la filière 3 définit avec le guide 2 un passage cylindrique 34 pour le matériau isolant 35 destiné à constituer la gaine intermédiaire 5. Ce matériau isolant 35 provient de la tête d'équerre (non représentée) du dispositif d'extrusion, se trouvant en aval de l'ensemble filière-guide.The die 3 surrounds the guide 2 and is coaxial with it. Its outer surface is cylindrical, while its inner surface 30 has a cylindrical part 31 extended by a frustoconical part 32. The internal surface 30 of the die 3 defines with the guide 2 a cylindrical passage 34 for the insulating material 35 intended for constitute the intermediate sheath 5. This insulating material 35 comes from the angle head (not shown) of the extrusion device, located downstream of the die-guide assembly.

Des ouvertures (non représentées sur la figure 2) communiquant avec le passage 34 sont pratiquées dans la partie cylindrique 31 de la filière 3 pour donner au matériau isolant 35 la forme souhaitée pour que la gaine 5 ait une section transversale en forme de roue à rayons. Ces ouvertures pourraient également être pratiquées dans le guide 2, mais on verra plus loin pourquoi il est préférable qu'elles soient pratiquées dans la filière 3.Openings (not shown in Figure 2) communicating with the passage 34 are made in the cylindrical part 31 of the die 3 to give the insulating material 35 the desired shape so that the sheath 5 has a cross section in the shape of a spoke wheel. These openings could also be made in the guide 2, but we will see later why it is preferable that they be practiced in sector 3.

Pour fabriquer la gaine intermédiaire isolante 5 autour du conducteur 4, on fait défiler ce dernier à l'intérieur du canal 20 dans le sens indiqué par la flèche F sur la figure 2, c'est-à-dire dans le sens de réduction de diamètre des parties tronconiques 21 et 31 du guide 2 et de la filière 3 respectivement. Simultanément, on introduit le matériau isolant 35 à l'état visqueux sous pression, de sorte qu'il remplit le passage 34 ainsi que les ouvertures de la filière 3.To manufacture the insulating intermediate sheath 5 around the conductor 4, we do scroll the latter inside channel 20 in the direction indicated by the arrow F on the Figure 2, that is to say in the direction of reduction of diameter of the frustoconical parts 21 and 31 of guide 2 and of chain 3 respectively. At the same time, the material is introduced insulator 35 in the viscous state under pressure, so that it fills the passage 34 as well as the openings of the die 3.

Selon l'invention, le matériau ainsi mis en forme ne vient pas en contact avec le conducteur 4 immédiatement à la sortie 37 de la filière 3 (dans le sens de la flèche F), mais à une distance non nulle de cette sortie 37, de sorte qu'il subit un étirement avant d'être appliqué sur le conducteur 4. C'est cet étirement qui permet d'éviter que les parois 53 et 54 des alvéoles 52 ne s'affaissent alors que le matériau les constituant est encore visqueux, sans qu'il soit besoin, comme dans l'art antérieur, d'introduire une surpression dans les alvéoles 52.According to the invention, the material thus formed does not come into contact with the conductor 4 immediately at exit 37 of die 3 (in the direction of arrow F), but at a non-zero distance from this exit 37, so that it undergoes a stretch before to be applied to conductor 4. It is this stretching which prevents the walls 53 and 54 of the cells 52 do not collapse while the material constituting them is still viscous, without the need, as in the prior art, to introduce an overpressure in alveoli 52.

La distance entre la sortie 37 de la filière 3 et la zone de contact entre la gaine formée et le conducteur 4 est fonction du taux d'étirement souhaité. Pour un taux d'étirement donné, elle est fixée en fonction de la vitesse de défilement du conducteur 4. A titre indicatif, elle peut varier entre 2 fois et 20 fois le diamètre intérieur de la filière 3.The distance between the outlet 37 of the die 3 and the contact zone between the sheath formed and the conductor 4 is a function of the desired stretch rate. For a rate given stretch, it is fixed as a function of the running speed of the conductor 4. As an indication, it can vary between 2 times and 20 times the internal diameter of the die 3.

Selon l'invention, la distance entre le sortie 37 de la filière 3 et le point d'application de la gaine en cours de formation sur le conducteur 4 doit être telle que le taux d'étirement est au moins égal à 25.According to the invention, the distance between the outlet 37 of the die 3 and the point application of the sheath during training on the conductor 4 must be such that the stretch ratio is at least 25.

On rappelle que le taux d'étirement (DDR pour Draw Down Ratio en anglais) est donné par la formule suivante : DDR = D2 F - D2 G D2 f - D2 g , où DF est le diamètre extérieur des ouvertures de la filière 3, DG est le diamètre extérieur de la partie cylindrique 21 du guide 2, Df est le diamètre extérieur de la gaine 5 et Dg le diamètre extérieur de la partie tubulaire 51 de la gaine 5. It is recalled that the stretch rate (DDR for Draw Down Ratio in English) is given by the following formula: DDR = D 2 F - D 2 G D 2 f - D 2 g , where D F is the outside diameter of the die openings 3, D G is the outside diameter of the cylindrical part 21 of the guide 2, D f is the outside diameter of the sheath 5 and D g the outside diameter of the tubular part 51 sheath 5.

Etant donné qu'il y a étirement du matériau isolant mis en forme avant son application sur le conducteur 4, la section transversale de la gaine intermédiaire obtenue est nécessairement inférieure à celle des parties vides définies par les ouvertures de passage du matériau à l'état visqueux, et homothétique à cette dernière. De cette manière, lorsque l'on pratique les ouvertures dans la filière, qui a nécessairement une surface plus importante que celle du guide, on peut réaliser, en choisissant un taux d'étirement adapté, une gaine intermédiaire ayant des dimensions très petites et une constante diélectrique faible, en ajustant la taille des ouvertures pour que les alvéoles aient une section importante.Since there is stretching of the insulating material formed before its application on conductor 4, the cross section of the intermediate sheath obtained is necessarily less than that of the empty parts defined by the openings of passage of the material in the viscous state, and homothetic to the latter. Of this way, when we practice the openings in the die, which necessarily has a larger surface than that of the guide, we can achieve, by choosing a rate suitable stretch, an intermediate sheath having very small dimensions and a low dielectric constant, adjusting the size of the openings so that the alveoli have a large section.

On a représenté en figure 4 la coupe transversale du guide 2 et d'une filière 3' selon l'invention. Les quatre ouvertures 38' de cette filière 3' la traversent longitudinalement de part en part au niveau de sa partie cylindrique 31 et communiquent avec le passage 34. Les ouvertures 38' ont chacune sensiblement la forme d'un T dont la barre horizontale 39' est courbée autour de l'axe Y. Elles appartiennent toutes à un même cylindre d'axe Y. Les barres verticales 40' des T communiquent avec le passage 34 et leurs prolongements se croisent sur l'axe Y.There is shown in Figure 4 the cross section of the guide 2 and a die 3 ' according to the invention. The four openings 38 'of this die 3' pass through it longitudinally right through at its cylindrical part 31 and communicate with passage 34. The openings 38 ′ each have substantially the shape of a T whose the horizontal bar 39 'is curved around the Y axis. They all belong to a same cylinder of axis Y. The vertical bars 40 'of the T communicate with the passage 34 and their extensions cross on the Y axis.

Le diamètre au sommet des parties horizontales courbées 39' est de 8 mm, et leur diamètre à la base est de 6,4 mm, de sorte qu'elles ont une épaisseur de 0,8 mm.The diameter at the top of the curved horizontal parts 39 'is 8 mm, and their diameter at the base is 6.4 mm, so that they have a thickness of 0.8 mm.

La filière 3' permet d'obtenir la gaine intermédiaire 5' représentée sur la figure 3, lorsque le taux d'étirement est de 235. On voit sur la figure 3 que les parties de la gaine 5' provenant des barres horizontales des T 39' sont venues en contact les unes avec les autres pour former la partie tubulaire sensiblement cylindrique extérieure 54' de la gaine 5'. On observe aussi sur cette figure que la section transversale de la gaine 5' est pratiquement identique à celle des parties vides (ouvertures 38' et passage 34) de la filière 3', mis à part le fait que les barres horizontales des T sont venues au contact les unes des autres. Ceci se produit lorsque le taux d'étirement est important, en pratique supérieur à 150. Dans ce cas, on peut contrôler précisément le volume d'air présent dans la gaine 5', puisque cette dernière est quasiment homothétique aux parties vides de la filière 3'. Ce type de filière, utilisé avec un fort taux d'étirement, permet d'obtenir des câbles coaxiaux de faibles dimensions, utilisables notamment dans le domaine médical.The die 3 'makes it possible to obtain the intermediate sheath 5' shown in FIG. 3, when the stretch ratio is 235. We see in Figure 3 that the parts of the sheath 5 'coming from the horizontal bars of the T 39' came into contact with each other others to form the substantially cylindrical outer tubular part 54 'of the sheath 5 '. It can also be seen in this figure that the cross section of the sheath 5 'is practically identical to that of the empty parts (openings 38 'and passage 34) of the 3 ′ die, apart from the fact that the horizontal bars of the T came into contact with each other. This happens when the stretch rate is high, in practice greater than 150. In this case, we can precisely control the volume of air present in the 5 'sheath, since the latter is almost homothetic with the empty parts of the 3 'sector. This type of die, used with a high stretch rate, makes it possible to obtain small coaxial cables, usable in particular in the field medical.

Ainsi, on peut obtenir une gaine intermédiaire de faibles dimensions (diamètre extérieur : 0,51 mm) ayant une constante diélectrique faible (1,57).Thus, one can obtain an intermediate sheath of small dimensions (diameter outside: 0.51 mm) having a low dielectric constant (1.57).

On a représenté en figure 6 la coupe transversale du guide 2 et d'une autre filière 3" selon l'invention. Les quatre ouvertures 38" de cette filière 3" la traversent longitudinalement de part en part au niveau de sa partie cylindrique 31 et communiquent avec le passage 34. Les ouvertures 38" ont chacune sensiblement la forme d'un T dont la barre horizontale 39" est courbée autour de l'axe Y. Elles appartiennent toutes à un même cylindre d'axe Y. Les barres verticales 40" des T communiquent avec le passage 34 et leurs prolongements se croisent sur l'axe Y.There is shown in Figure 6 the cross section of the guide 2 and another 3 "die according to the invention. The four openings 38" of this 3 "die pass through it longitudinally right through at its cylindrical part 31 and communicate with passage 34. The openings 38 "each have substantially the shape of a T whose the horizontal bar 39 "is curved around the Y axis. They all belong to a same cylinder of axis Y. The vertical bars 40 "of the T communicate with the passage 34 and their extensions cross on the Y axis.

Le diamètre au sommet des parties horizontales courbées 39" est de 7 mm et leur diamètre à la base de 4,37 mm, de sorte qu'elles ont une épaisseur de 1,315 mm, c'est-à-dire qu'elles sont beaucoup plus épaisses que les parties horizontales courbées 39' des ouvertures 38' de la filière de la figure 3.The diameter at the top of the 39 "curved horizontal parts is 7 mm and their diameter at the base of 4.37 mm, so that they have a thickness of 1.315 mm, that is, they are much thicker than the curved horizontal parts 39 'of the openings 38' of the die of FIG. 3.

La filière 3" permet d'obtenir la gaine intermédiaire 5" représentée sur la figure 5, lorsque le taux d'étirement est de 32. On voit sur la figure 5 que non seulement les parties de la gaine 5" provenant des barres horizontales des T 39" sont venues au contact les unes des autres, mais également qu'il y a eu interpénétration entre elles, pour former la partie tubulaire sensiblement cylindrique extérieure 54" de la gaine 5". On observe aussi sur cette figure que la section transversale de la gaine 5" est assez différente de celle des parties vides (ouvertures 38" et passage 34) de la filière 3". Ceci se produit lorsque le taux d'étirement est plus faible, en pratique de l'ordre de 50. Dans ce cas, on contrôle moins précisément le volume d'air présent dans la gaine 5", puisque cette dernière n'est pas homothétique aux parties vides de la filière 3". Ce type de filière, utilisé avec un taux d'étirement plus faible, est plutôt destiné à la fabrication de gaines intermédiaires de dimensions moyennes, pour les câbles coaxiaux utilisés dans les télécommunications.The die 3 "makes it possible to obtain the intermediate sheath 5" shown in the figure 5, when the stretch ratio is 32. It can be seen in FIG. 5 that not only the parts of the sheath 5 "coming from the horizontal bars of the T 39" came to the contact with each other, but also that there was interpenetration between them, to form the substantially cylindrical outer tubular part 54 "of the sheath 5". We Also observe in this figure that the cross section of the 5 "sheath is quite different from that of the empty parts (openings 38 "and passage 34) of the die 3". This occurs when the stretch rate is lower, in practice on the order of 50. In in this case, the air volume present in the 5 "duct is less precisely controlled, since the latter is not homothetic to the empty parts of the 3 "die. This type of die, used with a lower stretch rate, is rather intended for the manufacture of sheaths medium-sized intermediates, for coaxial cables used in telecommunications.

Ainsi, on peut obtenir une gaine intermédiaire de diamètre extérieur 1,2 mm, ayant une constante diélectrique faible (1,56).Thus, an intermediate sheath with an external diameter of 1.2 mm can be obtained, having a low dielectric constant (1.56).

Les câbles coaxiaux obtenus avec les procédé et dispositif de la présente invention ont des caractéristiques électriques qui satisfont aux exigences requises de manière générale pour les applications auxquelles ils sont destinés. Leur impédance est voisine de 75 Ω.Coaxial cables obtained with the method and device of this invention have electrical characteristics that meet the requirements of generally for the applications for which they are intended. Their impedance is close to 75 Ω.

Leurs gaines intermédiaires sont aussi facilement dénudables que des isolants massifs. La cylindricité extérieure de ces gaines intermédiaires est suffisante pour permettre de couper rapidement et précisément le conducteur extérieur. De plus, ces gaines sont homogènes et non fissurées.Their intermediate sheaths are as easily stripped as insulation massive. The external cylindricity of these intermediate sheaths is sufficient to allow the external conductor to be cut quickly and precisely. In addition, these sheaths are homogeneous and not cracked.

Les câbles obtenus résistent bien à l'écrasement et aux contraintes de flexion.The cables obtained resist crushing and bending stresses well.

Enfin, le procédé selon l'invention permet d'utiliser le même type de dispositif que ceux utilisés pour l'extrusion de gaines isolantes massives, à la différence près de l'usinage de la filière. Finally, the method according to the invention allows the same type of device to be used. than those used for the extrusion of massive insulating sheaths, unlike almost machining of the die.

Bien entendu, la présente invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation qui viennent d'être décrits.Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described.

En premier lieu, elle peut être utilisée non seulement pour la fabrication de gaines aérées de câbles coaxiaux, mais également pour la fabrication de gaines aérées dans tout type de câble nécessitant cette forme de gaine, et par exemple dans les câbles à paires ou quartes de conducteurs torsadés.First, it can be used not only for the manufacture of ventilated sheaths of coaxial cables, but also for the manufacture of ventilated sheaths in any type of cable requiring this form of sheath, and for example in cables with pairs or quads of twisted conductors.

Par ailleurs, le matériau utilisé pour fabriquer la gaine peut être tout type de matériau extrudable, et notamment de matériau thermoplastique, capable de subir des taux d'étirement tels que ceux nécessaires à la mise en oeuvre de l'invention. Ce peut être notamment du FEP, mais également de l'Ethylène Tétrafluoroéthylène (ETFE), du Polyvinylidènedifluorure (PVDF) ou encore du Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA)® , marque déposée par la société Du Pont de Nemours.Furthermore, the material used to manufacture the sheath can be any type of extrudable material, and in particular of thermoplastic material, capable of undergoing stretch rates such as those necessary for the implementation of the invention. It can be in particular FEP, but also Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), Polyvinylidenedifluoride (PVDF) or Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) ®, registered trademark by the company Du Pont de Nemours.

Les alvéoles peuvent être remplies d'air ou de tout autre gaz permettant d'abaisser la constante diélectrique de la gaine. Pour cela, l'extrusion est alors réalisée sous atmosphère du gaz de remplissage des alvéoles.The cells can be filled with air or any other gas allowing lower the dielectric constant of the sheath. For this, the extrusion is then carried out under an atmosphere of filling gas in the cells.

Par ailleurs, en animant la filière d'un mouvement de rotation autour de son axe longitudinal, on peut obtenir des alvéoles hélicoïdales qui permettent au câble de supporter encore mieux les contraintes de flexions.In addition, by animating the sector with a rotational movement around its axis longitudinal, we can obtain helical cells which allow the cable to withstand the flexural stresses even better.

La géométrie des ouvertures de la filière peut être quelconque du moment qu'elle permet d'obtenir la forme de gaine souhaitée. Notamment, la filière peut comporter une ouverture ayant une forme strictement identique à la section transversale de la gaine à fabriquer.The geometry of the die openings can be arbitrary at the moment that it makes it possible to obtain the desired shape of sheath. In particular, the sector can have an opening having a shape strictly identical to the cross section of the sheath to be manufactured.

Claims (7)

  1. A method of manufacturing an insulative material cellular insulator (5) around a conductor (4), said insulator having a longitudinal passage (51) in which said conductor (4) is housed and closed cells (52) extending longitudinally and separated from each other by radial walls (53), said method comprising the following operations:
    said insulative material (35) in the viscous state is extruded to impart the required shape to it by means of shaping means (2, 3) to form said cells (52),
    said insulative material shaped in this way is applied to said conductor, and
    said insulative material is cooled to obtain said insulator,
    characterized in that said insulative material is applied to said conductor at a distance from the exit of the shaping means such that said material is drawn down sufficiently for the walls (53, 54) of the cells (52) not to be thinned without pressurizing said cells,
  2. The method claimed in claim 1 or 2 characterized in that said distance is such that the draw down ratio of said material is at least equal to 25.
  3. The method claimed in claim 1 characterized in that said insulative material (35) is a thermoplastics material.
  4. The method claimed in claim 3 characterized in that said insulative material (35) is ethylene and propylene fluoride.
  5. A device for implementing the method claimed in one of claims 1 through 4 comprising:
    a guide (2) having an interior longitudinal channel (20) through which said conductor (4) passes,
    a die (3) coaxial with and around said guide (2), defining with the exterior surface of said guide a passage (34) for said insulative material (35) in the viscous state,
    characterized in that said die (3) includes at least one opening (38'; 38") communicating with said passage (34) and into which said material (35) in the viscous state can be introduced, the position around said passage (34) and the shape of said opening(s) (38'; 38") being such that on leaving said die (3) said material incorporates said cells (52).
  6. The device claimed in claim 5 characterized in that said die (3'; 3") includes a plurality of identical openings (38'; 38") disposed symmetrically about its longitudinal axis (Y), the cross-section of each of said openings (38'; 38") having substantially the shape of a T the horizontal bar (39'; 39") of which is curved about said longitudinal axis (Y), the curved horizontal bars of the various Ts all forming parts of a common cylinder and lines extending their vertical bars (40'; 40") intersecting on said longitudinal axis (Y).
  7. A coaxial cable made by the method of any one of claims 1 through 4 and comprising, disposed coaxially from the interior towards the exterior:
    a central conductor (4),
    an insulative dielectric material intermediate insulator (5) including a longitudinal passage (51) in which said conductor (4) is housed and closed cells (52) extending longitudinally and separated from each other by radial walls (53),
    an outer conductor (6), and
    an outer protective sheath (7),
    characterized in that the outside diameter of said intermediate insulator (5) is less than 5 mm and in that its dielectric constant is less than 1.7.
EP97400862A 1996-04-23 1997-04-17 Process and device for manufacturing an aerated casing made of insulating material around a conductor, and cable with such a casing Expired - Lifetime EP0803878B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9605101 1996-04-23
FR9605101A FR2747832B1 (en) 1996-04-23 1996-04-23 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING A VENTILATED SHEATH IN AN INSULATING MATERIAL AROUND A CONDUCTOR, AND COAXIAL CABLE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH SHEATH

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0803878A1 EP0803878A1 (en) 1997-10-29
EP0803878B1 true EP0803878B1 (en) 2001-11-28

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97400862A Expired - Lifetime EP0803878B1 (en) 1996-04-23 1997-04-17 Process and device for manufacturing an aerated casing made of insulating material around a conductor, and cable with such a casing

Country Status (8)

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US (1) US5922155A (en)
EP (1) EP0803878B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4545834B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100476614B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69708496T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0803878T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2747832B1 (en)
NO (1) NO311198B1 (en)

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EP2065154A2 (en) 2007-11-29 2009-06-03 Nexans Process for the production of a moulding composed of foamed polyetrafluoroethylene

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH10116527A (en) 1998-05-06
FR2747832B1 (en) 1998-05-22
NO971828D0 (en) 1997-04-21
NO971828L (en) 1997-10-24
DE69708496D1 (en) 2002-01-10
EP0803878A1 (en) 1997-10-29
NO311198B1 (en) 2001-10-22
US5922155A (en) 1999-07-13
DK0803878T3 (en) 2002-04-02
DE69708496T2 (en) 2002-07-25
JP4545834B2 (en) 2010-09-15
FR2747832A1 (en) 1997-10-24
KR970069303A (en) 1997-11-07
KR100476614B1 (en) 2005-07-11

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