EP2194539A2 - Data cable that can be assembled - Google Patents

Abstract

The cable has wires (1-4, 1a-4a) i.e. copper wires, stranded together in pairs to form stranded elements with equal or different lay lengths. The stranded elements are arranged adjacent to each other such that equal wire arrangements lie in regular distances at selective locations. The stranded elements are arranged in a cable sheath (30) such that identical wire configurations are obtained at the locations. An identical color is assigned to the wires by separation of the wires at points. Identical connection elements are attached to cable ends obtained by the separation. An independent claim is also included for a method for automatically assembling ends of a data cable.

Description

The invention relates to a prefabricatable data cable with 4 pairs of wires and a cable sheath, wherein in each case two cores (1, 1 a; 2, 2a; 3, 3a ..... 4, 4a) are twisted together to form pairs of wires, and a method for his production.

Data cables with an even number of conductor pairs are known per se and usually consist of pairs of twisted conductive individual elements - for example, copper wires. Through each wire data can be transmitted over the data cable in case of need. For this purpose, the known cables included an even number of pairs of wires, of which in each case a pair is twisted together to form a single element and this one on the other electrical conductors electrically isolating insulation. The insulation is, as usual in the cable area, colored differently in order to be able to follow the ladder during installation.

Twisting is the twisting and helical winding of fibers or wires. When twisting wires; e.g. in the telecommunications, one speaks of "stranding".

• Paarverseilung: Zwei Einzeladern sind zu einem Adernpaar (Doppelader) verseilt.
• Dreierverseilung: Drei Einzeladern sind zu einer Dreiergruppe verseilt.
• Viererverseilungen:
  1. a) Sternverseilung: Vier Einzeladern haben an jeder Stelle des Seils die gleiche Lage zueinander, wobei sich die Adern eines Adernpaares (Doppelader) einander diagonal gegenüberstehen.
  2. b) Dieselhorst-Martin-Verseilung (DHM): Zwei jeweils paarverseilte Adernpaare (Doppelader) sind wiederum miteinander verseilt. Dabei haben die beiden Doppeladern unterschiedliche Dralllängen, sodass die beiden Doppeladern an jeder Stelle des Seils eine andere Lage zueinander haben. Das führt zu einem größeren Platzbedarf als beim Sternvierer, etwa 15%..
  3. c) SZ-Verseilung, bei dieser Verseilung ändert sich die Schlagrichtung der Verseilung.

In telecommunications, the stranding is used to reduce cross talk coupling. The essential measure in the stranding is the twist - also called twist length, twist step or lay length. The twist is the pitch or pitch of the helix that results in the stranding of the wires and has an influence on the four line constants resistance, capacitance, inductance, and derivative. As a result of the stranding, the individual cores become longer than the cable itself. The stranding factor specifies the ratio of single core length to cable length. Frequently used stranding types are:

• Pair stranding : Two single cores are twisted into a pair (double core).
• Dreierverseilung: Three individual wires are twisted into a triple.
• Quadrants :
  1. a) Star stranding: Four individual cores have the same position at each point of the rope, whereby the cores of a pair of cores (double cores) face each other diagonally.
  2. b) Diesel Horst Martin Stranding (DHM): Two pairs of stranded pairs (double core) are twisted together. The two pairs have different twist lengths so that the two pairs have a different position at each point of the rope. This leads to a larger space requirement than the star quad, about 15% ..
  3. c) SZ stranding , with this stranding the impact direction of the stranding changes.

The stranding types lead to different transmission properties. Significantly, the capacity of a stranding affects. For example, in the case of star stranding, the two wire pairs of a quad run parallel over the entire cable length. This results in a much higher capacity between the pairs of wires than in the Dieselhorst Martin (DM) cable, in which the position of the wire pairs continuously changes in the course of the cable.

As used herein, the term "stranded" describes any form of stranding of at least two longitudinally extending arrays in which the direction of impact along the cable remains the same or changes. Within the scope of this application, "stranded" is also understood to mean parallel run-in of the wire pairs. Such a stranded cable can thus have a stranding with regular or irregular successive direction change points or parallel incoming lines.

The twist indicates the rotation of the cross-section of a torsion-stressed rod relative to the length (angle of twist / rod length). It is also called the relative angle of rotation.

Here, "data cable" is understood to mean a cable which can transmit data at frequencies of more than 1 MHz or more than 5 MHz, preferably more than 10 MHz. Typical operating frequencies currently range between 100 Hz and 1000 MHz for such data cables.

So far, it has been problematic to automatically assemble an even number of wire pairs having data cable, as in the known wire arrangements the wire arrangement of one end of the cable was a mirror image of the other end of the cable. In order to achieve automatic assembly of such data cable, two different packing machines had to be provided in the prior art to meet the different arrangement of the wires at the different cable ends or the pairs before insertion into the plug inside each other, additionally twisted (crossed out) , The latter crossover has a negative effect on the electrical parameters of the cable and requires additional time.

It is an object of the invention to provide a data cable or a method for producing a data cable, in which the automatic assembly, even by machines, is guaranteed.

The object is achieved by a cable with the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method with the features of claim 7. Advantageous developments emerge from the dependent claims.

A data cable produced in accordance with the invention has the advantage that the same wire arrangement now occurs at respectively predetermined fractions of a lay length, always with parallel stranding elements.

This identical wire arrangement has the advantage that both cable ends can be processed / assembled with the same packaging machines and identical plugs and thereby a complete assembly unit can be saved compared with the conventional method in the manufacture of the prefabricated cable.

The wires of the individual elements are twisted together in pairs. A single element produced in this way is relatively inexpensive, because the twisting of the twisted wire pairs to the elements is possible in a simple manner with conventional machines.

Preferably, the cable assembly is protected with a jacket having markings above the predetermined fraction of lay length. These markings can be mounted so that they can be read by vending machines and cut accordingly. When disconnecting the cable after the predetermined portion of the lay length, the same configuration of the wires is encountered. This means that for the packaging no mirror-image packaging manufacturing machines must be used, but can be assembled with a single machine both ends. Compared to conventional cables, the assembly is therefore much easier and possible with less machinery. Furthermore, the symmetry of the cables is not canceled.

Preferably, the data cable with mitverseilte support elements in order to improve the stability thereof.

With data cables, it makes sense that at least one individual element (1,1a .... 4, 4a) is individually screened. Such a shield may, for example, comprise a foil.

A data cable according to the invention can be produced by first twisting the wires in pairs into four core pairs or individual elements (5 to 8), then twisting two twisted pairs of wires into a stranding element (10, 12) having four wires, and then twisting the elements (10, 12). be stranded or unsolved to each other.

It is preferred that both at least the individual elements or pairs of wires (5 to 8) itself simply twisted and the twisted pairs of wires to stranding elements (10, 12) are stranded in one operation.

It may be favorable that the stranding elements are stabilized with retaining spiral or cross spiral. Preferably, the Verdrilllängen the wires in the individual elements and the lay lengths of the individual elements are coordinated with each other to avoid crosstalk as possible ..

The stability of the stranded composite can be increased by including the data cable with stranded support elements. As a result, an accurate positioning of the individual elements can be ensured with each other regardless of the lay lengths of the individual elements.

In order to reduce the risk of mutual disturbances of the data traffic, such as crosstalk, the individual elements / wire pairs can also be individually screened. As shielding, any suitable shielding can be used. In particular, this proves to be a metallic screen, which may include, for example, a running foil. This film can be banded, or longitudinal, that is provided with a parallel overlap edge.

The production of the data cable is simplified if both at least a single element and the data cable itself are stranded in one operation. In this way, transport operations, in which a stranded single element wound and unwound at a subsequent station for the preparation of the data cable can be avoided. In addition, the risk of overuse of the individual element before it is assembled and secured in a fixed stranded composite in a data cable, avoid, so that improved by this process management, the quality of the data cable.

As already described above, the data cable according to the invention or the production method according to the invention is also distinguished by the fact that it particularly gently splices and assembles the individual elements. Accordingly, the invention proposes that even stranding per se, although it is already relatively gentle, is performed by the process side so that the individual elements are protected as much as possible during the stranding process, if the individual elements by at least two out of phase driven stranding, of which optionally one is constantly kept still, are stranded with each other, as this is the case in all stranding and in particular in stranding.

Accordingly, in order to avoid overstressing of the individual elements, the stranding guides of the stranding machine may comprise at least one guide element with a guide surface that is designed so that it is flexurally elastic perpendicular to the running direction of the respective individual element. Cumulatively or alternatively, the guide length along which the individual elements are guided at least on a stranding, at least 5% of the distance between the stranding be mutually exclusive, to avoid punctually occurring loads on the individual elements. In particular, the individual elements can be guided continuously between the stranding guides. The latter can z. B. by elastic tubes of different materials, such. As plastic or metal, or spring tubes or plastic pipes, which are arranged between the stranding, be accomplished, thereby virtually a continuous stranding, which is particularly gentle on the individual elements, is provided.

To stabilize the stranding a stabilizing helix or cross helix may be provided. Typically, a helical strike length is at most 50%, in particular 20%, of the stranding length.

• Fig. 1 schematisch ein erfindungsgemässes Datenkabel im Querschnitt; und
• Fig. 2 schematisch ein erfindungsgemäßes Datenkabel im Längsschnitt;
• Fig. 3 ein konfektioniertes Datenkabel mit 2 Steckelementen an seinen Enden;
• Fig. 4 eine Verseilung der Verseilelemente mit gleicher Schlaglänge, wobei jeweils um eine Schlaglänge versetzt identische Adernanordnungen auftreten;
• Fig. 5 die Verseilung der Verseilelemente mit gleicher Schlaglänge, jeweils um eine viertel Wellenlänge versetzt; wobei dann nach einer Schlaglänge identische Anordnungen auftreten; und
• Fig. 6 eine Verseilung der Verseilelemente mit unterschiedlicher Schlaglänge, wobei eine Schlaglänge ein Vielfaches der anderen Schlaglänge ist.

Further advantages, objects and characteristics of the present invention will be explained in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing, which shows a preferred embodiment. Showing:

• Fig. 1 schematically a data cable according to the invention in cross section; and
• Fig. 2 schematically a data cable according to the invention in longitudinal section;
• Fig. 3 a prefabricated data cable with 2 plug-in elements at its ends;
• Fig. 4 a stranding of the stranding elements with the same lay length, each offset by a lay length identical wire arrangements occur;
• Fig. 5 the stranding of the stranding elements with the same lay length, each offset by a quarter wavelength; wherein then identical arrangements occur after a stroke length; and
• Fig. 6 a stranding of the stranding elements with different lay length, wherein a lay length is a multiple of the other lay length.

That in the Fig.1 to 3 illustrated data cable 50, a eight cores (1, 1a ..... 4, 4a) exhibiting data cable, comprises four individual elements 5 to 8, each consisting of two stranded together with the same lay length cores 1, 1a; 2, 2a ..... 4, 4a (numbered by way of example) are formed. Each wire consists of a conductor and an insulation, which are formed in the usual manner known to those skilled in the art.

These individual elements 5 to 8 are each stranded in pairs to stranding elements 10, 12.

The stranded wires 1 and 1a; 2 and 2a; 3 and 3a, and 4 and 4a of each stranding 5 to 8 are each surrounded by a shielding foil 9, which is banded formed in the present embodiment with a conventional degree of overlap. Furthermore, the wires 1 to 4a are twisted with each other. Here, the lay length of the respective cores 1 to 4a with each other and the individual elements 5 to 8 is coordinated so that interference is avoided as far as possible.

The cable is also surrounded by a total shield, not shown, as well as a locking plastic sheath 30 with markings.

In Fig. 4 a data cable according to the invention with the jacket removed is shown schematically. It can be seen clearly that the Verseilschlaglängen the two parallel in the cable incoming stranding elements are the same, which means that at locations offset by one lay length identical configurations of the wires occur.

Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the stranding of the stranding in the data cable with removed cable sheath. Here, the stranding length of both stranding elements is the same, but these are in the data cable by a quarter wavelength shifted to each other, resulting in an occurrence of identical wire configurations all the whole Verseilschlaglängen results.

Fig. 6 again shows an arrangement in which the one stranding has a half the same stranding length as the second stranding. As a result, identical wire arrangements are found in each case according to the common denominator of the two Verseilelementschlaglängen, here the one wavelength of the larger Verseilschlaglänge.

It is also possible to produce cables with more complex lay length ratios. In each case occurs after the longer lay length of one of the stranding of the cable again an identical wire configurations.

Although only twisted stranding elements are shown here, it is of course also possible to provide other strandings, such as the Dieselhorst-Martin stranding - although the type of stranding must then be the same for all stranding elements.

For the production of the data cable according to the invention, for example, a Rohrspeichenverleaving can be used. These ensure a particularly gentle treatment of the individual elements during the stranding process.

A simple twisting system may also be used. In this system, wires 1 to 4a are twisted in each case via individual twisting units into individual elements 5, 6, 7, 8. The individual elements 5 to 8 can, for example, be stranded together in a further tubular storage stranding system.

It is understood that, instead of a tubular storage stranding plant, other stranding plants, such as perforated disc stranding plants, twister stranding plants or double twister stranding plants, which are familiar to the person skilled in the art, can be used.

The stranded wires are coated with a jacket, which is extruded in the usual way. There are now predetermined lengths of the data cable cut from a separator, which separates the cable so that the wires at the interface have the same orientation (s. Fig. 3 to Fig. 6 ). As a result, identical plug-in elements 40 can be connected in an identical manner. For this purpose, the cable ends are successively fed to a packing machine, which connects and fixes the plug-in elements on the data cable section in a manner known per se.

A typical, prefabricated cable is shown schematically in Fig. 3 shown, where in the lower part of the Fig. 3 schematically a cross section through the two plug-in elements 40 is shown, from which it can be seen that the orientation of the wires 1 to 4a is the same at both ends of the cable.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that it also extends to other embodiments as would be familiar to those skilled in the art and falling within the scope of the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Single element, core

1a

Single element, core

2

Single element, core

2a

Single element, core

3,

Single element, core

3a,

Single element, core

4

Single element, core

4a

Single element, core

5

Single element, core

6

Single element, core

7

Single element, core

8th

Single element, core

9

Foil around wire pair

10

Stranding

12

Stranding

30

coat

40

plug interface

50

electric wire

Claims (8)

Can be assembled with 4 pairs of wires and a cable sheath, each with 2 cores (1, 1 a; 2, 2a; 3, 3a; 4, 4a) are twisted together to form pairs of wires, characterized in that the pairs of wires in turn with each other to stranding with the same or different lay lengths stranded (10, 12, 14, 16), wherein the stranded stranded elements are arranged side by side in the cable, that at the locations selected from: least common denominator of the stranding lengths of the wire pairs at different Verseilschlaglängen; at a distance of half Paarverseilschlaglänge offset from each other with the same stranding - the same cable arrangement is present in the data cable at regular intervals, so that when disconnecting the cable at these points an identical color assignment of the wires and thus identical connecting elements are attached to the resulting by separating two data cable ends. Data cable according to Claim 1, characterized in that the data cable has cross-linked supporting elements. Data cable according to claim 1, characterized in that the stranding of the stranding elements is selected from the group consisting of: Dieselhorst-Martin stranding and parallel running in of the stranding elements in the cable. Data cable according to claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the stranding elements (10 to 16) are protected by a jacket, which preferably has markings at the locations where there is an identical wire arrangement. Method for automatically assembling both ends of a 4-core data cable with connecting elements according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that : - The wires are twisted in pairs to form pairs of wires, - In each case two twisted wire pairs are stranded to a stranding element having four wires, wherein the twisted stranded stranded elements are arranged side by side in the cable so that selected at the locations of: smallest common denominator of the stranding lengths of the wire pairs at different Verseilschlaglängen; offset at the distance of half Paarverseilschlaglänge each other with the same stranding length - in the data cable at regular intervals the same wire arrangement is present - Each two Verseilelementpaare be arranged in a cable sheath, so that the same wire configurations occur at predictable locations; - The data cable thus prepared is separated to predetermined lengths in places of the same wire arrangement; and - The two ends of the cut cable pieces are provided in a single assembly machines with the same connection elements. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that in one operation, the pairs of wires twisted together, the twisted wire pairs stranded in pairs to stranding and two Verseilelemente are provided in a conventional manner with a jacket. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the stranding elements are stranded together, applied a cable sheath and the cable sheath is provided at predetermined intervals with markings to display the same wire arrangement. Method according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the stranding elements are stabilized with retaining spiral or cross spiral.

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