EP3111039A1

EP3111039A1 - Induction cable, coupling device, and method for producing an induction cable

Info

Publication number: EP3111039A1
Application number: EP15712066.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gerhard Angermann; Klaus BITTERWOLF; Thomas Brunner; Michael Dreiner; Christian Eck; Jan FÖRSTER; Sebastian GOSS; Jens MOSEBACH; Ulrich RAUPACH; Rainer Sessner
Original assignee: Leoni Kabel Holding GmbH
Current assignee: Leoni Kabel GmbH
Priority date: 2014-02-28
Filing date: 2015-02-27
Publication date: 2017-01-04
Anticipated expiration: 2035-02-27
Also published as: US10614930B2; US20170004902A1; CA2940875A1; CA2940875C; EA035984B1; WO2015128483A1; EA201691750A1; EP3111039B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an induction cable (1) comprising a plurality of cable conductors (6), each having a conductor strand (9) surrounded by insulation (11), wherein the conductor strand (9) comprises a plurality of conductor sections (8) which are spaced apart in the longitudinal cable direction (2) at resonance dividing points (R) by insulating intermediate pieces (10). The induction cable (1) furthermore comprises a coupling device (3) on which a plurality of the conductor strands (6) are separated forming coupling ends (20a, b) at coupling positions (K). The coupling ends (20a, b) are connected to each other via the coupling device (3). A simple providing and installing of the induction cable (1) and a simple replacement of damaged cable parts (4) is thus enabled.

Description

description

Induction cable, coupling device and method for producing an induction cable

The invention relates to an induction cable having a plurality of cable cores, each having a conductor strand surrounded by an insulation, wherein the conductor strand comprises a plurality of conductor sections which are spaced in a cable longitudinal direction at resonance separation points by respective insulating intermediate regions with at least one intermediate piece. The invention further relates to a coupling device for such an induction cable and a method for producing such an induction cable.

Such an induction cable, also referred to as an inductor, serves to form one or more so-called induction fields. The induction cable is hereby provided in particular for the inductive heating of oil sand and / or heavy oil deposits. Such an application of such an induction cable can be seen, for example, from EP 2 250 858 B1. The technical boundary conditions resulting from this application are fulfilled by the induction cable.

For the construction of the induction fields and a realization of the inductive heating, it is necessary that the individual cable cores of the cable are separated at defined separation points in a grid with a defined length of for example several 10 m. Each of the cable wires is divided by the separation points in a number of wire sections.

Within the cable, a plurality of cable cores are preferably combined into wire groups, wherein the separation points or interruptions of the wires of a respective wire group are substantially at the same length position. Typically, there are two wire groups, the separation points are shifted relative to each other by half the pitch. In other words, the separation points of a first group of wires are in the longitudinal direction halfway between arranged two separation points of a second wire group. This results in an overlap of the wire sections of different groups, which serves in particular for the formation of an induction cable.

Such a cable is described for example in WO 2013 079 201 A1. This discloses a cable core for a cable, in particular for an induction cable, with a plurality of such cable cores, each having a conductor surrounded by an insulation. Furthermore, the respective cable core, ie a conductor surrounded by an insulation jacket, is interrupted in the cable longitudinal direction at predetermined length positions at separation points to form two wire ends. To connect this, a connector with an insulating intermediate piece is arranged and the wire ends are attached to both sides of the intermediate piece on the connector. To connect the wire ends of the connector is sleeve-like design at its opposite end faces, so that a respective wire end, that is, in particular, a part of the insulation sheath is embraced.

Such induction cables are usually drawn in the induction field in prepared tubes. The length of a respective induction cable is several hundred meters up to kilometers.

Such an induction cable is typically composed of a plurality of wire bundles, which are in particular stranded together. The entire stranded composite typically has a diameter in the range of several centimeters, for example in the range of 5 to 20 cm.

The provision and the laying of such a comprehensive induction cable is technically complex.

Against this background, the invention has for its object to provide an improved induction cable, which is easier to provide and to lay. The object is achieved according to the invention by an induction cable having the features of claim 1. The induction cable then comprises a plurality of cable cores, each having a conductor strand surrounded by an insulation, which comprises a plurality of conductor sections, which are spaced in the cable longitudinal direction at resonance separation points by insulating intermediate regions. The intermediate region is formed by at least one insulating intermediate piece, at least such an intermediate piece is arranged in the intermediate region. Furthermore, a coupling device is integrated in the induction cable and at least a plurality of the conductor strands are interrupted at a coupling position and each have a pair of coupling ends, which are connected to one another at the coupling position by means of the coupling device.

Basically, two different embodiments of the coupling device are provided, namely a connection only a number of conductor strands or the connection of all conductor strands. At least in the former case, the coupling device has a coupling module as an additional component, which is provided with receptacles for the coupling ends. Several of the conductor strands are held together with their coupling ends on the coupling module. In the second case, the cable is therefore divided at the coupling point to form two interconnected via the coupling device cable ends.

The coupling device therefore provides a unit for connecting a plurality of the conductor strands, for example half of the conductor strands or all conductor strands, so that these several conductor strands are connected together in a simple manner via the coupling device.

The coupling device generally simplifies the manufacture, provision or laying of the induction cable. In all cases, the induction cable does not need to be made in one piece with its entire length. Rather, it can be divided into individual sections. In the second-mentioned variant with the complete separation, therefore, individual cable sections are provided, which as such are available at the installation site at the induction field. and need only be connected to each other immediately when laying. This allows a simplified transport and overall easier handling. Furthermore, this also makes a simpler repair possible, since in the case of a defect only the defective cable section needs to be replaced.

In both variants, the quality control is also simplified, since in the case of a quality defect in the production in a simple manner, only the defective part needs to be replaced. Also, the control of individual sections is easier than with a complete cable with a length of several hundred meters to a few kilometers.

The first-mentioned variant of the coupling device, in which only a part of the conductor strands is connected via the coupling device, exploits in an advantageous manner that the individual conductor strands comprise individual conductor sections of predetermined length separated from one another by the intermediate regions. By means of the coupling device, therefore, the individual conductor sections can be provided in the production as individual lengths with a defined grid length and connected to one another via the coupling device.

For the second-mentioned case of complete separation of the induction cable at the coupling position, the coupling device has two coupling parts for bringing the two cable ends together. In these two coupling parts, the two cable ends are received and held and the coupling device is designed in total in the manner of a connector, screw or latching connection. The two coupling parts are brought together when connecting in the cable longitudinal direction. During this merging, the connection of the individual separate conductor strands of the induction cable then takes place automatically.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupling device is designed as a reversibly detachable device, so that the individual coupling ends, in particular the two cable ends by means of the coupling device reversible to each other are connectable. This allows a simple separation even after installation, for example, to replace a defective section.

The merging of the individual coupling ends of the individual conductor strands preferably takes place via plug connections. For this purpose, according to a first variant, connector elements are attached to the coupling ends, for example welded, soldered, crimped or injection-molded. Alternatively, the coupling ends are inserted into the receptacles of the coupling module or in suitable, fitting in the receptacles fittings. In both cases, the coupling ends are preferably prepared suitably.

According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling device is arranged at the resonant separation point, that is to say at a length position of the induction cable at which some of the conductor strands have intermediate pieces. Preferably, a plurality of groups of conductor strands are formed in the induction cable, in particular two groups, each group having the intermediate regions at identical length positions. The opposite conductor ends of the conductor strands form the coupling ends in this case. In the coupling module, therefore, the intermediate areas are integrated. The coupling module therefore has a plurality of first receptacles of a first connection type, wherein in each of the first receptacles each at least one intermediate piece is arranged.

The individual groups of the conductor strands are usually spaced apart by a defined distance, which is constant over the cable longitudinal direction. For two groups, this distance measure is half the pitch, ie half the distance between two resonance separation points.

In an expedient embodiment, the coupling module comprises a plurality of second receptacles of a second connection type, wherein in the second receptacles, the two coupling ends are electrically conductively connected to each other. In this case, therefore, the conductor strand is interrupted in the region of a respective conductor section via the coupling device and electrically conductively connected via the coupling device. An embodiment with such second recordings allowed the positioning of the coupling device also at an axial length position at which no intermediate pieces are arranged.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that the coupling module has both first recordings with the integrated intermediate pieces and second recordings for the electrically conductive connection. In this case, the coupling device serves for complete separation and connection of the induction cable to form two cable ends.

Within the conductor strand composite of the induction cable, the different groups of the conductor strands are usually distributed according to a predetermined pattern, in particular such that a conductor strand of one group is in each case arranged next to the conductor strand of the other group. As a result, an insulating intermediate piece is usually positioned alternately next to a conductor section in the region of a resonance separation point. The individual conductor strands typically form a particularly multi-layered conductor bundle, in particular a multilayer stranded composite. For example, two layers are arranged around a central strand. The first layer has, for example, six wires and the second layer 12 wires.

With a view to the simplest possible connection of the coupling ends, sleeves are expediently arranged in the receptacles into which the coupling ends are inserted and, in particular, inserted. The sleeves are optionally made of an insulating material or of a conductive material. In the former case, they preferably form an intermediate piece for the formation of a resonance separation point. The sleeves are formed, for example, as a double sleeve with an intermediate section arranged between opposite sleeve portions. In particular, ceramic is used as the material for the insulating sleeve in order to achieve a high partial discharge resistance.

Conveniently, the coupling connection between the coupling ends or attachment of the coupling ends in the sleeves is formed by means of a profiling. For this purpose, either or in combination, the respective Sleeve provided with an at least partially profiled inner wall and / or on the coupling ends themselves profiling is formed. The profiling is in this case designed according to a first embodiment as a pull-out protection, so that therefore a high pull-out strength is formed in the axial direction. The profilings are formed, for example, in the manner of in particular circular circumferential ribs or also in the manner of barbs. In a preferred embodiment, a thread is formed by the profiling, so that the two parts are screwed into one another. In the embodiment with sleeves thus has the sleeve on its inner wall threaded elements and corresponding thereto, the coupling end to be inserted therein also a threaded member, so that the two partners are connected by screwing each other.

Conveniently, the coupling ends are preferably complementarily provided with a respective end piece, to them therefore a separate sub-element is attached. This preferably has the profiling. According to a first variant, these end caps are, in particular, cap-shaped elements in the manner of end caps, which are slipped over the respective end region at the coupling end. In particular, these are for example welded metal caps. Alternatively, insulating caps are placed, expediently the insulating caps at the same time also form the insulating intermediate piece. It therefore does not need to be formed a one-piece continuous intermediate piece. In the insulating intermediate region, therefore, it is also possible to arrange two insulating caps which are separate from each other and optionally include an air gap between them as intermediate pieces. As an alternative to the cap-shaped elements, cylindrical, bolt-shaped elements can also be arranged as end caps, in particular welded.

In order to enable a simple connection of the individual coupling ends, the coupling module expediently has an approximately star-shaped support which has a plurality of receptacles for the coupling ends. This embodiment particularly relates to the embodiment in which only one Part of the conductor strands is coupled. The carrier has carrier arms and thus an approximately branched structure, wherein on the carrier, in particular the first recordings are formed.

In the region of a resonant separation point, a receptacle is provided in each case at such a support at the positions occupied by the individual conductor strands in the cable assembly. Therefore, the same conductor strand pattern is simulated over the carrier, as it is also present in the induction cable. It is therefore the maintenance of the conductor strand composite guaranteed and the individual conductor strands need not be transferred, for example, from the bundling in a connection level.

Conveniently, the coupling module, in particular the carrier has a plurality of recesses through which - in the region of the resonance separation point - the conductor sections are performed without interruption. The conductor sections are therefore not separated.

The carrier is designed as a separate component, which is shaped, for example, in the manner of a thick circular disk with a branched structure. The continuous conductor sections are inserted in a simple manner in the recesses. Conveniently, these are accessible from the outside radially, so open to the outside.

The approximately star-shaped carrier thus separates the two groups of conductor strands from one another and is therefore also referred to below as a separation star.

Conveniently, the coupling module, in particular the carrier is designed as an injection molded part. This is provided as a prefabricated part, then attached to the coupling ends and connected to each other.

In a preferred development, the induction cable has a function line, namely, for example, a strain relief, a sensor line or a Data line, which is guided via the coupling device either uninterrupted or with the formation of two interconnected sections. The sensor line is, for example, an optical waveguide, preferably for temperature measurement. The data line allows data to be transmitted along the cable. In a preferred variant, these lines are therefore connected to each other by means of the coupling device in the manner of line connectors. In a pure implementation, a recess in the carrier is preferably formed for this function line, so that the function line can be introduced laterally in the radial direction.

The receptacles are expediently oriented in the direction of a connection direction, which is at a predetermined angle to the cable longitudinal direction. The connections are therefore not oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction. This embodiment is based on the consideration that, in particular in helical conductor strands, for example as a result of stranding, the receptacles are preferably oriented obliquely to accommodate the respective direction of the conductor strands, so that they are continued in their course through the recordings. The orientation of the recordings, so their connection direction corresponds in particular to a slope or orientation of the conductor strands.

By providing a separate component within the cable through the coupling device, a possibility for integration of additional functional elements in the cable is provided. Preferably, a sensor module is integrated in the coupling device. The sensor module in this case comprises at least one sensor for detecting values of parameters, optionally cable parameters for monitoring the function of the cable or also environmental parameters for determining properties of the environment of the cable. In particular, in the detection of measured values to ambient parameters can be achieved in an easy way, an effective monitoring and review of the environment of the induction cable, ie in particular the entire induction field. The measurement data are expediently transmitted to an evaluation unit. For this purpose, in particular the transmission is provided by means of the already mentioned data line, which is integrated as a functional line in the cable. The object is further achieved according to the invention by a method for producing an induction cable in which a plurality of coupling ends are connected to each other by means of a coupling device.

The advantages and preferred embodiments cited with regard to the induction cable are also to be transferred analogously to the method.

Conveniently, two cable ends are connected to one another via the coupling device, preferably such that the cable ends are rotated relative to one another about the cable longitudinal direction when connecting via the coupling device. In particular, a helical pitch of the individual conductor strands is absorbed or tracked by the rotation. This embodiment variant is provided in particular in combination with the obliquely oriented in a connection direction recordings, so that therefore the individual cable ends or the individual coupling ends of the conductor strands are introduced parallel to the connecting direction in the recordings by this rotational movement.

In an expedient embodiment, the individual conductor sections are provided as individual lengths for the production of the induction cable and connected to each other via the coupling device to form the resonance separation points. Under connected here is understood that the coupling ends are kept separated by an insulating spacer. The coupling device comprises for this purpose, for example, a ceramic element as an intermediate piece. Thus, cable core sections are provided in particular with the predetermined pitch or resonance length between two resonance separation points and connected to one another at the resonance separation points via the coupling device. For this purpose, in particular the separation star described above is provided. Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. These show each in schematic and simplified representations:

1 is a symbolic side view of an induction cable,

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an induction cable with several

Component cables,

3 is a cross-sectional view of a sub-cable,

4 is a plan view of a trained as a separator star carrier of a coupling module,

5 shows a further embodiment variant of a carrier of a coupling module,

6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling device with two coupling parts,

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view of another embodiment of a coupling module and

Fig. 8 is a highly simplified schematic representation of a

Connection direction oriented recordings with conductor strands.

In the figures, like-acting parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

An induction cable 1 according to FIG. 1 extends in a cable longitudinal direction 2 and, in the exemplary embodiment, has a plurality of coupling devices 3, on which individual cable sections 4 are coupled together. The induction cable 1 usually has a plurality of cable cores 6. Each individual cable core 6 is in this case formed by a plurality of conductor sections 8, which are spaced apart in the cable longitudinal direction 2 4 by insulating spacers 10 from each other. The conductor sections 8 together with the insulating spacers 1 1 form a conductor strand 9, which is sheathed to form the cable core 6 of an insulation 1 1 (see in particular Figure 6). The insulation 1 1 is either a banding or a particular extruded insulation jacket. The spacers 1 1 consist of a suitable insulating material, in particular of ceramic.

The conductor sections 8 in this case have a pitch a typically in the range of several 10 m, for example in the range of 50 m or a multiple thereof. The total length of such an induction cable 1 is usually several 100 m, in particular in the range of a few kilometers, for example in the range of 1 to 3 km. Such induction cables 1 are laid for inductive heating of oil sands in the ground. For this purpose, they are usually introduced into tubes. The coupling devices 3 each have a distance greater than the pitch a, in particular a multiple of the pitch a.

The intermediate pieces 10 at the same time define resonant separation points R, which are arranged in the pitch a. The resonant separation points R of the various cable cores 6 are located at different length positions, wherein a plurality of the cable cores 6 are preferably combined into groups whose resonant separation points R are located at a same longitudinal position. In the exemplary embodiment, two groups are formed on cable cores 6, the resonant separation points R are offset by half a pitch a to each other.

In contrast, a respective coupling device 3 defines a coupling position K, at which therefore several cable cores 6 are interrupted and connected via the coupling device 3. Under interrupted is understood in this case that the cable core 6 or the conductor strand 9 is not continued uninterrupted, but with the formation of coupling ends 20a, b (compare, for example, Figure 3, 6) is separated. The individual cable cores 6 typically have a diameter in the range of, for example, 1.5 to 2.5 mm, wherein the conductor strand 9 has a diameter of typically 0.8 to 1.5 mm.

A preferred construction of such an induction cable 1 is shown in FIG. Thereafter, the total induction cable 1 of several sub-cables 12th composed, each sub-cable 12 in turn has a plurality of wire bundles 14, each having a central strain relief 1 6. The individual core bundles 14 are a composite, in particular a stranded composite of a plurality of cable cores 6, which in turn are arranged around a central strand, in particular an optical waveguide 15. In the exemplary embodiment, the core bundles 14 are stranded in two layers around the optical waveguide 15. A total of six of these wire bundles 14 are then arranged around the strain relief 1 6 of the sub-cable 12 around, in particular stranded and form the sub-cable 12. The sub-cable 12 preferably has a cable sheath 18. The three sub-cables 12 are usually in turn stranded together and also surrounded by another cable sheath 18.

FIG. 3 shows, in a cross section, one of the partial cables 12 with the wire bundle 14 stranded around the strain relief 16. In each of the wire bundles 14, the individual cable wires 6 are arranged around the central optical waveguide 15, in particular stranded. FIG. 3 shows a section through the induction cable 1 at one of the resonant separation points R. The dark circles mark first coupling ends 20a in the region of the resonance separation point R, ie in the region of the insulating intermediate pieces 10, whereas the bright circles show second coupling ends 20b of the conductor sections 8, which pass continuously are formed or are then electrically contacted with each other via the coupling device 3.

FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment variant of a coupling module 22 designed as a separator star. This comprises an approximately star-shaped carrier 24 which, corresponding to the positions of the first coupling ends 20a, has first receptacles 26a in the manner of through holes which form first connections. The carrier 24 therefore has arms in which these first receptacles 26a are introduced in the manner of through-holes. Recesses 28 are formed between these arms and are open radially outward. In these recesses 28, the continuous, uninterrupted ladder sections 8 are inserted from the outside. In contrast, define the first receptacles 26 a, the resonance separation point R with the insulating intermediate piece 10.

Central in the carrier 24, a functional connection 30 is further formed, which is designed for implementation and in particular for connecting a central functional conductor, namely the optical waveguide 15. This functional connection 30 is designed, for example, in the manner of a connector for connecting two optical fiber ends or receives corresponding plug connection elements.

While only a limited number of cable cores 6 is interrupted in the separator star according to FIG. 4, in the case of the coupling module 22, as shown in FIG. 5, all the cable cores 6 of the core bundle 14 are interrupted and connected to one another via the coupling module 22. Again, the dark circles show again the first coupling ends 20a of the electrically conductive conductor sections 8 and the bright circles the second coupling ends 20b at the resonance separation point R. Therefore, FIG. 5 shows a cable end 32 in the sense of the present application. At the same time, the bright circles also define second receptacles 26b in which the coupling ends 20b are enclosed. These second receptacles 26b are again formed by passages through the carrier 24. The carrier 24 is generally made of an insulating material, in particular plastic and is formed, for example, approximately plate-shaped or disc-shaped with only a small thickness in the cable longitudinal direction 2.

In the present case, "cable" is understood in general to mean any common composite of cable cores 6, ie, a stranded cable unit, so that the smallest cable unit forms the core bundle 14. The next larger central cable unit is finally formed by the partial cable 12 and the next largest cable unit by the entire induction cable 2 ,

The different embodiments of the coupling device 3 described here relate optionally to the smallest cable unit (core bundle 14), the middle cable unit (partial cable 12) or the total cable unit (inductor cable 2). The described structure of the coupling device 3 therefore serves either to connect the core bundle 14, the sub-cable 12 or even the entire induction cable. 1

Conveniently, a separate coupling device 3 is provided for each subcable 12, so that each subcable 12 can be separated independently. Alternatively, an overall coupling device 3 is provided with which the induction cable 1 can be separated at a total separation point.

A special embodiment of a coupling device 3 is shown in FIG. The coupling device 3 then has two coupling parts 34a, b, each receiving a carrier 24 and housing parts 36a, b include, which are connected to form the coupling with each other and thus the carrier 24 and thus the individual coupling ends 20a, 20b in a defined relative position hold each other. The housing parts 36a, b are formed, for example, as plug-in parts or as screwed parts in a manner not shown here, so that thus the two coupling parts 34a, b fastened together by screwing in the manner of screw couplings or, for example, by latching and the carrier 24 to each other be offset.

In order to form the insulating intermediate pieces 10, insulating sleeves 38, in particular ceramic sleeves, in which the first coupling ends 20a are inserted, are formed in the exemplary embodiment. In the embodiment, an end cap 40, in particular made of metal, for example, by welding is applied end to a respective coupling end. In addition, the free space between the cap 40 and the sleeve 38 is filled with a further insulating material, in particular a silicone gel 42 or an adhesive. As a result, a good insulation of the first coupling ends 20a is achieved to each other and achieved a high partial discharge resistance. In contrast, at the coupling ends 20b of the conductor sections 8 connector elements are applied, namely on one side of a plug pin 44 and on the other side a socket 46. These serve to form an electrically conductive connection of the second coupling ends 20b. They are connected to the respective second coupling Lungsende 20b electrically conductive, for example by welding or connected by a crimping process. When assembling the two coupling parts 34a, b, the electrically conductive connection is formed automatically.

In the exemplary embodiment described with reference to FIG. 6, the intermediate piece 10 is designed in two parts to the extent that two insulating sleeves 38 are respectively attached to the first coupling ends 20a. Between these sleeves 38 may still exist an air gap in the coupled state.

In the figure 7, an alternative embodiment of a sleeve 38 is shown, in which a double sleeve, in particular ceramic sleeve rests in a respective first receptacle 26a of the carrier 22, in which the coupling ends 20a can be inserted from both sides.

Finally, FIG. 8 shows, in a greatly simplified illustration, a particular embodiment in which the receptacles 26a, 26b are oriented at a connection direction 50 at an angle to the longitudinal direction 4. The angle corresponds in particular to a pitch angle of the individual cable cores 6, which occupy these due to a stranding each other. This ensures that the cable cores 6 are aligned with the terminals 26a, 26b, so that a simple plugging is possible.

In particular, in this embodiment variant, it is possible to use for the formation of the induction cable 1, a flat cable, in which the individual conductor strands 9 are each initially disposed within a common plane in a common insulating jacket and this ribbon cable is then wound around a central strand. Accordingly, it is also possible to provide for such a possibly curved ribbon cable a coupling device 3, in which the individual terminals 26a, 26b are lined up in a single row next to each other.

In the coupling device 3, a sensor module 52 is further integrated, via which both the induction cable 1 itself and the environment, ie characteristics monitored, for example, the induction field and corresponding measurement data forwarded to an evaluation unit not shown here. Parameters to be monitored are, for example, the cable temperature, the ambient temperature or even seismic movements, etc.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 induction cable a pitch

2 Cable length direction R Resonance separation point

3 Coupling device K Coupling position

4 cable section

6 cable core

8 conductor section

9 conductor strand

10 intermediate piece

1 1 insulation

12 partial cables

14 core bundles

15 optical fibers

16 strain relief

18 cable sheath

20a, b coupling end

22 coupling module

24 carriers

26a first connections

26b second connections

28 recess

30 function connection

32 cable end

34a, b coupling part

36a, b housing parts

38 insulating sleeve

40 cap

42 silicone gel

44 plug pin

46 plug-in sleeve

50 connection direction

52 sensor module

Claims

claims

1 . Induction cable (1) having a plurality of cable cores (6), each having a of an insulation (1 1) surrounded conductor strand (9) comprising a plurality of conductor sections (8) in the cable longitudinal direction (2) at resonance separation points (R) in each case by a insulating intermediate region with at least one insulating spacer (10) are spaced apart,

characterized,

a coupling device (3) is formed, and a plurality of the conductor strands (9) at a coupling position (K) each have a coupling end (20a, 20b), optionally or in combination

at the coupling position (20a, 20b) a coupling module (22) with receptacles (26a, 26b) for the coupling ends (20a, 20b) of the plurality of conductor strands (9) is arranged

the induction cable (1) at the coupling position (K) is divided to form two cable ends (32) and the coupling device (3) has two coupling parts (34a, 34b) for merging the cable ends (32).

2. Induction cable (1) according to the preceding claim,

characterized,

the coupling ends (20a, 20b) can be reversibly connected to one another by means of the coupling device (3).

3. induction cable (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized

the coupling ends (20a, 20b) are held in the coupling device (3) via plug connections and, for this purpose, plug-in connection elements (44, 46) are optionally formed on the coupling ends (20a, 20b) or the coupling ends (20a, 20b) are inserted into the receptacles (26a, 26b).

4. induction cable (1) according to the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the coupling device (3) is arranged at the resonance separation point (R) and the coupling module (22) has a plurality of first receptacles (26a) for a first connection type, wherein in each of the first receptacles (26a) at least one intermediate piece (10) rests.

5. Induction cable (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the coupling module (22) has a plurality of second receptacles (26b) for a second type of connection, wherein two coupling ends (20b) are connected to each other in an electrically conductive manner in each of the second receptacles (26b).

6. induction cable (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

that in the receptacles (26a, 26b) sleeves (38) are arranged, in which the coupling ends (20a, 20b) are inserted and sleeves (38), optionally made of an insulating material, in particular a ceramic, or of a conductive material are.

7. Induction cable (1) according to one of claims 6 or 7,

characterized,

that optionally the sleeves (38) each have an at least partially profiled inner wall or the coupling ends are provided with a profiling.

8. Induction cable (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8,

characterized,

in that a respective end piece (40) is fastened to the coupling ends (20a, 20b).

9. Induction cable (1) according to the preceding claim,

characterized,

in that the coupling module (22) has an in particular star-shaped carrier (24) on which the receptacles (26a, 26b) are formed.

10. Induction cable (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the coupling module (22) has a number of recesses (28) for the passage of conductor strands (9) passing through at the coupling position (K).

1 1. Induction cable (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

the coupling module (22) is designed as an injection-molded part.

12. Induction cable (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

that this has a functional line (15), namely optionally a strain relief, a sensor line or a data line, which is guided without interruption by the coupling device (3) or with the formation of two interconnected sections.

13. Induction cable (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that the terminals (20a, 20b) have a connecting direction (50) which is at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal direction (2).

14. Induction cable according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized,

in that a sensor module (52) is integrated in the coupling device (3).

15. A method for producing an induction cable (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein by means of a coupling device (3) coupling ends (20a, 20b) of a plurality of cable cores (6) are interconnected.

1 6. The method of claim 15, wherein via the coupling device (3) two cable ends (32) are interconnected, in particular such that the cable ends (32) relative to each other about the cable longitudinal direction (2) are rotated.

17. The method of claim 15 or 1 6, wherein the conductor sections (8) are provided as individual lengths and connected via the coupling device (3) to form the resonance separation points (R).