GB2295462A

GB2295462A - Cable sleeve arrangement for use in cable shafts

Info

Publication number: GB2295462A
Application number: GB9524307A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lothar Finzel; Guenter Schroeder
Original assignee: Siemens AG
Current assignee: Siemens AG
Priority date: 1994-11-28
Filing date: 1995-11-28
Publication date: 1996-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 2015-11-28
Also published as: GB9524307D0; DE4442310A1; GB2295462B

Description

4 1 2295462 CABLE SLEEVE ARRANGEMENT FOR USE IN CABLE SHAFTS The invention

relates to a cable sleeve arrangement for use in cable shafts including a cable sleeve capable of being removed from the cable shaft 5 for servicing operations.

Cable sleeves are generally positioned in a cable shaft on the floor or on cable beds. In this respect, a sufficient excess cable length is fitted in looped form in the cable shaft so that the cable sleeve can be removed for servicing operations. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that it is necessary to provide a relatively large excess cable length and there is a danger of the permissible bending radii of sensitive cables, such as light wave conductors, not being met, so that the cables can sustain damage. In addition, in cases where it is necessary to accommodate a plurality of excess cable lengths, it is possible for the cables to cross, become entangled or even knotted during servicing operations. The larger the number of sleeves which are to be accommodated in a cable shaft, the more difficult the servicing operations prove to be. In some cases it may even be necessary to remove all the sleeves from the cable shaft in order to arrange the cables in an orderly manner again.

The invention therefore seeks to provide an arrangement of cable sleeves or to construct the cable sleeves per se in such a manner that it is possible to use as little excess cable length as possible and so that the cable sleeves can be removed in an orderly manner from the cable shaft for servicing operations and can be positioned to await said operations.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable sleeve arrangement for use in cable shaft, the cable sleeve arrangement comprising hood sleeve, a supporting means fixedly attached to the hood sleeve, and mounting means which, in use, is A 1 located within the cable shaft, the supporting means being mounted to the mounting means in such a manner that when the cable sleeve arrangement is located within a cable shaft the sleeve hood is movable between a position wholly within the cable shaft and a servicing position outside the cable shaft by movement of the supporting means.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable sleeve for use in cable shafts, the cable sleeve being removable from the cable shaft for servicing operations, wherein the cable sleeve is constructed as a hood sleeve, a swivel fixture is arranged on the sleeve head of the hood sleeve and the said swivel fixture is arranged with a swivel mount on a horizontal axle in the cable shaft in such a manner that the sleeve hood can be positioned and secured in the servicing position outside the cable shaft by pivoting the swivel fixture upwards.

Using a cable sleeve according to the invention, it is possible during servicing operations to remove only the appropriate cable sleeve from the cable shaft into an overground position with the aid of its swivel fixture, so that the fitter has sufficient room to carry out the servicing operations. The swivel fixture is secured in this servicing position by means of locking elements, so that the danger of the cable sleeve pivoting back is ruled out. In addition to the possibility of fixing the device in the end positions, an arrangement of this type also has the advantage that the mechanical cable loading by tensile, torsional and bending forces is reduced to a minimum. In addition, it is only necessary to lay the cables with minimum excess lengths, so that an orderly arrangement in the cable shaft can be effected in a non-twisted manner within a minimum amount of storage space.

For a better understanding of the present 1 invention, and to show how it may be brought into effect, reference will now be made, by way of exampl to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a cable sleeve 5 provided with a swivel fixture in the cable shaft.

e, Figure 2 shows the arrangement according to Figure 1 with the cable sleeve in the outwardly pivoted position.

Figure 3 is a plan view showing the arrangement of a plurality of swivel fixtures with cable sleeves in the cable shaft. Figure 4 is a cross section through the arrangement according to Figure 3, abutments being provided for the cable sleeves. is Figure 5 shows an arrangement according to Figure 4, in which the cable sleeves are tilted with their swivel fixtures deep into the cable shaft. Figure 6 shows details for the securing of the swivel fixtures. 20 Figure 7 shows the sleeve head of a hood sleeve. Figure 8 shows a blind bore in the sleeve head for the securing of the swivel fixture. Figure 9 shows a screw bolt for securing the swivel fixture to the sleeve head. 25 Figure 10 shows a securing connection on the swivel arm of the swivel fixture. Figure 11 shows the securing of the swivel fixture to a projecting bracket of the sleeve head. Figure 1 is a longitudinal section through the shaft 8 showing a cable sleeve 6 with a swivel fixture 1 according to the invention in the inwardly pivoted position in the cable shaft 8, the cable sleeve 6 resting in this position on an abutment 12 and being locked, so that it is secured in its end position. The end 5 of the swivel arm 2 of the swivel fixture 1 is fixedly connected to the sleeve head 7 of the hood c 1 is sleeve 6, so that the hood sleeve 6 cannot be separately removed from the cable shaft. The swivel fixture 1, which is pivotally mounted with a swivel mount 14 on a horizontally extending axle 3, can be pivoted upwards so that, after removal of the shaft cover 9, the hood sleeve 6 can be removed into the overground servicing position in which it can be secured. Figure 1 also shows that the excess cable lengths of the incoming and outgoing cables 10 are laid in loops 11 within the cable shaft 8.

Figure 2 shows the position of the hood sleeve 6 secured to the swivel fixture 1 in the outwardly pivoted state. It can be seen that the excess lengths 11 can also remain in an orderly state in this position, so that visual clarity in the cable shaft 8 is maintained. It is advantageous if the swivel mount 14 is provided with some type of locking elements, which automatically engage in the outwardly pivoted position. i.e. in the servicing position, and secure the swivel fixture 1 in this position. However, it is possible to provide a plurality of locking positions, so that the swivel fixture 1 and therefore the hood sleeve 6 can be locked in different angular positions. In addition, it is advantageous if the swivel mount 14 is constructed in such a manner that it can also be horizontally displaced along the clamped axles 3, so that position shift in the horizontal plane is also possible.

Figure 3 is a plan view of a cable shaft 8 showing the arrangement of a plurality of swivel fixtures 1 with hood sleeves 6 secured thereto. It can be seen from the drawing that a plurality of swivel fixtures la or ib can be arranged on an axle 3 or 3a - 3b in each case, and that in this embodiment two parallel horizontally extending axles 3 can be arranged parallel to two cable shaft walls. It is shown in the drawing 1 h that the left-hand axle 3 is inserted into lateral recesses 13 in the cable shaft walls. In the arrangement on the right-hand side of the drawing, it can be seen that the axle 3 is divided into two partial axles 3a and 3b, the ends pointing towards the cable shaft walls being provided with support plates 4. The length of the partial axles 3a and 3b is dimensioned so that their overall length is less than the distance between opposing cable shaft walls. The free ends 17 of the partial axles 3a and 3b are then brought together within a sleeve element 17 so that they are flush and are spread apart within the sleeve element, resulting in a clamping against the cable shaft walls. These axle ends 17 are expediently provided with an external thread, so that they can be gradually moved apart within a sleeve element 16 provided with an internal thread. The final position is then secured by means of corresponding clamping elements. If required, a plurality of swivel fixtures la and 1b can be pushed with their swivel mounts 14 onto these axles 3 and 3a to 3b and if necessary can also be secured in the corresponding position against horizontal displacement. In addition, locking elements are provided in the swivel mount 14, which allow for locking in particular angular positions. Locking of this type is particularly advantageous in the end positions, i.e. in the inoperative position and in the servicing position. In the arrangement according to Figure 3, an arrangement is selected in which the swivel fixtures 1 and therefore the hood sleeves 6 secured thereto are arranged on the two axles on alternate sides but parallel and adjacent to one another on one or the other axle. In this manner, particularly good use is made of the available space, visual clarity being obtained over the entire arrangement including the incoming and outgoing cable 10. Since each swivel fixture la or 1b is arranged independently on the respective axle 3 or 3a - 3b, the said swivel fixtures la or 1b can pivoted with their hood sleeves 6 individually and independently of one another from the cable shaft 8 into an overground servicing position. In this respect, the cables introduced into the cable shaft 8 with their excess cable lengths 11 laid in loops remain effectively undisturbed, so that the initial orderly arrangement is also maintained during servicing operations. In addition, the securing devices 15 are advantageously constructed in such a manner that they automatically secure the position by way of a catch-locking at least in the end positions. It can also be seen from the drawing that the overall arrangement can be widely varied in respect of the number of required cable sleeves 6 and in respect of their securing within the cable shaft 8, particularly if the arrangement is based on the design shown on the right-hand side of Figure 3.

Figure 4 is a cross section through a cable shaft 8, in which an arrangement according to Figure 3 is used, i.e. with swivel devices la and 1b arranged on alternate sides with the cable sleeves 6 secured thereto. In this case, abutments 12 are additionally arranged on the cable shaft walls, by means of which the hood sleeves 6 are held, for example in the horizontal end position. Furthermore, Figure 4 clearly shows the path of the excess cable lengths 11 laid in loops and since the arrangement of the swivel fixtures la and 1b is effected on alternate sides, the arrangement is practically compartmentalised. In addition, the excess cable length supply 11 can be reduced to a minimum, since very little extra cable is required for the servicing operations on account of the outward pivoting of the cable sleeve.

Figure 5 again shows the same arrangement as in the preceding Figures 3 and 4, although in this case the lateral abutments are dispensed with, so that the cable sleeves 6 can also be tilted via their swivel fixtures la or 1b deep into the cable shaft 8. This possibility allows for improved access and a greater amount of free space for any servicing operations which need to be carried out. As already mentioned, this space can be further increased by arranging the swivel fixtures la and 1b so that they are horizontally displaceable on the swivel axles 3, so that they can also be moved laterally into the most expedient position. The cable shaft 8 is covered in customary fashion by a cover 9, which closes the cable shaft 8 in a tread-proof manner.

The partial cross section in Figure 6 shows a swivel axle 3, on which the swivel fixtures 1 are rotatably arranged. These swivel fixtures 1 are pushed with their swivel mounts 14 secured to the ends of the swivel arms 2 onto the axles 3 and can be laterally displaced if necessary. The drawing shows that securing elements are arranged in the swivel mounts 14, which securing elements are used for locking the swivel fixtures 1 in corresponding angular positions. Thus, the upper example shows that a locking of this type can be achieved by a catch spring 20, which engages in corresponding locking grooves 19 when the swivel arm 2 is rotated. A similar device is shown on the righthand side of the upper example, where only a blind bore 18 is shown in the swivel axle 3. A resilient pawl known per se can then engage in the said blind bore 18, either snapping into position automatically or being manually actuated. The lower part of this drawing shows how this type of angular locking of the swivel fixture 1 can also be effected with the aid of mechanical locking means, for example with the aid of a splint 22 inserted into bores 21 located in different positions in the swivel axle 3. Locking and therefore securing in the end position is also important in the downwardly pivoted position, since otherwise the sleeve could be pushed outwards, for example against the cover 9, as a result of the restoring effect of the excess cable length loops 11.

Figure 7 shows a sleeve head 7 of a hood sleeve 6 from below, so that the cable inlets 23 are visible. This drawing shows that the sleeve head 7 comprises corresponding securing means 24, to which or in which the swivel arm 2 of the swivel fixture 1 is attached or inserted. This ensures that any type of cable sleeve can be used in connection with a swivel fixture according to the invention provided that a corresponding securing means is provided. The design of the sleeve head is of no significance in this respect.

Figure 8 shows a blind bore 24 with an internal thread which may be provided as a means for securing the swivel arm in the sleeve head 7.

Figure 9 shows a projecting threaded bolt 25 which may be used as a securing means for the swivel arm of the swivel fixture if a corresponding securing possibility is provided on the swivel arm.

Figure 10 shows the end of the swivel arm 2 provided with a screw bolt 25 which can be screwed into a blind bore in the sleeve head 7.

Figure 11 shows projecting brackets 27 which may also be provided on the sleeve head as securing means for the swivel arm 2, a nut 28 being inserted between the bracket 27 and the sleeve head 7, into which nut the end thread of the swivel arm 2 can be screwed.

The special features of the invention also consist in that a complete unit is formed as a result of the rigid securing of the sleeve head to the swivel fixture, which unit can be pivoted outwards into the overground operating position. The locking, preferably by automatic catch- engagement in the raised servicing position, allows for good accessibility, whilst clear and orderly arrangement in the subterranean shaft is ensured. In the servicing position, it is possible for the fitter to work comfortably with good visibility, since a full view of the cable sleeve is provided once the hood has been removed, allowing access to the sleeve from practically all sides. Furthermore, there is only a very small relative movement of the cables during the pivoting procedure, since the cable sleeve merely travels through an arc of 900. In addition, it is scarcely possible for unpermissible bending, torsional or tensile forces to act upon the cable as a result of this defined arcuate movement and it is impossible to fall below the permissible minimum bending radius of the cable. The cables which are to be introduced into the cable sleeve can also be secured to the swivel arm of the swivel fixtures, thereby increasing the mechanical strength and reliability of the sleeve head cable inlets.

The introduced cables and their excess cable lengths lie practically parallel and vertical in the cable shaft without any cross-over points, so that the cables can easily unbend and move freely when the cable sleeve is pivoted outwards. Furthermore, access to individual cable sleeves is also particularly facilitated by the fact that each cable sleeve can be pivoted outwards independently as a result of the individual arrangement of the swivel fixtures, without having to change the position of the other swivel fixtures. In this respect, uninvolved cable sleeves continue to remain undisturbed in the cable shaft. Access to a cable shaft can be further increased by arranging the cable sleeves with their swivel fixtures opposite one another on two axles extending parallel to one another. Overall visibility is not impaired on account of the compartment-like arrangement of the excess cable lengths.

The possibility of transverse displacement of the individual swivel fixtures in the horizontal direction on the respective swivel axles allows space allocation to be adapted to the specific given conditions. Thus, a cable sleeve with a plurality of cable inlets can be provided with more space than a cable sleeve with few cable inlets. Optimal use of space can be organised in this way. As a result of the vertical compartment-like arrangement of the excess cable lengths, it is also possible to arrange suitable cable sleeves directly adjacent one another. As a result of the defined, arcuate pivoting movement as the cable sleeves are pivoted outwards, only very small excess cable lengths are required in contrast to former technology, so that the internal volume of a cable shaft can be substantially better used.

Claims

1. A cable sleeve arrangement for use in a cable shaft, the cable sleeve arrangement comprising a hood sleeve, a supporting means fixedly attached to the hood sleeve, and mounting means which, in use, is located within the cable shaft, the supporting means being mounted to the mounting means in such a manner that when the cable sleeve arrangement is located within a cable shaft the sleeve hood is movable between a position wholly within the cable shaft and a servicing position outside the cable shaft by movement of the supporting means.

2. A cable sleeve arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the hood sleeve has a sleeve head to which the supporting means is attached.

3. A cable sleeve arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the supporting means is a swivel fixture pivotably mounted to the mounting means.

4. A cable arrangement as claimed in claim 3 wherein the mounting means is an axle arranged within the cable shaft.

5. A cable sleeve arrangement for use in cable shafts, the cable sleeve arrangement being removable from the cable shaft for servicing operations, wherein the cable sleeve arrangement is constructed as a hood sleeve, a swivel fixture is arranged on the sleeve head of the hood sleeve and the said swivel fixture is arranged with a swivel mount on a horizontal axle in the cable shaft in such a manner that the sleeve hood can be positioned and secured in the servicing position outside the cable shaft by pivoting the swivel fixture upwards.

6. A cable sleeve arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a plurality of swivel fixtures are arranged parallel to one another and adjacent one another on an axis.

7. A cable sleeve arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a plurality of swivel features are arranged parallel to one another on two axles extending in the same direction, the hood sleeves arranged parallel to one another being arranged alternately on one or the other axle, preferably facing one another.

8. A cable sleeve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a catch spring or a resilient pawl and locking groove or locking bores are arranged in the swivel mount of the swivel fixture for securing the swivel arm in different angular positions.

9. A cable sleeve arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein bores and splints are arranged in the swivel mount of the swivel fixture for is securing the swivel arm in different angular positions.

10. A cable sleeve arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the axles of the swivel fixtures are mounted in lateral recesses in the cable shaft.

11. A cable sleeve arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the axle of the swivel fixture is divided into two partial axles, the overall length of the partial axles being less than the distance between two opposite walls of the cable shaft, the first ends of the partial axles are provided with support plates, the second ends of the partial axles are introduced into a sleeve element so that they are flush and are then moved apart within the sleeve element, resulting in a clamping within the cable shaft.

12. A cable sleeve arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the second ends of the partial axles are provided with external threads and the sleeve element is provided with an internal thread.

13. A cable sleeve arrangement according to one of claims 4-12, wherein the sleeve head comprises securing means for securing the swivel arm of the swivel fixture.

14. A cable sleeve arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the securing means is constructed as a 5 blind bore.

15. A cable sleeve arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the securing means is constructed as a screw attachment.

16. A cable sleeve arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the securing means is constructed as a projecting bracket, into which securing means of the swivel fixture engage.

17. A cable sleeve arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the swivel fixture comprises a threaded bolt for securing the hood sleeve to the end of its swivel arm.

18. A cable sleeve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein abutments for the hood sleeves are arranged in the cable shaft. 20

19. A cable sleeve arrangement substantially as hereindescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

20. A cable shaft including a cable sleeve arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim.