JPH04264311A - Electric-cable identifying apparatus and manufacture thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a discriminator which remains in a desired position on a cable of further smaller diameter with regard to the discriminator of an electric cable. CONSTITUTION: An electric cable discriminator is provided with a sleeve 11 which is concentrically attached on a cable 5, a plate 21 used for making visual discrimination of the cable 5 and means 16, 22 for positioning the plate 21 on the sleeve 11, and this positioning means 22 is suitable for fixing the sleeve 11 on the cable 5.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a device for identifying electrical cables, the device comprising: a sleeve attached concentrically to the cable; a plate for visually identifying the cable; and a plate on the sleeve. means for positioning.

The invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing at least some components of this device.

0003

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Identification devices of this type are used in electrical work, especially in relatively complex work. Due to the large number of electrical cables, it is necessary that each one be quickly identified when connecting and disconnecting to prevent tedious searches and possible mistakes. A cable identification device is used to further identify faults.

An identification device of the above-mentioned type is known from the former West German Patent No. 883,005. However, the cited sleeves can slip and rotate on the cable, inter alia when the cable is moved during wiring operations. Furthermore, the sleeve tends to slide gradually towards the lowest position of the cable, and the identification plate tends to point toward the ground. As a result, the sleeve moves from its most effective position near the terminal connecting the cable and from an angle where the identification markings can be quickly read.

[0005] In order to be held in the desired position on the cable, the sleeve of the known device must have an inner diameter substantially equal to the cable diameter, so that the sleeve can fit along and around the cable. It can be secured with sufficient frictional torque to prevent slippage. As a result, different sized sleeves are required to fit different cable diameters, and it is not easy to slide the sleeve over the cable.

[0006] A fixed identification device is therefore created, the identification mark comprising a conductor part for electrical connection to the central conductor of the cable and an insulator mechanically connected to this conductor member. Formed on different types of cable terminals. Cable terminals of this type are intended for connecting twisted conductors of cables to connection terminals. For example, French patent no.
468859 and 2477330 or from European Patent No. 0115055,
The identification mark is formed on the insulation of the cable terminal.

The disadvantage of identification markings on cable terminals is that they increase the axial and/or radial size of the terminal, which causes problems and, since the angle cannot be changed, may cause damage to adjacent cable terminals. It is only possible to position the mark directly, so that the visibility is not optimal. If the mark is defective, the cable terminal must be removed from the connection terminal to replace the mark on the sleeve, since the connection terminal cannot be accessed closely. In order to change the angle of the identification device, the cable terminal bearing the identification mark has to be cut and the connection has to be made again, which takes time, spoils the cable terminal and the mark, and also Accompanied by shorter cables.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to eliminate these drawbacks by constructing an identification device that carries information that is given directly to the operator working on the cable connection terminal.

A further object of the invention is to construct an identification device that remains in a desired location on cables of smaller diameter as well as on cables having a diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the sleeve.

A third object of the invention is considerable flexibility in the positioning and configuration of the marks, and in changes thereof, especially without the need for any other connection operations.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention includes a sleeve for concentric attachment to a cable, a plate for visually identifying the cable, and means for positioning the plate on the sleeve. ELECTRICAL CABLE IDENTIFICATION DEVICE CHARACTERIZED IN ELECTRICAL CABLE IDENTIFICATION DEVICE, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT THE POSITIONING MEANS ARE CREATED TO LOCK THE SLEEVE ON THE CABLE WHEN THE PLATE IS POSITIONED ON THE SLEEVE.

[0012] When the sleeve is fixed on the cable by the plate positioning means, the identification device is positioned on the cable as soon as the sleeve is threaded onto the cable;
It can be marked with the desired time if necessary. As a result, one can wait until cables are connected and until the surrounding conditions and overall circuit size are known.

[0013] In one embodiment, the positioning means comprises:
comprising a stud on the at least one plate for engaging a corresponding hole formed through the wall of the sleeve, so that after being engaged the stud is configured to Touches the cable.

The studs extending through the sleeve on the plate thus serve the dual purpose of positioning the plate on the sleeve and securing the sleeve on the cable. Furthermore, because the studs are engageable, the plate is a movable element, and as a result it is fairly easy to change the positioning and marking.

[0015] The plate may be an opaque material suitable for marking the cable for identification. The mark can then be changed by replacing the plate or by erasing the mark on the plate.

In a preferred method of marking, the opaque plate is automatically marked by a computer board after the corresponding circuit has been planned.

In a different embodiment, the plate is transparent and covers the identification mark so as not to hide it. In a preferred embodiment, the mark is provided on a label positioned between the transparent plate and the substantially planar surface of the sleeve. Advantageously, the plate comprises at least one stud, in which case the label is provided with at least one stud for inserting the stud in the plate when the plate is positioned on the sleeve and the stud engages a corresponding hole in the sleeve. It has one hole.

[0018] In a method for improving the efficiency of manufacturing, labels and plates are made in the shape of each disc, from which the labels and plates are individually separable, and the labels are similar to each plate on the disc. and the plate disks are stacked on top of the label disks so as to obtain engagement between each plate and the opposing label, thus forming a label and plate disk assembly separable from each other. do.

[0019] This is a method for mass production of label-plate assemblies for easy engagement onto sleeves in a short period of time when cables are identified.

As mentioned in the case of opaque plates, labels can be marked automatically by a computer entry board.

[0021] In the above-described method of constructing a label-plate assembly, it is normally envisaged that the label will be marked before the disc of plates is superimposed on the disc of labels. Optionally, in at least some cable cases, the marking can be extended to a final stage after the label-plate assembly has already been mounted on the sleeve. In this way, the transparent plate can serve as a direct medium to be marked with ink, and identification is further aided by the color of the label.

In addition to the considerable flexibility of use of the several embodiments already mentioned, other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

The attached drawings are given by way of non-limiting example.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An identification device 10 according to the invention is shown in its own form (FIG. 9) and in its combined form with a detachable cable terminal (FIGS. 1 to 4).

In the coupled configuration, the cable terminal 1 comprises a cylindrical copper conductor section 2 fixed to a funnel-shaped outer insulator 3 concentric with the conductor section 2 . The portion 2 is shaped to receive a conductor end 4 formed from multiple strands of an electrical cable 5, which end is exposed by removing the sheath 6. The conductor part 2 thus serves as a case for the end of the cable 4 and is used to connect it to a connection terminal (not shown).

On the side of the inlet opening 7 remote from the part 2, the insulator 3 is connected via a cuttable annular part 8 to the body of an identification device 10, which has a sleeve 11 concentric with the terminal 1. Equipped with. During manufacture, the terminal 1 and the sleeve 11 are made of plastic in one piece with a cuttable intermediate part 8, which includes, for example, a narrow bridge material extending axially between the terminal and the sleeve. Be equipped.

[0027] This unitary construction allows the cable terminal and sleeve to be positioned simultaneously on the cable. The two elements can be separated if necessary, so that the connection between them can be severed, in which case the sleeve can be positioned independently on the fixed cable terminal.

In the example shown, the sleeve 11, which has a substantially cuboidal external shape, is formed with a duct 12 having a diameter larger than the diameter of the entire range of the cable 5 for which it is intended. This makes it even easier to fit the sleeve over the cable 5. The two opposite planar surfaces 14 , 15 of the sleeve 11 are formed with a pair of symmetrical holes 16 axially spaced from each other, extending through the wall 17 and opening into the duct 12 . A label 20 bearing cable identification marks is applied to the surface 14 of the sleeve 11 . The label 20 is covered by a transparent plate 21 forming a protective cover.

A pair of studs 22 are formed on one surface of plate 21, integrally made of the same material, and axially spaced to fit into holes 16 in the sleeve. The plate 21 is positioned on the sleeve 11 by a simple push when the studs 22 fit into the holes 16 and extend through the pair of holes 23 of the label 20 before abutting the sheath 6 of the cable 5. . Stud 2 on each end
2 and holes 16, 23 are symmetrical, so that label 20 and plate 21 can be placed in either direction. This eliminates the need to plan, prior to the wiring operation, the direction in which the marks will be read in the wiring operation.

Since the sleeve 11 is integral with the terminal 1, the main function of the plate 21 is to protect the label 20 or, in the absence of a label, to serve as a medium for direct marking. If no labels are used, plate 21 may be opaque with a suitable surface for direct marking. Because the studs are engageable, the plate is removable and can be positioned in either direction at any desired time on either surface 14 or 15 on the sleeve and is easily replaced. be able to.

Another function of the plate through the studs abutting the cable is to secure the sleeve on the cable, which is done when the sleeve 11 is removed from the terminal 1 as shown in FIG. happen.

After the terminal 1 fixed to the identification device 10 has been installed on the cable 5, the identification device 10 is attached along the cable in order to reduce the axial size or to improve the visibility of the identification mark. It is necessary to move the and place it at different angles. In this case, in order to detach the cuttable part 8 after removing the plate 21 in position, it is only necessary to separate the sleeve 11 by twisting it from the fixed terminal 1. Once it has been decided to position the identification device 10, the plate 21 is re-engaged with the sleeve 11 to secure it and prevent any accidental rotation or axial movement on the cable. Can be done.

When the cuttable part 8 is cut off, the cable 5 is removed, if necessary, in a position where it leaves the connection terminal and just behind the free end of the funnel part 3, as shown in FIG. , can be substantially bent.

There are many possible ways of marking. The identification mark can be formed directly on the sleeve or on a label coupled to a transparent plate as in the example shown, or directly on an opaque plate. The marks can be made with a pencil or typewriter or other suitable means.

In an advantageous manufacturing method, labels 20 and plates 21 are mass-produced into disks 30 and 40, respectively.

The labels 20 formed in rows on the polyester disk 30 can be easily separated from the bottom 31 of the disk 30 because the edges 25 of the labels are separable along the dotted line. Two holes for studs in the plate 2
3 is formed on each label.

The plates 21 manufactured on polyester discs 40 are also arranged in rows with the same spacing as the label discs 30, so that the discs 40 can be stacked on top of the discs 30, with each component 20, 21 face each other. The plates 21 are arranged in two rows in a recess 46 in the bottom 45 of the board 40, each plate 21 being connected to the bottom 45 by a cuttable bridge 47.

This is achieved by overlapping the two discs 30, 40 (FIG. 7) when the stud 22 fits into the hole 23, the diameter of at least one of which is smaller than the corresponding maximum diameter of the stud. , is a quick way to obtain a label and plate assembly. Each label and plate assembly, which is easily removed from the set, is easy to engage on the sleeve 11 of the cable 5 in order to fully position the identification device 10.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a marking device according to a preferred method according to the invention. A marking board 50, controlled by a computer 60, marks the label board 30 according to a circuit plan previously made by the marking board. In the case where the identification mark is formed directly on the opaque plate, the marking board 50 can simultaneously mark the board 40 of the plate.

The device according to the invention is thus able to identify electrical cables and is very versatile with respect to positioning and marking. It is economical to manufacture and position on the cable because it is made from a small number of split elements, some of which are removable, increasing the flexibility of the work.

As shown in FIG. 9, the identification device according to the invention can be independent of itself, ie from any cable terminal. In the example shown, this identification device is identical to the first example as shown in FIG. 4, ie after being separated from the cable terminal 1.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, and many changes can be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0043] The cross-section of the sleeve can be triangular, circular, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape. The identification mark can be engraved directly on the sleeve, in which case the transparent plate is colored to prevent or assist the mark from being erased.

[0044] The plate can have a large number of studs to increase the frictional force on the electrical cable.

The sleeve of the identification device can be reversibly or irreversibly fixed to the cable terminal by annular engagement means or other suitable means.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is a perspective view of an identification device according to the invention configured to be fixed to a cable terminal; FIG.

2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the identification device of FIG. 1 mounted on an electrical cable; FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along plane III-III in FIG. 2;

4 is a perspective view of the identification device of FIG. 1 mounted on an electrical cable and removed from a cable terminal; FIG.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a label board.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the plate disc.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a label-plate disc assembly.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a device for performing identification marking, comprising a computer and a writing board;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an identification device according to the invention in a form that is not fixed to a cable terminal;

[Explanation of symbols]

5...Cable 11...Sleeve 14...Flat surface 16...Hole 20...Label 21...Plate 22...Stud 23... Hole 30...Label board 40...Plate board 50…Entry board

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An electrical cable identification device comprising: a sleeve mounted concentrically on the cable; a plate for visually identifying the cable; and means for positioning the plate on the sleeve. (16, 22), the plate (21) is connected to the sleeve (1).
1) An electrical cable identification device, characterized in that it is made to fix a sleeve (11) over the cable (5) when positioned thereon. [Claim 2] The plate (21) is connected to the cable (5).
Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made of an opaque material suitable for marking such as identification. 3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plate (21) is transparent and covers the identification mark without obscuring it. 4. A label (20) bearing an identification mark, the label being positioned between the transparent plate (21) and the substantially planar surface (14) of the sleeve (11). 4. The device of claim 3, characterized in that: 5. The plate (21) is characterized in that it is provided with means (22) for engagement with the label (20), such that the assembly of label and plate can be formed by simple pressing. 5. The device according to claim 4. 6. The engagement means of the plate (21) comprises at least one stud (22) and the label (20)
is formed with at least one hole (23) extending through the label into a corresponding hole (16) in the sleeve (11) and engaging a stud (22) on the plate. 6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that: [Claim 7] A plate (21) is provided on the sleeve (11).
) for positioning the sleeve (16, 22) such that the engaged stud (22) abuts the cable (5) when the sleeve (11) is mounted on the cable (5). 5. Device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a stud (22) on at least one plate for engaging a corresponding hole (16). 8. The plates (21) are automatically marked and the board (40) completed at this time by the computer entry board (50) is marked after forming the integral separable individual plates (21). 3. A method for manufacturing a plate for an identification device according to claim 2, characterized in that the plate (21) is separated from the disc (40). [Claim 9] Label (20) and plate (21)
is manufactured in the form of each disc (30, 40) from which the labels and plates are individually separable, the label being arranged in the same manner as each plate on the disc, and the disc (40) of plates being Identification device according to claim 5, characterized in that the device is stacked so as to obtain an engagement between each plate and the opposite label, thus forming a label and plate disk assembly separable from each other. Method of manufacturing label and plate assemblies for. [Claim 10] The label (20) is a disc of a plate (
10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the labels 40) are automatically marked by a computer marking board (50) before being superimposed on the label board (30).