MXPA97002160A

MXPA97002160A - Cab plumbing enclosure

Info

Publication number: MXPA97002160A
Application number: MXPA/A/1997/002160A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Damm Jesper; Laeremans Etienne; Wambeke Alain
Original assignee: Damm Jesper; Laeremans Etienne; Nv Raychem Sa; Raychem Limited; Wambeke Alain
Priority date: 1994-09-21
Filing date: 1997-03-20
Publication date: 1997-06-01

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cable splice, which comprises an enclosure (29) that in use closes around a cable splice (21), and at least one cable fastener comprising a strip (25) that the use is wrapped around at least one cable (23) that extends into the enclosure (29). The closure of the loop (29) in use, automatically causes each strip (25) to tighten around each cable around which it is wound, thereby holding the cable (23). The cable holding strip (25) can have the capacity to decrease its length when it is wound and compressed by a cable (23) thus allowing it to contract, and consequently tighten, around the cable (2).

Description

CABLE SPLICE ENCLOSURE The present invention relates to a cable splice enclosure, for example for telecommunication or electrical cables. The invention also relates to a device for fastening a cable, whose device, for example, can be part of a cable splice enclosure. Although the invention is particularly applicable to the splicing and securing of cables (including copper wire cables, fiber optic cables, wires, and optical fibers) when at least some embodiments of the invention may be applicable to the splicing and fastening of tubes (especially district heating tubes) or other elongated objects. Accordingly, even though throughout the specification reference is made to cables, it should be understood that, at least in some embodiments of the invention, tubes or other elongated objects may be used to replace the cables. Many different types of cable splice enclosures are known. For example, the International Patent Application published under WO 93/26070 (Raychem) discloses a cable sealing device (e.g., a cable splice enclosure) comprising a housing into which the cable passes, a sealing material sealing a gap between the cable and the housing, and an element for transmitting an axial force of the cable to the housing, other than through the sealing material, the element allowing a substantially radial movement of the cable. In the preferred embodiments of the cable sealing device, the axial force transmission member comprises a transverse member having slots extending substantially radially inside of which the cable is held in the form of hose clamps, or can slide fasteners for broken pipes. European Patent Application Number 0538008 discloses a cable splice enclosure comprising first and second elongated housings defining a housing that is filled with an encapsulant. An end plate assembly is located at each end of the housing, and comprises a base plate and a cover plate. Each end plate assembly defines recesses that receive the cable of a generally U-shaped configuration, in each of which a cable seal formed of elastic material (eg, thermoplastic rubber) is inserted. In order to form a seal between each cable seal and its respective cable extending through it, the base plate and the cover plate are forced towards each other by tightening nuts on screws connecting the two plates, which has the effect of compressing the cable seals. A tension release for the cables can be provided by a support extending longitudinally from each end plate, the support having arcuate concave portions having teeth to penetrate the insulation of the cable sleeves under the influence of a tight clamp around of the support and the cables. U.S. Patent No. 4,387,268 discloses a jacket for protecting a splice from electrical or telephone cables, which is made of two half shells joined together by their adjacent edges around the splice. These adjacent edges are provided with a groove which, when the half covers are joined together, defines a conduit inside which a pasty material (self-curing silicone or polyurethane elastomer) can be injected in order to create airtightness between the layers. shores. The opposite ends of the sleeve are provided with detachable jaws to axially secure the ends of the wires to the sleeve. Between at least two of these separable jaws, there is a chamber connected to the conduit. An object of the present invention is to provide a cable splice enclosure and a device for securing a cable that are simpler than the known enclosures and fastening devices., such as the enclosures described in patents numbers WO 93/26070, EP 0,538,008 and US 4,387,268, and which consequently can be manufactured more easily, and more importantly, can be installed more easily. It is a further object of the invention to provide these enclosures and simplified devices substantially without impairing the mechanical and environmental protection provided to the cables and splices around which they are installed, and preferably to improve this mechanical and environmental protection. A particular object of the invention is to provide a simple and yet effective protection against forces, particularly axial forces, which can act on the cables around which cable splice enclosures or fastening devices are installed, and simplify the manner in which they are installed. which this protection is achieved, while substantially ensuring that any seal of environment that may be necessary is not damaged. According to a first aspect of the invention, a cable splice enclosure is provided, which comprises: (a) an enclosure that, in use, closes around a cable splice; and (b) at least one cable fastener comprising a strip that, in use, is wound (at least partially) around at least one cable extending into the enclosure; wherein the closure of the enclosure, in use, causes each strip to automatically tighten around each cable around which it is wound, thus holding the cable. The invention has the advantage that it provides a cable splice enclosure that is usually very easy to install around a splice, but which nonetheless normally provides excellent mechanical protection, and preferably also environmental protection, for splicing. In particular, because each cable fastener comprises a strip that winds around one or more cables (thus accumulating the cables to match the sizes of the openings in the enclosure where the cables will be), and which It automatically tightens around the cables when the enclosure is closed, usually eliminating the need to perform separate operations to secure the cables to the enclosure (for example, tightening the clamps around the cables, which is the case with the known enclosures described in FIGS. patents numbers WO 93/26070 and EP 0,538,008 for example). In addition, because each cable clip is in the form of a strip, it is usually a simple matter, where necessary, to select the correct length of the strip, or to cut a strip to the correct length, for example, to Each diameter of cable, in order to ensure that the cables are fastened in an appropriate manner. This contrasts with the jacket described in U.S. Patent No. 4,387,268, for example, where it is necessary in one embodiment to provide a whole range of jaws, each having different diameters of cable openings, in such a way that can select the correct jaws for each application, or in another mode it is necessary to cut exactly the correct amounts of each jaw in order to create the correct size of the opening for the cable. With the shirt of the United States Patent Number US 4,387,268, an installation engineer is required, either to ensure that he carries a large number of different jaws, or to perform a number of intricate cutting operations on several of these jaws at the time of installation (the shirt of United States Patent Number US 4,387,268 has twelve separate pieces of jaw, which need to be inserted therein). The present invention usually facilitates loading on the installation engineer, preferably making the installation times shorter, and conveniently, making the installation itself easier, and therefore, less susceptible to errors that could compromise the integrity of the enclosure. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each cable holding strip can decrease in length when it is wound and compressed around a cable, and preferably, the strip tightens around a cable by contracting around the cable as a result of that decrease. in its length, when it is compressed. Accordingly, preferably, the closure of the enclosure, in use, compresses each cable clamp strip around the cables, causing the strip to contract, and consequently tighten, around the cable as a result of that decrease in the cable. length. Conveniently, the cable splice enclosure may further comprise a sealant material (eg, a preferred sealant material as described below) located next to, or at least one of, the cable clamp strips, when the strip or strip the strips are wound around one or more cables. The sealing material preferably forms a seal, in use, around the cables, for example between the cables and the enclosure. Each cable holding strip can conveniently contribute to the retention of the sealing material in the enclosure. Preferably, the sealing material is located, preferably retained, between at least two cable holding strips, when the strips are wound around one or more cables in use. In the embodiments of the invention where a sealing material is present, the sealing material is preferably put under pressure in use. This can conveniently increase the sealing capacity of some sealing materials, for example, gel. Accordingly, preferably, a compressive force is applied to the sealing material in use. Conveniently compressive forces can be applied to the sealing material by means of the enclosure (for example, by closing the enclosure around the sealing material) and / or by means of each cable fastener and / or by other elements (for example, by means of one or more support members described later). The compressive force, for example, can be applied to the sealing material by forcing the cable fasteners and / or the support members relatively closer to each other. Compression forces can be conveniently applied to the sealing material by an elastic force-limiting element that can maintain a compressive force on the sealing material, despite some movement and / or shrinkage of the sealing material, for example, due to changes in the temperature. The elastic forcing element, for example, may comprise a spring or other elastic device. Conveniently, where two or more wire fasteners are present, one or more connecting members may be extended between them. For example, if two or more cable tie strips are wound around the same cables, one or more connecting members may be extended between the strips. This is particularly preferred where there is sealant material located between the two or more wire rope fastener strips. The connecting members can be flexible or substantially rigid, and can comprise fabrics, sheets, rods, pins, screws, and so on. The connecting members can conveniently be used to force the cable fasteners (especially in the form of rolled strips) relatively closer together, in order to apply a compressive force to the sealing material. In another preferred embodiment, the cable splice enclosure according to the first aspect of the invention further comprises: (c) a support member that supports, preferably retains, the at least one of the cable clamp strips in the use. The support member may conveniently have at least one opening in which the, or at least one of the cable holding straps is supported, preferably retained, in use. The, or at least one of the openings in the support member, preferably comprises a transverse recess. According to a second aspect of the invention, a cable splice enclosure is provided, which comprises: (a) an enclosure that, in use, closes around a cable splice, - (b) at least one support member having at least one transverse recess through which a cable extends that use extends into the enclosure, and which in use is preferably located at least partially inside the enclosure, and (c) when less a cable fastener which in use is located in the, or at least one of, the recesses of the support member, - wherein the closure of the enclosure, in use, automatically forces each cable clamp against the cable that extends into the enclosure, thus making the cable holder hold the cable. The second aspect of the invention has the advantage that, because the closure of the enclosure around the cable splice automatically forces each cable clamp against a cable extending through a recess (where the cable clamp is located). cable), and into the enclosure, thereby making the cable tie hold the cable, it is generally not necessary to perform a separate operation (such as tightening a clamp around the cable or the cables (in order to make the cables secure.) This contrasts with the enclosures described in patents numbers WO 93/26070 and EP 0,538,008, for example, where this separate cable-holding operation is normally required, the invention also has the advantage that, because the cables are normally not held until the enclosure is closed around the junction, it is usually eliminated the need for the installation engineer to secure the cable clamps to the cables in exactly the correct position before closing the enclosure.The cable clamps will normally be placed in an automatic way correctly on the cables when the enclosure is closed, and clamped automatically the cables when the enclosure is closed In contrast, with the known enclosures described in the patents numbers WO 93 / 26070 and EP 0,538,008, for example, it is usually necessary for the installation engineer to secure the cable clamps (hose clamps) tightly on the cables in exactly the correct positions before closing the enclosure around the splice. The second aspect of the invention also has an advantage over the liner described in U.S. Patent No. US 4,387,268, in that because they have a support member having at least one transverse recess (preferably a plurality of recesses). transverse recesses) through which, in use, a cable is extended, and where at least one cable holder is located, the cables extending into the enclosure can usually be organized (i.e., they can be added, and preferably they can also be clamped) in a manner substantially independent of one another. With the jacket of the patent of the United States of North America number US 4,387,268, when it is necessary to accommodate two cables on only one end of the jacket, both cables must be secured between the same jaw pieces, and in this way, if it is necessary to remove or add a cable, you also have to alter the other cable's insurance. In contrast, the cable splice enclosure of the second aspect of the invention usually makes it possible to have access to each cable (or to each group of cables, if desired) substantially without having to alter (to a significant degree) the other cables (or groups of cables). It should also be noted that the present invention, at least in its broadest sense, usually makes it possible for 2, 3, 4, or even more keys to be accommodated, preferably substantially independently of one another. Each cable clamp can be automatically forced against one or more cables that extend into the enclosure in use, when moving towards the cables by closing the enclosure. For example, each cable clip may comprise at least one part that can slide or otherwise be moved in each recess, preferably in such a way that it automatically moves into a respective transverse recess in the support member when the enclosure closes. In an additional or alternative way, the automatic forcing of the cable clip against one or more cables extending into the enclosure in use, preferably comprises the contraction of the cable fastener at least partially, preferably completely, around the cables. Conveniently, each cable fastener may comprise a strip which, in use, is wound (at least partially) around one or more cables extending into the enclosure, and which preferably holds the cable squeezing around the cable. It is particularly preferred that each cable holding strip be able to decrease its length when it is wound up, and compressed around a cable, and that the strip is tightened, in use, around a cable by contracting around the cable as a result of that decrease in length. This form of cable fastener has the advantages of simplicity of construction and ease of use. The preferred embodiments of the cable fastener are described in more detail below. A third aspect of the invention also conveniently utilizes one or more wire fasteners in the shape of this strip. In accordance with this third aspect of the invention, a cable splice enclosure is provided, which comprises: (a) an enclosure that, in use, closes around a cable splice, - (b) at least one support member having at least one transverse recess through which a cable extends that use extends into the enclosure, and which in use is preferably located at least partially inside the enclosure, and (c) when less a cable fastener which in use is located in, or at least one of, the recesses of the support member, - wherein each cable fastener comprises a strip which, when rolled and compressed around a cable , it can decrease its length, and in this way it can contract around the cable, and a cable extending into the enclosure can be held through said recess in use by means of that contraction of the cable clip located in the recess . The cable splice enclosure according to the third aspect of the invention incorporates the particularly simple and effective preferred form of cable fastener described above. Preferably, as with the cable splice enclosure according to the first and second aspects of the invention, the closure of the enclosure, in use, automatically forces each cable clamp against a cable that extends into the enclosure, causing in this way the cable clamp will hold the cable. A fourth aspect of the invention provides a device for fastening a cable, which comprises: (a) at least one support member having at least one recess which, in use, is substantially transverse with respect to a cable extending through the recess; and (b) at least one cable fastener that can be placed in, preferably retained in, the at least one of the recesses of the support member, - wherein each cable fastener comprises a strip that, when rolled up and it compresses around a cable, it can decrease its length and it can contract in this way around the cable, and a cable extending through said recess can be held in use by means of that contraction of the cable holder located in the recess . The device can be used, for example, in a cable splice enclosure, in order to secure the cables with respect to the enclosure or to another part (for example, one or more link bars) of the enclosure. Preferred embodiments of the invention described herein may conveniently be present in the first, second, third and / or fourth aspect of the invention. Conveniently, each cable clip can be retained in the recess of the support member (where present) where it is located, preferably in such a way that the longitudinal movement of the cable holder with respect to the member is substantially prevented. of support, and when the cable holder holds a cable extending into the enclosure, the cable will preferably be secured accordingly with respect to the support member. The terms "longitudinal" and "transverse", as used herein, refer to the directions in relation to the directions in which the cables generally extend upon entering the enclosure, or with respect to the device in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention, in relation to the directions in which the cables generally extend through the device. "longitudinal" generally means in the direction of extension of the cables, and "transverse" generally means transverse (preferably substantially perpendicular) with respect to the direction of extension of the cables. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, which include a support member, in use (immediately) before closing the enclosure, part of each cable holder protrudes outward from the recess in which it is situated, and closes the enclosure ( around the support member) automatically forces at least some of the part protruding from the cable clip into the recess, and thereby forces the cable holder against the cable extending through the recess. "Excel" preferably means that part of the cable holder extends beyond an imaginary line extending between the two sides of the recess at the transverse periphery of the support member, whose imaginary line generally extends in the shape of the periphery of the support member through the mouth of the recess. For example, if, as will normally be the case, the support member has a generally convex transverse periphery (eg, generally round, preferably substantially circular), the imaginary line will normally extend by the convex shape of the periphery of the limb member. support through the mouth of the recess. Additionally, or in an alternative manner, part of the enclosure (which may be integral with, or may merely be attached to, the enclosure) may protrude into each recess of the support member when the enclosure is closed in use, and the The recess closure in use automatically forces each cable clip further into the recess where it is placed, thereby forcing the cable clamp against the cable extending through the recess. The housing of the cable splice enclosure, for example, may be formed of metal (e.g., aluminum), and / or of a plastic material (e.g., polypropylene or polyethylene, especially ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). When the enclosure is made of a plastic material, it can conveniently be molded, for example, blow molding. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the enclosure can be opened along its length, to allow the so-called "lateral entry" of the cables spliced into the enclosure. The enclosure can conveniently be that of the dominated configuration wrapped around (the term of which includes the use of constructions of half-covers or multiple covers, and in general constructions in the form of a clam shell) for example, with a longitudinal slot that can be opened towards outside to allow lateral entry of the spliced cables, and subsequently closed to enclose the spliced cables in the enclosure. Still more preferably, the enclosure may comprise two or more separable parts, which may be separated to allow the spliced cables to be inserted into the enclosure, and subsequently be rearmed to close the enclosure. A particularly preferred form of enclosure comprises two half shells, which can be separated in a longitudinal direction (with respect to the spliced cables). The opposite edges of the enclosure can generally be fastened together by any suitable element, for example, one or more screws or the like, and / or one or more clamps or the like, and / or one or more elongate fastening members, which may extend along at least part of the length of the enclosure (e.g., one or more rods or similar members extending through one or more cooperative portions of the enclosure, or one or more channel members that are extend around one or more rails or tabs of the enclosure). According to the preferred embodiments of the invention, the cable fastener strip comprises one or more, preferably a plurality of collapsible portions, and the strip may decrease in length due to the collapse of one or more of the collapsible portions. The collapsible portions can be collapsed by any of a variety of mechanisms, for example, in a telescopic fashion (in a manner similar to a collapsible telescope). Preferably, however, each collapsible portion can be collapsed by deformation, for example, by collapsing or closing on an accordion, or by undulation. Preferably, this deformation occurs in a direction generally or substantially parallel to the direction (longitudinal) of extension of the cable around which the strip is wound, in use, and can be directed inwards and / or outwards, preferably towards outside, with respect to the rest of the strip. This has in general the advantage of not leading to the formation of gaps (or at least significant gaps) between the rolls of the strip through which the sealing material could otherwise escape (the cable straps can contribute to the retention of the sealing material, as explained later). Each collapsible portion preferably comprises a relatively weak portion of the cable holding strip. More preferably, each collapsible portion comprises one or more tissues that extend between the substantially non-collapsible portions, for example, one or more relatively thin portions that can be deformed, for example, by ripple or accordion formation. Something of the tightening of the cable fastening strip around a cable, at least in some embodiments, may be presented by the additional winding of the strip, that is, the rolls can be tightened by sliding one on top of the other. Preferably, the decrease in the length of the strip when rolled and compressed around a cable, is distributed substantially along the entire length of the strip, for example, in a plurality of separate places distributed along the length of the strip. the length of the strip. For example, the cable holding strip comprises a plurality of alternately collapsible and substantially non-collapsible portions along at least part, preferably all, the length thereof. This has the advantage of usually providing a substantially uniform chance of collapse along the length of the strip, such that the strip can contract relatively or substantially uniformly around a cable.

Each collapsible portion (where present) of the cable fastener strip may conveniently provide the flexibility to enable the cable fastener strip to wrap around a cable. Each substantially non-collapsible portion, for example, can be relatively or substantially inflexible: this rigidity can have the advantage of making it possible for the substantially non-collapsible portions of the strip to hold a cable in a relatively firm manner. Accordingly, conveniently, the cable holding strip can comprise a plurality of alternately substantially inflexible and flexible portions along at least part of its length. According to the particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the cable fastening strip is profiled in such a way that, when wound around a cable in use, the successive coils are interlocked with each other, thus substantially preventing displacement helical of the coiled ones with respect to others along the cable. This can provide at least two important advantages. First, it generally provides the cable holding strip with force to resist the axial forces acting on the cable when it is wound around the cable, i.e. they can substantially prevent the strip from coming out in the form of a telescope along the low cable. the action of these axial forces, and therefore, the tightening of the strip on the cable can usually be maintained. Second, it generally prevents accidental rolling of the rolls of the strip relative to one another (for example, due to axial forces on the cable or for some other reason), which could otherwise compromise the strip's ability to retain the sealing material. The cable fastener strip, for example, may have a plurality of protuberances and recesses that can be engaged with each other when the strip is wound up in use. More preferably, each substantially non-collapsible portion (where present) of the cable holding strip has one or more projections on a surface thereof, and one or more cooperative recesses on its opposite surface, so that, for example, when the strip is wrapped around a cable, the projections of a non-collapsible portion are adjusted together with the recesses of another non-collapsible portion that overlaps, or by which it is overlapped. Preferably, the cable fastener strip has a plurality of protrusions on a surface thereof, to improve the fastening of the cable fastener strip on one or more cables around which it is wound in use. These protuberances may conveniently comprise protrusions that fit into cooperative recesses as described above. Preferably, these protuberances are located only on each substantially non-collapsible portion (where present). The protuberances, for example, may penetrate part of a cable (for example, the outer jacket of a cable), or they may merely compress against the cable. Preferably, each cable fastener is formed of a plastic material, for example, polyethylene, especially ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, or polypropylene. In an additional or alternative way, other materials, for example, metal (especially steel or aluminum) can be used, at least in some embodiments of the invention. Each support member (where present) is preferably substantially rigid. Preferably, each support member is formed of a plastic material, for example, polyethylene, especially ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, or polypropylene. In an additional or alternative way, other materials, for example, metal (especially steel or aluminum) can be used, at least in some embodiments of the invention. Each support member preferably has a plurality of transverse recesses. The recesses can conveniently assist in arranging a plurality of cables extending into the confinement enclosure. Preferablyeach recess contains, in use, no more than one cable extending into the enclosure, although, in some embodiments, one or more of the recesses may accommodate a plurality of cables. In the same way, each recess preferably contains, in use, no more than one cable fastener, although, in some embodiments, a plurality of cable fasteners may be located in one or more of the recesses. If a recess does not have a cable extending through it, the recess preferably contains a plug to block the recess. The cap may conveniently include sealing material (eg, a preferred sealing material as described below). In the broader aspect of the invention, each recess of each support member generally comprises a backward space in a transverse direction (preferably substantially radial) in the support member, and preferably from the transverse periphery of the support member. Each recess may conveniently be in the form of a slot. Each support member, for example, may comprise a frame in which one or more recesses are provided (e.g., slots). However, preferably, each support member is in the form of a (transverse) plate where one or more recesses (e.g., slots) are provided. Preferably, each recess has an internal profile that can cooperate with a cable fastener located, in use, in the recess, for example substantially to prevent longitudinal movement of the cable holder with respect to the support member. For example, the inner profile may comprise one or more transverse grooves and / or projections which may cooperate (eg, interlock) respectively with one or more projections and / or recesses of the cable fastener. Each support member may conveniently be modular, comprising a plurality of parts assembled together. Preferably, at least a portion of the support member provides at least one transverse recess of the support member. Still more preferably, each part of the support member can provide either at least one transverse recess or no transverse recess, the portions of the support member being selected to provide a desired number and / or configuration of transverse recesses. Each support member (modular) can conveniently be formed from a kit of parts. Preferably, the case comprises a plurality of parts, one or more parts of which have at least a portion of one or more cable entry openings (preferably transverse recesses), and one or more parts of which have no openings cable entry (for example, transverse recesses) or portions of cable entry openings (for example, transverse recesses). Preferably, some of the parts may be selected from the case, and a modular support member having a desired number and / or configuration of cable entry openings (e.g., transverse recesses), may be assembled from the parts selected. Still more preferably, each cable entry opening (eg, transverse recess) is formed in a single part. Conveniently, each support member comprises at least two plates between which, at least in use, is the sealing material, and each part of support member may comprise part of one of the plates.

Conveniently, when present, at least each part of the support member that does not provide transverse recesses, contributes at least in use to retaining the sealing material between the plates of the support member. Each part of the support member can conveniently be attached to another part of the support member, preferably by means of one or more interasbright projections and openings. Preferably, the cable splice enclosure or the device in accordance with all aspects of the invention includes a sealing material, for example, to form a seal around the cable entering the splice enclosure or the environment. around the cables that extend through the cable holding device. Conveniently, each support member (where present) can at least contribute to retaining the sealant material, which, for example may be next to the support member. Still more conveniently, each support member may comprise at least two plates between which, at least in use, the sealing material is. The sealant material is preferably pressurized in use. For example, when the cable splice enclosure is closed, the sealing material can be placed under pressure by closing the enclosure. In an additional or alternative way, there may be some other pressurizing elements that put the sealing material under pressure. For example, in some embodiments, the plates (where present) of the support member can move relatively nearer to each other, in order to pressurize the sealing material placed therebetween. This can be conveniently achieved by means of one or more pins or screws or other members that extend between the plates. The sealant material used in the invention can generally comprise any suitable sealant material. A preferred form of sealing material comprises a mastic, which more preferably has a high compression setting and minimal trawl properties. The mastic preferably comprises one or more substantially non-crystalline materials, for example, bituminous materials, elastomeric materials, and / or thermoplastic polymers. The mastic may contain one or more fillers or other additives. Examples of mastics that can be used in general as the sealant material of the present invention are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,243,211; 3,297,819; 3,396,460 and 4,206,786. The entire description of each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. A convenient property of mastic is that, during the formation of a seal, it is normally deformable, and in general it can flow easily, but after some time it is normally stable, and may have a high mechanical strength. Preferably the mastic has a point remblandecimien or (when measured according to ASTM E28) of about 130 ° C when subjected to a separation test rolling drum at 23 ° C (according to test QAPK 027) of preferably has a separation strength of about 130 N / 25 mm. A preferred chew has a tear strength (when tested in accordance with ISO04587) of more than 160 N, preferably more than 250 N. Preferred mastics for this invention have a high compression setting, generally 100 percent. The sealant material additionally or alternatively may comprise a gel. The gel, for example, may comprise silicone gel, urea gel, urethane gel, thermoplastic gel, or any suitable geloid gel or sealant material. Preferred gels comprise a polymer composition spread with oil. Preferably, the gel has a hardness at room temperature determined using a Stevens-Volland Texture Analyzer of more than 45 grams, particularly more than 50 grams, especially more than 55 grams, for example, between 55 grams and 60 grams. Preferably it has a stress relaxation of less than 12 percent, particularly less than 10 percent, and especially less than 8 percent. The final elongation, also at room temperature, is preferably greater than 100 percent, more preferably greater than 600 percent, especially greater than 1000 percent, particularly greater than 1400 percent, determined in accordance with ASTM D638. The tensile modulus at 100 percent tension is preferably at least 1.8 MPa, more preferably at least 2.2 MPa. In general, compression setting will be less than 35 percent, especially less than 25 percent. Preferably, the gel has a cone penetration measured by ASTM D217 of at least 50 (10"1 mm), more preferably at least 100 (10"1 mm), still more preferably at least 200 (10" 1 mm) and preferably not greater than 400 (10"1 mm), especially not greater than 350 (10" 1 mm). The polymeric composition of the gel, for example, may comprise an elastomer, or a block copolymer having relatively hard blocks and relatively elastomeric blocks. Examples of these copolymers include styrene-diene block copolymers, for example diblock or triblock copolymers of styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprene, for example, as described in International Patent Publication Number WO 88/00603. However, preferably, the polymer composition comprises one or more styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymers, for example, as sold under the registered trademark "Septon" by Kuraray of Japan. The extender liquids employed in the gel preferably comprise oils. The oils may be hydrocarbon oils, for example paraffinic or naphthenic oils, synthetic oils, for example polybutene or polypropene oils, and mixtures thereof. The preferred oils are mixtures of paraffinic and naphthenic non-aromatic hydrocarbon oils. The gel may contain additives, for example, such as moisture scavengers (e.g., benzoyl chloride) antioxidants, pigments, and fungicides. Other sealing materials that can be used include elastomeric materials, for example natural or synthetic rubber, adhesives, especially pressure-sensitive adhesives, or grease, for example, silicone grease. The sealing material, in some embodiments of the invention, may have substantially the same cross-sectional shape of each support member, or at least may have one or more preformed transverse recesses through which one or more cables may extend. In some embodiments, the wires can simply be pushed into the sealing material, such that "recesses" are formed only at this time. The cable splice enclosure according to the invention preferably includes elements for securing each support member and / or cable holder with respect to the enclosure. The securing element preferably comprises a profile on at least the interior of the enclosure, whose profile cooperates with at least one of the support members (where present) and / or cable fasteners, to secure the support member with respect to to the enclosure, when the enclosure is closed in use. The profile may comprise, for example, one or more transverse ribs and / or ridges. The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 (a to ß) shows a cable splice enclosure according to the invention, which is being installed around a splice. Figures 2 to 4 show three forms of cable fastener strip used in the cable splice enclosures according to the invention.

Figure 5 shows, in cross section, a detail of part of a preferred cable splice enclosure according to the invention. Figure 6 (a to e) shows another form of cable splice enclosure according to the invention, which is being installed around a splice. Figure 7 (a to f) shows an additional form of cable splice enclosure according to the invention, which is being installed around a splice. Figure 8 (a to c) shows several views of parts of a modular support member of a preferred cable splice enclosure according to the invention. Figure 9 (aac) shows three of the possible configurations of a modular support member formed of parts as shown in Figure 8. The Figure shows a splice 21 between the cables 23 (e.g., telecommunication cables or power cables ). In Figures Ib and le, two end portions of a cable splice enclosure according to the invention are placed., on the cables 23, an end portion being located at each end of the splice 21. Each end portion comprises a pair of cable ties in the form of strips 25 wound around the cables 23, and as shown in the Figure , sealing material 27 is placed between the cable holding strips 25. The sealing material 27, for example, can be in the form of a tape or strip that is wound around the cable 23. In Figure Id, an enclosure 29 is shown. in the form of two half shells about to be closed around the splice 21 and the end portions (comprising the cable clamp strips 25 and the sealant material 27). The interior of the enclosure 29 has the profile 31 in the form of transverse grooves and / or projections with which the wound rope fastener strips 25 cooperate (for example, they are interlocked), when the enclosure is closed, to secure the fastening strips of the enclosure. cables 25 to the enclosure 29. In Figure 11, the enclosure 29 has been closed around the splice 21 and the cable holding strips 25 and the sealing material 27. The enclosure 29 has been closed by attaching the two half shells, and holding each other the longitudinal edges of the half shells, for example, by means of screws or screws or other fastening elements. The closure of the enclosure 29 around the splice has applied pressure to the sealing material 27 between the cable holding strips 25 (improving the effectiveness of the seal), and has also automatically caused each cable holding strip 25 to tighten around the cable 23, holding in this way the cable. Each cable holding strip 25 is formed in such a way that it can decrease its length when it is wound, and can be compressed around a cable, and the closure of the enclosure has compressed each strip around the cable 23, thereby making the strip make contact around the cable as a result of that decrease in length. In Figures 2 and 4 three forms of cable clamp strips are shown in detail. Figures 2a and 2b show the opposite sides of a first design of a cable fastening strip. The strip comprises a plurality of alternately collapsible and non-collapsible portions along at least part of its length: in these figures only a collapsible portion 1 and a non-collapsible portion 3 are shown. The collapsible portion 1 comprises two fabrics 5 that are collapsible. extend between two non-collapsible portions on the edges of the strip. The fabrics 5 can be deformed, for example, by corrugation, accordion formation, or by collapsing, preferably outwardly and / or inwardly with respect to the rest of the strip in the direction of the arrows. Accordingly, this deformation is preferably in a direction generally or substantially parallel to the axial direction of extension of a cable around which the strip is wound in use, such that substantially no gaps are formed between the adjacent coils of the cable. pull through which the sealing material can escape. The strip of Figures 2a and 2b has protuberances 7 and recesses 9 that can be coupled with the corresponding recesses 9 and the protuberances 7 of the adjacent wraps when, in use, the strip is wound around a cable, and so on. As mentioned above, this has the advantage of substantially preventing accidental axial phase shifting of the rolls of the strip relative to one another. Some of the protrusions can conveniently help the strip hold a cable around which it rolls. The cable clamp strips shown in Figures 2 and 3 are similar to those shown in Figure 2, with the exception that the designs of recesses and protuberances are different. Figures 3a and 3b show the opposite sides of a strip design, and Figures 4a and 4b show the opposite sides of another strip design. Nevertheless, each of these strips alternately has collapsible portions 1 and non-collapsible portions 3. Both strip designs illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 have a non-collapsible, thinned portion 11 which is intended to be located at the end of the strip (the strip of the strip). Figure 3 can be cut on the dotted line) to soften either the inner or outer end of the strip when it is rolled up. Figure 4b shows a plurality of clamping protuberances 13 on one side of the strip for fastening a cable. Figure 5 shows, in cross-section, a detail of one end of a preferred cable splice enclosure according to the invention. The enclosure 29 has been closed around a joint (not shown) and a cable 23 extending into the enclosure. A pair of cable holding strips 25 have been wound around the cable 23, and have been compressed around the cable automatically when the enclosure 29 is closed. The alternating windings of the cable holding strips 25 are shown dark and clear, respectively, for greater clarity. Between the fasteners of rolled cables 25 (which are located in the recesses of the internal wall of the enclosure, securing them in this way to the enclosure) is the sealing material 27 (for example, gel). Also extending between the two cable tie strips, are connecting members 33 (shown as a series of dark bars), which may comprise fabrics or the like. Preferably, the sealing material 27 is in the form of a strip that has been wound around the cable 23 at the same time that the cable tie strips 25 have been wound around the cable. Figures 6 and 7 show two additional forms of cable splice enclosure according to the invention, which are being installed around a splice 21 between the cables 23. In each case, the splice is the so-called splice of "one eidentro, two outside ", that is, one where a cable branches into two cables. In Figures 6b and 6c, the cable clamp strips, which are preferably substantially as described above and as shown in Figures 2 to 5, are shown wound around each cable 23. In Figure 6c, a part of end 35 of the cable splice enclosure has been placed at each end of the splice. Each end portion 35 comprises a support member in the form of 2 plates 37 between which is the sealing material 27. Each support member plate (which is preferably substantially rigid) has a generally cross-shaped shape, which is presented by virtue of the fact that the generally circular plate has four transverse recesses 39, in the form of grooves. Each cable holding strip 25 wound around a cable 23 is inserted into a respective transverse recess 39, and is preferably retained there due to the projections and the recesses on the strip that interlock with the projections and the cooperative grooves of the transverse recess . The insertion of the cable holding strips 25 into the transverse recess has also caused the cables 23 to extend through the recesses. In the enclosure of Figure 6, the sealing material 27 between the plates 37 of the support member, has corresponding recesses preformed therein, to accommodate the cables 23. In the enclosure of Figure 7, the sealant material 27, as shown in Figures 7d and 7e, does not have these recesses Transformed preformed As shown in Figure 7c, each pair of plates 37 of the support member is installed on the cables 23 (such that the cable clamp strips 25 are inserted into the transverse recesses 39, and the cables 23 extend through the transverse recesses 39. of the transverse recesses), before the sealant material 27 is inserted between the plates. The sealant material 27, for example, may be wrapped as a strip around the cables, or may be placed as a block (not necessarily, and preferably not rigid) or similar between the plates 37 of the support member. If the sealing material 27 is in the form of a block or the like, it may conveniently have slots or the like to enable the cables to be pushed into them. In any form in which the sealing material 27 is present, it can be installed around the cables at the same time as the support members, or before or after the support members, according to the particular design of the enclosure and / or the particular circumstances of the installation. In Figures 6d and 7e, two half shells of an enclosure 27 are about to be closed around the splice 21 and the end portions 35. In the transverse recesses of the end portions 35 of the enclosure shown in Figure 6d it is not contain a cable, are the plugs 41 that are provided to block these empty recesses. The plugs 41 may include sealing material to ensure that the entire periphery of each end portion forms a seal with the internal surface of the enclosure 29. Additionally or alternatively, the internal surface of the enclosure 29 may be provided with sealing material 27. With the enclosure of Figure 7, plugs are not needed, because the sealing material 27 blocks the recesses 39. In Figures 6e and 7e, the enclosure 29 has been closed by joining the two half shells and holding the longitudinal edges together. of the half shells, for example, in the same manner as the enclosure shown in Figure 1. The closure of the enclosure 29 around the splice has applied pressure to the sealant material 27 between the plates 37 of the support member. Additionally or alternatively, pressure may be applied to the sealing material 27 by moving the plates 37 of the support member of each pair relatively nearer to each other, for example by means of one or more pins, screws, or other connecting members ( not shown) that extend between the plates. Closing the enclosure 29 has also automatically caused each cable holding strip 25 located in a respective transverse recess of a support member to tighten around the cable 23 extending through the recess and around which it has been wound. The cable clamp strips 25 have been tightened around the cables in this manner, because part of each strip protrudes from the recess where it is placed, and closure of the enclosure aa automatically comprises each strip around its respective cable in the recess, causing the strip to contract, and consequently, tighten around the cable. In a manner similar to the enclosure of Figure 1, the internal surface of the enclosure preferably has the profile 31 (for example, grooves and / or transverse projections) with which the support members 37 preferably cooperate (e.g. ) to secure the support members to the enclosure 29. Figure 7c includes a portion 43 that comprises a part of a support member 37. The illustration of part 43 in Figure 7c indicates that the support members 37 of some enclosures of splicing of preferred cables according to the invention, can be modular, comprising a plurality of parts, (for example, like the parts 43) assembled together. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a particularly preferred form of modulus support member 37 in accordance with the invention. Each support member 37 can conveniently be formed from a kit of parts, the case comprising, for example, one or more (preferably at least four) parts A (Figures 8a and 8b), and one or more (preferably at least one) three or four) parts B (Figure 8b and 8c). Each part A has a transverse recess 39, and each part B has no transverse recess. In order to assemble a modular support member having a desired number and / or a configuration of transverse recesses 39 (depending on how many cables 23 need to be accommodated, and how the cables are arranged), some of the parts 43 (parts A and / or B) can be selected from the case and connected to each other. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, each part 43 has a bolt 45 and a hole 47 on each connection face 48, and each of the parts 43 can be directly connected to another part 43 by attaching the connecting faces 48 of the parts, in such a way that a bolt 45 of one part is inserted into a hole 47 of the other part. Of course, it should be understood that the parts 43 can be connected to each other by any other suitable configuration of projections (e.g., bolts) and apertures (e.g., holes) of the interlocks, or indeed in any other suitable form. Each party can connect with one or more members, for example, acting as a framework, in addition to, or instead of, each party connecting directly to one or more other parties. In the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, for example, each part 43 could be connected to a cross-shaped central frame. Figure 9 (a, b, and c) shows three different possible configurations of transverse recesses 39 where a modular support member 37 could be assembled according to the invention. Of course, other configurations are possible (for example, the support member could have only one or no transverse recess 39). Both Figures 8 and 9, but particularly Figure 8, illustrate projections 49 and grooves 51 in the transverse recesses 39, which cooperate with the projections and recesses of the cable clamp strips 25 to retain the cable clamp strips in the recesses in the recesses. use, and in particular, to substantially secure the cable holding straps to the support members in such a way that longitudinal movement is substantially prevented (i.e. the movement generally in the direction of extension of the cables.

Claims

1. A cable splice enclosure, which comprises: (a) an enclosure that, in use, closes around a cable splice; and (b) at least one cable fastener comprising a strip that, in use, is wound (at least partially) around at least one cable extending into the enclosure; wherein the closure of the enclosure, in use, causes each strip to automatically tighten around each cable around which it is wound, thus holding the cable. . A cable splice enclosure according to claim 1, further comprising (c) a support member that supports the, or at least one of, the cable fastening strips in use. 3. A cable splice enclosure according to claim 2, wherein the support member has at least one opening in which the, or at least one of the, cable tie strips are supported in use. A cable splice enclosure according to claim 3, wherein the, or at least one of the openings in the support member, comprises a transverse recess. 5. A cable splice enclosure, which comprises: (a) an enclosure that, in use, closes around a cable splice, - (b) at least one support member having at least one transverse recess through which extends a cable that the use extends into the enclosure, and (c) at least one cable fastener that in use is located in the, or at least one of, the recesses of the support member , wherein the closure of the enclosure, in use, automatically forces each cable clip against the cable extending into the enclosure, thereby making the cable clamp hold the cable. A cable splice enclosure according to claim 5, wherein the automatic forcing of the cable clamp against one or more of these cables extending into the enclosure in use, comprises shrinkage of the cable clamp at least partially around the cables. A cable splice enclosure according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein each cable fastener comprises a strip that, in use, is wound around one or more of these cables' extending towards inside the enclosure, and that holds the cable tightening around the cable. A cable splice enclosure according to claim 1, or with claim 7 when dependent on claim 6, wherein each cable fastener strip may decrease in length when wound and compressed around a cable, and the closure of the enclosure, in use, compresses the cable clamp strip around the cable, causing it to contract, and consequently, tighten, around the cable, as a result of that decrease in its length. 9. A cable splice enclosure, which comprises: (a) an enclosure that, in use, closes around a cable splice, - (b) at least one support member that has at least one transverse recess through which extends a cable that the use extends into the enclosure, and that in the use of preference is located at least partially inside the enclosure, - and (c) at least one cable fastener that in use is locates in the, or at least in one of the, recesses of the support member, - wherein each cable fastener comprises a strip which, when rolled and compressed around a cable, can decrease its length, and thus it may contract around the cable, and a cable extending into the enclosure may be held through said recess in use by means of that contraction of the cable clip located in the recess. A cable splice enclosure according to any of claims 5 to 9, wherein, in use, each cable clip is retained in the recess where it is placed, in such a way that the longitudinal movement of the cable holder with respect to the support member is substantially prevented, and when the cable holder holds a cable extending into the enclosure, the cable is secured accordingly with respect to the member of the cable. support. A cable splice enclosure according to any of claims 5 to 10, wherein, in use, before closing the enclosure, part of each cable fastener protrudes out of the recess where it is located, and the Closing the enclosure automatically forces at least some of the part that protrudes from the cable clip into the recess, and thus forces the cable clamp against the cable. A cable splice enclosure according to any of claims 5 to 11, wherein part of the enclosure projects inward from each recess of the support member when the enclosure is closed in use, and the closure of the enclosure in the Use automatically forces each cable clip further into the recess where it is placed, thus forcing the cable clamp against the cable. A device for fastening a cable, which comprises: (a) at least one support member having at least one recess that, in use, is substantially transverse to a cable extending through the recess; and (b) at least one cable fastener that can be placed in, preferably retained in, the at least one of the recesses of the support member, - wherein each cable fastener comprises a strip that, when rolled up and it compresses around a cable, it can decrease its length and it can contract in this way around the cable, and a cable extending through said recess can be held in use by means of that contraction of the cable holder located in the recess . 14. A cable splice enclosure or device according to any of claims 2 to 13, wherein the support member is substantially rigid. 15. A cable splice enclosure or device according to any of claims 2 to 14, wherein each support member comprises at least two plates between which, at least in use, is the sealant material. 16. A cable splice enclosure or device according to claim 15, wherein the sealing material comprises gel and / or mastic and / or an elastomeric material. 17. A cable splice enclosure or device according to any of claims 2 to 16, wherein each support member is modular, comprising a plurality of parts assembled together. 18. A cable splice enclosure or device according to claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the support member provides at least one recess through which a cable can be extended. 19. A cable splice enclosure or device according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein each part of the support member provides either at least one of the recesses, or no recess, the parts of the rejection member being selected. support to provide a desired number and / or configuration of these recesses. 20. A cable splice enclosure or device according to claim 19 when dependent on claim 15 or claim 16, wherein each part of the support member comprises part of one of said plates. 21. A cable splice enclosure or device according to claim 20, wherein at least each part of the support member that does not provide recesses, contributes at least in use to retaining the sealant material between the plates of the support member . 2

2. A cable splice enclosure or device according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein each part of the support member is connected directly to another part of the support member, preferably by means of one or more projections and interaseguradas openings. 2

3. A cable splice enclosure according to any of claims 5 to 12 or 14 to 22, which includes elements for securing each support member with respect to the enclosure. A cable splice enclosure according to claim 23, wherein the securing element comprises a profile on at least the interior of the enclosure, which cooperates with the support member to secure the support member with respect to the enclosure when the enclosure is closed in use. 25. A cable splice enclosure according to any of claims 27 to 29, wherein a compressive force is applied to the sealant material in use. A cable splice enclosure according to claim 30 when dependent on claim 28 or claim 29, wherein at least part of the compressive force is applied to the sealing material by forcing the bundled cable tie strips relatively closer to each other. 32. A cable splice enclosure according to claim 31 when dependent on claim 29, wherein the bundled cable tie strips are forced relatively closer together by each connecting member. 33. A cable splice enclosure according to any of claims 30 to 32, where at least part of the compression force is applied to the sealing material when closing the enclosure. 3

4. A cable splice enclosure according to any of claims 27 to 33, wherein the sealing material comprises gel and / or mastic and / or an elastomeric material. 3

5. A cable splice enclosure according to any of claims 8 to 34, wherein each cable clamp strip comprises one or more, preferably a plurality of collapsible portions, the cable clamp strip being able to decrease its length by means of of one or more of the collapsible portions when they collapse. 3

6. A cable splice enclosure according to claim 35, wherein each collapsible portion of each cable fastener strip can be collapsed by deformation. 3

7. A cable splice enclosure according to claim 36, wherein each collapsible portion of each cable clamp strip comprises one or more webs extending between the substantially non-collapsible portions. 3

8. A cable splice enclosure according to any of claims 35 to 37, wherein each cable fastener strip comprises a plurality of alternately collapsible and substantially non-collapsible portions along at least part of its length. 3

9. A cable splice enclosure according to any of claims 35 to 38, wherein each collapsible portion of each cable fastener strip provides the flexibility to enable the strip to be wound around a cable. 40. A cable splice enclosure according to any of claims 1 or 7 to 39, wherein each cable fastener strip has a profile, such that, when wound around one or more cables in use, the successive coils are interlocked with one another, thus substantially preventing the movement of the coils one with respect to the other along the cables. 41. A cable splice enclosure or device according to any of claims 1 or 7 to 40, wherein each cable fastener strip has a plurality of protuberances on a surface thereof, to improve the clamping of the strip on one or more cables around which the strip is wound in use. RESG / MEN. A cable splice enclosure is described, which comprises an enclosure (29) that in use is closed around a cable splice (21), - and at least one cable fastener comprising a strip (25) that use is wound around at least one cable (23) that extends into the enclosure (29). Closing the enclosure (29) in use, automatically causes each strip (25) to tighten around each cable around which it is wound, thereby holding the cable (23). The cable holding strip (25) can have the capacity to decrease its length when it is wound and compressed around a cable (23) thus allowing it to contract, and consequently tighten, around the cable (23).