MXPA98003473A - Closure filled with - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gas-filled closure (10) for environmentally protecting a connector (40) that forms a connection between a cable (41) and at least one electrical component (which can be another cable) (42, 43 ). The closure includes first and second bodies with cavity (12a, 12b), each having two side sides (13) and two end sides (14), a hinge (15) joining the first and second bodies with cavity on a side side thereof, so that the cavity bodies are capable of pivoting about the hinge and closing around the connector and immediately adjacent portions of the cable and the at least electrical connector. A gel (24) fills substantially each of the first and second body with cavity. At least of the cavity bodies has a fin (16a, 16b) disposed on the side edge thereof away from the hinge to direct gel flow in the lateral direction as the first and second cavity bodies close. A locking mechanism (19, 20) is also provided to secure the cavity bodies in a closed position

Description

CLOSURE FILLED WITH GEL CAM PO TECHNICAL INVENTION This invention relates to a gel-filled closure for environmentally protecting cable connections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION When a cable (either for the transmission of telecommunication signals or electrical power) is connected to another electrical component that can be another cable or other equipment such as a switch device or a transformer, it is common to remove the insulation to expose the conductor underlying to make the connection. The connection is made with a connector that holds the conductors together and establishes electrical contact between them. If necessary, protect environmentally (the exposed conductors and the connector), particularly against humidity, which may cause short circuits or, in the case of cables signal transmission, deterioration of signal quality Means known for environmentally protecting connections including straps, elastomeric thrust closures. recoverable heat closures (also known as a shrinkwrap), and fused resin closures. Each suffers from a disadvantage of some kind. Tapes are difficult to apply reliably to complex connector geometries such as branch connections and the wrapping process is labor intensive. The thrust closures depend on an interference fit between the cable and the closure and for this reason can be difficult to install, requiring an excessive amount of force. Also, they tend to spill and become geometrically complex when applied to branched connections. Recoverable heat closures require specialized tools (for example, a torch), which can be dangerous in certain environments. Also, a specific amount of experience is needed to ensure a proper degree of recovery and / or to avoid overheating. Fused resin closures encompass the inconvenience of mixing, pouring, and curing a resin in the closure in the field. The healing requirement also means that the connection can not be interrupted until a level of healing has been obtained, suspending subsequent operations. Debbaut et al., US 4,600,261 (1986) (hereinafter "Debbaut '261") teaches that a gel under compression can be used as a sealing material, with the gel being in a suitable closure. Gels offer the advantage of quickly sealing around complex substrate geometries and to which you can re-enter. Various closure configurations have been proposed, ranging from two half frames, elbows, half hinge frames (also known as jaw buckets), and wraps, as illustrated in Raychem, WO 95/11543 (1995) and Roney et al. , US 5,347,084 (1994) (hereinafter "Roney '084"). A full closure with gel with hinge is attractive in several aspects. It offers the possibility of less sensitivity during installation, in some cases installation without tools, with one hand. Complex connector geometries and cable configurations and sizes are easily accommodated, including branched connections. However, hinged closures filled with gel may have some limitations. The thermal expansion of the gel can permanently deform the closure material, leading to decompression on the gel surfaces. The closures for connections between electrical power cables are especially susceptible to this problem, since the passage of high currents can heat the gel to temperatures as high as 90 ° C, or even 130 ° C. By closing around the closure, the gel can be extruded out of the closure side, resulting in gel loss, prevention of compression of the remaining gel, and interference with the closure's own safety. The internal pressure in the closure exerted by the compressed gel leads to a torsional stress that can bend the closure and uncouple the locking mechanism. During fabrication, a flat hinge closure is usually placed and uncured gel is poured into each middle frame and allowed to cure. The ports through which the cables must enter the closure at that time must be liquid impermeable to allow each half frame to be filled with gel. It has been proposed in Roney 084 to use galloping corrosion seals to address this issue. NeverthelessSaid seals can be difficult to break during the installation of the closure and may need to be cut with a knife, undesirable since it involves an additional tool and another step. Also, once broken, seals can be ineffective barriers against gel loss during service, compromising the sealing function. With these problems in mind, we have invented a closure filled with improved gel, as described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention provides a gel-filled closure for environmentally protecting a connector that forms a connection between a cable and at least one electrical component, the closure comprising first and second bodies with cavity, each having two lateral sides and two end sides that define an internal cavity; a hinge joining the first and second bodies with cavity on one lateral side of each of the first and second bodies with cavity, so that the cavity bodies are able to pivot about the hinge and close around the connector and immediately adjacent portions of the cable and at least the electrical component; a gel that substantially fills each of the first and second bodies with cavity; at least one of the cavity bodies having a flap disposed on the lateral edge thereof away from the hinge and exiting above the upper level of the internal cavity thereof, to direct gel flow in the lateral direction as it is they close the first and second bodies with cavity; and locking mechanism to secure the bodies with cavity in a closed position. In a preferred embodiment, each of the cavity bodies has a fin, that is, the first cavity body has a first fin on the side edge thereof away from the hinge and the second cavity body has a second fin on the edge side thereof away from the hinge, the first and second fins overlap and direct gel flow in the lateral direction as the first and second bodies are closed with cavity. In another preferred embodiment, each end side comprises a plurality of fingers attached to the immediately adjacent fingers by a frangible membrane. This construction provides closure with liquid-impermeable end faces as it is filled with fluid, uncured gel, thus containing the uncured gel and preventing it from leaking, but also with frangible end faces that can accommodate a wide variety of diameters. cable when the closure closes around an associated cable and connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1a and 1b show two different views of a closure of this invention. Figures 2 and 2b show a detail of a closure of this invention. Figures 3a and 3b show the installation of a closure of this invention on a connector that connects an electric cable and two other electric cables. Figure 4 shows a preferred embodiment for the connector DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Figures 1a and 1b show respective top and bottom perspective views of a gel-filled closure 10 of this invention. The closure 10 has first and second cavity bodies 12a and 12b, each of which has side sides 13 and end sides 14 defining an internal cavity 28. The bodies 12a and 12b are joined together on a side side 13 by a hinge 15 The hinge 15 is shown here in the preferred embodiment of a latent hinge, but other hinge designs are also allowed such as an internal hinge or a door hinge design The bodies 12a and 12b are formed and configured so that they can pivot on the hinge 15 and close to define an enclosed volume within which a connector and associated portions can be found immediately from a cable electrical and an electrical component that are electrically connected and held together by the connector, as described hereinafter. A gel 24 fills substantially each of the bodies 12a and 12b. At least one of the bodies 12a and 12b has a flap therein, arranged on the lateral side 13 thereof away from the hinge 15 and projecting on the upper level of the cavity. In the preferred embodiment shown, each of the bodies 12a and 12b is equipped with a fin, designated as a first fin 16a on the body 12a and a second fin 16b on the body 12b. When bodies 12a and 12b close around the connector and associated cable and electrical component (s), the gel 24 is initially squeezed outwards, in the directions indicated by arrows a, b and c. Excessive flow of gel in the c direction tends to interfere with the locking mechanism (described below) and increase the required closing force. However, the fins 16a and 16b overlap each other during the closing operation, act as barriers to flow gel in the c direction, and redirect gel in the lateral direction indicated by the arrows d and e. This has an advantageous effect of reducing the closing force and improving the quality of the side seal. In the configuration shown, the wing 16a overlaps on the outside of the wing 16b and the body 12b has a groove 26 for receiving the wing 16a, but it is to be understood that the way of overlapping and placing a groove 26 can be reversed. Although the exact length of the fins 16a and 16b is not critical, they must be long enough to serve the function intended to obstruct the unwanted lateral flow of gel 24. Preferably, the fins 16a and 16b extend substantially over the entire length of the fins 16a and 16b. side sides 13. Similarly, the width or depth of the fins 16a and 16b is not critical, provided they are of sufficient width to achieve the aforementioned clogging function. Where a single fin is used instead of a pair of fins 16a and 16b, a somewhat wider fin is preferred, for example one that is approximately twice as wide as it would be when a pair of fins is used. The body 12a has a plurality of alignment buttons 17a-17c on the distant side side 13, while the body 12b has a corresponding number of alignment holes 18a-18c In the preferred embodiment shown here, there are three buttons the button 17a is arranged near an end side, the button 17c is disposed near the other end side, and the button 17b is disposed substantially midway between the other two buttons. However, other numbers and arrangements of buttons may be used Buttons 17a-17c and holes 18a-18c are formed and positioned so that when the bodies 12a and 12b pivot about the hinge 15 to close them, each button is inserted through a corresponding hole, ie the button 17a through the hole 17a, the button 17b through the hole 17b, etc. A locking mechanism is provided to secure the bodies 12a and 12b in a closed position, illustrated here in the preferred embodiment of cantilever pressure joints consisting of snap arms 19 and receptacles 20. Other locking mechanisms, such as torsion pressure joints, annular snap joints, or the longitudinal pin and pin receptacle design of the Roney '084 aforementioned are permissible (although the latter may not be strong enough in larger closure configurations). Preferably, the locking mechanism should be relatively easy to activate, be reversible to allow re-entry, and yet strong enough to prevent accidental opening. The end sides 14 can be frangible, meaning that they break during the closure of bodies 12a and 12b near a connector and associated electrical cable and components, as shown below. However, before the insertion, it must form a wall that is impermeable to liquid, to allow filling with precursor (s) of uncured gel, liquid that is then cured to form the gel. Figure 2 shows in amplified cross section a preferred construction of end sides 14, comprising a plurality of fingers 30 attached to adjacent fingers by frangible membranes 31. Figure 2b is a perspective view of the same feature. By closing the bodies 12a and 12b around a cable or electrical component emerging from the end sides, the membrane 31 strives and breaks or tears, allowing the extension of the fingers 30 to accommodate the cable or electrical component. In a preferred embodiment, the fingers 30 are approximately 0.81 mm thick, although the membranes are approximately 0.051 mm thick. It should be understood that the closure 10 has been illustrated in the preferred rectangular geometry, that is, with the lateral sides parallel to each other and perpendicular to the end sides, and vice versa, but the other geometries are permissible. For example, there may be a taper at the end sides, or the distant side sides do not need to be linear but may somehow be in curve. Turning now to FIGS. 1a and 1b, reference is made to some other optional features. The closure 10 may have reinforcement ribs 21 (two pairs per body 12a or 12b shown) that reduce the deflection in the closure near the fingers 30 as the enclosed gel expands during service at elevated temperatures, which may be so high as 90 ° C, thus helping to keep the gel under compression. It was found that relatively heavy ribs, approximately 2.8 mm wide, are preferred where the closure is of a rectangular shape approximately 38.1 mm wide by 114 mm long. Although the present closure is designed to be manually closed, it may be preferable to close it Pointing near the center with a pair of tweezers. For this purpose, a thickened section 25 can be provided surrounding the hole 18b to protect the button 17b projecting therethrough from damage during the stitch. To prevent opening under torque, it is preferred to channel the buttons 17a-17c. . To distribute the stress concentrations more evenly and to increase the opening force, a joining curve can be added to the interior of the pressurized safety arms.2 Discs 22 and alignment dividers 23 can be provided within the the bodies 12a and 12b to assist in the placement of the enclosing connector and the associated cable and electrical component parts, and also to hold them in place. Add bonding curves 32 to the crossing of the internal surfaces, for example, where the vertical walls of cymbals 32 meet the bottom of the bodies 12a and 12b and where the bottom of these bodies meets their lateral sides, that the flow of gel is easier and reduces the closing force. The installation of a closure of this invention is shown by Figures 3a and 3b. Figure 3a shows a connector 40 of the conventional H-frame type, which connects a cable 41 to cables 42 and 43, placed in position within a closure 10 of this invention. (The repeated numbers of the previous figures designate the same elements.) To avoid confusion, not all the repeated characteristics of the previous figures are marked with reference numbers). It should be understood that this particular configuration of one inside / two outside is for illustration purposes only, and that other configurations, such as one inside / two outside, two inside / two drain, etc., are also permissible. In addition, the cable 41 does not need to be connected only to other cables, but can be connected to other electrical components, such as a switch device or a transformer. The closure 10 is shown in a partially closed position and can be completely closed by pressing down on the locations indicated by the arrows f and g, either manually or with a pair of pliers. As discussed above, fins 16a and 16b redirect gel flow in a lateral direction during closure. Figure 3b shows the closed closure around the connector 40 and associated cables 41, 42, and 43. The gel 24 has dripped on the ends, serving as a visible indication of an effective seal. In a preferred embodiment, the connector 40 can be an insulation shifter connector (IDC), also known in the art as an insulation piercing connector (IPC). Said connector contains teeth, blades, or other sharp elements that perforate the insulation to make electrical contact with the underlying insulation, without the need to spoil the insulation. This embodiment is illustrated in Figure 4, wherein a connector 40 has teeth 45 that pierce the insulation 48 and 49 of the cables 41 and 42 to establish electrical contact with the underlying conductors 51 and 52 and electrically connect the two conductors. The gel 24 can drain into the interstices within the connector 40.

The term "gel" has been used in the prior art to cover a wide array of materials from fats to thixotropic compositions for polymeric extended fluid systems. As used herein, "gel" refers to the category of materials that are solids extended by a fluid expander. The gel is a substantially diluted system that exhibits no flux in a stable state. As discussed in Ferry, "Viscoelastic Properties of Polymers", 3rd edition p. 529 (J. Wiley &Sons, New York 1980), a polymer gel is an intertwined solution either bound by chemical bonds or crystallites or some other kind of bond. The absence of stable state flux is the key definition of solid type properties although substantial dilution is needed to give the relatively low modulus of gels. The solid nature is achieved by a continuous network structure formed in the material generally through the entanglement of the polymer chains through some kind of binding or the creation of associated substituent domains of several branched chains of the polymer. The entanglement can be physical or chemical as long as the entanglement sites are sustained to the conditions of gel use. Preferred gels for use in this invention are silicone gels, such as the extended fluid systems taught in Debbaut, US 4,634,207 (1987) (hereinafter 'Debbaut' 207 '), Camin et al., US 4,680,233 (1987); Dubrow et al., US 4,777,063 (1988) and Dubrow et al., US 5,079,300 (1992) (hereinafter "Dubrow '300"), the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Extended fluid silicone can be created with non-reactive fluid expanders as in the patents cited above or with an excess of a reactive liquid, for example, a silicone fluid with high vinyl content, so that it acts as an expander, as it is exemplified by the product Sylgard® 527 from Dow-Corning or as described in Nelson, US 3,020,260 (1962), since healing is involved in the preparation of these gels, they are sometimes referred to as thermo-hardened gels. it's a gel of silicone produced from a mixture of divinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, tetrakis (dimethylsiloxy) silane, a divinyltetramethyldisiloxane complex of platinum (available from United Chemical Technologies, Inc.), polydimethyl siloxane, and 1, 3,5,7-tetravinyl- tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (reaction inhibitor to provide adequate useful time). Said gel has a Voland hardness of between 10 and 20 g, a viscosity of between 10 and 36 g, and a stress relaxation of less than 55% and is available from Raychem Corporation together with the GDS Gel Drop Splice Closure, used in coaxial cable television connectors said product is also disclosed in Gronvall, US 4,988,894 (1991), the description of which is incorporated herein for all purposes. Other types of gel can be used, for example, polyurethane gels as it was taught in the aforementioned Debbaut '261 patent and Debbaut, US 5,140,476 (1992) (hereinafter "Debbaut 0476") and gels based on styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene (SEBS) or styrene-ethylene propylene-styrene (SERS) ) extended with an oil expanding oil with low naphthenic or non-aromatic or aromatic hydrocarbon content, as described in Chen, US 4,369,284 (1983), Gamarra et al., US 4,716,183 (1987); and Gamarra, US 4,942,270 (1990). The gels of SEBS and SEPS comprise vitreous styrenic microphases interconnected by an elastomeric phase of extended fluid. The separate microphase styrenic domains serve as the junction points in the systems. The SEBS and SEPS gels are examples of thermoplastic systems. Where a thermoplastic gel is used, the frangible characteristic of the end sides 14 is not needed, since these gels do not require curing. Another class of gels that can be considered are rubber-based gels from EPDM, as described in Chang et al., US 5,177,143 (1993). However, these gels tend to continue to cure over time and thus become unacceptably hard over time. Still another class of gels that may be suitable is based on polymers containing anhydride, as described in Raychem, WO 96. / 23007 (1996), the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. These gels have outstandingly outstanding heat resistance. The gel can include a variety of additives, including stabilizers and antioxidants such as hindered phenols (e.g., Irganox 1074 (Ciba)), phosphites (e.g., Weston DPDP (General Electric)), and sulfides (e.g., Cyanox LTDP (American Cyanamid)), light stabilizers (e.g., Cyasorb UV-531 (American Cyanamid)), and fire retardants such as halogenated paraffins (e.g., Bromokior 50 from Ferro) and / or organic compounds containing phosphorus (for example, Fyrol PCF and Phosflex 390, both from Akzo Nobel). Other suitable additives include colorants, biocides, viscosity formers and the like described in "Additives for Plastics, Edition 1" published by D.A.T.A., Inc. and The International Plastics Selector, Inc., San Diego, California. The gel can have a wide variety of hardnesses, as measured by a Voland texture analyzer, from about 1 to about 1000 grams, preferably from 1 to 30 grams, and stress relaxations preferably less than 85%. The viscosity is generally greater than about 1 gram, preferably greater than 5 grams. The hardness, viscosity and relaxation of effort are adjustable for specific applications. The preferred elongation is greater than 50% and more preferable greater than 200-300%. Elongation is measured in accordance with the procedures of ASTM D-638. Voland hardness, stress relaxation, and viscosity are measured using a Voland-Stevens texture analyzer model LFRA, Texture Technologies Texture Analyzer TA-XT2, or imilar machines, which have a load cell of 5 kilograms to measure force, a 5 gram trigger, and a 6.35 mm stainless steel ball probe as described in Dubrow '300, the description of which is hereby fully incorporated by reference for all purposes. For example, to measure the hardness of a gel of a 60 mL glass bottle with approximately 20 grams of gel, or alternatively a gel sample rack of 5.08 cm x 5.08 cm x 0.3175 cm thick, it is placed in the Texture Technologies Texture Analyzer and the probe is forced into the gel at a speed of 0.2 mm per second at a penetration distance of 4.0 mm. The Voland hardness of the gel is the force in grams, as recorded by a computer, required to force the probe at that speed to penetrate or deform the surface of the gel specified for 4.0 mm. Higher numbers mean harder gels. The data from the Texture Analyzer TA-XT2 is analyzed in an IBM computer or similar, using the computer program Microsystems Ltd, Dimension XT.RA Version 2.3. The viscosity and relaxation of effort are read from the stress curve generated when the computer program Dimension XT.RA Version 2.3 automatically traces the force curve against the time experienced by the load cell when the penetration speed is 2.0 mm / second and the probe is forced into the gel a penetration distance of approximately 4.0 mm. The probe is maintained at 4.0 mm penetration for one minute and is removed at a speed of 2.00mm / second. The stress relaxation is the ratio of the initial force (F,) that the probe resists to the penetration depth established before minus the force that resists the probe (Ff) after 1 minute divided by Fi expressed as a percentage. That is, the percent relaxation of effort is equal to (F¡ - Ff) x 100% Fi where F and Ff are in grams. In other words, the stress relaxation is the ratio of the initial force minus the force after 1 minute on the initial force. It is a measure of the ability of the gel to relax any compression induced in the gel. Viscosity is the amount of force in grams that resists in the probe as it is pulled out of the gel when the probe is removed at a rate of 2. 0 mm / second of the penetration depth established before.

An alternative way to characterize the gels is by cone penetration parameters in accordance with ASTM D-217 as taught in Debbaut '261; Debbaut '207; Debbaut '746; and Debbaut et al., US 5,357,057 (1994), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Cone penetration values (CP ") range from about 70 (10 ~ 1 mm) to about 400 (101 mm). Harder gels usually have CP values of about 70 (10-1 mm) at about 120 (10 ~ 1 mm) The softer gels usually have CP values of about 200 (10"1 mm) to 400 (10 * 1 mm), with a particularly preferred scale of about 250 (101 mm) to approximately 375 (10"1 mm) For a particular material system a relationship between CP and Voland gram hardness can be developed as taught in Dittmer et al., US 4,852,646 (1989), which is fully incorporated into the present by reference for all purposes Preferably, the closure 10 is made entirely of a thermoplastic material, by injection molding The preferred thermoplastics are propylene polymers, including their homopolymers and copolymers, such as ACCTUF ™ polypropylene from Amoco Polymers, Alpharetta, Georgia, a copol An item that has a good balance of impact resistance, heat resistance, and rigidity. Especially preferred are grades 3434 and 61-3434X of ACCTUF ™ polypropylene, which are described by the manufacturer as medium impact, antistatic, nucleated, injection molded materials. Other preferred materials include Crastin PBT poly (butylene terephthalate) (grade S600) from Du Pont and Profax polypropylene (grade 6231NW) from Himont. Preferably, the physical properties are a flexible modulus of between 7030 and 21090 kg / cm2, with between 14060 and 20387 kg / cm2 highly preferred (by ASTM D790B), an Izod slotted impact value of between 0.00272 and 0.0217 kg-m / cm , with between 0.00326 and 0.0185 kg-m / cm most preferred, an ambient temperature (per ASTM D256), a heat deflection temperature of 4.6398 kg / cm2 of at least 93.3 ° C (per ASTM D648), a force of tension of at least 246.05 kg / cm2. with between 274.17 and 590.52 koJcm2 very preferred (by ASTM D638). and an elongation to rupture of more than 50%, more preferable more than 500% (by ASTM D638). Other suitable thermoplastics include nylon, thermoplastic polyester, polycarbonate, ABS, acetal, polyphenylene sulfide, and other thermoplastics generally referred to as engineering thermoplastics, filled or unfilled. Although the closure of this invention is especially suitable for the environmental protection of connections involving electric power cables marked up to 1,000 V, where temperature fluctuations as high as 90 ° C, or even 130 ° C may occur, it is also suitable for connections involving other types of cables, such as cables for the transmission of telecommunications signals, between a cable and another piece of electrical or electronic equipment, such as a transformer, switch device, or a signal repeater. The closure of this invention is especially effective for sealing against moisture ingress. By illustrating the sealing performance of the closure of this invention, twelve samples using H-connection compression connectors, six of the major 1/10 and type of connection # 8 AWG and six of the major 2/10 and connection type # 8 AWG , were tested in accordance with ANSI C119.1-1986 (part 4.3). In this test, the samples were subjected to a series of submersion tests in water, heat conditioning, and cold temperature conditioning and their electrical properties were measured at the beginning of the test, in several intermediate stages, and at the end of the test. §in the minutiae of the 17 steps of the test procedure, the test usually requires that a sample have an insulation resistance of at least 1.0x106 ohm at the start and at least 1.0x109 ohm or retention of at least minus 90% of the starting value at the end of the test, plus an ultimate AC leakage current of no more than 1000μA. The samples started with insulation resistance between 5.2x10 and 3.5x10 1 2 ohms and ended with insulation resistance between 1.5x1012 and 5.0x1012 ohms, with a leakage current between 250 and 470 μA. The above detailed description of the invention includes passages which refer solely or exclusively to the particular parts or aspects of the invention. It should be understood that it is for clarity and convenience, that a particular feature may be relevant in more than just the passage where it is described, and that the description herein includes all appropriate combinations of information found in the different passages. In a similar manner, although the different figures and descriptions thereof refer to specific embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that where a specific characteristic is described in the context of a particular figure, said characteristic can also be used. , to the appropriate degree, in the context of another figure, in combination with another characteristic, or in the invention in general.

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS 1. - A closure filled with gel to protect environmentally a connector that forms a connection between a cable and at least one electrical component, the closure comprising first and second bodies with cavity, each having two lateral sides and two extreme sides that define an internal cavity; a hinge joining the first and second bodies with cavity on one lateral side of each of the first and second bodies with cavity, so that the cavity bodies are able to pivot about the hinge and close around the connector and immediately adjacent portions of the cable and the at least electrical component; a gel that substantially fills each of the first and second bodies with cavity; at least one of the cavity bodies having a fin disposed on the side edge thereof away from the hinge, to direct gel flow in the lateral direction as the first and second cavity bodies are closed; and locking mechanism to secure the bodies with cavity in a closed position.
2. 2. A closure filled with gel in accordance with the claim 1, wherein the first cavity body has a first fin on the lateral edge thereof away from the hinge and the second cavity body has a second fin on the lateral edge thereof away from the hinge, the first and second fins overlap and direct the gel flow in the lateral direction as the first and second bodies with cavity close.
3. 3. A closure filled with gel in accordance with the claim 1 or 2, where each end side is frangible.
4. 4. A gel-filled closure according to claim 3, wherein each end side comprises a plurality of fingers joined to the immediately adjacent fingers by a frangible membrane.
5. 5. A gel-filled closure according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of alignment buttons on the side edge of the first body with cavity away from the hinge and a plurality of alignment holes on the lateral edge of the body. second body with cavity away from the hinge, the buttons and alignment holes being formed and placed so that when the first and second bodies with cavity are closed, each alignment button is inserted through a corresponding alignment hole 6.- A closure filled with gel in accordance with the claim 5, wherein the alignment buttons include a first alignment button disposed next to u *? end side, a second alignment button disposed proximate the second end side, and a third alignment button disposed substantially in the middle between the first and second alignment buttons 7. - A closure filled with gel according to claim 1, wherein only one of the cavity bodies has a flap. 8. A gel-filled closure according to claim 7, wherein each end side comprises a plurality of fingers joined to the immediately adjacent fingers by a frangible membrane. 9. A gel-filled closure according to claim 9, further comprising a plurality of buttons on the lateral edge of the first body with cavity away from the hinge and a plurality of alignment holes on the lateral edge of the second body with cavity away from the hinge, the buttons and alignment holes are formed and positioned so that when the first and second bodies are closed with cavity, each alignment button is inserted through a corresponding alignment hole. 10. A gel filled closure according to any of the preceding claims, made of a propylene polymer 11 - A gel filled closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gel is silicone gel 12 - A The gel-filled closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of pressure locks. A seal filled with gel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge is a latent hinge 14. - A closure filled with gel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least electrical component is an electrical cable. 15. A gel-filled closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the internal surfaces of the cavity bodies cross on cruises having joint curves. 16. A gel-filled closure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each fin extends over substantially the length of the lateral side where each respective fin is disposed. 17. A closure filled with gel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is an insulation displacement connector.