EP0587621A1 - Dispositif d'etancheite pour cables - Google Patents

Dispositif d'etancheite pour cables

Info

Publication number
EP0587621A1
EP0587621A1 EP19920910852 EP92910852A EP0587621A1 EP 0587621 A1 EP0587621 A1 EP 0587621A1 EP 19920910852 EP19920910852 EP 19920910852 EP 92910852 A EP92910852 A EP 92910852A EP 0587621 A1 EP0587621 A1 EP 0587621A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cable
structural member
sealing material
around
towards
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP19920910852
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jacques Hubert François BRUSSELMANS
Paul Hoeterickx
Hubert Genbrugge
Luc Crabbe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Commscope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
Original Assignee
Raychem NV SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB919112183A external-priority patent/GB9112183D0/en
Priority claimed from GB919120058A external-priority patent/GB9120058D0/en
Application filed by Raychem NV SA filed Critical Raychem NV SA
Publication of EP0587621A1 publication Critical patent/EP0587621A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G15/00—Cable fittings
    • H02G15/013—Sealing means for cable inlets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G15/00—Cable fittings
    • H02G15/007—Devices for relieving mechanical stress

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cable seal, and in particular to a telecommunications cable splice case.
  • Cable splice cases have the following function. Where a cable splice is to be made, cable jackets have to be stripped back from the cable ends in order to connect the internal conductors. Once the conductors have been connected, the environmental protection previously provided by the cable jacket has to be made good across the splice in order to prevent corrosion or other damage of the conductors and connectors. This is done by building a so-called splice case across the splice from intact cable jacket of the incoming cable to intact cable jacket of the outgoing cable.
  • WO90/05401 discloses a splice case that does not require heat for installation, and that as a result is easy to re-enter.
  • Sealing is, in its preferred embodiments, provided by a gel, in particular one having an elongation of at least 100% and a compression set at 70°C of less than 30%. The sealing material is put under compression to seal an annular gap between the cables to be sealed and a surrounding housing.
  • a disadvantage under some conditions is that the gel does not have the strength to provide the overall splice case with certain mechanical properties such as axial pull strength.
  • Armour or other strength member of the cables is secured to a flange (illustrated in the present figure 2) by securing means such as a bolt.
  • US 3663740 discloses a splice case for use on several different types of sheathed or armoured telephone cables.
  • the case includes grippers for securely anchoring the sheaths of the cables to prevent tension loads damaging the splice.
  • An exterior of the gripper is provided with an annular groove which mates with a part of the case to prevent relative axial movement.
  • the gripper is formed of two mating halves, and an epoxy material is injected to fill a space between them, thereby securing the gripper to the cable.
  • US 4262167 discloses a cable splice case for communications cables, comprising a two part outer shell, divided perforate end plates and a cable collar for each cable end.
  • the cable collar is grooved to receive an end plate gasket.
  • a preferred form of collar is in two parts and fits together over a mastic winding between two washers on the cable to form a hermetically sealed cable end structure.
  • Strain relief is supplied by means of reinforced braces, two or more of which are to be uniformly spaced and strapped to the cable end inwardly of the end plates.
  • the braces grip the outer cable sheath with extended tangs and are held in place by a hose clamp. Uprights of the braces abut against the ends of the cable collars as they extend through end plates within the case.
  • the invention provides a device for providing an environmental seal around a cable, which comprises:
  • a third part that can provide a flexible connection between the first and second parts and/or that can cause self-tightening of the means (c) onto the cable in response to axial load on the cable.
  • the invention also provides a device for providing an environmental seal around a cable, which comprises:
  • the invention further provides means for transmitting axial cable load, comprising (i) a first part that can abut an end piece of a splice case;
  • a third part that can provide a flexible and/or substantially frusto-conical connection between the first and second parts and/or can provide self-tightening between the second part and the cable on axial movement of the cable relative to the first part.
  • the device of the invention is preferably used to form at least part of a cable splice case.
  • an assembly may be provided for forming a cable splice, which comprises:
  • a cover preferably of wraparound design, having two open ends within each of which can be positioned respectively the first and second devices.
  • each of the first and second devices may accommodate more than one cable in order that a branched cable splice be sealed.
  • a butt splice can be sealed in a similar way.
  • a single device of the invention can be used at an open end of a cover (preferably dome shaped) having a single open end.
  • the third part of the means (c) be flexible and be deformed by axial movement of the cable relative to the structural member that causes the second part to move towards the first part.
  • the device is preferably arranged so that such cable movement results from tension pulling the cable out of a splice case.
  • This device could, however, be arranged to resist pushing of a cable into a splice case.
  • a single device could be designed to resist forces in each direction, or two devices could be used one resisting force in one direction, and the other resisting force in the other direction.
  • the device may be self-tightening.
  • deformation of the third part may bring a part of means (c), generally the second part, towards the cable.
  • This may arise through the second part having a substantially frusto-conical shape or otherwise being tapered.
  • the smaller end is fixed to the cable, and as the cable moves, the smaller end is forced towards the large end causing the tapered surfaces to buckle inwardly and grip the cable.
  • the smaller end may be fixed to the cable by any suitable means. It may itself grip the cable, or some fixing means such as a hose clamp or a tie wrap may be used.
  • a preferred tie wrap has an eye at one end through which the other end passes, and a saw tooth surface such that it self-locks.
  • the means (c) preferably comprises a plastics material, especially polypropylene, and it preferably contains no metal.
  • the three functional parts referred to above are preferably mutually integral. '
  • the third part of the means (c) comprises legs that extend from a collar (the first part) and that can be bent inwardly to form the desired taper. We prefer four or more such legs circumferentially-spaced around the collar.
  • the device is preferably of wrap-around design, allowing it to be installed around a cable without access to a free end of the cable.
  • the collar may be longitudinally slit, allowing it to be opened, and re-closed around the cable. The slit may double- back on its path across the collar so that mere circumferential tension in the collar does not open it; some relative longitudinal displacement either side of the slit being necessary.
  • Other means of interlocking may, however, be employed, including those requiring additional parts.
  • Interlocking may also be provided between the first part of the means (c) and the structural member. This may be provided for ease of installation and/or to restrict movement of means (c) away from as well as towards the structural member.
  • both a structural member and a sealing material are required for environmental sealing because, of course, neither can do the job alone: the structural member can not itself reliably seal to the cable without difficulties in installation and close tolerances in manufacture, and a sealing material does not have the strength to provide an entire splice closure.
  • the structural member (which may comprise two or more parts) not only provides some of the closure, but also serves to retain, and if need be deform by pressurizing efc, the sealing material.
  • the structural member be at least partially hollow, the sealing material being provided partially within the hollow and partially extending from it to seal any gap between the member and the cable.
  • Means (d) (which may be provided by the structural member) may be provided for putting the sealing material under compression thereby forcing it towards the cable and/or the structural member.
  • This may comprise first and second end pieces: that face one another; between which the sealing material can be positioned; having respective holes through each of which the cable can pass; and that can be moved towards one another by said means (d).
  • the first and second end pieces may additionally be driven towards one another by some means such as one or more bolts, optionally fitted with a coil or other spring such that a substantially constant compressive force on the sealing material remains notwithstanding slight displacement of the sealing material.
  • the structural member or the end pieces that comprise it may comprise simple plates with holes for the cables, or they may have more complex construction. In particular, they are preferably of wrap-around design.
  • the structural member may comprise an inner part and one or more outer parts that can form at least part of an annulus around the inner part, leaving between them a hole through which the cable can pass.
  • a recess may be defined by the inner and outer parts within which can be received the first part of means (c).
  • the first part of means (c) will in general have a larger cross- sectional size than that of a hole in the structural part. It could, however, be smaller and some catch be provided to prevent it passing entirely through the structural part. It may of course be located within a hole in the part, particularly within a tapered hole or a hole with a step-wise change in cross-section.
  • the sealing material preferably comprises a gel.
  • a liquid-extended polymer composition preferably having a cone penetration value (measured by a version of ASTM D217) within the range from 30-400 (10" ⁇ mm); an ultimate elongation (measured by ASTM D412) greater than 100% with substantial elastic deformation to an elongation of at least 100%.
  • Two or more gels or other materials of different properties may be used together, for example a softer gel to provide a seal and a harder gel to locate the softer gel and to apply pressure to it.
  • Gels may be made from a variety of materials, for example oil extended polyurethanes or from silicones. We prefer, however, oil- extended block copolymers. Reference may be made to US 3676387 (Lindlof), US 3827999 (Crossland), US 4176240 (Sabia), US 4369284 (Chen), and WO 88/00603 (Raychem).
  • compositions may be made comprising at least 400, preferably at least 500, more preferably at least 700, especially 650- 750 parts by weight of an extender liquid such as a plasticizing oil per 100 parts by weight of a block copolymer.
  • Preferred block copolymers comprise hard and elastomeric blocks, and suitable polymers comprise styrene - ethylenebutylene - styrene tri-block copolymers. Suitable examples are marketed by Shell under its trademark Kraton, in particular Kraton G1651. Other block copolymers may be used, and in general we prefer a polymer having hard and elastomeric blocks and having a molecular weight from 250,000 to 270,000. Further details of preferred materials may be obtained from WO 90/05401 (Raychem), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Figure 1 shows a prior art splice case
  • Figure 2 shows a prior art means for transmitting axial load
  • Figure 3 shows a new means for transmitting axial load
  • Figure 4 shows the means of Figure 3 installed in a splice case
  • Figure 5 shows a wrap-around version of the means of Figure
  • Figures 6A, 6B and 6C show installation and use of the means of Figure 3;
  • Figure 7 shows several means for transmitting axial load moulded as an integral piece.
  • Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the prior art and are taken from WO 90/05401 (Raychem).
  • a splice case 1 has been installed around a splice 2 between telecommunications cables 3.
  • Seals at each end of the splice case are formed from a structural member 4 and a sealing material 5, such as a gel.
  • the structural member may comprise first and second end pieces 6, 7 between which is positioned a sealing material. These end pieces may be brought together by a bolt 8 carrying a spring.
  • the seals at each end of the splice case are bridged by a central part 9.
  • Figure 2 shows a means 10 for transmitting axial load from cables 3 to a structural member 4, such as that illustrated in Figure 1.
  • the means 10 comprises a flange 11 that is bolted to the structural member 4, together with hose clamps 12 that are tightened around the cables and in turn connected to the flange 11. In this way axial load on the cables of Figure 1 can be transmitted through the splice case rather than through the conductors and connectors of the splice.
  • a new means 10 for transmitting axial cable load is illustrated in Figure 3. It is easy to install and need not require modification (such as the provision of threaded screw holes) of a structural member with which it is used. It comprises a first part 13, preferably in the form of a collar, second part 14, preferably in the form of legs, that can be fixed to a cable (for example with a tie wrap), and a third part 15 that can provide a flexible connection between the first and second parts. Preferably the third part can cause self-tightening of the means 10 onto the cable.
  • the means 10 preferably comprises polypropylene, and it is preferably resiliently deformable so that deformation produced by axial cable pull is reversed when the cable is relaxed. Means 10 can therefore be reusable.
  • Figure 4 shows the means 10 installed at an end seal of the splice case of Figure 1.
  • a tie wrap is used to hold the first parts 14 against the cable 3, but it is omitted from the drawing for clarity.
  • the first part 13 can be seen to have a larger cross-sectional size than a hole in the structural member through which the cable 3 passes.
  • the structural part of the right hand end seal of Figure 1 may comprise an inner part and an outer annulus that surrounds it, a hole for the cable being provided between the inner part and the annulus.
  • the edge of the annulus may be recessed relative to that of the inner part (or vice versa), and the first part 13 of means 10 may have an extension part way around its circumference to match such a recess.
  • the means 10 of Figure 3 has such an extension.
  • the means 10 is preferably of wrap-around design in order that it be installable around a cable without access to the cable end.
  • the first part 13 has means for locking the part 13 in the wrapped around configuration, and an example of such means is illustrated as interlocking projections 16 in Figure 5.
  • Means 10 is shown being installed and resisting axial cable pull in Figures 6 A, 6B and 6C.
  • Figure 6 A means 10 has been positioned around cable 3.
  • the second part 15 can be seen to have a roughened, adhesive, or serrated surface 17 to aid fixing to the cables.
  • Figure 6B the second parts 15 have been secured to the cable by means of a tie wrap 18.
  • the cable is then subjected to axial pull as shown by the arrow 19.
  • the third parts 14 can deform as shown by the arrows 20 in Figure 6C to cause the means 10 to self -tighten onto the cable.
  • the legs may be stiff, at least relative to a join region between them and the first part and/or between them and the second part.
  • a living hinge or other means of pivoting provided for example by a line of weakness, may be provided between the third part and either of both of the other parts. In this way, axial loads could be transmitted without significant bending if desired. A self-tightening action could still result.
  • the means for transmitting axial load illustrated in figure 7 can be bent, folded or otherwise deformed to deal with four cables. Similar means may be made for other numbers of cables such as 2, 3, 5 or 6.
  • the means may comprise a backbone 21 and several first parts 22 that can abut or engage a structural member, several second parts 15 that can engage a cable, and several third parts 14 that can deform.
  • the second parts may have serrations or other deformations that extend in each of two directions to allow the means to transmit axial load in each of those two directions.

Landscapes

  • Cable Accessories (AREA)
  • Installation Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
  • Processing Of Terminals (AREA)
  • Insulated Conductors (AREA)

Abstract

Dispositif servant à produire un élément d'étanchéité à l'environnement autour d'un câble (3), et comprenant: a) un élément structural (4) pouvant entourer le câble, b) un matériau d'étanchéité permettant de fermer hermétiquement un espace entre le câble (3) et l'élément structural (4) et c) un élément (10) permettant de transmettre une charge axiale agissant sur le câble (3) à l'élément structural (4), cet élément (10) (c) comprenant: (i) une première partie (13) aboutissant contre l'élément structural (4), (ii) une seconde partie (14) pouvant être fixée au câble (3) et (iii) une troisième partie (15) produisant un raccordement souple entre les première et seconde parties et/ou permettant à l'élément (10) (c) de se resserrer automatiquement autour du câble (3) en réponse à la charge axiale exercée sur le câble (3).
EP19920910852 1991-06-06 1992-05-28 Dispositif d'etancheite pour cables Withdrawn EP0587621A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB91121830 1991-06-06
GB919112183A GB9112183D0 (en) 1991-06-06 1991-06-06 Cable sealing
GB91200584 1991-09-19
GB919120058A GB9120058D0 (en) 1991-09-19 1991-09-19 Cable sealing

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0587621A1 true EP0587621A1 (fr) 1994-03-23

Family

ID=26299025

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19920910852 Withdrawn EP0587621A1 (fr) 1991-06-06 1992-05-28 Dispositif d'etancheite pour cables

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0587621A1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH06507778A (fr)
AU (1) AU1772892A (fr)
MX (1) MX9202685A (fr)
WO (1) WO1992022113A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5502282A (en) * 1993-08-11 1996-03-26 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Sleeve head for a cable sleeve having a seal insert composed of elastic material
US5446823A (en) * 1994-01-26 1995-08-29 Raychem Corporation Aerial, pedestal, below grade, or buried optical fiber closure
JP2879011B2 (ja) * 1996-05-08 1999-04-05 トーマス アンド ベッツ コーポレーション 電気ケーブルの細長いスプライス部を密封する方法と装置
FR2758017B1 (fr) * 1996-12-30 1999-02-05 Sarl Mercure Innovation Protection d'epissure pour cables
DE202006008655U1 (de) 2006-05-30 2006-08-03 CCS Technology, Inc., Wilmington Kabelmuffe zur strukturierten Ablage bzw. Handhabung von in Lichtwellenleiterkabeln geführten Lichtwellenleitern
DE202006008654U1 (de) 2006-05-30 2006-08-03 CCS Technology, Inc., Wilmington Kabelmuffe zur strukturierten Ablage bzw. Handhabung von in Lichtwellenleiterkabeln geführten Lichtwellenleitern
ITMI20081082A1 (it) 2008-06-16 2009-12-17 Optotec Spa Dispositivo per sigillare cavi attraverso contenitori per fibre ottiche e contenitore comprendente tale dispositivo
CN202094558U (zh) * 2011-01-27 2011-12-28 中兴通讯股份有限公司 过线盒
WO2014035611A1 (fr) * 2012-08-30 2014-03-06 3M Innovative Properties Company Plateau d'épissure de fibres optiques fermé de façon étanche
CA2901148A1 (fr) * 2013-02-19 2014-08-28 Tyco Electronics Raychem Bvba Boitier re-entrable, et configuration pour son montage
JP6811034B2 (ja) * 2016-06-10 2021-01-13 コーニング リサーチ アンド ディヴェロップメント コーポレイション クロージャの補修構造体、及びクロージャの補修方法

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE7042100U (de) * 1970-11-13 1971-03-18 Krone Gmbh Kabelabfangvorrichtung fur in Muffen, Gehäuse od dgl eingeführte Fernmeldekabel
DE2144690A1 (de) * 1971-09-02 1973-03-08 Siemens Ag Kabelgarnitur mit laengsgeteiltem gehaeuse aus kunststoff
US3749818A (en) * 1971-09-30 1973-07-31 Heyman Mfg Co Electric cord stress relief combined with a strain relief grommet
TR24079A (tr) * 1988-11-09 1991-03-01 Raychem Sa Nv Kapama duezenegi

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9222113A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1992022113A1 (fr) 1992-12-10
MX9202685A (es) 1993-09-01
JPH06507778A (ja) 1994-09-01
AU1772892A (en) 1993-01-08

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