DE3118173A1 - Pressurised cable arrangement containing optical fibres and having an in-line (straight) cable closure - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressurised cable arrangement containing optical fibres and having an in-line cable closure. The object is to provide a cable arrangement and, in particular, an in-line cable closure for such arrangements which can be used universally and are easy to assemble, but offer maximum reliability and ease of maintenance. The essence of the invention is that the housing of the in-line cable closure is configured in a pressure-resistant and pressure-proof fashion, each inserted cable which is not pressurised extends through a feedthrough which is cast in a pressure-resistant manner, and each inserted optical fibre end is laid in a separate and closed chamber. The invention is chiefly applied for laying optical fibre cables even under difficult conditions.

Description

Pressurized gas-monitored cables containing fiber optics

arrangement with connecting sleeve The invention relates to a light wave guide containing, pressurized gas-covered cable arrangement with connecting sleeve.

Joint sleeves in such cable arrangements must have a number of requirements that arise mainly from the mechanical sensitivity of the introduced optical waveguides and which are tightened by the fact that an optical fiber connection is generally not made inside a sleeve can be. From this it follows that much larger lengths of optical waveguide crn must be housed clearly and with easy access in the socket housing than, for example, with conventional telecommunication cable sleeves. Additional problems result when cables monitored by compressed gas in such a sleeve are not monitored by compressed gas should be connected, since cables containing optical fibers are difficult Have it sealed against pressurized gas.

A connecting sleeve for connecting two ends of fiber optic cables is known, each containing at least one fiber for guiding light signals, which sleeve contains at least one device with means for canceling reserve lengths of optical fibers and with at least one Guide to pick up a welded joint of two ends of the optical fiber is provided, in which the device one for each pair of ends of optical fibers to be coupled Contains elongated, flat, stackable container with a recess for receiving a welded connection between two ends and at both ends of the recess with a storage space for recording the reserve length belonging to one end is (DE-OS 30 01 020).

This prior art does not contain any advice on solving the problems the cable assemblies contained in the pressure gas monitoring of optical waveguides develop. The proposed holder for the connection point of the optical fibers and for the reserve lengths have the disadvantage that each optical fiber is only so long be placed in the space provided for taking up reserve lengths can, as long as this receiving space is open laterally, so the insertion can can only be done during the assembly of a stack of holders. Another disadvantage can be seen in the fact that a bolt goes centrally through all brackets, which the Release of the recorded length is very largely limited.

Also known is an optical fiber with a storage element that can be lined up for limited lengths of optical fibers, wherein the storage element consists of a plate-shaped Housing with a recess receiving the optical fiber, with a an inlet channel molded onto the recess and with one also molded onto it Outlet channel, and wherein the recess is covered by either a cover plate or by a surface of a second storage element housing, wherein the recess is approximately omega-shaped, the depth of the recess is less than twice Diameter of the optical fiber to be stored, but larger than the single diameter the optical fiber, and wherein the insertion channel the return of the optical fiber Is designed inhibiting and the outlet channel in the extension of the inlet channel lies (DE-GM 80 24 070).

In this document is an advantageous storage element with saehreren Embodiments described, but it does not contain any indication of the appropriate Arrangement of such elements in cable joints of the type described.

The invention is based on the object of containing an optical waveguide Cable arrangement and in particular a connecting sleeve for such arrangements create that can be used universally and is easy to assemble, but the largest possible Offers security and good maintainability even in the event of repairs and changes.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the housing the connecting sleeve is designed pressure-tight and pressure-tight that each in the housing Introduced cable that is not pressurized through a pressure-tight encapsulated Implementation runs, and that each optical fiber end inserted into the housing is stored in a separate and closed chamber.

The advantages that can be achieved with the invention consist in particular that a relatively large part of the individual parts of commercially available pressure-resistant connecting sleeves, For example, Thermopiast clamping sleeves can be used, thereby making the production a cable connection is inexpensive. Another advantage is to be seen in that practically every known and every conceivable type of cable construction in the Sleeve can be introduced and reliably sealed pressure-tight.

Another advantage is that each optical fiber end inserted well protected against all external influences during assembly and yet at all times is easily accessible for changes or repairs without searching.

In one embodiment of the invention, there is each pressure-resistant cast Feedthrough for a cable that is not monitored by compressed gas from a to an end wall pressure-tight inserted, pierced multiple stepped sleeve, wherein the part of the sleeve adjacent to the outside of the end wall with the cable is connected by a shrink tube and that of the inside of the front wall adjacent part of the sleeve to a sealing space encapsulated with a potting compound is extended for the remote end of the cable.

This configuration has the advantage that the sleeves are mass-produced For each type of cable can be used that prefabricated, provided with sleeves and ready-cast cable ends can be introduced and that a high level of security against pressure loss; is achieved.

In a further embodiment, the lock space is open by a the sleeve part is enlarged tube and through a cover with passages closed for the fiber optic ends.

This configuration is particularly advantageous for cable types which have a tensile jacket that must be included in the casting.

Also considered to be inventive is an embodiment in which the Part of the potting compound penetrating into the cable becomes gel-like after the reaction Resin is and wherein the remaining part of the potting compound is a hardening casting resin is.

This configuration has the advantage that the coming out of the sleeve Cable ends remain flexible, but are still sealed pressure-tight.

For commercially available thermoplastic clamping sleeves with transversely divided end walls An embodiment of the invention is suitable in which the pressure-resistant cast Bushings are attached in the bottom of a cup-shaped insert that is pressure-resistant inserted into a standard, cross-section end wall for thermoplastic clamping sleeves is.

This configuration saves the production of special end walls and enables the invention to be used in a variety of commercially available Sleeve housings.

For the same purpose, it is advantageous that the interior a cup-shaped insert as a common locking space for several not monitored by compressed gas Cable designed, closed with a lid and encapsulated with resin.

This configuration is particularly suitable when a relatively large Number of cables not monitored by pressurized gas, for example in a splitting sleeve should be introduced and poured pressure-tight on the construction site. It is not applicable thus the casting of each individual cable end.

The mechanical sensitivity of fiber optic ends contributes Another embodiment of the invention bill, be-i of the chambers as a series Storage elements for limited lengths of optical fibers are formed, consisting from plate-shaped housings with omega-shaped recesses, the depth of which is smaller is than twice, but larger than the single diameter of the one to be deposited Optical fiber, with molded, the return of the optical fiber inhibiting Inlet channels and outlet channels extending in their extension, the Recesses either through cover plates or through further storage element housings are covered.

In larger sleeves it is advantageous to use the housing of the storage elements to be arranged in at least two rows so that there is space between the rows for the Recording of the splice or plug-in connections emerging from the outlet channels Optical fiber remains.

For smaller sleeves, it is more advantageous to use the housing of the storage elements to be arranged in at least one row in such a way that two to be connected to one another Fiber optic ends in side by side located, reversed housings assembled to one another are stored and the connection of the two To fasten optical fiber ends on the narrow side of a housing in such a way that it lies approximately on the center line between the outlet ducts of the two housings. The advantage of these memory elements and their arrangements can be seen in the fact that those for making a splice or a connection outside the closure required lengths of optical fibers both before and after manufacture the connection can be stored reliably protected without the danger of impermissibly small bending radii or even breaks.

Another advantage is that each end of the fiber optic cable can be clearly identified without searching.

Examples of embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are described in more detail below. 12S show: FIG. 1 a cable arrangement with connecting sleeve in longitudinal section. Fig. 2 shows a cast bushing in longitudinal section 3 shows an end wall with a cup-shaped insert in section. FIG. 4 shows an end wall with potting space ur several cables in section Fig. 5, two storage elements with in between arranged connection point Fig. 5 two storage elements arranged side by side with attached connection point.

In Fig. 1 is an example in a schematic representation of an optical waveguide containing cable arrangement with a connecting sleeve 1, monitored by the pressurized gas Cable 3 and the cables 4 not monitored by compressed gas are shown. The housing 2 of the sleeve 1 consists of the tubular outer wall 2a, for example, a commercially available, transversely divided end wall 2e and 2e and which are not equipped with a multi-chamber sealing system for example Metal made end wall 2b. Both End walls are provided with sealing grooves at the handling, in which an annular sealing strip is inserted, which seals the end walls 2b and 2c with the housing 2a in a pressure-tight manner. Both end walls 2b and 2c are connected to fastening tongues 19 and 20, which are in turn held in their position by connecting pieces 21.

The socket housing 2 is thus pressure-tight in a manner known per se executed. The pressure monitored cable in the example is also known introduced with sealing compound through the transversely divided end wall 2c. The one in the cable Gas pressure generated for monitoring purposes also prevails in the socket housing, see above that this is also connected to the monitoring. oll of such a thing Socket housing cables 4 that are not subject to pressure gas monitoring are connected, your connection must be pressure-tight and pressure-resistant. This is done in the example the feedthroughs 5 inserted into the end wall 2b and described in detail later The fiber optic ends 6, 7 and leading from the remote cable 3 8 are stored in chambers 15, i6 and 17, as are those leading from a cable 4 Optical fiber ends 9, 10 and 11 in chambers 12, 13 and 14. Between the rows of the chambers 12 to 17, the connection points 18 of the optical waveguides are indicated.

In Fig. 2 is a pressure-tight and pressure-resistant potted passage 5 for a cable 4 shown schematically in section through an end edge 2b. the Implementation 5 consists of a pierced and repeatedly stepped sleeve 22, whose approach 23 with the inserted sealing ring 24 on the inside 2d of the end wall 2b and its end protruding through the end wall 2b has an external thread 25 carries, on which a nut 26 is screwed, making the sleeve 22 pressure-tight is inserted into the end wall 2b. In the one adjacent to the outside 2e of the end wall 2b Part 27, the through-hole the cable 4 is inserted and over a shrink tubing 29, the Approach 28 overlaps, tightly closed. In which the Inner wall 2d adjacent part 30 of the sleeve 22 is the through hole for the stepped Part 33 of the cable 4 is expanded and filled with a potting compound 31. In the same Figure also shows an embodiment in which over the part 30 of the sleeve 22 a tube 34 is placed, which is closed by a cover 36 and thus forms an enlarged potting space 35.

The cover 36 only has bushings for the fiber optic ends 9 and 10. At least the enlarged casting space 35 is coated with a hardening casting resin shed. The potting compound 31, which can partially penetrate into the cable 4, can if necessary, a resin in gel form after the reaction in order to improve the flexibility of the the cable 4 coming out of the sleeve not to be impaired.

In Fig. 3, a cup-shaped insert 38 is shown schematically in section, the pressure-resistant in a commercially available, transversely divided end wall 2c for thermoplastic clamping sleeves In itself, this insertion can be carried out in the same known manner Wrapping the outer wall of the insert 38 with sealing material and indenting it the multi-chamber sealing system of the end wall 2c take place, as is also the case with conventional telecommunication cables is handled. To an unintentional or under the pressure gradually to prevent the insert 38 from being displaced against the end wall 2c the insert 38 drawn in the example with annular lugs that indicate its location fix. In the bottom 37 of the insert 38 there are two pressure-resistant cast in the example Implementations 5 used, as described previously. Through the bushings 5 the cables 4 are inserted into the sleeve housing, where the optical fiber ends 9, 10 and 11 can be further processed as previously described. The connection approach 20 has already been shown and described with the same reference numerals in FIG. 1. In 4, in which corresponding parts have the same reference numerals as in FIGS previously described figures, an embodiment of the insert 38 is shown, in which the interior 40 as a common locking space for several remote cables 4 is designed. It is provided with a cover 39 with bushings for the fiber optic ends 9, 10 and 11 completed and poured with a potting compound. This design makes it possible to use a larger number of cables 4 not monitored by compressed gas easy to introduce into a socket and pressure-tight with a potting process complete.

In Fig. 5 are in a simplified representation and more natural Size two rows of storage elements made of plate-shaped housings 41 with eta omega-shaped Recesses 42 are shown. They are mirror images of each other on profile rails 46 attached, as they are generally known from installation technology. The housing 41 have profiled noses for this purpose, as are also found on installation devices are known. The advantages of the design of the omega-shaped recesses 42 with the Inlet channels 43 and the outlet channels 44 can be seen if, for example followed the path of an optical fiber end 6. The end 6 is made by the easy corrugated insertion channel 43 inserted into the recess 42 and through the funnel-shaped Design of the outlet channel 44 led out again almost in a straight line. Almost the The entire available length of the end 6 is then available behind the outlet channel 44 and can be used to produce the compound 18 with the treated in the same way Optical fiber end 9 can be used. Is the connection 18, for example through Welding in a device a little outside of the socket housing and sliding over a shrink tube is made, the two adjacent lengths of the Optical fibers 6 and 9 pushed back through the outlet channels 44 and lay down now, due to the design of the omega-shaped recesses 42 and the return line inhibiting insertion channels 43 in loop form, similar to that shown in FIG are in the recesses 42. It can be seen in this way Lengths of about 50 cm can be accommodated without the risk of an impermissible small bending radius or even a break off. It can also be seen that almost the entire length mentioned is available again for repairs and measurements stands. Since each optical fiber end inserted into a sleeve is in a separate Storage element is housed, which can be labeled if necessary, every single end can be reached at any time without searching and ironing on. In the in Fig. 5 shown arrangement, it is recommended that the connection points 18 in one Receiving fitting 45 to be set detachably. It can also be seen that the number of Optical fiber ends that can be clearly stored in a sleeve only through the The number of storage elements that can be accommodated in terms of space is limited.

In Fig. 6 is a particularly space-saving arrangement of the one already described Storage elements shown schematically.

Here two plate-shaped housings 41a and 41b are reversed to one another assembled so that their two outlet channels 44a and 44b are on the same Side of the block formed in this way. Introducing the fiber optic ends 6 and 9 through the introduction channels 43a and 43b takes place in the same way as already described. After making the connection 18 of the two from the outlet channels 44a and 44b protruding optical fiber ends are converted into the omega-shaped Recesses pushed back and the connection 18 is expediently to be glued on or molded holders. With this arrangement, it is recommended that the two adjacent omega-shaped recesses through one between the housing 41a and 41b inserted plastic film or by a rigid cover plate from each other to be separated if the greatest possible security against tangling of the two fiber optic cable ends to be achieved with each other.

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Claims (9)

Claims: 1. Optical fiber-containing, pressurized gas-monitored cable arrangement with connecting sleeve, that a) the housing (2a, b, c,) the connecting sleeve (1) is designed to be pressure-resistant and pressure-tight, B) each in the housing (2) introduced cable (4), which is not monitored by compressed gas a pressure-tight cast bushing (5) runs and C) each in the housing (2) introduced optical fiber end (6-11) in a separate and closed Chamber (12-17) is deposited. 2. Cable arrangement according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that A) each pressure-tight cast bushing (5) for one that is not monitored by pressure gas Cable (4) from a pressure-tight inserted into an end wall (2b), drilled through, multiple stepped sleeve (22) consists, B) that of the outside (2e) of the end wall (2b) adjacent part (28) of the sleeve (22) with the cable (4) through a shrink tube (29) is connected, and C) that of the inside (2d) of the end wall (2b) adjacent Part (30) of the sleeve (22) to form a sealing space encapsulated with a potting compound (31) (32) is expanded for the remote end (33) of the cable (4). 3. Cable arrangement according to claim 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n -z e i c h n e t that A) the closure space (32) by a mounted on the sleeve part (30) Tube (34) enlarged and B) through a cover (36) with openings for the fiber optic ends (9, 10) is closed. 4. Eabel arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n It does not indicate that the part of the potting compound penetrates into the cable (4) (31) is a resin in gel form after the reaction and the remainder is the potting compound (31) is a hardening casting resin. 5. Cable arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, d a d u r c h it is not noted that the pressure-resistant encapsulated bushings (5) are in the Bottom (37) of a cup-shaped insert (38) are attached, * the pressure-resistant in a commercially available, transversely divided end wall (2c) for thermoplastic clamping sleeves (1) is used (Fig. 3). 6. Cable arrangement according to claim 5, d a d u r c h g e k e n n -z eii c h n e t that the interior (40) of a cup-shaped insert (38) as common Locking space designed for several non-pressure gas monitored cables (4), with one Lid (39) is closed and cast with resin. (Fig. 4). 7. Cable arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, d a d u r c h it is noted that the chambers (12-17) are stackable storage elements for limited lengths of optical fibers (6-11) are formed, consisting of plate-shaped housings (41) with omega-shaped recesses (42), the depth of which is smaller is than twice, but larger than the single diameter of the one to be deposited Optical fiber (6-11), with molded, the return of the optical fiber (6 + 9) obstructive insertion channels (43) and in their extension Outlet channels (44), the recesses (42) either by cover plates or are covered by further storage element housings (41) (Fig. 5). 8. Cable arrangement according to claim 7, d a d u r c h g e k e n n -z e i c h n e t that the housing (41) of the storage elements in at least two rows are arranged such that between the rows there is space for the receptacle (45) of the Splice or plug connections (18) of the optical waveguides emerging from the outlet channels (44) (6-11) remains (Fig. 5). 9. Cable arrangement nanh claim 7, d a d u r c h g e k e n n -z e i c h n e t that the housing (41) of the storage elements in at least one row are arranged such that two optical fiber ends to be connected to one another (6, 9) in juxtaposed, laterally reversed to each other assembled Housings (41a, b) are stored, and that the connection (18) of the two optical fiber ends (6, 9) is attached to the narrow side of a housing (41b) such that it is about on the connecting line between the outlet channels (44a, b) of the two housings (41a, b) (Figs. 6 and 7).