METHOD FOR THE SEVERANCE OF AN ELECTRICAL POWER CABLE, OR OF A STRAND SECTION, DEVICE THEREFOR, AS WELL AS CUTTING DEVICE

Abstract

A device is used to sever an electrical power cable for the transmission of high voltage. The cable has an insulation sheath, a screening layer and a conductive layer. The device includes a first frame having a first cutting blade mounted thereon, a second frame, and a measuring device mounted on the second frame. The first cutting blade is movable relative to the measuring device. The measuring device is capable of measuring an electrical load on the electrical power cable and capable of terminating the severing of the electrical power cable. A method of using the device is also provided.

Claims

1. A device used to sever an electrical power cable for the transmission of high voltage, the electrical power cable having an insulation sheath, a screening layer and a conductive layer, comprising: a first frame; a first cutting blade carried by the first frame; a second frame connected to the first frame and defining a cavity therebetween; a second cutting blade carried by the second frame; and a measuring device carried by the second frame, the measuring device comprising a probe protruding outwardly from the second cutting blade and into the cavity, the first cutting blade being movable relative to the measuring device, the measuring device capable of measuring an electrical load on the electrical power cable and capable of terminating the severing of the electrical power cable.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the measuring device is further capable of outputting a signal to a user of the device, the signal being optical, acoustic, or electrical signal.

3-4. (canceled)

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the probe comprises a conductive spike partially surrounded by an insulative sheath the conductive spike capable of penetrating the insulation sheath of the electrical power cable.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the measuring device further comprises an evaluation and/or transmission controller in communication with the probe.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the evaluation and/or transmission controller is remote from the probe.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the evaluation and/or transmission controller is carried by the second frame.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the second cutting blade is opposed to the first cutting blade.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second frames can be opened relative to each other.

11. The device of claim 10, further comprising a lock for locking the first and second frames into a closed position.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a sensor for sensing whether the lock is open or closed.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a first sensor carried by the first cutting blade, and a second sensor carried by the second frame, the sensor being capable of determining the position of the first cutting blade.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the first sensor is one of a magnet, an RFID unit, and a reflector unit.

15. The device of claim 1, further comprising a positioning part carried by one of the frames, the positioning part capable of moving the electrical power cable to a central position between the first and second frames.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the positioning part is pivotally carried by the one frame.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the positioning part translates in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the first cutting blade.

18. A method of severing an electrical power cable for the transmission of high voltage, comprising: providing an electrical power cable having an insulation sheath, a screening layer and a conductive layer; providing a device for cutting the electrical power cable comprising a first frame, a first cutting blade carried by the first frame, a second frame connected to the first frame and defining a cavity therebetween, a second cutting blade carried by the second frame, the first and second cutting blades defining a cutting plane, and a measuring device carried by the second frame, the measuring device comprising a probe protruding outwardly from the second cutting blade and into the cavity, the probe being offset from the first cutting blade; moving the first cutting blade and measuring device relative to the second frame and the second cutting blade into engagement with the electrical power cable; penetrating the insulation sheath with the probe in a plane which is offset from the cutting plane; cutting the insulation sheath with the first cutting blade; electrically coupling the measuring device with the conductive layer; electrically coupling the first cutting blade with the screening layer; using the measuring device to measure the electrical load on the electrical power cable; and outputting a signal from the measuring device if an electrical load is measured.

19. The method as defined in claim 18, wherein the signal is an optical, acoustic, or electrical signal.

20. The method as defined in claim 18, wherein the measuring device is repeatedly used to measure the electrical load on the electrical power cable as the electrical power cable is being cut.

21. The method as defined in claim 18, wherein if an electrical load is measured, then further comprising: automatically terminating the cutting of the electrical power cable.

22. The method as defined in claim 18, further comprising: providing an adapter; and mounting the electrical power cable into the adapter prior to inserting the electrical power cable into the device.

23. The method as defined in claim 22, wherein during the cutting, the adapter is cut.

24. The method as defined in claim 18, further comprising: determining the position of the cutting blade.

25. The method as defined in claim 18, further comprising: moving the electrical power cable to a central position between the first and second frames prior to cutting the electrical power cable.

26-33. (canceled)

34. A method for the severance of an electrical power cable, for the transmission of high voltage, and has an insulation sheath and also a screening layer, wherein during the severance of the cable a measurement is executed in terms of the electrical load on the cable by a measuring device, and in the event of registering an electrical load a signal is outputted from the measuring device.

35. The method in accordance with claim 34, wherein the signal is an optical, acoustic, or electrical signal.

36. The method in accordance with claim 34, wherein the measurement is executed with a measuring device connected with the cutting device.

37. The method in accordance with claim 34, wherein the measurement is executed repeatedly in the course of the severance.

38. The method in accordance with claim 34, wherein in the event of registering an impermissible electrical load on the cable by the signal the severance process is automatically terminated.

39-70. (canceled)

71. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second cutting blades define a cutting plane, the probe being offset from the cutting plane.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] The disclosure is explained below by the enclosed drawing, which, however, only represents exemplary embodiments. A part, which is only explained with respect to one of the exemplary embodiments and which is not replaced by a different part in the case of a further exemplary embodiment due to the characteristic highlighted therein, is thus also described as a part, which might at least be possible for this further exemplary embodiment.

[0077] FIG. 1 shows a device for the severance of an electrical power cable in the form of a cutting device in the use state;

[0078] FIG. 2 shows the device in perspective illustration relating to an initial position;

[0079] FIG. 3 shows a perspective rear view for this;

[0080] FIG. 4 shows the device in side view;

[0081] FIG. 5 shows the device in bottom view;

[0082] FIG. 6 shows the device in a perspective exploded illustration;

[0083] FIG. 7 shows an illustration, which corresponds to FIG. 4, comprising a strand section to be severed in the form of a power cable;

[0084] FIG. 8 shows an illustration, which corresponds to FIG. 7, but in the course of the cutting process;

[0085] FIG. 9 shows the perspective section along line IX-IX in FIG. 4;

[0086] FIG. 10 shows the enlargement of the region X in FIG. 9;

[0087] FIG. 11 shows an illustration, which corresponds to FIG. 3, but after complete severance of the strand section;

[0088] FIG. 12 shows a movable cutting blade of the device in a perspective individual illustration;

[0089] FIG. 13 shows an illustration, which corresponds to FIG. 2, relating to a further embodiment with open cutting head;

[0090] FIG. 14 shows a view of a further embodiment of the device;

[0091] FIG. 15 shows a view of the device in a further embodiment;

[0092] FIG. 16 shows an adapter for surrounding a strand-shaped item to be cut in a perspective individual illustration;

[0093] FIG. 17 shows an illustration, which corresponds to FIG. 4, of the device prior to severance of a strand-shaped item to be cut in the form of a power cable, which is provided with the adapter;

[0094] FIG. 18 shows an illustration, which corresponds to FIG. 17, but relating to the cutting or test position, respectively, according to FIG. 8;

[0095] FIG. 19 shows the adapter in a further embodiment;

[0096] FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of an electrical probe according to a further aspect;

[0097] FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of an electrical probe according to yet another aspect;

[0098] FIGS. 22A and 22B show a cross-sectional views of an electrical probe according to yet an even further aspect; and

[0099] FIGS. 22C and 22D show top plan views of the electrical probe of FIGS. 22A and 22B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] A device 1 in the form of a hydraulic cutting device 2 for the severance of a strand-shaped item to be cut 3, in particular a strand section 4, and, as illustrated, a power cable 5, is illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 1. Insofar as reference is made below to the power cable 5, the disclosure is also relevant for a strand-shaped item to be cut or a strand section, respectively, insofar as a voltage admission, as might possibly be present in the case of the electrical power cable, is not important. The electrical power cable 5 is a high voltage power cable.

[0101] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a situation, in which the power cable 5, which is to be severed, is installed as item to be cut 3 in an exposed trench 6.

[0102] The cutting device 2 can be remotely controlled, by a control device 7, which is hydraulically and, if applicable, also electrically connected with the cutting device 2. A connecting dielectric hydraulic hose is provided with reference numeral 8.

[0103] The control device 7 has at least one activation switch 9. By actuating the activation switch 9, an electrically actuated hydraulic pump is activated in the control device 7 for conveying hydraulic oil from a hydraulic reservoir into a piston chamber, which is provided in the cutting device 2.

[0104] The hydraulic pump moves a piston 10 in the cutting device 2. A movable cutting blade 11 is fastened to the piston 10.

[0105] The cutting device 2 or the device 1, respectively, has a cutting head 12. It is formed in a frame-like manner for encompassing the item to be cut 3. The cutting head 12 includes a stationary frame section 13 and a frame section 14, which are pivotally connected to each other. The frame section 14 defines a pivotable frame section 14. The frame section 14 may be at least partially formed of a plate which is generally U-shaped such that an opening is defined. The frame section 13 may be formed of a pair of plates which are joined together such that an essentially forked layout is defined. The plates of frame section 13 may be generally U-shaped such that an opening is defined. The frame section 14 seats between the plates forming the frame section 13 and the openings face each other.

[0106] The stationary frame section 13 is connected to a handling section 15, in which, among others, the afore-described piston 10 is arranged so as to be linearly shiftable such that the piston 10 is movable relative to the stationary frame section 13.

[0107] First and second cutting blades 11, 16 are arranged in the cutting head 12. The cutting blade 11 has a cutting edge 17. The cutting blade 16 has a cutting edge 18. The movable cutting blade 11, which is connected with the piston 10, is attached to and guided within the stationary frame section 13. The stationary cutting blade 16 is attached to and guided within the pivotable frame section 14. The cutting blades 11, 16 face each other, but are laterally offset from each other.

[0108] The movable cutting blade 11 can be displaced relative to the stationary cutting blade 16 along a cutting plane E, see FIG. 5.

[0109] With respect to the cutting plane E, the cutting blades 11, 16 (see FIG. 5, in which the cutting plane E is illustrated as a line) are arranged laterally offset relative to one another. The cutting blades 11, 16 can be moved past one another in this manner. The movable cutting blade 11 is moved past the stationary cutting blade 16 to the extent that the cutting edges 17, 18 overlap for complete severance of an item to be cut 3.

[0110] The pivotable frame section 14 is attached to the stationary frame section 13 so as to be capable of being pivoted about a bolt 19 which defines an axis x, see FIG. 5. The axis x is oriented vertically to the cutting plane E. For this purpose, an end of the pivotable frame section 14 seats between the plates of the stationary frame section 13. The pivotable mount is provided by the bolt 19, which extends through the plates of the stationary frame section 13 and the assigned end of the pivotable frame section 14.

[0111] Due to the pivotability of the frame section 14 and the stationary cutting blade 16 mounted thereon, a cutting process, in which the cutting head 12 is initially placed around the item to be cut 13 when the cutting head 12 is pivoted, can in particular be executed in the case of a very long item to be cut 3 and/or as a function of the locality, for example in the case of an installed power cable 5.

[0112] As a result of pivoting the frame section 14 back into a position in which the cutting edge 18 of the stationary cutting blade 16 is located opposite to the cutting edge 17 of the movable cutting blade 11 in the direction of displacement r thereof, the cutting head 12 is closed after this.

[0113] The operating position shown in FIG. 2 can be fixed, for example, in a hold-open position.

[0114] In the disclosure, a locking bolt 20, which is oriented parallel to the bolt 19 and which can be displaced in axial direction of the bolt, serves this purpose.

[0115] The locking bolt 20 is held and guided in the stationary frame section 13 and has a handling collar 21, which can be seized manually.

[0116] In a locked position, the locking bolt 20 extends through a locking aperture 22 of the pivotable frame section 14 and has a free end which extends into a receiving hole 23 in one of the plates forming the stationary frame section 13.

[0117] The locking bolt 20 is spring-loaded towards this locked position.

[0118] An unlocking for releasing the pivotable frame section 14 can be attained by powerfully displacing the locking bolt 20 in axial direction thereof against the spring force, until the locking bolt 20 leaves the locking aperture 22 of the pivotable frame section 14. This allows the pivotable frame section 14 to pivot relative to the stationary frame section 13 around bolt 19 as shown in FIG. 13.

[0119] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the position of the locking bolt 20, in particular the locked position, can be registered in a sensory manner by registering the position of the free end of the locking bolt 20, which faces away from the handling collar 21, in the receiving hole 23. For this purpose, a corresponding sensor 24, see FIG. 13, can be arranged in the region of the receiving hole 23. This can be a proximity sensor or also a contact sensor.

[0120] Provision can furthermore be made on the stationary frame section 13 for a further handle 25.

[0121] The cutting device 2 or device 1, respectively, is provided with a measuring device 61 which includes an electrical measuring probe 26 and an evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 which are electrically connected together.

[0122] As is illustrated, the measuring probe 26 may be embodied as a spike 62 having an insulative sheath 64 surrounding the portions of which are to remain electrically isolated from the cutting device 2 or device 1, and a spike tip 65 having a portion thereof which remains exposed. The insulative sheath 64 may be formed of ceramic. The spike tip 65 is conductive. As shown in FIG. 10, the spike 62 has a cylindrical section 66 having a cone 67 attached to an end of the cylindrical section 66. The spike tip 65 is formed by part of the cone 67. The insulative sheath 64 surrounds the cylindrical section 66 and part of the cone 67. As shown in FIG. 20, the insulative sheath 64 only surrounds the cylindrical section 66 and the spike tip 65 is formed by the cone 67. In FIG. 21, the insulative sheath 64 extends along a majority of the cylindrical section 66, but leaves an outer shoulder 68 of the cylindrical section 66 exposed. The spike tip 65 is formed by the cone 67 and the shoulder 68. FIGS. 22A and 22B show that the spike 62 has a cylindrical section 66 having a protruding spike tip 65 formed therewith. The spike tip 65 has an outer surface 69 which is planar, a first pair of opposing side surfaces 70a, 70b which are radiused and curve inwardly from the cylindrical section 66 to the outer surface 69, and a second pair of opposing side surfaces 71a, 71b which follow along the line of an imaginary cylinder. The insulative sheath 64 surrounds the cylindrical section 66. The radiused side surfaces may follow a single radius or multiple radii which are joined together to form the respective side surface.

[0123] In the disclosure, the measuring probe 26 is provided on the pivotable frame section 14. The measuring probe 26 is arranged in a plane parallel to the cutting plane E, in particular facing the side of the stationary cutting blade 16, which faces away from the movable cutting blade 11.

[0124] The spike 62 of the measuring probe 26 is parallel to the cutting plane E. The spike 62 is oriented such that the spike 62 faces toward the stationary cutting blade 16 when the cutting head 12 is closed. The spike 62 may be provided in the center of the longitudinal extension of the cutting edge 18 of the cutting blade 16, wherein the spike 62 of the measuring probe 26 is directed in repositioning direction of the movable cutting blade 11 in the operating position, that is, when the cutting head 12 is closed.

[0125] The measuring probe 26, in particular the spike tip 65, projects freely beyond the cutting edge 18 of the cutting blade 16 into a cutting device aperture 27, which is formed between the cutting edges 18 when the cutting head 12 is closed and the cutting blades 11, 16 are not yet moved. Accordingly, the measuring probe 26, in particular the spike tip 65 thereof, is arranged upstream of the stationary cutting blade 16 in the course of a cutting process.

[0126] As shown, the measuring probe 26 is electrically connected with the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 via a line 28. The line 28 leads from the measuring probe 26 at least partially through the pivotable frame section 14, if applicable guided in a trough-like depression 30, which is embodied on a broadside of the pivotable frame section 14. While a line 28 is shown, it is to be understood that the measuring probe 26 may be electrically connected with the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 via a wireless connection.

[0127] The evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 includes, amongst other components, a transceiver, a processor, software, memory, digital logic, for carrying out its functions.

[0128] The evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 is fastened to the pivotable frame section 14, and may be fastened to the side of the stationary cutting blade 16, which faces away from the measuring probe 26.

[0129] The evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 can furthermore be positioned on the pivotable frame section 14 in such a manner that the movable cutting blade 11 moves underneath evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 in the course of a cutting process.

[0130] The evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 may have its own power supply. For this purpose, provision can be made in the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 for a battery or an accumulator, for example.

[0131] According to an aspect of the disclosure, the measuring probe 26, in particular the spike 62, which is electrically connected with the line 28, is embodied as electrical conductor, which is in contact with the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 via the line 28. A measuring value is registered in the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 and is evaluated to determine whether this measuring value corresponds to or exceeds a predetermined maximum. A signal, which is sent out via the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29, is generated as a function of the evaluation result.

[0132] The evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 can transfer the signal to a receiving controller 31, see FIG. 1, via radio. In the alternative, for example in the event of an additional electrical supply of the cutting device 2 via the control device 7, if applicable, the signal can also be forwarded to the control device 7 via an additionally provided data line or by modulation.

[0133] In the event of a radio transmission, the control device 7 has a corresponding receiving controller 31.

[0134] Furthermore, the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 can also evaluate a locking signal from the sensor 24. Provision can thus be made for a cutting process to be released only in the event of a generation of a corresponding locking signal which is generated when cutting head 12 is closed and is locked via locking bolt 20. In this case, the cutting device 2 can be activated via the activation switch 9 only by registering the locking signal transmitted via the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29.

[0135] A successful completion of the cutting process can also be detected by the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29. The end position of the movable cutting blade 11 illustrated in FIG. 11, for example, in which the cutting edge 17 of the movable cutting blade 11 is moved completely beyond the cutting edge 18 of the stationary cutting blade 16, can thus be detected. For this purpose, the movable cutting blade 11 can have a passive sensor 32, see FIG. 12, which can be interrogated by an active sensor 33, see FIG. 11, here by the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 12, the passive sensor 32 may be formed as a RFID unit, which is arranged on an edge surface of the movable cutting blade 11, which faces the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29.

[0137] The passive sensor 32 illustrated in FIG. 12 can also be a reflector unit, which reflects light emitted by the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 for the detection of the cutting blade position.

[0138] A correspondingly generated signal in the event of the registration of the passive sensor 32 triggers an optical or acoustic signal, for example, which conveys to the user that the cutting process has ended. In the alternative or as a combination to this, an automatic return of the movable cutting blade 11 can also be triggered.

[0139] A measurement with regard to the electrical load of the power cable 5 is executed by the measuring probe 26 in the course of the severance of a power cable 5 for the transmission of high voltage.

[0140] As best shown in FIG. 10, the power cable 5 has internal conductors 57, for example copper conductors, which are embodied for guiding voltage, which are embedded in an insulating material 58 and which are surrounded by it. As a whole, the conductors 57 and the insulating material 58 can be surrounded by an insulating layer 59 (for example including cross-linked polyethylene or rubber).

[0141] A conductive sheath 36 surrounds the outside of the insulating layer 59.

[0142] A screening layer 35 surrounds the outside of the conductive sheath 36. The screening layer can include, for example, a plurality of spaced apart copper wires 60, which are tin-plated, if applicable.

[0143] A cable sheath 34 forms an outer surface of the power cable 5 surrounding it on the outside. The cable sheath 34 includes a cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) and mechanically protects the screening layer 35 located therebelow.

[0144] In the course of moving the movable cutting blade 11 forward, the power cable 5, which is seated within the cutting device aperture 27, is displaced out of a retracted initial position and is moved towards the fixed cutting blade 13 and towards the measuring probe 26. Upon the further movement of the cutting blade 11, the cutting blade 11 applies pressure on the power cable 5 and cuts the power cable 5 until the cutting blade 11 contacts the screening layer 35 to electrically couple the screening layer 35 and the cutting blade 11 together. When the measuring probe 26 contacts the power cable 5, the measuring probe 26 penetrates the cable sheath 34 and the screening layer 35 (or the spike 62 of the measuring probe 26 may pass between adjacent wires 60 which form the screening layer 35) and the tip 65 of the electrically conductive spike 62 penetrates into the conductive sheath 36 to electrically couple the conductive sheath 36 and the spike 62 of the measuring probe 26

[0145] The fixed cutting blade 16 is shifted backwards relative to the measuring probe 26 such that the fixed cutting blade 16 does not contact the screening layer 35.

[0146] A continuous voltage measurement is made between the measuring probe 26 and the device ground via the cutting blade 11 during the cutting process.

[0147] The cutting process runs such that an outer layer of the power cable 5, the cable sheath 34, is severed at two locations in a first step. These two locations can be at located opposite one another relative to the power cable 5, as is also illustrated in the FIGURES. On principle, two adjacent locations across the length of the power cable 5 can also be used for this purpose.

[0148] The severance of an outer layer, in particular of the cable sheath 34, has the effect or is executed to the extent, respectively, that the cutting blade 11 is in contact with the wires 60 of the screening layer 35. The wires 60 are arranged below the outer layer, thus below the cable sheath 34 or on the inside of the cable sheath 34, respectively.

[0149] A cut is made into the power cable 5 by the measuring probe 26, namely to the extent that the wires 60 are cut through and that the measuring probe 26 contacts the sheath 36. A resistance measurement is then executed between the measuring probe 26 and the device ground via the cutting blade 11 which is electrically coupled to the screening layer 35.

[0150] Finally, a voltage measurement between the measuring probe 26 when in contact with the conductive sheath 36 and the device ground via the cutting blade 11 when in contact with the screening layer 35 is executed. In the event that a voltage can be measured hereby, the power cable 5 is under voltage, thus “live”.

[0151] Accordingly, a power cable 5, which is under high voltage, leads to a measurable voltage at the screening layer 35.

[0152] A high voltage loaded power cable 5 leads to a measurable voltage at the screening layer 35 to ground or against the cutting blade 11 in the millivolt or single-digit Volt range.

[0153] In the event of the determination of a corresponding voltage, if applicable in the event of the determination of a predetermined maximum voltage and corresponding evaluation, a signal is generated and is transmitted directly to the device 1 or to the control device 7 via the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29. An optical or acoustic signal can be emitted, which is to prompt the user to terminate the cutting process. The signal triggers an automatic termination of the cutting process, if applicable a subsequent return of the movable cutting blade 11 into the initial position wherein the cutting blade 11 is disengaged from the power cable 5.

[0154] If applicable, the signals transmitted to the control device 7 can be recorded in the control device 7.

[0155] Provision can also be made in the control device 7 for a display, on which measuring values of the measuring probe 26 are continually illustrated in a graphic manner.

[0156] In particular, in the event of a cutting of electrical power cables 5, but furthermore also in the case of another item to be cut 3, it is necessary to push the item to be cut 3 transverse to the direction of displacement r towards a central region of both cutting blades 11 and 16 in relation to the direction of displacement r of the movable cutting blade 11. In particular, in the case of the arrangement of the measuring probe 26 and of a cutting of the power cable 5, which is to be carried out, a guided displacement of the power cable 5 towards the centrally arranged measuring probe 26 is advantageous in the case of a power cable 5, which has a smaller cross-section than the cutting device aperture 27, so as to be able to correctly execute a voltage test, which is provided as described above.

[0157] As shown in FIGS. 1-13, the cutting head 12, in particular the pivotable frame section 14, is provided with two positioning parts 37, 38. The positioning parts 37, 38 are hinged in a pivotably movable manner proximate to the ends of the pivotable frame section 14, on the flat side of the frame section 14, which faces away from the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29, wherein the pivot axis of the positioning parts 37, 38 runs parallel to the pivot axis x of the frame section 14.

[0158] Bolts 39, 40 are mounted on the pivotable frame section 14. The positioning parts 37, 38 are guided on the bolts 39, 40 and are loaded via springs 41, 42 in an initial position, which is stop-limited.

[0159] Starting at the bolts 39 and 40, the positioning parts 37, 38 extend so as to be curved in the shape of a segment of a circle in relation to a projection towards the cutting plane E, with the spike 62 of the measuring probe 26 seated between the positioning parts 37, 38 such that the spike 62 is within the cutting device aperture 27. The curvature of the positioning parts 37, 38 is oriented towards the movable cutting blade 11. Free ends of the positioning parts 37, 38 are oriented towards the measuring probe 26.

[0160] A V-shaped constriction of the cutting device aperture 27 is formed by the positioning parts 37, 38 and extends towards the measuring probe 26. As a result, an item to be cut 3, for example a power cable 5, is pushed automatically towards the centrally oriented measuring probe 26 by slow displacement via the movable cutting blade 11.

[0161] The positioning parts 37, 38 pivot and give way to the force of the springs 41, 42 about the axes of the bolts 39, 40 in the course of the execution of the cutting process.

[0162] FIG. 14 shows alternative positioning parts 37, 38. The positioning parts 37, 38 have an axis which centrally intersects the cutting device aperture 27 in the direction of displacement r. The two positioning parts 37, 38 are arranged in the region of a journal 43 of the pivotable frame section 14, which connects the ends of the pivotable frame section 14, on both sides of this axis. The measuring probe 26 is positioned on the journal 43 between the positioning parts 37, 38. The positioning parts 37, 38 are connected to journal 43 by bolts 39, 40 which extend through support regions of the positioning parts 37, 38, and the positioning parts are pivotable about axes through bolts 39, 40, which run parallel to the pivot axis x herein.

[0163] The support regions of the positioning parts 37, 38 are connected to one another in a gear-driven manner, in particular by of gear wheels 44, 45. Accordingly, the pivot displacement of a positioning part 37, 38 leads via the gear wheels 44, 45 to the counter-directional orientation, which draws the same angle to the central axis, of the other positioning part 38, 37.

[0164] The orientation of the positioning parts 37, 38, which run in a V-shaped manner and which can thus be pre-adjusted by the user, can be fixed via a screw 46. Provision can also be made at the journal 43 for markings in the form of numbers, by a pre-adjustment can be made so as to be matched to the outer diameter dimensions of the item to be cut 3.

[0165] Provision can furthermore be made for only one positioning part 37 as a carriage, which is supported in the direction of displacement r of the movable cutting blade 11 (see FIG. 15).

[0166] The positioning part 37 of the embodiment in FIG. 15 is formed in a plate-shaped manner, hereby bears on a broadside of the pivotable frame section 14, on the broadside, which faces away from the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29.

[0167] The positioning part 37 has two elongated holes 47, 48, which are oriented in the direction of displacement r and in which guide pins 49, 50 are seated. The guide pins 49, 50 are attached to the pivotable frame section 14. While the guide pins 49, 50 are shown on the frame section 14 and the holes 47, 48 are shown as provided on the positioning part 37, it is to be understood that the guide pins 49, 50 can be provided on the positioning part 37 and the holes 47, 48 provided on the frame section 14.

[0168] This provides for a linear guide for the positioning part 37, wherein tension springs 51 acting on the positioning part 37 to load the positioning part 37 towards the movable cutting blade 11.

[0169] An outer edge of the positioning part 37, which faces the movable cutting blade 11, is formed as in a V-shape in relation to the spike 62 into the cutting plane E, hereby in each case from the outside towards the journal 43 of the pivotable frame section 14 rising towards the center of the positioning part 37.

[0170] An item to be cut 3, which is seated within the cutting device aperture 27, is also pushed via the movable cutting blade 11 along the facing outer edges of the positioning part 37 to the center of the cutting device aperture 27, wherein the positioning part 37 is able to give way in the direction of displacement r in the course of the cutting process.

[0171] While the positioning part 37 or positioning parts 37, 38 are shown as being provided on the frame section 14 which houses the stationary cutting blade 16, it is to be understood that the positioning part 37 or positioning parts 37, 38 may be provided on frame section 13 which houses the movable cutting blade 11.

[0172] Provision can furthermore be made for an adapter 52, see FIG. 16, for centering an item to be cut 3 in the cutting device aperture 27.

[0173] The adapter 52 is a part which, as a whole, has the shape of a pipe section, and is made of a material which can be cut quickly, such as foam or soft plastic, for example. The adapter 52 may have a circular layout.

[0174] The adapter 52 has an outer cross-sectional contour, which is matched to the cross-sectional contour of the cutting device aperture 27. The cross-sectional inner contour of the adapter 52 is matched or, due to the material selection, can be matched to the outer cross-section of the item to be cut 3 (here of a power cable 5; see FIGS. 16-18).

[0175] The adapter 52 may be formed in two parts, wherein both parts substantially form half shells 53. For pivoting and for surrounding the item to be cut 3, the half shells 53 can be connected with one another, for example via a hinge-like bond seam 54 (see FIG. 19).

[0176] According to FIG. 16, the half shells 53 can alternatively have pins 55, which project beyond the parting plane of the adapter 52, for positive accommodation in correspondingly embodied grooves 56. This can be a dove tail-like undercut.

[0177] As can be seen in particular from the illustration in FIG. 18, the centered arrangement of an item to be cut 3 can be attained in the cutting device aperture 27 by using such an adapter 52. This leads to a favorable cross-section.

[0178] When cutting a power cable 5, it is furthermore ensured that a corresponding measuring probe 26, which is positioned in the center, securely penetrates the power cable 5 after penetrating the adapter 52 in the course of the cutting process for penetrating into the conductive sheath 36 so as to test the voltage.

[0179] The adapter 52 is severed in the course of the cutting process.

[0180] The spike 62 of the measuring probe 26 can be embodied as the cutting blade 16 having an insulative sheath (not shown), like that of insulative sheath 64, surrounding the portions of which are to remain electrically isolated from the cutting device 2 or device 1, with the cutting edge 18 remaining exposed and forming the spike tip, like that of spike tip 65. Like that of insulative sheath 64, the insulative sheath partially surrounding the cutting blade 16 may be formed of ceramic.

[0181] The sensors 24, 32, 33 are in communication with the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29. Such communication may be done via wires or wirelessly.

[0182] The above explanations serve to explain the disclosure, which is captured by the application as a whole and which also further develop the state of the art, in each case also independently, at least by the following feature combinations, namely:

[0183] A method for the severance of an electrical power cable 5 for the transmission of high voltage, and has a conductive sheath 36 and also a conductive screening layer 35, wherein during the severance of the cable 5 a measurement is executed in terms of the electrical load on the cable 5 by a measuring probe 26, and in the event of registering an electrical load a signal is outputted from the measuring probe 26.

[0184] A method, which is characterized in that the signal is an optical, acoustic, or electrical signal.

[0185] A method, which is characterized in that the measurement is executed with a measuring device connected with the cutting device 2.

[0186] A method, which is characterized in that the measurement is executed repeatedly in the course of the severance.

[0187] A method, which is characterized in that in the event of registering an impermissible electrical load on the cable 5 by the signal the severance process is automatically terminated.

[0188] A method, which is characterized in that the strand section 4 is surrounded with an adapter 52, which is matched to the aperture dimension of the cutting device aperture 27, and in that the adapter 52 is then introduced with the strand section 4 into the cutting device aperture 27.

[0189] A method, which is characterized in that the adapter 52 is destroyed in the course of the severance of the strand section 4.

[0190] A device, which is characterized in that the device 1 is in operative connection with an evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 for purposes of interrogating the electrical load on the cable 5, and the severance process can be interrupted as a function of a signal outputted from the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29.

[0191] A device, which is characterized in that the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 communicates with a measuring probe 26, which penetrates into the insulation sheath 36 of the cable 5 in the course of a severance.

[0192] A device, which is characterized in that the measuring probe 26 is formed as a spike 62.

[0193] A device, which is characterized in that the measuring probe 26 is arranged opposite a movable cutting blade 11.

[0194] A device, which is characterized in that the measuring probe 26 is assigned to a stationary cutting blade 16.

[0195] A device, which is characterized in that the measuring probe 26 is electrically connected with the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29.

[0196] A device, which is characterized in that the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 is arranged remotely from the measuring probe 26.

[0197] A device, which is characterized in that the device 1 has a cutting head 12, which surrounds the cable 5 completely.

[0198] A device, which is characterized in that the cutting head 12 can be opened.

[0199] A device, which is characterized in that the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 is arranged on the cutting head 12.

[0200] A device, which is characterized in that the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 is arranged laterally displaced from a traverse path of the movable cutting blade 11.

[0201] A device, which is characterized in that in the closed position the cutting head 12 can be locked by a locking bolt 20.

[0202] A device, which is characterized in that the position of the locking bolt 20 can be registered via a sensor 24.

[0203] A device, which is characterized in that the position of the locking bolt 20 can be registered and evaluated in the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29.

[0204] A device, which is characterized in that the movable cutting blade 11 can be registered with regard to its position via a sensor 32, 33.

[0205] A device, which is characterized in that the movable cutting blade 11 has a passive sensor 32.

[0206] A device, which is characterized in that the passive sensor 32 is a magnet, RFID unit and/or reflector unit.

[0207] A device, which is characterized in that the passive sensor 32 can be interrogated by an active sensor 33.

[0208] A device, which is characterized in that the active sensor 33 is accommodated in the controller 29.

[0209] A device, which is characterized in that the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 includes software to evaluate information received from the measuring probe 26.

[0210] A device, which is characterized in that the evaluation and/or transmission controller 29 includes a transmitter.

[0211] A cutting device, which is characterized in that a positioning part 37, 38 is mounted on the stationary cutting blade 16, which positioning part 37, 38, in the course of the traverse of the movable cutting blade 11, pushes the item 3 to be cut towards a central region of the movable cutting blade 11 with respect to an extent transverse to the direction of displacement r of the movable cutting blade 11.

[0212] A cutting device, which is characterized in that the positioning parts 37, 38 can be pivoted.

[0213] A cutting device, which is characterized in that the positioning part 37, 38 in total can be moved in a guided manner in a direction of displacement r of the movable cutting blade 11.

[0214] A cutting device, which is characterized in that guidance is provided for the positioning part 37, which includes one or a plurality of elongated holes 47, 48 with therein running guide pins 49, 50.

[0215] A cutting device, which is characterized in that the positioning part 37, 38 can be deflected counter to the direction of displacement r of the movable cutting blade 11 in the course of a cutting operation.

[0216] A cutting device, which is characterized in that two positioning parts 37, 38 are arranged.

[0217] A cutting device, which is characterized in that the positioning parts 37, 38 are arranged in a V-shape.

[0218] A cutting device, which is characterized in that the positioning part 37, 38 is attached to the fixed cutting blade 16.

[0219] An adapter 52, which is characterized in that the adapter 52 is formed from a material that can be cut easily, such as foam, plastic, such as, in particular, soft plastic, or balsa wood, and that the adapter 52 is formed in two parts, wherein the parts can be connected with one another for purposes of pivoting.

[0220] An adapter 52, which is characterized in that the adapter 52 has an essentially circular layout with respect to a view in which a geometric axis of an aperture of the adapter 52 for the passage of the item 3 to be cut is in the form of a point.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0221] 1 device [0222] 2 cutting device [0223] 3 item to be cut [0224] 4 strand section [0225] 5 power cable [0226] 6 trench [0227] 7 control device [0228] 8 hydraulic hose [0229] 9 activation switch [0230] 10 piston [0231] 11 movable cutting blade [0232] 12 cutting head [0233] 13 frame section [0234] 14 frame section [0235] 15 handling section [0236] 16 cutting blade [0237] 17 cutting edge [0238] 18 cutting edge [0239] 19 bolt [0240] 20 locking bolt [0241] 21 handling collar [0242] 22 locking aperture [0243] 23 receiving hole [0244] 24 sensor [0245] 25 handle [0246] 26 measuring probe [0247] 27 cutting device aperture [0248] 28 line [0249] 29 evaluation and/or transmission controller [0250] 30 depression [0251] 31 receiving controller [0252] 32 passive sensor [0253] 33 active sensor [0254] 34 cable sheath [0255] 35 screening layer [0256] 36 conductive sheath [0257] 37 positioning part [0258] 38 positioning part [0259] 39 bolt [0260] 40 bolt [0261] 41 spring [0262] 42 spring [0263] 43 journal [0264] 44 gear wheel embodiment [0265] 45 gear wheel embodiment [0266] 46 screw [0267] 47 elongated hole [0268] 48 elongated hole [0269] 49 guide pin [0270] 50 guide pin [0271] 51 tension spring [0272] 52 adapter [0273] 53 half shell [0274] 54 bond seam [0275] 55 pin [0276] 56 groove [0277] 57 conductor [0278] 58 insulating material [0279] 59 insulating layer [0280] 60 wire [0281] 62 spike [0282] 64 insulative sheath [0283] 65 spike tip [0284] 66 cylindrical section [0285] 67 cone [0286] 68 outer shoulder [0287] 69 outer surface [0288] 70a, 70b opposing side surfaces [0289] 71a, 71b opposing side surfaces [0290] r direction of displacement [0291] x axis [0292] E cutting plane