End closure for a cable and method for its manufacture

Abstract

An end closure for a cable having a core, at least two electrical cable wires and at least one optical transmission element, the core is surrounded by a metal wire reinforcement. On the end of the electrical cable wires an electrically suitable connection set is mounted, which at least partially protrudes out of a pipe. A connection unit is mounted on the end of the optical transmission element, which also partially protrudes from the pipe. The connection unit has a pot shaped tension element mounted tension proof on the free end of the pipe and surrounds, moisture tight and pressure tight, the part of the connection set and the connection unit that protrudes out of the pipe.

Claims

1. End closure for a cable, the cable having a core that has at least two electrical cable wires for the transmission of electrical energy and having at least one optical transmission element, said end closure comprising: a reinforcement composed of metal wires surrounding the core, wherein the metal wires of the reinforcement on an end of the cable are distanced a predetermined length, an end of the core of the cable is surrounded by a tension proof pipe that is connected tension proof with the remaining reinforcement, on an end of the electrical cable wires, to directly connect electrical couplings, an electrically suitable connection set is mounted, which at least partially protrudes out of the pipe, a connection unit, one equipped with a part of a plug connector, is mounted on an end of the optical transmission element, which also partially protrudes from the pipe, where the connection unit is fastened in, and rotatably attached to, a holder that has a turning point, around which the holder can be turned or pivoted; and a pot shaped tension element mounted tension proof on a free end of the pipe, surrounds, moisture tight and pressure tight, a part of the connection set and the connection unit that protrudes out of the pipe.

2. End closure according to claim 1, wherein the tension proof connection between the pipe and the reinforcement on one side, as between the tension element and the pipe on the other side, is carried out moisture proof and pressure tight.

3. End closure according to claim 1, wherein the connection sets are supported in a radial direction in the pipe.

4. End closure according to claim 1, wherein, on an outside of the pipe, is mounted a part, a fastening device for securing the pipe to a fixed plant.

5. End closure according to claim 1, wherein on a free end of the tension element a drawbar is mounted.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) An embodiment of the subject matter of the invention is illustrated in the drawings.

(2) In the drawings:

(3) FIG. 1 shows schematically the lower end of the foundation of a wind power plant.

(4) FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the end closures according to the invention in sections.

(5) FIG. 3 shows and end closure without tension element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) With 1, the lower end of the foundation of a wind power plant is illustrated, that is erected on a sea bottom 2 in the so-called “off-shore area.” The foundation 1 has a platform 3 which is found, for example, about 30 m above the sea bottom. On the platform 3 can be arranged a transformer and a switching plant as well as other electrical devices, which are not illustrated here. They are particularly electrically connected on the point of the wind power plant mounted generator.

(7) Through the platform 3 protrudes the end of the cable 4, which lies on the sea bottom 2 and is pulled up to the platform 3. The cable 4 with its free end, for example, can be guided up to another wind power plant or to a transformer station.

(8) The cable 4 according to FIG. 2 is also provided with an end closure to which a pot shaped tension element 5 belongs. The emerging end closure in FIG. 2 would already be completed in the manufacturing plant in which the cable 4 is manufactured. That can also be carried out at the installation location before the laying of the cables.

(9) In a core of the cable 4 in the illustrated embodiment are two cable wires 6 and 7, available for transmission of electrical energy and optical transmission element 8. The transmission element 8 is composed of at least one fiber optic cable. More fiber optic cables are preferable. The cable wires 6 and 7 as well as transmission element 8 are surrounded by a common cover 9 composed of insulation material, over which a reinforcement 10 is mounted composed of metal wires, preferably of high grade steel. The cover 9 and the reinforcement 10 are distanced from the end of the cable 4 in FIG. 1, so that the cable wires 6 and 7 and the transmission element 8 are freely accessible.

(10) The cable wires 6 and 7 as well as the transmission element 8 are surrounded by a tension proof pipe 11, out of which in the mounted position, it protrudes from an end of the pipe. The pipe 11, preferably composed of high grade steel, is connected tension proof at the other end with the reinforcement 10. The contact point between the pipe 11 and the reinforcement 10 is indicated by a crosshatched box 12. Such connections are known and therefore not shown in more detail.

(11) On the free end of the pipe 11, from which the cable wires 6 and 7 and the transmission element 8 protrude, is fastened tension free the pot shaped tension element 5. This can be carried out with a pipe 11 welded with a pipe piece 13 and in the same for example with a screw connection 14 fixed ring 15, with which the tension element 5 is welded to. The tension element 5 has a drawbar 16 on its free end.

(12) On both the cable wires 6 and 7 is mounted each a fixed voltage connection set 17 or 18, in which each of the electrical conductors of the corresponding cable wire protrudes, and all the electrical components are contained therein which are required for a cable wire closure. On the free end of the connection set 17 and 18 protrudes a contact element 19 or 20 for electrical connections from counter contacts, for example from couplings which serve for the electrically conductive connections with the available electrical devices on the platform 3. The connection sets 17 and 18 are advantageously arranged in a holding plate 21 composed of insulation material, which rests against the inside of the pipe piece 13. As a result, they are supported in the radial direction.

(13) On the end of the optical transmission element 8 is attached a part 22 of a connection unit 23 equipped with a plug connection, which serves to connect continuing optical transmission elements. The connection unit 23 is, corresponding to FIG. 2, advantageously arranged in the axial direction on the upper half of the connection sets 17 and 18, so that the clear dimensions of the tension elements 5 in the radial direction can be kept small. They correspond to those of pipe 11. The connection unit 23 is advantageously secured on a holder 24 with a turning point, around which the axis, seen in a visible position in FIG. 3, can be turned or pivoted.

(14) Outside on the pipe 11 can be mounted the part 25, a fastening device with which to secure the end closures on the platform 3 by engaging with a corresponding part for the fastening device.

(15) The end closure according to the invention is manufactured and handled, for example; as follows:

(16) The reinforcement 10 and the cover 9 are distanced a predetermined length from the end of the cable 4. On the ends of the cable wires 6 and 7 are mounted the connection sets 17 and 18. Subsequently, the pipe 11 is pushed over the end of the cable 4, and on the bottom end, connected tension free with the remaining reinforcement 10, for example, by welding. On the free end of the pipe 11 the pipe piece 13 would be mounted tension free, and again advantageously, through welding.

(17) After, the connection sets 17 and 18 can, for example, be guided through by boring the support plate 21, which can be secured after that in the pipe piece 13.

(18) After that, the optical connection unit 23 is mounted on the end of the optical transmission element 8 and secured on the holder 24. The ring 15 is then screwed together with the pipe piece 13. Subsequently, the tension element 5 is provided, and tension free connected with the ring 15, preferably through welding. Also, the ring 15 can already be secured on the tension element before being screwed together with the pipe piece 13.

(19) With the so completed end closure, the cable 4 can be pulled up to the platform 3 and secured to, or on, the platform. The tension element 5 can then together with the ring 15 be taken off through the loosening of the screw connection 14 from the pipe 11.

(20) The connection sets 17 and 18, as well as the connection unit 23, are available to use the transmission paths for a direct through connection. The connection unit 23 would be suitable for that in the apparent turned position in FIG. 3, so that the contact elements 19 and 20 are more accessible to the connection sets 17 and 18.