U.S. patent application number 14/602432 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-21 for system for holding in a conduit cables or ducts with different diameters.
The applicant listed for this patent is Beele Engineering B.V.. Invention is credited to Johannes Alfred Beele.
Application Number | 20160018025 14/602432 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51846880 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160018025 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beele; Johannes Alfred |
January 21, 2016 |
SYSTEM FOR HOLDING IN A CONDUIT CABLES OR DUCTS WITH DIFFERENT
DIAMETERS
Abstract
A system for holding in a conduit cables and/or ducts with
different diameters includes a plurality of rubbery or rubber-like
sleeves for inserting in such a conduit. The sleeves include a
number of units of bonded sleeves which are oriented parallel to
each other. Within each unit, the sleeves have corresponding outer
dimensions. At least one unit has a sleeve having an inner diameter
which differs from an inner diameter of a sleeve of at least one
other unit of the number of units. The number of the units and the
dimensions of the units are such that therewith a stack of units
can be made. In the stack of units, each sleeve is also oriented
parallel to any of the other sleeves. The stack of units has a
rectangular shape of which each side is in detail shaped by the
presence of a number of the sleeves and of which each edge is in
detail shaped by the presence of one, two or three of the
sleeves.
Inventors: |
Beele; Johannes Alfred;
(Aalten, NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Beele Engineering B.V. |
Aalten |
|
NL |
|
|
Family ID: |
51846880 |
Appl. No.: |
14/602432 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/68.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 5/10 20130101; F16L
3/2235 20130101; H02G 3/0487 20130101; H02G 3/22 20130101; H02G
3/0481 20130101; F16L 3/26 20130101; F16L 5/14 20130101; H02G
3/0412 20130101; F16L 5/04 20130101; H02G 3/0456 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 3/26 20060101
F16L003/26; F16L 3/22 20060101 F16L003/22; F16L 3/04 20060101
F16L003/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 16, 2014 |
NL |
1040892 |
Claims
1. A system for holding in a conduit cables and/or ducts with
different diameters, the system comprising a plurality of rubbery
or rubber-like sleeves for inserting in such a conduit, the
plurality of sleeves comprising a number of units of bonded sleeves
which are oriented parallel to each other, wherein within each unit
the sleeves have corresponding outer dimensions, and wherein at
least one unit has a sleeve having an inner diameter which differs
from an inner diameter of a sleeve of at least one other unit of
the number of units, wherein the number of the units and the
dimensions of the units are such that therewith a stack of units
can be made, in the stack of units each sleeve is also oriented
parallel to any of the other sleeves, the stack of units having a
rectangular shape of which each side is in detail shaped by the
presence of a number of the sleeves and of which each edge is in
detail shaped by the presence of one, two or three of the
sleeves.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein in each unit, the lengths
of the sleeves correspond to each other.
3. A system according to claim 1, comprising at least one unit of
which the sleeves are all positioned in one layer.
4. A system according to claim 1, comprising at least one unit
having layers of sleeves.
5. A system according to claim 3, wherein each unit has, apart from
the height of the one or more layers, dimensions which correspond
to the dimensions of any of the other units.
6. A system according to claim 1, comprising at least one unit for
which the inner diameter of the sleeves is for each sleeve the
same.
7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises at
least one plate for placing in the stack of units between two
units, for providing at least one surface against which at least
one of the units can be positioned.
8. A system according to claim 7, wherein each of the at least one
plate has in two directions a dimension which corresponds to at
least one of the dimensions of the stack of units.
9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one plate is
at each of at least two oppositely positioned rims provided with a
number of ribs for facilitating insertion of the plate in a conduit
and for facilitating positioning the plate in a clamped
fashion.
10. A system according to claim 1, wherein at least one sleeve of
at least one unit is provided with a slit extending over a full
length of the sleeve for placement of a cable into a sleeve via the
slit by moving a cable and that sleeve relative to each other
laterally toward a coaxial position.
11. A system according to claim 10, wherein in at least one unit a
number of adjacent sleeves are provided with such a slit.
12. A system according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the
slits is shared by two neighboring sleeves of which one has two
slits.
13. A system according to claim 12, wherein of the sleeve which has
two slits, one of the two slits is shared with a neighboring sleeve
and the other one of the two slits is positioned opposite the slit
which is shared with a neighboring sleeve.
14. A system according to claim 1, wherein the sleeves have a
cross-section which is circular.
15. A system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
units has on its outside a flat surface which extends in a length
direction of the sleeves and which extends in a layer direction of
the sleeves in the respective unit.
16. A system according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the
units has a block-shaped outer shape.
17. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system also
comprises at least one single sleeve, having an outer
cross-sectional dimension for inserting at least one of these
single sleeves in another sleeve of the system.
18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the at least one single
sleeve is provided with multiple lumens.
19. A system according to claim 17, wherein the single sleeve is
provided with a number of external ribs separated in
circumferential direction for self-fixation after insertion in one
of the other sleeves of the system.
20. A system according to claim 19, having a block-shaped, a
star-shaped or a circular cross-section.
21. A system according to claim 1, wherein the sleeves are made of
a thermally expandable rubber-like material.
22. A system according to claim 1, wherein the sleeves are made of
a vulcanized thermally substantially un-expandable rubbery
material.
23. A system according to claim 7, wherein the at least one plate
is made of a thermally expandable rubber-like material or
vulcanized thermally substantially un-expandable rubbery material,
and is by construction or by material properties stiffer than the
stiffness of any one of the units of sleeves that is formed by a
single layer of sleeves.
24. A system according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of an
outer part of at least one unit is provided with ribs for
facilitating insertion of the unit in a conduit and for
facilitating positioning the unit in a self-fixating fashion.
25. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system is free from
any wedge-shaped parts for inserting in the conduit and
contributing to a clamping of the units.
26. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system is free from
a controllable mechanism for mechanically putting the units under
an enhanced pressure after installing the units in a conduit.
27. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a conduit
into which the stack of units can be assembled such that it snugly
fits in the conduit.
28. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a sealant for
application against the stack of units at the ends of the sleeves
when the stack is completed in a conduit and cables are held by a
number of the sleeves.
29. A unit of a number of bonded sleeves for holding cables or
ducts in a conduit, wherein the sleeves are of a rubbery or
rubber-like material, wherein the sleeves are oriented parallel to
each other, and wherein the sleeves are all positioned in one layer
of the sleeves, at least one sleeve being provided with a slit
extending over a full length of that sleeve for placement of a
cable or duct into that sleeve via the slit by moving a cable or
duct and that sleeve relative to each other laterally toward a
coaxial position.
30. A unit according to claim 29, wherein in the unit a number of
adjacent sleeves are each provided with such a slit.
31. A unit according to claim 29, wherein at least one of the slits
is shared by two neighboring sleeves.
32. A unit according to claim 31, wherein at least one of the two
neighboring sleeves has two slits.
33. A unit according to claim 32, wherein of the sleeve which has
two slits, one of the two slits is shared with a neighboring sleeve
and the other one of the two slits is positioned opposite the slit
which is shared with a neighboring sleeve.
34. A unit according to claim 33, wherein one of the sleeves
positioned at the end of the layer of sleeves is provided with only
one slit which is shared with its neighboring sleeve.
35. A unit according to claim 29, wherein the sleeves have
corresponding outer dimensions.
36. A unit according to claim 29, wherein at least one of the
sleeves has an inner diameter which differs from an inner diameter
of at least one of the sleeves.
37. A unit according to claim 1, wherein each of the sleeves is
circular in its cross-section.
38. A unit according to claim 29, wherein the unit has on its
outside a flat surface which extends in a length direction of the
sleeve and which extends in a layer direction of the sleeves in the
unit.
39. A unit according to claim 38, wherein the unit has a
block-shaped outer shape.
40. A unit according to claim 29, wherein the sleeves are made of a
thermally expandable rubber-like material.
41. A unit according to claim 29, wherein the sleeves are made of a
vulcanized thermally substantially un-expandable rubbery
material.
42. A sleeve for holding cables or ducts in a conduit, wherein the
sleeve is of a rubbery or rubber-like material, the sleeve having a
plurality of lumens which are oriented parallel to each other.
43. A sleeve according to claim 42, wherein the sleeve has for at
least one lumen a slit extending over a full length of that lumen
for placement of a cable or duct in that lumen via the slit by
moving a cable or duct and that lumen relative to each other
laterally toward a coaxial position.
44. A sleeve according to claim 43, wherein in that sleeve for each
lumen a slit is provided for placement of a cable or duct in that
lumen via the slit by moving a cable or duct and that lumen
relative to each other laterally toward a coaxial position.
45. A sleeve according to claim 44, wherein each lumen has its own
slit for placement of a cable or duct in that lumen via the slit by
moving a cable or duct and that lumen relative to each other
laterally toward a coaxial position.
46. A slit according to claim 43, wherein at least one of the slits
is shared by two neighboring lumen.
47. A sleeve according to claim 46, wherein at least one of the two
neighboring lumen has two slits.
48. A sleeve according to claim 47, wherein of the sleeve which has
two slits, one of the two slits is shared with a neighboring lumen
and the other one of the two slits is positioned opposite the slit
which is shared with a neighboring lumen.
49. A sleeve according to claim 42, wherein the lumens have
corresponding inner dimensions.
50. A sleeve according to claim 42, wherein at least one of the
lumens has an inner diameter which differs from an inner diameter
of at least one of the other lumens.
51. A sleeve according to claim 42, wherein the sleeve have a
star-shaped, circular or block-shaped cross-section.
52. A sleeve according to claim 42, wherein the sleeve is made of a
thermally expandable rubber-like material.
53. A sleeve according to claim 42, wherein the sleeve is made of a
vulcanized thermally substantially un-expandable rubbery
material.
54. A unit of a number of bonded sleeves according to claim 42.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims foreign priority benefits under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(a)-(d) or 35 U.S.C. .sctn.365(b) of Netherlands
Application No. 1040892, filed Jul. 16, 2014, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Aspects relate to a system for holding in a conduit cables
or ducts with different diameters.
[0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0005] A number of systems are well-known in the market place. One
system is often referred to as the "block system". It was for
instance installed on the Emma Maersk which according to the
official accident report capsized in the Suez Canal in February,
2013, partly due to a failure of this block system. That system
comprises modular blocks for placement in a conduit. A number of
the blocks are provided with a hole for holding a cable. The blocks
are built up from two half blocks, each having a recess that forms
half the hole. There may also be wedge blocks with bolts, modular
blocks without a hole for occupying surplus space in the conduit,
and stay plates. The conduit may comprise a welded frame. The
conduit, through which a number of cables of different diameters
may extend, is filled up with the modular blocks (the blocks with a
hole for a cable and the blocks without such a hole). The wedged
blocks are normally put between these modular blocks with the aim
to make the construction of the modular blocks tight and firm. The
stay plates are fitted with layers of these blocks and aim to keep
these blocks in the right position in the welded frame. As
explained in the accident report the system failed on at least an
individual component level.
[0006] With the block system, there is a need to compress the
blocks after positioning in the welded frame, i.e. in the conduit.
Compressing the components will, in the long run, result in
deterioration of these components, due to time-related phenomena
like creep and stress relaxation. Deterioration not only occurs on
the level of the components, but also on the level of the sheathing
of the cables. These can be irreversibly deformed by the applied
compression of the blocks surrounding a cable. As a result of this,
replacing an existing sealing system by a similar sealing system
comprising blocks having a hole, is highly unlikely to work well as
the diameter of the cable may have changed.
[0007] In line with this, now reference is also made to IEC
60079-14 (latest edition), particularly clause 9.1.4 which states
that: "The connection of cables and conduits to the electrical
apparatus shall be made in accordance with the requirements of the
relevant type of protection". It is indicated that "care should be
taken when selecting a suitable cable entry device in conjunction
with certain types of cable employing materials which can exhibit
"cold flow characteristics". The standard states by way of example
that "cable entry devices not employing compression seals which act
upon part(s) of the cable having cold flow characteristics" should
be employed. The latest standard also states that "Low smoke and/or
fire resistant cables usually exhibit cold flow characteristics"
and that "cold flow can be more fully described as thermoplastic
materials which flow when subjected to pressure at ambient
temperature".
[0008] Clearly, the block system, if employed, requires careful
placement and balancing of the compression at the time of
installation, making the system open to installation faults. There
is no way of controlling the compression and it is likely that too
much compression will be applied. Even when perfectly installed, if
possible at all, the deterioration will, as explained above,
immediately start and in the long run lead to an unreliable sealing
system.
[0009] Apart from these fundamental problems with the block system,
there are also practical problems related to the planning of the
way the conduit should be fitted and the carrying out of that
planning. A configuration of the cables and the blocks would have
to be designed beforehand, and will depend on the number of cables
and the diameter of the various cables. The block system can only
be applied when the cables have been drawn through the conduit. In
practice, it is often the case that unexpectedly a larger cable is
drawn through the conduit. Then another, larger block may need to
be applied, disturbing the configuration as planned, as well as the
compression pattern, as originally aimed for.
[0010] WO 03/013658 A1 describes an alternative system comprising
sleeves of a fire-resistant material and a sealant. The system
comprises single sleeves each having a longitudinal slit which
allows for placing of the sleeve around a cable which already
extends through a conduit. For swiftly filling up the remaining
space in the conduit, the system may also comprise units of bonded
sleeves. As explained in WO 03/013658 A1, sleeves of those bonded
units do not have a slit extending over the length of the sleeve. A
problem of this system is that in practice, the positioning of the
sleeves within the conduit tends to be random, particularly when
differently sized cables and differently sized sleeves are applied.
When a large number of cables extend through a conduit, the result,
in the end, tends to look like an unorganized passing of cables
through a sealed conduit. It does not allow for easily recording a
position in the conduit for each and every cable. This makes
replacement of an existing cable by a new cable difficult,
particularly in a situation where most of the cables look the
same.
SUMMARY
[0011] According to one aspect, a system for holding in a conduit
cables and/or ducts with different diameters is provided. The
system includes a plurality of rubbery or rubber-like sleeves for
inserting in such a conduit. The plurality of sleeves includes a
number of units of bonded sleeves which are oriented parallel to
each other. Within each unit, the sleeves have corresponding outer
dimensions, and at least one unit has a sleeve having an inner
diameter which differs from an inner diameter of a sleeve of at
least one other unit of the number of units. The number of the
units and the dimensions of the units are such that therewith a
stack of units can be made. In the stack of units, each sleeve is
also oriented parallel to any of the other sleeves. The stack of
units has a rectangular shape of which each side is in detail
shaped by the presence of a number of the sleeves and of which each
edge is in detail shaped by the presence of one, two or three of
the sleeves.
[0012] According to another aspect, a unit of a number of bonded
sleeves for holding cables or ducts in a conduit is provided. The
sleeves are of a rubbery or rubber-like material. The sleeves are
oriented parallel to each other. The sleeves are all positioned in
one layer of the sleeves. At least one sleeve is provided with a
slit extending over a full length of that sleeve for placement of a
cable or duct into that sleeve via the slit by moving a cable or
duct and that sleeve relative to each other laterally toward a
coaxial position.
[0013] According to yet another aspect, a sleeve for holding cables
or ducts in a conduit is provided. The sleeve is of a rubbery or
rubber-like material. The sleeve has a plurality of lumens which
are oriented parallel to each other.
[0014] Various embodiments provide certain advantages. Not all
embodiments share the same advantages and those that do may not
share them under all circumstances.
[0015] Further features and advantages, as well as the structure of
various embodiments are described in detail below with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to
scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical
component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by
a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be
labeled in every drawing. Various embodiments will now be
described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 shows schematically an embodiment of a system;
[0018] FIG. 2a shows schematically part of an embodiment of a
system;
[0019] FIG. 2b shows schematically part of an embodiment of a
system;
[0020] FIG. 3 shows schematically an embodiment of a system;
[0021] FIG. 4 shows schematically an embodiment of a system;
[0022] FIG. 5a shows schematically a part of an embodiment of a
system;
[0023] FIG. 5b shows schematically a part of an embodiment of a
system;
[0024] FIG. 6a shows schematically a part of an embodiment of a
system;
[0025] FIG. 6b shows schematically a part of an embodiment of a
system;
[0026] FIG. 7 shows schematically a part of an embodiment of a
system;
[0027] FIG. 8a shows schematically a part of an embodiment of a
system;
[0028] FIG. 8b shows schematically the part shown in FIG. 8a, in an
opened position;
[0029] FIG. 9 shows schematically an embodiment of a system;
[0030] FIG. 10 shows schematically an embodiment of a system;
[0031] FIG. 11 shows schematically an embodiment of a system;
[0032] FIG. 12 shows schematically an embodiment of a system;
[0033] FIG. 13 shows schematically an embodiment of a system;
[0034] FIG. 14 shows schematically an embodiment of a system;
[0035] FIG. 15 shows schematically a part of an embodiment of a
system;
[0036] FIG. 16 shows schematically a part of an embodiment of a
system;
[0037] FIG. 17 shows schematically an embodiment of a system;
[0038] FIG. 18 shows schematically a part of an embodiment of a
system;
[0039] FIG. 19 shows schematically a part of an embodiment of a
system;
[0040] FIG. 20 shows schematically a part of an embodiment of a
system;
[0041] FIG. 21 shows schematically an embodiment of a system;
and
[0042] FIG. 22 shows schematically an embodiment of a system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Systems are needed for sealing in a conduit the remaining
space which surrounds cables that extend through that conduit. Such
conduits can be found in all types of partitioning walls, for
instance those separating one compartment from another or
separating a compartment from outer atmospheric conditions.
[0044] The conduit needs to be sealed off so as to ensure that for
instance water or gas will not flow from one compartment to
another, or into or out of a compartment. In one embodiment, the
sealing is also resistant to heat, particularly generated by a
nearby fire. Sealing systems are often rated in terms of their
performance under predescribed "catastrophic" conditions.
[0045] Throughout this specification reference is most often made
to cables. However, often the information given would equally apply
if the cables are replaced by tubes, particularly those provided
with a sheathing. These tubes and other tubes, particularly thin,
and somewhat flexible pipes, are captured by the term ducts.
[0046] Hence, as used herein, cables and ducts are considered
interchangeable, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
[0047] Although on the one hand the sealing integrity should be
optimal, particularly if and when the need arises (which could be
many years after installation of the sealing system), in one
embodiment, the installation of the system itself should also be
relatively fast (to save labor costs); unlikely to lead to
installation faults; and/or leave the conduit after installation in
a condition suitable for adding or removing cables without
jeopardizing the integrity of the system as placed in the conduit.
Erroneously removing a cable could badly affect the operating of
machinery which depends on the presence of these cables.
[0048] According to one aspect, a system is provided which allows
for holding, in a conduit, cables of different diameters in a
relatively easily recordable fashion.
[0049] According to another aspect, a system is provided which can
relatively quickly be installed, and such that the cable
positioning is easily recordable also in a situation wherein cables
already extend through a conduit before the system is placed in the
conduit.
[0050] According to an aspect, a system is provided that is
substantially free from applying compression onto the cables, at
most applies only a minimal compression.
[0051] According to an aspect, a system is provided where
installation that can be easily adapted on the spot if unexpectedly
a cable with a larger diameter extends through the conduit.
[0052] According to an aspect, a system for holding, in a conduit,
cables and/or ducts with different diameters. The system comprises
a plurality of rubbery or rubber-like sleeves for inserting in such
a conduit. The plurality of sleeves comprises a number of units of
bonded sleeves which are oriented parallel to each other. Within
each unit the sleeves have corresponding outer diameters. At least
one unit has a sleeve having an inner diameter which differs from
an inner diameter of a sleeve of at least one other unit of the
number of units. The number of the units and the dimension of the
units are such that therewith a stack of units can be made. In that
stack of units each sleeve is oriented parallel to any of the other
sleeves. The stack of units has a rectangular shape of which each
side is in detail shaped by the presence of a number of the sleeves
and of which each edge is in detail shaped by the presence of one,
two or three of the sleeves.
[0053] The position of each sleeve can accurately be recorded, for
instance in terms of coordinates related to an orthogonal
coordination system having one axis coinciding with one side of the
rectangular shape and another axis coinciding with another side of
the rectangular shape of the stack of units. Furthermore, the
system can be installed in a conduit by placing unit by unit,
instead of now and again a single sleeve, then a unit of sleeves
and then again a few single sleeves, etc. To avoid any
misunderstanding, a unit of bonded sleeves consists of a number of
sleeves joined together by bonds between the sleeves wherein the
bonds are of the same material as the material of which the sleeves
are made. Further "joined together by bonds" is to be understood
such that preferably the orientations of the respective axes of the
sleeves are stable relative to each other, unless the bonds are
broken.
[0054] Aspects relate to solving the problems associated with the
prior art by employing a fundamentally different system. In one
aspect, such a different system is free from the need to compress
the blocks after positioning in the welded frame, i.e. in the
conduit, avoiding the deterioration of these components, such as
may occur due to time-related phenomena like creep and stress
relaxation.
[0055] No additional compression is to be applied onto the system.
No additional compression needs to be applied onto the system. The
cables are not subjected to undesired forces. Should unexpectedly a
cable have a larger diameter than was foreseen, then this cable can
still be accommodated for without jeopardizing the entire structure
of sleeves. A sleeve as present could cope with the larger cables.
The inner diameter of the sleeves is not chosen to be snugly
fitting around the cable. The cable is pulled through the sleeve so
that each inner diameter will need to be oversized. Further, it is
always possible to slit open a sleeve and apply the sleeve around
the cable.
[0056] In one embodiment, in each unit, the lengths of the sleeves
correspond to each other. This enhances stability of the stack of
units and, in case the sleeves are designed to respond in case of a
nearby fire, such a response will optimally take place within a
conduit in which the stack has been installed. The rectangular
stack will then be a block-shaped stack. If the rectangular stack
will be a square stack, then the stack can also be cube-shaped,
depending on the length of the sleeves.
[0057] In one embodiment, in each unit, the sleeves are all
positioned in one layer of the sleeves. Advantageously, this
provides for flexibility in the building up of the stack of units
and in the diameters of the sleeves available in a conduit. In this
way, for almost each "composition" of a bundle of cables extending
through a conduit, it will be possible to provide a suitable stack
of units for holding in that conduit each and every cable,
independent of the number and diameter.
[0058] However, in an alternative embodiment at least one unit has
layers of sleeves.
[0059] In one embodiment, each unit has, apart from the height of
the one or more layers, dimensions which correspond to the
dimensions of any of the other units. This makes composing the
stack of units straightforward and allows it also to be planned in
advance, so that installation of the system can be carried out
straightforwardly. Instead of, or in addition to, the recording of
the position of sleeves and thus also of certain cables in the
conduit, it will, in the case where cables still have to be drawn,
also be possible to design and control in advance a pattern
according to which the cables should be positioned in the conduit.
For instance, heavy cables could be positioned at a lower position
in the conduit as compared to the position at which lighter cables
are positioned in the conduit.
[0060] In an embodiment, it applies to at least one, and preferably
to each unit, that the inner diameter of each sleeve is the same as
the inner diameter for any other sleeve in that unit. This enhances
the earlier mentioned recordability, the stability of the stack and
has advantages for making an organized conduit through which many
cables extend.
[0061] In an embodiment, the system further includes at least one
plate for placing in the stack of units between two units, for
providing at least one surface against which at least one of the
units can be positioned. Any "waviness" available on a side of a
unit, onto which another unit should be placed, will due to the
presence of such a plate no longer have an effect on the way the
upper unit will be supported and thus be positioned. Such an
embodiment of a system will allow for a very well organized, and
very accurate, positioning of the sleeves and the respective cables
in the conduit.
[0062] In one embodiment of such a system, at least one plate is at
each of at least two oppositely positioned rims provided with a
number of ribs for facilitating insertion of the plate in a conduit
in which the plate is positioned in a clamped fashion.
Advantageously, the plates can further impose a pattern, and/or
further stabilize a pattern, of the units of sleeves.
[0063] In an embodiment of a system at least one sleeve of at least
one unit is provided with a slit extending over a full length of
the sleeve for placement of a cable into a sleeve via the slit and
by moving a cable and that sleeve relative to each other laterally
toward a coaxial position. Such a sleeve provided with a slit can
easily be applied in a conduit through which a cable already
extends. This is particularly useful when a previous sealing system
has to be removed for instance because of its reduced sealing
integrity or because a number of additional cables will have to be
pulled through the conduit. Note that in case a system itself is
already used in a conduit, pulling new cables through the conduit
can take place without having to remove the earlier installed
sleeves. All that needs to be present is the availability of
sleeves through which as yet no cable extends.
[0064] It is possible that in at least one unit a number of
adjacent sleeves are provided with such a slit. This facilitates
application of such a unit where a number of cables extend, or are
meant to extend closely to each other through the conduit. Then,
advantageously, each cable can occupy one sleeve of the unit, so
that the cables remain close to each other but are still positioned
in an easily recordable pattern.
[0065] More preferable is that at least one of the slits is shared
by two neighboring sleeves of which one has two slits. It is for
instance possible that of the sleeve which has two slits, one of
the two slits is shared with a neighboring sleeve and the other one
of the two slits is positioned opposite the slit which is shared
with a neighboring sleeve. This allows for using one slit for
letting a cable first enter one sleeve from which it can be moved
over to the next sleeve. This is particularly useful when two
cables extend closely parallel to each other, for instance when
tie-wrapped. It allows for placing one cable in one of these
neighboring sleeves and the other cable in the other one of these
neighboring sleeves.
[0066] In an embodiment of a system, the sleeves may have a
cross-section which is circular. This allows for some self-clamping
of the units in a conduit.
[0067] As an alternative it is possible that at least one of the
units has on its outside a flat surface which extends in a length
direction of the sleeves and which extends in a layer direction of
the sleeves in the unit. It is thus possible that in a unit each of
the sleeves is considered to be block-shaped. At least one of the
units may thus have a block-shaped outer shape. This facilitates
stacking of the units and an even more accurate positioning of the
sleeves in the conduit so that the recordability and/or planning of
the patterning of cables in the conduit can be more accurate. Note
that, in general, the outer shape of the sleeve may differ from the
inner shape of the sleeve. For instance, the sleeve may be
block-shaped while the lumen provided by the sleeve has the shape
of a cylinder.
[0068] An embodiment of a system may also comprise at least one
single sleeve having an outer cross-sectional dimension suitable
for inserting the at least one single sleeve in another sleeve of
the system. Accordingly, the stability of the system as assembled
in a conduit can be enhanced, which may be necessary when for
instance upper units are provided with heavy cables and lower units
are momentarily kept empty, i.e. free from cables. In case the
sleeves are made of a thermally expandable rubber-like material,
insertion of such a single sleeve in a sleeve of a unit ensures
that enough expandable material is present in the system as
assembled into a stack of units.
[0069] In an embodiment of a system, the sleeves are made of a
thermally expandable rubber-like material. The term rubber-like is
used to express that the rubber-like material may be vulcanizable
and perhaps already partly vulcanized. The term thermally
expandable is used to express that the material comprises one or
more components which will on exposure to heat cause the material
to expand to a larger extent than it would do without the presence
of these components.
[0070] In another embodiment of a system, the sleeves are made of a
vulcanized thermally substantially un-expandable rubbery material.
The term thermally substantially un-expandable is used to express
that the material is free from components which would, on exposure
to heat, cause the material to expand to a larger extent than it
would do without the presence of these components.
[0071] In case the system comprises at least one plate, then that
at least one plate may be made of a thermally expandable
rubber-like material or vulcanized thermally substantially
un-expandable rubbery material, and is by construction or by
material properties stiffer than the stiffness of any one of the
units of sleeves as formed by a single layer of sleeves.
Accordingly, it is possible to provide the system without
dissimilar materials and thus without the chance of undesired
interaction between the materials used for the conduit and the
sleeves and/or plates. Such an undesired interaction could for
instance be corrosion, in the case where the conduit and a plate
are made of different metals.
[0072] In an embodiment of a system, the system may further
comprise a conduit into which the stack of units can be assembled
such that it snugly fits in the conduit. This will ensure that the
dimensions of the conduit and the dimensions of the stack of units
will be set to have optimal functioning of the system during
installation and afterwards.
[0073] In an embodiment of a system, the system further comprises a
sealant for application against the stack of units at the ends of
the sleeves when the stack is completed in a conduit and cables are
held by a number of the sleeves.
[0074] A unit of a number of bonded sleeves for holding cables or
ducts in a conduit may also be provided. The sleeves are of a
rubbery or rubber-like material. The sleeves are oriented parallel
to each other, and the sleeves are all positioned in one layer of
the sleeves. At least one sleeve is provided with a slit extending
over a full length of that sleeve for placement of a cable or duct
into that sleeve via the slit by moving a cable or duct and that
sleeve relative to each other laterally toward a coaxial
position.
[0075] A sleeve for holding cables or ducts in a conduit may also
be provided. The sleeves are of a rubbery or rubber-like material,
the sleeve having a plurality of lumens which are oriented parallel
to each other.
[0076] A unit of a number of such sleeves may also be provided.
[0077] Turning now to the figures, embodiments of the system will
now be described. In the figures and the following description
thereof, like parts are denoted by like reference signs. The
embodiments which are now discussed are illustrative and are not to
be understood as limiting unless clearly specified otherwise.
[0078] FIG. 1 shows schematically a system for holding in a conduit
cables with different diameters. The system includes a plurality of
rubbery or rubber-like sleeves 1 for inserting in such a conduit.
The plurality of sleeves 1 includes a number of units 2 of bonded
sleeves 1 which are oriented parallel to each other. In FIG. 1, and
in many other figures, only the cross-section of the sleeves 1 is
shown.
[0079] Within each unit 2 the sleeves 1 have corresponding outer
dimensions. The system shown in FIG. 1 comprises six units 2.
Within each unit 2, the sleeves 1 have an inner diameter which
differs from an inner diameter of the sleeves of at least one other
unit 2 of the six units 2. As can be seen, the inner diameters of
the sleeves of one unit 2 are preferably identical. However, it is
not impossible that within one unit the sleeves have different
inner diameters. In one embodiment, within one unit of sleeves, the
sleeves have different inner diameters. As will be discussed later,
in some embodiments, at least one sleeve may be provided with
multiple lumens. The latter may also be referred to as channels.
Therefore, aspects described herein relate to such a sleeve, and a
unit of such sleeves. The number of the units 2 and the dimensions
of the units 2 are such that therewith a stack of units 2 can be
made. This possibility can easily be derived from FIG. 1. In the
stack of units 2 each sleeve 1 is also oriented parallel to any of
the other sleeves 1. The stack of units 2 can have a rectangular
shape of which each side is in detail shaped by the presence of a
number of the sleeves 1 and of which each edge is in detail shaped
by the presence of one, two or three of the sleeves. This will be
further explained when FIG. 3 is discussed.
[0080] FIG. 1 presents a very workable embodiment in that with only
six different units 2 many sleeves of different diameters can be
provided and a rectangular stack of units can be made. The possible
number of sleeves and the possible inner and outer dimensions of
these sleeves (in millimeters) are indicated next to the respective
units 2.
[0081] In one embodiment, in each unit 2, the lengths of the
sleeves 1 correspond to each other. In one embodiment, in each unit
2, the sleeves 1 are all positioned in one layer of the sleeves 1,
as also shown in FIG. 1. From reviewing FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5 and 6,
(the latter two being perspectives onto embodiments of the system
in use, as seen from a direction perpendicular to the direction of
the cables extending through the system), it will be clear that
each unit may have, apart from the height of the one layer,
dimensions which correspond to dimensions of one of the other
units.
[0082] An embodiment of a system includes at least one plate 3 for
placing in the stack of units 2 between two units 2, for providing
at least one surface 4 against which at least one of units 2 can be
positioned. The plate 3 has in two directions a dimension which
corresponds to at least one of the dimensions of the stack of units
2. Assuming that the sleeves 1 shown in FIG. 1 have a length of 110
mm, it can be seen that a plate 3 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b is in
correspondence with this preference.
[0083] Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the plate 3
has at each of at least two oppositely positioned rims 5 a number
of ribs 6 for facilitating insertion and clamping of the plate 3 in
a conduit 7 (see FIG. 3). Such ribs 6 may for instance have the
shape of a saw tooth. The plate 3 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b is
suitable for insertion in a direction within the plane of the plate
3. It is conceivable that the ribs have a shape which differs from
the saw-tooth configuration. In FIG. 2b a plate 3 is shown as
provided with a stiff plate 3a, for instance made of a hard
plastic. This plate is suitable for an embodiment of a system that
is intended to have many sleeves in a horizontal plane next to each
other.
[0084] FIG. 3 shows schematically an embodiment of a system, ready
for use. In a conduit 7 the different units 2 are stacked to fill
up the predominantly rectangularly-shaped conduit 7. The bottom
corners 9 of the rectangularly-shaped stack of units 2 are in each
of these bottom edges 9 in detail shaped by the presence of one
sleeve 1. However, the two upper edges 10 of the
rectangularly-shaped stack of units 2 are each in detail shaped by
the presence of two sleeves 1 each belonging to a different unit 1.
It is also conceivable that an edge of a predominantly
rectangularly-shaped stack of units 2 is in detail shaped by the
presence of three sleeves.
[0085] The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is ready for use. That is,
cables can be pulled through the respective sleeves 1. The numbers
presented in the sleeves show the range of diameters of a cable
that could be pulled through the respective sleeve 1. Where the
number 0 is placed in the sleeve, this is to be taken as an
instruction that according to a predetermined planning no cable
should be pulled through that sleeve. Such an empty sleeve will
remain available for adding cables through the conduit 7 later on,
i.e., at a moment in time after installation of the system.
[0086] As can be seen, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 also includes
single sleeves 8 having an outer cross-section or dimension for
inserting at least one of these single sleeves 8 in another sleeve
1 of the system. In case the sleeves 1, 8 are made of a thermally
expandable rubber-like material, insertion of such a single sleeve
in the sleeve of a unit 2 ensures that enough expandable material
is present in the system, so that the entire cavity provided by the
larger sleeve will be closed off by the expandable material in case
of a nearby fire. In case the sleeves are made of a vulcanized
thermally substantially unexpandable rubbery material, such a
single sleeve 8 as inserted into a larger sleeve 1 will provide
additional stability, stiffness and strength to the system, so that
the rigidity of the system, and therewith the accurate
recordability of positions of sleeves and cables will be
maintained. As can be seen, also a number of single sleeves 8 can
be inserted into a larger sleeve 1, surrounding each other (shown
right under) or next to each other (shown more toward the middle of
the conduit). For each of these embodiments it is also possible
that the single sleeve is used for holding a cable extending
through the conduit 7.
[0087] In addition, or as an alternative to the single sleeves
discussed so far, it is also possible that the system comprises
single sleeves having a cross-section as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b.
Such a thicker-walled sleeve as shown in FIG. 6b can be inserted in
a sleeve having an inner diameter larger than the outer
cross-sectional dimension of the thick-walled-sleeve. However, it
is also envisaged that such a thick-walled sleeve replace a sleeve
by tearing that sleeve out of the unit of which it was a part. The
same possibilities for use apply to a multilumen sleeve as shown in
FIG. 6b.
[0088] Clearly, through the embodiments shown in FIG. 3, cables can
be pulled in line with and at a predetermined position in a
composed pattern of sleeves 1. However, it is also possible to use
the system in a conduit through which already cables extend. For
that purpose, each sleeve can be slit open in a length direction
using for instance a sharp knife so that the respective sleeve can
be put around the respective cable. By imposing the system onto a
bundle of cables already extending through a conduit, it will be
possible to force the cables to adopt a position in pattern that is
more easily recordable than and expressed in a systematic way than
it was before the system was installed. As will now be discussed,
the sleeves may also be provided with a pre-cut slit.
[0089] In embodiments of a system, at least one sleeve 1 of at
least one unit 2 is provided with a slit (see FIG. 7) extending
over the full length of the sleeve 1 for placement of a cable into
a sleeve 1 via the slit 13 by moving a cable and that sleeve 1
relative to each other laterally toward a coaxial position. For a
number of adjacent sleeves 1 in one unit such a slit 13 may be
provided. According to a further embodiment, such as for instance
shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b, it is also possible that one slit 13 is
shared by two neighboring sleeves 1 of which one has two slits. Of
that sleeve 1 which has two slits 13, 14, one of the two slits 13,
14 may be shared with a neighboring sleeve 1 and the other one of
the two slits may be positioned opposite the slit which is shared
with a neighboring sleeve 1. It is possible that in one unit 2 all
but one of the sleeves 1 are provided with two slits 13, 14 and
that the one sleeve 1a without two slits 13, 14 only has a slit 13
which is being shared with a neighboring sleeve 1. The one sleeve
1a with only one slit 13 may be situated at the end of the unit 2
of sleeves 1. In such an embodiment it is possible that of all the
sleeves 1, la of one unit 2 the upper halves can together be lifted
up so that the distance between the upper halves and the lower
halves of those sleeves 1, la is enhanced. The sleeve 1a with only
one slit 13 then functions as a hinge. A bundle of cables can then
be spread out over the sleeves 1, la of that unit 2, after which
the upper halves of the respective sleeves 1, la can be put back on
the lower halves, so that each cable is enclosed by a sleeve 1, la.
A unit as shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b can also be employed outside the
context of the present system and as such, the present disclosure
is not limited in this regard.
[0090] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the sleeves may have a
cross-section which is circular. In such an embodiment, the plates
3 may be included. Plates 3 have the function of providing a
surface against which a unit 2 of sleeves 1 can be positioned, so
that a layer of sleeves 1 will not adopt a somewhat buckled shape
and negatively affect an accurate positioning of the respective
sleeves. The upper surface 4 of plate 3 provides a suitable surface
for support of a unit laying on top of it. The lower surface of
plate 3 not necessarily makes contact with a unit 2 of sleeves
1.
[0091] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a system ready for use in
the sense that cables can be pulled through. In this case, the
width of the conduit is larger than the height. When cables are
kept outside the conduit in a cable tray, then there is less need
to allow for much slack in the cables, as the cables do not need to
be fed into a sleeve 1 that is positioned much higher, or lower,
than the cable tray. For this embodiment the plates 3 may be
provided with a stiffer plate 3a.
[0092] An embodiment of a system that may be useful when no plates
3 are used may be provided. Particularly in an embodiment wherein
at least one of the units has on its outside a flat surface which
extends in a length direction of the sleeves 1 and which extends in
a layer direction of the sleeves in the respective unit 2, there
may not be a need for having plates 3.
[0093] In an embodiment of a system the unit may have a
block-shaped outer shape, so that there may not at all be a need
for a plate 3. For the sake of completeness, FIG. 5a shows a unit 2
having sleeves 1 with a circular cross-section and FIG. 5b shows a
unit 2 having a block-shaped outer shape. Each sleeve 1 of that
unit may be considered to have a block-shaped cross-section. The
inner diameters of the sleeves 1 shown in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b are
identical.
[0094] In practice, cables extending through the system are
unlikely to have a perfectly coaxial position relative to the
respective sleeves 1. Only when the sleeve 1 has an inner diameter
that corresponds to the outer diameter of the cable, such a coaxial
configuration may be present. This may also be achieved when a
sleeve 1 having a slightly smaller inner diameter is provided with
a slit 13 and placed over a cable having a slightly larger diameter
so that the slit 13 remains unclosed and present. However, in the
other configurations, the sleeves 1 somewhat loosely hold the
cable, having the advantage that no forces are exerted onto the
cables so that the sheathing is not deformed. Another advantage is
that the cables do not necessarily have to extend in a strictly
straight line through the conduit 7. There is some flexibility in
departing from such a straight line.
[0095] The stacked units of sleeves 1 provide a good structure
against which a sealant 4 can be applied. For this purpose, an
embodiment of a system may include a sealant 11 for application
against a stack of units 2 at the end of the sleeves 1 when the
stack 2 is completed in a conduit 7 and cables 12 are held by a
number of the sleeves 1. The sealant may only be such that the
system becomes closed off for gas and water but also a special
sealant may be applied in line with the nature of the material of
which the sleeves are made.
[0096] For optimal dimensioning, a system may further include a
conduit 7 into which the stack of units 2 can be assembled such
that it snugly fits in the conduit 7. This, however, does not mean
that the length of the conduit 7 corresponds to the length of the
sleeves 1. Ideally, the sleeves 1 are shorter than the length of
the conduit 7, so that the sealant 11 can be applied against the
ends of the sleeves 1 and still within conduit 7.
[0097] Although the sleeves 1 already provide a function of
defining a predetermined cavity through which a particular cable
can extend through the conduit 7, and as part of a stack snugly
fitting in the conduit 7 provide a structure against which a
sealant 11 can be applied, in an embodiment, the sleeves 1 are made
of a thermally expandable rubber-like material to further enhance
the functionality of the sleeves 1. On exposure to heat reaching
that material, either through the conduit 7, or through cables 12
extending through the conduit 7, this material will expand,
therewith forming a complete closure of the conduit 7. This closure
may be in addition to the sealant 11 which may only be functioning
as a seal against water and gas before a nearby fire starts having
an influence on the system.
[0098] Alternatively, the sleeves may be made of a vulcanized
thermally substantially unexpandable rubbery material, then the
sleeves are functioning as described in WO 08104237 A1.
[0099] If the system comprises one or more plates 2, then a plate
may be made of a material that is similar to the material of which
the sleeves are made. However, the plate is preferably by
construction or by material properties stiffer than the stiffness
of any one of the units of the sleeves that is formed by a single
layer of sleeves.
[0100] FIGS. 9 and 10 provide further insights in possible examples
of systems. The dimensions provided are illustrative and by no
means intended to be limiting, but do indicate possible dimensions
for an embodiment.
[0101] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of unit 2, of which the sleeves
have relatively small inner diameter as compared to the outer
diameter. This improves the stiffness of the sleeves and
consequently the stability of the unit and a stack in which the
unit is placed.
[0102] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of units 2, having sleeves 1
with each a plurality of lumen.
[0103] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of units 2, of which each sleeve
1 is provided with a slit 13, for allowing insertion in the
respective sleeve a cable that already extends through a
conduit.
[0104] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of units 2, very much like the
units shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b. FIG. 14 shows a number of units 2,
having mutually different dimensions due to the different inner and
outer diameters of the sleeves 1.
[0105] FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a single sleeve 8,
having a star-shaped cross-section, suitable for insertion in a
sleeve through which for the moment no cable extends. The single
sleeve 8 provides strength to that sleeve 1 of the unit 2.
[0106] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a single sleeve viewed from a
side, i.e. not viewed along its axis. The sleeve is provided with a
number of external ribs separated in circumferential direction for
self-fixation after insertion in one of the other sleeves of the
system. This allows for providing strength to the sleeve into which
such a single sleeve is inserted so that the overall shape remains
unaffected also when much weight is put on the sleeve, for instance
by heavy cables in sleeves put on top of the respective sleeve.
However, such a single sleeve can easily be removed as not much
friction is resisting such removal.
[0107] FIG. 17 shows a conduit 7 in which an embodiment of a system
has been installed.
[0108] FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of units having a block-shaped
outer shape, i.e. of which the sleeves have a block-shaped
cross-section.
[0109] FIG. 19 shows an embodiment similar to the one shown in FIG.
18. However, the parts of the unit which are likely to face an
inner side of a conduit are provided with a number of external ribs
separated in axial direction for self-fixation itself within a
confinement having a dimension that allows for such
self-fixating.
[0110] FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of units 2, having more than one
layer of sleeves, and having a block-shaped outer shape.
[0111] FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 show embodiments of a system having
spacers S for fixating the units 2 within a conduit 7. These
spacers are also of a rubbery or rubber-like material, with a
hardness different from the hardness of the material of units. The
spacers may, or may not, be provided with ribs.
[0112] As indicated earlier on, for a sealing off, ideally a
sealant is applied as also shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, for instance
referred to in WO 08104237 A1.
[0113] In one embodiment, the rubbery or rubber-like material is a
fire resistant grade. However, it is also possible to have a
material that is purely very stable rubber, for instance for
applications in which the system has to withstand exposure to
water, under low or relatively high pressure. Further, in one
embodiment, within one layer of a stack of units, different units
having different diameters of the sleeves 1, may be applied,
provided that stacking of the units into a rectangular shape is
still possible. In case the sleeves 1 and the plates 3 are made of
a thermally expandable rubber-like material it may be provided in a
color that differs from black or grey, to ensure that no mixing
will occur with sleeves 1 and/or units provided by a different
supplier. Such mixing could lead to undesired inaccurate
recordability of the position of the sleeves 1 and cables 12, as
well as a disfunctioning under catastrophic circumstances. The
system is flexible in terms of the number of cables and the size of
cables that need to extend through the conduit 7 and the system.
This system can also be used for conduits 7 through which bundles
of relatively thin cables, tie-wrapped together, need to
extend.
[0114] In general, the system may comprise a conduit and still be
free from an operable mechanism for mechanically putting the units
under an enhanced pressure after installing the units in the
conduit. That is, in one embodiment, the system is free from
components for compressing the units in a direction perpendicular
to the axial direction of the sleeves.
[0115] The invention is not limited by the embodiments shown. Many
modifications are possible. Thus, it is to be appreciated various
alterations, modifications, and improvements of the embodiments
described herein will readily occur to those skilled in the art.
Such alterations, modification, and improvements are intended to be
part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit
and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description and
drawings herein are by way of example only.
* * * * *