A cable for use in a cryogenic environment
By designing a low-temperature cable structure and utilizing a combination of restraint components and external adjustment sleeves, the problems of cables becoming brittle and prone to freezing at low temperatures were solved, achieving the cable's pressure resistance, anti-icing, and rapid de-icing capabilities, thereby improving the cable's performance and lifespan.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUIZHOU HONGYA ELECTRONICS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
Ordinary cables tend to harden and become brittle in low-temperature environments, and the insulation and sheath materials may crack, leading to performance failure. In particular, it is difficult to effectively prevent cables from freezing in extremely cold environments, and existing de-icing methods are complex and inefficient.
A low-temperature cable structure was designed, including a center cable, an integrated cable, a restraining element, an outer sheath, and an external adjustment sleeve. Through the elastic support of the restraining element, the heat insulation particles of the built-in filling module, and the heat regulation of the external adjustment sleeve, the cable achieves the functions of pressure resistance, anti-icing, and rapid de-icing.
It improves the cable's compressive strength and resilience, effectively prevents icing in low-temperature environments, melts ice quickly, extends cable life, and reduces maintenance frequency.
Smart Images

Figure CN121281910B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of cable technology, and in particular to a cable for use in low-temperature environments. Background Technology
[0002] Ordinary cables harden and become brittle at low temperatures, and the insulation and sheath materials may crack, leading to performance failure or even safety accidents. This is especially true for some cables used in low-temperature scenarios, such as common marine cables. Some cables are used in extremely low-temperature environments, and when encountering cold waves, the surface of the cable often becomes covered with a thick layer of ice due to the sudden drop in temperature and surface moisture. The common method is to remove ice. However, when the cables on the outside of the ship are exposed, such as cables used for transmitting antennas on the ship's roof, icing is the most common phenomenon. Common de-icing methods are difficult to remove the ice from the cables and require working at height, which is very difficult. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cable for use in low-temperature environments, which has the advantages of combining multiple cables, ensuring that the cables are kept at a safe temperature through external adjustment, and having better performance than existing cables.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a cable for use in low-temperature environments, comprising a center cable and a multi-strand integrated cable disposed around the center cable, and further comprising:
[0005] The number of the restraining components is the same as the number of the integrated cables. The length direction of two adjacent integrated cables is restricted by one restraining component. Multiple restraining components restrict the multiple integrated cables into an overall ring layer in the ring direction.
[0006] An outer sheath is used to wrap the entire annular layer, and the outer sheath is disposed on the outer surface of the integrated cable. It also includes an internal filling module that compensates for the space between two adjacent restraints, and a plastic sheath that is fixed together with the internal filling module to wrap the entire annular layer. The plastic sheath is provided with continuous heat-insulating particles.
[0007] An external adjustment sleeve is fitted onto the cable, and the inner wall of the external adjustment sleeve is in contact with the outer wall of the outer sheath.
[0008] Furthermore, the integrated cable includes a fan-shaped sleeve and a single-strand cable disposed within the fan-shaped sleeve. A groove is provided at the junction of the inner arc surface and the spoke surface of the fan-shaped sleeve, and a second groove is provided at the junction of the outer arc surface and the spoke surface of the fan-shaped sleeve.
[0009] Furthermore, the restraining component includes a restraining strip, and multiple external compression frames and limiting frames are fixedly connected at equal intervals along the length of the restraining strip.
[0010] Furthermore, the limiting skeleton is provided with a bending hook portion, and the outer compression skeleton is provided with an inner chamfer hook that locks and fits the groove two.
[0011] Furthermore, the continuous heat-insulating particles include a reserved polygonal reinforcing portion of the woven plastic sheath with an embedded metal mesh, which is glued together and pressed into the extension portion of the polygonal reinforcing portion. The inner wall of the extension portion forms a bladder-shaped space, and an aluminum foil film is adhered to the outer surface of the bladder-shaped space. The bladder-shaped space is filled with paraffin particles.
[0012] Furthermore, the built-in filling module is provided with an integrally formed adhesive flap on the surface of the built-in filling module at the position of the extension portion, and the adhesive flap contains metal powder.
[0013] Furthermore, the external adjustment sleeve includes annular diverter pipes connected to both ends of the sleeve body.
[0014] Furthermore, the sleeve body includes a fitting sleeve, the outer surface of which is axially provided with multiple sets of channels, each set of channels is connected by two sets of opposing continuous hook-shaped strips to form a whole, the hook-shaped strips are connected by a soft connection, the inner hook surface of the hook-shaped strips is provided with a flow-blocking strip, and one side of the flow-blocking strip is provided with an inclined surface.
[0015] Furthermore, the external adjustment sleeve also includes an outer fitting strip adapted to the shape of the outer side of the channel, and a gas filling space is provided between two adjacent outer fitting strips. The inner wall of the outer sleeve is fixedly connected to the outer walls of the multiple outer fitting strips.
[0016] Furthermore, the annular diverter includes an annular diverter sleeve fixed to the circumferential surface of the sleeve body, an annular sealing ring is fixedly connected to the outer side of the annular diverter sleeve, and both ends of the channel are fixedly connected to one side of the annular diverter sleeve through connecting strips, and the annular diverter of the annular diverter sleeve is located inside the channel.
[0017] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:
[0018] 1. The restraining component drives the fan-shaped sleeve to provide elastic support in the radial direction. The Z-shaped plate part is on the restraining bar. The opening space of the outer Z-shaped plate part faces outward, and the locking space of the inner Z-shaped plate part faces inward. In this way, when the radial pressure is applied, it can provide compression margin. During the compression process, the opening of the Z-shaped plate part expands, which better restrains the fan-shaped sleeves on both sides. After the sides are compressed, the fan-shaped sleeves on the front and rear sides, together with the outer compression skeleton and limiting skeleton on the other restraining components, can form support in the circumferential direction. In this way, the multi-strand integrated cable and multiple restraining components work together to improve the cable's compressive strength, bending range, and recovery ability.
[0019] 2. When entering from the right end, the heat medium can quickly flow to the left end. At this time, when the medium is continuously flowing, the heat can rise rapidly, which can be used to quickly melt the ice on the cable.
[0020] When preventing cable icing in low-temperature conditions, a heating medium can be introduced from the left end. When the medium enters the channel, the first hook-shaped bars on both sides form a figure-eight shape and are staggered to form a bend towards the middle of the channel. After being diverted by the first flow-blocking bar, the medium enters the inner hook surfaces on both sides. The medium flows back under the obstruction of the inner hook surfaces and collides with the medium entering from upstream. The staggered arrangement causes turbulent flow to be formed alternately at the inner hook surfaces on both sides. This allows the local heat to rise quickly to the same temperature as the medium, enabling intermittent heating. Each time the medium passes through the entire channel, the cable temperature can rise to the ideal state.
[0021] 3. After receiving external temperature, the aluminum foil membrane in the capsule-shaped space is rapidly heated. At this time, the aluminum foil membrane melts the paraffin particles inside. Since paraffin acts as a heat storage medium, its heat preservation effect is excellent, which can better preserve the temperature. This can ensure that the outer skin is at a suitable temperature, which is beneficial to protect the outer skin in low-temperature environments and can also improve its service life. In turn, it can in turn keep the external regulating sleeve warm, increase its heat preservation time, and reduce the frequency of external heating. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the external adjustment sleeve of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the outer sheath of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the heat-insulating particles of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the restraint component of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the channel of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 5 Schematic diagram at point A in the middle;
[0029] Figure 8 For the present invention Figure 5 Schematic diagram at point B in the middle;
[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated cable and restraint component of the present invention after being bent under pressure. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0032] To better understand the cable used in low-temperature environments provided in this embodiment, a brief introduction to existing ship roof antennas is given below. Ship roof installations include signal receiving antennas, navigation antennas, and communication antennas, which require wiring to the ship's control system. Therefore, there are many cases of exposed external wires. In existing ships, there are two ways to deal with this. The first is to build a separate cable routing channel, which, although inconvenient for maintenance, can basically overcome the problem of large-area icing. The other is that exposed external cables have the problem of severe surface icing. Such cables have a short lifespan and require frequent maintenance. Icing creates a cold area on the cable surface and increases the weight on the cable. In some cases, when cables are connected, plate-like ice blocks form between them, wrapping around multiple cables, which has a significant impact on the cables. This invention, through prefabricated protective sleeves and optimized internal cable design, can prevent thick ice from forming on the surface in low-temperature conditions, thus protecting the normal use of the cable as a whole.
[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The cable shown is designed for use in low-temperature environments. It includes a center cable 1 and a multi-strand integrated cable 2 surrounding the center cable 1. The integrated cable 2 incorporates, but is not limited to, signal receiving antenna cables, navigation antenna cables, and communication antenna cables. Individually routed cables are integrated and positioned in a ring around the center cable. The center is supported by a thick-diameter cable. The surrounding multi-strand integrated cable 2 floats around the center cable 1, improving the overall cable's flexibility while increasing its toughness and torsional yield. The floating arrangement requires detailed explanation; it can be understood that the entire ring-shaped multi-strand integrated cable 2 has axial and radially movable space within the cable. It also includes:
[0034] The number of restraints 3 is the same as the number of integrated cables 2. The length direction of two adjacent integrated cables 2 is restricted by a restraint 3. In other words, each integrated cable 2 is provided with a restraint 3 on both sides. Multiple restraints 3 restrict the multiple integrated cables 2 into an overall ring layer in the ring direction.
[0035] Furthermore, the integrated cable 2 includes a fan-shaped sleeve 21 and a single-strand cable 22 disposed within the fan-shaped sleeve 21. A groove 23 is provided at the junction of the inner arc surface and the spoke surface of the fan-shaped sleeve 21, and a second groove 24 is provided at the junction of the outer arc surface and the spoke surface of the fan-shaped sleeve 21.
[0036] The sector sleeve 21 is made of a material with good toughness, including but not limited to TPE, PU, and POE. There is a gap between the sector sleeve 21 and the center cable. The purpose is to ensure that when the overall cable is under pressure or during bending, the gap allows for some movement between the sector sleeve 21 and the center cable 1. Since the center cable 1 is in contact with multiple restraining parts 3, the restraining parts 3 can ensure that the stress point of the center cable 1 is not concentrated in a local position, even with the room for movement between the sector sleeve 21 and the center cable 1. This prevents excessive bending and protects the internal cable.
[0037] Furthermore, the restraining component 3 includes a restraining strip 31, and multiple external compression frames 32 and limiting frames 33 are fixedly connected at equal intervals along the length of the restraining strip 31. The limiting frame 33 is provided with a bending hook portion 331, and the external compression frame 32 is provided with an inner chamfer hook 321 that locks and fits the groove 24.
[0038] In actual cable use, the restraining bar 31 can be made of steel or elastic material. In this application, the elastic material is the best choice. Since the restraining bar 31 runs in the same direction as the cable axis and is provided with an outer compression frame 32 on the outside, the inner chamfer hook 321 on the outer compression frame 32 is locked and fitted with the groove 24.
[0039] like Figure 9 As shown, when the cable is bent, taking the top of the cable under stress as an example, when the restraining member 3 is at the top, the inner chamfer hook 321 on the spaced outer compression frame 32 is engaged with the groove 24, and at the same time the bending hook part 331 is engaged with the inner arc surface of the fan-shaped sleeve 21 and fits together. This can pull the fan-shaped sleeves 21 on both sides. In this state, the outer compression frame 32 located at the outermost arc can prevent the fan-shaped sleeves 21 on both sides from expanding to the front and back sides, thus avoiding cable deformation. During this process, the bottom restraining member 3 undergoes reverse deformation, and together with the restraining members 3 on the front and back sides, the cable can still maintain its integrity and appearance even when it is bent.
[0040] In the above case, when the top of the curved position is a fan-shaped sleeve 21, the effect is the same, and will not be elaborated further.
[0041] It should be further explained that the outer compression frame 32 and the limiting frame 33 are spaced apart, which allows for a greater range of bending when bent. Both the outer compression frame 32 and the limiting frame 33 include a U-shaped plate portion and an arc-shaped plate portion that forms an integral part with the U-shaped plate portion. It is important to emphasize that the inner arc surface of the outer compression frame 32 has an arc-shaped groove, and the outer arc surface of the limiting frame 33, which is fixed to the U-shaped plate portion, also forms an arc-shaped groove. For specific details, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 7 As shown;
[0042] The advantage of the above design is that it allows the restraining member 3 to provide elastic support for the fan-shaped sleeve 21 in the radial direction. The Z-shaped plate part is on the restraining bar 31, with the opening space of the outer Z-shaped plate part facing outward and the locking space of the inner Z-shaped plate part facing inward. In this way, when the radial pressure is applied, it can provide compression margin. During the compression process, the opening of the Z-shaped plate part expands, which better restrains the fan-shaped sleeves 21 on both sides. After the sides are compressed, the fan-shaped sleeves 21 on the front and rear sides, together with the outer compression skeleton 32 and the limiting skeleton 33 on the other restraining members 3, can form support in the circumferential direction. In this way, the multi-strand integrated cable 2 and multiple restraining members 3 work together to improve the cable's compressive strength, bending range, and recovery ability.
[0043] In the event of external icing, it provides good toughness to ensure the safety of the cable, and can quickly return to its original state when the ice melts.
[0044] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 An external regulating sleeve 5 is fitted onto the cable, and the inner wall of the external regulating sleeve 5 is in contact with the outer wall of the outer sheath 4. The external regulating sleeve 5 includes annular shunt pipes 56 connected to both ends of the sleeve body.
[0045] The external adjustment sleeve 5 also includes an external fitting strip 57 that is adapted to the shape of the outer side of the channel 53. An air filling space 54 is provided between two adjacent external fitting strips 57. The inner wall of the outer sleeve is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the multiple external fitting strips 57.
[0046] The annular diverter pipe 56 includes an annular diverter sleeve 51 fixed on the circumferential surface of the sleeve body. An annular sealing ring 52 is fixedly connected to the outside of the annular diverter sleeve 51. An inlet pipe is connected to the annular sealing ring 52, and one end of the inlet pipe is connected to the inner cavity of the annular diverter sleeve 51. Both ends of the channel 53 are fixedly connected to one side of the annular diverter sleeve 51 through connecting strips 58. The annular diverter pipe 56 of the annular diverter sleeve 51 is located inside the channel 53.
[0047] The bonding sleeve is made of metal, which can be made of metal woven mesh and its surface is covered with silicone, which has a better heat transfer effect. The inlet pipe connected to the sealing ring 52 transfers the heat from the ship to the annular diversion sleeve 51, and then enters the channel 53 from the annular diversion pipe 56. The hot air in the channel 53 can preheat the bonding sleeve, so that the overall temperature of the external regulating sleeve 5 increases. At this time, the outer layer 4 can be at a suitable temperature, which can reduce the impact of low temperature on it.
[0048] It should be noted that, since the annular diversion pipes 56 on both sides are respectively set on both sides of the channel 53, when de-icing the cable, the water inlet end can be switched between the inlet pipes connected to the sealing rings 52 at both ends.
[0049] The sleeve includes a fitting sleeve. Multiple sets of channels 53 are axially arranged on the outer surface of the fitting sleeve. Each set of channels 53 is connected by two sets of multiple continuous hook-shaped strips 531 arranged opposite each other to form a whole. The hook-shaped strips 531 are connected by a soft connection. It should be noted that the soft connection can be made by silicone adhesive between two hook-shaped strips 531. A flow-blocking strip 535 is provided at the inner hook surface 532 of the hook-shaped strip 531. A slope 533 is provided on one side of the flow-blocking strip 535.
[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, when the medium enters from the right end, it can quickly flow to the left end. When the medium is continuously drawn in, the heat can rise rapidly, which can be used to quickly melt the ice on the cable.
[0051] When preventing cable icing in low-temperature conditions, a heating medium can be introduced from the left end. When the medium enters the channel 53, the first hook-shaped bars 531 on both sides are in a figure-eight shape and are staggered to form a bend towards the middle of the channel 53. After being diverted by the first flow-blocking bar 535, the medium enters the inner hook surfaces 532 on both sides. The medium flows back under the obstruction of the inner hook surfaces 532 and collides with the medium entering from upstream. Moreover, the staggered arrangement causes the interference flow to be formed alternately at the inner hook surfaces 532 on both sides. This allows the local heat to rise quickly to the same temperature as the medium, thus enabling intermittent heating. Each time the medium passes through the entire channel 53, the cable temperature can rise to the ideal state.
[0052] It is important to note that the hook strips 531 are connected by a flexible connection. This way, when the cable is bent, the continuous hook strips 531 do not affect the overall degree of bending. Moreover, after the bend is restored, a short connection can be provided to keep the channel intact.
[0053] It should also be noted that this temperature medium can be introduced into the ship's heat source, and after entering the cable, the temperature is maintained at 50-60 degrees Celsius for a short time before decreasing.
[0054] The gas filling space 54 is described as follows: the gas is a heat-insulating gas, and it is not necessary to fill too much of it to ensure that there is room for deformation.
[0055] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 The outer sheath 4 shown is used to wrap the entire annular layer. The outer sheath 4 is set on the outer surface of the integrated cable 2 and the built-in filling module 42 compensates for the space between two adjacent restraints 3. This ensures the integrity of the internal cable and the outer sheath 4, as well as the plastic sheath 41 that is fixed to the built-in filling module 42 to wrap the entire annular layer. The plastic sheath 41 is provided with continuous heat insulation particles 45. The continuous heat insulation particles 45 are in contact with the fitting sleeve and can quickly transfer heat.
[0056] The continuous heat-insulating particles 45 include a woven plastic sheath 41 with a reserved polygonal reinforcing portion 451 containing a metal mesh, which are glued together and pressed into an extension portion 452 of the polygonal reinforcing portion 451. The inner wall of the extension portion 452 forms a bladder-shaped space 454. An aluminum foil film 453 is adhered to the outer surface of the bladder-shaped space 454, and the bladder-shaped space 454 is filled with paraffin particles 455.
[0057] The built-in filling module 42 is provided with an integrally formed adhesive flap 43 on the surface of the extended portion 452, and the adhesive flap 43 contains metal powder.
[0058] After receiving external temperature, the aluminum foil film 453 of the capsule space 454 is rapidly heated. At this time, the aluminum foil film 453 melts the paraffin particles 455 inside. After the paraffin particles 455 melt, since paraffin is a heat storage medium, its heat preservation effect is excellent and it can better preserve the temperature. This can ensure that the outer skin 4 is at a suitable temperature, which is beneficial to protect the outer skin 4 for use in low-temperature environments and can also improve its service life. In turn, it can in turn keep the external regulating sleeve 5 warm, increase its heat preservation time, and reduce the frequency of external heating.
[0059] Regarding the description of the built-in filling module 42, the built-in filling module 42 forms an integral whole with the plastic sheath 41, mainly serving to support the plastic sheath 41. Due to high-frequency bending, radial compression, and axial tension, the four built-in filling modules 42 can achieve the purpose of plasticization inside. An integrally formed adhesive flap 43 is provided at the position of the extension 452, which is mixed with metal powder. The metal powder has a good heat conduction effect, and the adhesive flap 43 can improve the overall integrity of the connection. In addition, it can restrict the restraints 3 on both sides.
[0060] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A cable for use in low-temperature environments, comprising a center cable (1) and a multi-strand integrated cable (2) disposed around the center cable (1), characterized in that, Also includes: The number of restraints (3) is the same as the number of integrated cables (2). The length direction of two adjacent integrated cables (2) is restricted by one restraint (3). Multiple restraints (3) restrict the multiple integrated cables (2) into an overall ring layer in the ring direction. The outer sheath (4) is used to wrap the entire annular layer, and the outer sheath (4) is disposed on the outer surface of the integrated cable (2), and the built-in filling module (42) compensates for the space between two adjacent restraints (3), and the plastic sheath (41) is fixed to the built-in filling module (42) to wrap the entire annular layer. The plastic sheath (41) is provided with continuous heat insulation particles (45). An external adjustment sleeve (5) is fitted onto the cable, and the inner wall of the external adjustment sleeve (5) is in contact with the outer wall of the outer sheath (4); The integrated cable (2) includes a fan-shaped sleeve (21) and a single-strand cable (22) disposed in the fan-shaped sleeve (21). A groove first (23) is provided at the junction of the inner arc surface and the spoke surface of the fan-shaped sleeve (21), and a groove second (24) is provided at the junction of the outer arc surface and the spoke surface of the fan-shaped sleeve (21). The restraining member (3) includes a restraining strip (31), and the restraining strip (31) is fixedly connected at equal intervals along its length to multiple external compression frames (32) and limiting frames (33). The limiting skeleton (33) is provided with a curved hook portion (331), and the outer compression skeleton (32) is provided with an inner chamfer hook (321) that locks and fits the groove two (24). The external adjustment sleeve (5) includes an annular shunt pipe (56) connected to both ends of the sleeve body. The sleeve includes a fitting sleeve, and the outer surface of the fitting sleeve is axially provided with multiple sets of channels (53). The annular diverter (56) includes an annular diverter sleeve (51) fixed on the circumferential surface of the sleeve body. An annular sealing ring (52) is fixedly connected to the outside of the annular diverter sleeve (51), and both ends of the channel (53) are fixedly connected to one side of the annular diverter sleeve (51) through connecting strips (58). The annular diverter (56) of the annular diverter sleeve (51) is located inside the channel (53).
2. The cable for use in low-temperature environments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The continuous heat-insulating particles (45) include a reserved polygonal reinforcing portion (451) of a woven plastic sheath (41) with an embedded metal mesh, which is glued together and pressed into an extension portion (452) of the polygonal reinforcing portion (451). The inner wall of the extension portion (452) forms a bladder-shaped space (454), and an aluminum foil film (453) is adhered to the outer surface of the bladder-shaped space (454). The bladder-shaped space (454) is filled with paraffin particles (455).
3. The cable for use in low-temperature environments according to claim 2, characterized in that, The built-in filling module (42) is provided with an adhesive flap (43) integrally formed with the surface of the built-in filling module (42) at the position of the extension portion (452), and the adhesive flap (43) contains metal powder.
4. The cable for use in low-temperature environments according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each channel (53) is formed by connecting two sets of multiple consecutive hook-shaped strips (531) arranged opposite each other. The hook-shaped strips (531) are connected by a soft connection. A flow-blocking strip (535) is provided on the inner hook surface (532) of the hook-shaped strip (531), and a slope (533) is provided on one side of the flow-blocking strip (535).
5. A cable for use in low-temperature environments according to claim 4, characterized in that, The external adjustment sleeve (5) also includes an external fitting strip (57) that is adapted to the shape of the outer side of the channel (53), and a gas filling space (54) is provided between two adjacent external fitting strips (57). The inner wall of the outer sleeve is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the multiple external fitting strips (57).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
CN119069168A
CN120261038A