Cable connector assembly

Abstract

This invention relates to a cable connector assembly for joining at least two cable ends, the cable connector assembly including a cable connector defining an internal space into which the at least two cable ends extend and engage in use, and the internal space being filled with a liquid in use, wherein the cable connector assembly further includes a blocking element capable of being disposed in the internal space such that, in use, the blocking element extends around the at least two cable ends at least in the region where the at least two cable ends are joined. The invention also relates to such a blocking element and a method for assembling such a cable connector assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable connector assembly for joining at least two cable ends, the cable connector assembly including a cable connector defining an internal space into which the at least two cable ends extend and join during use, and the internal space being filled with liquid during use. Background Technology

[0002] Such cable connector assemblies are known in themselves. The cable connector can be grounded. The cable connector may, for example, comprise two interconnectable housings, such that the internal space is easily accessible for joining the at least two cable ends before connecting the housings, and wherein, after joining the cable ends, the housings can be connected to each other. A sealable liquid supply opening may be provided to fill the cable connector with the liquid. The liquid may be provided to prevent or at least reduce the possibility of (partial) discharge, i.e., local dielectric breakdown or flashover. The liquid may be any suitable liquid, such as oil or silicone-based liquid. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention is to improve upon the known cable connector assembly. More specifically, the object of this invention is to reduce the possibility of partial discharge, which could damage the cable tip and / or the cable connector assembly.

[0004] This objective is achieved by a cable connector assembly according to the preceding portion, characterized in that the cable connector assembly further includes a blocking element that can be disposed in the internal space such that, in use, the blocking element extends around the at least two cable ends at least in the region where the at least two cable ends are joined.

[0005] The blocking element prevents or reduces the arrangement of impurities such as solids or bubbles in the liquid. Since it provides a breakdown path with relatively low resistance—along which partial discharge may occur—the arrangement of impurities is considered to increase the likelihood of partial discharge. Therefore, by preventing or reducing the arrangement of impurities, the blocking element reduces the likelihood of breakdown and thus the likelihood of partial discharge, which could otherwise cause damage. Additionally or alternatively, the blocking element may increase the length of the breakdown path along which partial discharge may occur, since breakdown will generally not penetrate the blocking element but will instead occur along the path through the liquid defined by the blocking element. Increasing the length of the breakdown path reduces the likelihood of breakdown and therefore reduces the likelihood of damage caused by partial discharge.

[0006] The likelihood of partial discharge largely determines the required distance between the cable end and the cable connector. The cable connector is designed to be large enough to provide the desired low likelihood of partial discharge. By using the blocking element according to the invention, the likelihood of partial discharge or flashover can be reduced. Therefore, the cable connector can be made smaller while providing the same desired low likelihood of discharge. This reduces the cost of the cable connector and also reduces installation and manufacturing costs.

[0007] The area where at least two cable ends are joined may include at least the area where the outer end region of the cable is present, and more specifically, may include the end region where the electrical conductor of the cable is exposed and not covered by a sheath. The outer end region may be joined by a connector. The area may also be an area where at least a connector is present.

[0008] In particular, the shape of the blocking element can be longitudinal. The length of the blocking element measured in the longitudinal direction at the end of the cable can be, for example, greater than 10 cm, greater than 15 cm, or greater than 20 cm.

[0009] The cable connector assembly may include a grounded stress cone, sometimes referred to as a deflector or field control element. The blocking element is preferably not present in the region of the stress cone, and even more preferably spaced from the stress cone in the axial direction of the cable connector assembly by a minimum spacing distance, for example, 2 cm.

[0010] Preferably, the blocking portion is spaced apart from the cable end and the cable connector, allowing liquid to exist between the blocking portion and the cable end, and between the blocking portion and the cable connector. Specifically, the presence of liquid between these components can eliminate the presence of air or air bubbles.

[0011] In an embodiment of the cable connector assembly according to the invention, the blocking element defines at least one partition that, in use, separates liquid in the region, particularly at any angular location around the at least two cable ends, as viewed radially outward from the cable ends.

[0012] In other words, starting from any angular position at the end of the cable and viewed radially outward from the housing toward the cable connector, the partition exists at, but not necessarily at, the same radial position.

[0013] The blocking element can have a generally cylindrical external shape.

[0014] One or both longitudinal ends of the blocking element may be open, allowing liquid to flow around and into the blocking element.

[0015] By separating the liquid in a radially outward direction, the relatively short breakdown path in the radially outward direction is blocked by the barrier, because partial discharge usually does not penetrate the separator.

[0016] By positioning the separator at any angular location around the ends of the at least two cables, there is no angular location where a breakdown path can directly reach the outer housing of the cable connector assembly in the radial direction.

[0017] Preferably, the blocking element defines a plurality of partitions spaced apart in the radial direction.

[0018] Providing multiple spacers spaced apart in the radial direction offers the advantage of providing multiple locations where a breakdown will not occur in the radially outward direction relative to the cable end. Therefore, a breakdown path may occur around the spacers.

[0019] For example, starting from any angular position at the end of the cable and radially outward along the direction of the housing, there is at least one, but preferably two, or even more preferably three, partitions before reaching the housing. A radial gap may be present between each partition, and preferably between the outermost partition and the housing.

[0020] The blocking portion may be open at one or both of its longitudinal ends, allowing liquid to enter the gap between the blocking portion and the cable end and / or between the blocking portion and the cable connector and / or between multiple partitions to eliminate the presence of air and / or air bubbles.

[0021] In fact, the plurality of partitions are connected or can be connected to each other via bridging portions, which extend, for example, in a generally radial direction.

[0022] The bridging portion can connect the plurality of partitions to each other at a desired interval in the radial direction.

[0023] The bridging portion can be permanently connected to the first partition, i.e., an integral part of the first partition, and can be connected to another partition to connect the first partition to the other partition.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the bridging portion may be permanently connected to the two partitions, i.e., an integral part of the two partitions, which are permanently connected to each other through the bridging portion, such that the two partitions are a single integral part.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the bridging portion can be configured as a separate element that can be connected to the two partitions.

[0026] In fact, the blocking element includes multiple blocking parts, which can be interconnected by a cooperating connecting device.

[0027] The plurality of blocking portions may define at least a portion of one or more partitions.

[0028] The blocking element, formed by multiple blocking portions, offers the advantage of easy placement of the blocking portions around the cable ends. This is especially likely if each blocking portion defines a non-closed profile when viewed in the transverse section of the respective blocking portion, thereby allowing the blocking portions to be placed around at least two cable ends and optionally around other parts of the cable connector assembly, such as the connector.

[0029] Multiple blocking portions may be particularly slightly flexible and / or elastically deformable, such that the opening of the blocking portion defined by the non-closed profile can be temporarily enlarged by temporarily deforming the blocking portion, in particular by bending the legs of the portion adjacent to the opening in a direction away from each other. After the blocking portion is positioned around the at least two cable ends and optionally around other portions of the cable connector, the blocking portion may, for example, elastically return to its original shape.

[0030] By providing multiple blocking portions, it can be ensured that there is a blocking portion in every radially outward direction starting from any angular position around the ends of the two cables, and thus the separation portion exists.

[0031] The connection device can be configured in any desired manner.

[0032] For example, the connecting device may include a receiving space and an extension that can be received in the receiving space. More specifically, the extension of the first blocking portion may be received in the receiving space of another blocking portion, thereby connecting the first blocking portion and the other blocking portion.

[0033] The receiving space may be defined by flexible legs, and the extension may include an end region having a larger lateral cross-sectional dimension than a portion of the extension connected to the end region, wherein the flexible legs are capable of moving away from each other when the end regions of the extension are inserted and moving back after the end regions are inserted.

[0034] Its advantage is that the extension can be held by the receiving space with a relatively large holding force.

[0035] The aforementioned bridging portion may optionally form part of the connecting device. More specifically, the aforementioned bridging portion may form an extension of the connecting device.

[0036] In another embodiment of the cable connector assembly according to the invention, the blocking element includes at least one of a generally radially inwardly extending spacer and a generally radially outwardly extending spacer, the generally radially inwardly extending spacer and the generally radially outwardly extending spacer being used to separate the blocking element from the at least two cable ends and to space the blocking element from the circumferential wall of the cable connector, respectively.

[0037] The generally radially inward spacer separates the blocking element from the cable end by a distance. Its advantage is that it ensures, or at least increases, the possibility of liquid remaining between the cable end and the blocking element.

[0038] The generally radially outward spacer separates the blocking element from the cable connector, i.e., the circumferential wall of the housing, by a distance. Its advantage is that it ensures, or at least increases, the possibility of liquid remaining between the blocking element and the housing.

[0039] It should be noted that spacers of both inward and outward extension types may be provided, or only one type of spacer may be provided. Depending on, for example, the shape and / or size of the blocking element, it may be sufficient to provide only one type of spacer.

[0040] The blocking element can be made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic.

[0041] The plastic can be any suitable plastic, preferably a plastic selected for its high insulation properties.

[0042] For example, the plastic may be polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a blocking element suitable for and intended for use in cable connector assemblies having any one or more of the features described above, either alone or in any suitable combination, as described in any of the embodiments described above. Reference is also made to the foregoing description of the features and / or advantages of the blocking element.

[0044] As described above, the blocking element may define at least one partition that, in use, separates liquid in the region, particularly at any angular location around the ends of the at least two cables, as viewed radially outward from the ends of the cables.

[0045] As described above, the blocking element may define a plurality of partitions spaced apart in the radial direction.

[0046] The plurality of partitions may be connected to or can be connected to each other via bridging portions, which extend, for example, in a generally radial direction.

[0047] The blocking element may include multiple blocking parts, which can be interconnected by a mutually cooperating connecting device.

[0048] Each blocking portion can define a non-closed profile when viewed in a transverse section, thereby allowing the portion to be positioned around at least two cable ends and optionally around other portions.

[0049] The connecting device may include a receiving space and an extension that can be received in the receiving space.

[0050] The receiving space may be defined by flexible legs, and the extension includes an end region having a larger lateral cross-sectional dimension than a portion of the extension connected to the end region, wherein the flexible legs are capable of moving away from each other when the end regions of the extension are inserted and moving back after the end regions are inserted.

[0051] The blocking element may include at least one of a generally radially inwardly extending spacer and a generally radially outwardly extending spacer, the generally radially inwardly extending spacer and the generally radially outwardly extending spacer being used to separate the blocking element from the at least two cable ends and to space the blocking element from the circumferential wall of the cable connector, respectively.

[0052] The blocking element is made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic.

[0053] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling a cable connector assembly having any one or more of the features described above, either alone or in any suitable combination, as described in any of the embodiments described above, the method comprising the following steps to be performed in any suitable order:

[0054] a) Provide the cable connector assembly;

[0055] b) Insert at least two cable ends into the internal space of the cable connector and join the at least two cable ends;

[0056] c) The blocking element is disposed within the internal space of the cable connector such that the blocking element extends around at least two cable ends in the region where the at least two cable ends are joined; and

[0057] d) Fill the internal space with the liquid.

[0058] In practice, in step a), a cable connector with, for example, two housings can be provided, wherein, in steps b) and c), the cable ends and blocking elements are arranged in the interior space of, for example, one of the two housings, and wherein, in step f), the two housings are connected to each other, which is performed before step d).

[0059] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in step a), a cable connector assembly according to at least claim 5 is provided, and wherein, in step c), the blocking portions of the blocking elements are connected to each other by means of the cooperating connecting means.

[0060] In another embodiment of the method according to the invention, in step a), a cable connector assembly according to at least claim 6 is provided, and wherein, in step c), each blocking portion is disposed around the at least two cable ends and optionally around other portions.

[0061] Positioning each portion around the at least two cable ends and optionally around other portions may involve bending the portions in an outward direction, wherein the portions can return to their original shape after being positioned around the at least two cable ends and optionally around other portions due to their ability to elastically deform. Attached Figure Description

[0062] The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] Figure 1 A cable connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically in a perspective view;

[0064] Figure 2 A more detailed schematic diagram is shown in the cross-sectional view. Figure 1 The blocking element of the cable connector assembly; and

[0065] Figure 3 A blocking element according to a second embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0066] In the accompanying drawings, the same elements are represented by the same reference numerals, for Figure 3 In a second embodiment of the blocking element, the reference numeral 100 is added. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Figure 1Cable connector assembly 1 is shown. This cable connector assembly may be similar to, for example, the cable connector described in WO2019 / 112433. Only features relevant to understanding the invention are described herein. For further description of the cable connector, reference is made to WO2019 / 112433, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0068] In this exemplary embodiment, the cable connector assembly 1 includes a first housing 2 defining a portion of an interior space 3. Two cable ends 4 extend and engage within the interior space 3. A blocking element 5 is provided in the region where the two cable ends 4 engage, extending around the two cable ends 4 at least in the region where at least two cable ends engage. The blocking element 5 is generally cylindrical in shape and has an open end to allow liquid to enter between and around the cable ends 4. A grounding stress cone 6 extends around the cable ends 4 at a distance from the region where the cable ends 4 engage. The blocking element 5 and the stress cone 6 are spaced apart by an axial distance defined in the axial direction of the cable connector assembly 1, which is parallel to the axial direction of the cable ends 4. After the cable ends 4 are engaged and the blocking element 5 is inserted into the interior space 3, a second housing can be connected to the first housing 2 via a connector element 7. A liquid supply opening (not shown) is provided in either the first or second housing, allowing the interior space 3 to be filled with liquid via the liquid supply opening. After the internal space 3 is filled with liquid, the liquid supply opening can be closed. Since the blocking element 5 is open at its longitudinal end, the liquid is distributed between the blocking element 5 and the cable end 4, between the blocking element 5 and the housing 2, and between the various partitions of the blocking element 5 as described below.

[0069] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view is shown. Figure 1 The blocking element 5. For simplicity, in Figure 2The cable end 4 is not shown, but it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the cable end 4 is generally arranged in the center 8 of the blocking element. The figure illustrates that the blocking element 5 defines at least one partition in any direction radially outward from the center 8 of the blocking element 5, indicated by the arrow r. In this embodiment, the blocking element 5 defines two or three partitions depending on the angular position, wherein each partition, as observed along direction r, separates the liquid radially outward. To illustrate this more clearly, an exemplary radial direction r is shown over the entire radius of the blocking element 5, thus showing three partitions P1, P2, P3 at that particular angular position. Two or three partitions are connected to or can be connected to each other via bridging portions 9, 10. Bridging portion 9 is an integral part of the partitions extending therebetween, such that bridging portion 9 is permanently connected to these partitions. Bridging portion 10 is an integral part of a partition, and bridging portion 10 can be connected to another partition by being received in the receiving space 11 of another partition. In this embodiment, the receiving space 11 is defined by an extension 12 protruding from another partition and the other partition itself. In this embodiment, the partition consists of two blocking portions 13 and 14 of the blocking element 5, which are interconnected by the bridging portion 10 and the receiving space 11. Each blocking portion 13 and 14 has the following characteristics: Figure 2 The non-closed profile observed in this transverse section allows the blocking portions 13, 14 to be positioned around at least two cable ends and the blocking portion 14 to be positioned around the blocking portion 13. The free ends 15, 16 of the blocking portions 13, 14—the free ends 15, 16 defining the non-closed portion of the profile—can be slightly bent outwards for positioning the blocking portions 13, 14 around the cable ends, and the free ends 15, 16 of the blocking portions 13, 14 can return to their original position after being positioned around the cable ends, i.e., the blocking portions 13, 14 are elastically deformable. One blocking portion 14 in this embodiment also includes a plurality of inwardly extending spacers 18 for spaced out from the cable ends. Another blocking portion 13 in this embodiment also includes a plurality of outwardly extending spacers 17 for spaced out from the housing 2. The blocking element 5 in this embodiment is made of a non-conductive material such as plastic.

[0070] Figure 3 The blocking element 105 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in a cross-sectional view. Only description relative to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The difference lies in the blocking element 5. For further description, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The description.

[0071] The blocking element 105 includes two blocking portions 113, 114, each generally having a semi-double-walled cylindrical shape. The two blocking portions 113, 114 define two partitions connected to each other via a bridging portion 109. The blocking portions 113, 114 are not connected to each other via any bridging portion of the bridging portion, but rather via a connecting means in the form of a receiving space 111 and an extension 120. The receiving space 111 is defined by a flexible leg 122, and the extension 120 includes an end region 121 with a cross-sectional dimension larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the portion of the extension 120 connected to the end region, wherein the flexible leg 122 is movable away from each other when the end region 121 of the extension 120 is inserted and retracts after the end region 121 is inserted. Due to the shape of the blocking portions 113, 114, the blocking portions 113, 114 of the second embodiment do not necessarily have to be elastically deformable, as the blocking portions 113, 114 can be easily positioned around the cable end.

[0072] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but extends to the various modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cable connector assembly for joining at least two cable ends, the cable connector assembly comprising a cable connector defining an internal space, the at least two cable ends extending into and joining the internal space in use, and the internal space being filled with a liquid in use, characterized in that, The cable connector assembly further includes a blocking element that can be disposed in the internal space such that, in use, the blocking element extends around at least two cable ends in the region where the at least two cable ends are joined, wherein the blocking element is elongated in shape and defines at least one partition that, when viewed radially outward from the cable ends, separates the liquid in the region at any angular position around the at least two cable ends in use, wherein at least one longitudinal end of the blocking element is open, wherein the blocking element is spaced apart from the cable ends and the cable connector such that liquid can be located between the blocking element and the cable ends and between the blocking element and the cable connector, wherein the blocking element thereby separates the liquid in any radially outward direction.

2. The cable connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The blocking element defines a plurality of partitions spaced apart in the radial direction.

3. The cable connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The multiple partitions can be connected to each other via bridging sections.

4. The cable connector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The blocking element includes multiple blocking parts, which can be interconnected by means of a mutually cooperating connecting device.

5. The cable connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein, Each blocking portion defines a non-closed profile as viewed from a transverse section, thereby allowing the blocking portion to be positioned around the at least two cable ends.

6. The cable connector assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The connecting device includes a receiving space and an extension that can be received in the receiving space.

7. The cable connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The receiving space is defined by flexible legs, and the extension includes an end region with a lateral cross-sectional dimension larger than that of the portion of the extension connected to the end region, wherein the flexible legs are capable of moving away from each other when the end regions of the extension are inserted and moving back after the end regions are inserted.

8. The cable connector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The blocking element includes at least one of a radially inwardly extending spacer and a radially outwardly extending spacer, the radially inwardly extending spacer and the radially outwardly extending spacer being used to space the blocking element from the at least two cable ends and to space the blocking element from the circumferential wall of the cable connector, respectively.

9. The cable connector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The blocking element is made of a non-conductive material.

10. The cable connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The bridging portion extends in the radial direction.

11. The cable connector assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The blocking element is made of plastic.

12. A blocking element, said blocking element being adapted and intended for use in a cable connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The blocking element defines at least one partition that, when viewed radially outward from the cable end, separates the liquid in the region at any angular location surrounding the at least two cable ends during use.

13. The blocking element according to claim 12, wherein, The blocking element defines a plurality of partitions spaced apart in the radial direction.

14. The blocking element according to claim 13, wherein, The multiple partitions can be connected to each other via bridging sections.

15. The blocking element according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The blocking element includes multiple blocking parts, which can be interconnected by means of a mutually cooperating connecting device.

16. The blocking element according to claim 15, wherein, Each blocking portion defines a non-closed profile as viewed from a transverse section, thereby allowing the blocking portion to be positioned around the at least two cable ends.

17. The blocking element according to claim 16, wherein, The connecting device includes a receiving space and an extension that can be received in the receiving space.

18. The blocking element according to claim 17, wherein, The receiving space is defined by flexible legs, and the extension includes an end region with a lateral cross-sectional dimension larger than that of the portion of the extension connected to the end region, wherein the flexible legs are capable of moving away from each other when the end regions of the extension are inserted and moving back after the end regions are inserted.

19. The blocking element according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein, The blocking element includes at least one of a radially inwardly extending spacer and a radially outwardly extending spacer, the radially inwardly extending spacer and the radially outwardly extending spacer being used to space the blocking element from the at least two cable ends and to space the blocking element from the circumferential wall of the cable connector, respectively.

20. The blocking element according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein, The blocking element is made of a non-conductive material.

21. The blocking element according to claim 14, wherein, The bridging portion extends in the radial direction.

22. The blocking element according to claim 20, wherein, The blocking element is made of plastic.

23. A method for assembling a cable connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising the steps of: a) Providing the cable connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11; b) Insert the at least two cable ends into the internal space of the cable connector and engage the at least two cable ends; c) The blocking element is disposed in the internal space of the cable connector such that the blocking element extends around the at least two cable ends in the region where the at least two cable ends are joined; as well as d) Fill the internal space with the liquid.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, In step a), a cable connector assembly according to claim 4 is provided, and wherein, in step c), the blocking portions of the blocking elements are connected to each other by means of the cooperating connecting means.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, In step a), a cable connector assembly according to claim 5 is provided, and wherein, in step c), each blocking portion is positioned around the at least two cable ends.

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