Device and method for mounting tool for use with a joining kit

Abstract

An installation tool and method for installing a splice kit for a heating cable are provided. The installation tool includes a body, a first channel, and a first cavity. The first channel is defined in the body and is configured to hold a first insulating tube of the splice kit. The first cavity is located within the first channel and is configured to hold a first connector of the splice kit. The body is configured to hold the first insulating tube and the first connector in a predetermined configuration during installation of the first insulating tube and the first connector to the heating cable, and the body is further configured to be removed from the first insulating tube and the first connector after installation of the first insulating tube and the first connector to the heating cable.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 976,910, filed February 14, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] During the construction or repair of electrical systems, it may be necessary to join two cables together. Joining kits using heat-shrink or cold-shrink tubing can be used to join two cables together. Joining kits typically require electrical insulation between the two cables and provide a moisture barrier.

[0004] Some bonding kits can be used to electrically connect two heating cables together. Bonding kits for heating cables may also need to meet certain safety standards, such as temperature requirements and / or durability requirements. Some bonding kits may require more technical expertise to install and / or may be more process-intensive compared to others. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides apparatus and methods for installing a coupling kit. The installation tool can assist technicians in installing a coupling kit, such as a coupling kit for joining two heating cables together.

[0006] In one aspect, an installation tool is provided for installing a bonding kit for a heating cable. The installation tool includes a body, a first channel, and a first cavity. The first channel is defined within the body and configured to retain a first insulating tube of the bonding kit, the first insulating tube being configured to receive a conductor of a first segment of a heating cable passing through it. The first cavity is located within the first channel and configured to retain a first connector of the bonding kit, the first connector being configured to electrically connect a conductor of the first segment of the heating cable to a conductor of a second segment of the heating cable. The body is configured to hold the first insulating tube and the first connector in a predetermined configuration during installation of the first insulating tube and the first connector to the heating cable, and the body is also configured to remove the first insulating tube and the first connector after installation of the first insulating tube and the first connector to the heating cable.

[0007] On the other hand, an installation system for a heating cable is provided. The installation system includes a coupling kit and an installation tool. The coupling kit includes a connector configured to electrically connect a first conductor and a second conductor of the heating cable, a first insulating tube configured to receive the first conductor, and a second insulating tube configured to receive the second conductor. The installation tool is configured to hold the connector, the first insulating tube, and the second insulating tube in a predetermined configuration during installation of the connector, the first insulating tube, and the second insulating tube. The installation tool is also configured to remove the connector, the first insulating tube, and the second insulating tube after installation.

[0008] In another aspect, a method is provided for mounting a coupling kit onto a heating cable. The method includes holding a first insulating tube within a channel of an mounting tool, holding a second insulating tube within a channel of the mounting tool, and holding a connector between the first and second insulating tubes within the channel of the mounting tool. The method also includes inserting a first conductor of the heating cable through the first insulating tube into the connector, and inserting a second conductor of the heating cable through the second insulating tube into the connector. The method further includes tightening bolts on the connector to electrically connect the first conductor to the second conductor.

[0009] The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification. However, such embodiments do not necessarily represent the full scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of the invention is defined herein by reference to the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 These are heating cables used in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is another heating cable used in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 This is yet another heating cable used in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4A This is a front axle view of an installation system including a hex wrench according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 4B It does not include hex wrenches. Figure 4A Front axle view of the installation system.

[0015] Figure 4C It does not include hex wrenches. Figure 4A Rear axonometric view of the installation system.

[0016] Figure 5A This is a front axonometric view of an installation tool according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Rear axonometric view of the installation tool.

[0018] Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 4A The installation system and isometric drawings of the two cable sections.

[0019] Figure 7This is an isometric view of the installed portion of the joining kit according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 This is an isometric view of another installation tool according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Another isometric view of the installation tool.

[0022] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Top view of the installation tools. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 A heating cable 100 for use with some embodiments of the present invention is shown. For example, the heating cable 100 may be a fiber-wound heating cable, such as an nVent Raychem KTV or XTV cable. The heating cable 100 may include two conductors 102, 104 that may be arranged in parallel, a spacer 106 disposed between the conductors 102, 104, a self-adjusting heating element 108 wound around the conductors 102, 104 and the spacer 106, an inner sheath 110 surrounding the heating element 108, and an outer sheath 114 surrounding the inner sheath 110. The heating cable 100 may also include an optional braid 112 (which may be a metal braid) located between the inner sheath 110 and the outer sheath 114. The inner sheath 110 and the outer sheath 114 may each comprise a fluoropolymer.

[0024] Figure 2 Another heating cable 120 for use with some embodiments of the present invention is shown. For example, the heating cable 120 may be a power-limited heating cable, such as an nVent Raychem VPL cable. The heating cable 120 may include two conductors 122, 124 that may be arranged in parallel, insulation layers 123, 125 surrounding the two conductors 122, 124, a conductor sheath 126 surrounding the conductors 122, 124, a power-limited heating element 128 surrounding the conductor sheath 126, an inner sheath 130 surrounding the heating element 128, and an outer sheath 134 surrounding the inner sheath 130. The heating cable 120 may also include an optional braid 132 (which may be a metal braid) located between the inner sheath 130 and the outer sheath 134. The inner sheath 130 and the outer sheath 134 may each comprise a fluoropolymer.

[0025] Figure 3Another heating cable 150 is shown for use with some embodiments of the present invention. For example, the heating cable 150 may be a single-piece heating cable, such as an nVent Raychem BTV, QTVR, HBTV, or HQTV heating cable. The heating cable 150 may include two conductors 152, 154 that may be arranged in parallel, a self-adjusting conductive core 156 surrounding and spaced apart from the conductors 152, 154, an inner sheath 158 surrounding the core 156, and an outer sheath 162 surrounding the inner sheath 158. The heating cable 150 may also include an optional braid 160 located between the inner sheath 158 and the outer sheath 162. The inner sheath 158 and the outer sheath 162 may each comprise a fluoropolymer or a modified polyolefin.

[0026] Figure 1 Heating cable 100 in Figure 2 Heating cable 120 and / or Figure 3 The heating cable 150 can be used with one or more embodiments of the mounting system as described herein. Other heating cables that can be used with embodiments of the mounting system may include cables having one, two, or more parallel conductors or buses, wherein the cables require an insulated portion between two or more electrical terminals. For example, Figure 4A -C illustrates an installation system 200 comprising an installation tool 204 and a coupling kit 250 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The installation system 200 can be used to install at least a portion of the coupling kit 250, and the coupling kit 250 can be used to join two sections of a heating cable together.

[0027] More specifically, Figure 4A-7 An installation tool 204 for a system 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown, the installation tool being used in conjunction with the installation of a coupling kit 250. The installation tool 204 can hold or “encapsulate” components included in the coupling kit 250 during installation. That is, the installation tool 204 can hold certain components of the coupling kit 250 in two sections suitable for electrically connecting cables (e.g., Figure 1 Heating cable 100 in Figure 2 The heating cable 120 or Figure 3 The heating cable 150 in the cable and the electrical insulation are included in the arrangement of the conductors (e.g., "predetermined configuration") in the cable. When the first section of the cable is joined to the second section of the cable, the conductors (e.g., Figure 1 Conductors 102, 104 or Figure 2Conductors 122 and 124 in the cable need to be electrically connected together. As will be described in detail below, the coupling kit 250 may include conductors for electrically connecting two sections of the cable, as well as suitable connectors and insulators to electrically insulate the conductors from each other. The installation tool 204 may be used to install at least a portion of the components included in the coupling kit 250, but the components may not be included in the installed coupling kit 250. That is, after the components of the coupling kit 250 have been installed, the installation tool 204 may be removed and discarded, or reused to install another coupling kit using additional connectors and tubing.

[0028] Referring now to the coupling kit 250, in some embodiments, the coupling kit 250 may include a first connector 262, a second connector 254, a first conductor main tube 268, a first conductor secondary tube 270, a second conductor main tube 272, and a second conductor secondary tube 274. The coupling kit 250 may also include a heat shrink tubing (not shown). Depending on the type of connector used for the first connector 262 and / or the second connector 254, the mounting system 200 may also include tools for mounting the first connector 262 and / or the second connector 254. For example, as... Figure 4A As shown, the installation system 200 may include a hex wrench 281, which may also be referred to as an Allen wrench, hex key, or Allen key.

[0029] The first conductor main tube 268, the first conductor secondary tube 270, the second conductor main tube 272, and the second conductor secondary tube 274 may include electrically insulating materials, such as certain plastics, and can electrically insulate the conductor cable. The first conductor main tube 268, the first conductor secondary tube 270, the second conductor main tube 272, and the second conductor secondary tube 274 can be rated for temperatures up to 260°C or higher. The first conductor main tube 268, the first conductor secondary tube 270, the second conductor main tube 272, and the second conductor secondary tube 274 can be formed using an extrusion process.

[0030] The first connector 262 and the second connector 254 can each be a safety bolt connector, including one or more safety bolts or locating screws. As shown, connectors 262 and 254 can be used to electrically connect the respective conductors of a two-conductor heating cable segment together. For example, the first connector 262 may include a first safety bolt 264 for connecting a first conductor (e.g., the first conductor of a first segment of the heating cable) to the first connector 262, and a second safety bolt 266 for connecting a second conductor (e.g., the second conductor of a second segment of the heating cable) to the first connector 262. That is, the first conductor can be inserted into the first connector 262 through a first conductor main tube 268, and the second conductor can be inserted into the first connector 262 through a first conductor secondary tube 270. A hex wrench 281 can then be engaged with each of the first safety bolts 264 and the second safety bolts 266. That is, a technician can use a hex wrench 281 (or another suitable wrench not included in the installation system 200) to tighten the safety bolts 264 and 266 against the conductors within the first connector 262 and electrically connect the two conductors together. In some embodiments, the first safety bolt 264 and the second safety bolt 266 may be fixing screws.

[0031] Additionally, the second connector 254 may include a first safety bolt 256 for attaching a first conductor (e.g., the first conductor of a second segment of a heating cable) to the second connector 254, and a second safety bolt 258 for attaching a second conductor (e.g., the second conductor of a first segment of a heating cable) to the second connector 254. The first conductor can be inserted into the second connector 254 via a second conductor main tube 272, and the second conductor can be inserted into the second connector 254 via a second conductor secondary tube 274. A hex wrench 281 can then engage each of the first safety bolt 256 and the second safety bolt 258. That is, a technician can use the hex wrench 281 (or another suitable hex wrench not included in the installation system 200) to tighten the safety bolts 256, 258 against the conductors within the second connector 254 and electrically connect the two conductors together. In some embodiments, the first safety bolt 264 and the second safety bolt 266 may be retaining screws.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first connector 262 and the second connector 254 may be rated for temperatures up to 260°C or higher. As described above, tubes 268-274 may also be rated for 260°C or higher. Additionally, if a suitable heat-shrinkable component is included in the coupling kit 250, the coupling kit 250 may be rated for use at temperatures up to 260°C.

[0033] In some embodiments, the hex wrench 281 may be included in the mounting system 200 without significantly increasing the footprint of the mounting system 200. In some embodiments, a portion of the hex wrench 281 may be stored in the first conductor main tube 268, the first conductor secondary tube 270, and / or the first connector 262. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the majority of the hex wrench 281 may be stored in the first conductor main tube 268, the first conductor secondary tube 270, and the first connector 262 before the engagement kit 250 is installed.

[0034] Referring now to installation tool 204, in some embodiments, installation tool 204 can hold or maintain the first connector 262, the second connector 254, the first conductor main tube 268, the first conductor secondary tube 270, the second conductor main tube 272, and the second conductor secondary tube 274 in place with sufficient rigidity to allow a technician to install connectors 254, 262 and tubes 268, 270, 272, 274 on a cable segment. Simultaneously, installation tool 204 can have sufficient flexibility to allow a technician to remove the installed connectors 254, 262 and tubes 268, 270, 272, 274.

[0035] The mounting tool 204 may include a body 205 formed of an electrically insulating material having properties such as (or similar to) hard, unreinforced plastic or other relatively rigid but elastically deformable materials. For example, in some embodiments, the mounting tool 204, and more specifically the body 205, may be formed entirely of injection-molded nylon. In other embodiments, the mounting tool 204 may be formed of plastics other than nylon. The mounting tool 204 may hold connectors 254, 262 and tubes 268, 270, 272, 274 in place to prevent displacement potentially caused by wire insertion into tubes 268, 270, 272, 274 and / or connectors 254, 262, or displacement potentially caused by rotation of safety bolts 256, 258. The installation tool 204 may have sufficient flexibility along the ZZ axis, more specifically along the negative ZZ axis (i.e., along the direction in which the safety bolts 256, 258 are driven), to allow downward removal and / or stripping of the installation tool 204 after the connectors 254, 262 and tubes 268, 270, 272, 274 have been installed. For example, the cable on which the connectors 254, 262 and tubes 268, 270, 272, 274 are mounted may be pulled upward (i.e., along the positive ZZ axis) and / or the installation tool 204 may be pulled downward (i.e., along the negative ZZ axis) to remove the installation tool 204 from the installed cable. The sides of the body 205, such as side 229 ( Figure 5AAs shown, it can be bent outward along the YY axis to allow connectors 254 and 262 to be removed. The mounting tool 204 can be flexible in the ZZ direction, but rigid enough to prevent rotation about the ZZ axis near the bottom 231 of the mounting tool 204.

[0036] As described above, the installation tool 204 assists technicians in installing the mating kit 250 by holding the first connector 262, the second connector 254, the first conductor main tube 268, the first conductor secondary tube 270, the second conductor main tube 272, and the second conductor secondary tube 274 in a predetermined configuration required for proper installation of the mating kit 250, which makes installation easier compared to situations where the held components are loose. The predetermined configuration can vary based on the dimensions of the components included in the mating kit. The installation tool 204 can hold the first connector 262, the second connector 254, the first conductor main tube 268, the first conductor secondary tube 270, the second conductor main tube 272, and the second conductor secondary tube 274 throughout the installation process.

[0037] Furthermore, the installation tool 204 can be particularly useful if the first connector 262, the second connector 254, the first conductor main tube 268, the first conductor secondary tube 270, the second conductor main tube 272, and the second conductor secondary tube 274 are relatively small. For example, in some embodiments, each of the first connector 262 and the second connector 254 is approximately 15 mm long, 7 mm high, and 5.5 mm wide; each of the first conductor secondary tube 270 and the second conductor secondary tube 274 is approximately 12 mm long and has an outer diameter of 3.5 mm; and each of the first conductor main tube 268 and the second conductor main tube 272 is approximately 44 mm long and has an outer diameter of 3.5 mm. Therefore, for some workers, connectors 254, 262 and / or tubes 268, 270, 272, 274 may be difficult to manipulate if they are loose (e.g., not held by the installation tool 204).

[0038] Figure 4A -C and Figures 5A-5BAn installation tool 204 is shown in its installed position (e.g., a component of the engagement kit 250 that is not deformed by the user and retains its position). The body 205 may be a single-piece construction formed, for example, by injection molding. The installation tool 204 does not need to meet any ratings or standards required by the engagement kit 250, which may include temperature ratings, mechanical stress ratings, and / or voltage ratings. In some embodiments, the installation tool 204 also does not need to provide any protection for the engagement kit 250, such as electrical insulation, moisture protection, and / or shock protection (e.g., cold shock protection). In some embodiments, the installation tool 204 may be formed of an electrically insulating material to eliminate the risk that the installation tool 204 might act as a conductor in the event that the installation tool 204 has been in contact with live electrical current, but this is not required. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the engagement kit 250 may be rated for temperature ratings and / or cold shock ratings, but the installation tool 204 is not rated for temperature ratings or cold shock ratings. Because the installation tool 204 does not need to meet the above ratings and / or standards, or provide any of the protections listed above, the installation tool 204 can be formed using a variety of different manufacturing techniques and / or materials, which allows the installation tool 204 to be produced at low cost.

[0039] like Figure 4A-7 As shown, the installation tool 204 may include ridges, lips, protrusions, and other features configured to retain components of the engagement kit 250 (excluding heat shrink tubing) throughout the installation of the held components. For example, in some embodiments, the body 205 may define a first channel 276 and a second channel 278. Thus, the body 205 may be configured to retain the first connector 262, the second connector 254, the first conductor main tube 268, the first conductor secondary tube 270, the second conductor main tube 272, and / or the second conductor secondary tube 274 in the respective channels 276, 278 or other openings in the installation tool 204. Furthermore, within each channel 276, 278, the installation tool 204 may include cavities 280, 282 configured to receive the second connector 254 and the first connector 262, respectively. Therefore, the installation tool 204 described and illustrated herein, comprising two parallel channels 276, 278, is configured to be suitable for joining cables having two parallel conductors together. Therefore, channels 276 and 278 can be spaced apart by a distance equal to or similar to the spacing between conductors in a cable.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figures 5A-5BAs shown, the installation tool 204 may include an external retainer 208 and an internal retainer 210 that can hold the first connector 262 within the first cavity 282. Each of the external retainer 208 and the internal retainer 210 is a protrusion extending inward from the wall of the first cavity 282 toward the first connector 262. In some embodiments, the internal retainer 210 and the external retainer 208 may be of the same shape and size. The internal retainer 210 and the external retainer 208 may apply opposing forces to the sides of the first connector 262 to hold the first connector 262 within the first cavity 282. The forces may be applied at an angle approximately orthogonal to the surface of the side of the first connector 262.

[0041] In some embodiments, such as Figures 5A-5B As shown, the installation tool 204, and specifically the second cavity 280, may include a second inner retainer 212 and a second outer retainer 214 that can retain the second connector 254 within the second cavity 280. Each of the second inner retainer 212 and the second outer retainer 214 may be a protrusion extending inwardly from the wall of the second cavity 280 toward the second connector 254. In some embodiments, the second inner retainer 212 and the second outer retainer 214 may have the same shape and size. The second inner retainer 212 and the second outer retainer 214 may apply opposing forces to the sides of the second connector 254 to retain the second connector 254 within the second cavity 280. The forces may be applied at an angle approximately orthogonal to the surface of the side of the second connector 254.

[0042] In addition, such as Figures 5A-5B As shown, the installation tool 204 may include a first tube retainer 216 and a second tube retainer 220 that can hold the first conductor tube 268 within the channel 278. The first tube retainer 216 and the second tube retainer 220 may be opposing lips that extend inwardly toward each other and over at least a portion of the first conductor tube 268 when the first conductor tube 268 is positioned within the channel 278. The first tube retainer 216 and the second tube retainer 220 may extend radially over a sufficient portion of the first conductor tube 268 to hold the first conductor tube 268 in the installation position while also allowing the installation tool 204 to be removed from the first conductor tube 268 after installation of the component held by the installation tool, included in the engagement kit 250. For example, the first tube retainer 216, the second tube retainer 220 (and / or a portion of the channel 278) may be radially abutted against the outer surface of the first conductor tube 268 at approximately 190 to approximately 240 degrees. In other words, the installation tool 204 can make close contact with most of the outer surface of the first conductor main tube 268 at the first tube retainer 216 and the second tube retainer 220. Additionally, as... Figures 4A-4CAs shown, the outer surface of the first conductor main tube 268 may be curved. The first tube retainer 216 and the second tube retainer 220 may be flush with at least a portion of the outer surface of the first conductor main tube 268. Furthermore, although the first tube retainer 216 and the second tube retainer 220 are described as separate components, in some embodiments they may form a single radial retainer surrounding and / or extending outside the channel 276.

[0043] The mounting tool 204 may include a plurality of additional tube holders that can hold tubes other than the first conductor main tube 268 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the first conductor main tube 268. More specifically, the mounting tool 204 may include a third tube holder 224 and a fourth tube holder 228, which may have substantially the same size and shape as the second tube holder 220 and the first tube holder 216, respectively. The third tube holder 224 and the fourth tube holder 228 can hold the second conductor secondary tube 274. The mounting tool 204 may include a fifth tube holder 238 and a sixth tube holder 242, which may have substantially the same size and shape as the first tube holder 216 and the second tube holder 220, respectively. The fifth tube holder 238 and the sixth tube holder 242 can hold the second conductor secondary tube 274. The mounting tool 204 may include a seventh tube holder 244 and an eighth tube holder 246, which may have substantially the same size and shape as the second tube holder 220 and the first tube holder 216, respectively. The seventh tube retainer 244 and the eighth tube retainer 246 can hold the second conductor secondary tube 274.

[0044] In some embodiments, the installation tool 204 may include any number of retainers configured to hold each tube within a corresponding channel 276, 278, and some tubes may have more retainers than others. For example, the installation tool 204 may include additional retainers that may assist in holding longer tubes, such as the first conductor tube 268 and the second conductor tube 272. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5A As shown, the installation tool 204 may include a supplementary retainer 232 that can retain the first conductor main tube 268 in a manner similar to that of the second tube retainer 220. The installation tool 204 may also include another supplementary retainer 236 that can retain the second conductor main tube 272 in a manner similar to that of the seventh tube retainer 244.

[0045] Now refer to the installation method, Figure 6 It shows the insertion Figures 4A-4C and Figures 5A-5B The installation system 200 includes a first cable section 284 and a second cable section 292. The first cable section 284 may be a heating cable (e.g., Figure 1 Heating cable 100 in Figure 2 The heating cable 120 or Figure 3 A section of the heating cable 150 in the cable. For simplicity, the first cable section 284 is shown having a main sheath 286, a first conductor 288, and a second conductor 290. It should be understood that the first cable section 284 may include... Figure 1 Heating cable 100 in Figure 2 The heating cable 120 or Figure 3 Other layers and / or components of the heating cable 150 in the middle.

[0046] To initially set up the installation system 200, a first conductor tube (e.g., a first main conductor tube 268 and a first secondary conductor tube 270) can be held within a channel 278, a second conductor tube (e.g., a second main conductor tube 272 and a second secondary conductor tube 274) can be held within a channel 276, a first connector 262 can be held within a cavity 282 (e.g., held within the channel 278 between the first main conductor tube 268 and the first secondary conductor tube 270), and a second connector 254 can be held within a cavity 280 (e.g., held within the channel 276 between the second main conductor tube 272 and the second secondary conductor tube 274). Therefore, the installation tool 204 can hold the first connector 262, the second connector 254, the first main conductor tube 268, the first secondary conductor tube 270, the second main conductor tube 272, and the second secondary conductor tube 274 in a predetermined configuration required for the proper installation of the mating assembly 250. For example, in some embodiments, in the predetermined configuration, the first main conductor tube 268 can abut against a first end 262A of the first connector 262 (…). Figure 4B As shown in the diagram, the first conductor secondary tube 270 can abut against the second end 262B of the first connector 262. Figure 4C As shown in the diagram, the second conductor main tube 272 can abut against the first end 254A of the second connector 254. Figure 4C As shown in the diagram), and the second conductor secondary tube 274 can abut against the second end 254B of the second connector 254. Figure 4B (as shown in the image).

[0047] In addition to setting up the installation system 200, the first cable section 284 and the second cable section 292 can also be prepared for splicing. For example, the first conductor 288 and the second conductor 290 included in the first cable section 284 can be exposed (i.e., any surrounding layers are removed) and cut to a predetermined length. The exposed portion of the first conductor 288 can be long enough to be inserted through the first conductor main tube 268 and inserted far enough into the first connector 262 for electrical connection to the first connector 262, while as little of the first conductor 288 as possible is exposed between the main sheath 286 and the first conductor main tube 268. However, a small amount of the first conductor 288 may be exposed between the main sheath 286 and the first conductor main tube 268. Similarly, the exposed portion of the second conductor 290 can be long enough to be inserted through the second conductor secondary tube 274 and inserted far enough into the second connector 254 for electrical connection to the second connector 254, while as little of the second conductor 290 as possible is exposed between the main sheath 286 and the second conductor secondary tube 274. Therefore, in some embodiments, a predetermined length of the main sheath 286 extending from the proximal ends of the first conductor 288 and the second conductor 290 may be exposed (i.e., without a surrounding layer). The predetermined length may vary based on the cable type and / or the type of heat shrink tubing or other coverings included in the bonding kit 250.

[0048] like Figure 6 As further shown, the first conductor 296 and the second conductor 298 of the second cable segment 292 can be exposed (i.e., any surrounding layer is removed) and cut to a predetermined length. The exposed portion of the first conductor 296 can be long enough to be inserted through the first conductor secondary tube 270 and inserted far enough into the first connector 262 for electrical connection, while as little of the first conductor 296 as possible is exposed between the main sheath 294 and the first conductor secondary tube 270. However, a small amount of the first conductor 296 may be exposed between the main sheath 294 and the first conductor secondary tube 270. Similarly, the exposed portion of the second conductor 298 can be long enough to be inserted through the second conductor main tube 272 and inserted far enough into the second connector 254 for electrical connection, while as little of the second conductor 298 as possible is exposed between the main sheath 294 and the second conductor main tube 272. Thus, a predetermined length of the main sheath 294 extending from the proximal ends of the first conductor 296 and the second conductor 298 can be exposed (i.e., without a surrounding layer). The predetermined length may vary based on the type of cable and / or the type of heat shrink tubing or other coverings included in the coupling kit 250.

[0049] Once conductors 288, 290, 296, and 298 are inserted through the corresponding conductor tubes 268, 270, 272, and 274 into the corresponding connectors 254 and 262, the locking bolts 256, 258, 266, and 264 of connectors 254 and 262 can be tightened to electrically connect conductors 288, 290, 296, and 298 to connectors 254 and 262. In other words, once locking bolts 256 and 258 are tightened, conductors 290 and 298 are electrically connected, and once locking bolts 266 and 264 are tightened, conductors 288 and 296 are connected together.

[0050] As described above, the installation tool 204 can hold the first connector 262, the second connector 254, the first conductor main tube 268, the first conductor secondary tube 270, the second conductor main tube 272, and the second conductor secondary tube 274 in a predetermined configuration required for the proper installation of the coupling kit 250. In this way, a worker can electrically connect the first conductor 288 of the first cable segment 284 to the first conductor 296 of the second cable segment 292 (via the first connector 262), and electrically connect the second conductor 290 included in the first cable segment 284 to the second conductor 298 included in the second cable segment 292 (via the second connector 254), while keeping the first conductor 288 of the first cable segment 284 and the first conductor 296 of the second cable segment 292 spaced apart from and electrically insulated from the second conductor 290 of the first cable segment 284 and the second conductor 298 of the second cable segment 292, respectively.

[0051] For example, Figure 7 It shows from Figure 6 An isometric view of the installed engagement kit 250 removed by the installation tool 204. In some embodiments, in a predetermined configuration, the first connector 262 and the second connector 254 may be spaced apart along the length of the installation tool 204. More specifically, in a predetermined configuration, the first connector 262 and the second connector 254 may be spaced apart along the X-axis such that even if the connectors 262, 254 move in the positive direction along the YY axis, there will be no electrical contact between the first connector 262 and the second connector 254. Dedicated cavities 280, 282 of the installation tool 204 for the first connector 262 and the second connector 254 can ensure that this spacing is maintained during installation. In other words, the first cavity 280 and the second cavity 282 may be positioned at different lengths along the first channel 276 and the second channel 278, respectively, such that they are not adjacent to each other.

[0052] After the components of the mating kit 250 are installed and removed from the installation tool 204, a heat-shrink tube or another suitable cover can be placed on the installed components and shrink. More specifically, the cover can be placed on any remaining exposed portions of the insulating tubes 268, 274, connectors 254, 262, and / or conductors 288, 290, 296, 298 and shrink. Therefore, the installation tool 204 can assist in the installation of mating kits at high temperatures (e.g., 260°C) and in handling potentially difficult-to-handle mating kits at low cost (e.g., because, as stated above, the installation tool 204 does not need to meet some (if not all) of the industry standards that the mating kit 250 needs to meet).

[0053] It is understood that the installation tool 204 can be configured to include multiple connectors and / or tubes for joining cables having more than two conductors. For cables with more than two conductors, additional connectors can be displaced in a stepped manner along the XX axis. For example, an additional connector (not shown) can be positioned further along the positive XX axis than the first connector 262. The tubes and features of the installation tool 204 can also be adjusted to accommodate additional connectors.

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the installation tool 204 may also be used to install a third connector (not shown), similar to the second connector 254 and the first connector 262, to join a grounding wire or a cable braid twisted into wire (e.g., additional wire wrapped with heat shrink tubing may or may not be required). The third connector may be included as a separate component along with the retained part of the installation tool 204 and the engagement kit 250. For example, after the installation tool 204 is removed from the retained part of the engagement kit 250 and the heat shrink tubing is installed on the previously retained part, the third connector may be installed into one of the cavities 280, 282 of the installation tool 204. The installation tool 204 may then retain the third connector when the grounding wire or the cable braid twisted into the cable is joined. A hex wrench 281 may be used to help tighten a safety bolt or retaining screw into the third connector.

[0055] Furthermore, in some embodiments, certain cables can be joined using installation tool 204 with or without conduits 268-274. For example, certain cables, such as Figure 2The cables 120 (e.g., nVent Raychem VPL cables) have individual insulators 123, 125 on each conductor 122, 124. These cables 120 can be installed using at least two different possible methods with installation tool 204. A first example method is to strip the insulators 123, 125 around the conductors 122, 124 along their entire length to expose the bare conductors 122, 124, trim the conductors 122, 124 to a certain length, insert the conductors 122, 124 into the corresponding conduits 268, 274, connect the conductors 122, 124 to connectors 254, 262, and remove the installation tool 204 as described above. Another example method is to remove insulating tubes 268-274 from installation tool 204, remove only sufficient insulation 123, 125 from conductors 122, 124 for the insertion length of connectors 254, 262 (e.g., six mm for some connectors), insert the exposed or uninsulated portions of conductors 122, 124 into connectors 254, 262, tighten connectors 254, 262, and remove installation tool 204. Connectors 254, 262 and the exposed insulating sections 123, 125 can then be covered with heat-shrink tubing. Therefore, in some embodiments, during the installation of these types of cables 120, installation tool 204 may only hold connectors 254, 262.

[0056] Figure 8-10 Another mounting tool 300 according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. The mounting tool 300 may implement at least some of the functions and / or physical features of the mounting tool 204 described above. In some embodiments, the mounting tool 300 may hold the first connector 262, the second connector 254, the first conductor main tube 268, the first conductor secondary tube 270, the second conductor main tube 272, and the second conductor secondary tube 274 as described above; therefore, for the sake of brevity, similar features will not be further described herein. The mounting tool 300 may be formed using injection molding technology.

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, the installation tool 300 may also include a wire stripping guide 304. For example, the wire stripping guide 304 may be part of a one-piece body 305, or it may be a separate piece permanently or detachably attached to the body 305. The wire stripping guide 304 may include one or more indicators, such as alphanumeric markings (molded and / or colored), non-alphanumeric markings (e.g., notches), shapes (e.g., triangles and / or arrows), or other suitable indicators, which may assist a technician in preparing cables for installation of the engagement kit components held by the installation tool 300. Figure 8 An exemplary cable 324 is also shown, comprising an outer sheath 326, a main sheath 328, a first conductor 332, and a second conductor 336.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the installation guide 304 may include a first indicator 306 that indicates the location where the cut end 324A of the cable 324 is placed. The first indicator 306 may indicate the location where cable layers, such as the outer sheath 326, the main sheath 328, and any other layers included in the cable 324, can begin to be removed from conductors 332, 336. The installation guide 304 may also include a second indicator 308 that indicates the length of the outer sheath 326 to be removed (e.g., the length extending from the first indicator 306 to the second indicator 308).

[0059] The installation guide 304 may include a third indicator 312 positioned between the first indicator 306 and the second indicator 308. The third indicator 312 may indicate the length of the main sheath 328 (and any other layers surrounding the conductors 332, 336) to be removed from the first conductor 332 and the second conductor 336 (e.g., the length extending from the first indicator 306 to the third indicator 312). Thus, the installer can align the cut end 324A of the cable 324 with the first indicator 306, then use the third indicator 312 as a guide to remove all layers surrounding the conductors 332, 336 (e.g., from the first indicator 306 to the third indicator 312), and use the second indicator 308 as a guide to further remove all layers surrounding the main sheath 328 (e.g., from the third indicator 312 to the second indicator 308).

[0060] In some embodiments, the mounting guide 304 may further include a fourth indicator 316 to indicate the length by which the second conductor 336 is cut. More specifically, the proximal ends of the exposed conductors 332, 336 (i.e., the distal ends of the exposed main sheath 328) may be positioned at the first indicator 306, and the second conductor 336 may be cut at the fourth indicator 316 (e.g., such that the exposed portion of the second conductor 336 extends from the first indicator 306 to the fourth indicator 316). Alternatively, it is contemplated that the fourth indicator 316 may be positioned between the third indicator 312 and the first indicator 306, indicating the location where the second conductor 336 is cut when the distal ends of the exposed main sheath 328 are positioned at the third indicator 312.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the installation tool 300 may include a plurality of retainers, which can perform actions in conjunction with those described above. Figure 4A-7The retainers in the installation tool 204 function similarly. For example, the installation tool 300 may include multiple tube retainers 350, 352, 354, 356, and 358. The installation tool 300 may also include multiple connector retainers, such as connector retainer 360.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 As shown, the mounting tool 300 may also include one or more cuts, such as cuts 362A, 362B, 362C, 362D, 362E, 362F, 362G, 362H, 362I, and 362J. Cuts 362A-J may extend through the mounting tool 300 (e.g., through the bottom 364 of the mounting tool 300). As described above, the body 305 may be formed by an injection molding process. Cuts 362A-J may be part of the injection molding process (e.g., as bypassing shutoffs) to form channels and cavities. Additionally, in some embodiments, cuts 362A-J may increase the flexibility of the mounting tool 300 along the negative ZZ axis while maintaining sufficient rigidity to hold any tubes and connectors held by the mounting tool 300 during tube and connector installation.

[0063] Based on the above, it should be understood that Figure 4A-7 Installation tool 204 and Figure 8-10 Some embodiments of the installation tool 300 can assist in the installation and connection of certain heating cables, including, for example, nVent Raychem KTV or XTV cables (e.g. Figure 1 The fiber-optic wound heating cable (e.g., the heating cable 100 in the middle), such as the nVent Raychem VPL cable (e.g. Figure 2 Power-limited heating cables (e.g., nVent Raychem BTV or QTVR cables) (e.g., heating cable 120) Figure 3 The heating cable 150 is a single-piece cable, and / or other cables that include two or more parallel bus conductors, which require insulation between two or more electrical terminals.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will understand that although the invention has been described above in conjunction with specific embodiments and examples, the invention is not to be so limited, and many other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications, and deviations from the embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be covered by the appended claims. The full disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, just as each such patent or publication is individually incorporated by reference. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An installation tool for installing a coupling kit for a heating cable, the installation tool comprising: main body; A first channel, defined within the body to hold a first insulating tube of the engagement kit, the first insulating tube receiving a conductor of a first segment of the heating cable; as well as A first cavity located within a first channel holds a first connector of the coupling kit, the first connector electrically connecting the conductor of the first segment of the heating cable and the conductor of the second segment of the heating cable. During the installation of the first insulating tube and the first connector to the heating cable, the body holds the first insulating tube and the first connector in a predetermined configuration, and the body is removable after installation.

2. The installation tool of claim 1, further comprising a second channel defined within the body and configured to retain a second insulating tube of the engagement kit; and A second cavity located within the second channel, the second cavity being configured to retain a second connector of the engagement kit. in, The first channel and the second channel are aligned parallel to each other to receive the parallel conductors of the heating cable.

3. The installation tool according to claim 2, wherein, The first cavity and the second cavity are positioned at different lengths along the first channel and the second channel, respectively, such that the first cavity and the second cavity are not adjacent to each other.

4. The installation tool of claim 1, further comprising an internal retainer and an external retainer configured to retain the first connector within the first cavity.

5. The installation tool according to claim 4, wherein, Both the inner retainer and the outer retainer include a protrusion extending inward toward the first connector.

6. The installation tool according to claim 5, wherein, The inner retainer is configured to apply a first force at an angle approximately orthogonal to the first surface of the first connector, and the outer retainer is configured to apply a second force at an angle approximately orthogonal to the second surface of the first connector.

7. The installation tool according to claim 1, further comprising a tube retainer located within the first channel, wherein when the first insulating tube is held within the first channel, the tube retainer and the first channel are in close contact on a large portion of the outer surface of the first insulating tube.

8. The installation tool according to claim 1, wherein, The main body comprises a single-piece structure.

9. The installation tool according to claim 8, wherein, The main body is formed by injection molding.

10. The installation tool of claim 1, further comprising a wire stripping guide, the wire stripping guide including at least one indicator.

11. The installation tool according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one indicator includes: A first indicator indicates the position of the cut end aligned with the heating cable; A second indicator indicates the length of the outer sheath of the heating cable to be removed, starting from the first indicator; and A third indicator indicates the length of the main sheath of the heating cable to be removed, starting from the first indicator.

12. An installation system for heating cables, the installation system comprising: The bonding kit includes: A connector that electrically connects the first and second conductors of the heating cable. A first insulating tube, the first insulating tube being used to receive the first conductor, and A second insulating tube, the second insulating tube being used to receive the second conductor; and An installation tool is used to hold the connector, the first insulating tube, and the second insulating tube in a predetermined configuration during installation; The installation tool is removable after installation.

13. The installation system according to claim 12, wherein, The connector is a safety bolt connector that includes a safety bolt; and the mounting system also includes a hex wrench configured to rotate the safety bolt.

14. The installation system according to claim 12, wherein, The connector is a safety bolt connector that includes two safety bolts.

15. The installation system according to claim 12, wherein, The connector includes a first end and a second end, and in the predetermined configuration of the mounting tool, the first insulating tube abuts against the first end of the connector, and the second insulating tube abuts against the second end of the connector.

16. The installation system according to claim 12, wherein, The installation tool includes: main body; A first channel, defined within the body and configured to retain the first insulating tube and the second insulating tube; and A first cavity located within a first channel, the first cavity being configured to retain the connector.

17. A method for mounting a coupling kit on a heating cable, the method comprising: Keep the first insulating tube within the passage of the installation tool; Hold the second insulating tube within the channel of the installation tool; The connector is held within the channel of the mounting tool between the first insulating tube and the second insulating tube; The first conductor of the heating cable is passed through the first insulating tube and inserted into the connector; The second conductor of the heating cable is inserted into the connector through the second insulating tube; as well as Tighten the bolts of the connector to electrically connect the first conductor to the second conductor.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising removing the first insulating tube, the second insulating tube, and the connector from the installation tool.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising covering the first insulating tube, the second insulating tube, and the connector with a covering.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The covering includes a heat-shrinkable tube, and the method further includes shrinking the heat-shrinkable tube.

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