Cable with conductive coating

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable with a conductive coating. The disclosed cable may include at least one electrical conductor, an inner electrical insulator surrounding the at least one electrical conductor, and an electrical shield disposed around the inner electrical insulator. The cable may include a conductive material disposed between adjacent layers of the cable. In one example, an electrocladding layer may be disposed in an electrical shield, for example, in an overlap region. The invention also discloses a flowable conductive material which can flow into the gap during operation of the cable.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of May 27, 2019, application number 201910446432.8, and invention name “Cable with conductive coating”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 676,842 filed on May 25, 2018, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 847,785 filed on May 14, 2019, and PCT International Application No. PCT / US2019 / 033916 filed on May 24, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to cables with a conductive coating. Background Art

[0005] Cables are used to electrically connect one electrical component to another. Figure 1A-1B As shown, cables 20 and 20 ′ each generally include at least one electrical conductor 22 surrounded by an inner electrical insulator 24 . Figure 1A-1B While a coaxial cable having a single electrical conductor is shown, it will be appreciated that such a cable may alternatively be configured as a twinaxial cable having a pair of electrical conductors surrounded by an inner electrical insulator 24 .

[0006] like Figure 1A As shown, the cable 20 may include a plurality of conductive strands 26 that are spirally wound around an inner electrical insulator 24 to define a spiral shield 28 to provide electrical shielding for at least one electrical conductor 22. The windings of the spiral shield 28 may be spaced apart from one another along the length of the cable 20. Thus, the spiral shield 28 may define a spiral electrical path around the inner electrical insulator 24, and thus define a spiral electrical path around at least one electrical conductor 22. Thus, the cable 20 also includes an aluminized polyester film tape 30 that is wound around the spiral shield 28 and in contact with the windings. Specifically, aluminum is vapor deposited on the polyester film tape 30, and an outer sheath is applied so that the aluminized side of the sheath faces the windings. The polyester film tape 30 extends continuously along the length of the cable 20. Thus, the spiral shield 28, in combination with the polyester film tape 30, provides an electrical path along the length of the cable 20. The cable 20 includes an outer electrical insulator 32 that surrounds the polyester film tape 30.

[0007] Reference Figure 1BIn other embodiments of the prior art, the cable 20' includes at least one conductive tape 34 surrounding the inner electrical insulator 24, which conductive tape thus also surrounds the at least one electrical conductor 22. Thus, the at least one conductive tape 34 provides electrical shielding for the at least one electrical conductor 22. The at least one conductive tape 34 can be configured as a single tape or as a first tape 36 and a second tape 38. For example, one of the tape 36 and the tape 38 is typically a copper tape, while the other of the tape 36 and the tape 38 is typically an aluminized resin. Both or one of the first tape 36 and the second tape 38, respectively, can overlap themselves when helically wound so as to define respective overlap regions when wound around the inner electrical insulator 54 to define first overlap regions 37 and second overlap regions 39, respectively. The overlap regions are defined by respective portions of the tapes overlapping each other in radial direction.

[0008] What is needed is a cable with improved electrical shielding. Summary of the invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cable may include a conductive additive, which may be used in conjunction with electrical shielding, among other examples, to improve the cable.

[0010] According to Option 1, the present invention provides a cable comprising: at least one electrical conductor extending axially; an internal electrical insulator surrounding the at least one electrical conductor along at least a portion of its length; a spiral shield comprising at least one conductive strand wound around the internal electrical insulator to define a plurality of windings adjacent to each other along the axial direction; and a conductive coating, at least a portion of which is disposed in or at least partially defines a gap between adjacent windings so that the adjacent windings and the conductive coating combine to define an electron path along the axial direction, thereby providing electrical shielding to at least one electrical conductor.

[0011] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a cable as described in the first aspect, wherein the conductive coating is in physical contact with most of the windings arranged in the axial direction.

[0012] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a cable as described in the first aspect, wherein the conductive coating extends in the axial direction and is in physical contact with each winding.

[0013] According to solution 4, the present invention provides a cable as described in any of the above solutions, wherein the spiral shield defines a radial inner end and a radial outer end, and the at least partially conductive coating is arranged between the radial inner end and the radial outer end to connect adjacent windings in the axial direction.

[0014] According to aspect 5, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 4, wherein the conductive coating is defined at a position extending radially from the inner electrical insulator to the radially outer end of the spiral shield.

[0015] According to Option 6, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of Option 4 and Option 5, wherein a majority of the conductive coating is confined to a position extending radially from the inner electrical insulator to the radial midpoint of the spiral shield, wherein the radial midpoint is equidistantly arranged between the radial inner end and the radial outer end.

[0016] According to aspect 7, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the conductive coating is provided on both radially inner ends and radially outer ends of adjacent windings.

[0017] According to an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the adjacent windings define a gap in the axial direction at the gap, and the conductive coating is provided in the gap to bridge the gap between the adjacent windings in the axial direction.

[0018] According to a ninth aspect, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the conductive coating is applied to a radially outer end of the inner electrical insulator facing the spiral shield.

[0019] According to aspect 10, the present invention provides a cable as described in any of the preceding aspects, wherein the conductive coating is applied to at least one strand of the helical shield.

[0020] According to aspect 11, the present invention provides a cable as described in any of the preceding aspects, wherein the conductive coating is more flexible than the polyester film foil.

[0021] According to aspect 12, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the material stiffness of the conductive coating is less than the material stiffness of the polyester film.

[0022] According to aspect 13, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 1, wherein the cable further comprises an outer electrical insulator surrounding the spiral shield.

[0023] According to aspect 14, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 13, wherein at least a portion of the conductive coating is applied to the radially inner end of the outer electrical insulator facing the spiral shield.

[0024] According to aspect 15, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 13 to 14, wherein the cable does not contain any additional conductive material radially arranged between the spiral shield and the outer insulation.

[0025] According to aspect 16, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 15, wherein the cable does not include a polyester film arranged between the spiral shield and the outer electrical insulator.

[0026] According to aspect 17, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the electrical conductor is a single electrical conductor.

[0027] According to aspect 18, the present invention provides a cable as described in any of the above aspects, wherein the electrical conductor is a single electrical conductor extending along a respective central axis, and the central axis is oriented in an axial direction.

[0028] According to Option 19, the present invention provides a cable as described in any of the preceding options, comprising a twin-axial cable, wherein the at least one electrical conductor comprises a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor, each electrical conductor extending along a respective substantially parallel central axis, and the central axis is oriented axially.

[0029] According to aspect 20, the present invention provides a cable as described in any of the preceding aspects, wherein the inner insulator defines a radially outer end facing the helical shield, and at least part of the conductive coating is applied to the radially outer end of the inner insulator.

[0030] According to aspect 21, the present invention provides a cable as described in any of the preceding aspects, wherein at least a portion of the conductive coating is applied to the helical shield.

[0031] According to Option 22, the present invention provides a cable as described in Option 21, wherein the spiral shield defines a radial inner end facing the inner electrical insulator and a radial outer end opposite to the radial inner end, and at least a portion of the conductive coating is applied to one or both of the radial inner end and the radial outer end of the spiral shield.

[0032] According to aspect 23, the present invention provides a cable as described in any of the preceding aspects, wherein the at least one conductive strand is wound around the inner electrical insulator along a helical path.

[0033] According to aspect 24, the present invention provides a cable as described in any of the preceding aspects, wherein the at least one strand comprises a plurality of strands.

[0034] According to aspect 25, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 24, wherein adjacent windings of the windings are defined by different strands.

[0035] According to solution 26, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of the above solutions, wherein the conductive coating comprises one of Umicore Sealing 691EL, copper nanotubes (CNTs), chemically plated metal nanoparticles and conductive epoxy resin.

[0036] According to aspect 27, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the conductive coating is applied by immersion plating.

[0037] According to aspect 28, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 1 to 26, wherein the conductive coating is applied by spraying.

[0038] According to aspect 29, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 1 to 26, wherein the conductive coating is applied by brush plating.

[0039] According to embodiment 30, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the conductive coating is cured after application.

[0040] According to Option 31, the present invention provides a cable as described in Option 30, wherein the conductive coating is cured under at least one of infrared light and ultraviolet light.

[0041] According to embodiment 32, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the conductive coating is vapor deposited.

[0042] According to aspect 33, the present invention provides a cable as described in any of the preceding aspects, wherein the conductive coating is applied by plasma plating.

[0043] According to aspect 34, the present invention provides a cable as described in any of the preceding aspects, wherein the conductive coating is electroplated.

[0044] According to aspect 35, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 1 to 26, wherein the conductive coating is flowable.

[0045] According to aspect 36, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 1 to 26, wherein the internal electrical insulator comprises foam.

[0046] According to Scheme 37, the invention provides a cable, comprising: at least one electrical conductor extending axially; an internal electrical insulator, which surrounds the at least one electrical conductor along at least a portion of its length; a conductive winding wrapped around the internal electrical insulator to provide electrical shielding to the at least one electrical conductor, wherein the winding defines a radial inner end facing the internal electrical insulator and a radial outer end opposite to the radial inner end; the winding radially overlaps itself to define an overlapping area; and a conductive coating, the conductive coating being disposed at at least one of the following: 1) between the internal electrical insulator and the conductive winding, 2) at the radial outer end, and 3) between the radial outer end and the radial inner end in the overlapping area.

[0047] According to Option 38, the present invention provides a cable as described in Option 37, wherein the winding body is spirally wound around the internal electrical insulator so that the overlapping area is a spiral overlapping area.

[0048] According to aspect 39, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 38, wherein the overlap region defines a plurality of turns around the inner electrical insulator.

[0049] According to aspect 40, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 37, wherein the winding body is longitudinally wound around the inner electrical insulator so that the overlapping area is an axial overlapping area substantially along the axial direction.

[0050] According to aspect 41, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 40, wherein the conductive coating is provided in the entire overlapping area.

[0051] According to aspect 42, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 41, wherein the conductive coating is applied to substantially the entirety of the radially inner end of the winding.

[0052] According to aspect 43, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 42, wherein the conductive coating is applied to substantially the entirety of the radially outer end of the winding.

[0053] According to aspect 44, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 41, wherein the conductive coating is limited to the overlapping area.

[0054] According to aspect 45, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 44, wherein at least a portion of the winding body is radially displaced to define a gap when the cable is bent, and the conductive coating is configured to occupy the gap to maintain the electrical continuity of the winding body in the axial direction.

[0055] According to aspect 46, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 45, wherein the conductive coating is configured to flow into the gap when the cable is bent.

[0056] According to aspect 47, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 45, wherein the conductive coating is applied to the radial inner end of the winding body so as to be located in the gap without flowing into the gap.

[0057] According to aspect 48, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 47, wherein the conductive coating is applied to the radially outer end of the inner electrical insulator facing the winding body.

[0058] According to aspect 49, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 48, wherein the conductive coating defines an interface between the inner electrical insulator and the winding body.

[0059] According to aspect 50, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 49, further comprising an outer electrical insulator surrounding the winding body.

[0060] According to aspect 51, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 50, wherein at least a portion of the conductive coating is applied to the radially inner end of the outer electrical insulator facing the winding body.

[0061] According to aspect 52, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 50 to 51, wherein the cable does not have a winding body radially arranged between the winding body and the external electrical insulator.

[0062] According to aspect 53, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 49, wherein the conductive winding body is a first conductive winding body, and the cable further includes a second conductive winding body surrounding the first conductive winding body.

[0063] According to Option 54, the present invention provides a cable as described in Option 53, wherein the second winding body defines a second radially inner end facing the first winding body, and a second radially outer end opposite to the second radially inner end, and at least a portion of the conductive coating is applied to the second winding body.

[0064] According to scheme 55, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of schemes 53 to 54, wherein the second winding body radially overlaps itself to define a second overlapping area, and at least a portion of the conductive coating is arranged between the second radially outer end and the second radially inner end in the second overlapping area.

[0065] According to Embodiment 56, the present invention provides a cable as described in Embodiment 55, wherein the second winding body is spirally wound around the first winding body so that the second overlapping region is a second spiral overlapping region.

[0066] According to aspect 57, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 55 to 56, wherein the second helical overlap region defines a plurality of turns around the first winding body.

[0067] According to embodiment 58, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 55, wherein the winding body is longitudinally wound around the inner electrical insulator so that the overlapping area is an axial overlapping area substantially along the axial direction.

[0068] According to aspect 59, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 55 to 58, wherein the conductive coating is provided in the entire second overlapping region.

[0069] According to aspect 60, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 54 to 59, wherein the conductive coating is applied to the second radial inner end of the second winding body.

[0070] According to aspect 61, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 60, wherein the conductive coating is applied to substantially the entirety of the second radially inner end of the second winding body.

[0071] According to aspect 62, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 61, wherein the conductive coating is applied to a second radially inner end of the second winding body, and the second radially inner end is located at the position to be confined to the second overlapping area.

[0072] According to aspect 63, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 54 to 62, wherein the conductive coating is applied to the second radially outer end of the second winding body.

[0073] According to aspect 64, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 63, wherein the conductive coating is applied to substantially the entirety of the second radially outer end of the second winding body.

[0074] According to aspect 65, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 63, wherein the conductive coating is applied to a position of the second radially outer end of the second winding body so as to be confined to the second overlapping region.

[0075] According to Option 66, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of Options 53 to 65, wherein at least a portion of the second winding is radially spaced from the first winding to define a second gap between the first winding and the second winding when the cable is bent, and the conductive coating is configured to occupy the second gap to maintain the electrical continuity of the second winding along the axial direction.

[0076] According to aspect 67, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 53 to 66, wherein the conductive coating defines an interface between the first winding and the second winding.

[0077] According to aspect 68, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 52 to 66, further comprising an outer electrical insulator surrounding the second winding body.

[0078] According to aspect 69, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 68, wherein at least a portion of the conductive coating is applied to a radially inner end of the outer electrical insulator facing the second winding body.

[0079] According to aspect 70, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 68 to 69, wherein the cable does not have a winding body radially arranged between the second winding body and the outer insulator.

[0080] According to aspect 71, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 68 to 69, further comprising a conductive braided body arranged between the second winding body and the external electrical insulator.

[0081] According to aspect 72, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 71, wherein the conductive coating is applied to adjacent windings of the conductive braid.

[0082] According to aspect 73, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 71 to 72, wherein the conductive coating is disposed between the conductive braid and the second winding.

[0083] According to aspect 74, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 71 to 73, wherein the conductive coating is arranged between the conductive braid and the outer electrical insulator.

[0084] According to aspect 75, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 74, wherein the electrical conductor is a single electrical conductor.

[0085] According to aspect 76, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 75, wherein the electrical conductors are single electrical conductors extending along respective central axes, and the central axes are oriented in the axial direction.

[0086] According to Option 77, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of Options 41 to 76, which includes a dual-axis cable, wherein the at least one electrical conductor includes a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor, each electrical conductor extending along a respective substantially parallel central axis, and the central axis is oriented along the axial direction.

[0087] According to aspect 78, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 77, wherein the conductive coating comprises one of Umicore Sealing 691EL, copper nanotubes (CNTs) and chemically plated metal nanoparticles.

[0088] According to aspect 79, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 77, wherein the conductive coating comprises a conductive epoxy resin.

[0089] According to aspect 80, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 79, wherein the conductive coating is applied by immersion plating.

[0090] According to aspect 81, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 79, wherein the conductive coating is applied by spraying.

[0091] According to aspect 82, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 79, wherein the conductive coating is applied by brush plating.

[0092] According to aspect 83, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 82, wherein the conductive coating is cured after application.

[0093] According to Option 84, the present invention provides a conductive cable as described in Option 83, wherein the conductive coating is cured under at least one of infrared light and ultraviolet light.

[0094] According to aspect 85, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 79, wherein the conductive coating is vapor deposited.

[0095] According to aspect 86, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 79, wherein the conductive coating is applied by plasma plating.

[0096] According to aspect 87, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 79, wherein the conductive coating is electroplated.

[0097] According to aspect 88, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 78, wherein the conductive coating is flowable.

[0098] According to aspect 89, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 37 to 88, wherein the internal electrical insulator comprises foam.

[0099] According to scheme 90, the present invention provides a cable, comprising: at least one electrical conductor extending axially; an internal electrical insulator, which surrounds the at least one electrical conductor along at least a portion of its length; a first conductive winding, which winds around the internal electrical insulator to provide electrical shielding to the at least one electrical conductor, wherein the first winding defines a first radially inner end facing the internal electrical insulator, and a first radially outer end opposite to the first radially inner end; a conductive layer, which surrounds the first conductive winding to provide electrical shielding to the at least one electrical conductor, wherein the conductive layer defines a second radially inner end facing the first radially outer end, and a second radially outer end opposite to the second radially inner end; an external electrical insulator, which surrounds the conductive layer; and a conductive material, at least a portion of the conductive material being disposed at at least one of the following: 1) between the first radially inner end and the internal electrical insulator, 2) between the first radially outer end and the second radially inner end, and 3) between the second radially outer end and the external electrical insulator.

[0100] According to Option 91, the present invention provides a cable as described in Option 90, wherein the conductive material includes a coating.

[0101] According to aspect 92, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 90 to 91, wherein at least one of the first winding body and the second winding body is wound around itself to define an overlapping area, and the conductive material is arranged in the overlapping area.

[0102] According to embodiment 93, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 90 to 92, further comprising a conductive braided body arranged between the second winding body and the external electrical insulator.

[0103] According to aspect 94, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 93, wherein the conductive material is applied to adjacent windings of the conductive braid.

[0104] According to aspect 95, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 93 to 94, wherein the conductive material is disposed between the conductive braid and the second winding.

[0105] According to aspect 96, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 93 to 95, wherein the conductive material is arranged between the conductive braid and the external electrical insulator.

[0106] According to aspect 97, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 90 to 96, wherein the internal electrical insulator comprises foam.

[0107] According to Option 98, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a cable, the method comprising the following steps: surrounding at least one electrical conductor with an internal electrical insulator, the electrical conductor extending axially; winding at least one conductive strand around the internal electrical insulator to form a plurality of windings, the windings forming a spiral shield; and arranging at least some conductive material in gaps defined between adjacent windings to define a hybrid electrical shield comprising at least one conductive strand and at least some conductive material, wherein the hybrid electrical shield defines a conductive path defined axially by the windings and the conductive material.

[0108] According to Option 99, the present invention provides a method as described in Option 98, wherein the step of placing at least some conductive material in the gaps defined between adjacent windings includes applying the conductive material to at least one strand prior to the winding step.

[0109] According to scheme 100, the present invention provides a method as described in scheme 99, wherein the step of applying the conductive material to at least one strand includes applying the conductive material to the strand facing at least one radially inner end of the electrical insulator.

[0110] According to scheme 101, the present invention provides a method according to any one of schemes 99 to 100, wherein the step of applying the conductive material to at least one strand includes applying the conductive material to the radial outer end of the at least one strand, the radial outer end facing away from the electrical insulator.

[0111] According to Option 102, the present invention provides a method as described in Option 98, wherein the step of applying the conductive material to at least one strand includes, after the winding step, applying the conductive material to the corresponding surface of the at least one strand facing away from the internal electrical insulator.

[0112] According to Option 103, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 98-102, wherein the step of arranging at least some conductive material in the gap defined between adjacent windings includes the step of applying the conductive material to the surface of at least one conductive strand facing the axial direction.

[0113] According to Option 104, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 98 to 103, wherein the flexibility of the conductive material is greater than the flexibility of the polyester film wrapping.

[0114] According to embodiment 105, the present invention provides a method according to any one of embodiments 98 to 104, wherein the step of winding at least one conductive strand around the internal electrical insulator includes winding at least one conductive strand along a spiral path around the internal electrical insulator.

[0115] According to Option 106, the present invention provides a method as described in Option 105, wherein the step of setting at least some conductive material in the gap defined between adjacent windings includes allowing the conductive material to flow into the gap set between adjacent windings so that the conductive material establishes a conductive path.

[0116] According to aspect 107, the present invention provides a method according to any one of aspects 98 to 106, wherein the conductive path extends along an axial direction.

[0117] According to Option 108, the present invention provides a method according to any one of Option 98 to Option 107, wherein the step of placing at least some conductive material in gaps defined between adjacent windings includes causing the conductive material to flow into selected gaps when the cable is bent.

[0118] According to Option 109, the present invention provides a method according to any one of Options 98 to 108, wherein the step of surrounding at least one electrical conductor with an internal electrical insulator includes surrounding a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor with the internal electrical insulator.

[0119] According to Scheme 110, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Schemes 98-109, wherein the conductive material comprises one of Umicore Sealing 691EL, copper nanotubes (CNTs) and chemically plated metal nanoparticles.

[0120] According to Scheme 111, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Schemes 98-109, wherein the conductive material comprises a conductive resin.

[0121] According to Option 112, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 98-111, wherein the step of placing at least some conductive material in the gap defined between adjacent windings includes immersing in a conductive material liquid.

[0122] According to Option 113, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Option 98-111, wherein the step of placing at least some conductive material in the gap defined between adjacent windings includes spraying the conductive material.

[0123] According to embodiment 114, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of embodiments 98 to 111, wherein the step of placing at least some conductive material in the gap defined between adjacent windings includes brush plating the conductive material.

[0124] According to Scheme 115, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Schemes 98 to 114, further comprising the step of curing the conductive material.

[0125] According to Option 116, the present invention provides a method as in Option 115, wherein the curing step comprises subjecting the conductive material to at least one of infrared light and ultraviolet light.

[0126] According to Option 117, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Option 98-111, wherein the step of placing at least some conductive material in the gap defined between adjacent windings includes using vapor deposited conductive material.

[0127] According to embodiment 118, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of embodiments 108 to 111, wherein the step of placing at least some conductive material in the gap defined between adjacent windings includes applying the conductive material by plasma plating.

[0128] According to embodiment 119, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of embodiments 108 to 111, wherein the step of placing at least some conductive material in the gap defined between adjacent windings includes electroplating the conductive material.

[0129] According to Option 120, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Option 98 to Option 119, further comprising the step of surrounding the hybrid electric shield with an external electrical insulator.

[0130] According to Scheme 121, the present invention provides a method as described in Scheme 120, wherein, during the steps of winding at least one conductive strand around an internal electrical insulator and surrounding the hybrid electrical shield with an external electrical insulator, no polyester film wrap is placed between the hybrid electrical shield and the external electrical insulator.

[0131] According to Scheme 122, the present invention provides a method as described in Scheme 121, wherein, during the steps of winding at least one conductive strand around an internal electrical insulator and surrounding the hybrid electric shield with an external electrical insulator, no conductive winding is placed between the hybrid electric shield and the external electrical insulator.

[0132] According to Scheme 123, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a cable, the method comprising the following steps: surrounding at least one electrical conductor with an internal electrical insulator, the electrical conductor extending in an axial direction; a conductive winding wrapped around the internal electrical insulator to provide electrical shielding for at least one electrical conductor, wherein the winding defines a radial inner end facing the internal electrical insulator and a radial outer end, i.e., a radial inner end, and the winding itself radially overlaps to define an overlapping area; and applying a conductive material to at least one of the conductive winding and the internal electrical insulator.

[0133] According to Scheme 124, the present invention provides a method as described in Scheme 123, wherein the overlapping area includes a first part and a second part of the conductive winding body, wherein the first part defines a radially outer end, the radially outer end faces the radially inner end of the second part, and the applying step includes covering at least one of the radially inner end and the radially outer end at the overlapping area so that the conductive material is in mechanical and electrical contact with at least one of the radially inner end and the radially outer end.

[0134] According to Option 125, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 123-124, wherein when the cable is bent, the conductive material maintains the electrical continuity of the winding in the axial direction, which causes 1) the winding to move in the overlapping area, and 2) a portion of the winding to be radially shifted to define a gap.

[0135] According to embodiment 126, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of embodiments 123-125, wherein the overlapping area defines a plurality of turns around the inner electrical insulator.

[0136] According to Option 127, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 123-126, wherein the winding step includes spirally winding the winding body around the internal electrical insulator so that the overlapping area is a spiral overlapping area.

[0137] According to Option 128, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 123-125, wherein the overlapping area is a longitudinal overlapping area.

[0138] According to Option 129, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Option 122 to Option 123, wherein the applying step includes coating the conductive winding body in the overlapping area with a conductive material.

[0139] According to scheme 130, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of schemes 128 to 129, wherein the step of applying a conductive material to at least one of the conductive winding and the internal electrical insulator includes covering the conductive material in the entire overlapping area.

[0140] According to Option 131, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 125-130, wherein the step of applying a conductive material to at least one of the conductive winding and the internal electrical insulator includes coating the conductive material to the radial inner end of the winding.

[0141] According to scheme 132, the present invention provides a method as in scheme 131, wherein the step of applying a conductive material to at least one of the conductive winding and the internal electrical insulator includes coating the conductive material to the radially outer end of the winding.

[0142] According to Option 133, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 131-132, wherein the step of applying a conductive material to at least one of the conductive winding and the internal electrical insulator includes confining the conductive material to an overlapping area.

[0143] According to embodiment 134, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of embodiments 131 to 133, wherein the conductive material is configured to flow into the gap when the cable is bent.

[0144] According to Option 135, the present invention provides a method as described in Option 134, wherein a conductive material is applied to the radial inner end of the winding body so as to be disposed in the gap without flowing into the gap.

[0145] According to scheme 136, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of schemes 123 to 135, wherein the conductive material is applied to the radial outer end of the inner electrical insulator facing the winding body so that the conductive material is in contact with the radial inner end of the winding body.

[0146] According to embodiment 137, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of embodiments 123 to 136, wherein the conductive material defines an interface between the internal electrical insulator and the winding body.

[0147] According to scheme 138, the present invention provides a scheme as any one of schemes 123 to 137, wherein the step of applying conductive material to at least one of the conductive winding and the internal electrical insulator also includes covering the conductive material to at least one radial outer end of the winding and the radial inner end of the external electrical insulator facing the winding.

[0148] According to Option 139, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 123-138, wherein the step of surrounding at least one electrical conductor with an internal electrical insulator includes surrounding a single electrical conductor with a winding body.

[0149] According to Option 140, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 123 to 138, wherein the step of surrounding at least one electrical conductor with an internal electrical insulator includes surrounding a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor with an internal electrical insulator.

[0150] According to Option 141, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 123-140, further comprising the step of surrounding the winding body with an external electrical insulator.

[0151] According to Scheme 142, the present invention provides a method as described in Scheme 141, wherein the winding body includes a first winding body, and the method also includes a step of winding a second winding body on the first winding body, and the step of surrounding the winding body with an external electrical insulator also includes surrounding the second winding body with an external electrical insulator.

[0152] According to Option 143, the present invention provides a method as described in Option 142, wherein the coating step also includes coating the conductive material onto the second winding body.

[0153] According to scheme 144, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of schemes 142 to 143, wherein the second winding body defines a second radial inner end facing the radial outer end of the first winding body and a second radial outer end facing the external electrical insulator.

[0154] According to Option 145, the present invention provides a method as described in Option 144, wherein the step of winding the second winding on the first winding includes winding the second conductive winding around the first winding so that the second winding itself radially overlaps to define a second overlapping area.

[0155] According to Option 146, the present invention provides a method as described in Option 145, wherein the step of winding the second winding body on the first winding body includes spirally winding the second winding body around the first winding body so that the second overlapping area is a second spiral overlapping area.

[0156] According to Scheme 147, the present invention provides a method as described in Scheme 144, wherein the step of winding the second winding body on the first winding body includes spirally winding the second winding body around the first winding body for multiple turns.

[0157] According to scheme 148, the present invention provides a method as described in scheme 145, wherein the step of winding the second winding body on the first winding body includes winding the second winding body longitudinally around the first winding body to define a seal extending generally in the axial direction.

[0158] According to Scheme 149, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Schemes 145 to 148, wherein the step of applying conductive material to at least one of the conductive winding body and the internal electrical insulator applies the conductive material to the entire second overlapping area after the second winding step.

[0159] According to scheme 150, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of schemes 142 to 147, wherein the step of applying a conductive material to at least one of the conductive winding and the internal electrical insulator includes coating the conductive material to the second radially inner end of the second winding.

[0160] According to Scheme 151, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Schemes 142 to 150, wherein the step of applying a conductive material to at least one of a conductive winding and an internal electrical insulator includes coating the conductive material on a second radially outer end of a second winding.

[0161] According to scheme 152, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of schemes 142 to 150, wherein the step of applying a conductive material to at least one of the conductive winding body and the internal electrical insulator includes covering the conductive material to substantially the entirety of both or one of the second radially inner end and the second radially outer end.

[0162] According to Scheme 153, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Schemes 142 to 151, wherein the step of applying a conductive material to at least one of the conductive winding body and the internal electrical insulator includes confining the conductive material to a position so as to be confined to a second overlapping area.

[0163] According to scheme 154, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of schemes 142 to 153, wherein at least a portion of the second winding body is radially displaced to define a second gap when the cable is bent, and the conductive material is configured to occupy the second gap to maintain the electrical continuity of the second winding body along the axial direction.

[0164] According to Option 155, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 142 to 154, wherein the step of applying the conductive material to at least one of the conductive winding and the internal electrical insulator defines the conductive material as an interface between the first winding and the second winding.

[0165] According to embodiment 156, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of embodiments 142 to 155, further comprising winding at least one electrical strand around the second winding body to define a conductive braid disposed between the second winding body and the external electrical insulator.

[0166] According to Option 157, the present invention provides a method as described in Option 156, wherein the covering step further includes covering the conductive material to adjacent windings of the conductive braid.

[0167] According to scheme 158, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of schemes 156 to 157, wherein the covering step includes placing a conductive material between the conductive braid and the second winding body.

[0168] According to embodiment 159, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of embodiments 156 to 158, wherein the coating step includes placing a conductive material between the conductive braid and the external electrical insulator.

[0169] According to scheme 160, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of schemes 123-159, wherein the conductive material includes one of Umicore Sealing 691EL, copper nanotubes (CNTs) and chemically plated metal nanoparticles.

[0170] According to Scheme 161, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Schemes 123-159, wherein the conductive material comprises a conductive resin.

[0171] According to Scheme 162, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Schemes 123-161, wherein the coating step includes immersing in a conductive material liquid.

[0172] According to Scheme 163, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Schemes 123-161, wherein the step of applying a conductive material to at least one of the conductive winding body and the internal electrical insulator comprises spraying the conductive material.

[0173] According to Scheme 164, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Schemes 123-161, wherein the coating step includes brush plating a conductive material.

[0174] According to Scheme 165, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Schemes 123-161, further comprising a step of curing the conductive material after the step of applying the conductive material to at least one of the conductive winding body and the internal electrical insulator.

[0175] According to scheme 166, the present invention provides a method as in scheme 165, wherein the curing step is carried out under at least one of infrared light and ultraviolet light.

[0176] According to Option 167, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 123-161, wherein the coating step includes electroplating a conductive material.

[0177] According to Option 168, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 123-161, wherein the coating step includes applying a conductive material by plasma plating.

[0178] According to Option 169, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 123-161, wherein the coating step includes electroplating a conductive material.

[0179] According to scheme 170, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a cable, the method comprising the following steps: surrounding at least one electrical conductor with an internal electrical insulator, the electrical conductor extending in an axial direction; winding a first conductive winding around the internal electrical insulator, wherein the first winding itself radially overlaps to define a first overlapping area; winding a second conductive winding around the internal electrical insulator, wherein the second winding itself radially overlaps to define a second overlapping area; and applying a conductive material to at least one of the internal electrical insulator, the first winding and the second winding.

[0180] According to Option 171, the present invention provides a method as described in Option 170, wherein, when the cable is bent, the step of applying the conductive material to at least one of the internal electrical insulator, the first winding and the second winding enables the conductive material to maintain mechanical and electrical contact with each of the first winding and the second winding.

[0181] According to Scheme 172, the present invention provides a method as described in Scheme 171, wherein the step of applying a conductive material to at least one of the internal electrical insulator, the first winding and the second winding maintains the electrical continuity of the first winding and the second winding in the axial direction when the cable is bent, resulting in: 1) the first winding moves in the first overlapping area, 2) the second winding moves in the second overlapping area, 3) a portion of the first winding is radially shifted to define a gap defined by the first winding, and 4) a portion of the second winding is radially shifted to define a gap defined by the second winding, one or more of the above or even all of the above.

[0182] According to Scheme 173, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Schemes 170 to 172, wherein the step of applying a conductive material to at least one of the internal electrical insulator, the first winding and the second winding includes covering the conductive material in both or one of the first overlapping area and the second overlapping area.

[0183] According to Option 174, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 170 to 173, further comprising the step of surrounding the second winding with an external electrical insulator.

[0184] According to scheme 175, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of schemes 170 to 174, further comprising braiding at least one conductive strand around the second winding body to define a conductive braid.

[0185] According to Option 176, the present invention provides a method as described in Option 175, wherein the coating step further includes applying the conductive material to adjacent windings of the conductive braid.

[0186] According to Scheme 177, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Schemes 175 to 176, wherein the step of applying a conductive material to at least one of the internal electrical insulator, the first winding and the second winding includes placing the conductive material between the conductive braid and the second winding.

[0187] According to Option 178, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 175 to 177, further comprising the step of surrounding the second winding with an external electrical insulator.

[0188] According to aspect 179, the present invention provides a cable as in aspect 178, wherein the coating step includes providing a conductive material between the conductive braid and the outer electrical insulator.

[0189] According to scheme 180, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a cable, wherein the cable includes an internal electrical insulator and at least one conductive wire, the method comprising the following steps: surrounding at least one electrical conductor with the internal electrical insulator, the electrical conductor being extended axially; applying a conductive material to at least one of the internal electrical insulator and at least one conductive strand; and winding at least one conductive strand to define a plurality of windings, wherein the windings define a spiral shield, wherein at least a portion of the conductive material is at least partially defined in a gap defined between adjacent windings.

[0190] According to embodiment 181, the present invention provides a method as described in embodiment 180, wherein at least a portion of the conductive material at least partially defines a radial inner end of the gap.

[0191] According to scheme 182, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of schemes 180-181, including the step of applying a conductive material to the internal electrical insulator, and the step of winding at least one conductive strand includes winding at least one conductive strand around the conductive material.

[0192] According to scheme 183, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of schemes 180 to 182, including the step of applying a conductive material to at least one conductive strand before the step of winding at least one conductive strand.

[0193] According to Option 184, the present invention provides a method as described in any one of Options 180-183, wherein the conductive material includes a copper nanotube (CNT) coating.

[0194] According to Option 185, the present invention provides a cable, comprising: at least one electrical conductor extending axially; an internal electrical insulator, which surrounds the at least one electrical conductor along at least a portion of its length; an electrical shield, which surrounds the internal electrical insulator and includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer that radially overlap each other to define an interface between the first metal layer and the second metal layer, wherein the electrical shield is configured to provide electrical shielding to at least one electrical conductor; and a conductive material, which is disposed at the interface between the first metal layer and the second metal layer so that the conductive material has mechanical and electrical contact with each of the first layer and the second layer.

[0195] According to Scheme 186, the present invention provides a cable as described in Scheme 185, wherein the electrical shield includes a conductive winding body, the conductive winding body defines a radial inner end facing the internal electrical insulator, and a radial outer end opposite to the radial inner end, wherein the conductive winding body includes a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part overlap each other at an overlapping area, and the first part and the second part at the overlapping area define an interface.

[0196] According to aspect 187, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 186, wherein the conductive material is applied to one or both of a radially outer end of the conductive winding body at the first portion and a radially inner end of the conductive winding body at the second portion.

[0197] According to embodiment 188, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 186 to 187, further comprising a conductive layer surrounding the conductive winding, wherein the radial outer end of the conductive winding and the radial inner end of the conductive layer define an interface.

[0198] According to embodiment 189, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 188, wherein the conductive material is applied to one or both of the radial outer end of the conductive winding body and the radial inner end of the conductive layer.

[0199] According to embodiment 190, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 188 to 189, wherein the conductive winding is a first conductive winding, the layer includes a second conductive winding, the second conductive winding surrounds the first conductive winding, and the first conductive winding and the second conductive winding define an interface.

[0200] According to aspect 191, the present invention provides a cable as described in aspect 190, wherein the conductive material is applied to one of the radially outer end of the first conductive winding and the radially inner end of the second conductive winding.

[0201] According to aspect 192, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 185 to 191, wherein the conductive material is configured to flow into the gap when the cable is bent.

[0202] According to aspect 193, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 190 to 192, wherein the conductive material is applied to one of a radially outer end of the second conductive winding and a radially inner end of an electric braid surrounding the second conductive winding.

[0203] According to embodiment 194, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 193, wherein the outer electrical insulator surrounds the braided body.

[0204] According to aspect 195, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 185 to 194, wherein the electrical conductor is a single electrical conductor.

[0205] According to embodiment 196, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 185 to 194, wherein the at least one electrical conductor includes a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor, each electrical conductor extending along a respective substantially parallel central axis, and the central axis is oriented along the axial direction.

[0206] According to embodiment 197, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 183 to 196, wherein the conductive coating comprises one of Umicore Sealing 691EL, copper nanotubes (CNTs) and chemically plated metal nanoparticles.

[0207] According to embodiment 198, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 185 to 196, wherein the conductive coating comprises a conductive epoxy resin.

[0208] According to aspect 199, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 185 to 198, wherein the conductive material is applied by immersion plating.

[0209] According to aspect 200, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 185 to 198, wherein the conductive material is applied by spraying.

[0210] According to embodiment 201, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 185 to 198, wherein the conductive material is applied by brush plating.

[0211] According to embodiment 202, the present invention provides a conductive cable as described in any one of embodiments 185 to 201, wherein the conductive material is cured after application.

[0212] According to scheme 203, the present invention provides a conductive cable as described in scheme 202, wherein the conductive material is cured under at least one of infrared light and ultraviolet light.

[0213] According to embodiment 204, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 185 to 198, wherein the conductive material is vapor deposited.

[0214] According to aspect 205, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 185 to 198, wherein the conductive material is applied by plasma plating.

[0215] According to embodiment 206, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 185 to 198, wherein the conductive coating is electroplated.

[0216] According to aspect 207, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 185 to 206, wherein the shielding includes a spiral winding body.

[0217] According to aspect 208, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 185 to 206, wherein the shielding includes a longitudinal winding body.

[0218] According to aspect 209, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 185 to 208, wherein the internal electrical insulator comprises foam.

[0219] According to scheme 210, the present invention provides a cable, comprising: at least one electrical conductor extending axially; an internal electrical insulator, which surrounds the at least one electrical conductor along at least a portion of its length; an electrical shield, which surrounds the internal electrical insulator, and the electrical shield comprises a first metal layer and a second metal layer that radially overlap each other to define an interface between the first metal layer and the second metal layer, wherein the electrical shield is configured to provide electrical shielding to at least one electrical conductor; and a conductive material, which is disposed at the interface between the first metal layer and the second metal layer so that the conductive material has mechanical and electrical contact with each of the first layer and the second layer.

[0220] According to Scheme 211, the present invention provides a cable as described in Scheme 210, wherein the electrical shield includes a conductive winding body, the conductive winding body defines a radial inner end facing the inner electrical insulator, and a radial outer end opposite to the radial inner end, wherein the conductive winding body includes a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part overlap each other at an overlapping area, and the first part and the second part at the overlapping area define an interface.

[0221] According to embodiment 211, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 210, wherein the conductive material is applied to one or both of a radially outer end of the conductive winding body at the first portion and a radially inner end of the conductive winding body at the second portion.

[0222] According to embodiment 212, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 211 to 212, further comprising a conductive layer surrounding the conductive winding, wherein the radial outer end of the conductive winding and the radial inner end of the conductive layer define an interface.

[0223] According to embodiment 213, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 213, wherein the conductive material is applied to one or both of the radial outer end of the conductive winding body and the radial inner end of the conductive layer.

[0224] According to scheme 215, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of schemes 213 to 214, wherein the conductive winding is a first conductive winding, the layer includes a second conductive winding, the second conductive winding surrounds the first conductive winding, and the first conductive winding and the second conductive winding define an interface.

[0225] According to embodiment 216, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 215, wherein the conductive material is applied to one of the radially outer end of the first conductive winding and the radially inner end of the second conductive winding.

[0226] According to embodiment 217, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 210 to 216, wherein the conductive material is configured to flow into the gap when the cable is bent.

[0227] According to aspect 218, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of aspects 215 to 217, wherein the conductive material is applied to one of a radially outer end of the second conductive winding and a radially inner end of an electric braid surrounding the second conductive winding.

[0228] According to embodiment 219, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 218, wherein the outer electrical insulator surrounds the braided body.

[0229] According to embodiment 220, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 210 to 219, wherein the electrical conductor is a single electrical conductor.

[0230] According to embodiment 221, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 210 to 219, wherein the at least one electrical conductor includes a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor, each electrical conductor extending along a respective substantially parallel central axis, and the central axis is oriented along the axial direction.

[0231] According to embodiment 222, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 210 to 221, wherein the conductive material comprises one of Umicore Sealing 691EL, copper nanotubes (CNTs) and chemically plated metal nanoparticles.

[0232] According to embodiment 223, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 213 to 221, wherein the conductive material includes conductive epoxy resin.

[0233] According to embodiment 224, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 210 to 223, wherein the conductive material is applied by immersion plating.

[0234] According to embodiment 225, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 210 to 223, wherein the conductive material is applied by spraying.

[0235] According to embodiment 226, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 210 to 223, wherein the conductive material is applied by brush plating.

[0236] According to embodiment 227, the present invention provides a conductive cable as described in any one of embodiments 210 to 226, wherein the conductive material is cured after application.

[0237] According to Option 228, the present invention provides a conductive cable as described in Option 227, wherein the conductive material is cured under at least one of infrared light and ultraviolet light.

[0238] According to embodiment 229, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 210 to 223, wherein the conductive material is vapor deposited.

[0239] According to embodiment 230, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 210 to 223, wherein the conductive material is applied by plasma plating.

[0240] According to embodiment 231, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 210 to 223, wherein the conductive material is electroplated.

[0241] According to embodiment 232, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 210 to 231, wherein the internal electrical insulator comprises foam.

[0242] According to scheme 233, the present invention provides a cable, comprising: at least one electrical conductor having a length along an axial direction; an internal electrical insulator, which surrounds the at least one electrical conductor along most of the length; a conductive shield, which is arranged around the internal electrical insulator; an external electrical insulator, which is arranged around the conductive shield; and a conductive material, which is arranged between the internal electrical insulator and the external electrical insulator.

[0243] According to embodiment 234, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 233, wherein the conductive material comprises metal.

[0244] According to embodiment 235, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 234, wherein the metal includes silver.

[0245] According to embodiment 236, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 233, wherein the conductive material comprises Umicore Sealing 691EL.

[0246] According to embodiment 237, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 233, wherein the conductive material is flowable.

[0247] According to embodiment 238, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 233, wherein the coated conductive material is solid.

[0248] According to embodiment 239, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 233 to 238, wherein the conductive material is coated on the radial outer end of the inner electrical insulator facing the electrical shield.

[0249] According to embodiment 240, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 233 to 239, wherein the conductive material is coated on the radial inner end of the electrical shield facing the inner electrical insulator.

[0250] According to embodiment 241, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 233 to 240, wherein the internal electrical insulator comprises foam.

[0251] According to embodiment 242, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 233 to 240, wherein the internal electrical insulator is solid.

[0252] According to embodiment 243, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 233 to 242, wherein the at least one electrical conductor comprises a single electrical conductor.

[0253] According to embodiment 244, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 233 to 243, wherein the conductive material is arranged between the conductive shield and the outer electrical insulator.

[0254] According to embodiment 245, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 233 to 243, comprising a twin-axial cable, wherein the at least one electrical conductor comprises a pair of electrical conductors.

[0255] According to embodiment 246, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 233 to 245, wherein the conductive shield includes a helical winding body defining a helical overlap region.

[0256] According to embodiment 247, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 233 to 245, wherein the conductive shield includes a longitudinal winding body, and the longitudinal winding body defines an overlapping area extending generally in the axial direction.

[0257] According to embodiment 248, the present invention provides a cable as described in any one of embodiments 246 to 247, wherein the conductive material is arranged in the overlapping area.

[0258] According to Scheme 249, the present invention provides a cable tape, comprising: a plurality of groups of cables, each cable comprising: at least one electrical conductor; an internal electrical insulator surrounding the at least one electrical conductor; and an electrical shielding disposed around the internal electrical insulator; an external electrical insulator having a first end and a second end, such that each electrical shielding is disposed between the first end and the second end of the external electrical insulator, wherein the external electrical insulator further extends along the gaps disposed between adjacent cables; and an adhesive disposed between each electrical shielding and the external electrical insulator.

[0259] According to embodiment 250, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 249, wherein the adhesive is further disposed between the first end and the second end in the gap.

[0260] According to embodiment 251, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 249 to 250, further comprising an electrical drain wire disposed in at least one gap.

[0261] According to embodiment 252, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 251, further comprising a plurality of electrical drainage wires arranged in corresponding gaps.

[0262] According to embodiment 253, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 249 to 252, wherein the adhesive is a conductive material.

[0263] According to embodiment 254, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 253, wherein the conductive material comprises gel.

[0264] According to embodiment 255, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 253, wherein the conductive material comprises slurry.

[0265] According to embodiment 256, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 253, wherein the conductive material is flowable.

[0266] According to embodiment 257, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 253, wherein the conductive material is non-flowable.

[0267] According to embodiment 258, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 249 to 257, wherein the electrical shielding includes a conductive coating arranged on the radially outer end of the inner electrical insulator.

[0268] According to embodiment 259, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 258, wherein the conductive coating comprises silver.

[0269] According to embodiment 260, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 249 to 259, wherein the outer electrical insulator is necked at the gaps between adjacent cables of the plurality of cables.

[0270] According to embodiment 261, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 249 to 260, wherein the at least one electrical conductor of each cable includes a pair of electrical conductors spaced apart from each other along a row.

[0271] According to scheme 262, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of schemes 249 to 261, wherein the electrical shielding includes a conductive winding body, the conductive winding body defines a radial inner end facing the internal electrical insulator, and a radial outer end opposite to the radial inner end, and the winding body radially overlaps itself so as to define an overlapping area.

[0272] According to embodiment 263, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 262, wherein the winding body is a spiral winding body, so that the overlapping area is a spiral overlapping area.

[0273] According to embodiment 264, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 262 to 263, wherein the overlapping area defines a plurality of turns around the inner electrical insulator.

[0274] According to embodiment 265, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 262, wherein the winding body is a longitudinal winding body, so that the overlapping area is a radial overlapping area, which extends along the axial direction of the cable elongation.

[0275] According to embodiment 266, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 262 to 265, further comprising a conductive coating arranged in the overlapping area.

[0276] According to Embodiment 267, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in Embodiment 266, wherein the conductive coating disposed in the overlapping region is disposed in the entirety of the overlapping region.

[0277] According to embodiment 268, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 266 to 267, wherein the conductive coating provided in the overlap region is applied to substantially the entirety of the radially inner end of the winding body.

[0278] According to embodiment 269, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 266 to 268, wherein the conductive coating provided in the overlap region is applied to substantially the entirety of the radially outer end of the winding body.

[0279] According to embodiment 270, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 266 to 269, wherein the conductive coating disposed in the overlap region is limited to the overlap region.

[0280] According to embodiment 271, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 266 to 270, wherein the conductive coating provided in the overlapping area is an antioxidant.

[0281] According to aspect 272, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of aspects 249 to 271, wherein the outer electrical insulator is laminated to the electrical shielding.

[0282] According to Scheme 273, the present invention provides a cable tape, comprising: a plurality of groups of cables, each cable comprising: at least one electrical conductor; an internal electrical insulator, which surrounds the at least one electrical conductor; an electrical shield, which is provided with a first shielding end and a second shielding end, so that each internal electrical insulator is arranged between the first shielding end and the second shielding end, wherein the electrical shield is further extended along the gaps arranged between adjacent cables; and an adhesive, which is arranged between the electrical shield and each internal electrical insulator.

[0283] According to embodiment 274, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 273, wherein the adhesive includes a first portion arranged between the first shielding end and each internal electrical insulator, and a second portion arranged between the second shielding end and each internal electrical insulator.

[0284] According to embodiment 275, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 273 to 274, wherein the adhesive is further disposed in the gap.

[0285] According to embodiment 276, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 273 to 275, further comprising an electrical drain wire disposed in at least one gap.

[0286] According to embodiment 277, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 276, further comprising a plurality of electrical drain wires arranged in corresponding gaps.

[0287] According to embodiment 278, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 273 to 277, wherein the adhesive is a conductive material.

[0288] According to embodiment 279, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 278, wherein the conductive material comprises gel.

[0289] According to embodiment 280, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 278, wherein the conductive material comprises slurry.

[0290] According to embodiment 281, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 278, wherein the conductive material is flowable.

[0291] According to embodiment 282, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 278, wherein the conductive material is non-flowable.

[0292] According to embodiment 283, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 273 to 282, further comprising a conductive coating disposed on the radially outer end of the inner electrical insulator.

[0293] According to embodiment 284, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 283, wherein the conductive coating comprises metal.

[0294] According to embodiment 285, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 284, wherein the metal includes silver.

[0295] According to embodiment 286, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 273 to 285, wherein the at least one electrical conductor of each cable includes a pair of electrical conductors spaced apart from each other.

[0296] According to embodiment 287, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 273 to 286, wherein the cables are spaced apart from each other along the rows, and the conductors of each pair of conductors are spaced apart from each other along the rows.

[0297] According to scheme 288, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of schemes 273 to 287, wherein the electrical shielding includes a conductive winding body, the conductive winding body defines a radial inner end facing the internal electrical insulator, and a radial outer end opposite to the radial inner end, and the winding body radially overlaps itself so as to define an overlapping area.

[0298] According to embodiment 289, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 288, wherein the winding body is a spiral winding body, so that the overlapping area is a spiral overlapping area.

[0299] According to embodiment 290, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 288 to 289, wherein the overlapping area defines a plurality of turns around the inner electrical insulator.

[0300] According to embodiment 291, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 288, wherein the winding body is a longitudinal winding body, and the overlapping area is an axial overlapping area extending substantially along the axial direction of the cable elongation.

[0301] According to embodiment 292, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 288 to 291, further comprising a conductive coating arranged in the overlapping area.

[0302] According to Embodiment 293, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in Embodiment 292, wherein the conductive coating provided in the overlapping region is provided in the entirety of the overlapping region.

[0303] According to embodiment 294, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 288 to 293, wherein the conductive coating arranged in the overlap area is applied to substantially the entire radial inner end of the winding body.

[0304] According to embodiment 295, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 288 to 294, wherein the conductive coating arranged in the overlap area is applied to substantially the entire radial outer end of the winding body.

[0305] According to embodiment 296, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 288 to 295, wherein the conductive coating provided in the overlapping area is confined to the overlapping area.

[0306] According to embodiment 297, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 288 to 296, wherein the conductive coating provided in the overlapping area is an antioxidant.

[0307] According to Option 298, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of Options 273 to 297, further comprising an external electrical insulator, wherein the external electrical insulator is provided with a first end and a second end, so that each electrical shield is arranged between the first end and the second end of the external electrical insulator, wherein the external electrical insulator further extends along the gaps arranged between adjacent cables.

[0308] According to embodiment 299, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 298, wherein each of the shield and the outer electrical insulator defines a necking location at a gap between adjacent cables of the plurality of cables.

[0309] According to aspect 300, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of aspects 298 to 299, wherein the outer insulation is laminated to the electrical shielding.

[0310] According to aspect 301, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of aspects 298 to 300, wherein the outer electrical insulator is thermally bonded to the electrical shield.

[0311] According to scheme 302, the present invention provides a cable tape, comprising: a plurality of groups of cables, each cable comprising: at least one electrical conductor; an internal electrical insulator, which surrounds the at least one electrical conductor; an electrical shield, which is provided with a first shielding end and a second shielding end, so that each internal electrical insulator is arranged between the first shielding end and the second shielding end; and an adhesive, which is arranged between the electrical shielding and each internal electrical insulator.

[0312] According to embodiment 303, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 302, further comprising a drain wire in electrical communication with the electrical shield, wherein the electrical shield further extends along a gap provided between the electrical conductor and the drain wire.

[0313] According to aspect 304, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in aspect 303, wherein the adhesive places the drain wire in electrical communication with the electrical shield.

[0314] According to solution 305, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of solutions 303 to 304, wherein the drain wire is arranged between the first shielding end and the second shielding end.

[0315] According to embodiment 306, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 303 to 305, wherein the adhesive is further disposed between the electrical shield and the drain wire.

[0316] According to Scheme 307, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of Schemes 303 to 306, wherein the first portion of the adhesive is disposed between the drain wire and the first shielding end and in contact with the drain wire and the first shielding end, and the second portion of the adhesive is disposed between the drain wire and the second shielding end and in contact with the drain wire and the second shielding end.

[0317] According to embodiment 308, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 303 to 307, wherein each of the shield and the adhesive spans a gap provided between the drain wire and the electrical conductor.

[0318] According to embodiment 309, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 308, wherein the adhesive is disposed between the first shielding end and the second shielding end in the gap.

[0319] According to embodiment 310, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 302 to 309, wherein the adhesive is a conductive material.

[0320] According to embodiment 311, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 310, wherein the conductive material comprises gel.

[0321] According to embodiment 312, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 310, wherein the conductive material comprises slurry.

[0322] According to embodiment 313, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 310, wherein the conductive material is flowable.

[0323] According to embodiment 314, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 310, wherein the conductive material is non-flowable.

[0324] According to embodiment 315, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 302 to 314, further comprising a conductive coating disposed on the radially outer end of the inner electrical insulator.

[0325] According to embodiment 316, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 315, wherein the conductive coating comprises metal.

[0326] According to embodiment 317, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 316, wherein the metal includes silver.

[0327] According to embodiment 318, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 302 to 317, wherein the at least one electrical conductor of each cable comprises only a single electrical conductor.

[0328] According to scheme 319, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of schemes 302 to 318, wherein the electrical shielding includes a conductive winding body, the conductive winding body defines a radial inner end facing the internal electrical insulator, and a radial outer end opposite to the radial inner end, and the winding body radially overlaps itself so as to define an overlapping area.

[0329] According to embodiment 320, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 319, wherein the winding body is a spiral winding body, so that the overlapping area is a spiral overlapping area.

[0330] According to embodiment 321, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 319 to 320, wherein the overlapping area defines a plurality of turns around the inner electrical insulator.

[0331] According to embodiment 322, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 319, wherein the winding body is a longitudinal winding body, and the overlapping area is an axial overlapping area extending substantially along the axial direction of the cable elongation.

[0332] According to embodiment 323, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 319 to 322, further comprising a conductive coating disposed in the overlapping area.

[0333] According to embodiment 324, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in embodiment 323, wherein the conductive coating arranged in the overlapping area is arranged in the entire overlapping area.

[0334] According to embodiment 325, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 323 to 324, wherein the conductive coating arranged in the overlap area is applied to substantially the entire radial inner end of the winding body.

[0335] According to embodiment 326, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 323 to 325, wherein the conductive coating arranged in the overlap area is applied to substantially the entire radial outer end of the winding body.

[0336] According to embodiment 327, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 323 to 326, wherein the conductive coating provided in the overlapping area is limited to the overlapping area.

[0337] According to embodiment 328, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 323 to 327, wherein the conductive coating provided in the overlapping area is an antioxidant.

[0338] According to embodiment 329, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 303 to 328, further comprising an external electrical insulator, the external electrical insulator being provided with a first end and a second end, so that the electrical shielding is provided between the first end and the second end of the external electrical insulator, wherein the external electrical insulator further extends along the gap provided between adjacent cables.

[0339] According to embodiment 330, the present invention provides a cable as described in embodiment 329, wherein each of the shield and the outer electrical insulator defines a necking location at a gap between adjacent cables of the plurality of cables.

[0340] According to embodiment 331, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 329 to 330, wherein the outer electrical insulator is laminated to the electrical shielding.

[0341] According to embodiment 332, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 329 to 330, wherein the outer electrical insulator is thermally bonded to the electrical shield.

[0342] According to embodiment 333, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of embodiments 303 to 332, wherein the electrical conductor is a coaxial electrical conductor.

[0343] According to solution 334, the present invention provides a cable tape as described in any one of solutions 303 to 332, wherein the electrical conductor is a power conductor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0344] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a cable constructed according to the prior art with portions removed to illustrate components of the coaxial cable;

[0345] Figure 1B is a perspective view of another cable constructed according to the prior art;

[0346] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a cable according to one example, comprising an electrical conductor, an inner electrical insulator, a spiral shield, and an outer electrical insulator;

[0347] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A a cross-sectional end view of the cable shown in ;

[0348] Figure 2C yes Figure 2B A magnified area taken along line 2C;

[0349] Figure 2D Show according to Figure 2A An enlarged cross-sectional end view of the manufacturing steps of an example cable shown in , including applying a conductive member to an inner insulator;

[0350] Figure 2E Show according to Figure 2A A cross-sectional end enlarged view of the manufacturing steps of an example cable shown in , including applying a conductive member to the inner surface of the spiral shield;

[0351] Figure 2F Shown according to Figure 2D and 2E An enlarged cross-sectional end view of a spiral shield being applied to an inner electrical insulator during the steps shown, either or both.

[0352] Figure 2G is constructed according to an alternative embodiment, similar to Figure 2C A magnified cross-sectional area diagram of

[0353] Figure 3A Shows something like Figure 2C A cable, an enlarged cross-sectional end view of a conductive material applied according to another example;

[0354] Figure 3B Show according to Figure 3A An enlarged cross-sectional end view of the manufacturing steps of an example cable shown in , including applying a conductive member to an outer insulator;

[0355] Figure 3C Show according to Figure 3A A cross-sectional end enlarged view of the manufacturing steps of an example cable shown in , including applying a conductive member to an outer surface of a spiral shield;

[0356] Figure 3D Shows something like Figure 3A A cable, an enlarged cross-sectional end view of a conductive material applied according to another example;

[0357] Figure 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional end view of a region of a cable including a conductive wrap constructed according to another embodiment;

[0358] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A an enlarged cross-sectional end view of a portion of the cable taken along line 4B;

[0359] Figure 4C According to another embodiment, similar to Figure 4B An enlarged cross-sectional end view of the cable portion shown in FIG.

[0360] Figure 4D According to another embodiment, similar to Figure 4B An enlarged cross-sectional end view of the cable portion shown in FIG.

[0361] Figure 4EAccording to another embodiment, similar to Figure 4B An enlarged cross-sectional end view of the cable portion shown in FIG.

[0362] Figure 5 yes Figure 4A an enlarged cross-sectional end view of a region of the cable shown in , showing radially deflected windings to define a gap at least partially filled with conductive material;

[0363] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional end view of a cable constructed according to an alternative embodiment of an electrical shield including first and second conductive windings;

[0364] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A An enlarged cross-sectional end view of a region of the cable taken along line 6B shows the conductive material disposed at the radially inner and outer surfaces of each of the first and second windings.

[0365] Figure 6C yes Figure 6B an enlarged cross-sectional end view of a region of the cable shown in , showing the radially deflected first and second wraps to define a gap at least partially filled with conductive material;

[0366] Fig.6D yes Figure 6B an enlarged cross-sectional end view of the cable region shown in , showing the conductive material located on the radially inner surface and the radially outer surface of the first winding, and the radially inner surface of the second winding;

[0367] Fig. 6E yes Figure 6B an enlarged cross-sectional end view of the cable region shown in , showing the conductive material located on the radially inner and radially outer surfaces of the second winding, and the radially outer surface of the first winding;

[0368] Fig. 6F yes Figure 6B an enlarged cross-sectional end view of a region of the cable shown in , showing the conductive material located on the radially inner surface of the first winding and the radially outer surface of the second winding;

[0369] Figure 6G yes Figure 6B an enlarged cross-sectional end view of a region of the cable shown in , showing the conductive material located on a radially outer surface of a first winding and a radially inner surface of a second winding;

[0370] Figure 6H yes Figure 6B an enlarged cross-sectional end view of the cable region shown in , showing the conductive material located at the radially outer surface of the second winding;

[0371] Fig.6I yes Figure 6B an enlarged cross-sectional end view of the cable region shown in , showing the conductive material located at the radially inner surface of the first winding;

[0372] Fig. 7A is similar to Fig. 6A a perspective view of a cable constructed as such, but configured according to another embodiment as a twin-axial cable including first and second electrical conductors;

[0373] Figure 7B is similar to Fig. 7A a perspective view of a cable constructed, but showing an electrical shield defining a longitudinal wrap according to another embodiment;

[0374] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cable configured as a microwave cable according to another embodiment, with portions removed to show a first conductive winding, a second conductive winding, and a conductive braid surrounding the second conductive winding;

[0375] Fig.9A is a cross-sectional view of a cable tape portion constructed according to one example;

[0376] Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a cable tape portion constructed according to another example;

[0377] Fig. 9C is a cross-sectional view of a cable tape portion constructed according to yet another example; and

[0378] Fig.9D is based on Fig.9A A cross-sectional view of the cable tape portion is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0379] The present disclosure may be more easily understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings and examples that are part of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terms used herein are intended to describe specific implementations by way of example, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, as used herein, unless otherwise specified, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" include "at least one" and a plurality. In addition, unless otherwise specified, references to a plurality used herein include the singular "one", "one", "one" and "the", and also include "at least one". In addition, unless otherwise specified, the term "at least one" may include the singular "one", "one" and "the", and may also include a plurality. In addition, unless otherwise specified, references to specific numerical values ​​in the specification including the attached claims include at least the specific value.

[0380] As used herein, the term "plurality" means more than one, for example, two or more. When expressing a series of values, another example includes from one specific value and / or another specific value. The words "substantially", "essentially" and "approximately" used herein with respect to shapes, sizes or other parameters or values ​​include the shapes, sizes or other parameters or values, and also include plus or minus 10% of the specified shapes, sizes or other parameters or values.

[0381] Reference now Figure 2A-2C As shown in the figure, a cable 50 according to one embodiment includes an electrical conductor 52 and an internal electrical insulator 54 surrounding the electrical conductor 52. The electrical conductor 52 can be silver-plated copper, bare copper, copper-nickel (CuNi) alloy, copper alloy, silver alloy, tin, tin alloy, or any suitable alternative material. The internal electrical insulator 54 can be a solid or foam of iron boron (FEB), a solid or foam of perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA), a low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tape, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or any suitable alternative electrical insulator. The electrical conductor 52 can be an electrical signal conductor configured to carry electrical signals during operation. The electrical conductor 52 extends along a corresponding central axis 56, and the central axis 56 can be regarded as extending in an axial direction. Therefore, both the electrical conductor 52 and the cable 50 can be regarded as elongated in the axial direction. It can be realized that the axial direction can be straight or curved, or can have a straight portion and a curved portion.

[0382] The inner electrical insulator 54 completely surrounds at least most of the length of the electrical conductor 52 relative to a plane oriented perpendicular to the axial direction. Therefore, the inner electrical insulator 54 can be defined with a radial inner end 54a facing the electrical conductor 52, and a radial outer end 54b opposite the radial inner end 54a. The radial inner end 54a can be defined by a radial inner surface facing the electrical conductor 52. The radial outer end 54b can be defined by a radial outer surface opposite the radial inner surface. In this regard, unless otherwise specified, the term "radially inner" and its derivatives used herein may refer to a direction toward the central axis 56. Unless otherwise specified, the term "radially outer" and its derivatives used herein may refer to a direction away from the central axis 56. The inner electrical insulator 54 can surround most of the length of the electrical conductor 52, so that a portion of the electrical conductor 52 extends axially outward from the inner electrical insulator 54 to establish an electrical connection with a complementary electrical component such as an electrical connector, a transceiver, a printed circuit board, or an alternative device. Therefore, the inner electrical insulator 54 can surround along the length of at least a portion of at least one electrical conductor 52. An inner electrical insulator 54 surrounds the at least one electrical conductor 52 along a majority of the length of the at least one electrical conductor 52 .

[0383] like Figure 2AAs shown, the cable 50 is a coaxial cable in which the electrical conductor 52 is a single electrical conductor. However, it will be appreciated that Figure 7A-7B As shown, the cable 50 can alternatively be configured as a twin-axial cable, wherein the first composite extruded electrical conductor 52a and the second composite extruded electrical conductor 52b are surrounded by an internal electrical insulator 54. The first signal conductor 52a and the second signal conductor 52b are arranged side by side and substantially parallel to each other, and are surrounded by the internal electrical insulator 54, so that the signal conductors 52a and 52b are electrically isolated from each other. It should be understood that the cables described herein can all include at least one cable surrounded by an internal electrical insulator. The at least one cable can be configured as a single cable, or alternatively configured as a first cable and a second cable.

[0384] Continued reference Figure 2A-2C , the cable 50 may also include an electrical shield 58. Its electrical shield 58 surrounds the first electrical insulator or the inner electrical insulator 54 along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, along at least most of the length of the inner electrical insulator. The cable 50 may also include a second outer electrical insulator or an outer electrical insulator 55, and its outer electrical insulator 55 surrounds the electrical shield 58 along a plane oriented perpendicular to the axial direction, along at least most of the length of the electrical shield. Therefore, the electrical shield 58 is radially arranged between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the outer electrical insulator 55. The outer electrical insulator can be polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a terpolymer including tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride (THV), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a sealable resin tape or a non-sealable resin tape. Therefore, the outer electrical insulator 55 defines a radial inner end 55a facing the electrical shield 58, and a radial outer end 55b opposite to the radial inner end 55a. The radially inner end 55a may be defined by a radially inner surface facing the electrical shield 58. The radially outer end 55b may be defined by a radially outer surface radially opposite the radially inner surface.

[0385] The electrical shield 58 can provide electrical shielding, especially providing electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for the electrical conductor 52 during operation. In one example, the electrical shield 58 can include a spiral shield 60, which includes at least one conductive strand 62 wound around the inner electrical insulator 54 to define a plurality of windings 64 arranged in the axial direction and adjacent to each other. At least one strand 62, and therefore also a spiral shield, can be made of copper, silver, silver-plated copper, copper-nickel (CuNi) alloy, copper alloy, silver alloy, tin, tin alloy, or any suitable alternative material or combination thereof. Adjacent windings 64 can be arranged circumferentially spaced from each other to define corresponding gaps. It can be appreciated that, depending on the bending of the cable, some adjacent windings 64 can contact each other. The spiral shield 60 can also be referred to as a conductive braid 65. The at least one conductive strand 62 can be a metal strand. For example, the at least one conductive strand can be made of copper, silver, silver-plated copper, copper-nickel (CuNi) alloy, copper alloy, silver alloy, tin, tin alloy, or any suitable alternative material or combination thereof.

[0386] The spiral shield 60, and therefore the braid 65, can define a radially inner end 60a facing the inner electrical insulator 54, and can define a radially outer end 60b, which is opposite to the radially inner end in a radial direction. The radially inner end 60a can be partially defined by a radially inner surface facing the inner electrical insulator 54. The radially outer end 60b can be partially defined by a radially outer surface opposite to the radially inner surface. In one example, each winding 64 can define a complete turn around the inner electrical insulator 54, and thus can define a complete turn around the electrical conductor 54.

[0387] For example, the spiral shield 60 may include a plurality of conductive strands 62 that are wound around the inner electrical insulator 54 to define a plurality of windings 64, respectively. Adjacent windings 64 may be defined by the same strands 62 or different strands 62. In one example, at least one conductive strand 62 may be spirally wound around the inner electrical insulator 54. In addition, since the inner electrical insulator 54 surrounds the electrical conductor 52, this may be considered as the at least one conductive strand being wound around the electrical conductor 52. The windings 64 may be combined to define a plurality of turns around the inner electrical insulator 54, and thus also around the electrical conductor 52. Although the windings 64 may be continuous in their respective spiral paths, the spiral shield 60 may define gaps 66 between adjacent windings 64 in the axial direction. The gaps 66 may be defined by adjacent windings 64 regardless of whether the windings 64 are circumferentially adjacent to each other or circumferentially spaced from each other.

[0388] In conventional cables, the gap 66 may be bounded at the outer radial end by a shield, such as the electrical shield 58, and at the inner radial end by the inner electrical insulator 54. Figure 1AAs described above, conventional cables typically include an aluminized polyester film tape that surrounds the spiral shield along a plane perpendicular to the axial orientation so as to form a conductive grounding path in the axial direction. However, the inventors of the present application have recognized that the flexibility of such a cable is reduced by the polyester film tape. In addition, the addition of the polyester film tape increases the complexity of the cable. In addition, when the cable is bent, the polyester film tape may wrinkle, which causes a portion of the polyester film tape to lose contact with the spiral shield on the bottom surface, thereby possibly impairing the conductivity of the spiral shield along the axial direction. In particular, when the cable is bent, one side of the polyester film tape is typically in a stretched state, and the opposite side of the polyester film tape is typically in a compressed state, thereby causing wrinkles.

[0389] Now refer to Figure 2C Specifically, the cable 50 may include a conductive material 68, which may be disposed between the radially outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58. In one example, the conductive material may be applied to both or one of the radially outer surface of the radially outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58. Thus, the conductive material 68 may be disposed in at least one or more of the gaps 66, up to all of the gaps 66. Thus, the conductive material 68 may be disposed between any suitable structures applied to the cable 50, such that the conductive material 68 at least partially fills the gaps 66. Specifically, the conductive material 68 may define at least one bridge 70 extending from some of the corresponding windings 64 to some of the adjacent corresponding windings 64. Thus, the bridge 70 may be considered to span some of the adjacent windings. The bridge 70 may span any number of windings 64, up to all of the windings, as desired. The bridge 70 may extend in an axial direction, or in a direction that is different from the spiral path of the winding 64. Thus, the conductive material 68 may extend in the axial direction so as to be disposed in physical contact with each winding 64. Thus, the electrical shield 58 may be configured as a hybrid electrical shield including the helical shield 60 and the conductive material 68 defining a continuous conductive path in the axial direction across a plurality of or up to all of the windings 64. In one example, the hybrid electrical shield may be limited to the helical shield and the conductive material.

[0390] Conductive material 68 may be placed in gap 66 in any suitable manner as desired. Figure 2D In one example shown, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be applied to the outer radial surface of the inner electrical insulator 54. For example, the conductive material can be applied to the radial outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54. Figure 2FAs shown, when the spiral shield 60 is wrapped around the outer radial surface, the conductive material 68 can be positioned in the gap 66. For example, when the spiral shield 60 is wrapped around the outer radial surface, at least one strand 62 and the inner electrical insulator 54 can apply a compressive force to the conductive material 68, which causes at least some of the conductive material to be axially displaced and flow into the gap 66. It should be understood that the conductive material 68 can be a flowable material. Therefore, the conductive material can define the bridge 70. In addition, the conductive material 68 can be confined to a position extending radially outward from the inner electrical insulator 54 to the radial outer end 60b of the spiral shield 60.

[0391] Alternatively or additionally, such as Figure 2E As shown, before the at least one strand 62 is wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be applied to the at least one strand 62. For example, the conductive material can be coated on the at least one strand 62. Specifically, after at least a portion of the conductive material 68 is applied to the inner electrical insulator 54, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be applied to one or more surfaces of the at least one strand 62 that define the radially inner end 60a of the spiral shield 60. Thus, as shown in FIG. Figure 2F As shown, when at least one strand 62 is wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54, the compressive force between the at least one strand 62 and the inner electrical insulator 54 can cause some of the conductive material 68 to be displaced and flow into the gap 66 so as to define the bridge 70. Alternatively, before the at least one strand 62 is wrapped around the electrical insulator 54, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be applied to certain locations on the at least one strand 62 so as to define the spiral shield 60. These certain locations become axially facing surfaces that are aligned with each other in the axial direction so that after the at least one strand 62 is wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54 to define the spiral shield 60, the conductive material 68 defines the bridge 70. Therefore, in one example, the conductive material 68 can be a material that is confined to a location that extends radially from the inner electrical insulator to the radially outer end of the spiral shield.

[0392] Now refer to Figure 2FSpecifically, it can be appreciated that the spiral shield 60 defines a centerline 72, wherein the centerline 72 is radially equidistant from the radially inner end 60a of the spiral shield 60 and the radially outer end 60b of the spiral shield 60. The conductive material 68 can extend radially outwardly from the radially inner end 60a of the spiral shield 60 in the void 66 toward the centerline 72. Thus, at least a portion of the bridge 70 can be defined in the void 66 at a location approximately from the radially inner end 60a of the spiral shield 60 to the centerline 72. For example, the conductive material 68 can extend radially outwardly from the radially inner end 60a of the spiral shield 60 in the void 66 to the centerline 72. Thus, at least a portion of the bridge 70 can also be defined in the void 66 at the centerline 72. In one example, the conductive material 68 can extend radially outwardly from the radially inner end 60a to a location radially outward of the centerline 72. Thus, at least a portion of the bridge 70 can be defined in the gap 66 approximately from the radially inner end 60a of the spiral shield 60 to a radial location between the centerline 72 and the radially outer end 60b of the spiral shield 60. Thus, in one example, a majority of the conductive material 68 can be confined to a location extending radially from the inner electrical insulator 54 to the centerline 72. The term "approximately" is used in this context to recognize that the conductive material 68 may shrink as it cures, thereby causing the conductive material 68 to shift radially.

[0393] In one example, referring to Figure 2G, the conductive material 68 may be radially disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58. For example, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 may be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58. In one example, at least 60% by volume of the conductive material disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 may be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 with respect to the radial direction. For example, at least 70% by volume of the conductive material disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 may be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 with respect to the radial direction. In one example, at least 80% by volume of the conductive material disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 may be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 with respect to the radial direction. For example, at least 90% by volume of the conductive material disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 may be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 with respect to the radial direction. In one example, the integral conductive material 68 disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 can be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 relative to the radial direction. In this regard, it should be understood that the conductive material 68 can be a solid or non-flowable material. Therefore, the electrical shield 58 can surround the conductive material 68 along a plane perpendicular to the axial orientation. In one example, the conductive material 68 can be coated on at least a portion of the radial outer surface of the radial outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54. Therefore, the electrical shield 58 can be wrapped around the conductive material 68.

[0394] In one example, the conductive material 68 can be applied to substantially the entire radial outer surface of the radial outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54. Alternatively, the conductive material 68 can be applied to the radial outer surface of the radial outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54 in a spiral pattern along the radial outer surface. The spiral pattern can be aligned with the voids 66, which are also arranged in a substantially spiral pattern. In another example, the conductive material 68 can coat the radial inner surface of the at least one strand 62 before the at least one strand 62 surrounds the inner electrical insulator 54. Before the spiral shield 60 is wrapped around the conductive material 68, the conductive material 68 can be allowed to dry (for example, when the conductive material 68 includes copper nanotubes (CNTs)).

[0395] It should therefore be understood that the radially outer end of the void 66 may be at least partially defined by the spiral shield 60 alone, or by the spiral shield 60 in combination with the outer radial end of the electrical shield 58. In the event that there is a gap between adjacent windings of the spiral shield 60, a portion of the radially outer end of the void 66 may also be defined by the outer electrical insulator 55, or alternatively by the conductive shield that may be the spiral shield 60. The inner radial end of the void 66 may be at least partially defined by the conductive material 68. For example, the inner radial end may be completely defined by the conductive material 68. Without being bound by theory, the inventors of the present application have recognized that when at least a portion of the inner radial end of the void 66 is defined by the conductive material 68, the electrical performance of the cable may be improved.

[0396] Refer again Figure 2C , since the cable 50 does not include the aluminized polyester film tape around the spiral shield in the prior art, the cable 50 is more flexible than the prior art. Therefore, the flexibility of the electric shield 58 can be greater than the flexibility of the conventional shield including the spiral shield and the aluminized polyester film tape. In one example, the electric shield 58 can be free of polyester film. In addition, in some examples, the construction of the electric shield 58 (except the spiral shield 60 and the conductive material 68) can be without any additional conductive material radially arranged between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the outer electrical insulator 55. In addition, since the conductive material 68 can be flowable and malleable, the bridge 70 is still maintained when the cable 50 is bent, thereby providing higher electrical continuity to the electric shield 58. In this regard, it can be appreciated that the conductive material 68 can have greater flexibility than the polyester film tape. In addition, the material stiffness ("stiffness" can also be understood as "stiffness") of the conductive material 68 can be less than the material stiffness of the polyester film.

[0397] It should be understood that the conductive material 68 may define the bridge 70 in any suitable manner as desired. Figure 3A, the conductive material 68 can extend in the gap 66 approximately from the radially outer end 60b of the spiral shield 60 toward the centerline 72 to define the bridge 70. For example, the conductive material 68. For example, the conductive material 68 can extend radially inwardly from the radially outer end 60b of the spiral shield 60 in the gap 66 to the centerline 72. Therefore, at least a portion of the bridge 70 can also be defined at the centerline 72 in the gap 66. In one example, the conductive material 68 can extend radially inwardly from the radially outer end 60b to a position radially outside the centerline 72. Therefore, at least a portion of the bridge 70 can be defined in the gap 66 at a location that is radially located approximately from the radially inner end 60a of the spiral shield 60 to the centerline 72 and the radially outer end 60b of the spiral shield. Therefore, the conductive material 68 can be confined to a location that extends radially inward from the outer electrical insulator 55 to the radially inner end 60a of the spiral shield 60. Furthermore, in one example, the majority of the conductive material 68 may be confined to locations extending radially from the outer electrical insulator 55 to the centerline 72 .

[0398] For example, in Figure 3B In one example shown, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be applied to the radially inner end 55a of the outer electrical insulator 55. For example, the conductive material 68 can be applied to the radially inner end 55a of the outer electrical insulator 55. Figure 3A As shown, when the outer electrical insulator 55 is applied to the radially outer end 60b of the spiral shield 60, the conductive material 68 can be positioned in the gap 66. For example, when the outer electrical insulator 55 is applied to the radially outer end 60b of the spiral shield 60, at least one strand 62 and the outer electrical insulator 55 can apply a compressive force to the conductive material 68, which can cause (when the conductive material 68 is a flowable material) at least some of the conductive material 68 to be axially displaced and flow into the gap 66. Thus, the conductive material can define a bridge 70.

[0399] Alternatively or additionally, such as Figure 3C As shown, before the outer electrical insulator 55 is wrapped around the at least one strand 62, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be applied to the at least one strand 62. For example, the conductive material can be coated on the at least one strand 62. Specifically, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be applied to one or more surfaces of the at least one strand 62 that define the radial outer end 60b of the spiral shield 60. For example, before the at least one strand is wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be applied to the at least one strand 62. Alternatively, after the at least one strand 62 is wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be applied to the at least one strand 62. Therefore, as Figures 3A-3DAs shown, when the outer electrical insulator 55 is applied to the radially outer end 55b of the at least one strand 62, the compressive force between the at least one strand 62 and the outer electrical insulator 55 can cause some of the conductive material 68 to be displaced and flow into the gap 66 to define the bridge 70. Alternatively, before the at least one strand 62 is wound around the electrical insulator 54, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be applied to certain locations of the at least one strand 62 to define the spiral shield 60. Once the at least one strand 62 is wound around the inner electrical insulator 54, the certain locations are axially aligned with the adjacent winding axial direction, so that the conductive material 68 defines the bridge 70, thereby defining the spiral shield 60.

[0400] Now refer to Figure 3D It should be appreciated that any combination of one or more to all of the methods described for applying the conductive material 68 may be used to at least partially fill the gap 66. In one example, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 may be applied to the radially inner surface of the spiral shield 60 and the radially outer surface of the spiral shield 60. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 may be applied to the inner electrical insulator 54 and the outer electrical insulator 55.

[0401] It should be understood that any combination of one or more up to all of the methods described herein can result in the conductive material 68 substantially or completely filling the gap 66. Alternatively, in any embodiment described herein, the conductive material 68 can extend radially inward from a first position, the first position being radially disposed between the radially outer end 60b and the centerline 72 of the spiral shield 60, to a second position being radially disposed between the centerline 72 and the radially inner end 60a. Thus, the bridge 70 can be defined by the first position and the second position. It can therefore be considered that at least a portion of the conductive material 68 is disposed between the radially inner end 60a and the radially outer end 60b so as to abut the adjacent winding of the spiral shield 60 in the axial direction. In addition, it should be understood that at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be disposed on either or both of the radially inner surface of the adjacent winding and the radially outer surface of the adjacent winding. In addition, it should be understood that after the spiral shield 60 is wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be applied to the spiral shield 60 and into the gap 66, thereby defining at least one bridge 70. In this regard, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the conductive material 68 may be a flowable or non-flowable material.

[0402] Conductive material 68 can be configured as any conductive material suitable for use according to any one or more methods described herein. In one example, conductive material 68 can be a solid or non-flowable material. For example, conductive material 68 can be solid or non-flowable when applied. Alternatively, conductive material 68 can be flowable when applied, but can be solid or non-flowable once cured. For example, conductive material 68 can be a conductive resin, or resin, or conductive ink. Conductive resin as a dielectric can be composite extruded or applied on internal electrical insulator 54 as the first layer of electrical shielding. Spiral shield 60 can then be applied to conductive resin to increase the effectiveness of electrical shielding. An example of conductive resin includes Clevios TM-PEDOT:PSS provided by Heraeus Epurio, which is mainly located in Hanau, Germany. Conductive resin can have a conductivity of up to 1000 Siemens / cm (S / cm).

[0403] Alternatively, the conductive material 68 may be Umicore Sealing 691EL, which is available from Umicore, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It has been found that the use of Umicore Sealing 691EL is particularly advantageous when the Umicore Sealing 691EL is disposed at the interface between adjacent metal layers that overlap radially with each other in mechanical and electrical contact with each metal layer. The electrical contact resistance of Umicore Sealing 691EL is less than 10 milliohms (mΩ). In addition, Umicore Sealing 691EL does not contain chromium. In addition, Umicore Sealing 691EL can maintain reliable electrical conduction between metal layers.

[0404] Alternatively, the conductive material 68 can be configured as copper nanotubes (CNTs). The copper nanotubes can be manufactured as desired so as to have sufficient wrought properties so that when the copper nanotubes are coated onto the surface of the cable, the copper nanotubes maintain their structural integrity when the cable is bent and otherwise manipulated. The copper nanotubes can be used as an immersion plated material. In yet another example, the conductive material can be configured as a plurality of metal nanoparticles that are chemically plated onto any surface of a cable as described herein with a suitable binder (e.g., thiol). The metal nanoparticles can be gold, silver, copper, or any suitable alternative material or combination thereof. Thus, in one example, the conductive material is not in the form of a ribbon or foil.

[0405] In other embodiments, the conductive material 68 may be flowable when the cable is in operation. For example, after the conductive material has been applied to the cable and cured, the conductive material may be flowable. There are many flowable conductive materials to choose from. For example, the flowable conductive material may be configured as a conductive gel. The conductive gel may be defined, for example, by a liquid metal, such as gallium-indium, which is converted into a conductive gel. When the conductive gel is dispersed into the gap in the electrical shield, the conductive gel may provide electrical shielding to provide an additional conductive layer. An example of such a conductive gel is available from LiquidWire, Inc, whose main place of business is in Beaverton, Oregon. In another example, the flowable conductive material may be configured as a flowable conductive paste. The conductive paste may be applied to the cable with the electrical shield during or after the shield is applied so that the conductive paste is dispersed into the gap area of ​​the electrical shield, thereby improving the effectiveness of the metal shield. An example of such a conductive paste may be a silver sintered paste of CT2700 available on the market from KYOCERA, whose main place of business is in Kyoto, Japan.

[0406] It is therefore understood that the conductive material 68 can be applied as a coating to at least one or more surfaces as needed. Therefore, the conductive material 68 may be referred to as a conductive coating in this article. The coating may be flexible to allow the cable to bend. As described above, the at least one or more surfaces may be configured as one or more up to all internal electrical insulators 54, at least one strand 62 (before or after forming the spiral shield 60) and an external electrical insulator 55. For example, the conductive material 68 may be applied as a coating. In one example, the conductive material 68 may be sprayed onto the surface. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be brush-plated on the surface. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be provided as an immersion material, and the surface may be immersed in the immersion material. In other examples, the conductive material 68 may be chemical vapor deposited (CVD) onto the surface. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be applied to the surface by plasma plating. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be electroplated on the surface. Alternatively or in addition, the conductive material 68 may be dispersedly coated on the surface.

[0407] In some embodiments, when the conductive material 68 is applied to the surface as a liquid, the conductive material 68 can be cured to increase the viscosity of the conductive material 68. For example, the conductive material 68 can be subjected to infrared light. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 can be subjected to ultraviolet light. The conductive material 68 can flow in the manner described herein after curing.

[0408] Now refer to Figure 2A-3D, it will be appreciated that a method for manufacturing a cable 50 having an electrical shield 58 including a spiral shield 60 bonded to a conductive material 68 may be provided. The method may include the step of surrounding at least one electrical conductor 52 with an inner electrical insulator 54. When the at least one electrical conductor 52 includes a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor, the surrounding step may include surrounding the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor with the inner electrical insulator 54.

[0409] Next, the method may include a winding step of winding the inner electrical insulator 54 with at least one conductive strand 62 to define a plurality of windings, the windings defining the spiral shield 60. For example, the winding step may include winding a plurality of conductive strands 62 disposed adjacent to each other in an axial direction and around the inner electrical insulator 54. For example, the winding step may include winding the at least one conductive strand 62 along a spiral path around the inner electrical insulator 54.

[0410] The method may also include, before or after the winding step, a step of causing at least some of the conductive material 68 to be disposed in a gap 66 defined between adjacent windings, such that the electrical shield 58 defines a hybrid electrical shield, the hybrid electrical shield comprising at least one conductive strand 62 and at least some of the conductive material 68. The hybrid electrical shield may define a conductive path defined by the windings and the conductive material 68 in an axial direction. In one example, the step of causing may include a step of applying the conductive material 68 to a radially inner end of the at least one strand 62 facing the electrical insulator 54 when the at least one strand is wound around the inner electrical insulator 54 to define the spiral shield 60. Alternatively or additionally, the step of causing may include a step of applying the conductive material 68 to a radially outer end of the at least one strand 62 facing away from the inner electrical insulator 54 when the at least one strand 62 is wound around the inner electrical insulator 54 to define the spiral shield 60. Alternatively or additionally, the causing step may include the step of applying the conductive material 68 to one or more axially facing and axially aligned surfaces of the at least one strand 62 as the strand 62 is wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54 to define the helical shield 60 .

[0411] Thus, in one example, the causing step can include causing at least a portion of the electrical material 68 to be applied directly to the at least one strand 62, wherein: (1) the at least a portion of the electrical material 68 is applied directly into the voids 66 to define the helical shield 60 while the at least one strand 62 is already wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54; or (2) the at least a portion of the electrical material 68 is applied directly into a location or locations while the at least one strand 62 is already wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54, wherein the location or locations are designated as at least partially defining the voids 66. Alternatively or additionally, the causing step can include causing at least a portion of the electrical material 68 to flow into the voids 66 to establish the conductive path. At least a portion of the electrical material 68 can be caused to flow into the voids 66 while the at least one strand 62 is wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the electrical material 68 can be caused to flow into selected ones of the voids 66 when the cable 50 is bent.

[0412] Although the above description combines the conductive material 68 and the Figure 2A-3D The cable 50 is shown with a spiral shield 60, but it should be understood that the cable 50 may include any suitable alternative shield configuration as desired. Figures 4A-4D As shown, the electrical shield 58 can have other configurations. Specifically, the electrical shield 58 can include at least one conductive material surrounding the inner electrical insulator 54, instead of the above reference Figure 2A-3D The spiral shield 60 is depicted. The conductive material may be configured as at least one wrap 74 around the inner electrical insulator 54.

[0413] The inventors of the present application have realized that when the cable is bent, for example Figure 1B The conductive shields and tape shields of the conventional cables shown tend to ripple. In particular, when the cable is bent, one side of the winding (which may be an electrical foil shield or an electrical tape shield) is typically in tension and the opposite side is typically in compression, which can produce corrugations. For example, depending on how the cable is bent, one portion or multiple portions of the winding may deviate radially outward from the inner electrical insulator, and another portion or multiple portions of the winding may deviate radially inward from the outer electrical insulator. When this occurs, the electrical path defined by the winding or tape shield may produce discontinuities in the electrical path in the axial direction. In addition, when the cable is bent, the overlapping areas of the winding or tape shield may slide and wipe against each other. Repeated wiping can cause metal oxidation of the winding or tape, which may further form discontinuities in the electrical path.

[0414] Therefore, refer to Figures 4A-6HAs described above, the conductive material 68 may be applied to at least a portion of the cable 50. For example, at least a portion of the cable 50 may include at least one conductive wrap 74, rather than the conductive wrap 74 described above with reference to FIG. Figure 2A-3D The spiral shield 60 described above. The conductive material 68 can advantageously provide a low friction interface. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material can advantageously provide an anti-oxidation layer for the layer coated by the conductive material. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material can advantageously provide a barrier to the effects of current for the layer coated by the conductive material. In this regard, the conductive material 68 can be a conductive flowable material of the type described above. Alternatively, the conductive material 68 can be a conductive non-flowable material of the type described above.

[0415] In one example, as described above, the conductive material can define the Umicore Sealing 691EL material at the interface between metal layers that radially overlap and are radially adjacent to each other, such that Umicore 691EL can coat at least one metal layer or multiple metal layers, up to each metal layer. Therefore, Umicore 691EL can be in mechanical contact and electrical contact with each metal layer it coats. Umicore Sealing 691EL can be a coating with low friction. For example, the coefficient of friction of Umicore Sealing 691EL is less than the coefficient of friction of a silver-on-silver interface. For example, the coefficient friction of Umicore Sealing 691EL is less than half of the coefficient of friction of a silver-on-silver interface. In one example, the coefficient of friction of Umicore Sealing 691EL can be approximately 10% of the coefficient of friction of a silver-on-silver interface. In addition, Umicore Sealing 691EL can define a barrier to the galvanic effects of any metal it is coated with. In addition, Umicore Sealing 691EL and antioxidants help prevent oxidation of one or both of the adjacent layers. At least one conductive wrap 74 can be in the form of a conductive foil. For example, the foil can be a copper foil, or can be any suitable alternative material as desired. Alternatively, at least one conductive wrap 74 can be in the form of a conductive tape. For example, the tape can be an aluminized polyester film tape or any suitable alternative tape as desired. Therefore, the electrical shield 58 can include at least one conductive wrap 74. At least one conductive wrap 74 can surround the internal electrical insulator 54 and provide electrical shielding for at least one electrical conductor 52. It will be understood from the following description that the conductive material 68 can be applied to the at least one conductive wrap 74 in any suitable manner as desired.

[0416] Reference now Figure 4A-5 , the at least one conductive winding 74 may include a first conductive winding or an inner conductive winding 76. In one example, the first conductive winding or the inner conductive winding 76 may be the only winding radially disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the outer electrical insulator 55. In other examples, the at least one conductive winding 74 may define a second conductive winding or an outer conductive winding 78, which may radially surround the first winding 76 (see Figures 6A-6C For example, the second conductive winding 78 may be disposed radially between the first winding 76 and the outer electrical insulator 55.

[0417] The first winding 76 can be in the form of a conductive foil. For example, the foil can be a copper foil, or can be any suitable alternative material as required. The first winding 76 can be in the form of a conductive tape. For example, the tape can be an aluminized polyester film tape or any suitable alternative tape as required. The first conductive winding 76 defines a first radial inner end 76a facing the inner electrical insulator 54, and a first radial outer end 76b opposite the radial inner end 76a. The radial inner end 76a can be defined by a radial inner surface facing the electrical insulator 54. The radial outer end 76b can be defined by a radial outer surface opposite to the radial inner surface. In one example, the first conductive winding 76 can be wound around the inner electrical insulator 54. The first conductive winding 76 can be a conductive metal. For example, the first conductive winding 76 can be made of copper, silver, silver-plated copper, copper-nickel (CuNi) alloy, copper alloy, silver alloy, tin, tin alloy, aluminum or any suitable alternative material or combination thereof. Therefore, the first conductive winding 76 can provide electrical shielding for at least one electrical conductor 52.

[0418] For example, when the first conductive winding 76 is wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54, the first conductive winding 76 may overlap itself to define a first overlap region (see, e.g., Figure 4E The first overlapping region 77 can be defined by a first portion and a second portion of the winding 76 that overlap each other and are aligned with each other in the radial direction. For example, the radially outer surface of the first winding 76 at the first portion can face the radially inner surface of the first winding 76 at the second portion. In one example, the first winding 76 can be spirally wound around the inner electrical insulator 54. Therefore, the first overlapping region 77 can be a spiral overlapping region. In addition, the first overlapping region can define a plurality of turns around the inner electrical insulator 54, and therefore define a plurality of turns around the central axis of at least one electrical conductor 52.

[0419] In one example, the conductive material 68 can be disposed in the first overlapping region between the radially outer end 76b of the first winding 76 at the first portion and the radially inner end 76a of the first winding at the second portion. Thus, the conductive material 68 can prevent oxidation of the respective surfaces of the first portion and the second portion of the first winding 76 that face each other. As described above, the Umicore Sealing 691EL is particularly advantageous as the conductive material 68 is disposed between radially adjacent metal layers at the interface where the metal layers radially overlap each other, so that the Umicore Sealing 691EL forms mechanical and electrical contact with each metal layer. In one example, adjacent metal layers can be defined by the first portion and the second portion of the first winding 76. The Umicore Sealing 691EL or other conductive material can be applied to one or both of the radially outer end at the first portion and the radially inner end at the second portion.

[0420] Since the conductive material 68 is disposed in the interface between the respective surfaces of the first and second portions facing each other of the first winding body 76, when the cable 50 is bent, the conductive material 68 can prevent oxidation of the respective surfaces of the first and second portions facing each other that slide against each other during operation. The conductive material 68 can be disposed in part to substantially the entire first overlapping region. In one example, the conductive material 68 can be confined to the first overlapping region. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 can be disposed in one or more other locations in addition to the first overlapping region. In this regard, once the first winding body 76 is subsequently wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54, the conductive material 68 can be applied to one or more surfaces of the first winding body 76 that are predetermined to define the overlapping region.

[0421] In addition, if Figure 4E As shown, the cable can define a first radially inner gap 80a that extends radially between the first winding body 76 and the inner electrical insulator 54. In one example, when the second portion of the first winding body 76 extends axially outward from the first portion of the first winding body 76, the first radially inner gap 80a can be defined between the first radially inner end 76a of the second portion of the first winding body and the radially outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54.

[0422] In addition, see now Figure 5, and as described above, when the cable is bent, the winding of the cable may tend to produce corrugations, so that the first winding 76 may partially define the first gap 80. For example, when the cable 50 is bent, the first gap 80 may include a radially inner gap 80a, which may extend from the radially inner end 76a of the first winding 76 and the radially outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54. At least one or more gaps 80 may be first radially inner gaps 80a of the first winding 76. Specifically, at least one or more of the first radially inner gaps 80a may be defined by the radially inner surface of the first winding 76 and the radially outer end of the inner electrical insulator 54. Therefore, the first radially inner gap 80a may be defined in the radially inner interface 79 between the radially inner end 76a of the first winding 76 and the inner electrical insulator 54. Specifically, the radially inner interface 79 may define a radial thickness at the radially inner gap 80a that is greater than the radial thickness of the radially inner interface 79 at a position circumferentially spaced from the gap 80.

[0423] Alternatively or additionally, at least one or more of the first gaps 80 may be first radially outer gaps 80b of the first winding 76. Specifically, at least one or more of the first radially outer gaps 80b may be defined by a radially outer surface of the first winding 76 and a radially inner end of the outer electrical insulator 55. The first radially outer gap 80b may be defined by a radially outer interface 81 between the radially outer end 76b of the first winding 76 and the outer electrical insulator 55. Alternatively, as described in more detail below, the first radially outer gap 80b may be defined by a radially outer interface 81 between the radially outer end 76b of the first winding 76 and the second or outer conductive winding.

[0424] Specifically, the radially outer interface 81 can define a radial thickness at the first radially outer gap 80b that is greater than the radial thickness of the radially outer interface 81 at a location circumferentially spaced from the first gap 80. It should be understood that the term "circumferential" and its derivatives apply to a cable having a single cable and first and second electrical conductors, even if the cable having the first and second electrical conductors does not define a circular cross-section.

[0425] The cable 50 may include a conductive material 68 that may be configured to occupy at least one or more of the first gaps 80 or all of the first gaps 80. In one example, as described above with respect to the gaps 66, the conductive material 68 may at least partially define the radially inner ends of the first gaps 80. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may flow into the first gaps 80 when the cable 50 is bent. Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the conductive material 68 may be applied to (and thus pre-disposed at) one or more locations of the inner electrical insulator 54 that at least partially define corresponding gaps in the gaps 80 when the cable 50 is bent. Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the conductive material 68 may be applied to (and thus pre-disposed at) one or more locations of the first winding 76 that at least partially define corresponding gaps in the gaps 80 when the cable 50 is bent.

[0426] Depending on where the conductive material 68 is applied, the conductive material 68 may be disposed in one or more of the gaps 80 when the gaps 80 are formed without flowing into the gaps 80. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may flow into one or more other gaps 80. Furthermore, in instances where the conductive material 68 coats at least a portion of the first wrap 76 (or at least a portion of any wrap described herein), the conductive material 68 may resist the formation of the gaps 80. That is, for a given bend in the cable 50, the first wrap 76 that is not coated with the conductive material may result in more gaps 80 than the first wrap 76 that is coated with the conductive material.

[0427] like Figure 4B As shown, the conductive material 68 can be disposed at a radially inner interface 79 between the radially inner end 76a of the first winding 76 and the inner electrical insulator 54. The radially inner interface 79 can be defined by the radially inner end 76a of the first winding 76 and the inner electrical insulator 54. For example, the conductive material 68 can be applied to the radially outer end of the inner electrical insulator 54 to be disposed at least a portion of the radially inner interface 79. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 can be applied to the radially inner surface of the first winding 76 to be disposed at least a portion of the radially inner interface 79. In this regard, it should be understood that the conductive material 68 can be applied to a predetermined surface of the first winding 76, which defines the radially inner surface of the first winding 76 after the first winding 76 surrounds the inner electrical insulator 54. The conductive material can be applied to at least a portion of the radially inner surface of the first winding 76 until substantially the entire radially inner surface of the first winding 76.

[0428] Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be disposed at a radially outer interface 81 between the radially outer end 76b of the first winding 76 and the outer electrical insulator 55. The radially outer interface 81 may be defined by the radially outer end 76b of the first winding 76 and the outer electrical insulator 55. For example, the conductive material 68 may be applied to the radially inner surface of the outer electrical insulator 55 so that the conductive material 68 is disposed at least a portion of the radially outer interface 81. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be applied to the radially outer surface of the first winding 76 so that the conductive material 68 is disposed at least a portion of the radially outer interface 81. In this regard, it should be understood that the conductive material 68 may be applied to the radially outer surface of the first winding 76 after the first winding 76 is wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be applied to a predetermined surface of the first winding 76, which defines the radially outer surface of the first predetermined 76 after the first winding 76 is wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54. The conductive material 68 may be applied to at least a portion of the radially outer surface of the first wrap 76 up to substantially the entire radially outer surface of the first wrap 76 .

[0429] It should be understood that when the cable 50 is bent, the conductive material 68 disposed in the radially inner interface 79 can flow into the corresponding radially inner gap 80a. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 can be pre-disposed in the radially inner interface 79 at a position that defines one of the radially inner gaps 80a when the cable 50 is bent. Similarly, when the cable 50 is bent, the conductive material 68 disposed in the radially outer interface 81 can flow into the corresponding first radially outer gap 80b. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 can be pre-disposed in the radially outer interface 81 at a position that defines one of the radially inner gaps 80a when the cable 50 is bent.

[0430] like Figure 4C In another example shown, the conductive material 68 can be confined to the radially inner interface 79 between the first winding 76 and the inner electrical insulator 54. Thus, the cable 50 can be free of the conductive material 68 at the radially outer interface 81 between the first winding 76 and the outer electrical insulator 55. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Figure 4D In yet another example shown, the conductive material 68 can be confined to the radially outer interface 81 between the first winding 76 and the outer electrical insulator 55. Thus, the cable 50 can be free of the conductive material 68 at the radially inner interface 79 between the first winding 76 and the inner electrical insulator 54.

[0431] like Figures 4A-4D As shown, the cable 50 may not include other windings besides the first winding 76. Thus, in one example, the cable 50 does not include radially disposed windings between the first winding 76 and the outer electrical insulator 55.

[0432] refer to Figure 4E In one example, it should be appreciated that, unless otherwise noted, the first conductive winding 76 and all windings described herein can overlap themselves when they are used for winding to define an overlap area. For example, when the first conductive winding 76 is wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54, the first conductive winding 76 overlaps itself to define a first overlap area 77. Therefore, the first conductive winding 76 defines at least one radial gap, such as at least one first radial gap 84 disposed in a radial direction between the first winding 76 and the inner electrical insulator 54. It should be understood that when the cable is bent as described above, the first radial inner gap 80a can be defined thereby. Alternatively or additionally, the first radial inner gap 80a can be defined by the first radial gap 84.

[0433] Thus, in one example, the conductive material 68 can be disposed at the first interface 79 between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the radially inner end 76a of the first winding 76, at least in the first radial gap 84. For example, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the first winding 76. In one example, at least 60% by volume of the conductive material disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the first winding 76 can be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 with respect to the radial direction. For example, at least 70% by volume of the conductive material disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the first winding 76 can be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 with respect to the radial direction. In one example, at least 80% by volume of the conductive material disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the first winding 76 can be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 with respect to the radial direction. For example, at least 90% by volume of the conductive material disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the first winding 76 may be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 relative to the radial direction. In one example, the entire conductive material 68 disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the first winding 76 may be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 relative to the radial direction.

[0434] In this regard, it should be understood that the conductive material 68 can be a solid or non-flowable material. Therefore, the first winding 76 can surround the conductive material 68. In one example, the conductive material 68 can be coated on the radial outer surface of the radial outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54. Therefore, the first winding 76 can be wrapped around the conductive material 68. In this regard, it should be understood that the conductive material 68 can be a solid or non-flowable material. Therefore, the first winding 76 can surround the conductive material 68. In one example, the conductive material 68 can be coated on the radial outer surface of the radial outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54. Therefore, the first winding 76 can be wrapped around the conductive material 68. Before the first winding 76 is wrapped around the conductive material 68, the conductive material 68 can be allowed to dry (for example, when the conductive material 68 includes copper nanotubes (CNTs)).

[0435] In one example, the conductive material 68 can be applied to substantially the entire radial outer surface of the radial outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54. Alternatively, the conductive material 68 can be applied to the radial outer surface of the radial outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54 in a spiral pattern along the radial outer surface. The spiral pattern can be aligned with the gap 84, and the gap 84 can also extend substantially in a spiral pattern. In another example, the conductive material 68 can coat at least a portion of the radial inner surface of the first winding 76 before at least one strand 62 is wrapped around the inner electrical insulator 54.

[0436] It should therefore be understood that the radially outer end of the first radial gap 84 can be defined by the first winding body 76, and the inner radial end of the first radial gap 84 can be at least partially defined by the conductive material 68. For example, the inner radial end can be entirely defined by the conductive material 68. Without being bound by theory, the inventors of the present application have realized that when at least a portion of the inner radial end of the first radial gap 84 is defined by the conductive material 68, the electrical performance of the cable can be improved.

[0437] Alternatively, see Figures 6A-6CAs described above, at least one conductive winding 74 of the cable 50 may include a first winding 76 surrounding the inner electrical insulator 54. In addition, at least one conductive winding 74 may include a second conductive winding or an outer conductive winding 78 surrounding the first winding 76. Therefore, the first winding 76 may be referred to as an inner winding, and the second winding 78 disposed radially outside the inner winding may be referred to as an outer winding. It should be understood that at least one electrical shield 58 may include any suitable conductive layer surrounding the first conductive winding 76. The conductive layer may be configured as a braid or foil, for example. In one example, the conductive layer may be disposed between the first conductive winding 76 and the outer electrical insulator 55. As described above, Umicore Sealing 691EL may be particularly advantageously disposed as a conductive material 68 between radially adjacent metal layers, at the interface where the metal layers radially overlap each other, so that Umicore Sealing 691EL forms mechanical and electrical contact with each metal layer. In some examples, the first winding 76 and the conductive layer may define radially adjacent metal layers.Umicore Sealing 691EL or other suitable conductive material may be applied to at least one or both of the radially outer end of the first winding 76 and the radially inner end of the metal layer.

[0438] In one example, the conductive material can be configured as a second conductive winding 78, which defines a second radially inner end 78a facing the first winding 76, and in particular, a first radially outer end 76b facing the first winding 76. The second radially inner end 78a can be defined by a second radially inner surface facing the inner electrical insulator 54. The second winding 78 also defines a second radially outer end 78b opposite to the second radially inner end 78a. The second radially outer end 78b can be defined by a second radially outer surface opposite to the second radially inner surface. The second radially outer end 78b can face the outer electrical insulator 55. The second conductive winding 78 can be a conductive metal. For example, the second conductive winding 78 can be made of copper, silver, silver-plated copper, copper-nickel (CuNi) alloy, copper alloy, silver alloy, tin, tin alloy, aluminum or any suitable alternative material or combination thereof. In this regard, the second conductive winding 78 can be made of the same material as the first winding 76. Alternatively, the second conductive winding can be made of the first winding 76 or made of a material different from the first winding 76.

[0439] Thus, the first winding 76 and the second winding 78 can be combined to define an electrical shield for the at least one electrical conductor 52. The cable can be configured as a coaxial cable having only a single electrical conductor 52. Alternatively, as described above, the cable 50 can be configured as a twinaxial cable, wherein the at least one electrical conductor 52 includes a co-extruded first electrical conductor 52a and a second electrical conductor 52b (see FIG. Figure 7A-7B As will be appreciated from the following description, the conductive material 68 may be disposed at any one or more of the following locations, or all of the following locations: (1) a radially inner interface 79 between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the first winding 76, (2) an intermediate interface 83 between the first winding 76 and the second winding 78, and (3) a radially outer interface 85 between the second winding 78 and the outer electrical insulator 55.

[0440] When the second conductive winding 78 is wound around the first winding 76, the second conductive winding 78 may overlap itself so as to define a second overlap region. The second overlap region may be defined by portions of the second winding 78 that overlap each other and are aligned with each other in the radial direction. For example, a radially outer surface of the second winding 78 at the first portion may face a radially inner surface of the second winding 78 at the second portion. For example, the radially inner surface may face the radially outer surface 78b at the second overlap region. In one example, the second winding 78 may be spirally wound around the first winding 76. Thus, the second overlap region may be a spiral overlap region. Furthermore, the second overlap region may define a plurality of turns around the first winding 76, and therefore around a central axis of at least one electrical conductor 52, such as a first electrical conductor 52a and a second electrical conductor 52b (see Fig. 7A ).

[0441] In one example, the conductive material 68 may be disposed in a second overlapping region between the radially outer end 78b of the second winding body 78 and the corresponding portion of the radially inner end 78a of the second winding body 78. Thus, the conductive material 68 may prevent oxidation of the corresponding surfaces of the first and second portions of the second winding body 78 facing each other. Since the conductive material 68 is disposed at the interface between the corresponding surfaces of the first and second portions of the second winding body 78 facing each other, when the cable 50 is bent, the conductive material 68 may prevent oxidation of the corresponding surfaces of the first and second portions that slide relative to each other during operation. The conductive material 68 may be disposed in a portion up to substantially the entire second overlapping region. In addition, the conductive material 68 may be confined to the second overlapping region, or may also be disposed at one or more other locations in addition to the second overlapping region. In this regard, the conductive material 68 may be applied to one or more predetermined surfaces of the second winding body 78, which define the overlapping region after the second winding body 78 is subsequently wound around the first winding body 76.

[0442] With regard to the first winding body 76 described above, the first winding body 76 may define a plurality of first gaps 80. The first radially outer gap 80b of the first winding body 76 is between the radially outer end 76b of the winding body 76 and the radially inner end 78a of the second winding body 78. The second winding body 78 may define a plurality of second gaps 82. At least one or more second gaps 82 may be a second radially inner gap 82a of the second winding body 78. Specifically, the second radially inner gap 82a may be defined by the radial inner surface of the second winding body 78 and the radial outer surface of the first winding body 76. In this regard, one or more second radially inner gaps 82a may be continuous with one or more first radially outer gaps 80b in the radial direction. It should therefore be understood that the second radially inner gap 82a may also be referred to as the first radially outer gap 80b, and vice versa.

[0443] As described above, it is particularly advantageous to use Umicore Sealing 691EL as the conductive material 68 disposed between radially adjacent metal layers, at the interface where the metal layers radially overlap each other, so that Umicore Sealing 691EL forms mechanical and electrical contact with each metal layer. In some examples, the first winding 76 and the second winding 78 can define radially adjacent metal layers. Umicore Sealing 691EL or a suitable alternative conductive material 68 can be applied to at least one or both of the radially outer end of the first winding 76 and the radially inner end of the second winding 78. It should be understood that the electrical shield 58 can include a metal coating relative to the first winding 76. The metal coating can be applied to the radially outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54. The metal coating can be configured as silver, gold, copper or an alloy thereof. The metal coating can be flexible to allow the cable 50 to bend.

[0444] The second radially inner gap 82a can define an intermediate interface 83 between the radially outer end 76b of the first winding 76 and the radially inner end 78a of the second winding 78. Specifically, the intermediate interface 83 can define a radial thickness at the second radially inner gap 82a that is greater than the radial thickness defined by the intermediate interface 83 at a location circumferentially spaced from the second radially inner gap 82a. It should be understood that the term "circumferentially" applies to cables having a single cable and cables having a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor, even though the cable having the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor may not define a circular cross-section.

[0445] Alternatively or additionally, at least one second gap or a plurality of second gaps 82 may be a second radially outer gap 82b of the second winding 78. Specifically, the second radially outer gap 82b may be defined by the radially outer surface 78b of the second winding 78 and the outer electrical insulator 55. The second radially outer gap 82b may be defined by a radially outer interface 85 between the radially outer end 78b of the second winding 78 and the outer electrical insulator 55. Specifically, the radial thickness defined by the radially outer interface 85 at the second radially outer gap 82b may be greater than the radial thickness of the radially outer interface 85 at a location circumferentially spaced apart from the second radially outer gap 82b.

[0446] The cable 50 may include a conductive material 68 configured to occupy at least one of the second gaps 82, up to a plurality of the second gaps 82, or all of the second gaps 82. For example, the conductive material 68 may flow into the second gaps 82 when the cable 50 is bent. Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the conductive material 68 may be applied to (and thus pre-set at) one or more locations of the second winding body 78, and when the cable 50 is bent, the one or more locations at least partially define the corresponding second gap 82. For example, a portion of the conductive material 68 may be applied to (and thus pre-set at) one or more locations of the second winding body 78, and when the cable 50 is bent, the one or more locations at least partially define the corresponding second radially outer gap 82b. Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the conductive material 68 may be applied to (and thus pre-set at) one or more locations of the second winding body 78, and when the cable 50 is bent, the one or more locations at least partially define the corresponding second radially inner gap 82a. Alternatively or additionally, a portion of the conductive material 68 may be applied to (and thus pre-set at) one or more locations of the first winding body 76, and when the cable 50 is bent, the one or more locations at least partially define the corresponding second radially inner gap 82a.

[0447] Depending on where the conductive material 68 is applied, when gaps 82 are created, the conductive material 68 may be disposed in one or more of the second gaps 82 without flowing into the gap 80. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may flow into one or more of the other gaps in the gaps 82. Furthermore, in instances where the conductive material 68 is applied to at least a portion of the second wrap 78, or any wrap described herein, the conductive material 68 may resist the formation of the second gaps 82. That is, for a given bend of the cable 50, the second wrap 78 not coated with the conductive material 68 may create more gaps 82 than the second wrap 78 coated with the conductive material.

[0448] like Figure 6A-6BAs shown, as described above, the conductive material 68 can be disposed at the radial inner interface 79 between the radial inner end 76a of the first winding 76 and the inner electrical insulator 54. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 can be disposed at the intermediate interface 83 defined between the radial outer end 76b of the first winding 76 and the radial inner end 78a of the second winding 78. For example, the intermediate interface 83 can be defined by the radial outer end 76b of the first winding 76 and the radial inner end 78a of the second winding 78.

[0449] For example, the conductive material 68 may be applied to the radially inner surface of the second winding 78 so as to be disposed in at least a portion of the intermediate interface 83. In this regard, it should be understood that the conductive material 68 may be applied to a surface of the second winding 78 that is intended to define the radially inner surface of the second winding 78 when the second winding 78 is subsequently wound around the first winding 76. The conductive material 68 may be applied to at least a portion of the surface of the second winding 78 to substantially the entire surface of the second winding 78 as desired.

[0450] Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 can be applied to the radially outer surface of the first winding 76 so that the conductive material is disposed at least a portion of the intermediate interface 83. In this regard, the conductive material can be applied to the radially outer surface of the first winding 76 after the first winding 76 is wound around the inner electrical insulator 54. Alternatively or additionally, it should be understood that the conductive material 68 can be applied to a surface of the first winding 76 that is intended to define the radially outer surface of the first winding 76 after the first winding 76 is subsequently wound around the inner electrical insulator 54. The conductive material 68 can be applied to at least a portion of the radially outer surface of the first winding 76 to substantially the entire radially outer surface of the first winding 76.

[0451] Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 can be disposed at a radially outer interface 85 defined between the radially outer end 76b of the second winding 78 and the radially inner end 55a of the outer electrical insulator 55. For example, the intermediate interface 83 can be defined by the radially outer end 78b of the second winding 78 and the radially inner end 55a of the outer electrical insulator 55.

[0452] In one example, the conductive material 68 can be applied to the radially outer surface of the second winding 78 so that the conductive material is disposed at least a portion of the radially outer interface 85. For example, the conductive material 68 can be applied to the radially outer surface of the second winding 78 after the second winding 78 is wound around the first winding 76. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 can be applied to a surface of the second winding 78 that is subsequently wound around the first winding 76, which surface is the radially outer surface that is intended to define the second winding 78. As desired, the conductive material 68 can be applied to at least a portion of the surface of the second winding 78 to substantially the entire surface of the second winding 78.

[0453] Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 can be applied to the radially inner surface of the outer electrical insulator 55 so that the conductive material is disposed at least a portion of the radially outer interface 85. The conductive material 68 can be applied to at least a portion of the radially inner surface of the outer electrical insulator 55 to substantially the entire radially inner surface of the outer electrical insulator 55.

[0454] Therefore, in Figure 6B In one embodiment shown, the conductive material 68 may be disposed on at least a portion of the radially inner interface 79 to the entire radially inner interface 79, may also be disposed on at least a portion of the intermediate interface 83 to the entire intermediate interface 83, and may be disposed on at least a portion of the radially outer interface 85 to the entire radially outer interface 85. Therefore, the conductive material 68 may be disposed in the overlapping region of one or both of the first winding 76 and the second winding 78.

[0455] In addition, if Figure 6C As shown, it should be understood that in some examples, when the conductive material 68 is flowable, when the cable 50 is bent, the conductive material 68 disposed at the intermediate interface 83 can flow into the corresponding first radially outer gap 80b and the second radially inner gap 82a. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 can be pre-set at a position of the intermediate interface 83 that defines one or both of the first radially outer gap 80b and the second radially inner gap 82a. Similarly, when the cable 50 is bent, the conductive material 68 disposed in the radially outer interface 85 can flow into the corresponding second radially outer gap 82b. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 can be pre-set at a position of the radially outer interface 85 that defines one of the second radially outer gaps 82b when the cable 50 is bent. The term "pre-set" can refer to a setting before the flowable conductive material flows.

[0456] The conductive material 68 may be disposed at the radially inner interface 79 by being applied to the inner electrical insulator 54. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be disposed at the radially inner interface 79 by being applied to the radially inner surface of the first winding 76. The conductive material 68 may be disposed at the intermediate interface 83 by being applied to the radially outer surface of the first winding 76. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be disposed at the intermediate interface 83 by being applied to the radially inner surface of the second winding 78. The conductive material 68 may be disposed at the radially outer interface 85 by being applied to the radially outer surface of the second winding 78. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be disposed at the radially outer interface 85 by being applied to the radially inner surface of the outer electrical insulator 55.

[0457] However, it should be understood that the conductive material 68 can be disposed in any combination as desired at least in part or even in the entirety of one or more of the radially inner interface 79, the intermediate interface 83, and the radially outer interface 85. Fig.6D As shown, the conductive material 68 can be disposed at the inner interface 79 and the intermediate interface 83, but not at the outer interface 85. Therefore, the conductive material 68 can be disposed at least one first radially inner gap or a plurality of first radially inner gaps 80a. In addition, the conductive material 68 can be disposed at least one first radially outer gap or a plurality of first radially outer gaps 80b. In addition, the conductive material 68 can be disposed at least one second radially inner gap or a plurality of second radially inner gaps 82a. Therefore, the conductive material 68 can be disposed in a selected one or more first gaps among the plurality of first gaps 80, and can be disposed in a selected one or more second gaps among the plurality of second gaps 82.

[0458] Alternatively, if Fig. 6E As shown, the conductive material 68 can be disposed on at least a portion of one or more of the intermediate interface 83 and the radially outer interface 85, but not disposed on the radially inner interface 79. Therefore, the conductive material 68 can be disposed in at least one first radially outer gap or a plurality of first radially outer gaps 80b. In addition, the conductive material 68 can be disposed in at least one second radially inner gap or a plurality of second radially inner gaps 82a. In addition, the conductive material 68 can be disposed in at least one second radially outer gap or a plurality of second radially outer gaps 82b. Therefore, the conductive material 68 can be disposed in a selected one of the plurality of first gaps or a plurality of first gaps 80, and can be disposed in a selected one of the plurality of second gaps or a plurality of second gaps 82.

[0459] Alternatively, if Fig. 6FAs shown, the conductive material 68 can be disposed at least a portion of one or more of the radially inner interface 79 and the radially outer interface 85, or even the entirety, but not disposed at the intermediate interface 83. Therefore, the conductive material 68 can be disposed at least one first radially inner gap or a plurality of first radially inner gaps 80a. In addition, the conductive material 68 can be disposed at least one second radially outer gap or a plurality of second radially outer gaps 82b. Therefore, the conductive material 68 can be disposed in a selected first gap or a plurality of first gaps 80 among the plurality of first gaps, and in a selected second gap or a plurality of second gaps 82 among the plurality of second gaps.

[0460] Alternatively, if Figure 6G As shown, the conductive material 68 can be disposed on at least a portion of the entire intermediate interface 83, but not on the radially inner interface 79, nor on the radially outer interface 85. Therefore, the conductive material 68 can be disposed in at least one first radially outer gap or multiple first radially outer gaps 80b. In addition, the conductive material 68 can be disposed in at least one second radially inner gap or multiple second radially inner gaps 82a. Therefore, the conductive material 68 can be disposed in one first gap or multiple first gaps 80 among the multiple first gaps, and in one second gap or multiple second gaps 82 among the multiple second gaps.

[0461] Alternatively, if Figure 6H As shown, the conductive material 68 may be disposed on at least a portion or the entirety of the radially outer interface 85, but not on the radially inner interface 79 or the intermediate interface 83. Therefore, the conductive material 68 may be disposed in at least one second radially outer gap or multiple second radially outer gaps 82b.

[0462] Alternatively, if Fig.6I As shown, the conductive material 68 may be disposed on at least a portion of or the entire radially inner interface 79, but not on the intermediate interface 83 or the radially outer interface. Therefore, the conductive material 68 may be disposed in at least one or more first radially inner gaps 80a.

[0463] As mentioned above Figure 4EAs described, when the second conductive winding 78 is wound around the first conductive winding, the second conductive winding 78 may include a first portion and a second portion radially overlapping the first portion, thereby defining a second radial overlap region at the interface between the first portion and the second portion of the second conductive winding. Therefore, when the second conductive winding 78 is wound around the first conductive winding 76, the second conductive winding 78 may overlap itself, thereby defining a second overlap region. As described above, Umicore Sealing 691EL is particularly advantageously provided as a conductive material 68 between radially adjacent metal layers, at the interface where the metal layers radially overlap each other, so that Umicore Sealing 691EL forms mechanical and electrical contact with each metal layer. In some examples, the first portion and the second portion of the second winding 78 may define radially adjacent metal layers. Umicore Sealing 691EL or a suitable alternative conductive material 68 may be applied to at least one or both of the radially outer end at the first portion of the second winding 78 and the radially inner end at the second portion of the second winding 78.

[0464] In addition, the second conductive winding 78 thus defines at least one radial gap, for example at least one second radial gap, disposed in a radial direction between the second winding 78 and the first winding 76. Thus, the radially outer end of the second radial gap is defined by the second winding 78. The radially inner end of the second radial gap may be defined by the conductive material 86. It should be understood that when the cable is bent as described above, the second radially inner gap 82a may be defined. Alternatively or additionally, when the cable is not bent, the second radially inner gap 82a may be defined by the second radial gap.

[0465] Thus, in one example, the conductive material 68 can be disposed between the radially outer end 76b of the first winding 76 and the radially inner end 78a of the second winding 78. For example, at least a portion of the conductive material 68 can be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the first winding 76. In one example, at least 60% by volume of the conductive material disposed between the first winding 76 and the second winding 78 can be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 with respect to the radial direction. For example, at least 70% by volume of the conductive material disposed between the first winding 76 and the second winding 78 can be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 with respect to the radial direction. In one example, at least 80% by volume of the conductive material disposed between the first winding 76 and the second winding 78 can be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 with respect to the radial direction. For example, at least 90% by volume of the conductive material disposed between the first winding 76 and the second winding 78 can be confined between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58 with respect to the radial direction. In one example, the entire (or all) conductive material 68 disposed between the first wrap 76 and the second wrap 78 may be confined between the first wrap 76 and the second wrap 78 and thus confined at the intermediate interface 83 with respect to the radial direction.

[0466] In this regard, it should be understood that the conductive material 68 can be a solid or non-flowable material. Therefore, the second winding 78 can surround the conductive material 68. In one example, the conductive material 68 can be applied to the radial outer surface of the radial outer end 76b of the inner winding 76. Therefore, the second winding 78 can be wound on the conductive material 68. In this regard, it should be understood that the conductive material 68 can be a solid or non-flowable material. Therefore, the second winding 78 can surround the first winding 76. In one example, the conductive material 68 can be applied to the radial outer surface of the first winding 76. Therefore, the second winding 78 can be wound around the conductive material 68. Before the second winding 78 is wound around the conductive material 68, the conductive material 68 can be allowed to dry (for example, when the conductive material 68 includes copper nanotubes (CNTs)).

[0467] In one example, the conductive material 68 can be applied to substantially the entire radial outer surface of the first winding 76. Alternatively, the conductive material 68 can be applied to the radial outer surface of the first winding 76 in a spiral pattern along the radial outer surface. The spiral pattern can be aligned with the second radial gap, which can also extend substantially in a spiral pattern. In another example, the conductive material 68 can be applied to at least a portion of the radial inner surface of the second winding 78 before surrounding the first winding 76 with the second winding 78.

[0468] It should be understood that if Fig. 7A As shown, one or more of all windings disclosed herein may overlap each other such that the overlap region 77 is a spiral overlap region. For example, the first winding 76 may define a spiral overlap region. The second winding 78 may also define a spiral overlap region 77. Alternatively, as Figure 7B As shown, one or more or all windings disclosed herein may have an axial overlap region 77 extending axially. For example, the first winding 76 may have an axial overlap region 77. Although the second winding 78 is shown as having a spiral overlap region 77, it should be understood that the second winding 78 may alternatively have an axial overlap region 77. In one example, the axial overlap region has no complete circumferential turns relative to the central axis of the cable. Therefore, the axial overlap region can extend approximately parallel to the central axis of the cable. Such a winding may be referred to as a longitudinal winding. Alternatively, adjacent windings of one or more or all windings disclosed herein may be adjacent to each other to form non-overlapping windings, thereby defining a seam between adjacent windings. In one example, the seam may extend along a spiral path. In another example, the seam may extend axially approximately axially or parallel to the central axis of the cable, and the seam has no complete circumferential turns relative to the central longitudinal axis of the cable. It should be appreciated that any of all windings with spiral overlap described herein may be replaced by a longitudinal winding.

[0469] It should therefore be understood that the radially outer end of the second radial gap may be defined by the second winding 78, and the inner radial end of the second radial gap may be at least partially defined by the first winding 76. For example, the inner radial end may be completely defined by the conductive material 68. Without being bound by theory, the inventors of the present application recognize that when at least a portion of the inner radial end of the second radial gap is defined by the conductive material 68, the electrical performance of the cable may be improved.

[0470] Now refer to Figure 8 , the cable 50 may be configured as a microwave cable. Thus, the electrical shield 58 may include reference Figures 6A-7B As described above, the first winding body 76 and the second winding body 78, and the reference Figure 2A-3D The braid 65 as described above. The braid 65 can be wound around the second winding body 78. For example, the braid 65 can be spirally wound around the second winding body 78. Therefore, the construction of the braid 65 can be based on the reference Figure 2A-3D and the related description of the spiral shield 60. The radially outer interface can be defined by the radially outer surface of the second winding body 78 and the radially inner end of the braid 65. Therefore, a second radially outer gap 82b can be defined between the radially outer surface of the second winding body 78 and the strands 62 defining the winding 64.

[0471] The electrical shield 58 may include any of the conductive materials 68 described above. For example, the conductive material 68 may be disposed on any one or more of the internal interface 79, the intermediate interface 83, and the external interface 85, as described above with reference to Figures 6A-6I Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be applied to the braid 65 in a manner as described above with reference to Figure 2A-3D Description related to spiral shield 60. As described above, Umicore Sealing 691EL can be particularly advantageous as the conductive material 68. When Umicore Sealing 691EL is disposed at an interface between radially adjacent metal layers that radially overlap each other, Umicore Sealing 691EL is in mechanical and electrical contact with each metal layer. In some examples, the second winding 78 and the braid 65 can define radially adjacent metal layers. Umicore Sealing 691EL or a suitable optional conductive material can be applied to at least one or both of the radially outer surface of the second winding 78 and the radially inner surface of the braid 65. In addition, the conductive material 68 can be disposed between the conductive braid 65 and the outer electrical insulator 55. It should be understood that the interface can be defined by any one or more of the interfaces described herein.

[0472] As described above, the conductive material 68 may be applied to any suitable at least one or more surfaces of the cable 50 as desired. The at least one or more surfaces may be configured as one or more of the inner electrical insulator 54, the first winding 76, the second winding 78, the braid 65, and the second electrical insulator 55, or all of them. For example, the conductive material 68 may be used as a coating. In one example, the conductive material 68 may be sprayed on its surface. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be brush plated on its surface. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be provided as an immersion material, and the surface may be immersed in the immersion material. In other examples, the conductive material 68 may be applied to its surface by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be applied to its surface by plasma plating. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be electroplated on its surface. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 may be dispersedly coated on its surface.

[0473] In certain embodiments described herein, when the conductive material 68 is applied to the surface as a liquid, the conductive material 68 can be cured to increase the viscosity of the conductive material 68. For example, the conductive material 68 can be subjected to infrared light. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive material 68 can be subjected to ultraviolet light. The conductive material 68 can be flowable after curing as described herein.

[0474] Reference now Figures 9A-9C , the cable tape 48 may include a plurality of groups 49 of cables 50 constructed according to any of the examples described herein. The cables may be adjacent to each other along a row. Each of the plurality of cables 50 may include at least one electrical conductor 52 surrounded by an internal electrical insulator 54. The at least one electrical conductor 52 of each cable 50 may include a first composite extruded electrical conductor 52a and a second composite extruded electrical conductor 52b. Optionally, at least one electrical conductor 52 may be only a single electrical conductor 52.

[0475] Now refer to Fig.9A , each cable 50 of the cable belt 48 may include an electrical shield 58 as described herein. Thus, the electrical shield 58 may include a conductive winding 76; the conductive winding defines a radially inner end 76a facing the inner electrical insulator 54; the conductive winding defines a radially outer end 76b relative to the radially inner end (see Figure 7A-7B ). The winding 76 may overlap itself radially so as to define an overlap region 77. Fig. 7A As shown, the winding body 76 can be spirally wound so that the overlap region 77 is a spiral overlap region. For example, the overlap region 77 can define a plurality of turns around the inner electrical insulator 54. Optionally, as shown in FIG. Figure 7B As shown, the wrap 76 may be longitudinally wrapped so that the overlap region 77 is an axial overlap region that extends generally in the axial direction of elongation of the cable 50. The axial overlap region therefore also extends in the axial direction of elongation of the cable band 54.

[0476] The cable tape 48 may also include a conductive coating of the type described above, which is disposed in the overlap region 77. In some embodiments, the conductive coating may be an antioxidant. The coating may be a paste, a gel, an adhesive, or any suitable alternative coating described herein. The conductive coating may be disposed throughout the overlap region. The conductive coating may be applied to substantially the entire radially inner end 76a of the winding. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive coating may be applied to substantially the entire radially outer end 76b of the winding 77. The conductive coating may be confined to the overlap region.

[0477] Continue to refer Fig.9A, the electrical shield 58 can be arranged to surround the inner electrical insulator 54 of each cable 50. For example, the electrical shield 58 can abut the outer periphery of the inner electrical insulator 54. Optionally, each cable 50 can include a coating that is applied to the radially outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54 in the above-described manner. Therefore, the coating can be metallic. For example, the coating can be made of silver, gold, copper or an alloy thereof. In this regard, the electrical shield 58 can abut the outer periphery of the electrical coating.

[0478] The cable tape 48 may also include an external electrical insulator 55 of the type described above. However, the external electrical insulator 55 has a first end 57a and a second end 57b that are opposite to each other, and each electrical shield 58 of the cable 50 is arranged between the first end 57a of the external electrical insulator and the second end 57b of the external electrical insulator. The external electrical insulator 55, including each of the first end 57a and the second end 57b, may further extend between adjacent cables 50 of the cable tape 48 along the gap 59. The external electrical insulator 55 may be laminated to the electrical shield 58. For example, the first end 57a and the second end 57b of the external electrical insulator may be laminated to opposite ends of the electrical shield 58.

[0479] The cable tape 48 may also include an adhesive 67 disposed between the outer electrical insulator 55 and the electrical shield 58. In one example, the adhesive 67 may be an epoxy resin, which may be configured as any suitable alternative adhesive as desired. Thus, the adhesive 67 may attach the outer electrical insulator 55 to the electrical shield 58. Thus, the outer electrical insulator 55 may be laminated to the electrical shield 58. In one example, the adhesive 67 may be configured as a conductive material 68 of the type described herein. The conductive material 68 may be disposed between each electrical shield 58 and the outer electrical insulator 55. For example, the conductive material 68, and therefore the adhesive 67, may include a first portion 68a, the first portion 68a being disposed between each electrical shield 58 and the first end 57a of the outer electrical insulator 55. Specifically, the first portion 68a may extend from each electrical shield 58 to the first end 57a. The conductive material 68 may include a second portion 68b, which is disposed between each electrical shield 58 and the second end 57b of the outer electrical insulator 55. Specifically, the second portion 68b may extend from each electrical shield 58 to the second end 57b. The first end 57a and the second end 57b may be oriented substantially parallel to each other in the axial direction. The conductive material 68 may also be disposed between the first end 57a and the second end 57b in the gap 59. For example, the conductive material 68 may extend from the first end 57a to the second end 57b in the gap 59.

[0480] In addition, the cable tape 48 may include at least one electrical drain wire 100 disposed in at least one void 59. For example, the cable tape 48 may include a plurality of electrical drain wires 100 disposed in individual voids 59. The electrical drain wire 100 may be in electrical communication with the electrical shield 58. For example, the conductive material 68 may establish a conductive path from the electrical shield 58 to the electrical drain wire 100. The electrical drain wire 100 may be disposed between the first end 57a and the second end 57b of the outer electrical insulator 55, spaced apart from the electrical shield 58 of the cable 50 of the cable tape 54. The electrical drain wire 100 may be disposed at the necking position 61 of the cable tape 54. In some examples, the cable tape 48 may be free of electrical drain wires. The first end 57a and the second end 57b may extend toward each other in the void 59 so as to define the necking position 61. In one example, at the necking position 61, both the first end 57a and the second end 57b remain spaced apart.

[0481] Or, if Fig.9D As shown, at least one electrical drain wire 100 can contact the corresponding at least one electrical shield 58. Therefore, the adhesive 67 can be non-conductive. In this example, because the adhesive 67 does not make the electrical drain wire 100 electrically connected to the electrical shield. Therefore, at least one electrical drain wire 100 can contact the corresponding at least one electrical shield 58 to electrically connect the at least one electrical drain wire 100 to the at least one electrical shield 58. In one example, the cable tape 48 may include a plurality of electrical drain wires 100, each electrical drain wire 100 contacts the corresponding electrical shield 58. In addition, each electrical shield 58 can contact the corresponding electrical drain wire 100.

[0482] Now refer to Fig. 9B , the cable tape 48 may include a plurality of groups 49 of cables 50. Each cable 50 may include at least one electrical conductor 52. For example, as described above, the cable may include a first group of composite extruded electrical conductors 52a and a second group of composite extruded electrical conductors 52b. The plurality of cables 50 of the cable tape 48 may be spaced apart from one another along a row, and the electrical conductors 52a and electrical conductors 52b of each pair of electrical conductors may be spaced apart from one another along the row. Each cable 50 may also include an inner electrical insulator 54 that surrounds at least one electrical conductor 52 as described above.

[0483] The cable tape 48 may also include an electrical shield 58 that extends over the electrical insulator 54 of each cable 50 of the cable tape 48. The electrical shield 58 may define a first shield end 58a and a second shield end 58b that are disposed such that each inner electrical insulator 54 is disposed between the first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b. The electrical shield 58 may be a single unitary structure. The electrical shield 58 may also extend along a gap 59 disposed between adjacent cables 50. The electrical shield 58 may include a conductive wrap 76 that defines a radially inner end 76a that faces the inner electrical insulator 54, and a radially outer end 76b (see FIG. 1 ) that is opposite the radially inner end 76a. Figure 7A-7B ). The winding 76 may overlap itself radially so as to define an overlap region 77. The winding 76 may be wound helically so that the overlap region 77 is a helical overlap region, such as Fig. 7A For example, the overlap region 77 may define a plurality of turns around the inner electrical insulator 54. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Figure 7B As shown, the wrap 76 may be longitudinally wrapped so that the overlap region 77 is an axial overlap region that extends generally in the axial direction of elongation of the cable 50. The axial overlap region therefore also extends in the axial direction of elongation of the cable band 54.

[0484] The cable tape 48 may also include a conductive coating of the type described above, which is disposed in the overlap region 77. In some embodiments, the conductive coating may be an antioxidant. The coating may be a paste, a gel, an adhesive, or any suitable alternative coating described herein. The conductive coating may be disposed throughout the overlap region. The conductive coating may be applied to substantially the entire radially inner end 76a of the winding. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive coating may be applied to substantially the entire radially outer end 76b of the winding 77. The conductive coating may be confined to the overlap region.

[0485] Continue to refer Fig. 9B , the electrical shield 58 can be arranged to surround the inner electrical insulator 54 of each cable 50. For example, the electrical shield 58 can abut the outer periphery of the inner electrical insulator 54. Optionally, each cable 50 can include a coating that is applied to the radially outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54 in the manner described above. Therefore, the coating can be metallic. For example, the coating can be made of silver, gold, copper or an alloy thereof. In this regard, the electrical shield 58 can abut the outer periphery of the electrical coating.

[0486] The cable tape 48 may also include an adhesive 67 disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58. In one example, the adhesive 67 may be an epoxy resin, but may be configured as any suitable alternative adhesive as desired. Thus, the adhesive 67 may attach the electrical shield 58 to the inner electrical insulator 54 or, if present, to the conductive coating applied to the inner electrical insulator 54. Thus, the electrical shield 58 may be laminated to the inner electrical insulator 54. In one example, the adhesive 67 may be configured as a conductive material 68 of the type described herein. The conductive material 68 may be disposed between the electrical shield 58 and each inner electrical insulator 54. For example, the conductive material 68, and therefore the adhesive 67, may include a first portion 68a disposed between the first shield end 58a and each inner electrical insulator 54. Specifically, the first portion 68a may extend from the first electrical shield end 58a to the inner electrical insulator 54 or to the coating surrounding the inner electrical insulator 54. The conductive material 68 may also include a second portion 68 disposed between the second shield end 58b and each inner electrical insulator 54. Specifically, the second portion 68b can extend from the second shield end 58b to the inner electrical insulator 54 or to the coating surrounding the inner electrical insulator 54. The first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b can be substantially parallel to each other and oriented in the axial direction. The conductive material 68 can also be disposed in the gap 59 between the first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b. For example, the conductive material 68 can extend from the first shield end 58a to the second shield end 58b in the gap 59.

[0487] In addition, the cable tape 48 may include at least one electrical drain wire 100 disposed in at least one void 59. For example, the cable tape 48 may include a plurality of electrical drain wires 100 disposed in respective different voids 59. The electrical drain wire 100 may be in electrical communication with the electrical shield 58. For example, the conductive material 68 may establish a conductive path from the electrical shield 58 to the electrical drain wire 100. The electrical drain wire 100 may be disposed between the first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b of the outer electrical insulator 55, the electrical drain wire 100 being spaced apart from the first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b. The electrical drain wire 100 may be disposed at a necking position 61 of the cable tape 48. In some examples, the cable tape 48 may be free of electrical drain wires. The first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b may extend toward each other in the void 59 so as to define the necking position 61. In one example, at the necking position 61, the first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b are both kept spaced apart. In an optional example, one or both of the first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b can contact at least one electrical drain wire 100. For example, in some examples, the adhesive 67 can be non-conductive. Therefore, at least one electrical drain wire 100 can contact the electrical shield 58 so as to place at least one electrical drain wire 100 in electrical communication with the electrical shield 58.

[0488] The cable belt 48 may also include an external electrical insulator 55 of the type described above. The external electrical insulator 55 may have a first end 57a and a second end 57b, the first end 57a and the second end 57b being opposite to each other, and each electrical shield 58 provided for the cable 50 is provided between the first end 57a and the second end 57b of the external electrical insulator 55. The first end 57a of the external electrical insulator 55 may extend along the first shield end 58a. Specifically, the first end 57a of the external electrical insulator 55 may extend along the radially outer end of the first shield end 58a. Similarly, the second end 57b of the external electrical insulator 55 may extend along the second shield end 58b. Specifically, the second end 57a of the external electrical insulator 55 may extend along the radially outer end of the second shield end 58b.

[0489] The external electrical insulator 55 including each of the first end 57a and the second end 57b can also extend along the gap 59, which gap 59 extends between adjacent cables 50 of the cable tape 48. Specifically, the first end 57a and the second end 57b can extend toward each other at a necking position 61, which can be located at the gap 59. The external electrical insulator 55 can be a single integral structure. The external electrical insulator 55 can be laminated to the electrical shield 58. For example, the first end 57a and the second end 57b of the external electrical insulator can be laminated to the corresponding first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b of the electrical shield. Optionally, the external electrical insulator 55 can be thermally bonded to the electrical shield 58. Specifically, the first end 57a and the second end 57b of the external electrical insulator 55 can be thermally bonded to the first end 58a and the second end 58b of the electrical shield. Optionally again, the cable tape 48 can be free of the external electrical insulator 55. Thus, the radially outer end of the electrical shield 58 may define the radially outer end of the cable braid 54 .

[0490] Reference now Fig. 9C , each cable 50 of the cable ribbon 48 may include at least one electrical conductor 52, and an internal electrical insulator 54 surrounding the at least one electrical conductor 52 as described above. For example, the at least one electrical conductor 52 may be a single electrical conductor 52. In one example, one or more cables 50 may be configured as coaxial cables. Optionally, the electrical conductor 52 may be configured to transmit power at a voltage of several volts.

[0491] Additionally, the cable tape 48 can include an electrical drain wire 100 disposed adjacent to the electrical conductor 52. The cable tape 48 can define a gap disposed between the electrical drain wire 100 and the cables 50. The electrical tape can include any number of cables 50, such as one cable 50, two cables 50, or more than two cables 50 disposed adjacent to each other between the first electrical drain wire and the second electrical drain wire 100.

[0492] The cable tape 48 may also include an electrical shield 58 extending over the electrical insulator 54 of each cable 50 of the cable tape 48. In addition, the electrical drain wire 100 may be in electrical communication with the electrical shield 58. The electrical shield 58 may define a first shield end 58a and a second shield end 58b, and each inner electrical insulator 54 is disposed between the first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b. The electrical shield 58 may be a single unitary structure. The electrical shield 58 may also extend along the gap 59. The electrical shield 58 may include a conductive winding 76, the conductive winding defining a radially inner end 76a facing the inner electrical insulator 54, and the conductive winding also defining a radially outer end 76b opposite the radially inner end 76a (see Figure 7A-7B ). The winding 76 may overlap itself radially so as to define an overlap region 77. The winding 76 may be wound helically so that the overlap region 77 is a helical overlap region, such as Fig. 7A For example, the overlap region 77 may define a plurality of turns around the inner electrical insulator 54. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Figure 7B As shown, the wrap 76 may be longitudinally wrapped such that the overlap region 77 is an axial overlap region that extends generally along the axial direction of elongation of the cable 50 , and thus along the axial direction of elongation of the belt 54 .

[0493] The cable tape 48 may also include a conductive coating of the type described above, disposed in the overlap region 77. In some embodiments, the conductive coating may be an antioxidant. The coating may be a paste, a gel, an adhesive, or any suitable alternative coating described herein. The conductive coating may be disposed throughout the overlap region. The conductive coating may be applied to substantially the entire radially inner end 76a of the winding. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive coating may be applied to substantially the entire radially outer end 76b of the winding 77. The conductive coating may be confined to the overlap region.

[0494] Continue to refer Fig. 9C , an electrical shield 58 may be provided around the inner electrical insulator 54 of each cable 50. For example, the electrical shield 58 may abut the outer periphery of the inner electrical insulator 54. Optionally, each cable 50 may include a coating applied to the radially outer end 54b of the inner electrical insulator 54 in the manner described above. Thus, the coating may be metallic. For example, the coating may be made of silver, gold, copper, or an alloy thereof. The electrical shield 58 may be laminated to the inner electrical insulator 54; or the electrical shield 58 may be laminated to a conductive coating applied to the inner electrical insulator 54.

[0495] The cable tape 48 may also include an adhesive 67 disposed between the inner electrical insulator 54 and the electrical shield 58. In one example, the adhesive 67 may be an epoxy resin, but may be configured as any suitable alternative adhesive as desired. Thus, the adhesive 67 may bond the electrical shield 58 to the inner electrical insulator 54 or, if present, a conductive coating applied to the inner electrical insulator 54. Thus, the electrical shield 58 may be laminated to the inner electrical insulator 54. In one example, the adhesive 67 may be configured as a conductive material 68 of the type described herein. For example, the conductive material 68 may extend from the electrical shield 58 to the electrical drain wire 100. In addition, the conductive material 68 may be disposed in the gap 59. The conductive material 68 may electrically connect the electrical drain wire 100 to the electrical shield 58. Alternatively, the electrical drain wire 100 may be placed in contact with the electrical shield 58. In this regard, in some examples, the adhesive 67 may be non-conductive. Thus, at least one electrical drain wire 100 may contact the electrical shield 58 so as to place at least one electrical drain wire 100 in electrical communication with the electrical shield 58.

[0496] The electrical shield 58 may define a first end 58a and a second end 58b opposite the first end 58a, such that the electrical conductor 52 and the electrical drain wire 100 are disposed between the first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b. The conductive material 68, and therefore the adhesive 67, may include a first portion 68a and a second portion 68b. The first portion 68a may be disposed between the first shield end 58a and the inner electrical insulator 54; or, the first portion 68a may be disposed between the first shield end 58a and the coating surrounding the inner electrical insulator 54. Specifically, the first portion 68a may extend from the first shield end 58a to the inner electrical insulator 54; or, the first portion 68a may extend from the first shield end 58a to the coating surrounding the inner electrical insulator 54. Therefore, the first portion 68a may contact the first shield end 58a and each electrical insulator 54; or, the first portion 68a may contact the coating surrounding the electrical insulator 54. In addition, the first portion 68a may extend from the electrical drain wire 100 to the first shield end 58b. Therefore, the first portion 68a can be in contact with the first shield end 58a and the electrical drain wire 100. The second portion 68b can be disposed between the second shield end 58b and each internal electrical insulator 54. Specifically, the second portion 68b can extend from the second shield end 58b to the internal electrical insulator 54; or, the second portion 68b can extend from the second shield end 58b to the coating surrounding the internal electrical insulator 54. Therefore, the second portion 68b can be in contact with the second shield end 58b and each internal electrical insulator. In addition, the second portion 68b can extend from the electrical drain wire 100 to the second shield end 58b. Therefore, the second portion 68b can be in contact with the second shield end 58b and each electrical drain wire 100. The first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b can be oriented substantially parallel to each other in the axial direction.

[0497] The conductive material 68 may also extend through the gap 59. Thus, the conductive material 68 may also be disposed in the gap 59 between the first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b. For example, in the gap 59, the conductive material 68 may extend from the first shield end 58a to the second shield end 58b. Thus, in the gap 59, the conductive material 68 may contact the first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b. The cable braid 48 may define a necking location 61 in the gap 59.

[0498] The first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b may extend toward each other at the necking position 61. In one example, the first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b are spaced apart at the necking position 61. Alternatively, because the electrical shield 58 may be conductive, the first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b may alternately contact each other at the necking position.

[0499] The electrical shield 58 may include an electrically conductive winding 76 defining a radially inner end 76a facing the inner electrical insulator 54, and defining a radially outer end 76b opposite the radially inner end 76a (see FIG. Figure 7A-7B ). The winding 76 may overlap itself radially so as to define an overlap region 77. The winding 76 may be helically wound so that the overlap region 77 is a helical overlap region, such as Fig. 7A For example, the overlap region 77 may define a plurality of turns around the inner electrical insulator 54. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Figure 7B As shown, the wrap 76 may be longitudinally wrapped so that the overlap region 77 is an axial overlap region that extends generally along the axial direction of elongation of the cable 50 ; the axial overlap region therefore also extends generally along the axial direction of elongation of the cable tape 54 .

[0500] The cable tape 48 may also include a conductive coating of the type described above, disposed in the overlap region 77. In some embodiments, the conductive coating may be an antioxidant. The coating may be a paste, a gel, an adhesive, or any suitable alternative coating described herein. The conductive coating may be disposed throughout the overlap region. The conductive coating may be applied to substantially the entire radially inner end 76a of the winding. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive coating may be applied to substantially the entire radially outer end 76b of the winding 77. The conductive coating may be confined to the overlap region.

[0501] The cable tape 48 may also include an external electrical insulator 55 of the type described above. The external electrical insulator 55 may have a first end 57a and a second end 57b that are opposite to each other, and is arranged so that the electrical shield 58 is arranged between the first end 57a and the second end 57b of the external electrical insulator 55. The first end 57a of the external electrical insulator 55 may extend along the first shield end 58a. Specifically, the first end 57a of the external electrical insulator 55 may extend along the radially outer end of the first shield end 58a. Similarly, the second end 57b of the external electrical insulator 55 may extend along the second shield end 58b. Specifically, the second end 57a of the external electrical insulator 55 may extend along the radially outer end of the second shield end 58b.

[0502] An external electrical insulator 55 including each first end 57a and each second end 57b can extend along a gap 59, which gap 59 extends between adjacent cables 50 of the cable tape 48. Specifically, the first end 57a and the second end 57b can extend toward each other at a necking position 61, which can be located at the gap 59. The external electrical insulator 55 can be a single integral structure. The external electrical insulator 55 can be laminated to the electrical shield 58. For example, the first end 57a and the second end 57b of the external electrical insulator can be laminated to the corresponding first shield end 58a and the second shield end 58b of the electrical shield 58. Optionally, the external electrical insulator 55 can be thermally bonded to the electrical shield 58. Specifically, the first end 57a and the second end 57b of the external electrical insulator 55 can be thermally bonded to the first end 58a and the second end 58b of the electrical shield. Optionally again, the cable tape 48 can be free of the external electrical insulator 55. Thus, the radially outer end of the electrical shield 58 may define the radially outer end of the cable braid 54 .

[0503] Although the cable tape 54 has been described herein as including the electrical shield 58 according to certain examples, it should be understood that the cable tape 54 can include multiple electrical shields according to any of the above-described types. Therefore, in some examples, the cable tape 54 can include at least one electrical shield surrounding the electrical shield 58.

[0504] It should be understood that the examples and discussions related to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure encompasses various embodiments. In addition, it should be understood that the concepts described in accordance with the embodiments described above can be used alone or in combination with any other embodiments described above. It should be further understood that, unless otherwise stated, the various alternative embodiments described above with respect to one illustrated embodiment may be applicable to all embodiments as described herein.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a cable, the method comprising the following steps: wrapping an inner electrical insulator with an electrically conductive wrap, wherein the wrap defines a radially inner end facing the inner electrical insulator and a radially outer end opposite the radially inner end, and the wrap radially overlaps itself to define an overlap region between first and second portions of the wrap; and The conductive coating is applied such that the coating is at least one of: 1) disposed at the radially outer end, and 2) disposed between the radially outer end and the radially inner end in the overlap region. The method of claim 1 , wherein the conductive winding comprises a copper foil.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the conductive coating comprises a solid conductive material. The method of claim 3 , wherein the conductive material is non-flowable. The method according to claim 4 , wherein the coating is a metal coating. The method of claim 5 , wherein the coating comprises silver.

7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the overlapping area includes a first and a second part of the conductive winding, wherein the first part defines a radially outer end, the radially outer end faces the radially inner end of the second part, and the applying step includes coating at least one of the radially inner end and the radially outer end at the overlapping area so that the conductive material is in mechanical and electrical contact with at least one of the radially inner end and the radially outer end.

8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the cable is bent, the conductive material maintains the electrical continuity of the winding in the axial direction, which results in one or both of the following: 1) the winding moves in the overlapping area, and 2) a portion of the winding is radially shifted to define a gap.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the overlap region defines a plurality of turns around an inner electrical insulator.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising the step of wrapping at least one electrical conductor, the at least one electrical conductor being elongated in an axial direction with respect to the inner electrical insulator, wherein the wrapping step provides electrical shielding to the at least one electrical conductor.

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