Cable inlet for inserting a cable in a waterproof and dustproof manner, housing with cable inlet, and method for inserting a cable into the cable inlet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cable inlet comprising a body, a sealing element and a clamping element, the body extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a cavity and a first opening and a second opening for passing the cable, the sealing element being received in the hollow body and comprising a cylindrical channel for passing the cable, the cylindrical channel being oriented along the longitudinal axis, the clamping element being at the side of the second opening for clamping the sealing element, the body and the clamping element each comprising two detachable halves, the first half being at a first side of a plane and the second half being located at a second side of the plane, the longitudinal axis of the body being in the plane and the sealing element being helical in shape. The present invention also relates to a housing, a method and a use.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable entry, in particular for the waterproof and dustproof passage of a cable in, for example, a housing, and to a method for passing a cable through the cable entry. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of cable connections of communication and energy systems, many possibilities are available for connecting cables in junction boxes, switch boxes, etc. These junction boxes and switch boxes can be located both indoors and outdoors. In some cases, for example, the junction boxes may even be located underground. It is essential that such junction boxes and switch boxes are completely waterproof and dustproof so that water, dust or, in the case of underground junction boxes, earth or mud, for example, do not get into the junction box or switch box. This can have a very negative effect on the quality of the branches or connections in these junction boxes, which in the long term can lead to a deterioration of the communication and power systems or interruptions, for example due to short circuits.

[0003] The key point here is the cable entry, for which numerous solutions have been devised and applied in the past, such as the classic cable gland, where a rubber sealing ring is placed over the cable and pressed against it by tightening a nut inside the gland.

[0004] Another known cable entry is described in EP 2 617 112, which describes a modular connector for cables or pipes. The modular connector comprises concentric peelable layers. Depending on the diameter of the cable or pipe, one or more layers are peeled off until a diameter suitable for the passage of the cable or pipe is obtained.

[0005] Further embodiments of modular connectors for cables are known from DE 20 2004 018 347, US 2018 / 0138681 and DE 295 18 214.

[0006] Furthermore, another known solution, for example to avoid the ingress of water and dust into the junction box, is to completely fill the junction box with a resin or a two-component liquid.

[0007] It is also known to use thermoplastic materials such as shrink sleeves or vulcanized rubber that are melted around the cable entry and cable to provide increased water and dust resistance.

[0008] These known solutions have significant challenges or problems. When using glands, the cable needs to be cut in order to pass it through the gland and the rubber sealing ring. This means that the communication or energy system cannot be temporarily interrupted without, for example, installing a junction box around an existing cable to make a new branch. In addition, all conductors in the cable have to be reconnected after the cut, which is a time-consuming task with a high risk of errors and poor connections. Furthermore, cable glands are not suitable for underground connections, since the rubber sealing ring cannot withstand, for example, high water pressures, which allows groundwater, water and / or mud to get into the junction box. In addition, the rubber sealing ring hardens over time, gradually reducing the effectiveness of the waterproof and dustproof insertion.

[0009] The modular connector according to EP 1 099 563 A1 is suitable for passing cables through without cutting them, since the modular connector consists of two halves. The challenge with this cable entry is the need to estimate the number of layers to be stripped in order to pass the cable through. If too many layers are stripped, the modular connector according to EP 1 099 563 A1 may have small cracks locally that are not visible to the eye, even if visually it appears to be correctly joined. As a result, such modular connectors cannot be reused for underground cable entries, since water, soil and / or mud are forced through these cracks by high water pressure. Here too there is a problem of ageing, which makes the ingress of water and dust even worse.

[0010] For example, filling the junction box with resin or two-component liquid is an effective solution, but has the major drawback that, for example, to make an additional branch on the cable, the solidified resin or two-component liquid must be disconnected from the junction box, which carries a high risk of damaging the cable.

[0011] The thermoplastic material hardens over time such that the cable entry is no longer waterproof or dustproof.

[0012] The present invention aims to solve at least some of the above problems or issues. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2617112 [Patent Document 2] DE 202004018347 A1 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0138681 [Patent Document 4] West German Utility Model Publication No. 29518214 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a cable entry as claimed in claim 1.

[0015] A great advantage of such a cable entry is that the sealing element is helical in shape and the body and the clamping element each comprise two detachable halves. As a result, the cable to be inserted into the cable entry according to the invention does not have to be cut first. The sealing element is wound helically around the cable, so that the cable is inserted into the channel of the sealing element. After the two halves of the body are closed around the sealing element and the two halves of the clamping element are closed around the cable, the sealing element is clamped by the clamping element in the cavity of the body. The sealing element is pressed against both the cable and the cable entry body, so that the cable entry is watertight and dusttight. It is also advantageous that by using a helical shaped sealing element several successive sealing rings are formed around the cable, which allows the cable entry according to the invention to withstand high water pressures and is therefore particularly advantageous for use underground. It is also advantageous that there are enough successive rings to continue to guarantee watertight and dusttightness even if the sealing element on the side in contact with the environment ages over time.

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the device are described in claims 2-9.

[0017] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a device according to claim 2. This preferred embodiment is particularly advantageous because both the cavity and the sealing element are conical in shape. When the sealing element is clamped in the cavity of the body, it is pressed towards the apex angle and is compressed evenly against the cable by the body. This ensures that the cable entry is watertight and dusttight, even with slightly different cable diameters.

[0018] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a housing comprising at least one cable entry according to the first aspect. The main advantage of the housing according to the invention is that the housing comprises a two-half box, the first half of the body of each cable entry being integrated into the first half of the box and the second half of the body of the cable entry being clamped against the first half of the body of the cable entry by the second half of the box. As a result, there is no need for an additional waterproof and dustproof seal between the cable entry and the housing box, as when using cable glands, and the box seal alone can ensure that the housing is waterproof and dustproof. A further advantage is that there is no need to cut the cable in order to cover it with the housing.

[0019] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method according to claim 11. This method has the advantage, inter alia, that no cutting of the cable is necessary to pass it through the cable entry. The sealing element is wound helically around the cable and the body of the cable entry is opened into two halves and can be closed around the sealing element. The clamping element is also opened into two halves and can be closed around the cable. After fixing the clamping element in or on the cable entry, the sealing element is clamped in the cavity of the body and the cable is fed through the cable entry in a water- and dust-proof state. The use of a helical shaped element is advantageous since as a result several successive sealing rings are formed around the cable, whereby the cable entry formed according to the invention can withstand high water pressure and is therefore particularly advantageous for underground use.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the method are set out in the dependent claims 12-14.

[0021] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a use according to claim 15. This use is advantageous for cable branching in communication or energy systems, since no cable needs to be cut and no interruption of the communication or energy system is required. The junction box can be fitted around an already installed cable and then additional branching can be performed. By using cable entries, the junction box remains waterproof and dustproof for a very long time, even when used underground, and can be easily reopened, for example for repairs or additional branching. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a housing according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a housing according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used in the description of the present invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In order to better understand the description of the present invention, the following terms are explicitly explained.

[0024] As used herein, "a" and "the" refer to both the singular and the plural, unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, "a segment" means one or more segments.

[0025] The terms "comprise", "comprising", "consist of", "consisting of", "provide with", "include", "including", "contain", and "containing" are synonymous and are inclusive or open terms indicating the presence of what follows and do not exclude or preclude the presence of other components, features, elements, materials, steps that are known from or disclosed in the prior art.

[0026] Recitation of a numerical interval by endpoints includes all integers, fractions and / or real numbers between the endpoints, inclusive.

[0027] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a cable entry for waterproof and dustproof insertion of a cable in a housing.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the cable entry comprises a body, a sealing element and a clamping element.

[0029] The body extends along a longitudinal axis. The body is preferably manufactured from plastic. The body comprises a cavity and a first opening and a second opening for passing a cable. The first opening and the second opening are positioned on either side of the cavity on the longitudinal axis of the body. The first opening and the second opening are preferably located in parallel planes. Thus, the cable passes from the cable inlet through the first opening, the cavity and the second cavity along the longitudinal axis of the body. The diameter of the first opening and the second opening is at least equal to or greater than the diameter of the cable.

[0030] The sealing element is received in the cavity of the body. The sealing element is made of a flexible material, for example rubber. Preferably, the sealing element is made of a synthetic flexible material. This is advantageous to avoid or at least slow down aging of the sealing element, for example due to contact with water, air, sun, etc. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials are styrene butadiene rubber or other suitable synthetic rubbers. The sealing element extends along the longitudinal axis of the body. The sealing element comprises a cylindrical channel for threading the cable. The cylindrical channel is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the body. In a rest state, before being received in the cavity of the body and before threading the cable into the tube, the sealing element has a length along the longitudinal axis that is at least greater than the distance along the longitudinal axis between the first and second openings in the cavity.

[0031] The clamping element is suitable for clamping the sealing element in the cavity of the body. The clamping element is arranged on the side of the second opening. The clamping element can be removably attached in or on the cable inlet. For example, the clamping element can be clicked into or on the cable inlet. For example, the clamping element can be screwed into or on the cable inlet. The clamping element can be fixed in or on the cable inlet, for example by a screw or a bolt. Since the sealing element in the rest state has a length along the longitudinal axis that is at least greater than the distance between the first opening and the second opening, the sealing element is compressed in the cavity of the body after being clamped by the clamping element, whereby the sealing element is clamped against the wall of the cavity and around the cable, sealing the cable in a water- and dust-tight manner.

[0032] The body and the clamping element each comprise two detachable halves. The two halves of the body may be equal or unequal. The two halves of the clamping element may be equal or unequal. The first half of the body is on a first side of a plane and the second half is on a second side of the plane, the longitudinal axis of the body being in the plane. The first half of the clamping element is on the first side and the second half is on the second side of the plane, the longitudinal axis of the body being in the plane. The planes in which the halves of the body and the clamping element lie may be equal or unequal. The halves of the body can preferably be clicked together or fastened together by a screw or a bolt. Alternatively, the halves of the body are clamped together. The halves of the clamping element can preferably be clicked together or fastened together by a screw or a bolt. Alternatively, the halves of the clamping element are clamped together. The sealing element is helical in shape.

[0033] This embodiment is advantageous because the cable can be fed through the cable inlet without cutting the cable. Due to the helical shape of the sealing element, the sealing element can be wound helically around the cable without cutting the cable, whereby the cable is introduced into the channel of the sealing element. A further advantage is that the sealing element does not need to be renewed or maintained and is suitable for a wide range of cable diameters.

[0034] By separating the two halves of the body, the body can be closed around the sealing element without cutting the cable, and the sealing element is then received in the cavity of the body. By separating the two halves of the clamping element, the clamping element can be closed around the cable without cutting the cable. By fixing the clamping element in or on the cable entry, the sealing element is clamped in the cavity of the body.

[0035] It is also advantageous that by using a helical shaped sealing element several successive sealing rings are formed around the cable, which allows the cable entry according to the invention to withstand high water pressures and is therefore particularly advantageous for underground use. It is also advantageous that there are enough successive rings to continue to guarantee water and dust resistance even if the sealing element on the side in contact with the environment ages.

[0036] When the sealing element is clamped in the cavity of the body by the clamping element in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the body, the sealing element is compressed in the longitudinal axis direction and expands in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the channel possibly first expands until the sealing element is pressed against the wall of the cavity, and then the channel is closed upon further compression. It may therefore be that the channel does not completely bond to the cable everywhere. It is therefore particularly advantageous that the sealing element is helical in shape, so that successive loops of the helical sealing element are displaced in a twisted manner relative to each other during compression, so that the channel contained in the sealing element immediately contracts, while at the same time the sealing element is compressed against the wall of the cavity. This is similar to a snake coiling around its prey. This ensures that the cable entry is watertight and dusttight over the entire length of the sealing element.

[0037] Another advantage of the cable entry according to the invention is that it can be easily opened and closed after installation and replaced if necessary without having to cut or disconnect the cables.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the length of the sealing element along the longitudinal axis at rest is at least 5% longer than the distance along the longitudinal axis between the first and second openings, preferably at least 7.5% longer, more preferably at least 10% longer, even more preferably at least 12.5% ​​longer, even more preferably at least 15% longer, which is advantageous since as a result, the sealing element can be sufficiently compressed in the longitudinal direction by clamping in the cavity, ensuring that the cable entry is watertight and dusttight.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the cavity and the sealing element have matching cross sections in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cross section of the sealing element in the rest state is at least 0.95:1 in scale to the cross section of the cavity in the body, and the cross sections of the sealing element and the cavity are at the same position along the longitudinal axis relative to the first opening. Preferably, the cross sections of the sealing element are at least 0.96:1 in scale, more preferably at least 0.97:1 in scale, even more preferably at least 0.98:1 in scale, even more preferably at least 0.99:1 in scale. This is advantageous because, as a result, the sealing element can be easily received in the cavity and, after clamping by the clamping element in the cavity, can be quickly pressed against the wall of the cavity, thereby compressing and clamping around the cable for waterproof and dustproof insertion.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the cross section of the cavity and the sealing element is rotationally symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis of the body, which is advantageous since, as a result, regardless of the orientation of the sealing element relative to the cavity, the sealing element can always be received in the cavity, resulting in a simple assembly of the cable entry.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the cavity and the sealing element are cone-shaped. The cavity and the sealing element have equal apex angles. The apex angle is the apex angle of a cone corresponding to the cone shape of the cavity and the sealing element. The apex angle of the cavity is positioned on the side of the first opening. The apex angle is at least 5°, preferably at least 6°, more preferably at least 7°.

[0042] This embodiment is particularly advantageous because when clamped by the clamping element of the sealing element in the cavity of the body, the sealing element is pressed in the direction of the apex angle from the side of the second opening to the side of the first opening and is compressed evenly against the cable by the body. For example, in a cylindrical cavity, the sealing element is first pressed and compressed against the wall of the cavity on the side of the first opening and only later against the wall of the cavity away from the first opening, and not immediately along its entire length, as in a cone-shaped cavity and sealing element. Even in the case of a small deviation in the diameter of the cable, especially when the diameter of the cable is small compared to the diameter of the channel of the sealing element at rest, it is ensured that the cable inlet is watertight and dusttight, which otherwise the sealing element may only be sufficiently compressed near the first opening where it connects to the cable.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the body comprises a strain relief on the side of the first opening. The strain relief comprises a pressure plate and two screws or bolts. The bolts or screws are preferably stainless steel screws or bolts. The body comprises two threaded holes for receiving the two screws or bolts. The pressure plate can be attached to the cable by means of the two screws. The pressure plate is preferably U-shaped. Preferably, the strain relief comprises two U-shapes, the first U-shape being the pressure plate and the second U-shape being fixed to the first half of the body. Due to the strain relief, the tensile forces on the cable are not transferred from the side of the second opening to a possible branch on the cable on the side of the first opening. This is advantageous for making the branch robust. A further advantage is that the cable is always positioned in the same direction relative to the cable inlet, so that the cable does not exert or only exerts limited torsional forces on the cable inlet. Torsional forces can adversely affect the waterproof and dust-tightness of the cable entry.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the body is provided with a strain relief on the side of the second opening, which is similar to the strain relief on the side of the first opening and has similar advantages, both embodiments can be advantageously combined to obtain an optimal strain relief.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, a washer is arranged in the cavity of the body near the first opening. The washer is arranged between the first opening and the sealing element. The washer comprises two halves. The two halves of the washer may be equal or unequal. The first half of the washer is on a first side of a plane and the second half is on a second side of the plane, the longitudinal axis of the body being in the plane. The halves of the washer can preferably be clicked together. A washer comprising two halves is advantageous because it allows the washer to be installed without cutting the cable. The washer is advantageous as a pressure surface of the sealing element to prevent the sealing element from being pushed through the first opening.

[0046] According to one embodiment, a second washer is arranged in the cavity of the body near the second opening. The second washer is positioned between the second opening and the sealing element. The second washer comprises two halves. The two halves of the second washer may be equal or unequal. The first half of the second washer is on a first side and the second half is on a second side of a plane, the longitudinal axis of the body being in the plane. The halves of the second washer can preferably be clicked together. A second washer comprising two halves is advantageous because the washer can be installed without cutting the cable. The second washer is useful as a pressure surface of the sealing element to prevent the sealing element from being damaged during tightening by the clamping element.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping element is a hollow bolt. The hollow bolt extends along a longitudinal axis. The hollow bolt comprises a channel for inserting the cable along the longitudinal axis. The channel extends from a first end to a second end of the bolt. The hollow bolt comprises a screw thread. A hollow bolt is advantageous for clamping the sealing element in the cavity of the body, since depending on the diameter of the cable the hollow bolt can be screwed in less or more, whereby the hollow bolt presses the sealing element against the wall in the cavity less or more and the channel contracts more or less.

[0048] The hollow bolt is preferably provided with recesses and / or teeth on the edges along the longitudinal axis of the two halves of the hollow bolt. The recesses and / or teeth of the first half are complementary to the teeth and / or recesses of the second half. This is advantageous to ensure that the hollow bolt is correctly configured so that its threads are continuous after it is closed around the cable. This is also advantageous to prevent the two halves from slipping relative to each other when the hollow bolt is tightened.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, the cable inlet comprises, symmetrically around the longitudinal axis of the body, on the side of the second opening, a cylindrical threaded inner wall configured to receive the hollow bolt. This means that the pitch of the thread of the inner wall and the thread of the hollow bolt are at least the same, and the diameter of the hollow bolt and the diameter of the cylindrical inner wall correspond to each other. The cylindrical threaded inner wall is advantageous for easy screwing and unscrewing of the hollow bolt into the cable inlet, which is automatically correctly aligned with respect to the first opening. The cylindrical inner wall is preferably located outside the cavity. This is particularly advantageous in combination with the aforementioned embodiment, in which the cavity and the sealing element have a conical shape, so that the hollow bolt can only be tightened to a very limited extent in the body, which overly limits the compression of the sealing element, as a result of which the hollow bolt may not be attached firmly enough to the cable inlet.

[0050] The cylindrical threaded inner wall is part of the body of the cable entry. Alternatively, the cylindrical threaded inner wall is part of the strain relief on the side of the second opening, as in the previous embodiment. The threads are here arranged partly in the first U-shape and partly in the second U-shape.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, a hollow cylindrical pressing means is arranged inside the hollow bolt. The cylindrical pressing means is arranged between the cable and the hollow bolt. The cylindrical pressing means comprises an annular pressure surface on the side of the second opening. The annular pressure surface is preferably arranged in the cavity of the body. The cylindrical pressing means is movable along the longitudinal axis from the first opening towards the second opening. By tightening the hollow bolt, the cylindrical pressing means is moved by the bolt from the first opening towards the second opening. The pressure surface thereby presses the sealing element. The pressure surface is advantageous in preventing the sealing element from being damaged by the rotation of the hollow bolt. The pressure surface has a similar function to the second sealing ring described above. The outer edge of the pressure surface is at least larger in diameter than the thread of the hollow bolt. The outer edge of the pressure surface is preferably smaller in diameter than the cross section of the cavity of the body at the height of the second opening and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This is advantageous, in particular in combination with the previously described embodiment in which the cavity is conical in shape, since it allows the pressure surface to be moved at least partially within the cavity along the longitudinal axis. The cylindrical pressing means is also advantageous in protecting the cable from damage due to rotation of the hollow bolt.

[0052] The hollow cylindrical pressing means preferably comprises recesses and / or teeth on the edges along the longitudinal axis of the two halves of the hollow cylindrical pressing means. The recesses and / or teeth of the first half are complementary to the teeth and / or recesses of the second half. This is advantageous to ensure that the hollow cylindrical pressing means is correctly configured after it is closed around the cable. This is also advantageous to prevent the two halves of the hollow cylindrical pressing means from slipping relative to each other when the hollow bolt is tightened.

[0053] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a housing with a cable entry for the waterproof and dustproof passage of at least one cable.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing comprises at least one cable entry, preferably at least two cable entries, and a box. Each cable entry is according to the first aspect. The box is made of a waterproof material. The box comprises a free interior space. The box is preferably made of a corrosion-resistant material. The box comprises two separable halves. A first half of the body of each cable entry is integrated with the first half of the box. A second half of the body of the cable entry is clamped against the first half of the body by the second half of the box. Optionally, the second half of the body of the cable entry is integrated with the second half of the box. The half of the body of each cable entry can be molded in a mould simultaneously with the half of the box, so that the respective half is integrated with the half of the box. The half of the body of each cable entry can be fused to the half of the box, so that the respective half is integrated with the half of the box.

[0055] The box halves are provided with a contact surface. The contact area is the surface where the box halves contact each other after closing the box. The contact area is the circumference of the cross section of the box. The contact area includes a groove along the circumference of the cross section. The box is preferably provided with a seal in the groove for a water- and dust-tight closure of the box. The seal is for example a sealing rubber. Alternatively, one half of the box is provided with a groove along the circumference of the cross section and the other half of the box is provided with a complementary tongue along the circumference of the cross section. Yet another embodiment is a combination of both, where the seal is compressed by the tongue of the groove. If the second half of the body is not integrated in the second half of the box, preferably at least one seal is used, which is also arranged between the second half of the box and the second half of the body.

[0056] The main advantage of the housing according to the invention is that it comprises a two-half box, the first half of the body of each cable entry being integrated into the first half of the box and the second half of the body of the cable entry being clamped against the first half of the body of the cable entry by the second half of the box. As a result, it is no longer necessary to provide an additional waterproof and dustproof seal between the cable entry and the housing box, as is the case when using cable glands, but rather the box seal alone provides a housing that is guaranteed waterproof and dustproof. A further advantage is that it is not necessary to cut the cable in order to fit the housing over it.

[0057] Another advantage of the housing according to the invention is that it can be easily opened and closed after installation, and replaced if necessary, without cutting or disconnecting cables.

[0058] According to a preferred embodiment, the first half of the box comprises a bottom plate, which extends over and over the side wall of the box with the cable inlet and thus over the volume of the box. Preferably, the bottom plate extends over and over each side wall with a cable inlet. The bottom plate comprises, on the outside of the box, a strain relief in the longitudinal direction of the cable inlet on said side wall.

[0059] The strain relief comprises a pressure plate and two screws or bolts. The bottom plate comprises two threaded holes for receiving the two screws or bolts. The bolts or screws are preferably stainless steel screws or bolts. The pressure plate can be attached to the cable by the two screws or bolts. The pressure plate is preferably U-shaped. Preferably, the strain relief comprises two U-shapes, the first U-shape being the pressure plate and the second U-shape being fixed to the bottom plate. By means of the strain relief, the pulling force on the cable is not transferred from the side of the first opening to the cable entry. This is advantageous for making the cable entry robust, waterproof and dustproof. A further advantage is that the cable is always positioned in the same direction relative to the cable entry, so that the cable does not exert or only exerts limited torsional forces on the cable entry. Torsional forces can have a negative effect on the waterproof and dustproof properties of the cable entry. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for cables with a large diameter.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing comprises at least two cable inlets. The box comprises an elongated cylindrical protrusion on a side wall. The elongated cylindrical protrusion comprises a cylindrical channel for passing the cable. The channel extends from the box to a free end of the elongated cylindrical protrusion. The elongated cylindrical protrusion comprises two detachable halves. A first half of the elongated cylindrical protrusion is part of the first half of the box and a second half of the elongated cylindrical protrusion is part of the second half of the box. This is advantageous since it allows several cables to be fed into the channel without cutting the cable. Preferably, one cable inlet is on the opposite side wall in the longitudinal direction of the elongated cylindrical protrusion. If the cables have different diameters, the cable inlet for the cable with the largest diameter is preferably in the longitudinal direction of the elongated cylindrical protrusion. This is advantageous since it is expected that the cable with the largest diameter is the least flexible and it is not easy to bend the cable from the cable inlet to the elongated cylindrical protrusion.

[0061] This embodiment is advantageous for example for feeding several cables into one opening in the second housing. The cables are each fed separately from a separate cable inlet in the housing. The cables are fed together from outside the housing into the elongated cylindrical protrusion. The elongated cylindrical protrusion passes through the cable inlet in the second housing, whereby the cables pass through the cable inlet in the second housing simultaneously. For example, by feeding the elongated cylindrical protrusion into the second housing using a waterproof and dustproof cable inlet, using a cable inlet according to the first aspect or a housing according to the second aspect, the cables pass through the second housing from a single waterproof and dustproof cable inlet. The housing according to this embodiment is, so to speak, a multi-cable insert for a single cable inlet according to the first aspect.

[0062] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for threading a cable through a waterproof and dustproof cable entry.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: - feeding the cable into a cylindrical channel in a sealing element of the cable inlet; - receiving a sealing element within a cavity of a body of the cable entry, the body extending along a longitudinal axis, the cable passing through a first opening and a second opening of the body, the first opening and the second opening being positioned on either side of the cavity on the longitudinal axis of the body; - clamping the sealing element in the cavity of the body using a clamping element; Includes.

[0064] The sealing element is helical in shape. The sealing element is helically wound around the cable. As the sealing element is helically wound around the cable, it can be wound around the cable without cutting the cable, whereby the cable is introduced into the channel of the sealing element. A further advantage is that there is no need to renew or maintain the sealing element, and the sealing element is suitable for a wide range of cable diameters. It is also advantageous that by helically winding the sealing element around the cable, several successive continuous sealing rings are formed around the cable, whereby the cable entry according to the invention can withstand high water pressures and is therefore particularly advantageous for use underground. It is also advantageous that, even with ageing of the sealing element on the side in contact with the environment, there are enough continuous rings to continue to guarantee water and dust resistance.

[0065] The body is opened into two halves to receive the sealing element, which are then closed around the sealing element. Opening the body into two halves allows the body to be closed around the sealing element without cutting the cable, which is then received within the cavity of the body.

[0066] The clamping element is opened into two halves to clamp the sealing element. The two halves are then closed around the cable and the clamping element is fixed in or on the cable inlet. The clamping element is fixed in or on the cable inlet in a direction along the longitudinal axis. By opening the clamping element into two halves, the clamping element can be closed around the cable without cutting the cable. By fixing the clamping element in or on the cable inlet, the sealing element is clamped in the cavity of the body.

[0067] When the sealing element is clamped in the cavity of the body by the clamping element in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the body, the sealing element is compressed in the longitudinal axis direction and expands in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the channel possibly first expands until the sealing element is pressed against the wall of the cavity, and then the channel is closed upon further compression. It may therefore be that the channel is not completely bonded to the cable everywhere. It is therefore particularly advantageous to spirally wind the sealing element around the cable, so that successive loops of the sealing element are twisted relative to each other during compression, and the channel contained in the sealing element immediately contracts, while at the same time the sealing element is compressed against the wall of the cavity. This is similar to a snake wrapping around its prey. This ensures that the cable entry is watertight and dusttight over the entire length of the sealing element.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping element is a hollow bolt. The hollow bolt extends along a longitudinal axis. The hollow bolt comprises a channel for passing the cable along the longitudinal axis of the body. The channel extends from a first end to a second end of the bolt. The hollow bolt comprises a screw thread. The hollow bolt is tightened in the cable inlet. The hollow bolt compresses the sealing element during tightening. The hollow bolt is advantageous for clamping the sealing element in the cavity of the body, since depending on the diameter of the cable, the hollow bolt can be screwed in less or more, whereby the hollow bolt presses the sealing element against the wall in the cavity less or more and the channel shrinks more or less.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the additional step of screwing in a strain relief. The strain relief is included in the cable inlet. The strain relief comprises a pressure plate and two screws or bolts. The bolts or screws are preferably stainless steel screws or bolts. The body comprises two threaded holes for receiving the two screws or bolts. The pressure plate is attached to the cable by means of the two screws or bolts. The pressure plate is preferably U-shaped. Preferably, the strain relief comprises two U-shapes, the first U-shape being the pressure plate and the second U-shape being fixed to the cable inlet. Preferably, the two strain reliefs are screwed in, the first on the side of the first opening and the second on the side of the -+ second opening. Due to the strain relief, the tensile forces acting on the cable are not transferred to a possible branch on the cable. This is advantageous for making the branch sturdy. A further advantage is that since the cable is always positioned in the same direction relative to the cable entry, the cable does not or only limits torsional forces on the cable entry, which may adversely affect the water and dust resistance of the cable entry.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, the cable is not cut when passing through the cable entry, which is advantageous as it means that no interruption to communication or energy systems is required to pass the cable through the cable entry.

[0071] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a cable entry according to the first aspect is preferably configured to carry out a method according to the third aspect, and a method according to the third aspect is preferably carried out using a cable entry according to the first aspect. Thus, each of the configurations described herein above and below may relate to any of the four aspects of the invention.

[0072] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a housing according to the second aspect or a method according to the third aspect for arranging a junction box in a communication or energy system.

[0073] This use makes branching of cables in communication or energy systems advantageous since there is no need to cut the cable and interrupt the communication or energy system. The junction box can be fitted around an already installed cable and additional branching can then be performed. By using the cable entries the junction box remains waterproof and dustproof for a very long time even when used underground and can be easily reopened for e.g. repairs or additional branching.

[0074] The invention is described below by means of non-limiting figures illustrating the invention, which are not intended to, and should not be construed as, limiting the scope of the invention.

[0075] [Detailed description of the drawings] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] The cable (1) is fed through a cable inlet (18) in the housing (2). Only a portion of the housing (2) is shown in FIG. 1. The cable inlet (18) is integral with the housing (2). The cable inlet (18) comprises a body (4), a sealing element (5) and a clamping element (12). The body (4) extends along a longitudinal axis (20). The body (4) comprises a cavity (6), a first opening (9) and a second opening (10). The first opening (9) and the second opening (10) are positioned on either side of the cavity (6) on the longitudinal axis (20). The sealing element (5) is received in the cavity (6). The sealing element (5) is helically shaped and is wound around the cable (1). The cavity (6) and the sealing element (5) are cone-shaped, with the cavity (6) and the sealing element (5) having equal apex angles (β). The body (4) and the clamping element (12) comprise two halves. The first half of the body (4) is integral with the first half of the housing (2). The second half of the body (4) is clamped against the first half of the body (4) by the second half of the housing (2). The cable entry (18) comprises two strain reliefs (8) and (17). The strain reliefs (8) and (17) are shown in detail at (31) and (30), respectively. The strain relief (8) and the strain relief (17) include two metal stainless bolts (24) including a first bolt (23) and a second bolt (28), and include a first U-shaped section (25) and a second U-shaped section (29). The second U-shaped section (29) is attached to a first half of the body (4). The first U-shaped section (25) is attached to the second U-shaped section (29) by the first bolt (23) and the second bolt (28). A first washer (7) is disposed in the cavity (6) near the first opening (9). The first washer (7) includes two detachable halves. The clamping element (12) is a hollow bolt (12). The hollow bolt (12) has recesses and / or teeth (13) on the edges along the longitudinal axis (20) of the two halves of the hollow bolt (12).On the side of the second opening (10), the cable inlet (18) comprises a cylindrical inner wall (11) with a thread symmetrically around the longitudinal axis (20) for tightening the hollow bolt (12) in the cable inlet (18). In this embodiment, the cylindrical inner wall (11) is included in the strain relief (17). The threaded cylindrical inner wall (11) is shown in detail (30) as a threaded cylindrical inner wall (26) and is part of the first U-shaped part (25) and part of the second U-shaped part (29). Detail (31) of the strain relief (8) also has a cylindrical inner wall, but without threads. The dashed line with arrow (27) indicates the direction of rotation when tightening the hollow bolt (12) in the cable inlet (18). Inside the hollow bolt (12) a hollow cylindrical pressing means (14) is arranged. The cable (1) passes through a hollow cylindrical pressing means (14), which has an annular pressure surface (15) on the side of the second opening (10) and has recesses and / or teeth (21) on the edges along the longitudinal axis (20) of the two halves of the hollow cylindrical pressing means (14). A second washer (22) is arranged in the cavity (6) near the second opening (10). The second washer (22) comprises two detachable halves. The second washer (22) is arranged against the annular pressure surface (15) of the hollow cylindrical pressing means (14) and is adapted to evenly distribute the pressing force exerted by the hollow cylindrical pressing means (14) on the sealing element (5). With larger cable diameters, large tensile and bending forces arise, and therefore additional strain reliefs must be provided. For this purpose, the housing (2) comprises an optional bottom plate (3) which extends beyond the side wall where the cable entry (18) is located. The bottom plate (3) comprises a strain relief (16) in the longitudinal direction of the cable entry (18).

[0077] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a housing according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The housing (2) comprises a free interior space, an elongated cylindrical protrusion (19) and a number of cable entries (18). The cable entries (18) are similar to the cable entries (18) of FIG. 1. The side wall of the housing (2) opposite the elongated cylindrical protrusion (19) has a cable entry (18). The housing (2) comprises three further cable entries (18) in a first side wall of the housing (2) between the elongated cylindrical protrusion (19) and the opposite cable entry (18) and three further cable entries (18) in a second side wall of the housing (2) between the elongated cylindrical protrusion (19) and the opposite cable entry. The six further cable entries (18) have a smaller diameter than the opposite cable entries (18). The elongated cylindrical projection (19) passes through the cable inlet (18) similar to the cable inlet (18) of Fig. 1 and passes through a second housing in a waterproof and dustproof manner, which is not shown in Fig. 2. The housing (2) of Fig. 2 is suitable for the waterproof and dustproof passage of several cables, in this embodiment a main cable passing through the cable inlet and six additional cables.

Claims

1. A cable inlet for passing a cable through a housing in a waterproof and dustproof manner, a body extending along a longitudinal axis, the body including a cavity, a first opening and a second opening for passing the cable, the first opening and the second opening being positioned on either side of the cavity on the longitudinal axis of the body; a sealing element received within the cavity of the body, the sealing element including a cylindrical channel for passing the cable therethrough, the cylindrical channel being oriented along the longitudinal axis; and a clamping element on the side of the second opening for clamping the sealing element within the cavity of the body; The cable inlet comprises:

1. A cable inlet, comprising: the body and the clamping element each comprising two removable halves, a first half located on a first side of a plane and a second half located on a second side of the plane, the longitudinal axis of the body located within the plane, and the sealing element having a helical shape.

2. 2. The cable entry of claim 1, wherein the cavity and the sealing element are cone-shaped, the cavity and the sealing element have equal apex angles, and the apex angle of the cavity is positioned on the side of the first opening.

3. 2. The cable entry of claim 1, wherein the body includes a strain relief on a side of the first opening.

4. 2. The cable entry of claim 1, further comprising: a washer disposed within the cavity of the body adjacent the first opening; the washer includes two removable halves; the first half is located on a first side and the second half is located on a second side of the plane; A cable entry, characterized in that the longitudinal axis of the body lies in the plane.

5. 2. The cable entry of claim 1, wherein the clamping element is a hollow bolt, the hollow bolt extending along a longitudinal axis; and The cable entry, characterized in that the hollow bolt includes a channel along the longitudinal axis for passing the cable therethrough.

6. 6. The cable entry according to claim 5, characterized in that the cable entry includes a cylindrical, threaded inner wall configured to receive the hollow bolt, on the side of the second opening, symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the body.

7. 6. The cable inlet according to claim 5, further comprising a hollow cylindrical pressing means disposed inside the hollow bolt, the cylindrical pressing means including an annular pressure surface on the side of the second opening, 13. A cable inlet, comprising: a cylindrical pressing means having two detachable halves, a first half located on a first side of a plane and a second half located on a second side of the plane, the longitudinal axis of the body being located within the plane.

8. A housing with a cable inlet, comprising at least one cable inlet and a box for inserting at least one cable in a waterproof and dustproof manner, A housing, wherein each of the cable inlets is as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, and wherein the box comprises two detachable halves, a first half of the body of each cable inlet being integrated into the first half of the box, and a second half of the body of the cable inlet being clamped against the first half of the cable inlet by the second half of the box.

9. 9. The housing of claim 8, wherein the first half of the box includes a bottom plate extending over and over a side wall of the box having a cable entry, and wherein the bottom plate includes a strain relief on the outside of the box and in the longitudinal direction of the cable entry on the side wall.

10. 9. The housing of claim 8, wherein the housing has at least two cable inlets, the box including an elongated cylindrical protrusion on a side wall, the elongated cylindrical protrusion including a cylindrical channel for passing a cable therethrough, the elongated cylindrical protrusion including two removable halves, a first half of the elongated cylindrical protrusion being part of the first half of the box and a second half of the elongated cylindrical protrusion being part of the second half of the box.

11. 1. A method for inserting a cable into a waterproof and dustproof cable entry, comprising: - feeding a cable into a cylindrical channel in a sealing element of the cable inlet; - housing the sealing element within a cavity of a body of the cable entry, the body extending along a longitudinal axis, the cable passing through a first opening and a second opening of the body, the first opening and the second opening being positioned on either side of the cavity on the longitudinal axis of the body; - clamping the sealing element within the cavity of the body using a clamping element; The method comprising: winding the sealing element helically around the cable, opening the body into two halves to receive the sealing element, and then closing the two halves around the sealing element; A method comprising opening the clamping element into two halves to clamp the sealing element, and then closing the two halves around the cable and fixing the clamping element in or on the cable inlet.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the clamping element is a hollow bolt; Tightening the hollow bolt within the cable inlet; The method of claim 1, wherein the hollow bolt compresses the sealing element during tightening.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, comprising the additional step of threading into a strain relief included in the body of the cable entry.

14. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the cable is not severed when inserted through the cable entry.

15. Use of a housing according to claim 8 or a method according to claim 11 for arranging a junction box in a communication or energy system.

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