Sealing module for cables or pipes, relay system including such a sealing module and method for manufacturing such a sealing module - Patents.com

Abstract

A sealing module (13) for a cable (11) or pipe comprises at least one compressible body (16) and a conductor (22). The conductor (22) is arranged to extend from the groove (18) to the outer surface (19) such that the conductor (22) is in electrical contact with the cable (11) or pipe received in the groove (18) and forms a conductive path to the outer surface (19). The conductor (22) has a plurality of through holes (27) and a conductive portion (28) surrounding the holes (27), the holes (27) being arranged in longitudinal rows along the conductor and the holes being longitudinally displaced relative to the holes in adjacent rows. Also disclosed is a relay system comprising one or more sealing modules (13). Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the sealing module (13), as well as the use of an expanded metal mesh or a perforated metal sheet as the conductor (22) of the sealing module (13).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing module. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sealing module comprising at least one compressible body and a conductor, the compressible body having an outer surface and a groove for receiving a cable or a pipe, the conductor being arranged to extend from the groove to the outer surface so as to be in electrical contact with the cable or pipe received in the groove and to form a conductive path to the outer surface. This type of sealing module is used for grounding pipes or cables with shields, screens or armor. The present invention also relates to a transit system comprising one or more such sealing modules. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a sealing module. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrically shielded cables, or cables with a cable screen or shield made of electrically conductive material, have several applications. The purpose of the screen is to maintain the quality of the signal conducted through the shielded cable and to protect the surroundings from electro-magnetic interference (EMI) caused by the signal conducted through the cable, or vice versa. The cable may also have an armor or metal enclosure that covers the cable. The screen or shield continues to perform its function, preventing EMI from propagating to and from the cable, while the armor serves the purpose of mechanically preventing damage to the cable, preventing sudden failure, and is often used to connect the cable to ground (earth potential) to prevent more serious failure.

[0003] Such shielded or armored cables are grounded when passing through a structure or at their termination, for example to connect the cable to its surroundings or to prevent radio frequency interference (RFI) from passing through shielded structures such as shielded walls, enclosures, and bulkheads.

[0004] The present disclosure of this application is primarily concerned with applications where a connection to ground is required and / or where potentially high currents need to be diverted away, such as for example grounding, bonding and equipotential bonding in high power applications, and lightning protection. In general, the present invention may be used in electrical equipment where high current carrying capacity is required. Examples of typical cables used include metal clad cables, TECK cables, wired armoured cables (e.g. SWA cables), wired braid cables (e.g. SWB cables), i.e. high performance cables with metal casings that can be used in hazardous environments.

[0005] Several prior art documents describe solutions for earthing cables or pipes when routing through partitions, one of which, WO2012 / 034988, discloses a sealing module comprising at least one compressible body and a conductor for earthing a cable or pipe arranged within the sealing module. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sealing module for effectively grounding a pipe or cable.

[0007] The present invention relates to a sealing module for cables or pipes, the sealing module comprising at least one compressible body and a conductor, the compressible body having an outer surface and a groove for receiving a cable or pipe, the conductor being arranged to extend from the groove to the outer surface so as to be in electrical contact with the cable or pipe received in the groove and to form a conductive path to the outer surface, the conductor having a number of through holes and a conductive portion surrounding the holes, the holes being arranged in longitudinal rows along the conductor, the holes being longitudinally displaced with respect to holes in adjacent rows of holes. The conductor is made of a conductive material such as a metal. The conductor may be an expanded metal mesh forming the holes and the conductive portion. Alternatively, the conductor is made of a perforated metal having a number of perforations forming the holes, the remaining metal then forming the conductive portion surrounding the holes. The arrangement of the holes in the displaced rows results in highly efficient conductors, which are easy to manufacture and are designed to provide favorable electrical properties in an efficient manner for the earthing of pipes, shielded cables or armored cables. The conductor may be made of a metal foil or a flexible metal sheet. The conductor may have a regular pattern of holes.

[0008] The sealing module has a longitudinal axis along which a groove extends, in which the cable or pipe is placed. The sealing module also has a first end and a second end. For example, the sealing module comprises two opposing separable compressible bodies. The conductor may be placed between the first end and the second end of the sealing module, or at one or both of these ends. The conductor may thus be sandwiched between the compressible body and the cable. In this case, the conductor further extends to the outside of the sealing module. Thus, after installation of the sealing module, the conductor engages and is pressed against the cable and its shield or armor. It has been found that the combination of the compressible body (which is also elastic) and the conductor holes provides both favorable sealing and grounding properties. The conductor may be flexible so that it can conform to the shape of the cable (or pipe or wire) and the sealing module to provide a suitable abutment and achieve favorable conditions for electrical contact and sealing.

[0009] The holes, or at least some of the holes, may be elongated, which improves both the electrical and mechanical properties of the conductor. The holes may be elongated and point in the same direction, such as the longitudinal direction of the conductor, which is also the desired direction of the conductor for conducting current, which allows for efficient conduction in the desired direction. At the same time, further improving the flexibility of the conductor in the same direction can improve assembly and sealing properties.

[0010] The holes, or at least some of the holes, may have two opposing vertices, e.g. the vertices are convex in the longitudinal direction. It has been found that such a configuration provides favorable properties, e.g. electrical conductivity in a desired direction and favorable mechanical properties of the conductor. For example, the holes may have a hexagonal shape other than a regular hexagon, due to the elongated shape described above. Alternatively, the holes may be parallelograms or rhombuses, also called diamonds, with the conductive portions inclined toward the longitudinal direction of the conductor. This configuration allows electricity to be conducted in a favorable manner in a desired direction. The conductor may be formed by a strip of expanded metal mesh. The expanded metal mesh is manufactured by scoring and stretching a metal sheet using conventional methods, which may include conventional flattening if necessary. The expanded metal mesh has a stretch direction such that the holes are shorter in the stretch direction and longer in the transverse direction perpendicular to the stretch direction, and the holes are separated by conductive portions. The expanded metal mesh is then cut into strips to form the conductors, which are placed on the compressible body with the longitudinal dimension of the holes aligned with the longitudinal direction of the conductor. Forming the conductors from the expanded metal mesh provides efficient production and electrical conductivity characteristics.

[0011] A protruding edge may be formed around each hole. The protruding edge may extend generally perpendicular to the plane of the conductor. The protruding edge may engage the cable or pipe. The protruding edge provides favorable properties for the conductor. It is believed that the protruding edge contacts and partially penetrates the material of the cable or pipe, improving contact. The conductor may be formed with protruding edges projecting in opposite directions to engage the compressible body and improve fixation thereto.

[0012] The conductor may extend in a direction perpendicular to the grooves, or may extend along the periphery of the compressible body or a portion thereof.

[0013] Alternatively, the conductors may be produced by perforating a metal sheet or foil, for example with a perforating roller, to provide a rolling direction. The rolling direction may correspond to the longitudinal direction of the conductor as it is placed in the sealing module. This allows for a high efficiency production of the conductors while providing desired holes, e.g. holes with a desired pattern and shape. Furthermore, protruding edges around the holes can be created with high efficiency.

[0014] The holes can be relatively large. For example, the conductive portion can cover 40 to 90 percent of the conductor area as shown in the plan view. This allows for efficient electrical and mechanical properties while saving material. Also, the thickness of the conductor is 0.1 to 1 mm, which provides good properties when combined with the holes.

[0015] The sealing module may comprise a number of peelable sheets, which allow the inner diameter of the groove to be adjusted to the outer diameter of the cable or pipe, the conductors being placed on the peelable sheets, which are flexible so that one or more of the peelable sheets can be peeled off, so that the conductors can be temporarily moved so that one or more of the peelable sheets can be peeled off as required, and the conductors are returned to the groove after the peelable sheets have been peeled off. For example, each compressible body may have one or more stacks of peelable sheets, one or more stacks of one compressible body facing one or more stacks of the other compressible body, each stack being individually peelable.

[0016] The compressible body may have a recess for receiving the conductor. The conductor extends partly in the recess outside the sealing module. The conductor is therefore at least partly recessed into the recess, allowing a thicker conductor to be used. This allows the compressible bodies in the form of two module halves to come into contact with each other, even if a relatively thin conductor is sandwiched between the compressible bodies. This recess also allows the conductor to be reliably localized in the sealing module. The recess may extend from the groove to the outer surface, and may extend further along the outer side of the compressible body if necessary. The width of the recess corresponds to the width of the conductor, and the depth of the recess may correspond to the entire thickness of the conductor or a part of the thickness of the conductor. This recess allows the conductor to be positioned without interfering with the sealing (shielding) ability of the sealing module.

[0017] The present invention also relates to a relay system comprising a frame, at least one sealing module of the present disclosure arranged in the frame, and a compression unit for compressing the sealing module in the frame, the frame being made of a conductive material and the conductor being in electrical contact with the frame. The conductor may be in direct contact with the frame or may be arranged to contact the frame via an adjacent sealing module having a conductor. If applicable, the conductor and the frame may be electrically connected via a stay plate made of a conductive material. Alternatively, the relay system may be a round seal for one or more cables.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a sealing module, in which the conductors are formed by scoring a metal sheet, stretching the sheet to form an expanded metal mesh and placing the conductors on the compressible bodies. The method may include the steps of stretching the sheet in a stretch direction and placing the expanded metal mesh against a stretch direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conductors. The method may also include the step of placing two compressible bodies such that the grooves face each other and the conductors are located between the two compressible bodies. The method may also include the step of forming the compressible bodies by extrusion.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a sealing module, in which holes in the conductor are formed in the rolling direction by a perforating roller, and the conductor is arranged in the sealing module such that the rolling direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the conductor.

[0020] The invention also relates to the use of expanded or perforated metal as a conductor in a sealing module, the sealing module comprising a compressible module having an outer surface and a groove for receiving a cable or pipe, the conductor being arranged to extend from the groove to the outer surface so as to be in electrical contact with the cable or pipe received in the groove and to form a conductive path to the outer surface.

[0021] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a relay system according to an embodiment, which is arranged in a partition in the form of a wall and comprises a compressible sealing module, a stay plate and a compression unit. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a compressible body in the form of a conventional sealing module half of a sealing module, illustrating the general concept of the groove and its peelable sheet. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a portion of the trunk system of FIG. 1 illustrating a conductor of a compressible body in contact with a cable shield of a cable disposed through the trunk system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a compressible body with a conductor according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a compressible body according to another embodiment, the compressible body being provided with a peelable sheet and a conductor. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a compressible body with conductors and blinds according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which a peelable sheet is arranged in each bundle. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a relay system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a compressible body with a conductor, illustrating the holes in the conductor according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a compressible body with a conductor and a peelable sheet according to FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a compressible body comprising the conductor of FIGS. 8 and 9, the conductor being disposed in a recess in the compressible body. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a compressible body according to yet another embodiment, in which a conductor is disposed within a recess and the compressible body is provided with a plurality of stacks of peelable sheets. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a conductor according to one embodiment, illustrating a protruding edge around a hole. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a perforation roller for producing a conductor according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a conductor according to one embodiment, the conductor being formed from an expanded metal mesh, illustrating the stretch direction for producing the expanded metal mesh relative to the longitudinal direction of the conductor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] To further explain the invention, details of several embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: although the embodiments are described primarily with reference to cables, it should be noted that the invention can also be used for grounding and connecting pipes.

[0024] Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic of a transit system 10 for passing at least one cable 11 and / or at least one pipe through a partition wall 12 according to one embodiment. The transit system 10 is configured to pass one or more cables 11 and / or pipes through a partition 12, e.g. in the form of a wall, floor, roof, ceiling, etc. In Fig. 1, the partition 12 is illustrated by a dashed line. For example, the transit system 10 is configured to pass cables 11, e.g. electrical cables, communication cables, computer cables, etc., and pipes for various gases and liquids, e.g. water, compressed air, hydraulic fluids, cooking gas and other types of gases and liquids. The cables and / or pipes are guided axially through the transit system 10.

[0025] The relay system 10 according to Figure 1 is configured to receive one or more sealing modules 13, compression units 14, and, if necessary, stayplates 15. The sealing modules 13 may be configured in different sizes and the various sealing modules 13 may be arranged in different configurations. For example, the compression units 14 and stayplates 15, where applicable, may be of conventional type. For example, the compression units 14 are conventional wedges.

[0026] The sealing module 13 is compressible. For example, the sealing module 13 is elastic and comprises two opposing compressible bodies 16 in the form of sealing module halves, the compressible bodies 16 being compressible sealing module halves. If necessary, as shown in FIG. 2, each compressible body 16 comprises a plurality of peelable sheets 17 located in a semi-cylindrical groove 18. For example, each compressible body 16 comprises a stack of semi-cylindrical peelable sheets 17. For example, the peelable sheets 17 themselves are of conventional type and are provided such that the diameter of the groove 18 is adapted to the outer diameter of the cable 11 or pipe.

[0027] If necessary, an appropriate number of peelable sheets 17 are removed to adapt the sealing module 16 to the diameter of the cable 11 or pipe, which is then positioned within the compressible body 16, and the sealing module 13 is formed by stacking the two module halves 16 on top of each other with the grooves 18 facing each other, forming an opening for the cable 11 or pipe. The compressible body 16 also has an outer surface 19. The sealing module 13 is resilient and a suitable material may be natural rubber or a synthetic rubber such as EPDM rubber, which may optionally contain additional fillers, although other alternatives such as TPE may also be used.

[0028] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the relay system 10 comprises a frame 20 in which one or more sealing modules 13 are arranged, together with one or more stay plates 15 and compression units 14 as required. For example, the frame 20 is made of a conductive material such as metal. For example, the frame 20 is a conventional frame. If no cables are to be arranged, blinds 21, such as rubber or plastic cores, may be arranged in the openings formed by the grooves 18 to seal them. The blinds 21 are removed before placing the cables therein. For example, the blinds 21 are conventional blinds.

[0029] FIG. 3 further shows a schematic view of a portion of the relay system 10, with a portion of the relay system 10 removed to show the cable 11 disposed through the sealing module 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the sealing module 13 includes a conductor 22, which will be described in more detail below. The conductor 22 is configured to ground the cable 11 disposed in the groove 18. For example, the cable jacket 11a is removed from a portion of the cable 11 to expose the cable shield 11b, and the cable shield 11b is disposed in contact with the conductor 22. The frame 20 is made of a conductive material, such as metal, and for grounding the cable 11, the conductor 22 is disposed in electrical contact with the frame 20, either directly or via a stay plate 15 including a conductive material, or via a conductor 22 of an adjacent sealing module 13, or via another electrical connection. For example, the current is diverted to the frame 20 through the conductor 22. For example, if there is a current, the current is diverted to the frame 20 through the conductor 22 via the adjacent sealing module 13 or the stay plate 15 having the conductor 22. Then, the frame 20 functions as a current collecting bar connected to the ground. It is not necessary to provide the conductor 22 in every sealing module 13 in the frame 20. For example, in a relay system, if the current can flow through several routes before reaching the ground, the internal resistance of the system will be low.

[0030] 4-6 illustrate compressible bodies 16 of sealing modules 13 according to various embodiments, and the compressible bodies 16 shown in Figs. 5 and 6 are provided with a peelable sheet 17. The compressible bodies 16 are provided with a conductor 22. In Figs. 4 and 5, the compressible bodies 16 are formed as sealing module halves, and the sealing module 13 includes two compressible bodies 16, which may be two identical compressible bodies 16, or one compressible body 16 with a conductor and another compressible body 16 without a conductor 22. That is, at least one of the compressible bodies 16 of the sealing module 13 includes a conductor 22.

[0031] 5 and 6, it can be seen how the compressible body 16 has an axial semicircular groove 18 that extends from a first end to a second end of the compressible body 16, and a peelable sheet of material 17 is disposed within the groove 18. In the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6, the blinds 21 do not extend the entire length of the compressible body 16, and in particular do not extend over the portion where the conductors 22 are disposed. The blinds 21 according to one or more embodiments may have a cut-out portion for the conductors 22, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0032] As mentioned above, the compressible body 16 has an outer surface 19. The conductor 22 extends from the groove 18 to the outer surface 19. According to the embodiment shown, the conductor 22 extends perpendicular to the axial groove 18 of the compressible body 16, often along the inner circumference of the groove 18 and the peelable sheet 17 disposed therein. For example, the conductor 22 extends laterally of the compressible body 16 and the sealing module 13, for example from approximately the center of the groove 18, with a first end of said length facing the second end, approximately in the center of the groove 18, and the conductor 22 connects the "inside" of the sealing module 13 (which is normally inaccessible during use) to the outside, the outside being accessible during use, or the conductor 22 may at least be in contact with surrounding equipment such as the frame 20, the stay plate 15, a grounding wire, etc. For example, the conductors 22 may have a gap within the grooves 18 to facilitate temporary removal of the conductors 22, for example to allow peeling of the sheet 17. Alternatively, the conductors 22 may extend around the entire circumference of the compressible body 16. Alternatively, the conductors 22 may extend around the entire circumference of the compressible body 16, with the ends of the conductors 22 overlapping. Thus, the conductors 22 extend at least from the grooves 18 to the outer surface 19 of the compressible body 16 in contact with the cables 11 or pipes therein, and may also be connected to ground, such that the conductors 22 are in electrical contact with the pipes or cables 11 received in the grooves 18 and provide a conductive path to the outer surface 19.

[0033] For use with cable 11, a small portion of the outer jacket of shielded cable 11 is stripped to expose a small portion of the cable screen (or shield or armor, as applicable) (as shown in FIG. 3). Cable 11 is then placed in sealing module 13 with conductors 22 abutting the stripped portions and appropriate electrical connections are made. When sealing module 13 is compressed, conductors 22 are pressed against the cable shield. As shown in FIG. 6, peelable sheets 17 may be arranged in bundles, such as a first end bundle 17a, a middle bundle 17b, and a second end bundle 17c, and the effective diameter of groove 18 may vary along groove 18. For example, peelable sheets 17 may be arranged in two or three axially displaced bundles or axially next to each other, so that the diameter of groove 18 can be individually adapted to different sections of cable 11, such as the reduced diameter section where the outer jacket is removed. The number of removed peelable sheets 17 may vary from one stack to another, so that the diameter of grooves 18 in each stack 17a-c of peelable sheets 17 can be adjusted individually.

[0034] The sealing module may be parallelepiped-shaped (or block-shaped) or cylindrical, although other shapes are foreseeable within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In the embodiment of figures 1-6, the sealing module 13 formed by the compressible body 16 has a parallelepiped outer shape. However, other shapes are foreseeable within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In figure 7, a relay system 10 according to another embodiment is illustrated diagrammatically, in which the sealing module 13 has a cylindrical outer shape and is formed of two semi-cylindrical or semi-ring-shaped compressible bodies 16 with an optional peelable sheet 17 for forming a round seal for one cable. Alternatively, a number of sealing modules 13 having a shape as described with reference to figures 1-6 are arranged in a rectangular opening in a round seal. In the embodiment of figure 7, both compressible bodies 16 are provided with a conductor 22. The sealing module 13 of figure 7 is similar to the sealing module 13 described above with reference to figures 1 to 6, except that it is cylindrical in shape. The compression unit of the relay system of Fig. 7 is formed by front and rear fittings 24, 25 connected by a screw 26 for axially compressing the sealing module 13. The relay system 10 of Fig. 7 is placed, for example, in the opening of a sleeve or partition 12.

[0035] 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of a compressible body 16 with a conductor 22 according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the present invention, the conductor 22 comprises a plurality of through holes 27 and a conductive portion 28 surrounding the holes 27. The holes 27 and the conductive portion 28 are enlarged in the drawings to clearly show the holes 27 and the conductive portion 28. Therefore, the actual holes 27 and the conductive portion 28 may be smaller than these. The conductor 22 is made of a metal such as copper or other suitable conductive material including a suitable conductive alloy. For example, the conductor 22 is an expanded metal mesh or a punched metal sheet or a metal foil. The holes 27 are through openings substantially perpendicular to the plane of the conductor 22 or to the plane of the metal sheet or metal foil forming the conductor 22. For example, the conductive portion 28 is the remaining material of the metal sheet or metal foil after it has been cut and stretched or punched. For example, the conductor 22 has a thickness of 0.1 to 1 mm or 0.1 to 0.5 mm, for example 0.15 to 0.35 mm. For example, conductors 22 are pliable and flexible so that they can be bent, e.g., manually, around compressible body 16. For example, all of holes 27 can have a similar shape and be arranged in the same configuration, or each hole can have a different shape and / or be arranged in a different configuration.

[0036] The holes 27 are arranged in rows along the conductor 22. For example, the holes 27 are arranged in rows perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22. The holes 27 are longitudinally displaced with respect to the holes in the adjacent rows. The holes 27 are arranged, for example, in a regular pattern. For example, the rows of holes 27 may be parallel to each other. Thus, the conductive portions 28 are also arranged in a regular pattern. In the illustrated embodiment, the holes 27 are elongated, so that different electrical and mechanical properties are obtained depending on the orientation of the holes 27. The holes 27 and the conductive portions 28 are configured to promote the conduction of current in the direction of the conductor 22. For example, if some or all of the holes 27 are elongated, some or all of the elongated holes are arranged in the same direction to promote the conduction of electricity in that direction. For example, at least some of the conductive portions 28 extend elongated in the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22 or are inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22. Except at the ends of the conductor 22, each conductive portion 28 separates adjacent holes 27. For example, the conductive portions 28 are alternately inclined toward and away from the longitudinal axis of the conductor 22. For example, the conductive portions 28 extending away from the longitudinal axis extend at an acute angle, and the conductive portions 28 extending toward the longitudinal axis extend at an acute angle thereto. For example, each end of the conductive portions 28 connects to both the longitudinally adjacent conductive portions and the laterally adjacent conductive portions. In the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9, the holes 27 and the conductive portions 28 are configured to facilitate the conduction of current in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the sealing module 13 and perpendicular to the grooves 18. To this end, the slots 27 are arranged in the direction of the conductor 22, i.e., the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22 and the direction in which the current is conducted. The slots 27 have a longitudinal axis extending from the grooves 18 to the outer surface 19 of the compressible body 16 in the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22. The structure of the holes 27 and the conductive portions 28 may be arranged to obtain a larger conductive area in the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22 than in the transverse direction. For example, the structure of the holes 27 and the conductive portions 28 is configured to promote electrical conduction in the longitudinal direction by making the effective path of current shorter in the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22 than in the transverse direction. The holes 27 are, for example, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, or polygonal. For example, the holes 27 have one apex or two opposing apexes that are convex in the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22.In the embodiment of Figures 8 and 9, the holes 27 are hexagonal in shape and elongated with a longitudinal axis and two opposing vertices disposed in the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22, and in the embodiment of Figures 8 and 9 perpendicular to the grooves 18. The holes 27 are, for example, disposed with two opposing parallel edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22.

[0037] Alternatively, holes 27 may be configured in a circular, square, or another suitable shape.

[0038] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, the holes 27 are distributed to promote electrical conduction in the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22. Thus, the holes 27 are distributed to form conductive portions 28 that form a more effective path in the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22 than in the transverse direction, which may be, for example, a straighter and more effective path in the longitudinal direction. For example, the holes 27 are displaced from one another in the longitudinal and / or transverse directions of the conductor 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the holes 27 are arranged in rows, with the next row displaced in the transverse direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the holes 27 are also arranged in longitudinal rows, with the next row displaced in the longitudinal direction. For example, the rows of holes 27 are displaced from one another. Furthermore, the rows of holes 27 overlap one another, with the holes 27 in one row extending to a position between the holes 27 in the adjacent rows. For the long hexagonal holes 27 illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the conductive portions 28 are arranged in an elongated honeycomb pattern. For example, the conductive portion 28 may have a longitudinal conductive portion and a tilted conductive portion, the longitudinal conductive portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22 and connected to each other via the tilted conductive portion. For example, the tilted conductive portion is disposed at an angle of 40-70 degrees relative to the longitudinal conductive portion. For example, the longitudinal conductive portion is longer than the tilted conductive portion. Alternatively, the holes 27 may be oval or parallelogram-shaped, such as a long parallelogram, and disposed in a corresponding pattern. In the case of a parallelogram-shaped hole 27, it may have only a tilted conductive portion extending at an angle of 40-70 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22. For example, as shown in a plan view, the conductive portion 28 may cover 40 to 90 percent of the conductor 22 area.

[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the compressible body 16, which is formed with a recess 29 for receiving the conductor 22. Thus, the conductor 22 is disposed entirely or at least partially within the recess 29. The depth of the recess is, for example, slightly less than the thickness of the conductor 22. Alternatively, the depth of the recess 29 corresponds to the thickness of the conductor 22. The recess 29 may be machined or molded during the manufacture of the compressible body 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 29 is disposed in a middle section of the compressible body 16. Alternatively, the recess 29 is disposed in an end section of the compressible body 16. The recess 29 extends along the circumference of the compressible body 16. For example, the recess 29 extends at least from the groove 18 to the outer surface 19 and / or at least along the outer surface 19 in a direction perpendicular to the groove 18. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the recess 29 may extend across the groove 18. For example, the recess 29 extends continuously around the entire circumference of the compressible body 16.

[0040] With reference to Fig. 11, the compressible body 16 is formed with a recess 29 as described above with reference to Fig. 10. Furthermore, the compressible body according to Fig. 11 is provided with peelable layers 17 arranged in bundles 17a-c as described above with reference to Fig. 6. Thus, the peelable sheets 17 are configured to be individually peelable in each bundle 17a-17c, each bundle comprising a plurality of peelable sheets 17, whereby the diameter of the groove 18 can be individually varied for its different sections. For example, the diameter of the groove 18 in the middle section can be adapted to a cable 11 with the cable jacket removed, and the first and second end sections of the groove 18 can be adapted to a cable 11 with a jacket. Thus, the middle section of the groove 18 comprises a middle bundle 17b of peelable sheets 17, which can be arranged to receive a cable 11 having a smaller diameter than the end sections of the groove 18 comprising the first and second end bundles 17a, 17c of peelable sheets. For example, each compressible body 16 comprises exactly three sections 17a-c of peelable sheets. For example, the recess 29 extends continuously from the groove 18 section corresponding to the middle stack 17b of peelable sheets along the periphery of the compressible body 16 to the opposite side of the groove 18 section.

[0041] 12, the conductor 22 includes a protruding edge 30 disposed around the hole 27. To this end, the conductive portion 28 is formed with the protruding edge 30 partially or entirely around the hole 27, for example using a drilling process to form the hole 27. The protruding edge 30 extends generally perpendicular to the plane of the conductor 22. For example, the protruding edge 30 may extend radially away from the compressible body 16 to provide multiple effective contact points for engaging the cable 11. The protruding edge 30 may extend partially into the cable 11, such as the cable shield of the cable 11. The protruding edge 30 may be uneven and may have multiple ridges, such as the peaks shown in FIG. 12. Alternatively, the process of forming the expanded metal mesh may form edges that protrude in one or both directions generally perpendicular to the plane of the conductor 22.

[0042] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a perforation roller 31 for forming the conductor 22 according to Figs. 8 to 12. The perforation roller 31 has a plurality of protrusions 32 for forming the holes 27 of the conductor 22. Therefore, the shape of the protrusions 32 basically corresponds to the shape of the holes 27.

[0043] With respect to the holes 27 of the conductor 22, the protrusions 32 of the perforating roller 31 are enlarged for clarity and may in fact be smaller. According to one embodiment, the conductor 22 is produced by perforating a metal sheet or foil using the perforating roller 31. For example, the metal sheet or foil is perforated and then cut into suitable strips to form the conductor 22. Alternatively, a metal strip is perforated and the punched strip is cut into suitable lengths to form the conductor 22. The perforating roller 31 has a rolling direction. For example, the rolling direction of the perforating roller 31 corresponds to the transverse direction of the conductor 22 when placed on the compressible body 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 32 or at least some of them are elongated to form the oblong holes 27 as described above. Thus, as described above for the holes 27, the protrusions 32 are polygonal, such as elliptical, rectangular, triangular, e.g. long hexagonal, and have a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the projection 32 extends in a direction perpendicular to the rolling direction, i.e. perpendicular to the outer periphery of the perforating roller 31 .

[0044] In FIG. 14 a part of a conductor 22 according to an embodiment is shown diagrammatically, formed by an expanded metal mesh providing holes 27 and conductive portions 28 surrounding the holes 27. As mentioned above, the holes 27 are arranged in rows. The holes 27 are, for example, hexagonal or parallelogram shaped, also called diamond shaped. The conductive portions 28 or at least some of them are elongated and at least partially inclined towards the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22. The longitudinal direction of the conductor 22 is illustrated by the arrow A in FIG. 14. The expanded metal mesh is manufactured using known methods, which include the steps of scoring and stretching a metal sheet, and may include a flattening step if necessary. The stretching direction in which the expanded metal mesh is manufactured is illustrated by the arrow B in FIG. 14. For example, the stretching direction B is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A of the conductor 22. 14 is disposed in a longitudinally elongated manner such that the longitudinal dimension of the hole 27 extends along the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22. For example, opposite vertices of the hole 27 are disposed along the longitudinal direction of the conductor 22.

Claims

1. A sealing module (13) for a cable (11) or a pipe, comprising: The sealing module (13) comprises at least one compressible body (16) and a conductor (22); the compressible body (16) having an outer surface (19) and a groove (18) for receiving the cable (11) or pipe; the conductor (22) is disposed to extend from the groove (18) to the outer surface (19) so as to be in electrical contact with a cable (11) or pipe received within the groove (18) and to form a conductive path to the outer surface (19); The conductor (22) has a plurality of through holes (27) and a conductive portion (28) surrounding the holes (27); The holes (27) are arranged in a longitudinal row along the conductor (22); the holes (27) are longitudinally displaced relative to the holes (27) in adjacent rows of holes; Sealing module.

2. The conductor (22) has a regular pattern of holes (27) and conductive portions (28). The sealing module of claim 1 .

3. At least some of the holes (27) are elongated. The sealing module of claim 1 .

4. At least some of the holes (27) face in the same direction. The sealing module of claim 1 .

5. At least some of the holes (27) are oriented in the longitudinal direction of the conductor (22). The sealing module of claim 1 .

6. At least some of the holes (27) have two vertices that face each other in the longitudinal direction of the conductor (22). The sealing module of claim 1 .

7. At least some of the holes (27) are hexagonal, parallelogrammatic, or rhombus-shaped. The sealing module of claim 1 .

8. The conductive portion (28) is inclined toward the longitudinal direction of the conductor (22). The sealing module of claim 1 .

9. the conductor (22) being formed by a strip of expanded metal mesh; The sealing module of claim 1 .

10. The conductive portion (28) has a protruding edge surrounding the hole (27). The sealing module of claim 1 .

11. The conductor (22) extends in a direction perpendicular to the groove (18). The sealing module of claim 1 .

12. The sealing module (13) comprises two opposing compressible bodies (16), The conductor (22) extends around the circumference of at least one of the compressible bodies (16). The sealing module of claim 11.

13. The conductor (22) is produced by punching metal using a punching roller (31) which forms the holes (27); The holes (27) are perforations. The sealing module of claim 1 .

14. The perforated roller (31) has a rolling direction, said rolling direction corresponds to the transverse direction of said conductor (22) when placed in said sealing module (13); 14. The sealing module of claim 13.

15. A frame (20); At least one sealing module (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 arranged in the frame (20); a compression unit (14) for compressing the sealing module (13) in the frame (20), The frame (20) is made of a conductive material, The conductor (22) is in electrical contact with the frame (20). Relay system.

16. A plurality of sealing modules (13); and at least one stay plate (15) including a conductive material, the stay plate (15) being disposed between the sealing modules (13) and in contact with the frame (20), The stay plate (15) is disposed in contact with the conductor (22). The relay system according to claim 15.

17. The conductors (22) are formed by scoring a metal sheet, stretching the sheet to form an expanded metal mesh, and placing the conductors (22) on a compressible body (16). A method for manufacturing a sealing module (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

18. The holes in the conductor (22) are formed by a perforating roller (31) moving in a rolling direction, the conductor (22) is arranged in the sealing module (13) such that the rolling direction corresponds to a transverse direction of the conductor (22); A method for manufacturing a sealing module (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

19. Use of an expanded metal mesh or a perforated metal sheet having holes (27) arranged in longitudinal rows displaced from one another as a conductor (22) in a sealing module (13), comprising: The sealing module comprises a compressible body (16); The compressible body (16) has an outer surface (19) and a groove (18) for receiving a cable (11) or a pipe; The conductor (22) is positioned to extend from the groove (18) to the outer surface (19) so as to be in electrical contact with a cable (11) or pipe received within the groove (18) and to form a conductive path to the outer surface (19). use.

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