Method for connecting two inorganic insulated cables, structure having two interconnected inorganic insulated cables, and connection set for connecting cable, molded part, and two cables

Abstract

To provide a method for connecting cables and plugs that prevents moisture from entering insulation or allows for quick connections under difficult conditions.SOLUTION: In a method for connecting first and second cables, both cables each include at least one inner conductor, an outer sheath partially surrounding the inner conductor, and an insulating material 130 partially disposed between the inner conductor and the outer sheath to insulate the inner conductor from the outer sheath, a conductive meltable conductor connecting material 140 having a melting point lower than that of the inner conductor is prepared, and the inner conductors of both cables face each other with the meltable conductor connecting material therebetween, the end of the second cable is brought closer to the end of the first cable, and one of the cables is heated from the outside so that heat enters the inside of the cables, the meltable conductor connecting material between both inner conductors melts, and the inner conductors of both cables are electrically connected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for connecting a mineral insulated cable to a further mineral insulated cable or connector, a structure comprising a mineral insulated cable connected to a further mineral insulated cable or connector, as well as a cable or connector, a corresponding molded part and a set for connecting two cables or a cable and a connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Mineral insulated cables (MI cables) are used under extreme environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, high pressures, radiation and / or corrosive influences, where aging of the cables is generally to be avoided. Examples include deep-sea installations, such as oil and / or natural gas drilling or exploration equipment, and / or in chemically or radiologically contaminated environments, such as in the chemical industry or in energy systems and nuclear reactor technology, especially in areas at risk of explosion, in energy generation or energy storage devices with housings, or in the encapsulation of energy generation or energy storage devices or nuclear reactors or storage devices for toxic and / or harmful materials, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear reactors, underwater oil and gas transportation, pipelines, hot cells, and high-temperature processes.

[0003] Mineral insulated cables (MI cables) essentially have three components: a conductor, for example made of copper or, in the case of thermocouples in particular, of nickel / copper-nickel alloy (Ni / CuNi), a further cable sheath, typically in the form of a metal tube, for example made of special steel, Inconel, copper, etc., and an insulating layer made of compressed ceramic powder, for example MgO, SiO2, etc.

[0004] There are various connection methods for connecting two MI cables or for connecting an MI cable and a plug. These are usually based on welding or brazing and create a mechanically durable connection that is particularly gas-tight and highly temperature-resistant.

[0005] Referring to FIG. 1, a known method for connecting two MI cables 10, 10' involves mechanically cutting the outer sheaths 12, 12', made of special steel, at the ends of both cables to be connected, removing the compressed insulation and exposing the copper conductors 11, 11' of both cables. A sleeve 17 with a hole 17L is then fitted onto the cable ends. The exposed copper conductors 11, 11' are then brazed to each other, and the sleeve 17 is then fitted over the exposed brazed conductors and hard-brazed to the sheath tubes 12, 12' of the MI cables to be connected at both ends. The empty space in the sleeve is then refilled with insulation powder through the hole 17L, compacted using vibration, and finally the hole 17L in the sleeve is closed with hard solder.

[0006] However, a drawback of this method is that the above steps are relatively laborious and time-consuming to carry out. This is particularly problematic in difficult-to-access locations or in environmental conditions that do not allow for long stays, such as high temperatures, radiation, etc. Too long a time can even lead to a decrease in the insulation resistance of the open cable, especially if the insulation consists of powder and / or is hygroscopic. Furthermore, other connection methods often have the drawback that a hermetic connection is not guaranteed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for connecting two cables or a cable and a plug, which can be carried out as easily and quickly as possible, for example by avoiding the ingress of moisture into the insulation or by allowing a quick connection under difficult conditions. In particular, the present invention should provide a method for ensuring a tight connection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To this end, the present invention discloses a method for connecting a first cable, in particular a first mineral-insulated cable, to a second cable, in particular a second mineral-insulated cable, each of which comprises at least one electrically conductive inner conductor for transmitting electrical signals or electrical energy, an outer sheath, in particular a metallic outer sheath, at least partially surrounding the at least one inner conductor, and an insulating material, in particular a mineral insulating material, at least partially disposed between the inner conductor and the outer sheath, insulating the inner conductor from the outer sheath.

[0009] In the method according to the invention, an electrically conductive, meltable conductor connection material is provided, which has a melting point lower than the melting point of the inner conductor of the first cable and / or the second cable. The conductor connection material can be provided, for example, as material pieces, for example as small balls, small plates, etc., but can also be provided, for example, as a paste.

[0010] Furthermore, during the method according to the present invention, the end of the second cable is brought close to the end of the first cable so that the inner conductors of both cables face each other and the meltable conductor connecting material is therebetween. The end of the second cable can be brought close to the end of the first cable, for example, until both inner conductors face each other and are very close in the axial direction, for example, to a small distance where the conductor connecting material is present. The ends of both cables are preferably brought close to each other so that both inner conductors are in frontal contact with the conductor connecting material.

[0011] Furthermore, in the method according to the present invention, at least one cable is heated from the outside so that the meltable conductor connecting material between both inner conductors melts and electrically connects the inner conductors of both cables. The conductor connecting material preferably melts at the front of both inner conductors and connects them. Advantageously, both cables are heated from the outside, especially at the location where the cable ends leading to each other meet. In particular, heat applied from the outside to the cable is conducted through the cable to the interior, melting the conductor connecting material between both inner conductors there. In other words, heat applied from the outside to the cable reaches the conductor connecting material only indirectly.

[0012] This advantageously eliminates the need to cut the cable sheath at the cable end to expose the inner conductor. Furthermore, it also eliminates the need to externally braze the exposed inner conductors. The method according to the invention therefore allows for quick and easy connection of two cables. In particular, in the case of cables with multiple inner conductors, the method according to the invention allows all of these to be connected to each other simultaneously, without the need to braze them individually, which further simplifies and speeds up the method.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the method, in addition to the conductor connection material, a meltable sheath connection material is also provided. Here again, the sheath connection material can be provided as a material piece, for example, as a ring corresponding to the cross section of the cable sheath, but can also be provided, for example, as a paste. The sheath connection material preferably has a melting point lower than the melting point of the outer sheath.

[0014] When preparing the sheath connecting material, the end of the second cable can be brought close to the end of the first cable so that the outer sheaths of both cables face each other and the meltable sheath connecting material is therebetween. Again, the ends of the cables can be brought close to each other, for example, until both outer sheaths are face-to-face and very close, for example, to a small distance where the sheath connecting material is present. The ends of both cables are preferably brought close to each other so that both outer sheaths are in face-to-face contact with the sheath connecting material.

[0015] Furthermore, at least one cable is heated from the outside so that, in addition to the conductor connecting material, the meltable sheath connecting material between both outer sheaths also melts and the outer sheaths of both cables are connected to each other, which advantageously results in a hermetic connection.

[0016] The cable ends of both cables can in particular be present as simply cut cable ends, without the need to cut away the cable sheath to expose the inner conductor, since the inner conductor does not need to be accessed for direct heating, but rather based on indirect heat penetration. Advantageously, therefore, the ends of the first and second cables are each configured such that, when the end of the second cable is brought close to the end of the first cable, the inner conductors of both cables and the outer sheaths of both cables face each other at essentially the same distance. Advantageously, the distance between the inner conductors and the distance between the outer sheaths are each at the same axial position.

[0017] Preferably, the conductor connecting material is intended to have a melting point lower than that of the sheath connecting material.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the method, before the end of the second cable is brought close to the end of the first cable, insulating material is removed at the end of the first cable, in particular so as to create an air gap between the inner conductor and the outer sheath at the end of the first cable, which advantageously results in a cable end having the same axial end point for the outer sheath and the inner conductor, but a different, earlier end point for the insulating material.

[0019] After the insulating material is removed from the end of the first cable, a molded part, especially an electrically insulating molded part, is then fitted into the gap of the first cable, preferably having a shape complementary to the gap, especially the ring-shaped gap, to precisely fill the gap and preferably having a higher thermal conductivity than the removed insulating material. The molded part promotes the penetration of heat applied to the cable from the outside and promotes melting of the conductor connection material inside. Preferably, the molded part is fitted into the gap of the first cable so as to protrude in a partial region of the end of the first cable. Thus, after the molded part is fitted into the gap, it can protrude beyond the end points of the inner conductor and outer sheath and terminate.

[0020] Then, when the end of the second cable is brought closer to the end of the first cable, the gap at the end of the second cable can be covered over the part of the molded part that protrudes at the end of the first cable, so that the molded part reaches into the gaps of both cables. Thus, in addition to better heat conduction into the cable interior, the molded part can also stabilize the two connected cables against bending at the connection point. In a further embodiment, instead of a molded part, a pure stabilizing part with at least this stabilizing effect can be provided.

[0021] It is further contemplated that the molded part may be fitted into the cavity of the first cable so that the protruding portion at the end of the first cable is less than the thickness of the conductor connecting material, in particular half its thickness. In this case, the second molded part may then be fitted into the cavity of the second cable so that the protruding portion at the end of the second cable is less than the thickness of the conductor connecting material, in particular half its thickness. In particular, after the molded part is fitted into the cavity of the first cable, the conductor connecting material can be held in the protruding portion of the molded part and positioned at the end of the first cable. For example, a molded part having at least one through-hole for accommodating at least one inner conductor can be used. If the molded part protrudes beyond the inner conductor at the end of the first cable, the conductor connecting material can be placed in the through-hole at the protruding portion of the molded part. Then, when the end of the second cable is brought closer to the end of the first cable, the conductor connecting material can be advantageously pushed deep into the through hole by the inner conductor of the second cable, in particular until both inner conductors are in contact.

[0022] Advantageously, after the molded part is fitted into the gap of the first cable, the sheath connecting material is held in the protruding partial region of the molded part and positioned at the end of the first cable. For example, a ring-shaped sheath connecting material can be placed over the protruding partial region of the molded part at the end of the first cable. Then, when the end of the second cable is brought close to the end of the first cable, the sheath connecting material can be brought into contact with the outer sheaths of both cables.

[0023] A further preferred variant includes an external reinforcement element that again surrounds the connection points of both cables. Thus, before the end of the second cable is brought closer to the end of the first cable, a reinforcement element, especially a tubular reinforcement element, can be fitted onto the end of the first or second cable so that it surrounds the outer sheaths of these cables. After the end of the second cable is brought closer to the end of the first cable, the reinforcement element can then be refitted until it surrounds the outer sheaths of both cables, especially the sheath connecting material. Then, when the cables are heated from the outside, the sheath connecting material melts at both outer sheaths and the surrounding reinforcement elements, connecting both outer sheaths to each other and to the surrounding reinforcement elements.

[0024] In the described method, in particular cables are used in which the inner conductor of the first and / or second cable comprises or consists of one of the following materials: copper, copper alloys, thermocouples of type E, J, K, T, N, and / or the outer sheath of the first and / or second cable comprises or consists of one of the following materials: special steel, in particular the 300 and 400 series, alloys HR-160, 230, 718, 600, Inconel alloys or Hastelloy, and / or the insulating material of the first and / or second cable comprises or consists of one of the following materials: MgO, SiO2, Al2O3.

[0025] Furthermore, in the described method, a conductor connection material is used which in particular comprises or consists of one of the following materials: a copper / silver alloy, a Ni-based alloy, a copper-based alloy or an alloy having a melting point lower than that of the inner conductor material, and / or a sheath connection material which comprises or consists of one of the following materials: a copper / silver alloy, a Ni-based alloy, a copper-based alloy or an alloy having a melting point lower than that of the sheath material, and / or a molded part which comprises or consists of one of the following materials: Al2O3, mullite, BN, Si3N4, SiO2, AlN, SiO2, ZrO2, HfO2.

[0026] In addition to the aforementioned method for connecting two cables, the present invention also relates to a structure having a first cable, in particular a first mineral-insulated cable, and a second cable, in particular a second mineral-insulated cable, connected thereto, which structure is produced or can be produced by the aforementioned method.

[0027] The arrangement is therefore intended to ensure that the inner conductors of both cables and the melted and re-solidified conductor connecting material are electrically connected to each other.

[0028] Advantageously, it can further be intended that the outer sheaths of both cables and the melted and re-solidified sheath connecting material are connected to one another, with the inner conductors of both cables and the outer sheaths of both cables having essentially the same distance from one another bridged by the respective connecting materials.

[0029] It is further advantageous if, in addition, a molded part, in particular an electrically insulating molded part, is arranged between the cables at the end of at least one cable, preferably at the end of both cables, in place of the insulating material between the inner conductor and the outer sheath.

[0030] Furthermore, the outer sheaths of both cables are advantageously surrounded by a reinforcing element, which preferably further surrounds the sheath connecting material, with the melted and resolidified sheath connecting material particularly preferably connecting both outer sheaths and the reinforcing elements to one another.

[0031] The present invention further relates to a cable, in particular a mineral-insulated cable, having at least one electrically conductive inner conductor for transmitting electrical signals or electrical energy, an outer sheath, in particular a metallic outer sheath, at least partially surrounding the at least one inner conductor, and an insulating material, in particular a mineral insulating material, at least partially arranged between the inner conductor and the outer sheath and insulating the inner conductor from the outer sheath, in particular a cable in which the insulating material is not present at the ends of the cable, in particular such that there is an air gap between the inner conductor and the outer sheath.

[0032] The end of the cable may be constructed by cutting or severing the cable and subsequently removing the insulating material, and thus the end of the cable is advantageously constructed so that the inner conductor and the outer sheath protrude with essentially the same width.

[0033] Preferably, a molded part, in particular an electrically insulating molded part, is arranged in the gap of the cable, the molded part preferably having a shape complementary to the gap, in particular a ring-shaped gap, and precisely filling this gap, the molded part preferably having a higher thermal conductivity than the thermal conductivity of the insulating material.

[0034] The molded part may protrude in a partial region of the end of the cable, and the conductor connecting material and / or the sheath connecting material may be held in the protruding partial region of the molded part and placed at the end of the cable.

[0035] The invention further relates to a molded part for placement in a gap, in particular a ring-shaped gap, at the end of a cable, in particular a mineral-insulated cable, which molded part is preferably designed to be electrically insulating and which preferably has a shape complementary to the gap so as to fill it precisely and form-fittingly.

[0036] The present invention further relates to a set for connecting a first cable, in particular a first mineral-insulated cable, to a second cable, in particular a second mineral-insulated cable, said set comprising a molded part, a conductor connecting material and preferably a sheath connecting material, and preferably a reinforcing part.

[0037] In addition to the aforementioned method for connecting two cables and in particular the structures that can be produced thereby, as well as the cables, molded parts and connection sets, the present invention also relates to a method for connecting cables, in particular mineral-insulated cables, with a connector.

[0038] The cable used in this method again comprises an electrically conductive inner conductor for transmitting electrical signals or electrical energy, an outer sheath, in particular a metallic outer sheath, at least partially surrounding the at least one inner conductor, and an insulating material, in particular an inorganic insulating material, at least partially disposed between the inner conductor and the outer sheath and insulating the inner conductor from the outer sheath.

[0039] The connector used in this method includes at least one electrically conductive contact for transmitting an electrical signal or energy, a sleeve, especially a metal sleeve, preferably at least partially surrounding the at least one contact, and an insulating material, especially an insulating material comprising glass, at least partially disposed between the contact and the sleeve and insulating the contact from the sleeve. The connector has an end, especially to which a cable can be connected.

[0040] In the method for connecting a cable and a connector, a conductive, meltable conductive connecting material is provided that has a melting point lower than the melting point of the inner conductor and / or the contacts.

[0041] The end of the cable is then brought close to the end of the connector so that the inner conductor of the cable faces the contact of the connector and the fusible conductor connecting material is therebetween.

[0042] Furthermore, the cable and / or connector are heated externally so that the meltable conductor connecting material between the inner conductor and the contact melts, electrically connecting the inner conductor of the cable and the contact of the connector to each other.

[0043] The method can be configured very similarly to a method for connecting two cables, in particular the features or steps of the method mentioned above can also be cited for this method, whereby the terms inner conductor and outer sheath of the two cables are optionally replaced by the terms contact and sleeve of the connector.

[0044] Advantageously, here too, a meltable sheath connection material may be provided which has a melting point lower than the melting point of the outer sheath and / or sleeve.

[0045] Additionally, the end of the cable is preferably brought close to the end of the connector so that the outer sheath of the cable faces the sleeve of the connector and the meltable sheath connecting material is therebetween.

[0046] The cable and / or connector can then be heated externally so that the meltable sheath connecting material between the outer sheath and the sleeve melts, connecting the outer sheath of the cable and the sleeve of the connector to one another.

[0047] Advantageously, the end of the cable and the end of the connector are each configured so that when the end of the cable is brought close to the end of the connector, the inner conductor and the contact, and the outer sheath and the sleeve, face each other at essentially the same distance.

[0048] Preferably, the conductor connecting material has a melting point lower than that of the sheath connecting material.

[0049] In a further embodiment of the method, before the end of the cable is brought close to the end of the connector, insulating material can be removed at the end of the cable, in particular so that an air gap is created between the inner conductor and the outer sheath at the end of the cable. Advantageously, the connector already has a corresponding air gap between the contacts and the sleeve at its end configured for connection to the cable. However, it can also be intended to shorten the contacts and / or the sleeve so that the contacts and the sleeve terminate at the same position.

[0050] After the insulating material is removed at the end of the cable, a molded part, in particular an electrically insulating molded part, can be fitted into the gap of the first cable. Alternatively or additionally, a corresponding molded part can be fitted into the gap between the contact and the sleeve at the end of the connector. Advantageously, the molded part has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the insulating material of the cable and / or connector.

[0051] Preferably, the molded part is fitted into a cavity in the cable and / or connector so that it projects in a partial area of ​​the end of the first cable or connector.

[0052] More preferably, a partial region of the molded part protruding at the end of the cable is fitted into a gap at the end of the connector and / or the gap at the end of the cable is placed over a partial region of the molded part protruding at the end of the connector, so that the molded part reaches both the gap of the cable and the gap of the connector when the end of the cable is brought close to the end of the connector. Thus, the molded part can also stabilize the cable against bending at the connection point to the connector.

[0053] It is also possible to provide for the molded part to be fitted into the cable cavity so that the protruding region at the end of the cable is less than the thickness of the conductor connecting material, in particular half its thickness, and in this case the second molded part can be fitted into the connector cavity so that the protruding region at the end of the connector is correspondingly less than the thickness of the conductor connecting material, in particular half its thickness.

[0054] After the molded part has been fitted into the cavity of the cable and / or connector, the conductor connecting material can be held in the protruding partial area of ​​the molded part and positioned at the end of the cable and / or connector.

[0055] Advantageously, after the molded part has been fitted into the gap of the cable and / or connector, the sheath connecting material is held in the protruding partial area of ​​the molded part and positioned at the end of the cable and / or connector.

[0056] In a preferred variant, before the end of the cable is brought close to the end of the connector, the reinforcement element is fitted onto the end of the cable or connector so that it surrounds the outer sheath of the cable or the sleeve of the connector. After the end of the cable is brought close to the end of the connector, the reinforcement element is advantageously refitted until it surrounds both the outer sheath of the cable and the sleeve of the connector, and advantageously also the sheath connecting material.

[0057] In the described method, in particular, cables are used whose inner conductor comprises or consists of one of the following materials: copper, copper alloys, thermocouples of type E, J, K, T, N, and / or whose outer sheath comprises or consists of one of the following materials: special steel, in particular the 300 and 400 series, alloys HR-160, 230, 718, 600, Inconel alloys or Hastelloy, and / or whose insulating material comprises or consists of one of the following materials: MgO, SiO2, Al2O3.

[0058] Furthermore, in the described method, connectors are used in particular whose contacts comprise or consist of one of the following materials: nickel / iron, nickel / cobalt / iron, iron / cobalt or Inconel alloy, and / or whose sleeves comprise or consist of one of the following materials: steel, special steel, Inconel or Hastelloy, and / or whose insulating material comprises or consists of one of the following materials: glass, glass ceramic or ceramic.

[0059] Furthermore, in the described method, a conductor connection material is used which in particular comprises or consists of one of the following materials: a copper / silver alloy, a Ni-based alloy, a copper-based alloy or an alloy with a melting point lower than that of the inner conductor, and / or a sheath connection material which comprises or consists of one of the following materials: a copper / silver alloy, a Ni-based alloy, a copper-based alloy or an alloy with a melting point lower than that of the sheath material, and / or a molded part which comprises or consists of one of the following materials: Al2O3, mullite, BN, Si3N4, SiO2, AlN, ZrO2, HfO2.

[0060] In addition to the above-described method for connecting a cable and a connector, the present invention also relates to a structure comprising a cable, in particular a mineral-insulated cable, and a connector connected thereto, which has been produced or can be produced by the above-described method.

[0061] Thus, the structure is intended to electrically connect the inner conductor of the cable and the contact of the connector with the molten and re-solidified conductor connecting material.

[0062] Advantageously, it may further be intended that the outer sheath of the cable and the sleeve of the connector are connected to each other with the melted and re-solidified sheath connecting material, wherein the inner conductor and the contact, as well as the outer sheath and the sleeve, have essentially the same distance from each other bridged by the respective connecting materials.

[0063] It is further advantageous if a molded part, in particular an electrically insulating molded part, is arranged at the end of the cable, preferably at the end of the cable and at the end of the connector, between the cable and the connector, instead of the insulating material between the inner conductor and the outer sheath.

[0064] Furthermore, the outer sheath of the cable and the sleeve of the connector are advantageously surrounded by a reinforcing element, which preferably further surrounds the sheath connecting material, with the melted and resolidified sheath connecting material particularly preferably connecting the outer sheath, the sleeve and the reinforcing element to one another.

[0065] The present invention further relates to a connector having at least one electrically conductive contact for transmitting electrical signals or electrical energy, a sleeve, in particular a metal sleeve, at least partially surrounding the at least one contact, and an insulating material, in particular an insulating material comprising glass, at least partially arranged between the contact and the sleeve and insulating the contact from the sleeve, wherein there is a gap, in particular between the contact and the sleeve, and the insulating material is not present at the end of the connector, in particular so that a molded part, in particular an electrically insulating molded part, is arranged in the gap of the connector.

[0066] The molded part preferably has a shape complementary to the cavity, in particular the ring-shaped cavity, so as to fill this cavity precisely and form-fittingly. Furthermore, the molded part preferably has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the insulating material.

[0067] The molded part may protrude in a partial region of the end of the connector, and the conductor connecting material and / or the sheath connecting material may be held in the protruding partial region of the molded part and disposed at the end of the connector.

[0068] The invention further relates to a molded part for placement in a gap, in particular a ring-shaped gap, at the end of a connector, which molded part is preferably designed to be electrically insulating and which preferably has a shape complementary to the gap so as to fill it precisely and form-fittingly.

[0069] Finally, the present invention also relates to a set for connecting a first cable, in particular a first mineral-insulated cable, to a connector, said set comprising a molded part, a conductor connecting material and preferably a sheath connecting material, as well as preferably a reinforcing part.

[0070] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to preferred method variations and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0071] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a photograph of two mineral insulated cables provided with a sleeve having holes (prior art). [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a cross section through two mineral insulated cables. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross section through two mineral insulated cables where an air gap has been formed by removing insulating material at the cable ends. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a cross section through two mineral insulated cables, where a molded part is fitted into the cavity of the first cable and where the conductor connecting material as well as the sheath connecting material are located. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a cross section through two mineral insulated cables where the cable end of the second cable is brought close to the cable end of the first cable. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a cross section through two mineral insulated cables where the two cables are brought together until both cable ends are in contact with the conductor connecting material as well as the sheath connecting material. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a cross section through two mineral insulated cables where the cables are heated externally. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a cross section through a mineral insulated cable connected to a connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a cross section through a mineral insulated cable and connector. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a cross section through a mineral insulated cable and connector where the cable and connector are heated externally. [Example]

[0072] 2 shows two mineral-insulated cables 100, 100' (MI cables), each including a conductive inner conductor 110, 110' surrounded by a special steel outer sheath 120, 120', with compressed ceramic powder present as insulating material 130, 130' between the inner conductor 110, 110' and the outer sheath 120, 120'. In the example shown, both mineral-insulated cables 100, 100' are finished to the same structure.

[0073] Both cables 100, 100' have respective ends 101, 101', which are obtained by cutting the cables, i.e., which may in particular be configured as split ends or cut ends. The ends 101, 101' of both cables 100, 100' are characterized in that the inner conductor 110, the outer sheath 120, and the insulating material 130 of cable 100 terminate at the same end point along the axial direction A, and the same applies to cable 110'.

[0074] Both MI cables 100, 100' are now joined at their ends 101, 101' to form a cable joint. For this, as shown in Figure 3, at the cable ends 101, 101', the insulating material 130, 130' is removed so as to form an air gap 135 between the inner conductor 110, 110' and the outer sheath 120, 120', respectively, towards the interior of the cable at the cable ends to be joined.

[0075] 4, the cavity 135 of the cable, here the first cable 100, is filled with a molding compound 160 configured as an aluminum oxide insulator with a through hole for the inner conductor. However, the molding compound 160 is preferably not completely filled, but rather protrudes in a partial region 165 of the cable end 101.

[0076] Furthermore, a conductor connection material 140 and a sheath connection material 150, each configured as a hard solder molding, are positioned at the cable end 101, with the conductor connection material 140 being fitted into the through-hole of the molding part, and the sheath connection material 150, which is formed in particular in a ring shape, being placed over the molding part 160.

[0077] The molded part 160 inserted into the cavity 135 advantageously has an insulation resistance in the region of the insulating material 130, which may be configured as a compressed powder, for example. The specific electrical resistance of the molded part is advantageously less than 1×10 10 Ω·cm. The thermal conductivity of the molded part 160 is advantageously very high so that the inner conductor connection material 140 melts as quickly as possible. By way of example, the molded part can comprise or consist of aluminum oxide (thermal conductivity: 20 W / m·K).

[0078] The conductor connecting material 140, configured for example as a solder preform, which connects the inner conductors 110, 110 of both cables (or connects the inner conductor with the contact of the plug (see below)), can have various forms, such as pellets or sleeves. Furthermore, pastes can also be used to achieve a suitable connection with low ohmic resistance. Metal sleeves with a solder preform inside can also be used.

[0079] Before the two cable ends 101, 101' are brought into contact with each other, a ring-shaped reinforcing element 170 is further fitted onto the cable end of the cable, in particular so that the reinforcing element 170 surrounds the outer sheath flush but is movable. The outer reinforcing element 170 can be made of the same material as the outer sheath 120, 120' of one of the cables, i.e., stainless steel, for example. The reinforcing element is optional and serves to reinforce the connection, in particular in applications with high mechanical loads.

[0080] 5 shows how the second cable 100' is axially brought closer to the first cable 100, with the gap 135 at the end 101' of the second cable 100' overlapping the protruding partial region 165 of the molded part 160. As shown in FIG. 6, the second cable 100' is brought closer to the first cable 100 until the two cable ends 101' and 101' are still separated from each other only by a distance 115, by which the conductor connecting material 140 and the sheath connecting material 150 are present. The cables are thus guided relative to each other, in particular, until both inner conductors 110, 110' contact the conductor connecting material 140 at their fronts facing the respective cable ends 101', 101, and both outer sheaths 120, 120' contact the sheath connecting material 150 at their fronts facing the respective cable ends 101', 101.

[0081] After both cable ends 101 , 101 ′ have been brought into contact with each other, the outer strength piece 170 is replaced until it surrounds both outer sheaths 120 , 120 ′ and the sheath connecting material 150 .

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, both cables are finally heated externally, for example with a flame, blowtorch, or HF coil. During this process, the sheath connection material 150 melts, connecting both outer sheaths 120, 120' to each other and to the reinforcing element 170. This creates a sealed connection. The heat then penetrates further into the cable, with the molding element 160 facilitating this process. The heat also melts the conductor connection material 140, connecting both inner conductors 110, 110' to each other.

[0083] Overall, the described method allows for simultaneous connection of the inner conductor and the outer sheath in a simple manner through pre-assembly and heating. The conductor connection material 140 and the sheath connection material 150 can be configured as pre-formed moldings or pastes, and the moldings can contain or consist of aluminum oxide. This also makes the method inexpensive to implement.

[0084] 8-10, the cable 100 can also be connected with a connector 200. The connector includes contacts 210, a surrounding sleeve 220, and an insulating material 230 therebetween, which may be composed of glass, glass ceramic, or ceramic, among others.

[0085] Here too, the cable 100 is first stripped of its insulating material 130, the molded part 160 is fitted, the conductor connection material 140 and the sheath connection material 150 are positioned, and optionally a reinforcing ring 170 is applied. Advantageously, removal of the insulating material can be omitted here, since the connector can already initially have a gap between the contacts 210 and the sleeve 220. Optionally, a molded part can be fitted into this gap.

[0086] The cable 100 and connector 200 are then brought together until the cable's inner conductor 110 and the connector's contact 210 meet at the conductor connecting material 140, and the cable's outer sheath 120 and the connector's sleeve 220 meet at the sheath connecting material 150. Heat melts the connecting materials 140, 150, creating the desired connection.

Claims

1. A method for connecting a first cable, in particular a first mineral insulated cable 100, and a second cable, in particular a second mineral insulated cable 100', wherein both cables each have: At least one electrically conductive inner conductor 110, 110' for transmitting electrical signals or energy; an outer sheath, in particular a metallic outer sheath 120, 120', at least partially surrounding the at least one inner conductor; and An insulating material, particularly an inorganic insulating material 130, 130', is at least partially disposed between the inner conductor and the outer sheath to insulate the inner conductor from the outer sheath. Including, providing an electrically conductive, meltable conductor connecting material 140 having a melting point lower than the melting point of the inner conductor; and bringing the end 101' of the second cable 100' close to the end 101 of the first cable 100 so that the inner conductors 110, 110' of both cables face each other and the meltable conductor connecting material 140 is therebetween; and externally heating at least one of the cables 100, 100' such that heat penetrates into the interior of the cables 100, 100', melting the meltable conductor connecting material 140 between both inner conductors, and electrically connecting the inner conductors 110, 110' of both cables to each other; The method.

2. providing a meltable sheath connecting material 150 having a melting point lower than the melting point of the outer sheath; and bringing the end 101' of the second cable 100' close to the end 101 of the first cable 100 so that the outer sheaths of both cables face each other and the meltable sheath connecting material 150 is therebetween; and externally heating the at least one cable 100, 100′ so that the meltable sheath connecting material 150 between both outer sheaths melts and the outer sheaths 120, 120′ of both cables are connected to each other; The method of claim 1.

3. the ends 101, 101' of the first and second cables, respectively, are configured such that when the end 101' of the second cable 100' is brought close to the end 101 of the first cable 100, the inner conductors 110, 110' of both cables and the outer sheaths 120, 120' of both cables face each other at essentially the same distance 115; and / or The conductor connecting material 140 has a melting point lower than the melting point of the sheath connecting material 150. The method of claim 2.

4. Before bringing the end 101' of the second cable 100' close to the end 101 of the first cable 100, insulating material 130 is removed at the end 101 of the first cable 100, in particular so as to create an air gap 135 between the inner conductor 110 and the outer sheath 120 at the end 101 of the first cable 100; and Advantageously, furthermore, insulating material 130' is removed at the end 101' of the second cable 100', in particular so as to create an air gap 135' between the inner conductor 110' and the outer sheath 120' at the end 101' of the second cable 100'.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. after removing the insulating material 130 at the end of the first cable, a molded part, in particular an electrically insulating molded part 160, is fitted into the cavity 135 of the first cable, The molded part 160 preferably has a shape complementary to the cavity, in particular the ring-shaped cavity 135, so as to fill this cavity 135 precisely and form-fittingly; and The molded part 160 advantageously has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the insulating material. The method of claim 4.

6. the molded part 160 is fitted into the cavity 135 of the first cable 100 so as to protrude in a partial region 165 of the end 101 of the first cable 100; and Advantageously, when the end 101' of the second cable 100' is brought close to the end 101 of the first cable 100, the gap 135' of the end of the second cable is placed over the partial area 165 of the molded part 160 that protrudes at the end 101 of the first cable 100, so that the molded part 160 reaches the gaps 135, 135' of both cables. The method of claim 5.

7. the molded part 160 is inserted into the cavity 135 of the first cable 100 so that the protruding partial area 165 at the end 101 of the first cable 100 is less than the thickness of the conductor connecting material 140, in particular half its thickness; and the second molded part 160' is fitted into the cavity 135' of the second cable 100' so that the protruding partial area 165' at the end 101' of the second cable 100' is less than the thickness of the conductor connecting material 140, in particular half its thickness; The method of claim 6.

8. After the molded part 160 is fitted into the cavity 135 of the first cable, the conductor connecting material 140 is held by the protruding part area 165 of the molded part and positioned at the end of the first cable 100; and Advantageously, after the shaped part 160 has been fitted into the gap 135 of the first cable, the sheath connecting material 150 is held in the protruding part area 165 of the shaped part and positioned at the end of the first cable 100; 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Before bringing the end of the second cable 100' close to the end of the first cable 100, a reinforcing element 170 is fitted onto the end 101, 101' of the first cable or the second cable so that the reinforcing element 170 surrounds the outer sheath of these cables; and after the end of the second cable has been brought close to the end of the first cable, the reinforcing element 170 is refitted so that it surrounds the outer sheaths 120, 120' of both cables and advantageously surrounds the sheath connecting material 150; 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the inner conductor 110, 110' of the first cable and / or the second cable comprises or consists of one of the following materials: copper, copper alloy, E, J, K, T, N type thermocouple; and / or the outer sheath 120, 120' of the first cable and / or the second cable comprises or consists of one of the following materials: special steel, in particular the 300 and 400 series, alloys HR-160, 230, 718, 600, Inconel alloy or Hastelloy; and / or the insulating material 130, 130' of the first cable and / or the second cable is one of the following materials: MgO, SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 comprising or consisting of 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the conductive connection material 140 comprises or consists of one of the following materials: a copper / silver alloy, a Ni-based alloy, a copper-based alloy, or an alloy having a melting point lower than that of the conductive material; and / or the sheath connection material 150 comprises or consists of one of the following materials: a copper / silver alloy, a Ni-based alloy, a copper-based alloy, or an alloy with a melting point lower than that of the sheath material; and / or The molded part 160 is made of one of the following materials: Al 2 O 3 , mullite, BN, Si 3 N 4 , SiO 2 , AlN, ZrO 2 , HfO 2 comprising or consisting of 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A structure comprising a first cable, in particular a first mineral insulated cable 100, and a second cable, in particular a second mineral insulated cable 100', connected thereto, the structure being produced or producible in particular by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The inner conductors 110, 110' of both cables are electrically connected to each other by the melted and re-solidified conductor connecting material 140; and Advantageously, the outer sheaths 120, 120' of both cables are connected to each other with a melted and resolidified sheath connecting material 150; and Advantageously, the inner conductors 110, 110' of both cables and the outer sheaths 120, 120' of both cables have essentially the same distance 115 from each other, bridged by the respective connecting materials, and Preferably, a molded part, in particular an electrically insulating molded part 160, is arranged between the cables at at least one end of the cable, preferably at both ends of the cable, instead of the insulating material 130, 130' between the inner conductor 110, 110' and the outer sheath 120, 120', and Advantageously, said structure wherein the reinforcing element 170 surrounds the outer sheaths of both cables and advantageously surrounds the sheath connecting material.

13. At least one electrically conductive inner conductor 110 for transmitting electrical signals or energy; an outer sheath, in particular a metallic outer sheath 120, at least partially surrounding the at least one inner conductor; and an insulating material, particularly an inorganic insulating material 130, disposed at least partially between the inner conductor and the outer sheath to insulate the inner conductor from the outer sheath; 1. A cable (100) comprising: a first insulating material (130) that is not present at an end (101) of the cable (100), in particular, such that there is an air gap (135) between the inner conductor (110) and the outer sheath (120).

14. 14. The cable (100) of claim 13, wherein the end (101) of the cable is configured so that the inner conductor (110) and the outer sheath (120) protrude with essentially the same width.

15. a molded part, in particular an electrically insulating molded part 160, is arranged in the cable gap 135; The molded part 160 preferably has a shape complementary to the cavity, in particular the ring-shaped cavity 135, so as to fill this cavity 135 precisely and form-fittingly; and The molded part 160 advantageously has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the insulating material.

15. A cable (100) according to claim 13 or 14.

16. 16. The cable (100) of claim 15, wherein the molded part (160) protrudes in a partial region (165) of the end (101) of the cable (100).

17. The cable 100 of claim 16, wherein a conductor connecting material 140 is held by the protruding partial region 165 of the molded part and arranged at the end of the cable 100, and / or a sheath connecting material 150 is held by the protruding partial region 165 of the molded part and arranged at the end of the cable 100.

18. A method for connecting a cable, particularly a mineral insulated cable 100, to a connector 200, the method comprising: At least one electrically conductive inner conductor 110 for transmitting electrical signals or energy; an outer sheath, in particular a metallic outer sheath 120, at least partially surrounding the at least one inner conductor; and an insulating material, particularly an inorganic insulating material 130, disposed at least partially between the inner conductor and the outer sheath to insulate the inner conductor from the outer sheath; and the connector comprises: At least one electrically conductive contact 210 for transmitting electrical signals or electrical energy; Advantageously, a sleeve, in particular a metallic sleeve 220, at least partially surrounding the at least one contact, and Advantageously, an insulating material, in particular an insulating material 230 comprising glass, is arranged at least partially between the contact and the sleeve and insulates the contact from the sleeve. Including, providing an electrically conductive, meltable conductor connecting material 140 having a melting point lower than the melting point of the inner conductor and / or the contact; and bringing the end 101 of the cable 100 close to the end 201 of the connector 200 so that the inner conductor 110 of the cable faces the contact 210 of the connector and the meltable conductor connecting material 140 is therebetween; and externally heating the cable 100 and / or the connector 200 so that heat penetrates into the interior of the cable 100 and / or the connector 200, melting the meltable conductor connecting material 140 between the inner conductor 110 and the contact 210, and electrically connecting the inner conductor 110 of the cable with the contact 210 of the connector; The method.

19. A structure comprising a cable, in particular a mineral insulated cable 100, and a connector 200 connected thereto, in particular produced or producible by a method according to claim 18, the inner conductor 110 of the cable and the contact 210 of the connector are electrically connected to each other by a molten and re-solidified conductor connecting material 140; and Advantageously, the outer sheath 120 of the cable and the sleeve 220 of the connector are connected to each other with a melted and resolidified sheath connecting material 150; and Advantageously, the inner conductor 110 and the contact 210, and the outer sheath 120 and the sleeve 220 have essentially the same distance 215 from each other, bridged by the respective connecting materials, and Advantageously, a molded part, in particular an electrically insulating molded part 160, is arranged between the cable and the connector at the end of the cable, preferably at the end of the cable and at the end of the connector, instead of the insulating material 130 between the inner conductor and the outer sheath, and Advantageously, a reinforcing element 170 surrounds the outer sheath of the cable as well as the sleeve of the connector, and advantageously surrounds the sheath connecting material. The structure.

20. At least one electrically conductive contact 210 for transmitting electrical signals or electrical energy; a sleeve, in particular a metal sleeve 220, at least partially surrounding the at least one contact; and an insulating material, particularly an insulating material 230 comprising glass, disposed at least partially between the contact and the sleeve to insulate the contact from the sleeve; wherein the insulating material 230 is not present at the end of the connector, and a molded part, particularly an electrically insulating molded part 160, is disposed in the connector cavity 235, in particular such that there is a cavity 235 between the contact 210 and the sleeve 220.

21. A molded part (160) for arranging in a gap, in particular a ring-shaped gap (135), at the end of a cable (100), in particular a mineral-insulated cable (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, or for arranging in a gap, in particular a ring-shaped gap (235), at the end of a connector (200) according to claim 20, The molded part is preferably designed to be electrically insulating, and The connector, wherein the molded parts advantageously have a shape complementary to the voids (135, 235) to precisely fill these voids (135, 235).

22. A set for connecting a first cable, particularly a first inorganic insulated cable 100, to a second cable, particularly a second inorganic insulated cable 100' or connector 200, the set comprising a molded part 160, a conductor connecting material 140, and preferably a sheath connecting material 150, and preferably a reinforcing part 170.

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