Guard sensor device for use with cables, pipes, or wire transits, and a method for guarding cables, pipes, or wire transits

Abstract

A guard sensor device (100) for use with a cable, pipe, or wire transit (1) of a type having one or more compressible transit elements (20) to enable a sealing installation of one or more cables (2), pipes, or wires, wherein the sealing installation requires proper mounting and tightening of one or more tightening members (41). The guard sensor device (100) comprises a base portion (110; 210) and a cover portion (120). The cover portion can be mounted on the base portion by a mechanical connection (114a-b, 124a-b), such as a snap-lock connection, thereby forming an internal cavity (116a-b, 126a-b) between them to accommodate a protruding portion of one of the tightening members (41) (41a) when properly mounted and tightened. The guard sensor device (100) further comprises a sensor (130) placed on either the base and the cover portion (110, 120). The sensor (130) is configured to detect the removal of the cover portion (120) from the base portion (110) and, in response, generate an alarm signal (S) indicating that the sealed state of the equipment may be damaged.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of sealed installations of cables, pipes, or wires, and more specifically to a guard sensor device for use with a cable, pipe, or wire transit of a type having one or more transit elements to enable a sealed installation of one or more cables, pipes, or wires, said sealed installation requiring the proper mounting and tightening of one or more tightening members. The present invention also relates to an associated method for guarding a cable, pipe, or wire transit of the aforementioned type. Background Technology

[0002] Sealed installations of cables, pipes, or wires are commonly used in many different environments, such as cabinets, technical shelters, junction boxes, and machinery. They are used in various different industries, including automotive, telecommunications, power generation, and distribution, as well as marine and coastal sectors. Sealed installations serve to effectively seal against fluids, gases, fire, rodents, termites, dust, moisture, etc., and may include cables for electricity, telecommunications, computers, etc.; pipes for various gases or liquids such as water, compressed air, hydraulic fluids, and cooking gases; and wires for load retention.

[0003] The applicant is a global leader in the development of cable, pipe, or wire transits for sealing purposes. A transit, which may also be referred to as a lead-through, consists of one or more transit elements that are assembled into a sealing fixture of one or more cables, pipes, or wires upon field installation. One commonly used transit type has a frame that is essentially rectangular, within which a number of modules are arranged to accommodate cables, pipes, or wires. The modules are made of elastic materials such as rubber or plastic, are thus compressible, and can also be configured for cables, pipes, or wires of different outer diameters. The modules are typically arranged in one or more rows together with compression units. The compression units are positioned between the frame and the modules in such a manner that the compressible modules can be compressed around the cables, wires, or pipes when the compression units expand by operating a set of fastening members (such as screws or bolts). Therefore, for the fixture to be properly sealed, the fastening members must be properly mounted and tightened.

[0004] For the convenience of explanation, the term "cable" will be used primarily in this document, but it should be interpreted broadly, and a person skilled in the art will recognize that this term typically includes pipes or wires, or their equivalents.

[0005] Another type of transit is essentially cylindrical in shape and is received in a sleeve within a wall or an opening within a wall, also known as a pipe sleeve. To function as desired, the transit is configured to fit snugly into the opening or sleeve of the wall in which it is received, and the transit can be configured to fit the actual mounting dimensions. The mounting dimensions are determined by the inner diameter of the sleeve or opening. The transit has a cylindrical compressible body, which is axially compressed between fasteners at opposing ends of the compressible body by operating a set of tightening members within an appropriate range (specific tightening torque) to obtain a sealed installation. Due to axial compression, the cylindrical body will expand radially inward and outward. Additionally, the received cables may have different outer diameters, and thus, the module can be configured with cables having different outer diameters.

[0006] In some designs, the combined frame and compressible module can constitute the sole single transit element of the transit and thus effectively constitute the transit itself. As is well known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, other types of transits are also known in the technical field.

[0007] As experienced readers will notice, the sealing condition of the transit equipment will depend on the proper mounting and sufficient tightening of the transit's clamping members, and this is an important fact to note.

[0008] WO 2007 / 097706 discloses a prior art approach in this regard. This document presents a compression indicator clip having a rectangular frame for including a plurality of transit elements comprising a plurality of compressible modules, which is formed and designed to be fitted onto the stem of a pair of screws (i.e., tightening members) of a compression unit (also known as a wedge) in the first type of transit described above. The compression indicator clip has an elongated shape with two rounded ends, and the length of the clip corresponds to the distance between the screws of the compression unit. In this type of transit, when the screws are tightened, the distance between the head of each screw and the front surface of the compression unit will increase. Thus, proper tightening of the screws would mean that the screws protrude from the compression unit at a specific given distance (A), and the width of the compression indicator clip (more specifically, the width of the two rounded ends) corresponds to this given distance (A). Therefore, the compression clip will be fitted onto the screw of the compression unit when the screw is tightened to a given protrusion distance (A). Thus, the compression indicator clip successfully applied to the screw of the compression unit will serve as a verification of the screw being tightened correctly and, ultimately, as a visual indication of the properly sealed state of the transit facility.

[0009] Some disadvantages can be identified from the fact that the compression indicator clip of WO 2007 / 097706 is a purely mechanical device and therefore can only convey a purely visual indication of the sealed state of the transit fixture. To utilize the information uniquely conveyed by the compression indicator clip, the eyes of a human inspector will be required. The inspector will have to visually inspect the mounting of the compression indicator clip on the screws of the compression unit and ask themselves whether the compression indicator clip is actually properly positioned on these screws. This means, first, that the inspector must inevitably appear in person very close to the transit to inspect the compression indicator clip and learn about the sealed state of the transit fixture. Additionally, there is a specific risk that the inspector may fail to detect slight misalignment in the mounting of the compression indicator clip on the screws.

[0010] WO 2018 / 208215 presents a different approach for tracking the sealing status of a transit facility. A transit guard unit is configured to detect a status indicating a transit facility that is provided to the transit and is sealed or at least potentially unsealed. The transit guard unit transmits information regarding the detected status to a communication network via a communication interface or to a mobile device via a short-range wireless communication interface. A central monitoring unit receives information regarding the detected status, registers the information, and makes it available to the user. The user can benefit from the status of the transit being updated even while being far away from the actual transit. Status information can be transmitted back from the central monitoring unit to the transit guard unit, and the transit guard unit can present status information locally on the transit by a set of LED indicators, multi-color LED indicators, or display screens of a status indicator unit that can be integrated with the transit guard unit or arranged as a separate device next to the transit.

[0011] The approach taken in WO 2018 / 208215 has several advantages. It presents a digital system-oriented solution to the problem of monitoring the status of transit facilities. Because a central monitoring unit can operably communicate with multiple transit guard units deployed at each of the multiple transits, the solution is inherently scalable. Therefore, this allows for remote and centralized monitoring of a large number of transits.

[0012] Nevertheless, there are some disadvantages to this approach. The transit guard unit will require a specific physical design to be used with a given type of transit. For a transit of the aforementioned type having a compression unit (wedge) actuated by one or more fastening members (e.g., screws), the transit guard unit is specifically designed to have a device housing configured to be mounted on the compression unit, with each recess located on the underside of the device housing to engage with the fastening members. This can be seen in FIGS. 4a to 4b and 5a to 5d of WO 2018 / 208215. A sensor is located in one of the recesses and is configured to detect whether the transit guard unit is in place on the compression unit or removed from it.

[0013] One drawback of this approach is that there must be sufficient space at the front of the transit to mount the somewhat bulky transit guard unit onto the transit's compression unit. This can be difficult in confined installation spaces or when the transit accommodates many thick cables.

[0014] A related disadvantage is that when installing the transit guard unit, the person installing the unit must accurately position the entire unit on the clamping member of the compression unit. Since a recess is provided on the underside of the transit guard unit, the unit's housing can effectively obstruct the view of the person installing the unit. He or she will not receive direct feedback regarding the accurate mounting of the transit guard unit onto the transit's compression unit.

[0015] Another potential disadvantage is that the transit guard unit protrudes from the front surface of the transit, making it susceptible to collisions by people passing nearby. If this occurs, the position of the transit guard unit may be unintentionally shifted, causing the sensor to be triggered and an erroneous detection result to be transmitted to the central monitoring unit.

[0016] Another disadvantage is that transit guard units designed in this manner can only be used with transits having this specific type of compression unit. The entire housing of the transit guard unit would have to be redesigned if used with other types of transits having different compression units. The problem becomes much more apparent when it is desirable to use a transit guard unit with a type of transit that does not have this kind of compression unit but rather includes other means or methods for achieving a sealed installation. To this end, the operator of the monitoring system may have to provide many different transit guard units customized for different types of transits. means of solving the problem

[0017] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide one or more improvements to a monitoring or guard of a cable, pipe, or wire transit having one or more compressible transit elements to enable a sealing installation of one or more cables, pipes, or wires, said sealing installation requiring the proper mounting and tightening of one or more tightening members.

[0018] One aspect of the present invention is a guard sensor device for use with a cable, pipe, or wire transit of a type having one or more compressible transit elements to enable a sealed installation of one or more cables, pipes, or wires, said sealed installation requiring proper mounting and tightening of one or more tightening members. The guard sensor device comprises a base portion and a cover portion. The cover portion can be mounted on the base portion by a mechanical connection. By this, the cover portion and the base portion form an internal cavity between them. The internal cavity is suitable for receiving a protruding portion of one of said tightening members when properly mounted and tightened. The guard sensor device further comprises a sensor disposed on either the base portion or the cover portion and configured to detect when the cover portion is removed relative to the base portion and, in response, generate an alarm signal indicating that the sealed state of said installation may be compromised.

[0019] Advantageously, the mechanical connection is a snap-lock connection to engage the cover portion with the base portion. Using a mechanical connection in the form of a snap-lock has advantages for several reasons. First, it facilitates the mounting of the cover portion onto the base portion without the use of separate tools. Second, it ensures that the two portions engage tightly. Third, a clicking sound may occur when the two portions engage, and such a clicking sound can serve as auditory and possibly tactile feedback to the person installing the guard sensor device that the device has been successfully installed on the transit. Fourth, in situations where the cover portion needs to be removed from the base portion, such as when maintenance work on the transit is required, it allows the cover portion to be conveniently removed from the base portion without the use of separate tools.

[0020] The guard sensor device may further include means for transmitting an alarm signal to a guard host device. In one or more embodiments, the means for transmitting the alarm signal to the guard host device includes a signal cable, one end of which is mechanically coupled to a base portion and operably connected to the sensor, and a cable connector at the other end of the signal cable for connecting the signal cable to the guard host device. Alternatively, the means for transmitting the alarm signal to the guard host device may include a wireless communication interface.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the guard sensor device further includes an elongated rigid support member configured to be coupled to a base portion at one end and to a housing of a guard host device at another end.

[0022] Advantageously, the sensor detects a magnetic field and is provided on one of the base and cover parts, and the guard sensor device further includes a magnetic element that is a source of the magnetic field and is provided on the other of the base and cover parts. Alternatively, the sensor may be selected from a group consisting of, for example, pressure sensors, piezoelectric sensors, electric switches, and optical sensors.

[0023] The fastening member can typically be selected from a group consisting of screws, bolts, pin bolts, and nuts.

[0024] Advantageously, the snap locking connection is formed by a pair of elastic locking tongues on one of the cover portion and the base portion, and by a pair of corresponding interlocking structures on the other of the base portion and the cover portion. The corresponding interlocking structures are configured to engage with the elastic locking tongues when the cover portion is mounted on the base portion, and the protruding portion of one of the tightening members is received within an internal cavity formed between the base portion and the cover portion.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the internal cavity is formed by one or more recesses within the base portion and one or more recesses within the cover portion. Each of the base portion and the cover portion may include a first recess and a second recess for forming the internal cavity, wherein the first recess is formed and dimensioned to receive a first portion of a protruding portion of the one fastening member, and the second recess is formed and dimensioned to receive a second portion of a protruding portion of the one fastening member. When the one fastening member is a screw or bolt having a nut, the first recess is advantageously formed and dimensioned to receive a freely exposed portion of the stem of the screw or bolt, and the second recess is formed and dimensioned to receive the head of the nut or screw.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, each of the base portion and the cover portion includes a recess for forming an internal cavity, the recess is molded and dimensioned to accommodate a protruding portion of the one clamping member, and each of the base portion and the cover portion further include a lateral edge portion, and the lateral edge portion together forms an opening that fits into a groove in a spacer element disposed on the stem portion of the one clamping member.

[0027] In some embodiments of the guard sensor device, the base portion and the cover portion are molded and designed to be mounted on a pair of clamping members of a compression unit within the transit, and the transit further has a rectangular frame for including a plurality of compressible modules.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment of the guard sensor device, the base portion and the cover portion are molded and designed to be mounted on a single clamping member of a compression unit within the transit, and the transit further has a cylindrical compressible body axially compressible by operating a plurality of clamping members, and the plurality of clamping members includes the single clamping member.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for guarding a cable, pipe, or wire transit of a type having one or more compressible transit elements to enable a sealed installation of one or more cables, pipes, or wires. The method is:

[0030] A step of operating one or more tightening members to an appropriate degree to obtain the above-mentioned sealing equipment;

[0031] A step of applying a base portion of a guard sensor device onto a protruding portion of one of the above one or more tightening members;

[0032] A step of forming an internal cavity between them to accommodate a protruding portion of the one tightening member when properly operated by mounting a cover portion on a base portion by means of a mechanical connection;

[0033] A step of detecting the removal of the cover portion from the base portion by means of a sensor disposed on either of the base portion and the cover portion; and

[0034] In response to this, the method includes the step of generating an alarm signal indicating that the sealed state of the above equipment may be damaged.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment of this method, the mechanical connection is a snap-lock connection that engages the cover portion with the base portion.

[0036] The method may advantageously include an additional step of transmitting an alarm signal to a guard host device.

[0037] Other aspects and features of the present invention and embodiments thereof are defined by the appended claims and are further described in the drawings as well as in the detailed description, along with the problems solved and the advantages obtained.

[0038] It should be emphasized that when the term “comprising / comprising” is used herein, it is deemed to specify the presence of the mentioned features, integers, steps, or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. All terms used in the claims shall be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art, unless otherwise explicitly defined herein. Any reference to “one (a / an / the) [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]” ​​shall be open to refer to at least one example of an element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless otherwise explicitly stated. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not need to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0039] The objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of a transit according to the prior art, comprising a plurality of transit elements assembled into a sealed assembly of a plurality of cables during installation at the site. FIG. 2a is a schematic isometric view of a first type transit element that is essentially in the form of a rectangular frame. FIG. 2b is a schematic isometric view of a second type of transit element in the form of a compressible module according to the prior art. FIG. 2c is a schematic isometric view of a third type of transit element in the form of a stay plate according to the prior art. FIG. 2d is a schematic isometric view of a fourth type of transit element in the form of a wedge or compression unit according to the prior art. FIG. 2e is a schematic isometric view of a transit element of type 5, which is in the form of a compression indicator clip according to the prior art. FIG. 3a is a schematic isometric view of a transit of the same type as in FIG. 1, having a pair of clamping members on which a guard sensor device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be mounted. FIG. 3b is a schematic isometric view of a transit as generally illustrated in FIG. 3a, and also illustrates a guard sensor device according to a first embodiment mounted on fastening members. FIG. 3c is a schematic isometric view of a transit and guard sensor device as generally illustrated in FIG. 3b, and also illustrates a guard host device that operably communicates with the guard sensor device. FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate a guard sensor device according to a first embodiment in more detail. FIGS. 4c and FIGS. 4d are exploded views of a guard sensor device according to a first embodiment. FIGS. 5A and FIGS. 5B are schematic isometric views of different types of transits having a plurality of clamping members, wherein a guard sensor device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is mounted on one of these clamping members. FIG. 5c is an exploded view of a guard sensor device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5d illustrates a guard sensor device according to a second embodiment mounted on a different type of clamping member that can be used with the type of transit shown in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a monitoring system for cables, pipes, or wire transits in which a guard sensor device according to the present invention can be used. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for guarding a cable, pipe, or wire transit according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments presented herein; rather, such embodiments are provided to make the disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terms used in the detailed description of specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the invention. In the drawings, similar numbers refer to similar elements.

[0041] Detailed disclosure will begin by briefly describing a transit of the type referred to as a rectangular frame type in the background section of this document. Such a transit (1), also known as a lead-through, is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1. The transit (1) comprises a plurality of different transit elements (10, 20, 30, 40, 42) which are assembled into a sealed assembly of a plurality of cables (2) upon field installation. Generally, the transit elements constituting the transit may be of different types and, depending on the implementation, may exist as a single instance or as a plurality of instances.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the transit (1) includes a frame (10), and within the frame (10), a plurality of compressible modules are arranged in different sizes and numbers (only three of the compressible modules are labeled 201, 202, and 203 in FIG. 1). The frame (10) of the transit (1) is mounted by packing, sealing, or welded joints (12).

[0043] A compressible module (20) is illustrated in FIG. 2b. The compressible module (20) has a box-shaped body divided into two halves (22, 24). A plurality of elastic material layers (26) are arranged concentrically within the body (22, 24) around a central core (28). By removing the core (28) and peeling off an appropriate number of layers (26) during installation, the compressible module (20) can be configured to engage tightly with cables (2) among cables of different diameters. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, only two cables (2) are mounted within the two individual modules (20); the remaining module (20) of FIG. 1 is not currently used for cable lead-through and therefore still has its respective core (28) in place.

[0044] As is evident from FIG. 1, the (main) transit element type (e.g., compressible module (20)) may, in turn, appear as different (sub) types that can be distinguished, for example, by size (see modules (202 and 203) of FIG. 1).

[0045] FIG. 2c illustrates a third type of transit element in the form of a stayplate (30) used to separate different rows of compressible modules (20) within a frame (10), as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0046] FIG. 2d illustrates a fourth type of transit element in the form of a compression unit (wedge) (40). The compression unit (40) is positioned between the frame (10) and the modules (20) in such a way that when the compression unit is expanded, the compressible modules are compressed around the cables (2) to achieve a sealed installation.

[0047] It should be noted that different transits can vary significantly in size and complexity depending on the nature and implementation requirements of the installation site.

[0048] As identified in the background art section of this document, there is a general need to monitor or guard the sealing status of a transit operating in the field, more specifically, of a transit facility. FIG. 2e illustrates one of the prior art approaches mentioned in the background art section of this document, which includes a fifth type of transit element in the form of a compression indicator clip (wedge clip) (42). When the compression unit (40) is sufficiently inflated, the tightening member (e.g., a bolt or screw) (41) will protrude sufficiently far enough for the compression indicator clip (42) to be attached thereto. (It should be noted that FIG. 2d illustrates the compression unit (40) in a non-inflated state where the tightening member (41) is still in a retracted position.) When the compression indicator clip (42) is successfully attached to the protruding tightening member (41), this will serve as a visual indication that the compression unit (40) is sufficiently inflated and, ultimately, the transit facility can be considered sealed. The compression indicator clip (42) can additionally serve to prevent accidental loosening (release of expansion) of the compression unit (40).

[0049] A guard sensor device (100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3a through 4d. The guard sensor device (100) represents an improved solution to the problem of monitoring or guarding the sealed state of a transit facility. The guard sensor device (100) of the first embodiment can be used with any transit, and the sealed state requires the operation of the tightening members (41) so that the tightening members (41) protrude to a certain extent from the surface of the transit.

[0050] Accordingly, the guard sensor device (100) can be used with the rectangular frame type of the transit (1), very similar to the transit (1) shown and described with reference to the previous drawings, for example. This can be seen in FIGS. 3a and 3b. When the tightening member (41) of the compression unit (40) within the transit (1) is actuated (tightened) to a sufficient degree to compress the compressible module (20), the guard sensor device (100) can be mounted thereon. This can be seen in FIGS. 3b through 3c and will become more apparent from FIGS. 4a through 4d. As can be seen in FIG. 3c, the guard sensor device (100) can operably communicate with the guard host device (50).

[0051] In particular, as can be seen in FIGS. 4c to 4d, the guard sensor device (100) has a housing divided into a base portion (110) and a cover portion (120). The housing members (110 and 120) may be made of a suitable material such as, but not limited to, plastic material. The cover portion (120) may be mounted on the base portion (110) by mechanical connections (114a-b, 124a-b). In the disclosed embodiment, the mechanical connection is a snap-lock connection, but in an alternative embodiment, it may be implemented by other means to achieve engagement between the cover portion and the base portion. Such other means may include, for example, surfaces on the cover portion and the base portion that generate frictional engagement between the cover portion and the base portion, or fastening members such as a nut or a screw received within a thread.

[0052] However, the snap-lock connection is considered particularly beneficial for several reasons. It facilitates the mounting of the cover portion (120) onto the base portion (110) without the use of a separate tool. Additionally, it allows the two portions to be firmly interlocked. Furthermore, a clicking sound may occur when the two portions are interlocked. This clicking sound can serve as auditory and possibly tactile feedback to the person installing the guard sensor device, indicating that the guard sensor device has been successfully installed on the transit. Additionally, in situations where the cover portion needs to be removed from the base portion, such as when maintenance work on the transit is required, it allows the cover portion to be conveniently removed from the base portion without the use of a separate tool.

[0053] In the disclosed embodiment, the snap lock connection is formed more specifically by a pair of elastic locking tongues (124a, 124b) on the cover portion (120) that engage with corresponding interlocking structures (114a, 114b) within the base portion (110). In another embodiment, the elastic locking tongues may be provided on the base portion, while the corresponding interlocking structures are formed within the cover portion.

[0054] When the cover portion (120) is mounted on the base portion (110), these portions will form an internal cavity (116a-b, 126a-b) to accommodate a protruding portion of one of the tightening members (41a) of the compression unit (40) of the transit (1) between them (see also FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b). As can be seen in FIG. 4c and FIG. 4d, the internal cavity (116a, 116b, 126a, 126b) is formed by the recess (116a, 116b) of the base portion (110) and the recess (126a, 126b) of the cover portion (120).

[0055] The recesses (116a, 116b, 126a, and 126b) are formed and dimensioned such that when the aforementioned tightening member (41a) is properly fitted and tightened, the internal cavity (116a-b, 126a-b) formed by these recesses somewhat snugly accommodates the protruding portion of the aforementioned tightening member (41a). In the disclosed embodiment, the tightening member (41a) may typically be a screw, and thus the recesses (116a, 126a) are formed and dimensioned to align with the freely exposed portion of the stem of the screw (41a), whereas the recesses (116b and 126b) are formed and dimensioned to align with the head of the screw (41a).

[0056] Accordingly, if the tightening members (41) (including the tightening member (41a) described above) are properly mounted and tightened to the compression unit (40) of the transit (1), the guard sensor device (100) can be conveniently installed on the transit (1) by mounting it on the compression unit (40) of the transit (1) as follows:

[0057] i) A step of positioning the base portion (110) so that the lower portion of the freely exposed part of the stem of the screw (41) and the head of the screw (41) are received within the recesses (116a, 116b).

[0058] ii) a step of positioning the cover portion (120) so that the upper portion of the freely exposed part of the stem of the screw (41) and the head of the screw (41) are received within the recess (126a, 126b). The stem of the screw (41) is allowed to pass through the opening formed by the lateral edge portions (118, 128) of the base and the cover portion (110, 120).

[0059] iii) A step of applying force to the cover portion (120) toward the base portion (110) (e.g., by fitting the cover portion (120) and the base portion (110) between the thumb and index finger), wherein the locking tongue (124a, 124b) will engage with the corresponding interlocking structure (114a, 114b), and a snap lock connection will be formed. When this formation occurs, a click sound will be produced, and the click sound can serve as an auditory and possibly tactile indication of the successful installation of the guard sensor device (100) on the transit (1), as previously mentioned.

[0060] Another clamping member (41) is correspondingly received and included within a recess formed at the opposite end of the guard sensor device (100), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art from the drawing.

[0061] As can be seen in FIG. 4c, the sensor (130) is placed on the base portion (110). The sensor (130) is configured to detect the removal of the cover portion (120) from the base portion (110) and, in response, to generate an alarm signal (S) (shown in FIG. 6) to indicate that the sealed state of the transit facility may be compromised. In other embodiments, the sensor may be placed on the cover portion (120). The sensor (130) may be a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, an electric switch, a light sensor, or any type of sensor capable of detecting the removal of the cover portion (120) from the base portion (110). Here, it is worth noting that the design of the guard sensor device (100) having a snap lock connection has the advantage that the guard sensor device (100) will be firmly engaged with the transit (1), thereby reducing the risk that the guard sensor device (100) and its sensor (130) will be accidentally displaced from alignment with the fastening members as a result of accidental physical intervention with a person or object passing close to the transit (1).

[0062] In the disclosed embodiment of FIG. 4c, the sensor (130) is a magnetic sensor that detects a magnetic field and is provided on the base portion (110). The magnetic sensor (130) is provided on a circuit board (132) covered by a cap (138). In the disclosed embodiment, the guard sensor device (100) further includes a magnetic element (134) which is a source of such magnetic field and is provided on the cover portion (120). The magnetic element (134) is received in a recess (122) of the cover portion (120). In other embodiments, the magnetic sensor may be provided on the cover portion (120), and the magnetic element may be provided on the base portion (110). This arrangement of magnetic sensors is considered to represent a robust solution particularly suitable for long-term operation with durability.

[0063] In the disclosed embodiment, the guard sensor device (100) has a socket (148). Refer particularly to FIGS. 4a and 4d. The purpose of the socket (148) is to allow the guard sensor device (100) to be connected to a guard host device (50). In particular, as can be seen in FIGS. 3c and 4b, the connection is achieved through a cable gland (142), a signal cable (140), and a cable connector (144). The elements (140, 142 and 144) constitute a means for transmitting an alarm signal (S) generated by the sensor (130) to the guard host device (50). The signal cable (140) is mechanically coupled to the base portion (110) at one end (148) and electrically connected to the circuit board (132), thereby operably connecting to the sensor (130). The sensor (130) can be powered by the guard host device (50) through the signal cable (140). A cable connector (144) at the other end of the signal cable (140) connects the signal cable (140) to the guard host device (50).

[0064] To facilitate the installation of the guard host device (50) at the front of the transit (1), an elongated rigid support member (146) may be provided, which is coupled to the base portion (110) at one end and to the housing of the guard host device (50) at the other end. This can be seen in FIGS. 3c and FIGS. 4b.

[0065] However, in alternative embodiments, a rigid support member is not provided, and instead, the guard host device (50) may be placed, for example, at floor level near the transit (1) or on top of its rectangular frame (10). This may have an advantage in that the guard host device (50) is located further away from passing people or objects.

[0066] In another alternative embodiment, the means for transmitting the alarm signal (S) to the guard host device (50) may include a wireless communication interface rather than a cable-based one. This will facilitate the flexible positioning of the guard host device (50) relative to the transit (1). Accordingly, the sensor (130) and the wireless communication interface may need to be powered by an internal power source within the guard sensor device (100), for example, a battery.

[0067] A second embodiment of the guard sensor device (200) according to the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5a through 5d. The second embodiment is particularly suitable for use with transits of a different type other than a rectangular frame type. Accordingly, as can be seen in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the guard sensor device (200) is used with a transit (1') having an essentially cylindrical shape. The transit (1') has a cylindrical compressible body (25), and this cylindrical compressible body is axially compressed between fittings at opposite ends of the compressible body by operating a plurality of tightening members (41') to an appropriate range (i.e., a specific tightening torque) to obtain a sealed transit installation. By axial compression, the cylindrical body (25) will expand radially inward and outward, thereby sealing the transit (1') outwardly toward an opening in a building structure (e.g., a wall) where the transit (1') is arranged, and inwardly toward a cable running through the center of the cylindrical body (25).

[0068] Unlike the first embodiment, the degree of protrusion by the tightening members (41') of the transit (1') from the front surface of the transit (1') will not indicate proper mounting and tightening. Accordingly, the housing design of the guard sensor device (200) of the second embodiment differs in some respects from the housing design of the guard sensor device (100) of the first embodiment.

[0069] However, the guard sensor device (200) comprises a base portion (210) and a cover portion (220), the cover portion (220) being mountable on the base portion (210) by a mechanical connection in the form of a snap lock connection (214a-b; 224a-b) and thereby forming an internal cavity (216, 226) between them to accommodate a protruding portion of one of the tightening members (41') when properly mounted and tightened. This one tightening member is indicated as 41a' in the second embodiment.

[0070] A snap lock connection is formed by a pair of elastic locking tongues (224a, 224b) on one of the cover portion (220) and the base portion (210)—in the second disclosed embodiment, the cover portion (220)—and by a pair of corresponding interlocking structures (214a, 214b) within the other of the base portion (210) and the cover portion (220)—in the second disclosed embodiment, the base portion (210). The corresponding interlocking structures (214a, 214b) are configured to engage with the elastic locking tongues (224a, 224b) when the cover portion (220) is mounted on the base portion (210) (again advantageously producing a click sound), and the protruding portion of the one tightening member (41a') is received within an internal cavity (216, 226) formed between the base portion (210) and the cover portion (220).

[0071] Each of the base portion (210) and the cover portion (220) includes a recess (216, 226) for forming an internal cavity. The recess (216, 226) is molded and dimensioned to accommodate a protruding portion of the one clamping member (41a'). Each of the base portion (210) and the cover portion (220) further includes a lateral edge portion (218, 228) that together form an opening that aligns with a groove in a spacer element (43) placed on the stem portion of the one clamping member (41a').

[0072] Similar to the first embodiment, the sensor (230) is positioned on the base portion (210) (or, in an alternative embodiment, the cover portion (220)). The sensor (230) is configured to detect the removal of the cover portion (220) from the base portion (210) and, in response, generate an alarm signal (S) to indicate that the sealed state of the transit facility may be compromised. The sensor (230) may generally be similar to the sensor (130) mentioned above in the first embodiment. Accordingly, in the disclosed second embodiment, the sensor (230) detects a magnetic field, and the guard sensor device (200) further includes a magnetic element (234) which is a source of such magnetic field and is provided on opposite sides of the base and cover portions (i.e., on the cover portion (220) in the disclosed second embodiment). Alternatively, the sensor (230) may be, in particular, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, an electric switch, or a light sensor.

[0073] More similar to the first embodiment, the guard sensor device (200) includes means for transmitting an alarm signal (S) generated by the sensor (230) to the guard host device (50). The means include a cable gland (242), a signal cable (240), and a cable connector (not shown in the drawing). The signal cable (240) is mechanically coupled to the base portion (210) at one end and electrically connected to a circuit board (not shown in the drawing), thereby operably connecting to the sensor (230) mounted on the circuit board. The sensor (230) may be powered by the guard host device (50) through the signal cable (240). A cable connector at the other end of the signal cable (240) connects the signal cable (240) to the guard host device (50).

[0074] In alternative embodiments, means for transmitting an alarm signal (S) to a guard host device (50) may include a wireless communication interface rather than a cable-based one. Subsequently, the sensor (230) and the wireless communication interface may be powered by an internal power source, such as a battery, within the guard sensor device (200).

[0075] FIG. 5d illustrates a guard sensor device (200) according to a second embodiment mounted on a different type of fastening member (41a') that can be used with the type of transit (1') shown in FIG. 5a and 5b. On the left side of FIG. 5d, the guard sensor device (200) is mounted on a screw-shaped fastening member (41a') having a hexagonal head. In the center of FIG. 5d, the guard sensor device (200) is mounted on a screw-shaped fastening member (41a') having a cap head. On the right side of FIG. 5d, the guard sensor device (200) is mounted on the fastening member (41a') in the form of a pin bolt having a nut.

[0076] FIG. 6 illustrates a monitoring system (300) for cables, pipes, or wire transits in which a guard sensor device (100; 200) according to the present invention can be used together with a guard host device (350). It should be noted that only the sensors (130; 230) of the guard sensor device (100; 200) are illustrated in FIG. 6. As previously described, a central monitoring unit (370) is provided to receive from the guard host device (350) a report regarding the current status of a transit (1; 1') that is detected by the guard sensor device (100; 200) and transmitted (140; 240) to the guard host device (50). It is noted that the status detected by the guard sensor device (100; 200) indicates whether the installation of cables, pipes, or wires within the transit is sealed or at least potentially unsealed, that is, whether there is a possibility that the sealing status of the transit installation has been compromised.

[0077] The central monitoring unit (370) may be implemented, for example, as a server computer, workstation computer, personal computer or laptop computer, having an operating system and appropriately programmed to perform the functions described herein, or may be implemented as a cluster of such computer devices or as a cloud computing service.

[0078] As can be seen in 361, the central monitoring unit (370) and the guard host device (350) are operably connected by one or more communication network(s) (360), which may be mobile communication network(s) (e.g., complying with any commercially available mobile communication standard such as (without limitation) GSM, UMTS, LTE, D-AMPS, CDMA2000, FOMA and TD-SCDMA), wide area data network(s) (e.g., the Internet or any form of IP-based data network), local area network(s) (e.g., WiFi / WLAN, Bluetooth or LAN network), industrial data bus(s) (e.g., ASI, CANbus, ProfiBus or Modbus), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments of the monitoring system (300), the guard host device (350) is connected to local networks via a wireless link, while the central monitoring unit (370) is connected to a wide-area network, and the local networks are connected to the wide-area network in turn.

[0079] The guard host device (350) is an implementation of the previously disclosed and described guard host device (50). It includes a controller (351) that handles the overall operation of the guard host device (350). The controller (351) of the guard host device (350) may be implemented by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any electronic circuit capable of performing the functions generally described herein.

[0080] The guard host device (350) also includes a sensor interface (352) for receiving an alarm signal (S) transmitted (140; 240) from the guard sensor device (100; 200). As understood by a person skilled in the art, the sensor interface (352) may be a serial electrical interface for embodiments of the guard sensor device (100; 200) operating via cable-based communication (140; 240), or a wireless communication interface for embodiments operating wirelessly. Such a wireless communication interface may be implemented, for example, as IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, ZigBee, WirelessHART, WiFi, Bluetooth, WCDMA, HSPA, GSM, UTRAN, UMTS, LTE, ASI, CANbus, ProfiBus, or Modbus.

[0081] The guard host device (350) further includes a memory (353), a battery (355) or other power source, and a communication interface (356) to a communication network (360). The memory (353) may be implemented with any technology generally known for electronic memories, such as, for example, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM, CMOS, FLASH, DDR, or SDRAM.

[0082] The guard host device (350) also includes a status indicator unit (390). The status indicator unit (390) includes one or more LED indicators (392), and / or a display screen (394), and / or a short-range wireless communication interface (396). The status indicator unit (390) may be used to provide a local status indication in the transit (1') to indicate that the sealed state of the transit facility may be compromised in response to an alarm signal (S) received from the guard sensor device (100; 200), or to indicate that such an alarm signal (S) was not received and the sealed state is good accordingly. Additionally or alternatively, the status indicator unit (390) may be used to display information transmitted from the central monitoring unit (370) to the guard host device (350) in response to the guard host device (350) receiving a report regarding the reception of the alarm signal (S), possibly.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method (400) for guarding a wire transit (1; 1') of a type having one or more cables (2), pipes or wires, or one or more compressible transit elements (20; 25), in order to enable a sealed installation of one or more cables (2), pipes or wires according to the present invention.

[0084] The above method includes a first step (410) of operating one or more tightening members (41; 41') to an extent suitable for obtaining a sealed installation.

[0085] Next, the second step (420) of the above method (400) includes the step of applying the base portion (110; 210) of the guard sensor device (100; 200) onto the protruding portion of one of the one or more fastening members (41; 41'), specifically the fastening member (41a, 41a').

[0086] The third step (430) of the above method (400) comprises mounting a cover portion (120; 220) onto a base portion (110; 210) by means of a mechanical connection (a snap-lock connection in the disclosed embodiment) (114a-b, 124a-b; 214a-b; 224a-b) to form an internal cavity (116a-b, 126a-b; 216, 226) between them to accommodate a protruding portion of one tightening member (41a; 41a') when properly operated (i.e., mounted on the transit (1; 1') and tightened to an appropriate degree; it should be noted that such operation has already occurred in the previous step (410).

[0087] The fourth step (440) of the above method (400) includes the step of detecting the removal of the cover portion (120; 220) from the base portion (110; 210) by a sensor (130; 230) placed on either of the base and cover portions (110, 120; 210, 220).

[0088] Finally, the above method (400) includes a fifth step (450) that generates an alarm signal (S) indicating that the sealed state of the equipment may be damaged in response to the detection in the fourth step (440).

[0089] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the embodiments. However, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, other embodiments are equally possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A guard sensor device (100; 200) for use with a cable, pipe, or wire transit (1; 1') of a type having one or more compressible transit elements (20; 25) to enable a sealing installation of one or more cables (2), pipes, or wires, wherein the sealing installation requires proper mounting and tightening of one or more tightening members (41; 41'), and the guard sensor device (100; 200) comprises: a base portion (110; 210) and a cover portion (120; 220) - the cover portion is mountable on the base portion by means of mechanical connections (114a-b, 124a-b; 214a-b; 224a-b), and thereby, when properly mounted and tightened, an internal cavity (116a-b) for receiving a protruding portion of one of the one or more tightening members (41; 41') (41a, 41a'), A guard sensor device (100; 200), comprising: a base and cover portion (110; 120; 216, 226) formed between them; and a sensor (130; 230) disposed on either of the base and cover portions (110; 120; 210, 220) and configured to detect when the cover portion (120; 220) is removed relative to the base portion (110; 210) and, in response, generate an alarm signal (S) indicating that the sealed state of the equipment may be damaged. Claim 2 In claim 1, the mechanical connections (114a-b, 124a-b; 214a-b; 224a-b) are snap-lock connections for engaging the cover portion (120; 220) with the base portion (110; 210), guard sensor device (100; 200). Claim 3 A guard sensor device (100; 200) according to claim 1, further comprising means (140, 142, 144; 240, 242) for transmitting an alarm signal (S) to a guard host device (50). Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the means for transmitting an alarm signal (S) to a guard host device (50) comprises: a signal cable (140; 240) having one end (142; 148) mechanically coupled to a base portion (110; 210) and operably connected to the sensor (130; 230); and a cable connector (144) at another end of the signal cable for connecting the signal cable (140; 240) to the guard host device (50), wherein the guard sensor device (100; 200). Claim 5 In paragraph 3, the means for transmitting an alarm signal (S) to a guard host device (50) is a guard sensor device (100; 200) including a wireless communication interface. Claim 6 A guard sensor device (100; 200) according to claim 1, further comprising an elongated rigid support member (146) configured to be coupled to a base portion (110; 210) at one end and to be coupled to a housing of a guard host device (50) at another end. Claim 7 In claim 1, the sensor (130; 230) detects a magnetic field and is provided on one of the base and cover portions (110, 120; 210, 220), and the guard sensor device (100; 200) further comprises a magnetic element (134) which is a source of the magnetic field and is provided on the other of the base and cover portions (110, 120; 210, 220). Claim 8 In claim 1, the sensor (130; 230) is a guard sensor device (100; 200) selected from the group consisting of: a pressure sensor; a piezoelectric sensor; an electric switch; and a light sensor. Claim 9 In claim 1, the guard sensor device (100; 200), wherein one or more fastening members (41; 41') are selected from the group consisting of: screws; bolts; pin bolts; and nuts. Claim 10 In paragraph 2, the snap lock connection is formed by a pair of elastic locking tongues (124a, 124b; 224a, 224b) in one of the cover portion (120; 220) and the base portion (110; 210), and by a pair of corresponding interlocking structures (114a, 114b; 214a, 214b) in the other of the base portion (110; 210) and the cover portion (120; 220), and the corresponding interlocking structures (114a, 114b; 214a, 214b) are configured to interlock with the elastic locking tongues (124a, 124b; 224a, 224b) when the cover portion (120; 220) is mounted on the base portion (110; 210), and the one tightening member (41a, A guard sensor device (100; 200), wherein the protruding portion of 41a') is received within an internal cavity (116a-b, 126a-b; 216, 226) formed between a base portion (110; 210) and a cover portion (120; 220). Claim 11 A guard sensor device (100; 200), wherein the internal cavity (116a-b, 126a-b; 216, 226) is formed by one or more recesses (116a, 116b; 216) within a base portion (110; 210) and one or more recesses (126a, 126b; 226) within a cover portion (120; 220). Claim 12 In claim 11, the base portion (110) and the cover portion (120) each comprise a first recess (116a, 126a) and a second recess (116b, 126b) for forming an internal cavity, wherein the first recess (116a, 126a) is molded and dimensioned to accommodate a first portion of a protruding portion of the one clamping member (41a, 41a'), and the second recess (116b, 126b) is molded and dimensioned to accommodate a second portion of a protruding portion of the one clamping member (41a, 41a'). A guard sensor device (100). Claim 13 In claim 12, the guard sensor device (100), wherein one tightening member (41a) is a screw or bolt having a nut, the first recess (116a, 126a) is formed and dimensioned to receive a freely exposed portion of the stem of the screw (41a) or bolt, and the second recess (116b, 126b) is formed and dimensioned to receive the head of the nut or screw (41a). Claim 14 In claim 11, each base portion (210) and cover portion (220) includes a recess (216, 226) for forming an internal cavity, the recess (216, 226) is molded and dimensioned to accommodate a protruding portion of the one clamping member (41a'), each base portion (210) and cover portion (220) further include a lateral edge portion (218, 228), the lateral edge portions together form an opening that aligns with a groove in a spacer element (43) disposed on the stem portion of the one clamping member (41a'), guard sensor device (200). Claim 15 In claim 1, the base portion (110) and the cover portion (120) are molded and designed to be mounted on a pair of clamping members (41) of a compression unit (40) within the transit (1), and the transit (1) further has a rectangular frame (10) for including a plurality of compressible modules (20), a guard sensor device (100). Claim 16 In claim 1, the base portion (210) and the cover portion (220) are molded and designed to be mounted on one clamping member (41a') of a compression unit (40) within a transit (1'), the transit (1') further has a cylindrical compressible body (25) that is axially compressible by operating a plurality of clamping members (41a), and the plurality of clamping members (41a) include the one clamping member (41a'), a guard sensor device (200). Claim 17 A method for guarding a cable, pipe, or wire transit (1; 1') having one or more compressible transit elements (20; 25) to enable a sealed installation of one or more cables (2), pipes, or wires, wherein the method comprises the steps of: operating one or more tightening members (41; 41') to an extent suitable for obtaining the sealed installation (410); applying a base portion (110; 210) of a guard sensor device (100; 200) onto a protruding portion (41a, 41a') of one of the one or more tightening members (41; 41') (420); and mounting a cover portion (120; 220) onto the base portion (110; 210) by means of mechanical connections (114a-b, 124a-b; 214a-b; 224a-b) so that when properly operated, the one tightening member (41a; 41a') A method comprising: a step (430) of forming an internal cavity (116a-b, 126a-b; 216, 226) between these to accommodate a protruding part; a step (440) of detecting the removal of the cover part (120; 220) from the base part (110; 210) by a sensor (130; 230) placed on either of the base and cover parts (110, 120; 210, 220); and a step (450) of generating an alarm signal (S) indicating that the sealed state of the equipment may be damaged in response thereto. Claim 18 A method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of engaging the cover portion (120; 220) with the base portion (110; 210) by means of a mechanical connection (114a-b, 124a-b; 214a-b; 224a-b) of the form of a snap lock connection. Claim 19 A method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of transmitting an alarm signal (S) to a guard host device (50).

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