Self-Supported Cable Assembly and Method for Packaging a Cable

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-supported cable assembly (1, 1′) comprising a cable (11) wound around a central axis (AA′) of the assembly so as to form a winding, the winding comprising a first turn (s1) and a second turn (s2) adjacent to the first turn (s1), the assembly (1, 1′) comprising an adhesive (10) arranged on a cable (11) and in contact with the first turn (s1) and the second turn (s2) so as to keep the first turn (s1) fixed with respect to the second turn (s2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to the packaging of the cables, preferably electrical or optical cables, for the transport, storage and unwinding of such cables.STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Generally, the cables are packaged on a winding support (drum or spool for example) which allows the organized storage of the cable wound in turns in long lengths (from a few tens of meters to a few kilometers). However, there are variants which consist in positioning the cable wound into a coil, without support but tied to hold the turns during storage and transport, but these have the drawback, during unwinding, of not keeping the turns well organized.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] One aim of the present invention is to facilitate the handling and storage of the cables.

[0004] In this respect, the invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a self-holding cable assembly comprising a cable wound around a central axis of the assembly so as to form a winding, the winding comprising a first turn and a second turn adjacent to the first turn (s1), the assembly comprising an adhesive positioned on a cable and in contact with the first turn and the second turn so as to hold the first turn fixed relative to the second turn.

[0005] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which should be read in relation to the appended drawings, in which:

[0006] the adhesive comprises a line of adhesive parallel to the axis of the cable, the first turn and the second turn being in contact with the line of adhesive;

[0007] the adhesive comprises spots of adhesive spaced from each other, the first turn and the second turn being in contact via the spots of adhesive;

[0008] it comprises a support around which the cable is wound, for example a drum or a spool;

[0009] the second turn is wound at a diameter greater than or equal to that of the first turn;

[0010] the winding comprises a third turn wound at a diameter greater than or equal to that of the second turn, the adhesive holding the third turn fixed relative to the second turn;

[0011] the adhesive comprises a physically or chemically setting glue configured to withstand a pull-out force such that the turns do not detach by themselves.

[0012] The invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a self-holding cable coil consisting solely of an assembly according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0013] The invention relates, according to a third aspect, to a cable packaging method comprising winding the cable around a winding axis so as to form a winding, the winding comprising a first turn and a second turn adjacent to the first turn and during winding, the method comprises depositing an adhesive on the cable prior to its winding so as to be in contact with the first turn and the second turn in order to hold the first turn fixed relative to the second turn.

[0014] Advantageously, the adhesive is a mechanically or chemically setting glue, the method comprising, after depositing the glue, a waiting step so that the glue cross-links or cools.

[0015] The invention offers numerous advantages.

[0016] The cable is self-holding in the wound position until reaching the pull-out force, removes the tie.

[0017] The wound cable according to the invention prevents the turns from jamming during its storage, transport and unwinding. This cable can be used with or without a drum. In this case, this eliminates the cost and environmental footprint of the supports (such as spools) and drums by winding the cable, which is self-holding and which does not require a tie, without presenting any risk of retention or jamming of the turns during its storage, transport and unwinding.

[0018] Indeed, the use of spools or drums represents an economic and environmental cost: They are often destined to be destroyed after the first use (first reeling of the cable), this is in particular the case for packaging with reduced dimensions that allow them to be handled or moved manually (without lifting equipment), with a gross mass typically less than 20 kg. There is no tie waste for the installer. The use of a drum is therefore not essential, which limits drum-related waste.

[0019] The reeling is accelerated, saving the operator time. The self-holding coil is lighter and does not require a package. The clutter is scalable as the cable is unwound. Furthermore, the cable wound according to the invention allows unwind and overend reeling, and allows external and internal reeling.

[0020] Also, the invention allows for a packaging cost proportional to the length (unlike a package that provides a fixed cost for a range of lengths).PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which should be read in relation the appended drawings, in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, FIG. 3c and FIG. 4 illustrate views of a cable wound according to the invention;

[0025] FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 5c and FIG. 5d illustrate several arrangements of a cable wound according to the invention;

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates one implementation of a method for winding a cable to obtain an assembly according to the invention;

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates steps of a method for winding a cable to obtain an assembly according to the invention.

[0028] In all figures, similar elements bear identical references.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONSelf-Holding Cable Assembly

[0029] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a self-holding cable assembly 1, 1′according to a first and a second embodiment respectively. FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c and FIG. 4 illustrate a cable 11 which is wound according to FIGS. 1 and 2 and 3.

[0030] According to these two embodiments, the self-holding cable assembly 1, 1′is obtained by winding on itself around a central axis AA′ of the assembly so as to form a winding. The winding comprises several turns s1, s2. Particularly, the winding comprises a first turn s1 and a second turn s2 adjacent to the first turn s1. The first turn s1 is wound around the axis AA′ at a first diameter and the second turn s2 is wound around the axis AA′ at a second diameter greater than or equal to the first diameter. Therefore, the second turn s2 winds around the first turn s2 or overlaps it. For example, the first turn s1 is in a first plane p1 while the second turn s2 is in a second plane p2. The first and second planes p1, p2 are located at a distance from each other and superimposed.

[0031] A third turn s2 is wound at a diameter greater than or equal to that of the second turn s2, and so on for other turns. For example, the second diameter is the initial diameter of the winding to which is added twice the diameter of the cable 11, and so on when the diameter increases as the turns are wound.

[0032] The assembly 1, 1′therefore has a radius R defined by the different turns s1, s2 and a height H defined by the stages of turns s1, s2 on top of each other.

[0033] To connect the turns s1, s2 together, the assembly 1, 1′comprises an adhesive 10 positioned on the cable 11 and which is in contact with the first turn s1 and the second turn s2 so as to hold the first turn s1 fixed relative to the second turn s2.

[0034] According to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the assembly 1 is particularly a self-holding cable coil 1 and does not include a drum or spool-type support around which the cable 11 is wound. Such a coil 1 has for example the appearance of a cylinder that is wider than it is high.

[0035] According to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the assembly 1′ comprises a drum or spool-type support 20 to facilitate the unwinding of the cable 11. Note that in this case, the presence of the support 20 does not serve to hold the cable wound.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3a, the wound cable 11 comprises for example an electrical or optical conductor consisting of a conductive core 12 covered with an outer sheath 14 made of a polymer or polymer-based composite material. The outer sheath 14 is for example made of polyethylene. The conductive core 12 consists of copper wires or optical fibers made of silica or polymer.

[0037] The cable 11 has preferably a circular geometry and extends along a longitudinal axis XX′. Alternatively, the cable 11 has an oblong shape.

[0038] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the cable 11 is comprised between 1 mm and 35 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 12 mm.

[0039] In order for the assembly 1, 1′to be self-holding, that is to say held without the help of any external element such as a drum or ties, the turns s1, s2, s3 of the assembly are in contact via the adhesive 10 which is positioned on the cable 11.

[0040] According to the embodiment of FIG. 3a, the adhesive 10 comprises a line LA of adhesive parallel to the axis XX′ of the cable 11, the first turn s1 and the second turn s2 being in contact via the line LA of adhesive 10. According to the embodiment of FIG. 3b, and alternatively, the adhesive 10 comprises spots PA of adhesive spaced from each other and aligned parallel to the axis XX of the cable 11, the first turn s1 and the second turn s2 being in contact via these spots of adhesive. According to the embodiment of FIG. 3c, and alternatively, the adhesive 10 comprises a cloud of diffuse spots PA around the axis XX′ of the cable 11.

[0041] Advantageously, the (continuous or discrete) adhesive is positioned along contact lines L. The lines L extend for example longitudinally along the cable 11 and the adhesive 10 is positioned along at least one of these contact lines L so as to hold the turns adjacent to each other. In this way, the turns s1, s2 are held together at one or more contact lines L of the turns together. The contact lines L are defined by the winding of the cable 11.

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a cable 11 on which several contact lines L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 are defined distributed around the cable 11. This figure shows several possibilities for these contact lines which depend on the winding of the cable 11. Two lines L1, L2 are diametrically opposite, a third line L3 is at 90 degrees relative to the two lines L1, L2, a fourth line L4 and a fifth line L5 are at 45° relative to the lines L1, L2 respectively.

[0043] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d illustrate several winding arrangements. In FIG. 5a, the turns s1, s2, s3, s4 of the cable 11 are well superimposed. A turn s2 can be in contact with up to four turns. In FIG. 5b, the turns s1, s2, s3, s4 are nested, one turn can be in contact with up to six adjacent turns. In FIG. 5c, the turns are offset and one turn can be in contact with up to four adjacent turns. In FIG. 5d, the cable 11 has an oblong shape, and the winding is similar to that of FIG. 5b. Note that the positioning of the adhesive 10 is such that it can fall between the turns but that there will be enough adhesion spots to hold the assembly.

[0044] Preferably, it is provided to position the adhesive on at least two lines LA of adhesive to maximize the adhesion of the turns of the cable 11 (for example diametrically opposite).

[0045] The adhesive 10 is preferably a physically setting glue which, when laid, is heated to be liquid and which will create a bonding of the turns as soon as the glue cools and hardens. A pull-out force will then be necessary to separate the turns of the cable from the assembly. Alternatively, the adhesive 10 is a chemically setting glue or more generally is any means for holding the turns together without damaging the cable 11 and which resists a minimal pull-out force to prevent the turns from detaching by themselves when they are wound. Particularly, the pull-out force is proportional to the surface of the bond line created between the turns. A pull-out force is for example less than 25 N.

[0046] The physically setting glue is a glue in which the polymer already exists in its final form, but before application, it must be in a liquid form in a solvent, in water, or in the molten form of a HOTMELT (hot melt glue). No chemical reaction occurs. The chemically setting glue is a glue in which a polymer is formed by a chemical reaction (polymerization or cross-linking). The chemical reaction is caused by humidity, temperature, UV, hardeners, etc.

[0047] In this way, the cable is held without a tie, and it can be stored, transported and unwound to its last turns, without the risk of jamming of the turns. Furthermore, this eliminates the environmental footprint of the spools, drums and ties. Complementarily, the self-holding assembly can be positioned on a drum to facilitate its handling.Packaging Method

[0048] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the winding of a cable 11 according to one embodiment. As illustrated in these figures, an unwound cable 11 is brought (step E1) onto a removable support (not represented) to be wound around this support. The support is rotated and allows the winding of the cable 11 around this support (step E2). When the cable 11 is wound around the removable support, the adhesive 10 is deposited on the cable 11 and in particular on the sheath 14 which passes between two nozzles 2 allowing the deposition of the adhesive 10. The passage between these nozzles 2 allows defining lines LA of adhesive or the spots PA of adhesive along the cable 11 prior to putting the cable 11 into contact with itself (step E3). The cable winding will define the contact lines between the turns, some of which will correspond to the positions of the adhesive 10.

[0049] The adhesive 10 preferably consists of a thermal glue that is first heated (to a temperature above 85° C.) in order to be liquid and then deposited by the nozzles 2 connected to a reservoir 3 of glue in the liquid state.

[0050] In the case of glue, the wound turns are held for the entire time necessary for the glue to harden (mechanical setting) or cross-link (chemical setting) and for the turns to be held together (step E4). Once the turns are held, the assembly is removed (step E5) from the removable support. The cable 11 is holds by itself thanks to its turns which are connected to each other.

[0051] For its unwind reeling, the self-holding cable assembly 1, 1′will be positioned on a reel. The operator will then only have to pull on the outer end to cause the cable to be pulled out and the assembly to rotate.

[0052] Complementarily, as many nozzles 2 as there are locations for depositing the adhesive 10 are provided. The position of the wound cable 11 relative to the nozzles (or vice versa) will depend on the type of winding required, as illustrated in FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d.

Examples

second embodiment

[0029]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a self-holding cable assembly 1, 1′according to a first and a second embodiment respectively. FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c and FIG. 4 illustrate a cable 11 which is wound according to FIGS. 1 and 2 and 3.

[0030]According to these two embodiments, the self-holding cable assembly 1, 1′is obtained by winding on itself around a central axis AA′ of the assembly so as to form a winding. The winding comprises several turns s1, s2. Particularly, the winding comprises a first turn s1 and a second turn s2 adjacent to the first turn s1. The first turn s1 is wound around the axis AA′ at a first diameter and the second turn s2 is wound around the axis AA′ at a second diameter greater than or equal to the first diameter. Therefore, the second turn s2 winds around the first turn s2 or overlaps it. For example, the first turn s1 is in a first plane p1 while the second turn s2 is in a second plane p2. The first and second planes p1, p2 are located at a distance from each other and ...

first embodiment

[0034] illustrated in FIG. 1, the assembly 1 is particularly a self-holding cable coil 1 and does not include a drum or spool-type support around which the cable 11 is wound. Such a coil 1 has for example the appearance of a cylinder that is wider than it is high.

[0035]According to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the assembly 1′ comprises a drum or spool-type support 20 to facilitate the unwinding of the cable 11. Note that in this case, the presence of the support 20 does not serve to hold the cable wound.

[0036]Referring to FIG. 3a, the wound cable 11 comprises for example an electrical or optical conductor consisting of a conductive core 12 covered with an outer sheath 14 made of a polymer or polymer-based composite material. The outer sheath 14 is for example made of polyethylene. The conductive core 12 consists of copper wires or optical fibers made of silica or polymer.

[0037]The cable 11 has preferably a circular geometry and extends along a longitudinal axis XX′. ...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to the packaging of the cables, preferably electrical or optical cables, for the transport, storage and unwinding of such cables.STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Generally, the cables are packaged on a winding support (drum or spool for example) which allows the organized storage of the cable wound in turns in long lengths (from a few tens of meters to a few kilometers). However, there are variants which consist in positioning the cable wound into a coil, without support but tied to hold the turns during storage and transport, but these have the drawback, during unwinding, of not keeping the turns well organized.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] One aim of the present invention is to facilitate the handling and storage of the cables.

[0004] In this respect, the invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a self-holding cable assembly comprising a cable wound around a central axis of the assembly so as to form a winding, the winding comprising a first turn and a second turn adjacent to the first turn (s1), the assembly comprising an adhesive positioned on a cable and in contact with the first turn and the second turn so as to hold the first turn fixed relative to the second turn.

[0005] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which should be read in relation to the appended drawings, in which:

[0006] the adhesive comprises a line of adhesive parallel to the axis of the cable, the first turn and the second turn being in contact with the line of adhesive;

[0007] the adhesive comprises spots of adhesive spaced from each other, the first turn and the second turn being in contact via the spots of adhesive;

[0008] it comprises a support around which the cable is wound, for example a drum or a spool;

[0009] the second turn is wound at a diameter greater than or equal to that of the first turn;

[0010] the winding comprises a third turn wound at a diameter greater than or equal to that of the second turn, the adhesive holding the third turn fixed relative to the second turn;

[0011] the adhesive comprises a physically or chemically setting glue configured to withstand a pull-out force such that the turns do not detach by themselves.

[0012] The invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a self-holding cable coil consisting solely of an assembly according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0013] The invention relates, according to a third aspect, to a cable packaging method comprising winding the cable around a winding axis so as to form a winding, the winding comprising a first turn and a second turn adjacent to the first turn and during winding, the method comprises depositing an adhesive on the cable prior to its winding so as to be in contact with the first turn and the second turn in order to hold the first turn fixed relative to the second turn.

[0014] Advantageously, the adhesive is a mechanically or chemically setting glue, the method comprising, after depositing the glue, a waiting step so that the glue cross-links or cools.

[0015] The invention offers numerous advantages.

[0016] The cable is self-holding in the wound position until reaching the pull-out force, removes the tie.

[0017] The wound cable according to the invention prevents the turns from jamming during its storage, transport and unwinding. This cable can be used with or without a drum. In this case, this eliminates the cost and environmental footprint of the supports (such as spools) and drums by winding the cable, which is self-holding and which does not require a tie, without presenting any risk of retention or jamming of the turns during its storage, transport and unwinding.

[0018] Indeed, the use of spools or drums represents an economic and environmental cost: They are often destined to be destroyed after the first use (first reeling of the cable), this is in particular the case for packaging with reduced dimensions that allow them to be handled or moved manually (without lifting equipment), with a gross mass typically less than 20 kg. There is no tie waste for the installer. The use of a drum is therefore not essential, which limits drum-related waste.

[0019] The reeling is accelerated, saving the operator time. The self-holding coil is lighter and does not require a package. The clutter is scalable as the cable is unwound. Furthermore, the cable wound according to the invention allows unwind and overend reeling, and allows external and internal reeling.

[0020] Also, the invention allows for a packaging cost proportional to the length (unlike a package that provides a fixed cost for a range of lengths).PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which should be read in relation the appended drawings, in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, FIG. 3c and FIG. 4 illustrate views of a cable wound according to the invention;

[0025] FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 5c and FIG. 5d illustrate several arrangements of a cable wound according to the invention;

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates one implementation of a method for winding a cable to obtain an assembly according to the invention;

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates steps of a method for winding a cable to obtain an assembly according to the invention.

[0028] In all figures, similar elements bear identical references.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONSelf-Holding Cable Assembly

[0029] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a self-holding cable assembly 1, 1′according to a first and a second embodiment respectively. FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c and FIG. 4 illustrate a cable 11 which is wound according to FIGS. 1 and 2 and 3.

[0030] According to these two embodiments, the self-holding cable assembly 1, 1′is obtained by winding on itself around a central axis AA′ of the assembly so as to form a winding. The winding comprises several turns s1, s2. Particularly, the winding comprises a first turn s1 and a second turn s2 adjacent to the first turn s1. The first turn s1 is wound around the axis AA′ at a first diameter and the second turn s2 is wound around the axis AA′ at a second diameter greater than or equal to the first diameter. Therefore, the second turn s2 winds around the first turn s2 or overlaps it. For example, the first turn s1 is in a first plane p1 while the second turn s2 is in a second plane p2. The first and second planes p1, p2 are located at a distance from each other and superimposed.

[0031] A third turn s2 is wound at a diameter greater than or equal to that of the second turn s2, and so on for other turns. For example, the second diameter is the initial diameter of the winding to which is added twice the diameter of the cable 11, and so on when the diameter increases as the turns are wound.

[0032] The assembly 1, 1′therefore has a radius R defined by the different turns s1, s2 and a height H defined by the stages of turns s1, s2 on top of each other.

[0033] To connect the turns s1, s2 together, the assembly 1, 1′comprises an adhesive 10 positioned on the cable 11 and which is in contact with the first turn s1 and the second turn s2 so as to hold the first turn s1 fixed relative to the second turn s2.

[0034] According to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the assembly 1 is particularly a self-holding cable coil 1 and does not include a drum or spool-type support around which the cable 11 is wound. Such a coil 1 has for example the appearance of a cylinder that is wider than it is high.

[0035] According to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the assembly 1′ comprises a drum or spool-type support 20 to facilitate the unwinding of the cable 11. Note that in this case, the presence of the support 20 does not serve to hold the cable wound.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3a, the wound cable 11 comprises for example an electrical or optical conductor consisting of a conductive core 12 covered with an outer sheath 14 made of a polymer or polymer-based composite material. The outer sheath 14 is for example made of polyethylene. The conductive core 12 consists of copper wires or optical fibers made of silica or polymer.

[0037] The cable 11 has preferably a circular geometry and extends along a longitudinal axis XX′. Alternatively, the cable 11 has an oblong shape.

[0038] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the cable 11 is comprised between 1 mm and 35 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 12 mm.

[0039] In order for the assembly 1, 1′to be self-holding, that is to say held without the help of any external element such as a drum or ties, the turns s1, s2, s3 of the assembly are in contact via the adhesive 10 which is positioned on the cable 11.

[0040] According to the embodiment of FIG. 3a, the adhesive 10 comprises a line LA of adhesive parallel to the axis XX′ of the cable 11, the first turn s1 and the second turn s2 being in contact via the line LA of adhesive 10. According to the embodiment of FIG. 3b, and alternatively, the adhesive 10 comprises spots PA of adhesive spaced from each other and aligned parallel to the axis XX of the cable 11, the first turn s1 and the second turn s2 being in contact via these spots of adhesive. According to the embodiment of FIG. 3c, and alternatively, the adhesive 10 comprises a cloud of diffuse spots PA around the axis XX′ of the cable 11.

[0041] Advantageously, the (continuous or discrete) adhesive is positioned along contact lines L. The lines L extend for example longitudinally along the cable 11 and the adhesive 10 is positioned along at least one of these contact lines L so as to hold the turns adjacent to each other. In this way, the turns s1, s2 are held together at one or more contact lines L of the turns together. The contact lines L are defined by the winding of the cable 11.

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a cable 11 on which several contact lines L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 are defined distributed around the cable 11. This figure shows several possibilities for these contact lines which depend on the winding of the cable 11. Two lines L1, L2 are diametrically opposite, a third line L3 is at 90 degrees relative to the two lines L1, L2, a fourth line L4 and a fifth line L5 are at 45° relative to the lines L1, L2 respectively.

[0043] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d illustrate several winding arrangements. In FIG. 5a, the turns s1, s2, s3, s4 of the cable 11 are well superimposed. A turn s2 can be in contact with up to four turns. In FIG. 5b, the turns s1, s2, s3, s4 are nested, one turn can be in contact with up to six adjacent turns. In FIG. 5c, the turns are offset and one turn can be in contact with up to four adjacent turns. In FIG. 5d, the cable 11 has an oblong shape, and the winding is similar to that of FIG. 5b. Note that the positioning of the adhesive 10 is such that it can fall between the turns but that there will be enough adhesion spots to hold the assembly.

[0044] Preferably, it is provided to position the adhesive on at least two lines LA of adhesive to maximize the adhesion of the turns of the cable 11 (for example diametrically opposite).

[0045] The adhesive 10 is preferably a physically setting glue which, when laid, is heated to be liquid and which will create a bonding of the turns as soon as the glue cools and hardens. A pull-out force will then be necessary to separate the turns of the cable from the assembly. Alternatively, the adhesive 10 is a chemically setting glue or more generally is any means for holding the turns together without damaging the cable 11 and which resists a minimal pull-out force to prevent the turns from detaching by themselves when they are wound. Particularly, the pull-out force is proportional to the surface of the bond line created between the turns. A pull-out force is for example less than 25 N.

[0046] The physically setting glue is a glue in which the polymer already exists in its final form, but before application, it must be in a liquid form in a solvent, in water, or in the molten form of a HOTMELT (hot melt glue). No chemical reaction occurs. The chemically setting glue is a glue in which a polymer is formed by a chemical reaction (polymerization or cross-linking). The chemical reaction is caused by humidity, temperature, UV, hardeners, etc.

[0047] In this way, the cable is held without a tie, and it can be stored, transported and unwound to its last turns, without the risk of jamming of the turns. Furthermore, this eliminates the environmental footprint of the spools, drums and ties. Complementarily, the self-holding assembly can be positioned on a drum to facilitate its handling.Packaging Method

[0048] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the winding of a cable 11 according to one embodiment. As illustrated in these figures, an unwound cable 11 is brought (step E1) onto a removable support (not represented) to be wound around this support. The support is rotated and allows the winding of the cable 11 around this support (step E2). When the cable 11 is wound around the removable support, the adhesive 10 is deposited on the cable 11 and in particular on the sheath 14 which passes between two nozzles 2 allowing the deposition of the adhesive 10. The passage between these nozzles 2 allows defining lines LA of adhesive or the spots PA of adhesive along the cable 11 prior to putting the cable 11 into contact with itself (step E3). The cable winding will define the contact lines between the turns, some of which will correspond to the positions of the adhesive 10.

[0049] The adhesive 10 preferably consists of a thermal glue that is first heated (to a temperature above 85° C.) in order to be liquid and then deposited by the nozzles 2 connected to a reservoir 3 of glue in the liquid state.

[0050] In the case of glue, the wound turns are held for the entire time necessary for the glue to harden (mechanical setting) or cross-link (chemical setting) and for the turns to be held together (step E4). Once the turns are held, the assembly is removed (step E5) from the removable support. The cable 11 is holds by itself thanks to its turns which are connected to each other.

[0051] For its unwind reeling, the self-holding cable assembly 1, 1′will be positioned on a reel. The operator will then only have to pull on the outer end to cause the cable to be pulled out and the assembly to rotate.

[0052] Complementarily, as many nozzles 2 as there are locations for depositing the adhesive 10 are provided. The position of the wound cable 11 relative to the nozzles (or vice versa) will depend on the type of winding required, as illustrated in FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d.

Examples

second embodiment

[0029]FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a self-holding cable assembly 1, 1′according to a first and a second embodiment respectively. FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c and FIG. 4 illustrate a cable 11 which is wound according to FIGS. 1 and 2 and 3.

[0030]According to these two embodiments, the self-holding cable assembly 1, 1′is obtained by winding on itself around a central axis AA′ of the assembly so as to form a winding. The winding comprises several turns s1, s2. Particularly, the winding comprises a first turn s1 and a second turn s2 adjacent to the first turn s1. The first turn s1 is wound around the axis AA′ at a first diameter and the second turn s2 is wound around the axis AA′ at a second diameter greater than or equal to the first diameter. Therefore, the second turn s2 winds around the first turn s2 or overlaps it. For example, the first turn s1 is in a first plane p1 while the second turn s2 is in a second plane p2. The first and second planes p1, p2 are located at a distance from each other and ...

first embodiment

[0034] illustrated in FIG. 1, the assembly 1 is particularly a self-holding cable coil 1 and does not include a drum or spool-type support around which the cable 11 is wound. Such a coil 1 has for example the appearance of a cylinder that is wider than it is high.

[0035]According to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the assembly 1′ comprises a drum or spool-type support 20 to facilitate the unwinding of the cable 11. Note that in this case, the presence of the support 20 does not serve to hold the cable wound.

[0036]Referring to FIG. 3a, the wound cable 11 comprises for example an electrical or optical conductor consisting of a conductive core 12 covered with an outer sheath 14 made of a polymer or polymer-based composite material. The outer sheath 14 is for example made of polyethylene. The conductive core 12 consists of copper wires or optical fibers made of silica or polymer.

[0037]The cable 11 has preferably a circular geometry and extends along a longitudinal axis XX′. ...

Claims

1. A self-holding cable assembly comprising a cable wound around a central axis of the assembly so as to form a winding, the winding comprising a first turn and a second turn adjacent to the first turn, the assembly comprising an adhesive positioned on the cable and in contact with the first turn and the second turn so as to hold the first turn fixed relative to the second turn, the adhesive consisting of spots of adhesive spaced from each other and distributed along the sheath of the cable, the adhesive comprising a physically or chemically setting glue configured to:withstand a minimum pull-out force such that the turns do not detach by themselves when the cable is wound while allowing the unwinding of the cable when the cable is pulled by an operator.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, comprising a support around which the cable is wound, for example a drum or a spool.

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second turn is wound at a diameter greater than or equal to that of the first turn.

4. The assembly according to claim 1, the winding comprising a third turn wound at a diameter greater than or equal to that of the second turn, the adhesive holding the third turn fixed relative to the second turn.

5. A self-holding cable coil consisting solely of an assembly according to claim 1.

6. A cable packaging method comprising winding the cable around a winding axis so as to form a winding, the winding comprising a first turn and a second turn adjacent to the first turn and during the winding, the method comprises depositing an adhesive on the cable prior to its winding so as to be in contact with the first turn and the second turn in order to hold the first turn fixed relative to the second turn.

7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the adhesive is a mechanically or chemically setting glue, the method comprising, after depositing the glue, a waiting step so that the glue cross-links or cools.

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