EP3871303A1 - Improved pressurised junction box manifold - Google Patents
Improved pressurised junction box manifoldInfo
- Publication number
- EP3871303A1 EP3871303A1 EP19795619.6A EP19795619A EP3871303A1 EP 3871303 A1 EP3871303 A1 EP 3871303A1 EP 19795619 A EP19795619 A EP 19795619A EP 3871303 A1 EP3871303 A1 EP 3871303A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- junction box
- manifold
- section
- cable
- outlet
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G1/00—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines
- H02G1/06—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle
- H02G1/08—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle through tubing or conduit, e.g. rod or draw wire for pushing or pulling
- H02G1/086—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle through tubing or conduit, e.g. rod or draw wire for pushing or pulling using fluid as pulling means, e.g. liquid, pressurised gas or suction means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/46—Processes or apparatus adapted for installing or repairing optical fibres or optical cables
- G02B6/50—Underground or underwater installation; Installation through tubing, conduits or ducts
- G02B6/52—Underground or underwater installation; Installation through tubing, conduits or ducts using fluid, e.g. air
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an improved junction box manifold device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved version of a pressurised split junction box manifold for use in installing a new cable or duct tubes into an existing occupied sub-duct that is located underground.
- This invention is an improvement of a published GB application ‘GB1619438.3 Pressurised junction box manifold’. Junction box manifolds according to the previous application have been an improvement over the prior art.
- Cables are normally installed by using cable blowing equipment and machinery at ground level which allows the user to push cables into an underground subduct.
- the subduct is located within an inspection pit/manhole.
- the cables are installed by connecting a cable blowing machine directly to the subduct, thereby facilitating the installation of a single cable into the preinstalled duct.
- the pressurised junction box manifold facilitates additional cables to be installed into the original pre-existing occupied underground subduct within the confines of a small inspection pit/manhole.
- the manholes/installation pits which the junction box manifolds are situated in may contain dirt and water.
- the devices may be situated in these muddy puddles, and so a good mechanical seal must be made to ensure water/dirt does not enter the device. Reducing the number of sealing surfaces will reduce the likelihood of dirt ingress.
- the cable When inserting the cable from the inlet to the outlet before it is blown, the cable can often be stiff and hard to bend. This means the user must bend the cable manually into the outlet, which can be strenuous and inconvenient, especially at the bottom of a hole. This task may also increase the time spent stooping over in the narrow hole.
- the cable may have to be manipulated to bend from the ground level down to the junction box, where the junction box may be 1 .5 meters below the ground level and situated in a narrow hole. Ease of cable insertion is therefore desirable.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved pressurised split junction box manifold for use in installing a new cable/cables or duct tubes into an existing occupied sub-duct that has no mechanical fixings and does not use threaded fasteners.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressurised split junction box manifold where the manifold has only one end cap and comprises an internal conical shaped guide for the cables to follow from inlet to outlet.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a pressurised split junction box manifold wherein the manifold is smaller and lighter than examples in the prior art.
- a junction box manifold device capable of being used to overblow cables into pre-existing ducts and cables using a pressurised air source
- the junction box manifold device may comprise: an upper and lower main section which are inter-lockable onto one another;
- the junction box comprises a single end cap for the lower main section wherein the end cap interlocks onto the lower main section;
- the junction box comprises a single end cap for the upper main section wherein the end cap interlocks onto the upper main section;
- the air tight manifold chamber comprises an internal surface which narrows from at least one of or a plurality of cable inlets to the cable outlet, capable of guiding the at least one cable to the cable outlet;
- At least one cable or cables are capable of being fed through from an inlet end to an outlet end of the junction box manifold device by high pressure air being blown into and out of the air tight manifold chamber.
- the internal surface may be conically shaped, reducing in diameter from the cable inlets to the cable outlet.
- the internal surface may not be conically shaped but may be any shape which is capable of tapering in a convergent manner from the cable inlets to the cable outlet.
- the taper angle may be between around 5 degrees to about 45 degrees; or about 10 to about 30 degrees. The taper angle should allow the cables to be easily inserted into the cable outlet.
- the lower main section may comprise at least one or a series of ports which interact with corresponding ports in the upper main section to form entry and exit ports for cables. In use, cables may extend from the lower main section to the upper main section.
- the lower main section there may be a protruding circumferential end edge and a circumferential receiving recess at one end only;
- the upper and lower sections interlock with the circumferential edges and circumferential receiving recesses interlocking.
- a lower half end section Connected to one end of the main lower section there may be a lower half end section wherein the lower half end section comprises at least one protruding circumferential edge and a circumferential recess and the protruding circumferential edge interlocks with the recess in the lower main section and forms a locking profile.
- the lower half end section may also comprise a port within which there is located a coupling device, which may be a clamping collet and wherein the coupling device is capable of being interchanged for other coupling devices which can be used to clamp a range of various diameters of outlet ducting and pipework to be connected to the manifold housing.
- the port may be capable of housing more than one cable or outlet ducting.
- One end of the main upper section may be an upper half end wherein the upper half end comprises a port within which there is located an internal clamping collet and wherein the clamping collet is capable of being interchanged for other split clamping collets which can be used to clamp a range of various diameters of outlet ducting and pipework to be connected to the manifold housing.
- a mini duct and fibre optic feed line tubing may be capable of being fed into an exit port which is used as a primary liner and guide tube on an inlet and feed side of the manifold.
- An interchangeable lipped seal such as a rubber lipped oil seal may also be capable of being used in one of the ports to function as a seal.
- the seal may be made of any other suitable sealing material. The seal may prevent debris and water from entering into the manifold.
- the lower main end section may also comprise a pressure relief valve (PRV) which is used as a safety device to prevent over pressurization of the manifold assembly.
- PRV pressure relief valve
- the upper half main end section may also comprise a quick release air inlet connection positioned opposite the outlets which is the air inlet point to pressurize the device and the main manifold body.
- Inlet and outlet ports formed by interlocking the different parts together may therefore be used for clamping around a variety of diameter sizes of outlet ducting and pipework.
- the ports may also house a plurality of outlet ducts and pipework.
- the junction box of the present invention may therefore be used to install cable ducts and fibre optic cable using a compressed air source to in effect blow the new cable along and through an old cable.
- the cables may be used by phone companies, fibre optic cables providing internet usage and for any other form of electronic, communication or power supply cable.
- the junction box manifold device may comprise a main lower section and an upper main section.
- the lower section may comprise a chamber and the upper main section may comprise a further chamber.
- the two chambers may combine together to form the main manifold body for the junction box manifold device of the present invention which is capable of being pressurised.
- the lower main section may comprise a series of ports e.g. two main ports at one end and a single port at the opposite end. These ports may interact with corresponding ports in the upper main section e.g. two ports at one end and a single port at the other side, wherein the two ports feed cables into the corresponding single port in the other end.
- the lower main section there may be a protruding circumferential end edge a circumferential receiving recess at one end.
- a further protruding circumferential edge and a circumferential receiving recess At the opposite end of the main lower part there may be a further protruding circumferential edge and a circumferential receiving recess.
- a mini duct and fibre optic feed line tubing into an exit port which is used as a primary liner and guide tube on the inlet and feed side of the manifold.
- An interchangeable lipped seal such as a rubber lipped oil seal may also be used in one of the ports.
- a different rubber lipped oil seal may be used dependent on the size of tubing and mini duct that they have to seal. The outside diameters are always the same and they seal on the internal profile of the taper locking end caps.
- any form of interlocking mechanism may be used for the different component parts that does not rely on threaded screws and mechanical fastenings. This is to improve the seal formed, and to enable faster assembly of the apparatus.
- the lower main end section may also comprise a pressure relief valve (PRV) which is used as a safety device to prevent over pressurization of the manifold assembly.
- PRV pressure relief valve
- the upper main section may also comprise a quick release air inlet connection which is the air inlet point to pressurize the device and the main manifold body.
- the ports formed by interlocking the different parts together may therefore be used for clamping around a variety of diameter sizes of outlet ducting and pipework.
- the present invention device is therefore highly adaptable for a range of different diameter of ducts/tubing and therefore allows various sizes of cables to be installed.
- Figure 1 is a view of a junction box manifold according to the present invention, showing some additional tools and fixings;
- Figure 2 is a view of the junction box manifold shown in Figure 1 in an open configuration, without the additional tools and fixings;
- Figure 3 is a view of the junction box manifold shown in Figure 1 in an open configuration, including additional tools and fixings;
- Figure 4 is an end view of the junction box manifold shown in Figure 2.
- Figure 1 is a view of an embodiment of the present invention in a closed position, shown from above, generally designated (1).
- the upper (2) and lower (3) main bodies are shown in the assembled position with additional tools and fixings.
- the upper main body (2) can be seen to incorporate the pressure gauge (24), and the chain tensioning bracket location dowel pins on the inlet (21) and outlet (22) end.
- the clamping chains (15) are wrapped around the device to seal and secure the upper and lower halves together by using the bolts (14,16) and nuts (13,17).
- the torque wrench (20) used in conjunction with the adaptor (19) is for tightening the nuts (14,16).
- Figure 2 is a view of the junction box manifold (1) in the open configuration, showing the lower main body (3).
- the existing outer pipe (4) can be seen on the outlet side of the device, contained by the split ring seal (6) and the self-adjusting collet (5).
- the existing cable (34) can be seen to run from the inlet (21) through to the outlet (22).
- the new cable (32) to be blown in can be seen traversing the inlet side through the self- adjusting collet (7) and into the outlet through the exiting pipe (4).
- the inside shape of the device is conical (30), to guide the cables from the inlet
- the shape also provides a more targeted and direct flow path for the compressed air entering the outlet duct.
- the shorter length of the device makes it easier to handle and position down a hole or in a tight/confined space, however it makes the insertion of cables from the inlet (21) to outlet (22) more difficult due to the decreased bend radius they must follow.
- the conical shape of the interior of the device helps with this issue.
- the shape of the interior may not necessarily be conical but may be any other funnel shape to direct the cables from the inlet (21) to the outlet (22).
- a blanking plug (9) is shown blocking one of the available ports (38) on the end cap (36). If the blanking plug (9) is removed, more cables can be inserted through the existing duct (4).
- Another feature which is novel over the prior art is the use of a single end cap (36), thus reducing the number of sealing surfaces.
- the other end cap from the previous application has been incorporated into the main body of the device, allowing the device to be shorter and thus lighter, whilst improving airtightness. It will also be less likely for debris and dirt to obscure the sealing surfaces, since there are fewer surfaces to keep clean. Since the device (1) has fewer components, the user will spend less time assembling the device whilst undertaking an installation down the hole. This, in combination with the fact that the device (1) is lighter and smaller, will reduce the effort required by the user to install the device (1) and new cables. There will also be a reduction in the likelihood of injury to the user’s back as there is less mass to manoeuvre around at low level whilst in the narrow hole.
- Figure 3 is a similar view to Figure 1 , with the device (1) in an open configuration.
- the lower main body (3) is shown with cables installed.
- the chain tensioning bracket (12) is shown with the lifting eye bolt (18) more clearly than in Figure 1 .
- the chains (15) and bracket (12) are used in conjunction to clamp the assembly together, creating an airtight seal, without using mechanical tools on the device itself.
- Figure 3 further shows the ports (38) located in the end cap (36).
- Figure 4 is an end view of the device as shown in Figure 2, showing the inlet side with end cap (36) and a pressure relief valve (PRV) (11).
- PRV pressure relief valve
- the PRV is used as a safety device to prevent over pressurization of the manifold assembly. The position of the PRV ensures the excess air cannot be directed towards the user.
- the cables may be used by phone companies, fibre optic cables providing internet usage and for any other form of electronic, communication or power supply cable.
- the pressure gauge and sampling port which the gauge is screwed into can be used by the user to ensure over pressurisation of the device does not happen.
- the sampling port pressure gauge can also be interchanged with a Bluetooth (RTM) pressure and temperature transducer that can be screwed into the sampling port. This transducer may use smart technology to send temperature and pressure data to the user’s smartphone or tablet.
- RTM Bluetooth
- the protruding edges and recesses (40) may therefore interlock to form a secure airtight seal that does not rely on threaded screws and mechanical fastenings.
- An advantage of the present invention is that although two inlet ports (38) are shown such as in Figures 2 and 3 any of these ports (38) may be blocked such as using a sealing blanking plug (9).
- a sealing blanking plug (9) may be used to isolate and blank off one of the feed ports (38) dependent upon process requirements.
- the present invention may have a number of applications.
- the mechanical taper locking seal and pipe clamping arrangement of the present invention can also be used for use in repairing or breaking into and branching off from severed or damaged mains water and gas lines.
- the present invention provides the advantage that there would be no need to typically weld a bolted flange assembly in the case of metal water pipes in position to join and seal both ends of the pipe. In the case of gas pipes it would remove the need to fuse the joints of the plastic pipes together using a heat fusion and sealing method.
- the junction box manifold device may be rated at about 4 times the SWP of about 10 Bar which effectively means that it will be good to maintain an airtight seal at pressures up to 40 BAR -580 PSI.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB1817247.8A GB201817247D0 (en) | 2018-10-23 | 2018-10-23 | Improved pressurised junction box manifold |
PCT/GB2019/053018 WO2020084303A1 (en) | 2018-10-23 | 2019-10-23 | Improved pressurised junction box manifold |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3871303A1 true EP3871303A1 (en) | 2021-09-01 |
Family
ID=64453777
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19795619.6A Withdrawn EP3871303A1 (en) | 2018-10-23 | 2019-10-23 | Improved pressurised junction box manifold |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3871303A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB201817247D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020084303A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB202202066D0 (en) * | 2022-02-16 | 2022-03-30 | Kinetic Machine Tool Service & Repair Ltd | Conduit seal and methos of application |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6019351A (en) * | 1998-01-15 | 2000-02-01 | Vikimatic Sales, Inc. | Method and apparatus for introducing a cable into a conduit |
FR2855663B1 (en) * | 2003-05-30 | 2005-08-19 | France Telecom | DEVICE FOR INSERTING A CABLE ASSEMBLY IN A CONDUCT |
GB2552394B (en) * | 2016-11-17 | 2019-06-05 | Gch Prec Engineering Ltd | Pressurised junction box manifold |
-
2018
- 2018-10-23 GB GBGB1817247.8A patent/GB201817247D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2019
- 2019-10-23 WO PCT/GB2019/053018 patent/WO2020084303A1/en unknown
- 2019-10-23 EP EP19795619.6A patent/EP3871303A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2020084303A1 (en) | 2020-04-30 |
GB201817247D0 (en) | 2018-12-05 |
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Legal Events
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18W | Application withdrawn |
Effective date: 20221005 |