Method for the severance of an electrical power cable, or of a strand section, device therefor, as well as cutting device

Abstract

A device is used to sever an electrical power cable for the transmission of high voltage. The cable has an insulation sheath, a screening layer and a conductive layer. The device includes a first frame having a first cutting blade mounted thereon, a second frame, and a measuring device mounted on the second frame. The first cutting blade is movable relative to the measuring device. The measuring device is capable of measuring an electrical load on the electrical power cable and capable of terminating the severing of the electrical power cable. A method of using the device is also provided.

1 . A device used to sever an electrical power cable for the transmission of high voltage, the electrical power cable having an insulation sheath, a screening layer and a conductive layer, comprising:
 a first frame;   a first cutting blade carried by the first frame;   a second frame connected to the first frame and defining a cavity therebetween;   a second cutting blade carried by the second frame; and   a measuring device carried by the second frame, the measuring device comprising a probe protruding outwardly from the second cutting blade and into the cavity, the first cutting blade being movable relative to the measuring device, the measuring device capable of measuring an electrical load on the electrical power cable and capable of terminating the severing of the electrical power cable.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the measuring device is further capable of outputting a signal to a user of the device, the signal being optical, acoustic, or electrical signal. 
     
     
         3 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the probe comprises a conductive spike partially surrounded by an insulative sheath the conductive spike capable of penetrating the insulation sheath of the electrical power cable. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the measuring device further comprises an evaluation and/or transmission controller in communication with the probe. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the evaluation and/or transmission controller is remote from the probe. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the evaluation and/or transmission controller is carried by the second frame. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second cutting blade is opposed to the first cutting blade. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second frames can be opened relative to each other. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , further comprising a lock for locking the first and second frames into a closed position. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising a sensor for sensing whether the lock is open or closed. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a first sensor carried by the first cutting blade, and a second sensor carried by the second frame, the sensor being capable of determining the position of the first cutting blade. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the first sensor is one of a magnet, an RFID unit, and a reflector unit. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a positioning part carried by one of the frames, the positioning part capable of moving the electrical power cable to a central position between the first and second frames. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the positioning part is pivotally carried by the one frame. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the positioning part translates in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the first cutting blade. 
     
     
         18 . A method of severing an electrical power cable for the transmission of high voltage, comprising:
 providing an electrical power cable having an insulation sheath, a screening layer and a conductive layer;   providing a device for cutting the electrical power cable comprising a first frame, a first cutting blade carried by the first frame, a second frame connected to the first frame and defining a cavity therebetween, a second cutting blade carried by the second frame, the first and second cutting blades defining a cutting plane, and a measuring device carried by the second frame, the measuring device comprising a probe protruding outwardly from the second cutting blade and into the cavity, the probe being offset from the first cutting blade;   moving the first cutting blade and measuring device relative to the second frame and the second cutting blade into engagement with the electrical power cable;   penetrating the insulation sheath with the probe in a plane which is offset from the cutting plane;   cutting the insulation sheath with the first cutting blade;   electrically coupling the measuring device with the conductive layer;   electrically coupling the first cutting blade with the screening layer;   using the measuring device to measure the electrical load on the electrical power cable; and   outputting a signal from the measuring device if an electrical load is measured.   
     
     
         19 . The method as defined in  claim 18 , wherein the signal is an optical, acoustic, or electrical signal. 
     
     
         20 . The method as defined in  claim 18 , wherein the measuring device is repeatedly used to measure the electrical load on the electrical power cable as the electrical power cable is being cut. 
     
     
         21 . The method as defined in  claim 18 , wherein if an electrical load is measured, then further comprising:
 automatically terminating the cutting of the electrical power cable.   
     
     
         22 . The method as defined in  claim 18 , further comprising:
 providing an adapter; and   mounting the electrical power cable into the adapter prior to inserting the electrical power cable into the device.   
     
     
         23 . The method as defined in  claim 22 , wherein during the cutting, the adapter is cut. 
     
     
         24 . The method as defined in  claim 18 , further comprising:
 determining the position of the cutting blade.   
     
     
         25 . The method as defined in  claim 18 , further comprising:
 moving the electrical power cable to a central position between the first and second frames prior to cutting the electrical power cable.   
     
     
         26 - 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . A method for the severance of an electrical power cable, for the transmission of high voltage, and has an insulation sheath and also a screening layer, wherein
 during the severance of the cable a measurement is executed in terms of the electrical load on the cable by a measuring device, and in the event of registering an electrical load a signal is outputted from the measuring device.   
     
     
         35 . The method in accordance with  claim 34 , wherein the signal is an optical, acoustic, or electrical signal. 
     
     
         36 . The method in accordance with  claim 34 , wherein the measurement is executed with a measuring device connected with the cutting device. 
     
     
         37 . The method in accordance with  claim 34 , wherein the measurement is executed repeatedly in the course of the severance. 
     
     
         38 . The method in accordance with  claim 34 , wherein in the event of registering an impermissible electrical load on the cable by the signal the severance process is automatically terminated. 
     
     
         39 - 70 . (canceled) 
     
     
         71 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second cutting blades define a cutting plane, the probe being offset from the cutting plane.