Laying device for a line

Abstract

The invention relates to a laying device for a line (1) in receptacles, which device consists of a locomotion tube (2) and can be expanded by a base station, wherein: the locomotion tube (2) can be extended by eversion and shortened by inversion; the line (1) can be laid through the locomotion tube (2); and the locomotion tube (2) clamps the line and comprises a line-fastening apparatus (3), or the line (1) is arranged so as to run along the locomotion tube (2).

Description

[0001] Laying device for a cable

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to a laying device for a cable according to the preamble of claim 1 and a laying device for a cable according to the independent claims 2 and 3.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Such cable laying devices are already known and in use in a wide variety of forms and designs. For example, DE 40 34 335 A1 discloses a conveyor device for pulling in or through flexible cables or similar cable elements through ducts or conduits with the aid of a pull-through element connected to the conveyor device, which has a manually or motor-driven main drive pulley for the pull-through element and an endless, flexible pressure element guided over several deflection rollers, at least partially wrapping around the main drive pulley and exerting an effective compressive force thereon during the conveyance of the flexible cable or line to be conveyed, which is guided around the main drive pulley.

[0006] Furthermore, various inversion robots are known and commonly used in the state of the art. These are often also called vine robots or soft, growing robots. In this context, reference is made to US 2019 / 0217908 A1 and US 2022 / 0355468 A1, for example.

[0007] Object of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is to provide a laying device that can be used more quickly and easily, even for complex designs.

[0009] Solution to the task

[0010] The features of claim 1 and the subordinate claims 2 and 3 lead to the solution of the problem.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0012] The inventive installation device for laying a cable into a receptacle consists of a base station and a transport hose, which can be operated, for example, from a base station. Cables within the meaning of the invention are considered to be, for example, power cables, data cables, water pipes, or gas pipes. Receptacles can be, for example, empty conduits or former lines through which the new cable is to be laid. This means that existing water pipes can serve, for example, as receptacles for new water pipes or another type of line.

[0013] The inventive laying device or inversion robot primarily consists of a base station and a movement tube. The movement tube can be extended by eversion from the inside out, and shortened or compressed by eversion from the outside in. The eversion to lengthen the movement tube occurs by applying pressure, for example, air pressure, to an interior of the movement tube. The shortening of the movement tube occurs by eversion or retraction of the movement tube. When the movement tube is eversion, an inner tube is pulled back toward the base station with a force greater than the force of the air pressure. The sustained air pressure prevents the movement tube from accidentally collapsing.

[0014] The base station also features a winding and unwinding unit for the mobility hose. This is necessary to enable easy winding and unwinding of the mobility hose.

[0015] In addition, the base station is operatively connected to an air pressure source for generating the aforementioned air pressure. The air pressure source is required to extend the propulsion tube by folding it inside out. Shortening can be achieved mechanically, for example, via the winding and unwinding unit when the volume in the propulsion tube is released or reduced.

[0016] According to the invention, the cable can be laid by folding in or retracting the movement hose, whereby the cable can be clamped into the everted movement hose. This means that the movement hose is first everted out through the holder. After the movement hose has been everted out from the starting point to the end point, the cable to be laid can simply be inserted into the movement hose. The movement hose then pulls the cable back to the starting point. Surprisingly, it has been found that inserting the cable into an end opening created in the movement hose, from which the hose emerges expanding in its circular center when it is folded in or retracted, offers sufficient grip to clamp the cable and pull it to the starting point while simultaneously laying it.This eliminates the need for additional attachment of the cable to the movement hose.

[0017] In some variants, the outer head is located outside the movement tube at the end facing away from the base station, and the inner head is located inside the movement tube. The movement tube is arranged so that it can be passed between the inner head and the outer head. This is achieved, for example, by a clamped or magnetic connection of the outer head to the inner head, whereby the movement tube is given enough play to slide between the inner head and the outer head. The outer head and inner head are defined primarily by their relationship to the movement tube. The inner head is always located in an area enclosed by the movement tube, whereas the outer head is located on the other side of the movement tube.In other words, the inner head is located in the pressurized area of ​​the propulsion hose, while the outer head is at atmospheric ambient pressure. For example, the outer head can have two ball elements and one rod-shaped element. The inner head, in turn, can be designed to press the propulsion hose against the rod-shaped area of ​​the outer head, for example, using balls. Within the scope of the invention, in one embodiment, the line can be laid through the propulsion hose, wherein the propulsion hose comprises a line fastening device.

[0018] Alternatively, it can also be provided within the scope of the subordinate invention that the line can be laid with the movement hose by everting it out, wherein the line is arranged running inside or outside the inner area of ​​the movement hose.

[0019] For this purpose, the cable can be attached to an inner or outer surface of the interior. This attachment can be done adhesively or, for example, by clamping.

[0020] The cable can also be housed inside or outside the interior of the propulsion hose. This, in turn, can mean that the cable is extruded with the propulsion hose during production, for example.

[0021] The outer head can also include the cable fastening device. For this purpose, the outer head can have, for example, an eyelet or clamping device, but can also include additional features such as a signaling device for location. The signaling device can, for example, emit acoustic signals or transmit the actual location to a receiver in the form of an RFID chip.

[0022] Alternatively, the outer head can also serve as the cable fastening device. This means that, apart from its position-maintaining running function, the outer head's sole function is to secure the cable.

[0023] Furthermore, the cable fastening device can be arranged in a continuous manner on the inner head. "Continuous" means that the cable fastening device is part of the inner head and, together with the inner head, always represents the end of the inner tube facing away from the base station.

[0024] In addition to its attachment to the cable fastening device, the cable can also be designed to be inserted via a support pull rope. For this purpose, the support pull rope, for example, is attached to the inner head as a steel cable or wire rope and allows the cable to be pulled more firmly into the receptacle when the movement tube is folded toward the base station. Furthermore, the base station can have an additional winding and unwinding unit for the support pull rope. Within the scope of the invention, it is important that the support pull rope, which is guided within the movement tube, expands when the movement tube is extended and is also retracted into the base station in the same way when the movement tube is shortened.

[0025] In addition, protection is claimed for the use of a laying device according to the invention, in which the cable is laid by everting out or by everting in or by retracting the movement hose.

[0026] Furthermore, protection is claimed for the use of the movement hose being split into the inner hose and the outer hose, whereby the line is connected to the inner hose or outer hose and then only the inner hose or outer hose is pulled in, suitable for pulling the line with the inner hose or outer hose into the holder.

[0027] The base station can also include a winding and unwinding unit for the propulsion hose. This allows for easy winding and unwinding of the propulsion hose. The base station is also connected to a pressure source, such as an air pressure source. The air pressure source is required to lengthen the propulsion hose by folding it inside out. Shortening can be achieved mechanically, for example, via the winding and unwinding unit.

[0028] In general, instead of a cable, an auxiliary component, e.g., an auxiliary rope or cable, can first be pulled through the propulsion hose, which can then be used to pull in a cable in a later step. Consequently, an auxiliary cable would also be defined as a cable within the meaning of the invention.

[0029] Furthermore, if the hose is larger in diameter than the receptacle, such as an empty conduit, it can be pressed against the receptacle. This improves the pressure seal and facilitates easy insertion of the hose.

[0030] Due to its shape and dimensions, the propulsion tube has a standard diameter when extended without interference. This standard diameter should preferably be no more than 15% smaller, equal to, or larger than the diameter of the receptacle. This arrangement has shown during use that conforming to the inner walls of the receptacle provides additional support for the propulsion tube, resulting in improved overall performance. A further advantage is that, even if the outer skin of the propulsion tube is damaged, the inner walls of the receptacle retain a sealing function due to the contact of the propulsion tube, thus extending the service life of the propulsion tube. This creates a pressure seal, and the extension and retraction of the tube is improved by pressure. Description of the figure

[0031] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings, which show:

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a laying device for a cable 1, wherein the cable 1 is laid during the everting process;

[0033] Figure 2 shows a further schematic drawing of a laying device for a cable 1, wherein the cable 1 is laid during the everting;

[0034] Figure 3 shows a further schematic drawing of a laying device for a cable 1, wherein the cable 1 is laid during the everting;

[0035] Figure 4 shows a further schematic drawing of a laying device for a cable 1, wherein the cable 1 is laid when being folded in;

[0036] Figure 5 is a further schematic drawing of a laying device for a cable 1, wherein the cable 1 is laid during retraction;

[0037] Figure 6 shows a further schematic drawing of a laying device for a cable 1, wherein the cable 1 is laid when being folded in;

[0038] Figure 7 shows a further schematic drawing of a laying device for a cable 1, wherein the cable 1 is laid when being folded in;

[0039] Figure 8 shows a further schematic drawing of a laying device for a cable 1, wherein the cable 1 is laid during retraction;

[0040] Figure 9 shows a further schematic drawing of a laying device for a line 1, wherein the line 1 is laid when an inner hose 7 is pulled back;

[0041] Example

[0042] Figures 1 to 9 show various ways of laying a cable 1 in a receptacle. Figures 1 to 3 show how the cable can be laid while extending a movement tube 2. Additionally, Figures 4 to 9 show how the cable 1 can be laid while folding in or retracting the movement tube 2 or parts thereof. The cable laying direction is indicated by the arrows 4.

[0043] The laying device consists of a base station and the movement hose 2. The movement hose 2 can be extended by everting out, by filling the inner area 6 with pressure, and can be shortened or compressed by everting in.

[0044] The extension moves the end of the movement tube away from the base station. The movement paths of the movement tube 2 can thus be determined by the outer head, either away from the base station when extending or extending, or toward the base station when shortening or retracting the movement tube 2.

[0045] The outer head in Figures 1, 6, 7, 8 is arranged outside the propulsion tube 2 at the end facing away from the base station. An inner head is arranged inside the propulsion tube 2.

[0046] When the propulsion hose 2 is extended, the propulsion hose 2 is deployed along the first direction 4 (see Figures 1 to 3), and when the propulsion hose 2 is shortened or retracted, it is moved back toward the base station in a second direction 4 (Figures 4 to 9). The first direction 4 is directed away from the base station, and the second direction 4 is directed toward the base station.

[0047] Furthermore, the movement hose 2 is arranged so that it can be passed between the inner head and the outer head. The figures show that the line 1 can be laid through the movement hose 2, with the movement hose 2 clamping the line, comprising a line fastening device 3, or with the line 1 being arranged so that it runs along the line.

[0048] Figure 1 schematically illustrates the cable fastening device 3, with the outer head and the inner head interacting as an overall device of the cable fastening device 3. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, it is shown that the inner head encompasses the cable fastening device 3, or the inner head is or even represents only the cable fastening device. Due to the movement of the inner head, caused by the movement hose 2, the cable 1 is laid through the inner region 6. Afterwards, the movement hose 2 is either cut open, or the inner hose is completely folded over, so that the cable 1 is exposed. The movement hose 2 can then be left in place or pulled out.

[0049] In Figure 2, the line 1 to be laid is located within the inner tube 7. The inner area 6 is under pressure, which presses the inner tube 7 against the line 1. This creates adhesion, which is necessary for pulling the line 1 along. Alternatively or optionally, it can also be clamped. The line 1 is laid by the movement of the inner tube 7. After installation, the movement tube 2 can be removed or left in place.

[0050] Figure 3 shows that the line 1 can be laid with the movement hose 2 by everting it out, with the line 1 being arranged so that it runs inside or outside an inner region 6 of the movement hose 2. Arranged so that it runs along the movement hose 2 over its entire length. The line 1 is laid as a whole when the movement hose 2 is everted out. For this purpose, the line 1 can be attached to an inner or outer surface of the movement hose 2 inside or outside its inner region 6. This can be done, for example, adhesively or by means of clamping or the like. Alternatively, the line 1 can be accommodated in or on the inner region 6 of the movement hose 2. Accommodated means that the line can, for example, be manufactured together with the movement hose during production.

[0051] The line 1 to be laid is along the entire movement hose

[0052] 2 and extends with it. The movement tube 2 is then cut or severed at the end facing away from the base station to expose the cable 1. Alternatively, the movement tube 2 can be completely extended. The movement tube 2 can then be removed or left in place.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which the movement hose 2 is first extended through the not shown receptacle up to the line 1, in order then to then fix the line 1 with the line fastening device

[0054] 3. When the movement hose 2 is folded in, the line 1 is pulled into the receptacle and laid. The line 1 can be attached to the inner hose 7, for example, by adhesion or a clamp. The clamping and adhesion can also be achieved simply by inserting the line 1 into the movement hose 2. The line 1 is inserted into a front opening of the movement hose 2. The front opening is the eversion point when the movement hose 2 is folded out, since the hose supply of the movement hose 2 slides out of this front opening. The eversion point then becomes the eversion point when the movement hose 2 is folded in, since the retracted hose section seemingly disappears into the eversion point.

[0055] Figure 5 shows that the cable 1 is attached to the front part, i.e., the end of the movement tube 2 facing away from the base station. The entire movement tube 2 is then completely retracted, preventing it from folding in. Attachment can also be achieved using a clamp, or by knotting or gluing the tube to the cable. Alternatively, the cable 1 can be inserted into the movement tube 2 and held in place by adhesion or clamping, as described in the previous paragraph.

[0056] Figure 6 shows that the outer head is designed as a cable fastening device 3 itself, or the outer head at least includes the cable fastening device 3. Unlike in Figure 1, however, in this embodiment, the movement hose 2 is first extended through the receptacle, then the cable 1 is attached to the cable fastening device 3, which in turn is located on the outer head. The cable 1 is then inserted into the receptacle as the movement hose 2 is folded in.

[0057] Figure 7 is constructed similarly to Figure 6. However, it also includes a sturdy cable, e.g., a steel cable. For this purpose, the cable fastening device 3 is operatively connected via the support pull cable 5. The support pull cable 5 is attached to the inner head, allowing greater forces to be applied when laying the cable 1.

[0058] Figure 8 is constructed similarly to Figures 6 and 7, although only the retraction of the entire propulsion tube 2 is shown here. Thus, there is no inward folding to install the cable 1; instead, the cable 1 is installed in the receptacle by pulling the entire propulsion tube 2 toward the base station. A support pull rope 5 can also be attached here.

[0059] Figure 9 shows a use in which the propulsion tube 2 is first extended through the receptacle. After extension, the propulsion tube 1 is cut at its end facing away from the base station. The cable 1 is attached to the inner tube 7 and retracted over it. The outer tube 8 can remain or be retracted separately. The attachment can be achieved with a clamp, or by knotting or gluing the tube to the cable.

[0060] Case number: P 6155 / PCT

[0061] List of reference symbols

Claims

Patent claims 1. Laying device for a line (1) in receptacles consisting of a base station and a movement hose (2), characterized in that the line (1) can be laid by folding in or pulling back the movement hose (2), wherein the line (1) can be clamped into a front opening of the everted movement hose (2).

2. Laying device for a line (1) in receptacles consisting of a base station and a movement hose (2), characterized in that the line (1) can be laid by everting out or by everting in or by retracting the movement hose (2), wherein the movement hose (2) comprises a line fastening device (3).

3. Laying device for a line (1) in receptacles consisting of a base station and a movement hose (2), characterized in that the line (1) can be laid with the movement hose (2) by everting out, wherein the line (1) is arranged inside or outside the inner region (6) of the movement hose (2).

4. Laying device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an outer head is provided outside the movement hose (2) and an inner head is provided inside the movement hose (2), wherein the movement hose (2) is arranged so that it can be passed between the inner head and the outer head.

5. Laying device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the line (1) is attached to an inner surface or outer surface of the inner region (6).

6. Laying device according to claim 3, 4 and 5, characterized in that the line (1) is accommodated inside or outside the inner region (6) of the propulsion hose (2).

7. Laying device according to claim 4, characterized in that the outer head comprises the cable fastening device (3).

8. Laying device according to claim 4, characterized in that the outer head is the cable fastening device (3).

9. Laying device according to claim 4, characterized in that the cable fastening device (3) is arranged concurrently on the inner head.

10. Laying device according to claim 4, characterized in that the cable fastening device (3) is the inner head.

11. Laying device according to claim 4, characterized in that the cable fastening device (3) is connected to the inner head via a support pull rope (5).

12. Use of a laying device according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the line (1) is laid by everting out or by everting in or by retracting the movement hose (2).

13. Use according to claim 12, characterized in that the propulsion hose (2) is split into the inner hose (7) and the outer hose (8), wherein the line (1) is connected to the inner hose (7) or the outer hose (8) and is then pulled in only with the inner hose (7) or the outer hose (8), suitable for pulling in the line (1) with the inner hose (7) or the outer hose (8).

14. Use according to claim 12, characterized in that the movement hose (2) after laying the line (1) in the The inner hose (7) and the outer hose (8) are cut open to expose the line (1).

15. Use according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that first an auxiliary component, e.g. an auxiliary rope or a Auxiliary line, which is used to lay a line (1) at a later time.