System for piercing, i.e. detecting voltage in cables

Abstract

A system (1) for piercing (i.e. detecting voltage) in a cable (5), comprising: a first clamping jaw (3) and a second clamping jaw (4) for locking a portion of a cable (5) in a clamping position (7); an elongated metal blade (8) displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position in the clamping position (7); a hydraulic actuator (9) for displacing the blade (8) from the retracted position to the extended position relative to the first and second clamping jaws (3, 4); a pump (10) adapted to increase the pressure of a hydraulic fluid acting on the hydraulic actuator (9); a handheld remote controller (12) for remotely actuating and controlling the pump (10); and a wireless actuation communication device (13) adapted to provide a pump actuation signal from the remote controller (12) to the pump (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for piercing (ie detecting voltage) in an electrical cable. Background Art

[0002] In preparation for a cutting or connecting operation of a cable (eg an intermediate high voltage cable), it is necessary to detect the presence of voltage in the cable.

[0003] The voltage detection operation is usually performed with the aid of a detection device called a "piercing tool", which clamps the outer isolated portion of the cable in a position that prevents the displacement of the individual conductive parts of the cable, for example, the three individual conductive parts in a three-core cable, and pushes the metal blade through the outer insulation of the locked cable to make the individual conductive parts electrically contact each other. If there is no voltage in the cable, the penetration of the metal blade into the cable has no effect other than causing local damage to the cable. If there is voltage in the cable, the penetration of the metal blade into the cable causes a short circuit and forms an arc, which can be detected as an explosion.

[0004] A known voltage detection device comprises:

[0005] - two clamping jaws, shaped to receive the portion of the cable to be detected between the clamping jaws,

[0006] - a fastening means associated with the clamping jaws and adapted to allow the clamping jaws to open, to receive a cable portion between the clamping jaws and to fasten the clamping jaws against each other in order to clamp the cable portion in the clamped position,

[0007] - a metal blade connected to one of the jaws, the metal blade being displaceable between a retracted position in which the blade does not interfere with the portion of the cable in the clamping position and an extended position in which the blade extends through the portion of the cable in the clamping position so that a plurality of separate conductive portions of the cable are in electrical contact with one another,

[0008] - an explosive capsule associated with the metal blade, the explosion of which causes the blade to move from a retracted position to an extended position,

[0009] - A remote ignition device connected to the explosive capsule by a fuse, which remote ignition device can be actuated to explode the explosive capsule.

[0010] Known voltage detection devices rely on the transient effects of an explosion to bring the conductive parts of the detected cable into almost instantaneous (non-progressive) electrical contact. However, the need to store, transport and handle explosive capsules is considered problematic and requires a skilled and certified workforce.

[0011] The detection noise and explosion smoke, similar to the firing of a gun, are considered very annoying. In addition, after a limited number of detections by explosion actuation, the detection equipment must be subjected to maintenance due to the destructive effects of the explosion on the blade and on other parts of the device. Finally, during voltage detection, the operator is subjectively made to believe that contact with cable materials is dangerous due to the explosion of the fuse and the explosive capsule itself.

[0012] If the probing operation shows no effect (presumably due to the absence of voltage in the conductive part), it is still necessary to check whether the metal blade has actually penetrated the cable completely. With prior art devices, this verification requires visual observation of the position of the blade after the explosive capsule has exploded, so the operator is close to the cable damaged by the blade but cannot be sure that the probing has been performed correctly and completely. Summary of the invention

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system for piercing, ie detecting voltage, in a cable, the features of which are able to overcome at least some of the disadvantages mentioned with reference to the prior art.

[0014] These and other objects are achieved by the voltage detection system of the present application.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for piercing (i.e. detecting voltage) in a cable comprises:

[0016] A) Detection equipment, having:

[0017] - a first clamping jaw and a second clamping jaw, shaped to receive the portion of the cable to be detected between these clamping jaws,

[0018] - reversible fastening means, associated with the clamping jaws and adapted to allow these clamping jaws to open in order to receive the cable portion between them, and to fasten these clamping jaws against each other in order to clamp the cable portion in the clamping position,

[0019] - an elongated metal blade connected to the first clamping jaw and displaceable between a retracted position, in which the blade does not interfere with the clamping position, and an extended position, in which the blade extends into the clamping position so that the cable portion is inserted and the various conductive parts of the cable are in electrical contact with each other,

[0020] - a hydraulic actuator connected to the first clamping jaw and configured to displace the blade relative to the first clamping jaw and the second clamping jaw from a retracted position to an extended position in response to an increase in pressure of the hydraulic fluid,

[0021] - a pump, adapted to increase the pressure of the hydraulic fluid,

[0022] - a flexible pressure hose connected between the pump and the hydraulic actuator in order to transmit the hydraulic fluid pressure from the pump to the hydraulic actuator,

[0023] The voltage detection system also includes:

[0024] B) Handheld remote controller for remote actuation and control of the pump,

[0025] C) an actuation communication means adapted to provide a pump actuation signal from a remote controller to the pump,

[0026] in:

[0027] - the handheld remote control is physically separated from the detection device and any accessories physically connected to the detection device, so that the remote control is located at a safe distance from the detection device,

[0028] - Activating the communication means comprises a wireless connection beyond said safety distance.

[0029] The provided detection system avoids the need to hold, carry and handle explosive charges and the risks associated with them, reduces the acoustic and air pollution at the voltage detection site, and physically separates the detection equipment from the operator (electrical insulation barrier), thereby protecting the operator from any risk of electric shock, and also overcoming the sense of feeling that the operator is operating in hazardous conditions. Finally, the wireless transmission of the instructions for actuating the detection equipment effectively protects the operator from the detection area.

[0030] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the detection device further comprises:

[0031] - a blade position detector connected to the first clamping jaw and configured to detect whether the blade has reached the extended position and to provide a signal confirming that the blade has reached the extended position,

[0032] - detection confirmation communication means, connected to the position detector and adapted to transmit a confirmation signal depending on whether the blade reaches the extended position,

[0033] Wherein, the detection confirmation communication device includes a wireless transmitter and / or a contactless signal sending device.

[0034] This allows the operator to obtain the information that the voltage detection is completed, even before approaching the pump or the detected cable, so as to be able to safely carry out subsequent operations such as extracting the blade from the cable, as well as to be able to quickly interrupt the pressurization of the hydraulic fluid and in this way reduce the consumption of energy (battery) and extend the life of the mechanically pressurized components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to better understand the present invention and appreciate its advantages, some exemplary but non-limiting embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a voltage detection system according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a detection head of a voltage detection system according to an embodiment,

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A longitudinal section of the probe head in FIG.

[0039] Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 are side and longitudinal sections taken along two orthogonal sections of the probe head with the blade in a retracted position and with one of the clamping jaws removed to improve visibility of the internal parts,

[0040] Figure 7 and Figure 8 yes Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 A three-dimensional image of the detection head.

[0041] Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 are a side view and a longitudinal section taken along two orthogonal sections of the probe head with the blade in the withdrawn position and with one of the clamping jaws removed to improve visibility of the internal parts,

[0042] Fig.12 yes Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 A stereogram of the probe head in

[0043] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a second clamping claw and a clamping device of the claw according to an embodiment,

[0044] Fig.14 is a perspective view of some adapters for the first clamping jaw according to an embodiment;

[0045] Fig.15 and Fig.16 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along two orthogonal sections of the blade extracting device according to the embodiment;

[0046] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 A three-dimensional diagram of the blade extraction device in FIG.

[0047] Fig.18is a schematic diagram of functional components of a system for detecting voltage according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a system 1 for piercing (i.e. detecting voltage) in a cable comprises:

[0049] A) Detection device 2, having:

[0050] - a first clamping jaw 3 and a second clamping jaw 4, shaped to receive the portion of the cable 5 to be detected between the clamping jaws,

[0051] - reversible fastening means 6 associated with the clamping jaws 3, 4 and adapted to allow these clamping jaws 3, 4 to open in order to receive a cable portion between them and to fasten these clamping jaws 3, 4 against each other in order to clamp the cable portion 5 in the clamping position 7,

[0052] - an elongated metal blade 8 connected to the first clamping jaw 3 and displaceable between a retracted position, in which the blade 8 does not interfere with the clamping location 7, and an extended position, in which the blade 8 extends through the clamping location 7, so that the cable portion 5 is inserted and the various conductive parts of the cable are in electrical contact with each other,

[0053] a hydraulic actuator 9 connected to the first clamping jaw 3 and configured to displace the blade 8 from a retracted position to an extended position relative to the first clamping jaw 3 and the second clamping jaw 4 in response to an increase in the pressure of the hydraulic fluid,

[0054] - an electrohydraulic pump 10 adapted to increase the pressure of the hydraulic fluid,

[0055] - a flexible pressure hose 11 connected between the pump 10 and the hydraulic actuator 9 in order to transmit the hydraulic fluid pressure from the pump 10 to the hydraulic actuator 9,

[0056] Wherein, the voltage detection system 1 also includes:

[0057] B) a handheld remote controller 12 for remotely actuating and controlling the pump 10,

[0058] C) an actuation communication means 13 adapted to provide a pump actuation signal from the remote controller 12 to the pump 10,

[0059] in:

[0060] - the handheld remote control 12 is physically separated from the detection device 2 and from any accessories physically connected to the detection device, so that the remote control 12 is located at a safe distance from the detection device 2,

[0061] - Activating the communication means 13 comprising a wireless connection beyond said safety distance.

[0062] Thus, the detection system 1 is constructed to avoid the need to hold, carry and handle explosive charges and the associated risks, reduce the acoustic and air pollution of the voltage detection site, and physically separate the detection device 2 from the operator (electrical insulation barrier), thereby protecting the operator from any risk of electric shock, and also overcoming the subjective feeling of feeling that they are operating in dangerous conditions. Finally, the wireless transmission of the instructions for actuating the detection device 2 effectively protects the operator from the detection area.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the detection device 2 further comprises:

[0064] - a blade position detector 14 connected to the first clamping jaw 3 and configured to detect whether the blade 8 has reached the extended position and to provide a signal confirming that the blade 8 has reached the extended position,

[0065] - detection confirmation communication means 15, connected to the position detector 14 and adapted to transmit a confirmation signal depending on whether the blade 8 has reached the extended position,

[0066] The detection confirmation communication device 15 includes a wireless transmitter 68 and / or a non-contact signal transmission device 69 , 70 (eg, sound or light).

[0067] This allows the operator to obtain information about the completion of voltage detection even before approaching the pump or the cable 5 detected by 10, so as to be able to safely carry out subsequent operations such as extracting the blade 8 from the cable 5, as well as to be able to quickly interrupt the pressurization of the hydraulic fluid and in this way reduce the consumption of energy (battery) and extend the life of the mechanically pressurized components.

[0068] Detailed description of pump 10

[0069] According to an embodiment, the pump 10 comprises:

[0070] - pump housing 16,

[0071] - an accumulator seat 17 adapted to receive the accumulator 18 and having a plurality of electrical terminals in electrical contact with the accumulator 18,

[0072] - an electric motor 19 , supported by the pump housing 16 , which electric motor can be powered by an accumulator 18 ,

[0073] a fluid power assembly 20 (pumping assembly), supported by the pump housing 16 and connected to the electric motor 19, so as to increase the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in response to the movement of the electric motor 19,

[0074] An electronic control circuit 21 , connected to the electric motor 19 and to the energy accumulator 18 , for controlling the electric motor 19 .

[0075] The fluid power pump 20 includes a tank 22 , a pumping cylinder-piston assembly and a maximum pressure valve 23 .

[0076] The pumping cylinder-pump assembly may include a pumping cylinder having a suction port connected to the tank 22 via a non-return valve and allowing hydraulic oil to flow from the tank 22 into the pumping cylinder, and a discharge port communicating with the flexible pressure hose 11 and thus with the actuating cylinder 24 of the hydraulic actuator 9. The non-return valve is arranged in the discharge port to allow hydraulic oil to flow from the pumping cylinder toward the actuating cylinder 24, but not the other way around. A pumping piston may be housed in the pumping cylinder and coupled to translate with a pivot member actuated by the electric motor 19.

[0077] A maximum pressure valve 23 may be arranged in a return line 25 connecting the actuating cylinder 24 and the tank 22 .

[0078] In this way, actuation of the electric motor 19 operates the fluid power assembly 20 (pumping assembly) and moves the blade 8 from the retracted position toward the extended position until a predetermined maximum set pressure, for example 729 bar, is reached in the actuating cylinder 24. When the maximum set pressure is reached, the maximum pressure valve 23 automatically opens the fluid return conduit 25 to discharge (at least a portion of) the pressurized liquid from the actuating cylinder 24 into the tank 22.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the pump 10 comprises a pressure sensor 66 which is signal-connected to the electronic control circuit 21 and is configured to detect the pressure of the hydraulic fluid acting on the hydraulic actuator 9 .

[0080] The electronic control circuit 21 can be configured to automatically shut down the electric motor 19 according to reaching the maximum set pressure, that is, according to the opening of the maximum pressure valve 23 and / or according to the hydraulic fluid pressure detected by the pressure sensor 66 and / or according to the detection completion confirmation signal (that is, when the blade 8 reaches the extended position).

[0081] The pump 10 may comprise a connector, for example a connector with a screw and a nut, for connection to ground. This will protect the pump 10 from high voltage if a live cable is (by mistake) cut.

[0082] Detailed Description of the Detection Head 26

[0083] The clamping jaws 3 , 4 , the hydraulic actuator 9 , the fastening device 6 and the blade 8 are connected or connectable to one another to form a detection head 26 of the detection device 2 .

[0084] The detection head 26 may include a support structure 29 to which the actuating cylinder 24 of the hydraulic actuator 9 is connected or formed. The actuating cylinder 24 accommodates an actuating piston 27 which can be displaced by a pressure fluid from a rest position (corresponding to a retracted position of the blade 8) to an advanced position (corresponding to an extended position of the blade 8). A return spring 28 acts on the actuating piston 27 so as to resiliently bias the actuating piston to the rest position.

[0085] According to the embodiment ( Figure 3 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 ), the actuating piston 27 forms a seating surface 45, for example, in an annular shoulder 46, which abuts against a stop surface 47 of the actuating cylinder 24 when the actuating piston 27 reaches the advanced position.

[0086] This defines an extreme stop position of the actuating piston 27 at which, when reached, the pressure of the hydraulic fluid will increase rapidly until a maximum set pressure is reached causing the maximum pressure valve 23 to open.

[0087] The first clamping jaw 3 is connected to or formed by the supporting structure 29 so as to be fixed relative to the actuating cylinder 24 and forms a first cable seat 30 having at least one recessed portion to receive and hold the portion of the cable 5 in the clamping location 7 .

[0088] The first cable seat 30 may form a single concave portion 31 (e.g., a chamfered "V" shape) so as to clamp only one cable having a single outer insulating portion, or the first cable seat may form two adjacent concave portions 31', 31'', for example, these concave portions are shaped as circular arcs, for example, so as to clamp a three-core cable having two or three individually isolated separate conductive portions.

[0089] The first clamping jaw 3 also forms a first passage 39 for the blade 8 to pass through the first clamping jaw 3 into the clamping location 7 .

[0090] According to an embodiment, the first clamping jaw 3 comprises two steel plates, the front edges of which form the first cable seat 30 , wherein the two steel plates are spaced apart from each other by a gap or a spacer block which forms the first channel 39 .

[0091] According to another embodiment, the first cable seat 30 or the further first cable seat 30 ′ is formed in an adapter 32 which can be reversibly clamped on a base portion 33 of the first clamping jaw 3 .

[0092] The adapter 32 may also comprise two steel plates, the front edges of which form the first cable seat 30 or the further first cable seat 30 ′, wherein the two steel plates are spaced apart from each other by a gap or by means of a spacer lock which forms (at least a part of) the first channel 39 .

[0093] According to an embodiment, the reversible connection of the adapter 32 to the base portion of the first clamping jaw 3 is a tool-free snap-on connection. The snap-on connection may comprise a plurality of parts 34, such as balls, which are elastically supported in the base portion 33 of the first clamping jaw 3 and adapted to engage by snapping into corresponding cavities 34' formed in the adapter 32, or vice versa, and a fixed central protrusion 35 of the base portion 33 which can be received in a corresponding central cavity 36 of the adapter 32, said elements being preferably arranged on two opposite sides of the adapter and the jaw.

[0094] This allows easy insertion by snapping and easy manual removal of the adapter 32 from the base portion 33 of the first clamping jaw 3 .

[0095] According to an embodiment, the detection system 1 may include one or more different adapters 32 ( Fig.14 ) for cables with different shapes and cross-sections5.

[0096] The second clamping jaw 4 is connected or connectable to the support structure 29 by means of the above-mentioned fastening means 6 and forms a second cable seat 37 with a concave portion to receive and hold the cable portion 5 in the clamping position 7 ( Figure 3 ).

[0097] The second cable seat 37 forms a single concave portion (e.g., a chamfered "V" shape) to clamp only a cable having a single outer insulating portion, or the second cable seat can be shaped as a circular arc, for example, to clamp a three-core cable having two or three individually isolated separate conductive portions. Figure 3 , Fig.13 ).

[0098] The second clamping jaw 4 also forms a second channel 38 or recess to allow the blade 8 to penetrate inside the second clamping jaw 4. This ensures that the cable 5 is completely intersected by the blade 8 in the clamping position 7.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the second clamping jaw 4 comprises two steel plates, the front edges of which form the second cable seat 3 , wherein the two steel plates are spaced apart from each other by a gap or a spacer forming the first channel 39 .

[0100] According to an embodiment, the second clamping jaw 4 forms a further second cable seat 37' for the cable, the shape of which is different from the shape of the second cable seat 37, wherein the second clamping jaw 4 can be positioned and fastened in two different positions relative to the first clamping jaw 3. In the first position of the second clamping jaw 4, the second cable seat 37 directly faces the first clamping jaw 3 ( Figure 1 In the second position of the second clamping claw 4, the second cable seat 37' directly faces the first clamping claw 3 ( Figure 2 , Figure 3 ).

[0101] Advantageously, a second cable seat 37 is formed on the front side 40 of the second clamping jaw 4, and another second cable seat 37' is formed on the rear side 41 of the second clamping jaw 4 opposite the front side 40 ( Fig.13 ).

[0102] The fastening device 6 may comprise two traction rods 42, the first ends of which are preferably connected in an articulated manner to the two side ends of the second clamping jaw 4, and the second ends of which are threaded and equipped with fastening nuts 43 in order to engage the support structure 29 ( Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Fig.13 ) and is used to fasten the second clamping jaw 4 in the direction of the first clamping jaw 3.

[0103] By means of the articulated connection of the drawbar 42 to the second clamping jaw 4 , the second clamping jaw can be easily positioned and secured in its first position and in its second position relative to the first clamping jaw 3 .

[0104] The elongated blade 8 may include an elongated cutting portion 50 and a connecting portion 48, the elongated cutting portion having a pointed and / or sharp free end 51 and may have a sharp longitudinal edge 52, the connecting portion being configured to reversibly connect the blade 8 to the actuating piston 27, or to reversibly connect to the intermediate connecting body 49 and then to the actuating piston 27.

[0105] A snap connection may be provided for the reversible connection of the blade 8. For example, the connecting portion 48 of the blade may comprise one or more elastically displaceable stop projections 53 which engage in corresponding stop recesses 54 of the intermediate connecting body 49 or the actuating piston 27, or vice versa.

[0106] This not only allows the blade 8 to be easily applied to the probe head 26 , but also allows the probe head 26 to be easily removed from the blade 8 inserted into the cable 5 .

[0107] In order to ensure the correct positioning of the blade 8 relative to the actuating piston 27, the connecting portion 48 of the blade may comprise, for example, a further non-yielding protrusion 55, for example, on the side opposite to the side where the elastically yielding stop protrusion 53 is located. This further protrusion 55 may be provided, for example, with a grub screw which is screwed into the connecting portion 48 of the blade.

[0108] Advantageously, the connecting portion 48 of the blade is enlarged relative to the elongated cutting portion 50 so that, after completion of the voltage detection operation, during the extraction of the blade 8 from the cable 5, the connecting portion 48 of the blade is clamped.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the detection device 2 comprises a colored mark 67 visible on the outside of the detection device 2 which moves either together with the actuation piston 27 or according to its displacement, allowing visual verification that the blade 8 has reached the extended position.

[0110] The probe head 26 is removably connected to the pressure pipe 11 . Alternatively or additionally, the flexible pressure hose 11 can be removably connected to the pump housing 16 .

[0111] Advantageously, the flexible pressure hose 11 is electrically insulated from the hydraulic fluid and the hydraulic actuator 9 is electrically insulated from the pump 10. Furthermore, the support structure 29 of the probe head 26 may comprise a connector 56, for example a connector with screws and nuts, for connection to the ground.

[0112] Detailed description of the transmission system for the actuation signal and the detection completion signal

[0113] According to an embodiment, the actuation communication device 13 includes an actuation transmitter 71 and an actuation receiver 72, wherein the actuation transmitter is connected to the remote controller 12 and is preferably installed or accommodated on or in the remote controller, and the actuation receiver is connected to the pump 10 and is preferably installed or accommodated on the pump, which together realize the above-mentioned actuation wireless connection 71, 72.

[0114] The actuation transmitter 71 and the actuation receiver 72 are preferably radio wave, or alternatively infrared radiation or laser transmitters / receivers and / or transceivers.

[0115] Direct wireless transmission between the remote controller 12 and the pump 10 is fast and requires a minimum number of transmission components.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the detection confirmation communication device 15 includes (or the aforementioned) wireless detection confirmation transmitter 68 and a wireless detection confirmation receiver 73, the wireless detection confirmation transmitter is connected to the blade position detector 14 and is preferably installed on the first clamping jaw 3 or the detection head 26, and the wireless detection confirmation receiver is installed or accommodated on the pump 10, which together constitute a wireless detection confirmation connection.

[0117] According to an alternative or additional embodiment, the detection confirmation communication device 15 includes (or the aforementioned) a wireless detection confirmation transmitter 68 and a detection confirmation receiver 73', the wireless detection confirmation transmitter is connected to the blade position detector 14 and is preferably installed on the first clamping jaw 3 or the detection head 26, and the detection confirmation receiver is connected to the remote controller 12 and is preferably installed or accommodated on or in the remote controller, which together constitute a wireless detection confirmation connection.

[0118] Direct wireless transmission between the blade position detector 14 and the remote control 12 or pump 10 is fast and requires a minimum number of transmission components.

[0119] The detection confirmation transmitter 68 and detection confirmation receivers 73, 73' are preferably radio wave, or alternatively infrared radiation or laser transmitter / receivers and / or transceivers.

[0120] According to an embodiment, the detection confirmation communication means 15 may include visual indication means 70 and / or sound means 69, which are activated, for example, upon the blade 8 reaching the extended position, for example, to alert the operator in response to receiving the detection confirmation signal.

[0121] The signaling devices 69, 70 may include light indicators (eg, LEDs and / or visual displays 70) and / or sound indicators 69 (eg, buzzers) that are disposed on the remote controller 12 ( Figure 1 ) and / or on the pump 10 and can be seen / heard at a distance.

[0122] According to an embodiment, during actuation of the pump 10, the light indicator and the sound buzzer emit intermittent signals until the blade 8 reaches the extended position. When the blade 8 reaches the extended position, the indicator light and the buzzer emit continuous signals, for example, according to the detection confirmation signal.

[0123] By means of the signalling means 69 , 70 , the operator can be immediately alerted that the voltage detection is complete and can quickly proceed with subsequent work steps, in particular stopping the pump 10 without having to leave a protective position remote from the detection area.

[0124] According to an advantageous embodiment, the detection completion signal is also automatically transmitted to the electronic control circuit 21 of the pump 10 , which control electronics interrupts the pressurization of the pressure fluid (for example, switches off the electric motor 19 ) as a function of the detection completion signal.

[0125] The electronic control circuit 21 of the pump 10 may, for example, be configured to automatically shut down the pump 10 when the following two conditions occur simultaneously:

[0126] - the blade 8 has reached the extended position,

[0127] - The hydraulic fluid pressure detected by the pressure sensor 66 exceeds a predetermined reference pressure.

[0128] Furthermore, the electronic control circuit 21 of the pump 10 in any case interrupts pressurization of the fluid pressure (eg, switches off the electric motor 19 ) when a maximum set pressure is reached, which causes the maximum pressure valve 23 to open and / or can be detected by the pressure sensor 66 .

[0129] For this purpose, the electronic control circuit 21 of the pump 10 can be signal-connected to, for example, the maximum pressure valve 23 , for example with a microswitch associated with the maximum pressure valve 23 and / or the pressure sensor 66 .

[0130] The pump 10 is shut off in response to the blade 8 reaching the extended position, thereby avoiding unnecessary further increase in the pressure of the hydraulic fluid, the mechanical stress of the detection head 26 and the power consumption of the battery, until the maximum set pressure is reached after the detection has been completed, which causes the maximum pressure valve 23 to open.

[0131] In a less preferred manner, in an embodiment where the automatic shutoff of the pump 10 does not involve the pressure sensor 66 and / or the blade position detector 14, the electronic control circuit 21 of the pump 10 may be configured to automatically shut off the pump 10 when a maximum set pressure is reached that causes the maximum pressure valve 23 to open.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the detection confirmation signal may be transmitted to the control electronics of the pump 10 by:

[0133] - by means of the remote control 12 by means of the actuation transmitter 71 (remote control side) and the actuation receiver 72 (pump side), and / or

[0134] - By means of a detection confirmation receiver 73 on the pump 10 and connected to the electronic control circuit 21 .

[0135] Alternatively or additionally, the pumping interruption command may be transmitted to the electronic control circuit 21 of the pump 10 with the help of an actuation transmitter 71 (remote controller side) and an actuation receiver 72 (pump side) in the following manner: by the operator in a non-automatic manner, by manual actuation of the remote controller 12 (button).

[0136] The transmitters and receivers described are connected to the modules of the control electronics associated with them and can be controlled by the control electronics in a known manner and are therefore not described in detail. Furthermore, the transmitters and receivers described can be separate devices and are dedicated only to the described functions. This allows the use of low-cost commercially available wireless transmission systems, in particular radio transmission systems, which are optimized for certain functions.

[0137] For example, the blade position detector 14 and the detection confirmation transmitter 68 may be implemented by a push switch equipped with a small size, low cost radio transmitter and a dedicated radio receiver, wherein the radio transmitter is used to confirm that the button is pushed.

[0138] Alternatively, the described transmitters and receivers may be made from more general purpose transmitters, receivers, or transceivers that perform many of the described wireless transmission and reception features.

[0139] Detailed Description of the Blade Position Detector 14

[0140] The blade position detector 14 is connected to the detection head 26, specifically to the actuating cylinder 24, so as to detect whether the blade 8 reaches the extended position or whether the actuating piston 27 reaches the limit stop position (forward position). The blade position detector 14 may include an electromechanical sensor (such as a position switch, an optical switch), a magnetic proximity sensor, a contact sensor or a potentiometer.

[0141] Advantageously, the blade position detector 14 comprises a movable member 57, which is directly or indirectly displaced by the actuating piston 27 when the claw 8 reaches the closed position, and a part of the displacement energy of the movable member 57 is used to excite and actuate the detection confirmation transmitter 68. Preferably, another part of the displacement energy of the movable member 57 is accumulated by the detection confirmation transmitter 68 for receiving a confirmation signal (from the detection confirmation receiver 73, 73'), and, in the absence of a confirmation signal, repeatedly sends the detection confirmation signal.

[0142] In this way the need for batteries is avoided for both the blade position detector 14 and the detection confirmation transmitter 68. In fact, according to an advantageous embodiment, both the blade position detector 14 and the detection confirmation transmitter 68 are battery-free.

[0143] In the present exemplary embodiment, the detection confirmation transmitter 68 and the detection confirmation receivers 73 , 73 ′ are configured as transceivers.

[0144] Advantageously, the blade position detector 14 and the detection confirmation transmitter 68 are housed in and protected by a protective housing 58, which is preferably made of sheet metal.

[0145] Detailed Description of the Blade Extractor 60

[0146] According to another embodiment ( Fig.15 , Fig.16 , Fig.17 ), the voltage detection system 1 further comprises a blade extraction device 60, the blade extraction device comprising:

[0147] - a stationary seat 61 shaped to bear against the cable 5,

[0148] - a blade hook portion 62 (eg provided with a notch) for form-fitting with (the connecting portion 48 of) the blade 8, the blade hook portion 62 being guided in a displaceable manner relative to the stationary seat 61, and

[0149] - A pulling mechanism 63, connected to the stationary seat 61 and acting on the blade hook portion 62, drags the blade hook portion 62 from a first position at the stationary seat 61 to a second position away from the stationary seat 61, thereby pulling the blade 8 hooked to the blade hook portion 62 out of the cable 5.

[0150] In an embodiment, the pulling mechanism 63 comprises a nut and screw mechanism that is manually actuatable by a lever or handle 64 .

[0151] According to an alternative or additional embodiment, the pulling mechanism 63 comprises, for example, a tool coupling seat 65 , for example a hexagonal seat, for coupling a screwdriver in order to actuate the pulling mechanism 63 and extract the blade 8 .

[0152] As an alternative to the blade extraction device 60, the hydraulic actuator 9 may be configured as a double-acting hydraulic actuator, and the blade 8 may be coupled to the double-acting hydraulic actuator 9 so as to transmit compression and traction to the blade 8, thereby not only enabling the blade 8 to be inserted into the cable 5 but also enabling the blade to be extracted from the cable by the hydraulic actuator 9.

[0153] Detailed Description of the Handheld Remote Controller 12

[0154] The handheld remote control 12 includes a switch port 59 for manually turning (the electric motor 19 of) the pump 10 on and off.

[0155] In an embodiment, switch port 59 also allows manual selection of an operating mode of pump 10 from a plurality of preset operating modes, and handheld remote controller 12 may include a display showing the selected operating mode and / or operating parameters and / or information regarding the status of detection performance.

[0156] The remote controller 12 is in signal connection with the pump 10 by means of a wireless actuation transmitter 71 located on the remote controller 12 and an actuation receiver 72 on the pump 10 , and is connected to the electronic control circuit 21 of the pump 10 .

[0157] According to an embodiment, the handheld remote control 12 includes an on / off button 74 of the remote control 12 , a pump button 75 that actuates the pump 10 , and a release button 76 that turns off the pump 10 and releases hydraulic fluid pressure, thereby allowing hydraulic fluid to return to the tank 22 of the pump 10 .

[0158] The handheld remote control 12 also includes a light indicator 77 that indicates the power-on status and battery status of the remote control 12 .

Claims

1. A system (1) for "piercing" a cable (5), i.e. a system for detecting voltage, comprising: A) Detection equipment (2) having: - a first clamping jaw (3) and a second clamping jaw (4) shaped to receive the portion of the cable (5) to be detected between said first clamping jaw and said second clamping jaw, - reversible fastening means (6) associated with the clamping jaws (3, 4) and adapted to allow the clamping jaws (3, 4) to open in order to receive a portion of a cable between them, and to allow the clamping jaws (3, 4) to be fastened against each other in order to clamp the portion of the cable (5) in a clamping position (7), - an elongated metallic blade (8) connected to the first clamping jaw (3) and displaceable between a retracted position in which the blade (8) does not interfere with the clamping jaw (7) and an extended position in which the blade (8) extends into the clamping jaw (7) so as to penetrate a portion of the cable (5) and bring the various conductive parts of the cable (5) into electrical contact with each other, - a hydraulic actuator (9) connected to the first clamping jaw (3) and configured to displace the blade (8) relative to the first clamping jaw (3) and the second clamping jaw (4) from the retracted position to the extended position in response to an increase in the pressure of a hydraulic fluid, - a pump (10) adapted to increase the pressure of the hydraulic fluid, - a flexible pressure hose (11) connected between the pump (10) and the hydraulic actuator (9) so as to communicate the hydraulic fluid pressure from the pump (10) to the hydraulic actuator (9), Wherein, the system (1) for voltage detection further comprises: B) a manual remote controller (12) for remotely actuating and controlling the pump (10), C) an actuation communication means (13) adapted to provide a pump actuation signal from said manual remote control (12) to said pump (10), in: - the manual remote control (12) is physically separated from the detection device (2) and from any accessories physically connected to the detection device, so that the manual remote control (12) is located at a safe distance from the detection device (2), - the actuation communication device (13) realizes a wireless actuation connection beyond the safety distance; Wherein, the detection device (2) further comprises: - a blade position detector (14), connected to the first clamping jaw (3) and configured to detect whether the blade (8) reaches the extended position, and to provide a detection confirmation signal confirming that the blade (8) reaches the extended position, - a detection confirmation communication device (15), connected to the blade position detector (14) and adapted to send the detection confirmation signal, Wherein, the detection confirmation communication device (15) comprises a wireless detection confirmation transmitter (68); The blade position detector (14) comprises a movable member (57), and when the blade (8) reaches the extended position, the movable member can be directly or indirectly displaced by the actuating piston (27) of the hydraulic actuator (9) to actuate the pressure button of the blade position detector (14), thereby generating the detection confirmation signal, wherein a part of the displacement energy of the movable member (57) is used to power the wireless detection confirmation transmitter (68) and actuate the wireless detection confirmation transmitter, Wherein, both the blade position detector (14) and the wireless detection confirmation transmitter (68) are battery-free.

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, comprising sound signaling means (69) and / or light signaling means (70) which signal that the blade (8) has reached the extended position.

3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The pump (10) comprises: - Pump housing (16), - an accumulator seat (17) adapted to receive the accumulator (18) and having electrical terminals for electrical contact with the accumulator (18), - a motor (19), supported by the pump housing (16) and powered by the accumulator (18), - a pumping unit (20) supported by the pump housing (16) and connected to the motor (19) to increase the hydraulic fluid pressure in response to movement of the motor (19), - an electronic control circuit (21), connected to the motor (19) and, connected to the accumulator (18) to control the motor (19), - a maximum pressure valve (23) which automatically opens the return line (25) from the hydraulic actuator (9) to the tank (22) of the pump (10) when the hydraulic fluid acting on the hydraulic actuator (9) reaches a maximum set pressure, thereby discharging at least a portion of the pressurized fluid into the tank (22), - a pressure sensor (66) signal-connected to the electronic control circuit (21) and configured to detect the hydraulic fluid pressure.

4. The system (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The electronic control circuit (21) is configured to automatically shut down the motor (19) according to the following conditions: - reaching the maximum set pressure of the hydraulic fluid, and / or - The hydraulic fluid pressure detected by the pressure sensor (66).

5. The system (1) according to claim 4, wherein: The electronic control circuit (21) is configured to automatically shut down the motor (19) according to the detection confirmation signal.

6. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The clamping jaws (3, 4), the hydraulic actuator (9), the fastening device (6) and the blade (8) are connected to a supporting structure (29) and together form a detection head (26) of the detection device (2), the distance of which from the pump (10) can be varied.

7. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first clamping jaw (3) is connected in a static manner relative to the actuating cylinder (24) of the hydraulic actuator (9), and the first clamping jaw forms: - a first cable seat (30) having at least one concave portion to receive and hold a portion of the cable (5) in the clamping position (7), - a first passage (39) for passing the blade (8) through the first clamping jaw (3) into the clamping position (7).

8. The system (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The first cable seat (30) or a further first cable seat (30') is formed in an adapter (32) which can be reversibly locked to a base portion (33) of the first clamping jaw (3).

9. The system (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The reversible connection of the adapter (32) is a tool-free snap-on connection comprising a plurality of spherical portions (34) resiliently supported in the base portion (33) of the first clamping jaw (3) and adapted to snap-engage corresponding cavities (34') formed in the adapter (32), or vice versa, and at least one fixed central protrusion (35) of the base portion (33) receivable in a corresponding central cavity (36) of the adapter (32), Therein, the system (1) for detecting comprises one or more different adapters (32) for use with cables (5) having different shapes and cross-sections.

10. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second clamping claw (4) is formed as follows: - a second cable seat (37) having a concave portion to receive and hold a portion of the cable (5) in the clamping position (7), - a second passage (38) or recess to allow the blade (8) to penetrate into the interior of the second clamping jaw (4); - another second cable seat (37'), the shape of the other second cable seat being different from the shape of the second cable seat (37), The second clamping jaw (4) can be positioned and fastened relative to the first clamping jaw (3) in the following position: - a first position, in which the second cable seat (37) faces the first clamping claw (3), - a second position, in which the further second cable seat (37') faces the first clamping claw (3).

11. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The fastening device (6) comprises two traction rods (42), the first ends of which are connected to the two side ends of the second clamping claw (4) in an articulated manner, and the second ends of the two traction rods are threaded and equipped with fastening nuts (43) for engaging with corresponding fastening seats (44) of the first clamping claw (3), thereby fastening the second clamping claw (4) in the direction of the first clamping claw (3).

12. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The elongated blade (8) comprises an elongated cutting portion (50) having a sharp free end and having a sharp longitudinal edge (52) and a connecting portion (48) configured for reversibly snap-connecting the blade (8) to the hydraulic actuator (9), The connecting portion (48) of the blade is enlarged relative to the elongated cutting portion (50) to allow the connecting portion (48) of the blade to be clamped during the extraction of the blade (8) from the cable (5) after voltage detection is completed.

13. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The detection device (2) comprises a colored mark (67) which is visible from the outside of the detection device (2) and moves with the displacement of the actuating piston (27) of the hydraulic actuator (9).

14. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The actuation communication device (13) comprises an actuation transmitter (71) and an actuation receiver (72), wherein the actuation transmitter is connected and mounted to the manual remote control (12), and the actuation receiver is connected and mounted to the pump (10), and the actuation transmitter and the actuation receiver together provide the wireless actuation connection, and the actuation transmitter (71) and the actuation receiver (72) are selected from the group consisting of transmitters / receivers and transceivers of radio waves, infrared radiation and lasers.

15. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The detection confirmation communication device (15) further comprises a wireless detection confirmation receiver (73), the wireless detection confirmation transmitter (68) is connected to the blade position detector (14) and mounted to the first clamping jaw (3), the wireless detection confirmation receiver is mounted and connected to the pump (10), the wireless detection confirmation transmitter and the wireless detection confirmation receiver together form a wireless detection confirmation connection, wherein the wireless detection confirmation transmitter (68) and the wireless detection confirmation receiver (73) are selected from the group consisting of transmitters / receivers and transceivers of radio waves, infrared radiation and lasers.

16. The system (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The electronic control circuit (21) of the pump (10) is configured to automatically shut down the pump (10) when the following two conditions occur simultaneously: - the blade (8) has reached the extended position, - The hydraulic fluid pressure detected by the pressure sensor (66) exceeds a predetermined reference pressure.

17. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a blade extraction device (60), the blade extraction device comprising: - a stationary seat (61) shaped to rest against the cable (5), - a blade hook portion (62) shaped to engage the blade (8) in a form-fitting manner, the blade hook portion (62) being guided in a displaceable manner relative to the stationary seat (61), - a pulling mechanism (63) connected to the stationary seat (61) and acting on the blade hook portion (62) to drag the blade hook portion (62) from a first position at the stationary seat (61) toward a second position away from the stationary seat (61), so that the blade (8) hooked to the blade hook portion (62) is extracted from the cable (5).

18. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The manual remote controller (12) includes an on / off button (74) of the manual remote controller (12), a pumping button (75) for actuating the pump (10), a release button (76) for turning off the pump (10) and releasing the hydraulic fluid pressure, and a light indicator (77) for indicating the switch status and battery status of the manual remote controller (12).

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