Underground cable break detection apparatus and method

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of underground cables, and particularly discloses an underground cable breakpoint detection device and method, which comprises a placement pipeline and a camera unit, the cable is placed in the placement pipeline, the camera unit comprises a track, a track vehicle and a camera, the track is arranged on the inner wall of the placement pipeline, the track vehicle is movably connected with the track, the camera is installed on the track vehicle, the camera faces the side where the cable is located, and the control end of the track vehicle is connected with a control button through a wireless transmission unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of underground cable technology and relates to an underground cable break point detection device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Underground cables are cables that are typically buried underground, unlike common overhead lines. A cable consists of one or more insulated conductors encased in an insulating and protective layer, used to transmit electricity or information from one location to another. In modern society, due to limited urban land, heavy traffic, and urban development needs, large cities widely adopt underground cable power transmission.

[0003] Currently, when laying underground cables, to save space and facilitate urban planning, cables are often placed in pre-designated cable trenches. These existing trenches are mostly composed of concrete pits, which are then covered with covers after the cables are laid. While this serves to protect the cables, because the trenches are underground, the cables are susceptible to water immersion, especially during the rainy season. Large amounts of rainwater entering the trenches can corrode the cables, causing damage. This not only affects normal power supply but also poses significant safety hazards. Furthermore, underground cables may break due to changes in terrain or other external forces, creating breaks that are difficult for workers to inspect and locate, hindering timely maintenance and impacting power supply. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an underground cable break point detection device and method to check the cable condition and break point location.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the basic solution of the present invention is as follows: an underground cable break point detection device, comprising a placement pipe and a camera unit, wherein the cable is placed inside the placement pipe, the camera unit includes a track, a track vehicle and a camera, the track is set on the inner wall of the placement pipe, the track vehicle is movably connected to the track, the camera is mounted on the track vehicle and faces the side where the cable is located, and the control end of the track vehicle is connected to a control button through a wireless transmission unit.

[0006] The working principle and beneficial effects of this basic scheme are as follows: placing the cable inside the installation duct facilitates protection. A track is installed on the inner wall of the installation duct, and a camera is moved along the track by a track vehicle to collect image information of the cable inside the installation duct, so as to monitor the cable condition and detect any breaks in time.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a sealing unit, which includes an airbag, a first pressure sensor, a normally closed valve, a first comparator, a second comparator, and an integrated inflation and deflation mechanism;

[0008] The airbag is installed at the inlet of the installation pipe, the inflation and de-inflation mechanism is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the installation pipe, the airbag is connected to the inflation and de-inflation mechanism through the air pipe, and the normally closed valve is installed on the air pipe.

[0009] The first pressure sensor is fixedly installed on the side of the airbag facing the cable. The output terminal of the first pressure sensor is connected to the first input terminal of the first comparator and the first input terminal of the second comparator. The second input terminal of the first comparator is connected to a first threshold memory, and the second input terminal of the second comparator is connected to a second threshold memory. The output terminal of the first comparator is connected to the control terminal of the normally closed valve and the inflation terminal of the integrated inflation and deflation mechanism. The output terminal of the second comparator is connected to the control terminal of the normally closed valve and the deflation terminal of the integrated inflation and deflation mechanism.

[0010] The sealing unit is installed at the pipe opening of the installation pipe. It seals the pipe opening by inflating the air bladder to prevent external water or dust and other debris from entering the installation pipe and contaminating the cable.

[0011] Furthermore, the side of the airbag facing the cable is arc-shaped.

[0012] The airbag shape is designed to make it fit more tightly against the cable, resulting in a better seal.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a remote terminal, with the camera's output connected to the remote terminal's input.

[0014] Staff can view the collected cable information via a remote terminal for easy use.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a vibration sensor, which are fixedly installed on the railcar.

[0016] Collecting various information from within the installation pipeline facilitates its use.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a lifting mechanism, a second pressure sensor, and a distance sensor. The lifting mechanism is mounted on the railcar and moves with the railcar. The lifting mechanism applies force to the cable, which can lift the moving cable to a certain height.

[0018] The second pressure sensor is located on the side of the lifting mechanism facing the cable and is used to measure the pressure when the cable is lifted.

[0019] The distance sensor is mounted on the railcar and is used to measure the displacement during cable lifting.

[0020] By detecting the pressure and displacement signals during the cable lifting process controlled by the lifting mechanism, the identification of cable breakpoints can be optimized, making it easier to use.

[0021] The present invention also provides a method for detecting breaks in underground cables, comprising the following steps:

[0022] S1, as the railcar moves, the lifting mechanism periodically lifts the cable;

[0023] S2, If the displacement detected by the distance sensor during cable lifting exceeds the threshold, then proceed to step S3; otherwise, proceed to step S1.

[0024] S3, the second pressure sensor detects the pressure of the cable during the lifting process. If the pressure is greater than the first threshold, there is no cable breakage, and the process exits. If the pressure is less than the first threshold, there is a cable breakage, and step S4 is executed.

[0025] S4. If the pressure is greater than the second threshold, the cable break is relatively far away. Control the camera to scan the first scanning range, which is farther away from the railcar, to find the cable break point. If the pressure is lower than the second threshold, the cable break is relatively close. Control the camera to scan the second scanning range, which is closer to the railcar, to find the cable break point. The second threshold is lower than the first threshold.

[0026] It is easy to operate, enables the detection of breaks in underground cables, and is convenient to use. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the underground cable break point detection device of the present invention.

[0028] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: 1. Installation pipe; 2. Camera; 3. Track; 4. Track vehicle; 5. Lifting mechanism; 6. Cable. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0031] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components. They can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] This invention discloses an underground cable break detection device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a conduit 1 and a camera unit. Cable 6 is placed inside the conduit 1, and the conduit 1 is then placed within the cable 6 trench to protect the cable 6. The camera unit includes a track 3, a track vehicle 4, and a camera 2. The track 3 is mounted on the inner wall of the conduit 1, and the track vehicle 4 is movably connected to the track 3. The camera 2 is mounted (e.g., riveted, screwed) on the track vehicle 4, facing the side where cable 6 is located. The control terminal of the track vehicle 4 is electrically connected to control buttons via a wireless transmission unit. The track vehicle 4 can be driven by a motor or other devices. The wireless transmission unit can use wireless communication devices such as WiFi or Bluetooth. The control buttons can be configured with forward and reverse control buttons for easy control of the track vehicle 4's movement direction.

[0033] When it is necessary to inspect the condition of cable 6, the staff can remotely control the movement of the track vehicle 4 through the control button. The movement of the track vehicle 4 causes the camera 2 on it to move synchronously, collecting image information of cable 6 at different positions in the installation pipeline 1, which is convenient for subsequent image analysis.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the underground cable 6 breakage detection device further includes a sealing unit, which comprises an airbag, a first pressure sensor, a normally closed valve, a first comparator, a second comparator, and an integrated inflation and deflation mechanism. The airbag is installed at the opening of the installation pipe 1, with one end bonded or welded to the wall of the pipe opening, and the other end capable of expanding and extending towards the side where the cable 6 is located. Preferably, the side of the airbag facing the cable 6 is arc-shaped, allowing for a tighter contact and better sealing with the cable 6. The integrated inflation and deflation mechanism is fixedly installed (e.g., welded, bonded, etc.) on the inner wall of the installation pipe 1. The integrated inflation and deflation mechanism can be a blower that integrates inflation and deflation, located inside the installation pipe 1. The airbag is connected to the integrated inflation and deflation mechanism via an air pipe, and the normally closed valve is installed on the air pipe.

[0035] The first pressure sensor is fixedly mounted (using methods such as embedding or bonding) on ​​the side of the airbag facing the cable 6. The output terminal of the first pressure sensor is electrically connected to the first input terminal of the first comparator and the first input terminal of the second comparator. The second input terminal of the first comparator is electrically connected to a first threshold memory, and the second input terminal of the second comparator is electrically connected to a second threshold memory. The pressure threshold in the second threshold memory is greater than the threshold in the first threshold memory. The output terminal of the first comparator is electrically connected to the control terminal of the normally closed valve and the inflation terminal of the integrated inflation and deflation mechanism, respectively. The output terminal of the second comparator is electrically connected to the control terminal of the normally closed valve and the deflation terminal of the integrated inflation and deflation mechanism, respectively.

[0036] The first pressure sensor collects the pressure signal between the airbag and cable 6, and inputs it into the first comparator and the second comparator. The first comparator and the second comparator compare the collected pressure signal value with the corresponding pressure threshold in the threshold memory. When the collected pressure signal value is less than the pressure threshold in the first threshold memory, the first comparator outputs a control signal to the control terminal of the normally closed valve and the inflation terminal of the integrated inflation and deflation mechanism, controlling the normally closed valve to open, the air tube to be connected, and the integrated inflation and deflation mechanism to start inflating the airbag to fill it with air, causing the airbag to expand and come into contact with cable 6.

[0037] When the collected pressure signal value is greater than the pressure threshold in the second threshold memory, the second comparator outputs a control signal to the control terminal of the normally closed valve and the suction terminal of the integrated inflation and depressurization mechanism, the air tube is opened, and the integrated inflation and depressurization mechanism is started to extract gas from the airbag to avoid over-inflation of the airbag.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the underground cable 6 break point detection device further includes a remote terminal (such as a mobile phone terminal, computer terminal, server room host, etc.), and the output end of the camera 2 is electrically connected to the input end of the remote terminal via a wireless transmission device. Personnel can view the collected information related to the cable 6 through the remote terminal for convenient use. Preferably, the underground cable 6 break point detection device also includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a vibration sensor, which are fixedly installed (e.g., glued, welded, embedded, etc.) on the track vehicle 4, and each sensor can also be electrically connected to the remote terminal via a wireless transmission device.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the underground cable 6 breakage detection device further includes a lifting mechanism 5, a second pressure sensor, and a distance sensor. The lifting mechanism 5 is mounted on the railcar 4 and moves with the railcar 4. The lifting mechanism 5 applies a force to the cable 6, which can lift the moving cable 6 to a certain height. The second pressure sensor is located on the side of the lifting mechanism 5 facing the cable 6 and is used to measure the pressure of the cable 6 during lifting. The distance sensor is mounted on the railcar 4 and is used to measure the displacement of the cable 6 during lifting.

[0040] The present invention also provides a method for detecting breaks in underground cables, comprising the following steps:

[0041] S1, as the railcar moves, the lifting mechanism periodically lifts the cable;

[0042] S2. If the displacement detected by the distance sensor during cable lifting exceeds the threshold, it indicates that there may be a breakpoint nearby. Then proceed to step S3; otherwise, proceed to step S1.

[0043] S3, the second pressure sensor detects the pressure of the cable during the lifting process. If the pressure is greater than the first threshold, the cable is installed firmly and there is no cable breakage. Exit the process. If the pressure is less than the first threshold, it indicates that there is a cable breakage point nearby. Proceed to step S4.

[0044] S4. If the pressure is greater than the second threshold, the cable break is relatively far away. Control the camera to scan the first scanning range farther away from the railcar to find the cable break point. If the pressure is lower than the second threshold, the cable break is relatively close. Control the camera to scan the second scanning range closer to the railcar to find the cable break point. The second threshold is lower than the first threshold. The specific first threshold can be determined according to the fixing situation during the specific installation. The closer the fixing, the greater the threshold. For example, the first threshold is 10N. The second threshold can be determined according to the weight of the cable, such as 3N or 5N.

[0045] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0046] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for detecting breaks in underground cables, characterized in that, The system includes a conduit and a camera unit. The cable is placed inside the conduit. The camera unit includes a track, a track vehicle, and a camera. The track is set on the inner wall of the conduit. The track vehicle is movably connected to the track. The camera is mounted on the track vehicle and faces the side where the cable is located. The control end of the track vehicle is connected to control buttons via a wireless transmission unit. It also includes a lifting mechanism, a second pressure sensor, and a distance sensor. The lifting mechanism is mounted on the railcar and moves with the railcar. The lifting mechanism applies force to the cable, which can lift the moving cable to a certain height. The second pressure sensor is located on the side of the lifting mechanism facing the cable and is used to measure the pressure when the cable is lifted. The distance sensor is mounted on the railcar and is used to measure the displacement during cable lifting. It also includes a method for detecting breaks in underground cables, comprising the following steps: S1, as the railcar moves, the lifting mechanism periodically lifts the cable; S2, If the displacement detected by the distance sensor during cable lifting exceeds the threshold, proceed to step S3; otherwise, proceed to step S1. S3, the second pressure sensor detects the pressure of the cable during the lifting process. If the pressure is greater than the first threshold, there is no cable breakage, and the process exits. If the pressure is less than the first threshold, there is a cable breakage, and step S4 is executed. S4. If the pressure is greater than the second threshold, the cable break is far away. Control the camera to scan the first scanning range that is far away from the railcar to find the cable break point. If the pressure is lower than the second threshold, the cable break is closer, and the camera is controlled to scan the second scanning range closer to the railcar to find the cable break point. The second threshold is lower than the first threshold.

2. The underground cable break detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a sealing unit, which includes an airbag, a first pressure sensor, a normally closed valve, a first comparator, a second comparator, and an integrated inflation and deflation mechanism; The airbag is installed at the inlet of the installation pipe, the inflation and de-inflation mechanism is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the installation pipe, the airbag is connected to the inflation and de-inflation mechanism through the air pipe, and the normally closed valve is installed on the air pipe. The first pressure sensor is fixedly installed on the side of the airbag facing the cable. The output terminal of the first pressure sensor is connected to the first input terminal of the first comparator and the first input terminal of the second comparator. The second input terminal of the first comparator is connected to a first threshold memory, and the second input terminal of the second comparator is connected to a second threshold memory. The output terminal of the first comparator is connected to the control terminal of the normally closed valve and the inflation terminal of the integrated inflation and deflation mechanism. The output terminal of the second comparator is connected to the control terminal of the normally closed valve and the deflation terminal of the integrated inflation and deflation mechanism.

3. The underground cable break detection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The side of the airbag facing the cable is arc-shaped.

4. The underground cable break detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a remote terminal, with the camera's output connected to the remote terminal's input.

5. The underground cable break detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a vibration sensor, which are fixedly installed on the railcar.

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