Locking system for cable management system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a locking device for a cable management system, the cable management system comprising a cable reel for retracting and dispensing at least one power cable, the locking device comprising: a brake shaft configured to prevent rotation of the cable reel when in an engaged position and to be spaced apart from the cable reel when in a stand-by position, to allow rotation of the cable reel; and a linear actuator configured to operate the brake shaft into an engaged position by pushing the brake shaft toward the cable reel to engage the brake shaft with a portion of the cable reel such that impact of the portion of the cable reel against the brake shaft prevents rotation of the cable reel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cable management system used in an offshore power supply system for supplying power to a docked vessel. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a locking system for such a cable management system. Background Art

[0002] Typically, offshore power supply systems supply power to ships such as container and cruise ships docked in ports via cables extending from the pier to the ship, allowing the ship's engines to be shut down while maintaining electrical functions on board. Providing sufficient power to such docked ships requires a high voltage and high amperage power supply, thus requiring specialized power cables that are heavy and often require a large number of specialized power cables.

[0003] A cable management system may be provided to safely stow and distribute heavy, high voltage cables. Such a cable management system generally includes a cable reel onto which one or more power cables may be wound to stow the one or more power cables, and onto which one or more power cables may be unwound to distribute the one or more power cables. For example, such a cable management system may be mounted on the dock side. One end of the power cable may be connected to a dock side power supply, while the opposite end of the power cable may be unwound from the cable reel and lifted onto a docked vessel to be connected to a power inlet on the vessel. Alternatively, such a cable management system may be fixedly mounted on the vessel, wherein one end of the power cable on the cable reel is connected to a power inlet on the vessel, while the opposite end of the power cable may be unwound from the cable reel and lowered onto the dock to be connected to a dock side power supply.

[0004] Due to the financial and operational value of cable management systems, the heavy weight of power cables and other equipment, and the high voltage nature of power supply operations, a malfunction or accident of uncontrolled rotation of a cable reel and, therefore, a power cable can cause serious problems and dangers.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide an emergency locking system for a cable management system to reduce or minimize the effects of such a failure or accident. Summary of the invention

[0006] In view of the above technical challenges, one aspect of the present technology provides a locking device for a cable management system, the cable management system comprising a cable reel for retracting and distributing at least one power cable, the locking device comprising:

[0007] a brake shaft configured to, when in the engaged position, prevent rotation of the cable reel and, when in the armed position, be spaced apart from the cable reel to allow rotation of the cable reel; and

[0008] A linear actuator is configured to operate the brake shaft into an engaged position by pushing the brake shaft toward the cable reel to engage the brake shaft with a portion of the cable reel such that impact of the portion of the cable reel against the brake shaft prevents rotation of the cable reel.

[0009] Another aspect of the present technology provides a cable management system for use in an offshore power supply system that supplies power to a docked ship, the cable management system comprising:

[0010] a cable reel configured to retract at least one power cable by rotating in a first direction and to dispense the at least one power cable by rotating in an opposite second direction; and

[0011] A locking system, the locking system comprising:

[0012] a brake shaft configured to, when in the engaged position, prevent rotation of the cable reel and, when in the armed position, be spaced apart from the cable reel to allow rotation of the cable reel; and

[0013] A linear actuator is configured to operate the brake shaft into an engaged position by pushing the brake shaft toward the cable reel to engage the brake shaft with a portion of the cable reel such that impact of the portion of the cable reel against the brake shaft prevents rotation of the cable reel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the locking system may further include a speed sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the cable reel, wherein the speed sensor may be configured to output a speed activation signal when the rotational speed of the cable reel is detected to be at or above a predetermined rotational speed limit.

[0015] In some embodiments, the linear actuator may be configured to activate upon receipt of a velocity activation signal to operate the brake shaft.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cable management system may further include a motor coupled to the cable drum configured to drive the cable reel.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cable management system may further include a gear chain configured to couple the motor to one or more gears, and the locking system may further include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of the gear chain, wherein the proximity sensor may be configured to output a proximity activation signal when the absence of the gear chain is detected.

[0018] In some embodiments, the linear actuator may be configured to activate upon receipt of a proximity activation signal to operate the brake shaft.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cable reel may include a plurality of spokes, and the linear actuator may operate the brake shaft into the engaged position by pushing the brake shaft between two spokes of the cable reel such that one of the two spokes strikes against the brake shaft.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cable management system may further include a frame having the cable reel mounted thereto, and an actuation shaft bracket attached to the frame proximate the cable reel, the actuation shaft bracket being configured to support the brake shaft.

[0021] In some embodiments, the cable management system may further include a frame having the cable reel mounted thereto, and a linear actuator bracket attached to the frame proximate the cable reel, the linear actuator bracket configured to support the linear actuator.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cable management system may further include a cable guide configured to guide the at least one power cable assembly to and from the cable reel.

[0023] In some embodiments, the cable guide may be configured to be pivotable between an operative position for guiding the power cable assembly over the edge of a docked vessel and a rest position in which the cable guide is retracted.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cable guide may include at least two support elements arranged in parallel, and a plurality of rollers disposed between the at least two support elements, the plurality of rollers being configured to support and guide the power cable assembly.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cable management system may further include at least one power cable assembly, the at least one cable assembly having a first connection device at a first end and a second connection device at an opposite second end, the first connection device being configured to connect the power cable assembly to a docked vessel, and the second connection device being configured to connect the power cable assembly to a dock-side power supply.

[0026] Another aspect of the present technology provides an offshore power supply system for supplying power to a docked ship, the offshore power supply system comprising the cable management system as described above.

[0027] The implementation of the present technology has at least one of the above-mentioned purposes and / or aspects, but not necessarily all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology generated in an attempt to achieve the above-mentioned purpose may not meet the purpose and / or may meet other purposes not specifically described herein.

[0028] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of implementations of the present techniques will become apparent from the following description, drawings, and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a side view of a container ship including an exemplary offshore power supply system;

[0031] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An exemplary cable management system for an offshore power supply system;

[0032] Figure 3 Shown for Figure 2 An exemplary locking device for a cable management system;

[0033] Figure 4 Shows the installation to Figure 2 An exemplary speed sensor for a cable management system of;

[0034] Figure 5 Shows the installation to Figure 2 An exemplary proximity sensor for a cable management system of; and

[0035] Figure 6 Shown installed on the cable management system Figure 3 Locking device, Figure 4 The speed sensor and Figure 5 proximity sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 The port side of a container ship 100 is schematically shown, and the container ship 100 includes an exemplary offshore power supply system 120 for supplying power to the container ship 100 when the container ship 100 is docked. The offshore power supply system 120 includes a stackable power supply container 140 placed on the container ship 100. The stackable power supply container 140 includes at least one cable management system 200.

[0037] The embodiment of the cable management system 200 is Figure 2 The cable management system 200 includes a power cable assembly 216 wound on a cable reel 218. The power cable assembly 216 has a first connection device at a first end and a second connection device 222 at an opposite second end. The first connection device is used to connect the cable management system 200 to the container ship 100, and the second connection device 222 is used to connect the cable management system 200 to the dockside power supply 150 (see Figure 1 ). For example, the second connection device 222 may be a 6600V electrical connector. The first end of the power cable assembly 216 present in the cable management system 200 may be connected, via the first connection device, to a step-down transformer and / or a step-down converter, for example, arranged in the stackable power supply container 140, so that the power output from the dock-side power supply 150 is adapted to the power demand of the ship. The second connection device 222 of the power cable assembly 216 may be connected to the dock-side power supply 150, for example, via a push-pull coupling. The electrical connectors of the first connection device and the second connection device may, for example, be provided with a pilot circuit for electrical safety.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the cable management system 200 includes a rotatably arranged cable reel 218 for receiving the power cable assembly 216. The cable reel 218 is arranged so that the power cable assembly 216 can be wound on the cable reel 218 when stowed and unwound from the cable reel 218 when dispensed as needed. For example, the cable reel 218 can be operated to rotate in one direction to wind and rotate in the opposite direction to unwind by a motor (not shown) coupled to the cable drum 228 of the cable reel 218. In one example, the motor can be coupled to the cable reel 218 by a gear chain 510 passing through a gear or gear set 520 (see Figure 5 ).

[0039] The cable management system 200 further comprises a pivotable cable guide 240, which is arranged, for example, near a side wall of the power supply container 140 facing the quay. Figure 2 The cable guide 240 is pivotable between an operational position and a rest position (shown in dashed lines). The cable guide 240 is arranged so that when in its operational position, it can guide the power cable assembly 216 over the edge of the container ship 100. As the power cable assembly 216 is dragged over the edge of the ship, damage to the power cable assembly 216 can be minimized or avoided. When not in use, the cable guide 240 can be retracted (dashed lines) into its rest position, thereby creating a more compact configuration of the cable management system 200.

[0040] In this embodiment, the cable guide 240 includes two support elements, a first support element and a second support element (not shown) 244, arranged parallel to each other. Preferably, the support elements are made of a strong material such as metal to be able to carry heavy loads and resist damage under adverse weather conditions. A plurality of rollers 248 are arranged between the first support element and the second support element 244 for supporting and guiding the power cable assembly 216 during stowage and distribution. The cable guide 240 is pivotally connected to the base 242 at a first end 250. Two pistons 252 are connected to the cable guide 240 at one end and to the base 242 at the other end, and the operation of the pistons 252, such as by a hydraulic hand pump 256, causes the cable guide 240 to pivot between an operating position and a rest position. Alternatively or additionally, a motor may be provided for pivoting the cable guide 240. At the second end 258 of the cable guide 240 is a guide element 260 for guiding the power cable assembly 216 from the cable guide 240 downward to the side of the ship. The guide element 260 may include an end roller in a set of rollers 248 and an additional roller 262 spaced apart from the end roller, so that the power cable assembly 216 is received in the space between the end roller and the additional roller 262. The end roller and the additional roller 262 are arranged so that there is enough space between them for the connector 222 of the power cable assembly 216 to pass through.

[0041] Even with careful planning, installation, and operation, accidents and failures sometimes occur. Examples of such accidents or failures may include the rotation of the cable drum exceeding the safe rotation speed limit, or the breaking of the gear chain (e.g., gear chain 510) connecting the motor to the gear set that drives the cable reel. When such an accident or failure occurs, the cable reel may rotate uncontrollably, which may cause danger to personnel, damage to the cable management system, such as power cable failure (e.g., falling into the sea) and damage to the drum structure, and damage to the ship. Such damage may cause more extensive distress, for example, the ship cannot leave the dock and is left behind.

[0042] In view of the above, the present technology provides a locking device and locking system that can be retrofitted to an existing cable management system to achieve speed, space and cost benefits, which can mitigate such accidents and failures. By implementing the present technology, the rotation of the cable reel of the cable management system can be quickly stopped, allowing a human operator / inspector to inspect and repair errors and failures.

[0043] An embodiment of the locking device is Figure 3. The locking device 300 includes a brake shaft 301 operated by a linear actuator 302. The brake shaft 301 is arranged in a standby position, spaced apart from the cable reel 218 when not in use, to allow the cable reel 218 to rotate freely. When the linear actuator 302 is activated, the linear actuator 302 operates the brake shaft 301 into an engagement position by pushing the brake shaft 301 toward the cable reel 218, so that the front end (or free end) of the brake shaft 301 engages with a portion of the cable reel 218. The impact of the portion of the cable reel 218 against the brake shaft 301 then quickly stops the rotation of the cable reel 218. In the present embodiment, the cable reel 218 includes a plurality of spokes 219. When the brake shaft 301 is operated to the engagement position, the front end of the brake shaft 301 is pushed into the space between two spokes 219 and engages with one of the two spokes 219. The impact of the spokes 219 against the front end of the brake shaft 301 then prevents rotation of the cable reel 218. Other embodiments have been contemplated in which the cable reel 218 does not include spokes but includes other elements that engage the front end of the brake shaft 301, such as protruding elements.

[0044] In this embodiment, the locking device 300 also includes a brake shaft support or brake shaft bracket 303 attached (e.g., bolted) to the structure of the cable management system 200 to support the front end of the brake shaft 301. The locking device also includes a linear actuator support or linear actuator bracket 304 attached (e.g., bolted) to the structure of the cable management system 200 to support the linear actuator 302. The locking device 300 can be enclosed in a housing or cover 305 to protect the brake shaft 301 and the linear actuator 302, for example, from dust, dirt, weather, etc.

[0045] The linear actuator 302 can be activated by various means of detecting a fault. In one embodiment, one of these means is recognized by detecting an abnormal rotation speed of the cable drum 228. Figure 4An exemplary speed sensor mounted to the cable management system 200 is shown. In this embodiment, the speed sensor 306 is attached (e.g., bolted) to the support frame of the cable drum 228 via a suitable support. The speed sensor 306 is arranged such that the speed sensor 306 is placed spaced apart from the cable drum 228 to allow free rotation of the cable drum 228, and the speed sensor 306 is aligned with the annular path of the bolts 400 on the drum flange of the cable drum 228. For example, the speed sensor 306 can be an inductive proximity sensor and is arranged to detect the rotational speed of the cable drum 228 by detecting a reflected signal from each bolt 400 as each bolt 400 passes in front of the speed sensor 306. When the rotation speed of the cable drum 228 exceeds a predetermined speed limit (e.g., 3 revolutions per minute, 5 rpm, 7 rpm, etc.), the speed sensor 306 is configured to send a warning signal or an activation signal to the linear actuator 302 directly or via a control unit (not shown) to activate the linear actuator 302, which in turn operates the brake shaft 301 to enter the engagement position as described above.

[0046] In one embodiment, it is recognized that another of these means of detecting a fault is by detecting the absence of a gear train, such as in the event of a broken gear train. Figure 5 An exemplary proximity sensor mounted to the cable management system 200 is shown. In this embodiment, the proximity sensor 307 is attached (e.g., bolted) to the interior of the gearbox 500 via a suitable support. The gearbox 500 encloses a gear or gear set 520 that is coupled to a motor (not shown) via a gear chain 510. The proximity sensor 307 is arranged in front of the gear chain 510, but spaced apart from the gear chain 510 to allow free movement of the gear chain 510. For example, the proximity sensor 307 can be an inductive proximity sensor that is configured to receive a reflected signal from the surface of the gear chain 510, thereby continuously monitoring the presence of the gear chain 510. In the event of a chain break, the proximity sensor 307 stops detecting a signal from the gear chain 510, which triggers a warning signal or an activation signal that is sent to the linear actuator 302 directly or via a control unit (not shown) to activate the linear actuator 302. Upon receiving the warning signal or the activation signal, the linear actuator 302 operates the brake shaft 301 into the engaged position, as described above.

[0047] Figure 6 An embodiment of a cable management system such as cable management system 200 is shown, on which a locking device 300, a speed sensor 306, and a proximity sensor 307 are implemented. It should be noted that Figure 6Only one of many possible examples of implementing the locking device 300, speed sensor 306, and proximity sensor 307 is shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the locking device 300, speed sensor 306, and / or proximity sensor 307 may be implemented at other suitable locations on the cable management system 200 as needed and desired.

[0048] The technology described herein, which relates to a locking device and a locking system, effectively prevents the rotation of a cable reel by means of a brake shaft actuator with the aid of a linear actuator. The use of a brake shaft enables the cable reel to be quickly stopped in the event of a failure by a direct impact between a portion of the cable reel and the brake shaft. In addition, the use of an impact stop reduces maintenance requirements, for example, compared to the use of a friction stop (e.g., using a brake pad against the side of the cable reel). Such a locking device and locking system can be directly retrofitted to an existing cable management system to mitigate accidents and failures that may result in danger and damage. Therefore, the present technology provides a cost-effective and quick solution to prevent or mitigate damage caused by an out-of-control cable reel.

[0049] The locking device and locking system can be retrofitted to existing cable management systems to achieve speed, space and cost efficiencies, which can mitigate such accidents and failures. By implementing the present technology, the rotation of the cable reel of the cable management system can be quickly stopped, allowing a human operator / inspector to inspect and repair errors and failures.

[0050] The examples and conditional language recorded in this article are intended to help readers understand the principles of the present technology, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present technology to such specific recorded examples and conditions. It should be understood that a person skilled in the art can design various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown in this article, still embody the principles of the present technology and are included within the scope of the present technology defined in the appended claims.

[0051] In addition, for ease of understanding, the above description may describe relatively simplified embodiments of the present technology. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various embodiments of the present technology may have greater complexity.

[0052] In some cases, useful examples of modifying the present technology may also be illustrated. This is done only to aid understanding, not to limit the scope or illustrate the limits of the present technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and those skilled in the art may make other modifications while still remaining within the scope of the present technology. In addition, where no modified examples are illustrated, it should not be understood that modifications cannot be made and / or that what is described is the only way to implement the element of the present technology.

[0053] Moreover, all descriptions of principles, aspects, and implementations of the technology described herein, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof, whether currently known or developed in the future.

[0054] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many improvements and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present technology.

Claims

1. A locking device for a cable management system, the cable management system comprising a cable reel for retracting and dispensing at least one power cable, the locking device comprising: a brake shaft configured to, when in an engaged position, prevent rotation of the cable reel and, when in a standby position, be spaced apart from the cable reel to allow rotation of the cable reel; and A linear actuator is configured to operate the brake shaft into the engaged position by pushing the brake shaft toward the cable reel to engage the brake shaft with a portion of the cable reel such that impact of the portion of the cable reel against the brake shaft prevents rotation of the cable reel.

2. A cable management system for use in an offshore power supply system, the offshore power supply system supplying power to a docked ship, the cable management system comprising: a cable reel configured to retract at least one power cable by rotating in a first direction and to dispense the at least one power cable by rotating in an opposite second direction; and A locking system, the locking system comprising: a brake shaft configured to, when in an engaged position, prevent rotation of the cable reel and, when in a standby position, be spaced apart from the cable reel to allow rotation of the cable reel; and A linear actuator is configured to operate the brake shaft into the engaged position by pushing the brake shaft toward the cable reel to engage the brake shaft with a portion of the cable reel such that impact of the portion of the cable reel against the brake shaft prevents rotation of the cable reel.

3. The cable management system according to claim 2, wherein: The locking system further includes a speed sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the cable reel, wherein the speed sensor is configured to output a speed activation signal when the rotational speed of the cable reel is detected to be at or above a predetermined rotational speed limit.

4. The cable management system according to claim 3, wherein: The linear actuator is configured to activate upon receipt of the speed activation signal to operate the brake shaft.

5. The cable management system of any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a motor coupled to the cable drum configured to drive the cable reel.

6. The cable management system of claim 5, further comprising a gear chain configured to couple the motor to one or more gears, the locking system further comprising a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of the gear chain, wherein The proximity sensor is configured to output a proximity activation signal when the absence of the gear train is detected.

7. The cable management system according to claim 6, wherein: The linear actuator is configured to activate upon receipt of the proximity activation signal to operate the brake shaft.

8. The cable management system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: The cable reel includes a plurality of spokes, and the linear actuator operates the brake shaft into the engaged position by pushing the brake shaft between two spokes of the cable reel such that one of the two spokes strikes against the brake shaft.

9. The cable management system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, further comprising a frame on which the cable reel is mounted, and an actuation shaft bracket attached to the frame proximate the cable reel, the actuation shaft bracket being configured to support the brake shaft.

10. The cable management system of any one of claims 2 to 9, further comprising a frame on which the cable reel is mounted, and a linear actuator bracket attached to the frame proximate the cable reel, the linear actuator bracket being configured to support the linear actuator.

11. The cable management system according to any one of claims 2 to 10, further comprising a cable guide configured to guide the at least one power cable assembly to and from the cable reel.

12. The cable management system according to claim 11, wherein: The cable guide is configured to be pivotable between an operational position for guiding the power cable assembly over an edge of the docked vessel and a rest position in which the cable guide is retracted.

13. The cable management system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The cable guide includes at least two supporting elements arranged in parallel, and a plurality of rollers placed between the at least two supporting elements, the plurality of rollers being configured to support and guide the power cable assembly.

14. The cable management system according to any one of claims 2 to 13, further comprising the at least one power cable assembly having a first connection device at a first end and a second connection device at an opposite second end, the first connection device being configured to connect the power cable assembly to the docked vessel, and the second connection device being configured to connect the power cable assembly to a dock-side power supply.

15. An offshore power supply system for supplying power to a docked ship, the offshore power supply system comprising a cable management system according to any one of claims 2 to 14.

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