Device for use with a suspended cable

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for moving along a suspended cable (110) anchored at both ends, and the apparatus comprises: an open non-linear channel (130) for receiving the suspended cable by a slot action, the non-linear channel defining a cell segment (165-2); a motor (135); and a drive mechanism (140) powered by the motor, the drive mechanism (140) disposed within the cell segment to contact the suspension cable when the suspension cable is received by the non-linear channel to drive the device along the suspension cable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for movement along a suspension cable, and in particular to a device including a mounting structure for mounting on a suspension cable. Background Art

[0002] In telecommunications networks, hanging cables are typically suspended above utility poles or other structures, and may be referred to as messenger wires (or overhead cables or overhead cables).

[0003] Sometimes, maintenance must be performed on the suspension cables, such as: clearing vegetation; applying protective coverings; and / or replacing the suspension cables entirely.

[0004] However, such maintenance can present challenges, particularly when continuous telecommunication service is required and when the gondola is deployed over roads that may need to be closed. Access can be difficult and / or dangerous when the gondola crosses difficult terrain, such as densely vegetated areas, rivers or canyons. Additionally, the risk of falling equipment presents health and safety concerns.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to help alleviate at least some of the problems discussed above. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for moving along a suspension cable, wherein both ends of the suspension cable are anchored, and the device comprises: an open non-linear channel for receiving the suspension cable by a slot action, the non-linear channel defining a small section; a motor; and a drive mechanism powered by the motor, the drive mechanism being disposed within the small section to contact the suspension cable when the suspension cable is received by the non-linear channel, thereby driving the device along the suspension cable.

[0007] Preferably, the non-linear passage comprises an inflection point, the small section is defined by the inflection point, and the drive mechanism is aligned with the inflection point. Optionally, at least a portion of the drive mechanism coincides with the inflection point. Optionally, the drive mechanism is offset from the inflection point. Preferably, at least a portion of the drive mechanism is vertically aligned and / or horizontally aligned with the inflection point. Preferably, the non-linear passage comprises only a single inflection point. Preferably, the drive mechanism is arranged to contact the suspension cable from below.

[0008] Preferably, the non-linear channel comprises a first channel and a second channel, and wherein the channels intersect to form a non-linear channel. Preferably, the non-linear channel comprises a non-linear intersection. Preferably, the first channel and the second channel intersect at an inflection point. Preferably, the first channel and the second channel intersect at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees, and more preferably intersect at an angle between 140 degrees and 170 degrees. Preferably, the non-linear channel is formed by a set of walls and / or rollers. Preferably, the non-linear channel width is at least 4mm, preferably 6mm, and more preferably 8mm, and the width may be no greater than 20mm. Preferably, the center of gravity of the device is aligned with or centered on the inflection point under gravity. Preferably, in the longitudinal direction (or along the length of the device), the non-linear channel is V-shaped, hyperbolic or parabolic. Preferably, in the transverse direction (or across the width of the device), at least a portion of the non-linear channel includes an L-shaped portion.

[0009] Preferably, the first channel and the second channel are rectilinear channels, more preferably at least in terms of their longitudinal extent. Preferably, the first channel and the second channel are symmetrical about at least one axis. Preferably, the first channel and the second channel have the same size.

[0010] Preferably, the non-linear channel comprises a flange, wherein the flange defines a well (or alternatively, a pit, depression or groove), and wherein the flange is arranged to retain the cable therein and prevent the cable from being pulled out of the well. Optionally, the flange is provided as only part of the first channel. Preferably, the flange is arranged towards the outside of the device relative to the well. Preferably, the well is at least as deep as the gauge of the cable. Optionally, the flange is configured to be inclined towards the well and may be convexly curved.

[0011] Preferably, within the small section, the flange and / or well extends in a direction opposite to the portion of the flange and / or well that extends beyond the small section. Preferably, the flange and / or well extends downwardly toward the drive wheel within the small section (or on the same side of the small section). Preferably, the flange and / or well extends upwardly away from the drive wheel beyond the small section (or on the opposite side of the small section). Preferably, both the first channel and the second channel include flanges, and wherein the flanges extend in the same direction at or near the distal end of the first and second channels.

[0012] Preferably, at least a portion of the non-linear passage is defined by a pair of side walls, wherein the side walls are parallel to each other or inclined towards each other in a direction towards the interior of the device. Preferably, the pair of side walls are at most perpendicular to the bottom of the well, or the innermost part of the non-linear passage.

[0013] Preferably, the device also includes a branch channel arranged to extend from the non-straight channel. Preferably, the branch channel extends from the inflection point along the straight or parabolic extension direction of the non-straight channel (and / or optionally specifically the first channel). Preferably, the branch channel intersects with the second channel at an angle greater than zero and less than ninety degrees, and more operably between 35 degrees and 5 degrees. Preferably, in profile, the non-straight line and / or the branch channel are at least partially L-shaped, i.e., include a flange arranged to reduce the size of the channel opening, thereby limiting the cable. Preferably, the flange is arranged on the upper part of the channel and extends toward the lower part of the channel.

[0014] Preferably, the device further comprises a ramp extending from the branch channel towards the second channel. Preferably, the ramp extends towards the outside of the device, reaching the maximum outer (or lateral) end closest to the second channel. Preferably, the ramp defines at least a portion of the wall of the branch channel and / or the second channel. Optionally, the ramp extends along the entire length of the branch channel and / or the second channel. Optionally, the ramp is laterally and / or longitudinally curved or straight. Optionally, the ramp extends from the bottom or innermost of the branch channel. Optionally, the inclination angle and / or curvature of the ramp varies along the length (preferably longitudinal extent) of the ramp.

[0015] Preferably, the device further comprises at least one roller, wherein the at least one roller is arranged in the non-linear channel. Preferably, the at least one roller is arranged at the terminal end of the first channel and / or the second channel. Preferably, the at least one roller is arranged to contact the suspension cable from above. Preferably, the roller is arranged on the side of the non-linear channel opposite to the drive mechanism.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mounting structure for connecting a device, wherein the device is used to move along a suspension cable, the two ends of the suspension cable are anchored, and the device includes a powered drive mechanism, the mounting structure including: an open non-linear channel for receiving the suspension cable through a slot action, the non-linear channel defining a small section and for receiving the powered drive mechanism within the small section to contact the suspension cable when the suspension cable is received by the non-linear channel, thereby driving the device along the suspension cable.

[0017] Preferably, the device further comprises a cable coupling for coupling a cable or rope to the device so that the device pulls the cable or rope. Preferably, the cable coupling is arranged at the rear of the device, away from the direction of travel of the device along the suspension cable. Preferably, the cable coupling is arranged on the outer surface of the housing. Preferably, the cable coupling is a hook and / or a clip. Preferably, the device further comprises a wireless receiver and a processor for allowing remote control of at least the motor. Preferably, the device is configured so that when the cable is received by the drive mechanism, at least half of the mass of the device is arranged below the suspension cable and optionally within a small section. Preferably, the motor is electric and / or mechanical. Preferably, the device further comprises a battery for powering the motor. Preferably, the device is self-powered and / or self-propelled.

[0018] Optionally, the device further comprises a flexible sealing member disposed at the opening of the non-linear channel. The sealing member may be configured as a funnel extending toward the interior of the device.

[0019] Preferably, the drive mechanism comprises a drive wheel. Optionally, the drive wheel comprises a groove or pulley to receive the cable in the groove. Optionally, the drive mechanism comprises a plurality of drive wheels, wherein at least one of the plurality of drive wheels is disposed at or within a small section. Preferably, the drive mechanism and motor are coupled to, and more preferably engage with, the housing of the device. To help ensure sufficient traction along the low friction telecommunications cable to help prevent slippage, the device comprises a counterweight to increase the contact friction between the drive mechanism and the suspension cable received therein.

[0020] Preferably, the suspension cables are tensioned, relaxed or taut, and the anchoring ends of the cables may be substantially at the same height. Preferably, the suspension cables are freely suspended. Preferably, the suspension cables are telecommunication cables, more preferably messenger wires or overhead cables. Optionally, the suspension cables are structural (e.g. steel) cables or power cables. Preferably, the outer surface of the suspension cables is formed of metal, plastic, resin and / or rubber. Preferably, the suspension cables are (substantially) horizontally oriented and not vertically oriented. Preferably, the non-linear channels and / or branch channels are recessed into the housing or body of the device.

[0021] The present invention includes any novel aspects described and / or illustrated herein. The present invention also extends to methods and / or apparatus substantially as described herein and / or as shown with reference to the accompanying drawings. Features described as implemented in hardware may alternatively be implemented in software, and vice versa, to the extent appropriate.

[0022] Any means feature may also be provided as a corresponding step of a method, and vice versa.As used herein, means plus function features may alternatively be expressed in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor.

[0023] Any feature of one aspect of the present invention may be applied to other aspects of the present invention in any appropriate combination. Any, some and / or all features of one aspect may be applied to any, some and / or all features of any other aspect in any appropriate combination. Specific combinations of various features described and defined in any aspect of the present invention may be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently.

[0024] As used throughout, unless otherwise indicated, the word "or" may be construed in an exclusive and / or inclusive sense.

[0025] The present invention relates to the devices and mounting arrangements generally described herein and / or illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 A portion of a telecommunications network including a cable management arrangement is shown;

[0027] Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c , Figure 2d , Figure 2e and Figure 2f Various views of the cable management device are shown in detail;

[0028] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A cable management device for mounting cables is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of a cable management device 100 for use as part of a fixed access telecommunications network, comprising an overhead suspended telecommunications cable (or drop wire) 110 and a pair of distribution points 120, for example in the form of telegraph / telephone poles. Each end of the cable 110 is anchored to the distribution point 120 and may take the form of a telecommunications cable based on an electrical conductor (e.g. copper or aluminum), an optical fiber cable and / or a supporting structure cable.

[0030] The device 100 is configured to be installed and fixed on the cable 110 while the cable remains anchored, and then moved along the cable. In this way, the device can be used to help perform maintenance and / or installation tasks without requiring engineers to work at height or disconnect the cable 110.

[0031] Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c , Figure 2d , Figure 2e and Figure 2f Various views of the cable management device 100 are shown in greater detail. Specifically, Figure 2a It is a perspective view. Figure 2b It is a top view. Figure 2c is a longitudinal side view, Figure 2d It is a rear side view. Figure 2e and Figure 2f Respectively through Figure 2c Transverse cross-sections through planes AA and BB are shown.

[0032] The device 100 includes: an open non-linear channel 130 ; a motor 135 ; a drive mechanism 140 ; ​​a housing 145 ; and an open branch channel 150 .

[0033] The open non-linear channel 130 and the open branch channel 150 are provided as exposed grooves of the housing and are sized to receive the cable 110 .

[0034] The drive mechanism 140 and the motor 135 are used to cause the device 100 to travel along the cable. In this example, the drive mechanism includes: a drive wheel 155, which is used to contact the cable 110 when the cable 110 is received in the non-linear channel 130; and a transmission wheel 160, which is used to apply torque from the motor to the drive wheel 155 via a transmission system (not shown). Figure 2e As best shown in , the drive wheel is in the form of a pulley.

[0035] The drive mechanism 140 is recessed within the housing 145 and is powered by the motor 135, which is in the form of an electric motor. In order to balance the device, the heavy components of the device (including the drive mechanism 140 and the motor 135) are arranged so that the center of gravity is aligned with the contact point with the cable. That is, these heavy components are arranged perpendicular to the open non-linear channel 130. In addition, the heavy components are arranged at a low point of the device and below the open non-linear channel 130.

[0036] like Figure 2c As best shown, the open non-linear passage spans the entire length of the housing 145 (ie, front to back) so that a cable can be inserted and passed through the passage, thereby allowing the device to receive the cable without twisting the device and thereby removing the cable.

[0037] The non-linear channel is formed by the intersecting first channel 130-1 and second channel 130-2. The first channel and the second channel define a small segment 165-2 (in the vicinity of the intersection 165-1 (coinciding with the cutting plane AA) Figure 2c The small section is the smaller of the angles defined by the first and second channels (in contrast to the opposite main section). The angle of the small section is about 130 to 160 degrees.

[0038] like Figure 2d , Figure 2e and Figure 2f As best shown, the non-linear passage includes a mouth 170-1, a throat 170-2, and a well 170-3. The mouth 170-1 provides an exposed external and outwardly facing slit for receiving a cable. The mouth 170-1 is relatively large relative to the size of the cable to facilitate insertion. Toward the interior of the housing, the mouth transitions to a throat 170-2 defined by a flange 175. The throat is a conduit extending from the mouth to the interior of the housing 145 until the well 170-3. The well is a closed wall chamber, partially defined by a flange 175, which forms a lip larger than the cable size to help keep the cable in the well. The mouth 170, throat 170-2, and well 170-3 are defined by substantially parallel walls extending into the interior of the housing, which present steep faces, which are used to accommodate the cable in the non-linear passage.

[0039] By comparison Figure 2d , Figure 2e and Figure 2f Similar features can be best seen in FIG. 1 , where the lateral configuration of the mouth 170 - 1 , throat 170 - 2 , and well 170 - 3 varies along the length of the device.

[0040] At and towards the front of the device, such as Figure 2f As shown, the mouth 170-1 and throat 170-3 are substantially the same width, while the well is larger than both; together they form a substantially L-shaped chamber. Here, the well extends only above the throat 170-2.

[0041] At the intersection 165-1, if Figure 2e As best shown, the mouth 170-1 and well 170-3 are relatively large in size relative to the throat, and the well is wider than the mouth 170-1. Both the mouth 170-1 and well 170-3 extend only below the throat 170-2. The well 170-3 is configured and sized to extend up to the drive wheel 155, allowing the cable to contact the drive wheel while in the well.

[0042] At and towards the rear, such as Figure 2d As best shown, the mouth 170-1 and well 170-3 are oversized relative to the throat 170-2, with the mouth being significantly wider than the well. Both the mouth and well extend only above the throat.

[0043] The mouth 170-1, throat 170-2 and well 170-3 continuously transition over the length of the device to form the different sizes and orientations at the front, intersection and rear as described above.

[0044] The flange 175 curves convexly from the throat toward the well to help the cable slide through the throat into the well. However, the steep structure and the large size of the flange and well relative to the cable prevent the cable from easily and accidentally sliding out of the well.

[0045] like Figure 2c As best shown, the branch channel 150 extends from the intersection 165-1, away from the first channel 130-1 and to the rear of the device. Thus, the angle between the first channel and the branch channel is approximately 180 degrees; that is, the first channel and the branch channel generally form a straight channel. Thus, the branch channels are branches of the non-straight channels and, in combination, provide a straight channel that spans the entire length of the housing 145 (i.e., from front to back), so that a cable can be inserted and passed through the first channel and the branch channel, thereby allowing the device to receive the cable without twisting the device and thereby removing the cable.

[0046] In a manner corresponding to the non-linear channel, the branch channel 150 includes a mouth 180-1 forming an exposed crack for receiving a cable, and a well 180-3 and a throat 180-2 extending therebetween. The mouth 180-1 is relatively large relative to the throat 180-2. The well 180-3 and the second channel 130-2 are substantially vertically aligned and are approximately disposed at the lateral midpoint of the device.

[0047] The mouth 180-1, throat 180-2 and well 180-2 are defined in part by a ramp 190. The ramp is a concave member that extends longitudinally from the bifurcation point between the second channel 130-2 and the branch channel 150 to the terminal end of the second channel at the rear of the device. The ramp also extends upward from the branch channel to the second channel, where the ramp provides a steep drop into the second channel. In this way, and as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3, the ramp allows the user to tilt the cable upward from the branch channel and into the second channel to remain therein.

[0048] To facilitate easy installation of the device 100 onto the cable 110 , as described in greater detail below, the mouth 180 - 1 , throat 180 - 2 , and well 180 - 3 are substantially wider than corresponding features 170 of the non-linear passage 130 .

[0049] In outline, such as Figure 2c As best shown in , housing 145 has a diamond or bullet-shaped front face (i.e., for the direction of forward travel); this convex shape provides a streamlined shape that can help deflect objects (such as overhanging vegetation) encountered by the device as it travels along the cable upward and over the device.

[0050] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Different stages of manipulation of the device 100 by a user to mount the device on the cable 110 are shown.

[0051] To this end, the device 100 is first Figure 3a The orientation is shown with the device tilted to align the cable 110 with both the first channel 130-1 and the branch channel 150. The device is then manipulated via a slot action so that the cable is received through the mouth 170-1, 180-1 and throat 170-2, 180-2 into the well 170-3, 180-3.

[0052] When restrained within the well 170-3 of the first channel (by means of flange 175 and the steep walls defining the well 170-3), the device pivots about intersection 165-1 so that the rear portion of the device is lifted, as indicated by the motion of arrow 300. Thus, the cable is caused to rotate with the first linear channel 130-1 (from Figure 3a 1) is counterclockwise from the perspective of the first channel, and then the cable is deformed (zigzag-shaped) between the front terminal end of the first channel and the intersection 165-1. However, due to the ramp 190, the cable is free to move out of the branch channel 150, up and over the ramp and toward the second channel. Once the cable passes over the ramp, the cable falls into the mouth 170-1 of the second channel, from where the cable is guided through the throat 170-2 and into the well 170-3. Therefore, the cable is now deformed to follow the end-to-end path of the non-straight channel, in particular the end-to-end path of the well 170-3.

[0053] The device 100 is secured to the cable 110 by the tension in the cable and the subsequent impact of the cable (upward) against the front and rear of the non-linear channel 130 and (downward) against the drive wheel 155. Thus, the tension in the cable is used to securely couple the device to the cable without requiring the cable to be threaded through the device and without requiring moving parts. In addition, synergistically, the resulting tension on the drive wheel 155 increases friction and therefore increases traction between the drive wheel and the cable.

[0054] The device 100 is secured to the cable 110 by the tension in the cable and the subsequent impact of the cable against the front and rear of the non-linear channel 130 (upward) and the drive wheel 155 (downward). Thus, the tension in the cable is used to securely couple the device to the cable without twisting the cable through the device and without moving parts. In addition, synergistically, the resulting tension on the drive wheel 155 increases friction and therefore increases traction between the drive wheel and the cable.

[0055] The device also includes a coupling structure (or mechanism) 195, such as a ring, which is provided externally at the rear of the device. For example, a tether can be used to couple to the coupling structure 195, thereby allowing a cable or rope to be pulled by the device, such as allowing the installation of a new overhead cable.

[0056] In order to control the travel of the device, the device may further include a switch (not shown) for controlling activation of the motor, and / or a wireless receiver and controller (neither shown) for enabling remote control of the motor.

[0057] Alternatives and Modifications

[0058] Although the device 100 is described in the context of use with a telecommunications cable 110, it will be appreciated that the device may be used with other forms of suspended cables, including structural (eg, steel cables) and power lines.

[0059] To assist the cable in passing through the impact contact points at the front and rear of the non-linear channel 130, the surfaces of said points are provided with low friction or smooth surfaces and / or with rollers (not shown).

[0060] In an alternative, to further help improve traction, the drive wheel 155 is coupled to a urging member (not shown) for urging the drive wheel 155 and the cable 110 together. For example, the drive wheel is mounted on a spring for urging the drive wheel against (upward toward) the cable.

[0061] Although the non-linear channel 130 is shown as comprising a linear first channel 130-1 and a linear second channel 130-2, the non-linear channel may have a curved shape, in particular a parabolic or hyperbolic shape, which may mimic the curvature of a cable. In this case, the intersection point is an inflection point, a (local) maximum or a (local) minimum.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the cable management device 100 may incorporate features as shown and described in co-pending UK patent application GB2119128.3 (Applicant reference: A35746GBp01), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] Each feature disclosed herein, and (where appropriate) part of the claims and drawings, may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

[0064] Any reference signs appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall not limit the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for moving along a suspension cable, the two ends of the suspension cable being anchored, and the device include: an open non-linear channel for receiving the suspension cable by slot action, the non-linear channel defining a small section; motor; as well as A drive mechanism powered by the motor is disposed within the small section to contact the suspension cable when the suspension cable is received by the non-linear passageway to drive the device along the suspension cable.

2. The device according to claim 1, in, The non-linear channel includes an inflection point, the small segment is defined by the inflection point, and wherein the drive mechanism is aligned with the inflection point.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, in, The non-linear channel includes a first channel and a second channel, and wherein the channels intersect to form the non-linear channel.

4. The device according to claim 3, in, The first channel and the second channel are straight channels.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The non-linear passage includes a flange, wherein the flange defines a well, and wherein the flange is configured to retain the cable within the well and prevent the cable from being pulled out of the well.

6. The device according to claim 5, in, Within the small section, the flange and / or the well extend in a direction opposite to a portion of the flange and / or the well that is arranged beyond the small section.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, in, At least a portion of the non-linear passage is defined by a pair of side walls, wherein the side walls are parallel to each other or inclined toward each other in a direction toward an interior of the device.

8. A device according to any preceding claim, comprising branch channels arranged to extend from the non-linear channel.

9. The device of claim 8, when dependent on claim 4, further comprising a ramp extending from the branch channel to the second channel.

10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one roller, in, The at least one roller is disposed within the non-linear channel.

11. A mounting structure for connecting a device, the device is used to move along a suspension cable, the two ends of the suspension cable are anchored, and the device includes a powered drive mechanism, the mounting structure include: An open non-linear channel for receiving the suspension cable by slot action, the non-linear channel defining a small section and for receiving the powered drive mechanism within the small section to contact the suspension cable when the suspension cable is received by the non-linear channel, thereby driving the device along the suspension cable.

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