High-voltage cable clamp with cable cam

Abstract

The high voltage cable clamp secures the cable in the cable management system. The high-voltage cable clamp comprises a bottom clamp, a cable cam and a top clamp. The bottom clamp supports a cable in the cable management system. The bottom clamp has a base having a front portion, a rear portion, a first end, a second end, a top portion, a bottom portion, and a central open region. A cable cam is positioned within the base and rotatably received in a central open region of the base. The top clamp is secured to the bottom clamp to secure the cable positioned on the bottom clamp.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cable clamp, and more specifically, to a high-voltage cable clamp having a cable cam. Background Technology

[0002] The world is rapidly shifting towards renewable energy, and current power infrastructure will be unable to meet the enormous demand for more electricity. The world is increasingly struggling to meet these new demands. A significant portion of future upgrades will be achieved through the use of large underground high-voltage cables.

[0003] The installation of high-voltage cables is an extensive and difficult process due to their sheer size and weight. A trench leading to the tunnel entrance is excavated. A large cable reel is placed at the cable's starting point, and large rollers are positioned throughout the cable trench. The cable is pulled out and dragged along the rollers by heavy machinery. Once the cables reach the entrance, they are either pulled alongside pre-installed cable clamps in the tunnel lining (see Figure 1) and lifted into the clamps by heavy machinery, or pulled through the clamps using pre-placed external rollers. In both methods, the top of the cable clamp is removed, and then replaced once the cable is in place. Once the top portion of the clamp is bolted in place, the cable is secured and protected against potential short-circuit faults. Therefore, the immense weight and friction between the clamp and the cable make the latter part of the installation challenging. The process of removing and replacing the top clamp further increases the time required for this phase.

[0004] Current high-voltage cable clamps come in a variety of configurations, materials, and sizes. Most cable clamps consist of two parts: a top clamp and a bottom clamp, secured together around the cable by one or two bolts. Current cable clamps do not help improve cable movement through the clamps during installation. The current installation process requires additional equipment, such as rollers or tunnel-specific machinery, to guide and assist in pulling the cable through. This additional heavy machinery also adds complexity. The use of rollers also increases cost and difficulty, as rollers require time to set up and need regular maintenance or replacement. The added difficulty due to the use of rollers has also proven time-consuming.

[0005] There is a need for a clamp suitable for high-voltage applications requiring underwater installation. There is also a need for an improved cable clamp that facilitates cable installation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention relates to a high-voltage cable clamp for securing cables. The high-voltage cable clamp includes a bottom clamp, a cable cam, and a top clamp for supporting the cable. The bottom clamp has a base having a front portion, a rear portion, a first end, a second end, a top portion, a bottom portion, and a central opening region. The cable cam is positioned within the base and rotatably accommodated in the central opening region of the base. The top clamp is fixed to the bottom clamp to form the high-voltage cable clamp. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art clamp for aligning and installing clover-shaped cable structures in tunnels.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the high-voltage cable clamp of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of a high-voltage cable clamp.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the bottom clamp of a high-voltage cable clamp.

[0011] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 Top view of the bottom clamp.

[0012] Figure 5B yes Figure 4 Front view of the bottom clamp.

[0013] Figure 5C yes Figure 4 Left end view of the bottom clamp.

[0014] Figure 5D yes Figure 4 The right end view of the bottom clamp.

[0015] Figure 6A It is along Figure 5A The bottom clamp is a cross-sectional view taken from line 6A-6A.

[0016] Figure 6B It is along Figure 5A The bottom clamp is a cross-sectional view taken from line 6B-6B.

[0017] Figure 7A yes Figure 3 Right-side stereoscopic view of the cable cam.

[0018] Figure 7B yes Figure 3 Left-side stereoscopic view of the cable cam.

[0019] Figure 8A yes Figure 7AA top view of the cable cam.

[0020] Figure 8B It is along Figure 8A The cross-sectional view of the cable cam taken from line 8B-8B.

[0021] Figure 9A yes Figure 3 Right-side perspective of the cover of the cable cam.

[0022] Figure 9B yes Figure 3 Left-side stereoscopic view of the cover of the cable cam.

[0023] Figure 9C yes Figure 9A The front view of the lid.

[0024] Figure 9D yes Figure 9B The front view of the lid.

[0025] Figure 9E It is along Figure 9D The sectional view of the lid taken from line 9E-9E.

[0026] Figure 10A yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the bottom clamp, in which the cable cam is partially rotated to the raised position, and the cover extends and rotates.

[0027] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A three-dimensional view of the bottom clamp, in which the cable cam rotates to the raised position and the cover extends out.

[0028] Figure 10C yes Figure 10B A perspective view of the bottom clamp, in which the cable cam rotates to the raised position and the cover is fixed in the bottom clamp.

[0029] Figure 11 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the top clamp.

[0030] Figure 12A yes Figure 2 The right-side perspective view of the high-voltage cable clamp, in which the cable cam is in a vertical position.

[0031] Figure 12B yes Figure 2 A left-side perspective view of a high-voltage cable clamp, with the cable clamp in a vertical position.

[0032] Figure 13 yes Figure 12A A top view of a high-voltage cable clamp.

[0033] Figure 14A It is along Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the cable clamp taken from line 14A-14A.

[0034] Figure 14B It is along Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the cable clamp taken from line 14B-14B.

[0035] Figure 15A yes Figure 2 A left-hand perspective view of a high-voltage cable clamp, wherein the cable cam is rotated to an elevated position and the cable structure is positioned on the cable clamp.

[0036] Figure 15B yes Figure 15A A perspective view of a high-voltage cable clamp, in which the cable cam is lowered and the cable structure is positioned on the cable clamp.

[0037] Figure 16A It is along Figure 15A A cross-sectional view of the cable clamp taken from line 16A-16A.

[0038] Figure 16B It is along Figure 15B A cross-sectional view of the cable clamp taken from line 16B-16B. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 2 A high-voltage cable clamp 20 of the present invention is shown. Multiple high-voltage cable clamps 20 can be aligned to form a cable management system. The high-voltage cable clamp 20 includes a bottom clamp 22, a top clamp 100, a fastening strap 130, and multiple fasteners 150. As described below, the bottom clamp 22 includes a cable cam 70 that facilitates cable installation in the cable management system.

[0040] Figure 3 An exploded view of the high-voltage cable clamp 20 is shown. (As shown...) Figures 3 to 6B As shown, the bottom clamp 22 includes a base 24 having a front portion 26, a rear portion 28, a first end 30, a second end 36, a top 42, and a bottom 48. The top 42 includes an arcuate cable support surface 44 designed to receive and hold the cable in a cloverleaf cable configuration. The top 42 also includes a cylindrical mounting opening 46 located near the first end 30 and the second end 36 of the base 24. The cylindrical mounting opening 46 extends from the top 42 of the base 24 to the bottom 48 of the base 24. Figure 3 and Figure 14A As shown, each cylindrical mounting opening 46 is designed to accommodate a fastener 150 and a spring 152. The fastener 150 extends beyond the cylindrical mounting opening 46 and passes through the fastening band 130. Figure 2 As shown, nut 14 secures fastener 150 which is conveyed through fastening belt 130.

[0041] The base 24 includes a central opening region 60, which is designed to receive a cable cam 70. The first end 30 of the base 24 includes a circular hole 32 and a rectangular recessed cavity 34 (see...). Figure 5C The second end 36 of the base 24 includes a tapered opening 38 having a recessed circular recess 40 (see...). Figure 5D As described below, the cable cam 70 is mounted in the base, passes through the second end of the base, and is held in position through the central opening area 60.

[0042] Figures 7A to 7B and Figures 8A to 8B A cable cam 70 of the present invention is shown. The cable cam 70 includes a first end 72, a cylindrical body 78 having a cam protrusion 80, and a second end 82. The first end 72 includes a central opening 74 and an opposing flat edge 76, the central opening 74 for receiving a cover fastener 98. The flat edge 76 allows the first end 72 of the cable cam 70 to be captured in a cover 90. A compression spring 86 is positioned between the cam protrusion 80 and the second end 82 (see figure). Figure 3 The second end 82 is circular and has a hexagonal opening 84, which is designed to receive a tool (not shown).

[0043] Figures 9A to 9E A cover 90 is shown, positioned within a rectangular recess 34 at the first end 30 of the base 24 and engaging with the first end 72 of the cable cam 70. The cover 90 includes a central hole 92 extending therethrough, a tapered recess 94, and a rectangular recess 96. Figure 3 and 14B As shown, the cover 90 receives a fastener 98, which engages with a tapered recess 94 and is positioned within the central opening 74 of the first end 72 of the cable cam 70. When the cable cam 70 and the cover 90 are mounted in the base 24 of the bottom clamp 22, the first end 72 of the cable cam 70 engages with a rectangular recess 96.

[0044] Figures 10A to 10C The bottom clamp 22 of the present invention is shown, in which a cable cam 70 is mounted. The cable cam 70 is designed to rotate within a central opening region 60 of the base 24. Figure 10AAs shown, the tool engages the hexagonal opening 84 in the second end 82 of the cable cam 70 to push the spring-loaded cable cam 70 and disengage the cover 90 from the first end 30 of the base 24 of the bottom clamp 22. The tool rotates, which in turn rotates the cable cam 70 and the attached cover 90. Once the cable cam 70 has rotated to the mounting position, where the cam protrusion 80 extends upward beyond the arcuate cable support surface 44 of the top 42 of the base 24, the tool releases the cable cam 70, causing the cover 90 to return to the recess 34 in the first end 30 of the base 24 of the bottom clamp 22 (see [link to documentation]). Figures 10B to 10C When the cover 90 is positioned in the recess 34 within the first end 30 of the base 24, the cable cam can no longer rotate. The vertically extending cam protrusion 80 provides smooth, low-friction support and guidance for the pulled cable, facilitating cable installation in the cable management system.

[0045] When the cable is installed in the cable management system, the tool can be disengaged from the hexagonal opening 84 at the second end 82 of the cable cam 70. As discussed below, once the cable is installed, the tool will be reinstalled to rotate the cable cam 70 into the installed position (see [link to documentation]). Figure 16B ).

[0046] Figure 11 A top clamp 100 of the present invention is shown. The top clamp 100 includes a front portion 102, a rear portion 104, a first end 106, a second end 112, an inner surface 118, and an outer surface 120. The outer surface 120 includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs 122. The first end 106 and the second end 112 include cylindrical posts 108 and 114, each having an opening 110 and 116 passing through it. The openings 110 and 116 receive fasteners 150 that secure the top clamp 100 to a bottom clamp 22 and a fastening band 130. The cylindrical posts 108 and 114 are positioned at corners of the top clamp 100 and, when the top clamp 100 is positioned on the bottom clamp 22, are aligned with and mounted therein with a cylindrical mounting opening 46 in the base 24 of the bottom clamp 22.

[0047] Figures 12A to 14B The assembled high-voltage cable clamp 20 of the present invention is shown. Figure 14A As shown, the top clamp 100 is secured to the bottom clamp 22 by a spring-loaded fastener 150. Figure 14B As shown, the cable cam 70 is positioned within the bottom clamp 22. The cable cam 70 is spring-loaded and can be pushed with a tool to disengage the cover 90 from the bottom clamp 22, as described above.

[0048] As discussed above, in order to prepare the high-voltage cable clamp for cable installation, the cable cam 70 is rotated to position the cam protrusion 80 in the installation position, which extends vertically above the curved cable surface 44. The top clamp 100 can be held in the elevated position by means of a high-voltage clamp assembly suspended on a spring for cable installation (see...). Figure 14A Alternatively, the top clamp 100 can be removed from the high-voltage clamp assembly during cable installation.

[0049] The cable is positioned on the cable clamp 20 by pulling. A pull rope passes through the high-voltage cable clamp. Then, a cable sleeve is attached to one end of the cable to be pulled. A rope is tied to the cable sleeve, allowing the cable to pass through the bottom clamp 22. Figures 15A to 15B The cable construction shown is indicated by dashed lines, which also show the components of the cable clamp. Figure 15A and Figure 16A As shown, the cam protrusion 80 engages with the cable 200 mounted on the cable clamp 20.

[0050] Once cable 200 is positioned in the desired location ( Figure 15A and Figure 16A Then, tools can be used to lower the cam protrusion 80, pushing and rotating the cable cam 70 to the installed position so that the cam protrusion 80 is in a horizontal plane (see...). Figure 15B and Figure 16B This is to avoid putting unnecessary load on the cable when clamping. Once the cable 200 is installed, the top clamp 100 (if removed) can be secured to the bottom clamp 22 using fasteners 150 that also pass through the retaining strap 130. The final part of the installation is to tighten the fasteners 150 and compress the spring 152 to secure the high-voltage cable clamp around the cable.

[0051] The cable clamp of the present invention will be made of a non-hygroscopic polymer or similar material, enabling underwater installation without significantly degrading material properties. The cable clamp of the present invention is also appropriately sized to accommodate specific cable diameters and has rounded edges in all potential cable contact areas.

[0052] Furthermore, although specific preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the teachings of the invention. The foregoing description and drawings are illustrative only and not limiting. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined appropriately in the appended claims based on the prior art.

Claims

1. A high-voltage cable clamp for fixing a cable, the high-voltage cable clamp comprising: A bottom clamp for supporting a cable, the bottom clamp having a base having a front, a rear, a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, and a central opening area; A cable cam, the cable cam being positioned within the base and rotatably accommodated in the central opening region of the base; as well as A top clamp, which is fixed to the bottom clamp.

2. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the base has an arc-shaped cable support surface for supporting the cable.

3. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the base has a cylindrical mounting opening extending from the top of the base to the bottom, such that the cylindrical mounting opening receives a spring-loaded fastener to secure the high-voltage cable clamp.

4. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the base includes a circular hole and a recessed cavity, and the second end of the base includes a tapered opening having a recessed cavity for receiving the cable cam.

5. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable cam includes a first end, a cylindrical body with cam protrusions, and a second end.

6. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cam protrusion rotates from a horizontal position within the central opening area to a vertically extending position above the top of the base.

7. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first end of the cable cam includes a central opening for receiving a fastener and a corresponding flat edge.

8. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: A cover having a conical recess and an opening for receiving the fastener; And a rectangular recess for engaging the first end of the cable cam.

9. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first end of the base includes a circular hole and a recessed cavity; the recessed cavity accommodates the cover.

10. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that, The compression spring is positioned on the cable cam between the cam protrusion and the second end.

11. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second end of the cable cam is circular and has a hexagonal opening.

12. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second end of the base includes a tapered opening and a recessed cavity, the tapered opening receiving the cable cam and the recessed cavity accommodating the second end of the cable cam.

13. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a fixing strap for securing the high-voltage cable clamp to the surface.

14. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top clamp has an outer surface with multiple reinforcing ribs.

15. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top clamp has a cylindrical post with an opening for receiving fasteners.

16. The high-voltage cable clamp according to claim 15, characterized in that, The top of the base has a cylindrical mounting opening extending from the top of the base to the bottom, the cylindrical mounting opening receiving the cylindrical post of the top clamp and a spring-loaded fastener to secure the high-voltage cable clamp.

17. A method for assembling a high-voltage cable clamp for cable installation, the assembly method comprising the following steps: A bottom clamp is provided, the bottom clamp having a base, the base having a front portion, a rear portion, a first end, a second end, a top portion, a bottom portion, and a central opening area; A cable cam is provided, the cable cam being positioned within the base in the central opening region and extending from a first end of the base to a second end, wherein the cable cam has a first end, a cam protrusion, a compression spring, and a second end; A cover is provided, which is fixed to the first end of the cable cam and positioned within the first end of the base; Engaging the second end of the cable cam to disengage the cover from the first end of the base; and Rotate the cable cam to position the cam protrusion, which extends vertically above the top of the base, within the central opening area.

18. The assembly method according to claim 17, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: The second end of the cable cam is disengaged to replace the cover on the first end of the base, and the cable cam is secured using the cam protrusion extending vertically in the central opening region; and a cable is mounted on the bottom clamp, wherein the cam protrusion engages the cable.

19. The assembly method according to claim 18, characterized in that, After the cable is mounted on the bottom clamp, the second end of the cable cam is re-engaged to disengage the cover from the first end of the base, and the cable cam is rotated until the cam protrusion extends horizontally within the central opening area of ​​the base.

20. The assembly method according to claim 19, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: The top clamp is mounted above the cable; and the top clamp is secured to the bottom clamp.

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