Connecting device for cables and / or lines for large installations, e.g. a telescope of an astronomical observatory

Abstract

Cable and / or conduit winding device for large installations, for example a telescope (1) of an astronomical observatory, comprising: - a height structure (20) rotatable about a horizontal height axis (X); - a connecting device (30; 30a, 30b) for the cables and / or wires (81), comprising: a) a rotating drum (32) attached to the height structure (20), which has at least a partially cylindrical lateral outer surface (34) that is coaxial to the height axis (X); b) at least one elastically flexible lamella (50) extending longitudinally between an upper end (56) attached to the lateral outer surface (34) of the drum (32) and a lower end (58) that can be attached to a structure (10) fixed against the rotation of the height structure (20), so that it forms an upwardly concave loop (53), wherein the cables and / or wires (81) are arranged along this lamella (50) between the inlet and outlet ends; - wherein in an operating configuration the lamella (50) has an upper section (60) which is at least partially bent and wound around the drum (32), a substantially undeformed and straight middle section (62) and a lower section (64) which is at least partially bent to form the loop (53) between the middle section (62) and the lower end (58).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of large-scale systems; in particular, the subject matter of the present invention is a connection device for cables and / or lines for a telescope of an astronomical observatory. Background of the invention

[0002] The telescope, equipped with a primary mirror with a diameter between 35 and 40 meters and adaptive optical systems to compensate for distortions caused by the Earth's atmosphere, delivers images of a quality similar to those from space telescopes. It is an alt-azimuth type telescope, meaning it can target a celestial body using an altitude-azimuth coordinate system that determines the object's position in the sky relative to the observer. Specifically, it refers to the altitude and azimuth coordinates, which are defined as follows: Altitude is the angle between the celestial object and the observer's local horizon, ranging from 0° (at the horizon) to 90° (at the zenith, the point directly overhead); for example, an object at the horizon has an altitude of 0° and an object directly overhead (at the zenith) has an altitude of 90°; if an object is below the horizon (not visible), the altitude is negative; - Azimuth is the horizontal angle that measures the direction of the celestial object in relation to the north point; it ranges from 0° to 360° and is measured clockwise (0°: north, 90°: east, 180°: south, 270°: west).

[0003] The telescope's primary mirror is therefore supported by an altitude structure that can rotate around a horizontal altitude axis X to raise and lower the mirror relative to the horizon and track the celestial body in altitude, which in turn is supported by an azimuth structure that can rotate around a vertical azimuth axis Z above the mirror and track the celestial body in azimuth.

[0004] One of the technical requirements is to supply power to all electronic, optical and infrastructural equipment mounted on board the high-altitude structure via electrical cables and / or fluid lines.

[0005] Existing solutions for laying cables and conduits between movable structures have several disadvantages.

[0006] For example, conventional systems such as cable chains, which house the cables and wires, tend to suffer energy losses due to friction between the chain segments during their relative rotation. This friction not only reduces the system's efficiency but can also lead to premature wear of the components.

[0007] Furthermore, conventional solutions require frequent maintenance to ensure proper operation. Wear and tear on moving components and the accumulation of deposits can lead to malfunctions that require regular intervention and can interrupt operation.

[0008] Furthermore, maintenance work on known winding devices is quite complex, as the cables and wires are housed in box-shaped structures that prevent direct access. Therefore, to carry out repairs or replacements, the locking elements must first be removed and then reattached before the system can be put back into operation.

[0009] Furthermore, the known systems are usually motorized, which introduces additional sources of error and vibrations during operation. This disadvantage is particularly significant for a telescope due to the precision required for astronomical observations.

[0010] Furthermore, existing solutions have some limitations when it comes to achieving extreme angular configurations. This is particularly relevant for a telescope, as it restricts the ability to observe certain areas of the sky. Objective of the invention

[0011] The aim of the present invention is to create a connection device for routing cables and / or lines in large, mobile systems, in particular for a large telescope.

[0012] This objective is achieved by a connecting device according to claim 1. The dependent claims describe further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0013] In particular, the objective of the present invention is to provide a connection device for cables and / or wires that enables the routing of cables and wires between a relatively stationary structure and a structure that is rotatable about a horizontal axis, wherein the cables and wires can be wound and unwound according to the angle of rotation of the rotatable structure.

[0014] Advantageously, the connection device according to the invention provides that the cables and / or wires are collected in one or more cable chains.

[0015] According to a further advantageous aspect, the connecting device according to the invention does not require a special drive. For this purpose, the drum of the device is not motorized, but is attached directly to the rotating structure and is set in motion by it.

[0016] In particular, the rotating drum is connected to the fixed structure via at least one pair of opposing flexible lamellae, which consist of a metal plate, for example, 2 millimeters thick; the lamellae are held in the vertical position by the weight of the counterweights.

[0017] Furthermore, the counterweights are attached laterally to the solid structure to limit vibrations in the event of an earthquake.

[0018] The lamellae are designed to operate in the elastic range, so that the elastic energy required to wind up one lamella corresponds to that released when unwinding the opposite lamella, and the raising of one counterweight is balanced by the lowering of the opposite counterweight, thus achieving an isoenergetic solution.

[0019] Another advantage is that the connection device according to the invention allows direct access to the lines and cables in order to carry out inspection or maintenance work.

[0020] In particular, the cables and wires are arranged next to the flexible slats.

[0021] Each slat separates two groups of consumers, inner and outer, and along the edges of the slats, in the vertical section which is never wrapped, stiffeners are provided to allow the installation of crossbars to hold the cables and wires.

[0022] The cables and wires are laid freely along the lamellae and are therefore easily accessible for inspection and maintenance work.

[0023] Furthermore, the chosen solutions advantageously minimize energy loss and the generation of vibrations. Brief description of the characters

[0024] The features and advantages of the connecting device according to the present invention will become clear from the following description, which is given by way of example and without limitation according to the accompanying figures, in which: - Fig. 1 represents a telescope with two winding devices according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 2 represents a connecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 3 shows a detail of the connecting device which is connected to a height structure; - Fig. 4 shows a drum of the connecting device according to an exemplary embodiment; - the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Anchorages of the connecting device according to an exemplary embodiment; - Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a lamella of the connecting device according to an exemplary embodiment; - Fig. Figure 8 is a sectional view of an arrangement of cables and / or wires along the lamella according to an exemplary embodiment; - Fig. Figure 9 shows a detail of the drum of the connecting device according to an exemplary embodiment; - Fig. Figure 10 shows a detail of the lamellae and counterweights of the connecting device according to an exemplary embodiment; - Fig. Figure 11 shows an embodiment of an input terminal of the connecting device; - Fig. Figure 12 shows an example of a stabilizing beam of the connecting device; - Fig. 13 is a scheme of the connecting device in a negative limit configuration; and - Fig. Figure 14 is a scheme of the connecting device in a positive limit configuration. Detailed description

[0025] For the sake of clarity, the following description expressly refers to a telescope of an astronomical observatory; however, as will become clear, the invention is more generally applicable to the routing of cables and / or lines between movable structures of large-scale installations.

[0026] An astronomical observatory comprises a telescope 1 arranged on a horizontal ground surface T, on which an azimuth structure 10 rotatable about a vertical azimuth axis Z and an altitude structure 20 rotatable about a horizontal altitude axis X parallel to the geographic horizon are mounted. Consequently, a Y-axis is defined such that the X, Y, and Z system is a right-handed Cartesian system.

[0027] In general, this azimuth structure forms a fixed structure with respect to the height rotation of the height structure.

[0028] Telescope 1 also includes electronic and optical systems as well as infrastructure for observing the celestial sphere, including a large primary mirror with, for example, a diameter of about 40 meters, which is attached to the height structure 20.

[0029] The telescope 1 also comprises at least one connecting device 30, which can be used between the azimuth structure 10 and the height structure 20 for routing cables and / or lines between the azimuth structure 10 and the height structure 20 and is arranged on the azimuth structure 10. Preferably, the telescope 1 comprises a pair of winding devices 30a, 30b, which are aligned along the height axis X on the sides of the height structure 20 and are supported by the azimuth structure 10.

[0030] Each connecting device 30, 30a, 30b comprises a drum 32, for example in cylindrical form, which is rotatable about the vertical axis X and has at least a partially cylindrical lateral outer surface 34 which is coaxial to the vertical axis X.

[0031] The connecting device 30, 30a, 30b also includes anchoring means for attaching the drum 32 to the height structure 20.

[0032] These anchoring means include, for example, a first anchorage 36, which consists of a pair of anchorage profiles 38', 38" and an anchorage flange 40. Each anchorage profile 38', 38" extends predominantly radially and has a proximal end, which is attached to a corresponding axial end of the drum 32, and a distal end. The anchorage flange 40 is axially arranged and connects the distal ends of the two anchorage profiles 38', 38" and the support 20', 20" of the height structure 20.

[0033] The anchoring means also include, for example, a second anchoring 42, consisting of a pair of anchoring profiles 44', 44" and an anchoring flange 46, analogous to the first anchoring, and a plurality of output terminals 48, which are, for example, axially arranged and fastened between the anchoring profiles 44', 44" to lock the output ends of the electrical cables.

[0034] The first anchorage 36 and the second anchorage 42 are attached to the drum 32 at an angular distance, peripherally to it.

[0035] The connecting device 30, 30a, 30b further comprises at least one elastically flexible lamella 50. For example, the connecting device comprises a first lamella 50a and a second lamella 50b, which are elastically flexible and engage with the drum 32 on both sides; the lamellae are preferably made of metal, for example, steel. For example, the lamella has a thickness of about 2 millimeters.

[0036] Each lamella extends predominantly in the longitudinal direction between an upper end 56, which is attached to the lateral outer surface 34 of the drum 32, and a lower end 58, which can be attached to the azimuth structure 10, preferably below its azimuth base 10'.

[0037] In an upper section 60, which terminates with the upper end 56 attached to the lateral outer surface 34 of the drum 32, the lamella 50, 50a, 50b is wrapped around the lateral outer surface 34 of the drum 32; for a middle section 62, however, it is essentially straight and runs vertically to the azimuth base 10', and for a lower section 64, which terminates with the lower end 58, it is bent over and attached to the azimuth base 10, forming an upwardly concave loop 53.

[0038] During the controlled oscillation of the height structure 20, which sets the drum 32 in rotation, the upper section bends cyclically and alternately winds up and down on the lateral outer surface 34 of the drum 32; the middle section 62, however, remains undeformed, and the lower section 64 is alternately at least partially folded over and stretched, hanging at the azimuth base 10'.

[0039] For each lamella 50, 50a, 50b, the connecting device 30, 30a, 30b also includes a pair of shoulder elements 72, 74, which are arranged along the middle section 62 of the lamella 50, 50a, 50b, that is, the non-deformable section.

[0040] Along each lamella 50, 50a, 50b, and particularly on the outer surface, cables and / or conduits 81 are arranged, such as electrical cables 81' and / or lines for fluids 81", such as compressed air, cooling, or heating, etc., which are, for example, separated by flexible partitions. In particular, the conduits and cables are preferably arranged in two superimposed rows: For example, the conduits are arranged above the cables to comply with the design specifications regarding the minimum bending radius.

[0041] In addition, a cable support plate 90 is provided on the top 56 of the lamella 50, 50a, 50b attached to the lateral outer surface 34 of the drum 32 in order to secure the cables 81" at each output end.

[0042] The connecting device 30, 30a, 30b further comprises a pair of counterweights 100, each counterweight being configured to hold a respective lamella 50, 50a, 50b under tension by the action of gravity. In particular, the connecting device comprises a first counterweight 100a, preferably in cylindrical form, which rests on the first lamella 50a in an upwardly concave loop 53 formed by the lower section 64 of the first lamella 50a, which bends onto the counterweight between the middle section 62 and the lower end 58; Similarly, the connecting device comprises a second counterweight 100b, preferably in cylindrical form, which rests on the second lamella 50b in an upwardly concave loop 53 formed by the lower section 64 of the second lamella 50b, which bends onto the counterweight between the middle section 62 and the lower end 58.

[0043] Preferably, each counterweight 100, 100a, 100b is provided with a plurality of lamella holders 102, which are distributed peripherally, for example at equal angular intervals, and form radial stops for the lamella to hold it and limit its deformation.

[0044] The connecting device 30, 30a, 30b also includes stabilizing or damping means configured to limit the vibrations of the counterweights in the event of an earthquake.

[0045] These stabilizing means include, for example, a stabilizing beam 120, which connects the two counterweights 100, 100a, 100b, for example at their respective midpoints.

[0046] Preferably, this stabilizing beam 120 is hinged, since it consists, for example, of beam sections 122 and 124 which are hingedly connected to each other in a stabilizing joint 126. The first beam section 122 is hinged at a first end in the middle of the first counterweight 100a and at a second end at the stabilizing joint 126; the second beam section 124 is hinged at a first end in the middle of the second counterweight 100b and at a second end at the joint 126.

[0047] Preferably, the stabilizing means also comprise a stabilizing rod 128, which is arranged axially in a central position, preferably in the centerline, on the stabilizing beam 120, wherein the stabilizing rod preferably supports the stabilizing joint 126 via rolling bearings. The stabilizing rod is attached to the azimuth structure 10.

[0048] Preferably, the stabilizing beam 120 has a flat or three-dimensional grid structure consisting of interlocking elements.

[0049] The connecting device 30, 30a, 30b also comprises at least one input port 130 attached to the azimuth structure 10, at which the initial ends of the cables and / or wires are provided; in particular, the connecting device 30, 30a, 30b comprises a first input port 130a for the first lamella 50a and a second input port 100b for the second lamella 50b.

[0050] Each input connection 130, 130a, 130b includes a fastening element 132, which is attached to the azimuth structure 10, for example by screws, to which, for example, the lower end 58 of the lamella 50, 50a, 50b and the output rods 134, 136, 138, 140 are attached. These rods are attached to the azimuth structure 10 to support conduit or cable carriers. For example, two fastening rods 134, 136 support respective conduit holders 134', 136', to which the initial ends of the conduits 81" are attached, and the other two fastening rods 138, 140 support the corresponding cable holders 138', 140', to which the initial ends of the cables 81' are attached.

[0051] During normal operation of telescope 1, the height structure 20 is rotated around the height axis X to change the height coordinate to which the primary mirror is aligned, that is, to raise or lower the observation point in relation to the horizon.

[0052] The vertical rotation of the vertical structure 20 pulls the drum 32 of the connecting device 30, 30a, 30b into rotation due to the anchoring means that fasten the drum 32 to the vertical structure 20.

[0053] Depending on the direction of rotation, some sections of a lamella are elastically bent, while other sections elastically return to their undeformed configuration.

[0054] In a negative limit configuration ( Fig. 13) The drum 32 is in the lower angular end position, for example, corresponding to the height coordinate X = -1° (i.e., below the horizon). In this configuration, the first lamella 50a has a strongly curved upper section 60 because it is wound around the drum 32, while the lower section 64 is essentially undeformed because it is stretched by the counterweight 100a, which nevertheless continues to keep the middle section 62 of the lamella 50a under tension. In contrast, the upper section 60 of the second lamella 50b is essentially undeformed because it is stretched by the drum 32, while the lower section 64 is strongly curved because it is wound around the counterweight 100b, which keeps the middle section 62 of the lamella 50b under tension.

[0055] In a positive limit configuration ( Fig.14) The drum 32 is in its upper angular end position, for example, corresponding to the height coordinate X = +95°. In this configuration, the upper section 60 of the first lamella 50a is essentially undeformed, as it is stretched by the drum 32, while the lower section 64 is strongly bent, as it is wrapped around the counterweight 100a. The upper section 60 of the second lamella 50b is also strongly bent, as it is wrapped around the drum 32, while the lower section 64 is essentially undeformed, as it is stretched by the counterweight 100b.

[0056] In general, the lamella 50, 50a, 50b has an upper section 60 which is at least partially bent and wrapped around the drum 32, a middle section 62 which is essentially undeformed and straight, and a lower section 64 which is at least partially bent to form the said loop 53 between the middle section 62 and the lower end 58.

[0057] The innovative aspect is that the connecting device according to the invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and meets the aforementioned requirements.

[0058] In particular, the connecting device according to the invention contains no motors that rotate the drum; the drum rotates due to being driven by the vertical structure to which it is attached. Consequently, vibrations are advantageously reduced, reliability is increased, and maintenance is required less frequently.

[0059] Furthermore, the lamellae advantageously operate within an elastic deformation range; therefore, the energy required to bend a part of the lamella corresponds to the energy released by that part when it stretches. In contrast, a conventional cable chain suffers energy losses due to friction between the cables and / or conductors during rotation, leading to overheating and wear of the components.

[0060] Furthermore, the cables and / or wires are advantageously accessible and can be inspected without having to remove covers or similar components, as is the case with conventional cable chains.

[0061] It is clear that, in order to meet the respective requirements, a specialist could make changes to the connection device described above, all of which are within the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

[1] Cable and / or conduit winding device for large installations, for example a telescope (1) of an astronomical observatory, comprising: - a height structure (20) rotatable about a horizontal height axis (X); - a connecting device (30; 30a, 30b) for the cables and / or wires (81), comprising: a) a rotating drum (32) attached to the height structure (20), which has at least a partially cylindrical lateral outer surface (34) that is coaxial to the height axis (X); b) at least one elastically flexible lamella (50) extending longitudinally between an upper end (56) attached to the lateral outer surface (34) of the drum (32) and a lower end (58) that can be attached to a structure (10) fixed against the rotation of the height structure (20), so that it forms an upwardly concave loop (53), wherein the cables and / or wires (81) are arranged along this lamella (50) between the inlet and outlet ends; - wherein in an operating configuration the lamella (50) has an upper section (60) which is at least partially bent and wound around the drum (32), a substantially undeformed and straight middle section (62) and a lower section (64) which is at least partially bent to form the loop (53) between the middle section (62) and the lower end (58). [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device (30, 30a, 30b) further comprises at least one counterweight (100) designed to keep the central section (62) of a respective lamella (50) under tension by the action of gravity. [3] Device according to claim 2, wherein the counterweight (100) is suspended on the lamella (50) and the lamella (50) wraps around the counterweight (100) and forms the loop (53). [4] Device according to claim 3, wherein the connecting device (30, 30a, 30b) further comprises stabilizing or damping means configured to limit the vibrations of the counterweight in the event of an earthquake. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting device (30, 30a, 30b) further comprises anchoring means for attaching the drum (32) to the height structure (20). [6] Device according to claim 5, wherein the anchoring means comprise a first anchoring (36) comprising a pair of anchoring profiles (38', 38") and an anchoring flange (40). [7] Device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the anchoring means comprise a second anchoring (42) with at least one output terminal (48) for locking the output ends of the cables (81"). [8] Device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the anchoring means comprise a first anchorage (36) and a second anchorage (42), wherein the anchorages are attached peripherally to the drum (32) at an angular distance from it. [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting device (30, 30a, 30b) comprises at least one input port (130) attached to the structure (10) at which the initial ends of the cables and / or wires are made available. [10] Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein - comprising at least one lamella (50) comprising a first lamella (50a) and a second lamella (50b) arranged on both sides of the drum (32); - that includes at least one counterweight (100) a first counterweight (100a) for the first lamella (50a) and a second counterweight (100b) for the second lamella (50b). [11] Device according to claim 10 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the stabilizing means comprise a stabilizing beam (120) connecting the two counterweights (100a, 100b) to each other, for example at their respective midpoints. [12] Device according to claim 11, wherein the stabilizing beam (120) is articulated. [13] Device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the stabilizing means comprise a stabilizing rod (128) attachable to the structure (10) which engages with the stabilizing beam (120). [14] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the structure (10) is an azimuth structure (10) rotatable about a vertical azimuth axis (Z) and supports the height structure (20). [15] Telescope (1), comprising: - a device according to claim 14; - a primary mirror supported by the height structure (20) with a diameter between 35 and 40 meters.

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