CABLE CONVEYOR

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Preferred embodiments of the invention relates to a cable conveyer. Preferably, the cable conveyer comprises an actuator connected to at least one of two conveying element to move the conveying element relatively to each other to provide a conveying configuration in which the conveying elements are mutually positioned to provide a conveying to the cable, when in use, an open configuration in which the conveying elements are mutually positioned so as to provide an opening for loading or unloading a cable into the cable conveyer.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A refrigerated container, also referred to as a reefer container, contains an electrically powered cooling device for cooling the interior of the containers. The electrical powered is typically supplied by connecting the cooling device to an electrical power source by a cable. When the cooling device is powered, the cable is typically stored in a storage compartment provided the container. This storage of the cable in the storage compartment typically takes place when the container is moved e.g. from a ship to a quay. As an example, when a container is to be moved from a ship to a quay, the cable is unplugged from the power source and manually placed in the storage compartment.

[0003] Such handling of the cable is relatively easy and safe when the storage compartment is located within reach for operator, reefer containers are often stacked on top of each other in stacks with a height of e.g. 6 or even 8 metres, and in some cases with a height of 10 metres. Today, placing the cable in the storage compartment is carried out by an operator climbs up to the storage compartment e.g. by use of a ladder and pull the cable towards and into the storage compartment. This procedure being clearly unsafe and difficult.

[0004] DE 698 30 075 T2 and CN 204 454 032 U both relate to a device for conveying a cable.

[0005] Hence, an improved way of placing a cable in a storage compartment would be advantageous, and in particular a more safe and / or reliable way of placing a cable in a storage compartment would be advantageous.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the prior art.

[0007] In particular, it may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a cable conveyer that solves the above mentioned problems.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Thus, the above described object and several other objects are intended to be obtained in a first aspect of the invention by providing a portable cable conveyer for conveying a cable, such as an electrical cable, according to claim 1. The cable conveyer comprises: a first and a second conveying element each having a cable conveying surface provided in between two neighbouring perimeters of each conveying element, each cable conveying surface being configured to move in the perimeter direction; a motor, such as an electrical motor, coupled to at least one of said conveying elements for moving the cable conveying surface in the perimeter direction; an actuator connected to at least one of said conveying elements to move the conveying element relatively to each other to provide: ∘ a conveying configuration in which the conveying elements are mutually positioned with a section of the conveying surfaces of the first and the second conveying elements facing each other so as to provide a conveying to the cable, when in use, ∘ an open configuration in which the conveying elements are mutually positioned so as to provide an opening in between the conveying surfaces for loading or unloading a cable into the cable conveyer, when in use, and a housing in / on which said conveying elements, the actuator and said motor are arranged, and an elongate handle and wherein the housing is arranged at an end of said elongate handle, preferably said elongate handle has a length larger 1.0 m, such as larger than 2.0 m, such as larger than 3.0 m, such as larger than 5.0 m, such as larger than 7.5 m, such as larger than 10.0 m, such as smaller than 5.0 m such as smaller than 4.0 m, wherein the elongate handle is a telescopic handle, preferably said elongate handle has a fully extended length larger 1.0 m, such as larger than 2.0 m, such as larger than 3.0 m, such as larger than 10.0 m.

[0009] As detailed herein, a cable conveyer may be configured to convey a cable in direction where the cable turns an angle between 85 degrees and 185 degrees. In some embodiments, a guide may be provided to guide the direction in which the cable leaves the cable conveyer. Such a guide may be a pair of free-wheeling wheels in between which the cable runs while leaving the cable conveyer.

[0010] The cable conveyer is referred to as a portable cable conveyer. This typically referred to that the cable conveyer including the handle is not fixed to a component, whereby the cable conveyer can by moved around by an human operator. In addition, cable conveyer may in preferred embodiments be designed to be a lightweight construction, with a total weight less than 15 kg, such less than 10 kg. In preferred embodiments, the weight is larger than 2 kg, such as larger than 5 kg. Portable may also refer to that a human operator can take along the cable conveyer during his or hers cable handling operations on e.g. a vessel or in a harbour, and retract the telescopic handle to a less length while taking along the cable conveyer.

[0011] It is noted that although the description herein has been made with reference to conveying a cable in regards to reefer containers, the invention is not limited to such particular use and may find use in virtually any situations where conveying of a cable is to be carried out. Further, the cable, although preferably being an electrical cable, the invention may convey other types of cables, such as steel cables, fibre cables or even robes. With reference to the claims, the cable referred herein may also be referred to an associated cable to reference a cable to be conveyed by a cable conveyer according to one or more embodiments of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] The present invention and in particular preferred embodiments according to the invention will now be described in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show ways of implementing the present invention and are not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set. Fig. 1A shows in a first partial view a first embodiment of a cable conveyer for conveying a cable in an open configuration; Fig. 1B shows in a second view a second embodiment of a cable conveyer for conveying a cable in a conveying configuration; Fig. 1C shows in a third view the second embodiment of a cable conveyer for conveying a cable in conveying configuration; Fig. 2 shows in a detailed view an embodiment of a cable conveyer for conveying a cable with respect to configurations and positions of conveying elements; Fig. 3A and 3B show two further embodiments of a cable conveyer according to the invention; Fig. 4A and 4B show two further embodiments of a cable conveyer according to the invention; Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of a cable conveyer according to the invention; Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of a cable conveyer according to the invention; Fig. 7A and 7B show two further embodiments of a cable conveyer according to the invention; Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a fork according to the invention, and Fig. 9A-G show an embodiment comprising a pair of first and second conveying elements, wherein the distance between first and the second conveying elements in the conveying configuration are controllable in response to detection elements detecting an increase in thickness of the cable to convey a cable having a varying thickness, such as comprising a local thickening. Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of a use of cable conveyer; the use is illustrated with regards to a stack of reefer containers. Fig. 11 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of a cable conveyer comprising a guide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] With reference to fig. 1A, one embodiment of the invention will now be disclosed in greater details. In general, the invention relates to a cable conveyer 1 for conveying a cable 2. The cable is typically of an electrical type, which is to be used for power transmission and / or distribution. The cable 2 does therefore not as such forms an integral part of the cable conveyer 1, as the cable may be arranged in the cable conveyer 1 during conveying and after conveying preferably be placed in a setting for power transmission and / or distribution and / or storage.

[0014] In fig. 1A, the cable conveyer 1 comprises a first and a second conveying element 3, 4 in an open configuration 12. Each of the conveying elements 3, 4 having a cable conveying surface 5, 6 provided in between two neighbouring perimeters 7, 8 of each conveying element. The cable conveying surfaces 5, 6 can both be smooth or rough, but at least a minimal coefficient of friction is important in order for the cable conveyer 1 to be able to convey a cable 2. The first conveying element 3 has preferably a larger diameter compared to the second conveying element 4. Each cable conveying surface 5, 6 is being configured to move in the perimeter direction, so as to provide a conveying movement of the cable 2.

[0015] The cable conveyer 1 further comprises a motor 9, coupled to at least one of said conveying elements 3, 4 for moving the cable conveying surface in the perimeter direction. In the shown embodiment a gearbox is arranged in-between the conveying element 4 and the motor 9 to provide a gearing between the rotation of the motor and the conveying element 4.

[0016] Preferably, the motor 9 is an electrical motor and the cable conveyer 1 further comprising a battery electrical connected to the motor 9. However, any type of motor for which it has been found capable of operating the detailed conveying operation could be relevant and used as an alternative to the electrical motor. The battery is preferably arranged in the housing 13, but may alternatively be arranged in the elongate handle or outside the elongate handle 17. If the battery is placed outside the housing and the elongate handle, electrical connection between the battery and the motor may be configured through the elongate handle. In preferred embodiments, the battery is arranged in or at the elongate handle at an end being distal to the housing 13.

[0017] The cable conveyer 1 further comprises an actuator 10 connected to at least one of said conveying elements 3, 4 to move the conveying element 3, 4 relatively to each other to provide either a conveying configuration 11 or an open configuration.

[0018] The conveying configuration 11, which is illustrated in fig. 1B, is typically carried out in which the conveying elements 3, 4 are mutually positioned with a section of the conveying surfaces 5, 6 of the first and the second conveying elements 3, 4 facing each other so as to provide an conveying of the cable 2, when in use.

[0019] When in use, typically, the cable will be conveyed from a lower geographical position to a higher geographical position. From the lower geographical position to the second conveying element 4, gravitational force will cause an increased strain on the cable 2. The amount of strain on the cable 2 after the second conveying element 4 compared to amount of strain on the cable prior to the second element 4 is limited.

[0020] The open configuration 12 is typically carried out in which the conveying elements 3, 4 are mutually positioned so as to provide an opening in between the conveying surfaces for loading or unloading a cable into the cable conveyer 1, when in use.

[0021] The cable conveyer 1 further comprises a housing 13, in which said conveying elements 3, 4, the actuator 10 and said motor 9 are arranged as illustrated in fig. 1C.

[0022] The embodiment shown in fig. 1B deviates from the embodiment shown in fig. 1A by the design of the housings 13 - in fig. 1A a plurality of hexagonal cut-outs are provided in the frame, whereas in the embodiment of fig. 1B stadium shaped and rectangular cut-outs are provided in the frame.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the first conveying element 3 is arranged in a fixed position relatively to the housing while still allowing the first conveying element 3 to rotate, and the second conveying element 4 is moveable arranged relatively to the housing by use of the actuator 10.

[0024] The actuator comprising a spindle 15 which is connected to an elongate mover 16. The elongate mover 16 is rotatable mounted at one end and one of the conveying elements 3, 4 (in the illustrated embodiment the second conveying element 4) is rotatable mounted at another end, so that upon rotation of the spindle 15 the conveying element 3, 4 is moved either towards the conveying configuration 11 or towards the open configuration 12 in dependence of the rotational direction of the spindle 15.

[0025] The cable conveyer further comprises an elongate handle 17 (not illustrated).

[0026] The housing 13 is arranged at an end of said elongate handle 17, preferably said elongate handle has a length larger 1.0 m, such as larger than 2.0 m, such as larger than 3.0 m, such as larger than 7.5 m, such as larger than 10.0 m, such as smaller than 5.0 m such as smaller than 4.0 m.

[0027] The elongate handle 17 is a telescopic handle (not illustrated), preferably, said elongate handle has a fully extended length larger than 1.0 m, such as larger than 2.0 m, such as larger than 3.0 m, such as larger than 10.0 m. The elongate handle may be varied during operation, to increase or decrease its length. When retracted, the telescopic handle may have a length larger than 0.5 m, such as larger than 1.0 m, such as larger than 1.5 m and preferably smaller 2.0 m.

[0028] It is often beneficial that at least a part of the invention is configured for remote operation. Preferably, the motor 9 and / or the actuator 10 are configured for such remote operation. Different solutions of remote control can be applied, such as using a wired control to operate the cable conveyer or a wireless control to operate the cable conveyer. In some embodiments, an app may be provided for remote control. The remote operation typically includes instructing the cable conveyer 1 to enter either of conveying configuration or open configuration and when in conveying configuration, instructing the conveyer 1 to convey the cable.

[0029] The actuator 10 is preferably configured to bias said two conveying elements towards each other in the conveying configuration. By this, the friction between the conveying surfaces and the cable may be increased to enhance the conveying action of the cable.

[0030] The cable conveying surface 5, 6 of the first and / or the second conveying elements (3, 4) comprising in the illustrated embodiment a recess extending through-out the conveying surface in the perimeter direction and having its opening facing outwardly. By this, a space or area in-between the two conveying surfaces in the conveying configuration may be at least partly confined which reduces the risk of the cable falling out of the cable conveying during conveying.

[0031] In some embodiments, the conveying surfaces are dimensioned and shaped to maintain, when in use, the cable in-between said sections of the conveying surfaces facing each other in the conveying configuration.

[0032] Alternatively, the conveying surfaces are dimensioned and shaped to guide, when in use, the cable towards said sections of the conveying surfaces facing each other in the conveying configuration.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiments, the conveying elements 3, 4 are wheels. However, the invention is not limited to such wheels as on other embodiments, at least one of the conveying elements 3, 4 may comprise a conveyer belt, a gear, a cylinder or a wheel.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiments, the first conveying element 3 comprising a first wheel 19, and the second conveying element 4 comprising a second wheel 20, wherein the first wheel 19 being rotatable around a first rotational axis 21 and the second wheel 20 being rotatable around a second rotational axis 22.

[0035] As illustrated, the wheels 19, 20 may each be recessed in-between the two neighbouring perimeters 7, 8. Such recessing may be applied in general to conveying elements, such as wheels in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0036] In order to provide a lightweight constructions, cut-outs 43 may be provided, which cut outs 43 are typically provided in the housing.

[0037] With reference to fig. 2, one embodiment of the first and second wheels 19, 20 is illustrated, wherein the second wheel 20 is moving from an open configuration 12 to a conveying configuration 11, as illustrated with the arrow going across the second wheel at different positions. In fig. 2, the wheels 19, 20 are illustrated symbolically by discs. As detailed above, the movement of the second wheel 20 is carried out by the actuator 10. The movement of the at least one conveying element relatively to each other are configured to be carried out in a single plane 14, but in some embodiments, it can be carried out in two parallel planes.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first and the second rotational axis 21, 22 are parallel with each other during the movement of the first wheel 19.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first and the second rotational axis 21, 22 form an angle in the open configuration 12 and are parallel with each other or forms an acute in the conveying configuration 11.

[0040] Reference is made to figs. 3A and 3B illustrating embodiments of a cable conveyer wherein the second conveying element 4 is arranged at a first end of an elongate carrier rod 24. It is noted that instead of or in combination, the first conveying element 3 may be arranged on an elongate carrier rod 24.

[0041] The elongate carrier rod is pivotally arranged around a pivot axis 23 being non-parallel to a longitudinal direction of the elongate carrier rod 24 and the pivot axis is positioned in a distance from the first end. Thereby, upon pivoting of the elongate carrier rod 24 around the pivot axis 23, the first or second conveying element 4, 3 is moveable between the conveying configuration 11 and the open configuration 12. The open configuration is illustrated in fig. 3A by dotted lines.

[0042] The actuator 10 comprises an actuator motor with a rotational shaft, and as illustrated, the rotational shaft is connected to the elongate carrier rod 24 to rotate the carrier rod 24 around said pivot axis 23. Accordingly, when the motor is energized, the cable conveyer is configurable in the open or the conveying configuration depending on the rotation direction of the motor.

[0043] Reference is made to figs. 4A and 4B illustrating embodiments in which the elongate carrier rod 24 is configured as lever with a distal end of said carrier rod 24 extending beyond said pivot axis and the distal end being connected to said actuator 10. By this, the cable conveyer is configurable in the open or the conveying configuration depending on the movement of the distal end effectuated by the actuator 10. In fig. 4A the open configuration is illustrated by dotted lines.

[0044] Preferably, the actuator 10 is a linear actuator whereby extension or retraction of the actuator results in a rotation of the elongate carrier rod 24 around said pivot axis 23. Such a linear actuator is illustrated in figs. 4A and 4B.

[0045] Reference is made to fig. 5 illustrating an embodiment having a elongate carrier rod 24 similar to what is disclosed in connection with figs. 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 5, actuator 10 comprises a worm gear 25 having a toothed wheel section or toothed wheel 25a arranged on the elongate carrier rod 24 and a worm 25b or a rack 30 (see fig. 6) engaging the toothed wheel section or toothed wheel. According when the worm 25b or rack 30 is activated, the toothed connection transform the movement into the movement of the elongate carrier rod 24.

[0046] In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 5, the actuator 10 comprises an activation member 26 reciprocatable arranged relative to said housing 13. This allows the activation member 26 to reciprocate towards and away from the housing 13 and in response to the reciprocating movement of the activation member 26 move the second conveying element 4 to provide the conveying configuration 11 or the open configuration 12. By this, the conveying configuration may be obtained e.g. by having the activation member 26 is fixed position and moving e.g. by pulling the housing 13 towards the activation member 26.

[0047] In preferred embodiments, it is advantageously to have the cable conveyer biased toward the open configuration. To this, the activation member 26 may be biased towards away from the 13 housing e.g. by a spring 29, as illustrated in fig. 6.

[0048] In preferred embodiments, the activation member comprises an abutment member 28 configured to abut an upwardly facing edge to provide a movement of the activation member 26 towards said housing 13 by applying a pull in downward direction to said housing 13 while the abutment member abut an upwardly facing edge e.g. of an construction member of a shipping container.

[0049] The activation member 26 may be connected to the elongate carrier rod (24) to rotate the elongate carrier rod 24 around said pivot axis 23 in response to the reciprocating movement of the activation member 26.

[0050] Reference is made to fig. 5 illustrating an embodiment in which the activation member 26 is connected to the elongate carrier rod 24 via a belt drive 27 so as to rotate the elongate carrier rod 24 by movement of the activation member 26.

[0051] One such embodiment is disclosed in fig. 5, the belt drive 27 is connected to the worm (25b). Thus, by moving the activation member 26, this movement is transformed by the worm gear and the belt drive to a rotation of the elongate carrier rod 24.

[0052] In some embodiments, it is advantageously, to coil the cable after conveying it from one geographical position to another geographical position. In these embodiments, the cable conveyer further comprising a coiling device for coiling the cable.

[0053] The cable conveyer although being capable of serving multiple purposes, is particular useful in relation to arranging an electrical cable in a space of a shipping container in need of being supplied with electrical power during shipment. When such containers are arranged on a cargo vessel, they are typically stacked in relatively high stacks and electrical power powering e.g. cooling equipment is provided by connecting an electrical cable extending from the container to a power supply, typically arranged at the deck of the vessel. When the container is to be unloaded, the cable is disconnected from the vessel. After being disconnected, the cable conveyer is moved to a position relatively to the container and the cable so that once the cable is arranged in the cable conveyer and the cable conveyer is brought into its conveying configuration and conveying is initiated, the cable conveyer will feed the cable into a setting of the container.

[0054] Sometimes a cable to be conveyed comprising a local thickening, which could obstruct the conveying action e.g. by the cable being pinched in between the two conveying element 3, 4. Such thickening is typically caused by the cable being spliced after e.g. a breakage. To avoid obstruction of the conveying action, the cable conveyer may comprise an obstruction sensor 30. Such an obstruction sensor 30 is illustrated in fig. 4B and is configured to detect a dimension on a conveyed cable being larger than a dimension threshold. If such dimension is detected, the conveying action is aborted. This abortion may be implemented illustrated in fig. 4B by a switch 31a, such as a micro switch. When a local thickening - or a thickening in general - of the cable comes in contact with the obstruction sensor 30, the obstruction sensor 30 is moves upwardly which brakes the electrical continuity inside the switch 31a.

[0055] It may be advantageously that a position at which the cable leaves the cable conveyer varies over time. To this, the conveying surface of one of said conveying elements 3, 4 may comprise one or more spiralling grooves 32 as illustrated in Figs. 7A and / b. The spiralling grooves 32 is dimensioned to accommodate a section of a cable to be conveyed. Thus, by rotating the grooved conveying element 3, the position at which the cable leaves the cable conveyer follows the path of the groove.

[0056] Fig. 7A and B also illustrates that the cable conveyer may comprise support members 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the support members are hooks 36 which are configured to co-operated with a wall section of e.g. a container so as to provide support for the cable conveyer by the hooks hook on the wall section.

[0057] Other number of support members 36 than two may be used, such as one or more than two.

[0058] Fig. 9A-G illustrates a different configuration of the support member 36, where the hook is provided at an of the support member 36 being distal to the housing 13.

[0059] It may be advantageously to handle the cable in other manner than by conveying, e.g. moving the cable without by conveyed. To this, the cable conveyer may comprising a fork 33 as illustrated in fig. 8. The fork which typically is arranged on the cable conveyer, such as at an end of the handle 17 at the housing 13, has two spaced apart legs 33a, 33b. These spaced apart legs 33a, 33b are dimensioned to accommodate a cable in-between the legs in a manner allowing raising of a cable while raising said housing 13.

[0060] While the description herein has been focussed on the first and second conveying element each comprising a wheel, the embodiment shown in fig. 3B illustrates an embodiment in which the second conveying element 4 comprises a pair of wheels 34. This configuration is preferably configured to form a bogie wheel rotatable mounted on e.g. the elongate carrier rod 24.

[0061] The disclosure also relates to a cable handling device comprising an elongate handle 17 and a fork 33 as illustrated in fig. 8 arranged at one end of the elongate handle. The cable handling device is particular well suited for raising the cable by raising the handle 17.

[0062] Reference is made to Fig. 9A-G illustrating a cable conveyer according to a further embodiment. As illustrated, the cable conveyer 1 has a pair of first and second conveying elements 3, 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and the second conveying elements 3, 4 are wheels. A first set of the first and the second conveying elements 3, 4 is arranged upstream of a second set of the first and the second conveying elements, whereby said first set conveys the cable 2 to the second set. The view angle of Fig. 9B is reversed relatively to the view of Fig. 9A (kindly observe the "Conveying direction" indication). The view angle of Fig. 9C is similar to the view angle of Fig. 9A although a part of the housing is illustrated partly transparent to illustrate guides 42 guiding the elongate movers 16.

[0063] As visible from Figs. 9A-C, each of the set comprises an elongate mover 16 moved by an actuator including a motor 9 so as to move the second conveying element between an conveying configuration (illustrated in Fig. 9A) and an open configuration, shown for the right (upstream) set in Fig. 9B and shown for the left (downstream) set in Fig. 9C. Each of the sets of first and second conveying elements shown in Figs. 9A-C and the actuator may be embodied as disclosed herein, e.g. embodied as detailed in connection with Fig. 1A-C, Fig. 2, 3A-B, 4A-B, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7A-B.

[0064] [L] The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 9A-G further comprising a detection element 41 arranged to detect an increase in thickness of a cable being conveyed. Since the embodiment of Fig. 9A-G comprises a pair of conveying elements, one such detection element 41 is arranged in each set.

[0065] Each of the detection elements 41 is arranged at an upstream position so that said increase in thickness is detected prior to entering into engagement with the first and the second conveying elements 3, 4. The conveying direction is indicated by an arrow assigned to the cable and labelled "Conveying direction". Thus, upstream herein refers to an opposite direction than conveying direction.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the detection elements 41 each comprises a hinged abutment member (see conceptual close-up in Fig. 9B shown by dotted ellipsis) which the cable abuts when the thickness of the cable exceed a preselected thickness. The hinged abutment member activates a switch, such as a microswitch, to close or open an electrical circuit and thereby provide an electrical signal signalling that the detection element has detected an increase in thickness of the cable. Although the abutment member shown in Fig. 9 is illustrated inclined relative to vertical, the abutment member could be arranged differently, such as vertical. A inclination of the abutment member in the conveying direction, as illustrated, may reduce the possibility that the cable is caught by the abutment member.

[0067] This signal from the detection element 41 is used to change the position of the second conveying element 4. To accomplish this, the cable conveyer is configured to control the actuator 10 to increase the distance between the section of conveying surfaces of the first and the second conveying elements 3, 4 in response to said detection element 41 detects said increase. In this regards, the cable conveyer typically comprises a controller which receives the signal from the detection element 41 and controls the actuator 10 to control the position of the second conveying element 4. In some embodiments, the cable conveyer is configured to reduce the distance between the between the section of the conveying elements preferably back to the distance before the increase in thickness is detected so as to provide a conveying of the cable, when the detection element no longer detects the increase in thickness.

[0068] In other embodiments, reduce of the distance is prompted by e.g. a timing function where the reduce of the distance is carried out after a predetermined time found sufficient to allow e.g. a splice 39 to pass through the conveying element 3, 4. In other embodiments a sensor may sense the thickness of the cable which sensor signal may be used as input to reduce the distance.

[0069] It noted that although the detection element is disclosed with reference to Fig. 9A-G, such a detection element 41 may be comprised in other embodiments not comprising a pair of conveying elements, such as comprised in the embodiments detailed in connection with Fig. 1A-C, Fig. 2, 3A-B, 4A-B, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7A-B.

[0070] Figs. 9D-G illustrate a conveying sequence involving conveying a cable having a splice 39. Kindly observe that the conveying direction is from right to left relatively to the orientation of the figures. In addition, the cable 2 has for illustrative purpose been illustrated as having a free end. In Fig. 9D, the splice 39 is in a position where it abuts the hinged abutment member, which activates the switch and the controller activates the actuator to increase the distance between the section of conveying surfaces of the first and the second conveying elements 3,4 to allow the splice to pass the conveying elements. The downstream set of first and second conveying elements 3, 4 provides a pull in the cable (although not disclosed to avoid cluttering of the figure) pulling the splice 39 through the upstream set of first and second conveying elements 3, 4.

[0071] In Figs. 9E and F, the upstream conveying element 4 (a wheel) is shown raised to a relatively high position, so as into an open configuration, where the splice 39 does not contact the hinged abutment member, while being conveyed towards and by the downstream set of conveying element. In such an embodiment, the control of the movement of the second conveying element in the upstream set of conveying element is controlled so that once the splice abuts the hinged abutment member, the second conveying element is raised and is kept raised until the splice 39 abuts the hinged abutment member of the downstream set of first and second conveying elements. When the splice 39 abuts the downstream set, the signal from the detection sensor is used to reduce the distance in the first set, preferably into a conveying configuration, whereby the cable with splice is conveyed by the first set. In such embodiments, the distance between the two sets of first and second conveying elements are preferably equal to or larger than a longitudinal extension of the splice 39.

[0072] In Fig. 9F, the splice has reached the hinged abutment member of the downstream set of first and second conveying element, which results in that the second element is raised to allow passage of the splice 39. At this point in time the distance between the between the section of conveying surfaces of the upstream first and the second conveying elements 3,4 is reduced, preferably into a conveying configuration, to allow these upstream conveying elements to convey the cable 2 through the downstream first and second conveying element 3, 4. The control signal to reduce the distance in the upstream set may be the detection by the downstream detection element of an increased thickness.

[0073] In Fig. 9G the splice has passed through the cable conveyer and both sets of first and second conveying elements are in conveying configuration. Depending on the mode of implementing the control of the movement, positioning the of the downstream set of first and second conveying elements in the conveying configuration may be based e.g. on that the detection element of the downstream set no longer detects an increase in thickness, or a timer function reducing the time of the raised position of the downstream set.

[0074] [M] Figs. 9A-C also show that a cable conveyer according preferred embodiments wherein the housing 13 is hingedly arranged at an end of said elongate handle 17 by a hinge 40. This hinge 40 allows housing to pivot around an axis being perpendicular or inclined relatively to a longitudinal axis of the handle 17. The pivoting motion provided by the hinge 40 is illustrated by the arrow drawn with broken line in Fig. 9C. In the disclosed embodiment, the axis around which the housing pivot is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle 17. Such a hinged connection can also be used in connection with the other embodiments of the invention such as the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0075] Kindly observe, that in Figs. 9D-G, the motors 9 are not visible for illustrative purposes only.

[0076] Reference is made to fig. 10 schematically illustrating a stack of reefer containers 37. The stack is illustrated by four containers 37 stacked on top of each other, by the invention is not limited to a number of four containers as essentially any number of stacked containers e.g. from one to e.g. ten containers may be handled. The containers 37 each comprising storage compartment 38 (interior of storage compartment illustrated by dotted lines) into which the cable 2 is to be placed by use of a cable conveyer 1 according to the present invention. The cable conveyer illustrated has a handle 17 allowing an operator to place the cable conveyer 1 in front of the opening of the storage compartment. With the cable conveyer placed in front of the opening in its open configuration, the cable 2 is placed in the cable conveyer 1 which then is configured in is conveying configuration. The motor is energized, and the cable conveyer conveys the cable into the interior of the storage compartment 38.

[0077] Reference is made to Fig. 11 schematically illustrating a cable conveyer comprising a guide. Such a guide may be configured to guide the cable in a predetermined direction at which the cable 2 leaves the cable conveyer. In Fig. 11 the guide comprising a pair of free-wheeling wheels 44 located downstream of the first and second conveying elements 3, 4. These free-wheeling wheels 44 may be resiliently suspended to allow a cable with varying thickness, such as comprising a splice, to pass through the wheel 44. The wheels 44 are preferably recessed. The cable pass in between the wheels 44 while leaving the cable conveyer, whereby the wheels 44 guides the cable 2. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the cable is turned approximately 90 degrees (from vertical to horizontal), but other turning angles is considered within the scope of the invention, such as angles between 85 and 185.

[0078] Throughout the description herein, reference numbers are used for similar or identical features.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set.List of reference symbols used:

[0080] 1Cable conveyer 2Cable 3First conveying element 4Second conveying element 5Cable conveying surface of first conveying element 6Cable conveying surface of second conveying element 7Perimeter of first conveying element 8Perimeter of second conveying element 9Motor 10Actuator 11Conveying configuration 12Open configuration 13Housing 14Plane 15Spindle 16Elongate mover 17Handle 18Control unit 19First wheel 20Second wheel 21First rotational axis 22Second rotational axis 23Pivot axis 24Elongate carrier rod 25Worm gear 25aToothed wheel 25bWorm 26Activation member 27Belt drive 28Abutment member 29Spring 30Rack 31Obstruction sensor 31aSwitch 32Groove 33Fork 33a, 33bLegs (of fork) 34Pair of wheels 35Gear 36Support member, such as a hook 37Reefer container 38Storage compartment 39Splice 40Hinged 41Detection element 42Guide 43Cut out 44Free wheeling wheel aAngle

Claims

1. A portable cable conveyer (1) for conveying a cable (2), such as an electrical cable, the cable conveyer (1) comprising • a first and a second conveying element (3, 4) each having a cable conveying surface (5, 6) provided in between two neighbouring perimeters (7, 8) of each conveying element, each cable conveying surface (5, 6) being configured to move in the perimeter direction; • a motor (9), such as an electrical motor, coupled to at least one of said conveying elements (3, 4) for moving the cable conveying surface in the perimeter direction; • an actuator (10) connected to at least one of said conveying elements (3, 4) to move the conveying element (3, 4) relatively to each other to provide: ∘ a conveying configuration (11) in which the conveying elements (3, 4) are mutually positioned with a section of the conveying surfaces (5, 6) of the first and the second conveying elements (3,4) facing each other so as to provide a conveying to the cable, when in use, ∘ an open configuration (12) in which the conveying elements (3, 4) are mutually positioned so as to provide an opening in between the conveying surfaces for loading or unloading a cable into the cable conveyer (1), when in use, • a housing (13) in / on which said conveying elements (3, 4), the actuator (10) and said motor (9) are arranged, and • an elongate handle (17) and wherein the housing (13) is arranged at an end of said elongate handle (17), preferably said elongate handle has a length larger 1.0 m, such as larger than 2.0 m, such as larger than 3.0 m, such as larger than 5.0 m, such as larger than 7.5 m, such as larger than 10.0 m, such as smaller than 5.0 m such as smaller than 4.0 m characterized in that the elongate handle (17) is a telescopic handle, preferably said elongate handle has a fully extended length larger 1.0 m, such as larger than 2.0 m, such as larger than 3.0 m, such as larger than 10.0 m.

2. A cable conveyer according to claim 1, wherein the first conveying element (3) is arranged in a fixed position relatively to the housing and the second conveying element (4) is moveable arranged relatively to the housing by use of the actuator (10).

3. A cable conveyer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein movement of the at least one conveying element relatively to each other are configured to be carried out in a single plane (14) or in two parallel planes.

4. A cable conveyer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator comprising a spindle (15) connected to an elongate mover (16), said elongate mover (16) being rotatable mounted at one end and one of the conveying elements (3, 4) is rotatable mounted at another end, so that upon rotation of the spindle (15) the conveying element (3, 4) is moved either towards the conveying configuration (11) or towards the open configuration (12) in dependence of the rotational direction of the spindle (15).

5. A cable conveyer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor (9) is an electrical motor and the cable conveyer further comprising a battery electrical connected to said motor (9), said battery is preferably arranged in the housing (13).

6. A cable conveyer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor (9) and / or the actuator (10) are configured for remote operation, and wherein the remote operation is wired or wireless.

7. A cable conveyer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (10) is configured to bias said two conveying elements towards each other in the conveying configuration.

8. A cable conveyer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable conveying surface (5, 6) of the first and / or the second conveying elements (3, 4) comprising a recess extending through-out the conveying surface in the perimeter direction and having its opening facing outwardly.

9. A cable conveyer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the conveying elements comprising a conveyer belt, a gear, a cylinder or a wheel.

10. A cable conveyer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conveying element (3) comprising a first wheel (19), and the second conveying element (4) comprising a second wheel (20), wherein the first wheel (19) being rotatable around a first rotational axis (21) and the second wheel (20) being rotatable around a second rotational axis (22).

11. A cable conveyer according to claim 10, wherein the first and the second rotational axis (21, 22) are parallel with each other during the movement of the first wheel (19).

12. A cable conveyer according to claim 10, wherein the first and the second rotational axis (21, 22) form an angle (a) in the open configuration (12) and are parallel with each other or forms an acute in the conveying configuration (11).

13. A cable conveyer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first or the second conveying element (4, 3) is arranged at a first end of an elongate carrier rod (24), said elongate carrier rod being pivotally arranged around a pivot axis (23) being non-parallel to a longitudinal direction of the elongate carrier rod (24), said pivot axis being positioned in a distance from said first end, so that upon pivoting of said elongate carrier rod (24), the first or second conveying element (4,3) is moveable between said conveying configuration (11) and said open configuration (12).

14. A cable conveyer according to claim 13, wherein said actuator (10) comprising an actuator motor with a rotational shaft, and wherein said rotational shaft is connected to the elongate carrier rod (24) to rotate the carrier rod (24) around said pivot axis (23).

15. A cable conveyer according to claim 13, wherein elongate carrier rod (24) is configured as lever with a distal end of said carrier rod (24) extending beyond said pivot axis and said distal end being connected to said actuator (10).