Aerial cable support device, aerial cable network system configured to manage an electrical signal including such a support device, and corresponding management method

Abstract

Aerial cable support device, aerial cable network system configured to manage an electrical signal comprising such a support device, and corresponding management method. The invention relates to a support device for a first aerial cable intended to be fixed to a hollow pole and comprising: at least a first counterweight intended to be disposed inside said hollow pole; at least a second cable for adjusting a mechanical tension of the first cable, the second cable being anchored, at its first end, to the first cable and being fixed, at its second end, to the first counterweight.The invention also relates to an overhead cable network system configured to manage an electrical signal, comprising: at least one support device according to the invention; a generator of an electrical signal under the action of a displacement of said at least one first counterweight in the hollow pole caused by a variation in the mechanical tension of said first cable. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Support device for an overhead cable, system of an overhead cable network configured to manage an electrical signal comprising such a support device, and corresponding management method. Prior art

[0001] The present application falls within the general field of connection by aerial cables in particular, but not exclusively, for the establishment of telecommunications networks.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to the maintenance of the infrastructure constituting these overhead networks such as poles and cables.

[0003] The invention also finds application in the enhancement of the infrastructure constituting these aerial networks.

[0004] Overhead cable connection is a commonly used technique for installing telecommunications or power transmission networks by suspending cables above the ground. This method involves installing poles or pylons, laying tensioned cables, and possibly installing insulation and weather protection devices. Junction and distribution boxes facilitate connections and service distribution. While this approach offers significant advantages, such as ease of access for maintenance, it also has drawbacks.

[0005] Thus, one of these drawbacks concerns the management of the mechanical tension of the cables. Indeed, this tension must be sufficient to keep the cable at a safe distance from the ground, but it must also not exceed a certain value beyond which there is a risk of the ties by which the cable is suspended from the poles being pulled loose, or even a risk of the cable breaking. Such ties may be the means of suspending the cable.

[0006] The range of values ​​that the mechanical tension of a cable can take is determined before the installation of the latter based, among other things, on data relating to the poles from which the cable is intended to be suspended such as the distance separating two consecutive poles, their altitude, and meteorological data such as the strength and direction of the winds in the area where the section of cable in question is located, or the temperature variations between summer and winter.

[0007] Despite these precautions taken during the installation of the cables, there is still a risk of premature wear of the overhead cables.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a solution to reduce this risk and thus extend the lifespan of cables and poles. Description of the invention

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular those set out above, by proposing a solution which makes it possible to slow down the aging of cables while reducing the risks of cable breakage.

[0010] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a support device for a first overhead cable intended to be fixed to a hollow pole and comprising: - at least one first counterweight intended to be placed inside said hollow post; - at least one second cable for adjusting the mechanical tension of the first cable, the second cable being anchored, at its first end, to the first cable and being fixed, at its second end, to the first counterweight.

[0011] Such a support device allows the mechanical tension of the first cable to be dynamically adjusted by means of a counterweight moving inside the pole. This device can be used for both electricity distribution networks and telecommunications networks based on the use of copper or fiber optic cables.

[0012] By dynamically adjusting the tension in the cable via the counterweight, it is possible to compensate for variations in mechanical tension, thus preventing cable slack or breakage. Such an adjustment helps to maintain a constant mechanical tension in the cable, thereby reducing wear.

[0013] This support device has the advantage of requiring little space on the poles for the counterweights, since they are located inside the poles in their hollow section. This configuration also eliminates the need for any means of securing the counterweights. Indeed, if the counterweights were suspended outside the poles, as is the case for railway catenaries, their swing could cause the poles to oscillate, which would eventually damage their structure.

[0014] Thus, this solution reduces the risk of cable degradation and / or breakage without adding any safety risk to users or equipment. Finally, by preventing cable slack and breakage, the use of a counterweight reduces the frequency of maintenance interventions and repairs, thereby lowering infrastructure maintenance costs.

[0015] In particular embodiments, the support device includes at least one first said first link includes at least one first pulley in a rim of which said second cable is intended to be positioned.

[0016] The use of this pulley reduces the risk of wear on the second cable.

[0017] In particular embodiments, the support device further comprises: - at least one second counterweight intended to be placed inside said hollow post; - at least one third cable for adjusting the mechanical tension of the first cable, the third cable being anchored, at its first end, to the first cable and being fixed, at its second end, to the second counterweight.

[0018] In particular embodiments, the support device includes a second link suitable for suspending the third cable from the hollow pole.

[0019] In particular embodiments, the second link includes at least a second pulley in a rim of which said third cable is intended to be positioned.

[0020] The use of this pulley makes it possible to reduce the risks of wear on the third cable and consequently the risks of wear on the first cable in both directions around the pole.

[0021] In particular embodiments, the first counterweight and the second counterweight have a distinct mass.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a system of an overhead cable network configured to manage an electrical signal comprising: - at least one support device according to the invention; - a generator of an electrical signal under the action of a displacement of said at least a first counterweight in the hollow pole caused by a variation of the mechanical tension of said first cable.

[0023] The system according to the invention makes it possible to recover the energy dissipated by variations in the mechanical tension of the first cable, in addition to allowing dynamic adjustment of this tension through the use of a counterweight moving inside the pole. This system can be used for both electricity distribution networks and telecommunications networks based on the use of copper or fiber optic cables.

[0024] The solution of the invention advantageously makes it possible to use the movement of the counterweight generated by a variation in the value of the mechanical tension of the cable to generate an electrical signal that can be used for various purposes such as, for example, powering sensors or lighting devices, monitoring the variations in the mechanical tension of the cable, etc. The energy of the electrical signal thus generated can also be stored in a battery.

[0025] In particular embodiments, - said at least one counterweight comprises a core of magnetic material; and - the generator of an electrical signal includes at least one inductance coil, disposed in the hollow pole, through which said at least one counterweight is intended to move.

[0026] In particular embodiments, - said at least one counterweight includes at least one inductor coil; and - the generator of an electrical signal includes at least one portion of magnetic material disposed in the hollow post, in front of which said at least one counterweight is intended to move.

[0027] These two implementations have many advantages, particularly in terms of simplicity, energy efficiency, cost, maintenance, reliability and safety.

[0028] Indeed, these generators are durable and can operate reliably for long periods with minimal maintenance. Furthermore, the mechanical motion is directly converted into electricity, resulting in high efficiency when friction and / or resistance losses are minimized.

[0029] In particular embodiments, the generator of an electrical signal includes a converter of mechanical stresses into an electrical signal disposed in the hollow post;

[0030] the displacement of said at least one counterweight in the hollow post applying a mechanical stress to said converter.

[0031] In particular embodiments, - the generator of an electrical signal includes a piezoelectric material disposed in the hollow post; - the displacement of said at least one counterweight within the hollow pole, applying a mechanical stress within said piezoelectric material.

[0032] Generating an electrical signal by means of a piezoelectric device proves to be particularly advantageous in contexts with space constraints, such as within a hollow pole. Indeed, piezoelectric devices are generally very compact and lightweight.

[0033] Furthermore, the piezoelectric materials constituting these electrical signal generation devices directly convert mechanical energy into electrical energy without requiring complex intermediate components. This conversion direct is particularly effective at recovering energy from vibrations, pressures, or other even small mechanical deformations.

[0034] In particular embodiments, the system further comprises at least one accumulator of energy from said generated electrical signal.

[0035] In particular embodiments, the system further comprises at least one power supply capable of providing one of the following electrical signals: - an electrical signal generated by the generator; - an electrical signal supplied by the battery.

[0036] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for managing an electrical signal implemented by a system according to the invention comprising: - the generation of an electrical signal under the action of a displacement of said at least one first counterweight in the hollow pole caused by a variation in the mechanical tension of said first cable. Brief description of the drawings

[0037] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate an example of an embodiment without being limiting in any way. In the figures:

[0038] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic representation of an overhead cable network in which the invention is implemented;

[0039] [Fig.2A] [Fig.2A] represents a post cut according to the cutting plane II introduced with reference to [Fig.1] according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0040] [Fig.2B] [Fig.2B] represents a post cut according to the cutting plane II-II introduced with reference to [Fig.1] according to the first embodiment of the invention;

[0041] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a post cut according to the cutting plane II introduced with reference to [Fig.1] according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0042] [Fig.4A] [Fig.4A] represents an electrical signal management system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0043] [Fig.4B] [Fig.4B] represents an electrical signal management system according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0044] [Fig. 4C] [Fig. 4C] represents an electrical signal management system according to a third embodiment of the invention. Description of implementation methods

[0045] The present invention aims to slow down the aging of cables while reducing the risks of cable breakage.

[0046] The present invention also aims, in a second step, to ensure energy autonomy without introducing new mechanical constraints at the level poles from which overhead cables are suspended, which could lead to accelerated aging or breakage of these cables.

[0047] This energy autonomy makes it possible, for example, to power sensors located on the poles, whose function is to collect information on the mechanical behavior of these poles or the cable attached to them. This information facilitates the monitoring and maintenance of these infrastructures since, by contributing in particular to the determination of a level of mechanical fatigue of the cable and / or the poles, it allows for the planning of maintenance operations.

[0048] This energy autonomy also makes it possible to supply electrical energy to other devices such as public lighting devices, etc.

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an overhead cable network in which the invention can be implemented. Although described with reference to a telecommunications network, the present invention also finds application in overhead power transmission networks.

[0050] Such an overhead cable network 1 comprises N poles P; with i ∈ {1; ... ; N}. The poles P; are hollow poles made of composite materials such as, for example, fiberglass. These composite poles P; are lighter than conventional wooden poles, and are also easier to install and less expensive.

[0051] Despite their low weight, the P; posts exhibit high resistance to all types of loads. Furthermore, they are considered passive safety features because, in the event of a collision with a vehicle, they collapse without endangering the lives of the passengers.

[0052] A cable C is attached to the poles P; by means of links DSj, with j G {1; ... ; M} where M is greater than or equal to N, a single pole P; which may have several links DSj. These links, referred to in the rest of this document as support devices, DSj will be discussed in more detail later in this document.

[0053] Such a cable C can be either a cable intended for the transport of electricity or a cable intended for the transport of telecommunications signals such as copper or optical fiber cables.

[0054] Also shown on this [Fig.1] is a first section plane II parallel to the post P; and a second section plane ILII perpendicular to the first section plane.

[0055] Figure 2A represents a pole P; cut according to the cutting plane II introduced with reference to Figure 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. In this figure, the link by means of which the cable C is suspended from the pole P; is not shown in order to avoid cluttering the figure.

[0056] On this [Fig.2A], we can see in close-up and in section the upper part of the post P; on which is fixed a support device DSj represented schematically by a rectangle.

[0057] The support device DSj comprises a pulley Poui fixed to an internal surface of the post P; in the rim of which a cable CAi for adjusting the mechanical tension of the cable C is positioned. One end of the cable CAi is anchored to the cable C by means of an anchor clamp PA while a second end of the cable CAi is fixed to a counterweight CPi located inside the post P;.

[0058] Thus, when the mechanical tension of cable C varies, this variation is transmitted to the cable CAi to which it is anchored. This variation in the mechanical tension of cable C causes, via cable CAi and the pulley Poui in which it is positioned, a movement of the counterweight CPi, which oscillates vertically between a first position Pos1 and a second position Pos2. The amplitude of this oscillatory movement is a function of the value of the variation in the mechanical tension of cable C.

[0059] Fig. 2B represents the post P; cut according to the cutting plane ILII introduced with reference to Fig. 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0060] In [Fig. 2B], the pulley Poui can be seen fixed to the inner surface of the post P; and the cable CAi positioned in the rim of the latter. The pulley Poul is positioned above the counterweight CPi fixed to the second end of the cable CAi and located inside the post P; the cable C, for its part, goes around the outside of the post P;.

[0061] Fig. 3 represents a post P; cut according to the cutting plane II introduced with reference to Fig. 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0062] On this [Fig.3], we can see in close-up and in section the upper part of the post Pi on which are fixed two support devices DSj and DSj+i represented schematically by a rectangle.

[0063] The first support device DSj comprises a pulley Poui fixed to an internal surface of the post P; in the rim of which a cable CAi for adjusting the mechanical tension of the cable C is positioned. One end of the cable CAi is anchored to the cable C by means of an anchor clamp PA while a second end of the cable CAi is fixed to a counterweight CPi located inside the post P;.

[0064] The second support device DSj+i comprises a pulley Pou2 fixed to an internal surface of the post P; in the rim of which a cable CA2 for adjusting the mechanical tension of the cable C is positioned. One end of the cable CA2 is anchored to the cable C by means of an anchor clamp PA while a second end of the cable CA2 is fixed to a counterweight CP2 located inside the post P;.

[0065] Thus, when the mechanical tension of cable C varies, this variation is transmitted to cable CAi and cable CA2 to which it is anchored. This variation in the mechanical tension of cable C causes, via cable CAi and the pulley Poui in which it is positioned, a movement of the counterweight CPi, which oscillates vertically between a first position Posl and a second position Pos2. The amplitude of this oscillation is a function of the value of the variation in the mechanical tension of cable C.

[0066] Similarly, this variation in the mechanical tension of the cable C causes, via the cable CA2 and the pulley Pou2 in which it is positioned, a movement of the counterweight CP2 which oscillates vertically between a first position Pos3 and a second position Pos3, which may or may not be identical to the positions Posl and Pos2 associated with the first counterweight CPp. The amplitude of this oscillation movement is a function of the value of the variation in the mechanical tension of the cable C.

[0067] In this second embodiment, the two counterweights CPi and CP2 may have the same mass or different masses. The mass of each counterweight CPi and CP2 depends on the cross-sectional area of ​​the cable C to which the cables CAi and CA2 are respectively anchored. Indeed, two cross-sections of the same cable C may have different mechanical stresses that influence the value of the mechanical stress calculated prior to the installation of the cable C.

[0068] Fig. 4A represents an electrical signal management system according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0069] In this [Fig. 4A], a close-up and cross-sectional view of the lower part of the post P can be seen, inside which a counterweight CPi is suspended, cut along the section plane II introduced with reference to [Fig. 1], as well as a generator G of an electrical signal schematically represented by a rectangle. In this first embodiment, the generator G is an induction generator based on the use of an inductor coil and a core made of magnetic material.

[0070] In this first embodiment, an inductor coil BI is disposed inside the post P, against the wall between positions Pos1 and Pos2, between which the counterweight CPi moves when a change in the mechanical tension of the cable C occurs. To generate an electrical signal by induction, the counterweight CPi includes a core made of magnetic material NMM. Thus, the movement of the counterweight CPi through the inductor coil BI generates an electrical signal.

[0071] In one implementation variant, the system includes a second counterweight CP2, also comprising a core made of NMM magnetic material. In this implementation, the inductance coil BI is arranged inside the post P; against the wall both between positions Pos1 and Pos2 and between positions Pos3 and Pos4, between which the counterweight CP2 moves when a change in the mechanical tension of the cable C occurs. Thus, the two counterweights contribute to generating an electrical signal.

[0072] Fig. 4B represents an electrical signal management system according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0073] In this [Fig. 4B], a close-up and cross-sectional view of the lower part of the post P can be seen, inside which a counterweight CPi is suspended, cut along the section plane II introduced with reference to [Fig. 1], as well as a generator G of an electrical signal represented schematically by a rectangle. In this second embodiment, the generator G is an induction generator based on the use of an inductor coil and a core made of magnetic material.

[0074] In this second embodiment, a magnetic material MM is disposed inside the post P; against the wall between positions Pos1 and Pos2, between which the counterweight CPi moves when a change in the mechanical tension of the cable C occurs. In order to generate an electrical signal by induction, the counterweight CPi includes an inductor BI. Thus, the movement of the counterweight CPi through the magnetic material MM generates an electrical signal.

[0075] In one embodiment, the system includes a second counterweight CP2, also comprising an inductance coil BI. In this implementation, the magnetic material MM is disposed inside the post P; against the wall both between positions Pos1 and Pos2 and between positions Pos3 and Pos4, between which the counterweight CP2 moves when a change in the mechanical tension of the cable C occurs. Thus, the two counterweights contribute to generating an electrical signal.

[0076] Figure 4C represents an electrical signal management system according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0077] In this [Fig. 4C], a close-up and cross-sectional view shows the lower part of the post P; inside which a counterweight CPi is suspended, cut along the section plane II introduced with reference to [Fig. 1], as well as a generator G of an electrical signal schematically represented by a rectangle. In this third embodiment, the generator uses the principle of converting a mechanical stress into an electrical signal, such as the principle of piezoelectricity, to generate an electrical signal.

[0078] In this third embodiment, a disk of piezoelectric material DPZ is disposed inside the post P; at the lowest point at the position Pos2 to which the counterweight CPi moves when a variation in the mechanical tension of the cable C occurs.

[0079] Indeed, in order to generate an electrical signal, the counterweight CPi must exert sufficient pressure on the piezoelectric material constituting the piezoelectric disc DPZ. For this, the piezoelectric disc DPZ is to be positioned above the position Pos2 representing an extreme low position of the counterweight CPi in the post P;.

[0080] In one implementation variant, the system includes a second counterweight CP2. In this implementation, the piezoelectric disk DPZ is disposed inside the post P; at a position Pos which allows both the counterweight CPi and the counterweight CP2 to exert sufficient pressure on the piezoelectric material constituting the piezoelectric disk DPZ.

[0081] Thus this position Pos is located above those of the two positions Pos2 or Pos4 which is closest to the top of the post P, thus ensuring that each of the two counterweights CPi and CP2 exerts sufficient pressure on the piezoelectric disk DPZ to generate an electrical signal.

[0082] This third embodiment can be implemented jointly with the first or second embodiment of the management system.

[0083] In implementation variants, the generator G is electrically connected to electrical energy storage means MS shown in Figures 4A to 4C. Such electrical energy storage means MS can take the form of a battery.

[0084] Finally, in some implementation variants, the electrical signal management system includes a power supply (not shown in the figures) capable of providing an electrical signal to equipment located near the pole Pi. The electrical signal provided by this power supply can be the electrical signal directly generated by the generator G or an electrical signal provided by the storage means MS.

[0085] The electrical signal thus delivered can then power sensors intended to monitor the mechanical tension of cable C, public lighting means, etc.

Claims

Demands

1. Support device for a first overhead cable intended to be fixed to a hollow pole and comprising: - at least one first counterweight intended to be disposed inside said hollow pole; - at least one second cable for adjusting a mechanical tension of the first cable, the second cable being anchored, at its first end, to the first cable and being fixed, at its second end, to the first counterweight.

2. Support device according to claim 1 in which the support device comprises at least one first said first link comprises at least one first pulley in a rim of which said second cable is intended to be positioned.

3. Support device according to any one of claims 1 to 2 further comprising: - at least a second counterweight intended to be disposed inside said hollow post; - at least a third cable for adjusting a mechanical tension of the first cable, the third cable being anchored, at its first end, to the first cable and being fixed, at its second end, to the second counterweight.

4. Support device according to claim 3 wherein the support device comprises a second link suitable for suspending the third cable from the hollow pole.

5. Support device according to claim 4 in which the second link comprises at least a second pulley in a rim of which said third cable is intended to be positioned.

6. Support device according to any one of claims 3 to 4 wherein the first counterweight and the second counterweight have a distinct mass.

7. A system of an overhead cable network configured to manage an electrical signal comprising: - at least one support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; - a generator of an electrical signal under the action of a displacement of said at least one first counterweight in the hollow pole caused by a variation in the mechanical tension of said first cable.

8. System of an overhead cable network according to claim 7 in which: - said at least one counterweight comprises a core of magnetic material; and - the generator of an electrical signal comprises at least one inductance coil, disposed in the hollow pole, through which said at least one counterweight is intended to move.

9. System of an overhead cable network according to claim 7 in which: - said at least one counterweight comprises at least one inductance coil; and - the generator of an electrical signal comprises at least one portion of magnetic material disposed, in the hollow pole, in front of said at least one counterweight is intended to move.

10. System of an overhead cable network according to any one of claims 7 in which: - the generator of an electrical signal comprises a converter of mechanical stresses into an electrical signal disposed in the hollow pole; the displacement of said at least one counterweight in the hollow pole applying a mechanical stress to said converter.

11. System of an overhead cable network according to any one of claims 7 or 10 wherein: - the generator of an electrical signal comprises a piezoelectric material disposed in the hollow pole; the displacement of said at least one counterweight in the hollow pole applying a mechanical stress within said piezoelectric material.

12. System of an aerial cable network according to any one of claims 7 to 11 further comprising at least one accumulator of energy of said generated electrical signal.

13. A system of an overhead cable network according to claim 12 further comprising at least one power supply capable of providing one of the following electrical signals: - an electrical signal generated by the generator; - an electrical signal supplied by the battery.

14. Method for managing an electrical signal implemented by a system according to any one of claims 7 to 13 comprising: - the generation of an electrical signal under the action of a displacement of said at least one first counterweight in the hollow pole caused by a variation in the mechanical tension of said first cable.

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