Cable extending machine, cable extending system, and cable extending method

Abstract

To obtain a cable extending machine in which rectlinearity of the cable extending machine can be maintained.SOLUTION: A cable extending machine 2 includes a main body 3 provided with an axle insertion portion 3a and a first fixation hole 3b, an axle 4 that is mounted by being inserted in the axle insertion portion 3a of the main body 3 in a rotatable manner and is provided with a plurality of second fixation holes 4b, a wheel that is mounted on the axle 4 and rotates with rotation of the axle 4 so as to roll on a cable wiring path, a motor that is mounted on the main body 3 and rotates the axle 4, a cable holding mechanism 9 that is mounted on the main body 3 and holds a cable, and a fixation member 10 that is mounted in the first fixation hole 3b of the main body 3 in a movable manner. The position of the fixation member 10 can be changed to a fixation position at which the fixation member 10 is inserted in any one of the second fixation holes 4b so as to restrict width-direction movement of the main body 3 with respect to the axle 4 and a release position at which the fixation member 10 is off from the second fixation hole 4b and allows width-direction movement of the main body 3 with respect to the axle 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cable drawing machine, a cable drawing system, a path auxiliary jig, and a cable drawing method that draw a cable while traveling along a cable wiring path. [Background technology]

[0002] When cable extension work is performed in high places or narrow spaces where people cannot pass, a cable extension machine that extends the cable while traveling along a cable wiring path may be used. For example, a cable extension machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as such a cable extension machine.

[0003] The cable drawing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a main body, an axle rotatably attached to the main body, and wheels attached to the axle that rotate with the rotation of the axle to roll along the cable wiring path. The cable drawing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 also includes a motor that rotates the wheels, a control device that controls the operation, stopping, speed, etc. of the motor, a power source that supplies power to the motor and the control device, and a cable holding mechanism that holds the cable. The axle, wheels, motor, control device, power source, and cable holding mechanism are installed in the main body.

[0004] In the cable drawing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the wheels roll on the cable wiring path, so that the cable drawing machine can draw a cable while traveling on the cable wiring path. A plurality of cable wiring paths are installed side by side along the cable drawing path, forming a travel path along which the cable drawing machine travels. In this specification, the term "cable" includes not only a single cable, but also a composite body consisting of a cable and a leading rope for traction tied to the tip of the cable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 62-191312 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When a cable is drawn using a cable drawing machine, the drawing path of the cable may be changed in the width direction of the cable wiring path. When making such a change, if the cable is angled in the width direction with respect to the central axis of the cable drawing machine, the reaction force that the cable drawing machine receives from the cable will be an angled reaction force in the width direction with respect to the central axis of the cable drawing machine, and the straightness of the cable drawing machine will be impaired. This may cause the cable drawing machine to derail from the cable wiring path. The central axis of the cable drawing machine is an axis that passes through the center of the cable drawing machine in the width direction and extends in the running direction of the cable drawing machine.

[0007] However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose any specific means for eliminating the angle of the cable with respect to the central axis of the cable drawing machine. Therefore, there is a need for the development of a cable drawing machine that can eliminate the angle of the cable with respect to the central axis of the cable drawing machine and maintain the straightness of the cable drawing machine.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and has an object to provide a cable drawing machine that can maintain the straightness of the cable drawing machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the cable drawing machine according to the present disclosure is a cable drawing machine that draws a cable while traveling through a cable wiring path, and includes a main body provided with an axle insertion part and a first fixing hole, an axle that is inserted through the axle insertion part of the main body and rotatably attached to the main body, and has a plurality of second fixing holes arranged at intervals in the width direction of the cable wiring path, and a wheel that is attached to the axle and rotates with the rotation of the axle to roll on the cable wiring path. The cable drawing machine according to the present disclosure also includes a motor provided on the main body to rotate the axle, a cable holding mechanism provided on the main body to hold the cable, and a fixing member movably provided in the first fixing hole of the main body. The position of the fixing member is changeable between a fixing position where the fixing member is inserted into any one of the plurality of second fixing holes to restrict the movement of the main body in the width direction relative to the axle, and a release position where the fixing member is removed from the second fixing hole to allow the movement of the main body in the width direction relative to the axle. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to maintain the straightness of a cable drawing machine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cable extension system according to a first embodiment, the cable extension system being viewed diagonally from the front. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main body, a motor, a power source, and a cable holding mechanism of a cable drawing machine according to a first embodiment, the cable drawing machine being viewed obliquely from behind; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main body, a power source, and a cable holding mechanism of a cable drawing machine according to a first embodiment, the cable drawing machine being viewed diagonally from behind; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an axle according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a wheel according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a fall prevention member according to a first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a cable extension system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a travel path auxiliary jig according to a first embodiment is installed in a cable wiring path; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a path support jig according to a first embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a cable extending method according to a first embodiment, illustrating a process of extending a cable using one cable extending machine; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a cable extending method according to a first embodiment, illustrating a process of extending a cable using two cable extending machines; [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a cable extending method according to a first embodiment, illustrating a process of extending a cable using three cable extending machines; [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another example of the cable extending method according to the first embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a plan view for explaining the operation of the cable drawing machine according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which the cable is angled; [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a plan view for explaining the operation of the cable drawing machine according to the first embodiment, showing a state in which the angle of the cable is eliminated; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A cable drawing machine, a cable drawing system, a travel path auxiliary jig, and a cable drawing method according to embodiments will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cable wiring system 100 according to a first embodiment, and shows a state in which the cable wiring system 100 is viewed from an oblique front. As shown in FIG. 1, the cable wiring system 100 includes a plurality of cable wiring paths 1 arranged side by side along a wiring path of a cable 11, and a cable wiring machine 2 that extends the cable 11 while traveling along the cable wiring path 1. Although only one cable wiring path 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1, a plurality of cable wiring paths 1 are actually arranged side by side. The cable 11 is, for example, a control cable that transmits a control signal used to control an apparatus, or an instrumentation cable that transmits a signal between a computer and a terminal device. In the following description, the length direction of the cable wiring path 1 is the running direction, the width direction of the cable wiring path 1 is the width direction, and the height direction of the cable wiring path 1 is the up-down direction. In the following description, the direction from the end of the cable wiring path 1 in the width direction toward the center of the cable wiring path 1 in the width direction is the inside, and the opposite side to the inside is the outside.

[0014] Each cable wiring path 1 includes a pair of parent girders 1a, multiple child girders 1b, and multiple clamps 1c. The pair of parent girders 1a are the portions on which wheels 5 (described later) of the cable drawing machine 2 roll. The pair of parent girders 1a are disposed apart from each other in the width direction and extend in the running direction. The widthwise spacing between the pair of parent girders 1a is appropriately changed depending on the number of cables 11 to be laid out. In the following description, the widthwise spacing between the pair of parent girders 1a is referred to as the width of the cable wiring path 1. The parent girders 1a include a lower parent girder portion 1d, a middle parent girder portion 1e, and an upper parent girder portion 1f. The lower parent girder portion 1d is installed on the floor surface of the drawing path of the cables 11.

[0015] The parent girder intermediate portion 1e extends upward from the center of the parent girder lower portion 1d in the width direction and connects the parent girder upper portion 1f and the parent girder lower portion 1d.

[0016] The parent girder upper part 1f is disposed above the parent girder lower part 1d and away from the parent girder lower part 1d. The parent girder upper part 1f is connected to the upper end of the parent girder middle part 1e. The parent girder upper part 1f is formed wider than the parent girder middle part 1e.

[0017] The multiple child girders 1b serve to connect a pair of parent girders 1a. The multiple child girders 1b are arranged apart from each other in the running direction and extend in the width direction. The length of the child girders 1b in the width direction can be changed appropriately depending on the width of the cable wiring path 1.

[0018] The clamp 1c serves to immobilize the parent girder 1a on the floor surface of the extension path of the cable 11. The shape of the clamp 1c is crank-shaped in this embodiment, but may be modified as appropriate. The clamp 1c has an attachment portion 1g, a hook portion 1h, and a connecting portion 1i. The attachment portion 1g is a rectangular plate-shaped portion. The attachment portion 1g is installed on the floor surface of the extension path of the cable 11, outside the parent girder 1a in the width direction. The attachment portion 1g is fixed to the floor surface of the extension path of the cable 11 by a bolt (not shown) or the like.

[0019] The connecting portion 1i is a rectangular plate-like portion. The connecting portion 1i extends upward from the inner end of the mounting portion 1g in the width direction. The connecting portion 1i connects the mounting portion 1g and the hook portion 1h. The connecting portion 1i is placed over a part of the surface of the parent girder upper portion 1f facing outward in the width direction.

[0020] The hook portion 1h is an L-shaped plate-like portion. The hook portion 1h extends from the upper end of the connecting portion 1i toward the inside in the width direction and then extends downward. The hook portion 1h is hooked onto the parent girder upper portion 1f. The hook portion 1h covers a part of the upper surface of the parent girder upper portion 1f and a part of the surface facing the inside in the width direction. By covering a part of the parent girder 1a with the clamp 1c, an unevenness, i.e., a step 1j, is formed in the cable wiring path 1.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main body 3, the motor 7, the power source 8, and the cable holding mechanism 9 of the cable drawing machine 2 according to the first embodiment, and shows the state of looking up the cable drawing machine 2 from the diagonal rear. In FIG. 2, in order to illustrate the motor 7, a state in which a bottom cover 3c of the main body 3 described later is removed is illustrated. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the main body 3, the power source 8, and the cable holding mechanism 9 of the cable drawing machine 2 according to the first embodiment, and shows the state of looking down the cable drawing machine 2 from the diagonal rear. The cable drawing machine 2 is a self-propelled cable drawing machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the cable drawing machine 2 includes a main body 3, an axle 4, wheels 5, and a fall prevention member 6. As shown in FIG. 2, the cable drawing machine 2 includes a motor 7, a power source 8, a cable holding mechanism 9, and a fixing member 10. Although not illustrated, the cable drawing machine 2 also includes a control device that controls the operation, stop, speed, etc. of the motor 7, a wireless operation device that wirelessly operates the control device, and the like.

[0022] 1 and 2, the main body 3 is a structure that supports the axle 4, the motor 7, the power source 8, etc. The main body 3 is formed, for example, by combining a plurality of metal plates. As shown in Fig. 2, the main body 3 is provided with a plurality of axle insertion portions 3a and a plurality of first fixing holes 3b.

[0023] The axle insertion portion 3a is rotatable around a horizontal axis along the width direction. In this embodiment, the shape of the axle insertion portion 3a is a circle on the outer circumferential surface and a hexagon on the inner circumferential surface, but may be changed as appropriate. The axle insertion portion 3a extends in the width direction. The number of axle insertion portions 3a is two in this embodiment, but may be changed as appropriate according to the number of axles 4. The multiple axle insertion portions 3a are arranged apart from each other in the running direction. Both ends of the axle insertion portion 3a in the width direction are rotatably supported by a pair of bearing frames 3d.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, a fixing member 10 is inserted into the first fixing hole 3b. The first fixing hole 3b is formed in the axle insertion portion 3a. The first fixing hole 3b is a hole that communicates between the inside and the outside of the axle insertion portion 3a. The first fixing holes 3b are formed at both ends in the width direction of the axle insertion portion 3a, one at each end. The first fixing holes 3b are formed in the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the axle insertion portion 3a that faces upward.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the axle 4 is inserted into the axle insertion portion 3a of the main body 3 and rotatably attached to the main body 3. The material of the axle 4 is, for example, a metal such as aluminum. The shape of the axle 4 is a hexagonal column in this embodiment, but may be changed as appropriate. The axle 4 extends in the width direction. The number of axles 4 is two in this embodiment, but may be changed as appropriate. The multiple axles 4 are arranged at intervals from each other in the traveling direction. The axle 4 can be selected from multiple types of axles having different axial lengths depending on the width of the cable wiring path 1 shown in FIG. 1. The axle insertion portion 3a shown in FIG. 3 is formed to a size that allows each of the multiple types of axles 4 to be inserted therethrough.

[0026] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the axle 4 according to the first embodiment. The axle 4 is formed with two mounting holes 4a and a plurality of second fixing holes 4b. A fall prevention pin 6b, which will be described later, is inserted into the mounting holes 4a. One mounting hole 4a is formed at each end in the width direction of the axle 4. The mounting holes 4a are formed in the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the axle 4 that faces upward.

[0027] The second fixing holes 4b are disposed between the two mounting holes 4a in the width direction. The second fixing holes 4b are disposed at intervals from one another in the width direction. The second fixing holes 4b are formed in an upwardly facing portion of the outer circumferential surface of the axle 4. As shown in FIG. 3, a fixing member 10 is inserted into the second fixing holes 4b.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 1, the wheels 5 are members attached to the axle 4 and rotate with the rotation of the axle 4 to roll along the cable wiring path 1. The material of the wheels 5 is, for example, rubber. The outer circumferential surface of the wheels 5 has a circular shape. The wheels 5 are attached to both ends of the axle 4 in the width direction, one at each end.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a wheel 5 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, a through hole 5a is formed in the center of the wheel 5, penetrating the wheel 5 in the width direction. The axle 4 shown in Fig. 4 is inserted into the through hole 5a. The shape of the through hole 5a is hexagonal in this embodiment, but may be changed as appropriate to match the shape of the axle 4.

[0030] A flange 5b is formed on each of both ends of the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 5 in the width direction, and the other portions are also enlarged. A groove 5c is formed in the portion between the two flanges 5b on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 5. The groove 5c is formed over the entire circumference in the rotation direction of the wheel 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the parent beam upper part 1f of the cable wiring path 1 is arranged inside the groove 5c. A flange 5b is arranged on the inner side and the outer side of the parent beam upper part 1f in the width direction. The flange 5b plays a role in maintaining the straightness of the cable wiring machine 2 when the cable wiring machine 2 travels along the cable wiring path 1. The groove width dimension of the groove 5c is larger than the width dimension of the parent beam upper part 1f and the width dimension of the hook part 1h of the clamp 1c.

[0031] The fall prevention member 6 is attached to the axle 4 on the outer side of the wheel 5 in the width direction, and is a member that restricts the movement of the wheel 5 outward in the width direction. The fall prevention member 6 plays a role in preventing the wheel 5 from falling off the cable wiring path 1. The material of the fall prevention member 6 is a metal such as aluminum. The fall prevention member 6 is attached to both ends of the axle 4 in the width direction, one by one. In FIG. 1, only one fall prevention member 6 is illustrated. Each fall prevention member 6 is attached collectively to a plurality of axles 4. In detail, one fall prevention member 6 is attached collectively to one end of each of the plurality of axles 4 in the width direction. The other fall prevention member 6 is attached collectively to the other end of each of the plurality of axles 4 in the width direction.

[0032] 6 is a perspective view showing a fall prevention member 6 according to the first embodiment. The fall prevention member 6 has a fall prevention frame 6a and a fall prevention pin 6b. The fall prevention frame 6a has two axle mounting parts 6c and one connection part 6d. The fall prevention frame 6a has a plurality of insertion holes 6e through which the plurality of axles 4 are inserted, and a plurality of bearings 6f provided on the inner circumferential surfaces of the plurality of insertion holes 6e to rotatably support the axles 4.

[0033] The two axle mounting parts 6c are arranged at an interval from each other in the running direction. In this embodiment, the shape of the axle mounting part 6c has a circular plate-shaped part and a rectangular plate-shaped part, but may be changed as appropriate. Each axle mounting part 6c is provided with one insertion hole 6e and one bearing 6f. The bearing 6f serves to prevent the fall prevention frame 6a from rotating together with the rotation of the axle 4. One axle 4 is inserted through the insertion hole 6e of one axle mounting part 6c via the bearing 6f. The other axle 4 is inserted through the insertion hole 6e of the other axle mounting part 6c via the bearing 6f.

[0034] The connecting portion 6d extends in the running direction and connects the two axle attachment portions 6c. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 6d has a rectangular plate shape, but may be modified as appropriate.

[0035] The fall prevention pin 6b serves to fix the fall prevention frame 6a to the axle 4. The mounting hole 4a of the axle 4 is disposed on the outside in the width direction of the fall prevention frame 6a. The fall prevention pin 6b is inserted into the mounting hole 4a of the axle 4 on the outside in the width direction of the fall prevention frame 6a. By inserting the fall prevention pin 6b into the mounting hole 4a of the axle 4, the fall prevention frame 6a is fixed to the axle 4.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 2, the motor 7 is provided in the main body 3 and serves to rotate the axle 4 shown in Fig. 1. The motor 7 is connected to the axle insertion portion 3a via a transmission or the like. When the motor 7 is driven, the axle insertion portion 3a rotates. With the rotation of the axle insertion portion 3a, the axle 4 inserted in the axle insertion portion 3a rotates, and the wheel 5 attached to the axle 4 rotates.

[0037] The power supply 8 serves to supply power to the motor 7 and a control device (not shown). The power supply 8 is, for example, a replaceable storage battery.

[0038] 1, the cable holding mechanism 9 is provided on the main body 3 and serves to hold the cable 11. The cable holding mechanism 9 has a ring-shaped portion 9a to which the tip of the cable 11 is tied. The cable holding mechanism 9 is installed at the rear end of the main body 3.

[0039] 3, the fixing member 10 is a member movably provided in the first fixing hole 3b of the main body 3. In this embodiment, the fixing member 10 is a fixing pin, but may be changed as appropriate as long as it is configured to be movably provided in the first fixing hole 3b of the main body 3. The position of the fixing member 10 can be changed between a fixing position where the fixing member 10 is inserted into one of the multiple second fixing holes 4b to restrict movement of the main body 3 in the width direction relative to the axle 4, and a release position where the fixing member 10 is removed from the second fixing hole 4b to allow movement of the main body 3 in the width direction relative to the axle 4.

[0040] In detail, the fixing member 10 is inserted into the first fixing hole 3b of the axle insertion portion 3a and the second fixing hole 4b of the axle 4, thereby preventing the main body 3 from moving in the width direction relative to the axle 4. On the other hand, the fixing member 10 is removed from the second fixing hole 4b of the axle 4, thereby allowing the main body 3 to move in the width direction relative to the axle 4. Therefore, when adjusting the position of the main body 3 in the width direction, it is sufficient to remove the fixing member 10 from the second fixing hole 4b of the axle 4 and move the main body 3 in the width direction relative to the axle 4.

[0041] Next, the configurations of the cable extension machine 2 and the cable distribution road 1 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a front view showing the cable extension system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0042] In the cable wiring path 1, a wiring space 1k is formed, which is partitioned by a pair of parent girders 1a and child girders 1b. The wiring space 1k is a space in the cable wiring path 1 where the cables 11 are wired. The cables 11 are arranged inside the wiring space 1k, spreading out in the width direction and the vertical direction. The main body 3, the axles 4, the wheels 5, the fall prevention members 6, the motor 7, and the power source 8 are arranged outside the wiring space 1k. In other words, the cable drawing machine 2 is arranged outside the wiring space 1k.

[0043] The main body 3 has a bottom cover 3c which is the bottom surface of the main body 3. The bottom cover 3c is disposed above the wiring space 1k. The fall prevention frame 6a is disposed between the wheels 5 and the fall prevention pins 6b in the width direction.

[0044] Next, the travel path assistance jig 12 will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the travel path assistance jig 12 according to the first embodiment is installed in the cable wiring path 1. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the travel path assistance jig 12 according to the first embodiment.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8, the cable extension system 100 further includes a travel path auxiliary jig 12. The travel path auxiliary jig 12 spans a gap 13 formed between adjacent cable wiring paths 1 among a plurality of cable wiring paths 1. The travel path auxiliary jig 12 connects adjacent cable wiring paths 1 through the gap 13. One travel path auxiliary jig 12 is installed between parent girders 1a on one side in the width direction of adjacent cable wiring paths 1, and one travel path auxiliary jig 12 is installed between parent girders 1a on the other side in the width direction of adjacent cable wiring paths 1. The travel path auxiliary jig 12 has a connecting portion 12a that spans the gap 13 and a pair of fixing portions 12b that are fixed to the cable wiring path 1.

[0046] The connecting portion 12a is disposed across adjacent cable wiring paths 1. The connecting portion 12a is hooked onto each parent girder upper portion 1f of the adjacent cable wiring paths 1. The connecting portion 12a covers a part of the upper surface of the parent girder upper portion 1f, a part of the surface facing inward in the width direction, and a part of the surface facing outward in the width direction.

[0047] The pair of fixing parts 12b are arranged on the outside of the parent girder 1a in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the fixing parts 12b are provided at both ends of the connecting part 12a in the running direction, one at each end. The fixing parts 12b extend downward from the connecting part 12a, and then extend toward the inside in the width direction. A bolt 12c is attached to the part of the fixing part 12b extending toward the inside in the width direction. The bolt 12c attached to the running path auxiliary jig 12 shown in FIG. 8 is tightened to press the parent girder lower part 1d of the parent girder 1a from below, thereby fixing the running path auxiliary jig 12 to the cable wiring path 1. That is, the running path auxiliary jig 12 is fixed to the cable wiring path 1 in a form in which the parent girder 1a in the cable wiring path 1 is pressed from the underside by the bolt 12c.

[0048] Next, a cable extending method according to the present embodiment will be described First, a cable extending method using one cable extending machine 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] The cable extending method includes a first step and a second step.

[0050] The first step is a step of extending the cable 11 by running the cable drawing machine 2 to which the cable 11 is attached. In the first step, the cable 11 is attached to the cable holding mechanism 9 of the cable drawing machine 2 using a twisting fitting and a net saw (not shown). In the first step, the wheels 5 of the cable drawing machine 2 are placed on the parent beam 1a of the cable distribution road 1. In the first step, the cable drawing machine 2 is advanced along the cable distribution road 1 by operating a wireless control device (not shown). By performing the first step, the cable 11 can be extended while the cable drawing machine 2 runs along the cable distribution road 1.

[0051] The second step is to stop the cable drawing machine 2 after drawing the cable 11 to the desired distance, remove the cable 11 from the cable drawing machine 2, and return the cable drawing machine 2 to the starting point. In the second step, the rewinding fitting, the wire saw, and the cable 11 are removed from the cable holding mechanism 9 of the cable drawing machine 2. In the second step, the cable drawing machine 2 is moved backward along the cable wiring path 1 to the starting point by operating a wireless control device (not shown). By repeating the above steps, multiple cables 11 can be drawn.

[0052] Next, a cable extension method using a plurality of cable extension machines 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 12. Fig. 10 is a plan view showing an example of the cable extension method according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing a process of extending the cable 11 with one cable extension machine 2. Fig. 11 is a plan view showing an example of the cable extension method according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing a process of extending the cable 11 with two cable extension machines 2. Fig. 12 is a plan view showing an example of the cable extension method according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram showing a process of extending the cable 11 with three cable extension machines 2.

[0053] The cable extension method includes a first step, a second step, and a third step, and the cable extension method includes alternately repeating the first step and the second step.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 10, the first step is a step of extending the cable 11 by running the cable drawing machine 2 to which the cable 11 is attached. In the first step, the cable 11 is attached to the cable holding mechanism 9 of the first cable drawing machine 2, which is the front one, by using a twisting metal fitting and a net saw (not shown). In the first step, the wheels 5 of the cable drawing machine 2 are placed on the parent beam 1a of the cable distribution road 1. In the first step, the cable drawing machine 2 is advanced along the cable distribution road 1 by operating a wireless control device (not shown). By performing the first step, the cable 11 can be extended while the cable drawing machine 2 runs along the cable distribution road 1. Hereinafter, the first cable drawing machine 2 may also be referred to as the cable drawing machine 2A.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 11, the second step is a step of attaching a new cable drawing machine 2 to the middle of the length of the drawn cable 11. In the second step, the first cable drawing machine 2A is stopped when the cable 11 is drawn to a preset distance. In the second step, the cable 11 is attached to the cable holding mechanism 9 of the second cable drawing machine 2 using a twisting metal fitting and a wire saw (not shown). Hereinafter, the second cable drawing machine 2 may be referred to as the cable drawing machine 2B. In the second step, the wheels 5 of the second cable drawing machine 2B are placed on the parent beam 1a of the cable distribution path 1. In the second step, it is preferable to attach a new cable drawing machine 2 to the middle of the length of the drawn cable 11. After the second step, the first step is performed again. That is, the cable drawing machines 2A and 2B are advanced along the cable distribution path 1 by operating a wireless control device (not shown). By carrying out the first step, the cable 11 can be drawn while the cable drawing machines 2A and 2B are traveling along the cable distribution road 1.

[0056] In the same manner, the third and subsequent cable drawing machines 2 are added stepwise. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, when a third cable drawing machine 2C is added, in the first step, the cable 11 is drawn by running the cable drawing machines 2A and 2B to which the cable 11 is attached.

[0057] In the second step, a new cable drawing machine 2C is attached to the middle of the length of the cable 11 drawn in the first step. In the second step, the cable drawing machines 2A and 2B are stopped when the cable 11 is drawn to a preset distance. In the second step, the cable 11 is attached to the cable holding mechanism 9 of the third cable drawing machine 2C using a twisting metal fitting and a wire saw (not shown). In the second step, the wheels 5 of the third cable drawing machine 2C are placed on the parent beam 1a of the cable distribution road 1. After the second step is performed, the first step is performed again. That is, the cable drawing machines 2A, 2B, and 2C are advanced along the cable distribution road 1 by operating a wireless control device (not shown). By performing the first step, the cable 11 can be drawn while the cable drawing machines 2A, 2B, and 2C travel along the cable distribution road 1.

[0058] The third step is to stop each cable drawing machine 2 when the cable 11 has been drawn to the desired distance, remove the cable 11 from each cable drawing machine 2, and return each cable drawing machine 2 to the starting point. In the third step, the rewinding fitting, the wire saw, and the cable 11 are removed from the cable holding mechanism 9 of each cable drawing machine 2. In the third step, each cable drawing machine 2 is moved backward along the cable distribution path 1 to the starting point by operating a wireless control device (not shown).

[0059] Generally speaking, when the cable 11 is being extended, a reaction force that exceeds the pulling force of the cable extension machine 2 or the frictional force generated between the cable distribution path 1 and the wheels 5 occurs, making it difficult to continue the cable extension work. In this regard, in the cable extension method according to the present embodiment, the second and subsequent cable extension machines 2B and 2C pull the middle part of the cable 11 in the longitudinal direction, so that the reaction force applied to the leading cable extension machine 2A can be distributed to the multiple cable extension machines 2A, 2B, and 2C. This makes it possible to continue the cable extension work of the cable 11 by the cable extension machine 2, and to extend the extension distance of the cable 11. By gradually adding the cable extension machines 2 that pull the middle part of the cable 11 in the longitudinal direction, the cable 11 can be extended over a long distance.

[0060] Next, a cable extending method using the cable extending machine 2 and the tension detection type cable extending machine 14 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a plan view showing another example of the cable extending method according to the first embodiment.

[0061] The cable drawing method includes a first step, a second step, and a third step. The tension detection type cable drawing machine 14 is a device that detects the tension applied to the cable 11 and pushes the cable 11 forward in the traveling direction when the detected tension is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value.

[0062] The first step is a step of attaching the cable 11 to the cable drawing machine 2 and attaching the cable 11 to the tension detection type cable drawing machine 14 arranged behind the cable drawing machine 2 in the running direction and away from the cable drawing machine 2. In the first step, the tip of the cable 11 is attached to the cable holding mechanism 9 of the cable drawing machine 2 using a twisting metal fitting and a wire saw (not shown). In the first step, the middle part of the cable 11 in the length direction is attached to the tension detection type cable drawing machine 14. In the first step, the wheels 5 of the cable drawing machine 2 are placed on the parent beam 1a of the cable wiring path 1. In the present embodiment, the case where there is one tension detection type cable drawing machine 14 is illustrated as an example, but there may be two or more tension detection type cable drawing machines 14. When there are multiple tension detection type cable drawing machines 14, the multiple tension detection type cable drawing machines 14 may be arranged at intervals from each other along the running direction.

[0063] The second step is a step in which the cable drawing machine 2 with the cable 11 attached is run, the tension applied to the cable 11 is detected by the tension detection type cable drawing machine 14, and if the detected tension is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the tension detection type cable drawing machine 14 pushes the cable 11 forward in the running direction. In the second step, the cable drawing machine 2 is advanced along the cable distribution road 1 by operating a wireless operation device (not shown). If the detected tension is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the tension detection type cable drawing machine 14 pushes the cable 11 forward in the running direction for a certain period of time. By performing the second step, the cable 11 can be drawn while the cable drawing machine 2 is running along the cable distribution road 1.

[0064] The third step is a step of stopping the cable drawing machine 2 and the tension detection type cable drawing machine 14 after the cable 11 has been drawn to the desired distance, removing the cable 11 from the cable drawing machine 2 and the tension detection type cable drawing machine 14, and returning the cable drawing machine 2 and the tension detection type cable drawing machine 14 to the starting point. In the third step, the cable 11 is removed from the tension detection type cable drawing machine 14. In the third step, the tension detection type cable drawing machine 14 is returned to the starting point by human power. In the third step, the rewinding fitting, the net saw, and the cable 11 are removed from the cable holding mechanism 9 of the cable drawing machine 2. In the third step, the cable drawing machine 2 is moved backward along the cable distribution path 1 to the starting point by operating a wireless control device (not shown).

[0065] In this cable extension method, the tension detection type cable extension machine 14 detects the tension applied to the cable 11, and when the detected tension is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the tension detection type cable extension machine 14 pushes the cable 11 forward in the running direction, thereby reducing the reaction force applied to the cable extension machine 2. This makes it possible to continue the extension work of the cable 11 by the cable extension machine 2, and to extend the extension distance of the cable 11. Furthermore, by arranging a plurality of tension detection type cable extension machines 14 at intervals from each other along the running direction, it becomes possible to extend the cable 11 over a long distance.

[0066] Next, the effects of the cable drawing machine 2, the cable drawing system 100, and the travel path auxiliary jig 12 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0067] FIG. 14 is a plan view for explaining the operation of the cable drawing machine 2 according to the first embodiment, which shows a state in which the cable 11 is at an angle θ. FIG. 15 is a plan view for explaining the operation of the cable drawing machine 2 according to the first embodiment, which shows a state in which the angle θ of the cable 11 is eliminated. As shown in FIG. 14, when the cable 11 is at an angle θ in the width direction with respect to the central axis C of the cable drawing machine 2, the reaction force that the cable drawing machine 2 receives from the cable 11 during drawing of the cable 11 becomes a reaction force having an angle θ in the width direction with respect to the central axis C of the cable drawing machine 2. For this reason, the straightness of the cable drawing machine 2 is impaired. The central axis C of the cable drawing machine 2 is an axis that passes through the center of the cable drawing machine 2 in the width direction and extends in the running direction.

[0068] In this regard, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 15, the cable drawing machine 2 includes a main body 3 provided with an axle insertion portion 3a and a first fixing hole 3b, an axle 4 inserted into the axle insertion portion 3a of the main body 3 and rotatably attached to the main body 3, and a fixing member 10 movably provided in the first fixing hole 3b of the main body 3. In this embodiment, the axle 4 is provided with a plurality of second fixing holes 4b arranged at intervals in the width direction. In this embodiment, the position of the fixing member 10 can be changed between a fixing position where the fixing member 10 is inserted into one of the plurality of second fixing holes 4b to restrict the movement of the main body 3 in the width direction relative to the axle 4, and a release position where the fixing member 10 is removed from the second fixing hole 4b to allow the movement of the main body 3 in the width direction relative to the axle 4. With these configurations, when the cable 11 is at an angle θ in the width direction with respect to the central axis C of the cable drawing machine 2 as shown in Fig. 14, the main body 3 can be moved in the width direction with respect to the axle 4 so that the axial direction of the central axis C of the cable drawing machine 2 and the axial direction of the cable 11 become parallel as shown in Fig. 15. This makes the axial direction of the central axis C of the cable drawing machine 2 parallel to the direction of the reaction force that the cable drawing machine 2 receives from the cable 11 when drawing the cable 11, thereby maintaining the straightness of the cable drawing machine 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cable drawing machine 2 from coming off the cable wiring path 1.

[0069] In the illustrated example, the tip of the cable 11 is attached to a portion of the cable drawing machine 2 that is located on the central axis C. Therefore, when the main body 3 is moved in the width direction relative to the axle 4 so that the axial direction of the central axis C of the cable drawing machine 2 and the axial direction of the cable 11 are parallel, the cable 11 is positioned on the central axis C of the cable drawing machine 2. As a result, the cable drawing machine 2 receives a reaction force coaxial with the central axis C when drawing the cable 11, so that the straightness of the cable drawing machine 2 can be further maintained.

[0070] 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the axle 4 can be selected from a plurality of types having different axial lengths depending on the width of the cable wiring passage 1, and the axle insertion portion 3a is formed to a size that allows each of the plurality of types of axle 4 to be inserted therethrough. With this configuration, even if the width of the cable wiring passage 1 changes, the axle 4 having the axial length corresponding to the width of the cable wiring passage 1 can be selected, and the selected axle 4 can be reliably inserted into the axle insertion portion 3a. Therefore, even if the width of the cable wiring passage 1 changes, the cable drawing machine 2 can travel through the cable wiring passage 1.

[0071] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the multiple axles 4 are arranged at intervals from each other in the running direction. In this embodiment, the fall prevention members 6 are attached to the multiple axles 4 on the outer side of the wheels 5 in the width direction to restrict the wheels 5 from moving outward in the width direction. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the fall prevention members 6 are provided with multiple insertion holes 6e through which the multiple axles 4 are inserted, and multiple bearings 6f provided on the inner circumferential surfaces of the multiple insertion holes 6e to rotatably support the axles 4. With these configurations, the fall prevention members 6 do not rotate together with the axles 4, so that when the wheels 5 of the cable drawing machine 2 are about to fall from the cable wiring path 1, the fall prevention members 6 can prevent the wheels 5 from falling.

[0072] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the main body 3, the axles 4, the wheels 5, and the motor 7 are disposed outside the wiring space 1k in which the cable 11 is wired in the cable wiring path 1, and the bottom cover 3c which forms the bottom surface of the main body 3 is disposed above the wiring space 1k. With this configuration, the cable 11 wired inside the wiring space 1k does not interfere with the cable stretching machine 2, so that even if multiple cables 11 are wired in the wiring space 1k, the cable stretching machine 2 can travel along the cable wiring path 1. Furthermore, with the above-mentioned configuration, a part or all of the cable stretching machine 2 is not disposed inside the wiring space 1k, so that more cables 11 can be wired in the wiring space 1k.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 8, a gap 13 may be formed between adjacent cable wiring paths 1 among a plurality of cable wiring paths 1. When such a gap 13 is formed, the running path of the cable drawing machine 2 is interrupted, and there is a problem that the cable drawing machine 2 cannot run to draw the cable 11. In this regard, in the present embodiment, a running path auxiliary jig 12 is provided that spans the gap 13 formed between adjacent cable wiring paths 1 and connects the adjacent cable wiring paths 1 through the gap 13. With this configuration, the running path auxiliary jig 12 fills the gap 13 and becomes a part of the running path of the cable drawing machine 2, so that the cable drawing machine 2 can draw the cable 11 while running on the cable wiring path 1 and the running path auxiliary jig 12. In addition, in the present embodiment, the running path auxiliary jig 12 is fixed to the cable wiring path 1 with a bolt 12c, so that a part of the running path of the cable drawing machine 2 can be easily fabricated.

[0074] Next, a modification of the first embodiment will be described.

[0075] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the cable drawing machine 2 is provided with the fall prevention member 6, but the fall prevention member 6 may be omitted.

[0076] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the fall prevention members 6 are collectively attached to the multiple axles 4, but one may be attached to each of the multiple axles 4. In such a configuration, each fall prevention member 6 only needs to be provided with one insertion hole 6e and one bearing 6f shown in Fig. 6.

[0077] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the main body 3, axles 4, wheels 5, fall prevention member 6, motor 7, and power source 8 are arranged outside the wiring space 1k, but for example, a part of the main body 3 or a part of the motor 7 may be arranged inside the wiring space 1k. Also, in this embodiment, the bottom cover 3c of the main body 3 is arranged above the wiring space 1k, but it may be arranged inside the wiring space 1k.

[0078] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the cable extension system 100 is equipped with a runway auxiliary jig 12, but the runway auxiliary jig 12 may be omitted if adjacent cable wiring paths 1 can be arranged side by side without any gaps 13.

[0079] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies. Parts of the configurations may be omitted or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0080] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0081] (Appendix 1) A cable drawing machine that draws a cable while traveling along a cable wiring path, A main body provided with an axle insertion portion and a first fixing hole; an axle that is inserted through the axle insertion portion of the body and rotatably attached to the body, and that has a plurality of second fixing holes that are spaced apart from one another in a width direction of the cable wiring path; a wheel attached to the axle and adapted to rotate with the axle to roll along the cable wiring path; A motor provided in the main body for rotating the axle; a cable holding mechanism provided on the main body for holding the cable; A fixing member movably provided in the first fixing hole of the main body; Equipped with A cable drawing machine characterized in that the position of the fixing member can be changed between a fixed position in which the fixing member is inserted into any one of the multiple second fixing holes to restrict movement of the main body in the width direction relative to the axle, and a released position in which the fixing member is removed from the second fixing hole to allow movement of the main body in the width direction relative to the axle. (Appendix 2) The axle can be selected from a plurality of types having different axial lengths according to the width of the cable wiring path; The cable drawing machine described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the axle insertion portion is formed to a size that allows each of the multiple types of axles to be inserted therethrough. (Appendix 3) a fall prevention member attached to the axle on the outer side of the cable wiring path in a width direction relative to the wheels and configured to restrict outward movement of the wheels in the width direction; The axles are spaced apart from one another in a running direction of the cable laying machine, The fall prevention member is attached to the plurality of axles, The cable drawing machine described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that the fall prevention member is provided with a plurality of insertion holes through which each of the multiple axles is inserted, and a plurality of bearings provided on the inner surfaces of each of the multiple insertion holes to rotatably support the axles. (Appendix 4) the main body, the axle, the wheels, and the motor are disposed outside a wiring space of the cable wiring path in which the cable is wired; A cable drawing machine described in any one of appendix 1 to 3, characterized in that a bottom surface of the main body is located above the wiring space. (Appendix 5) A plurality of cable wiring paths arranged side by side along a cable extension path; a cable drawing machine that draws the cable while traveling along the cable wiring path, The cable drawing machine includes: A main body provided with an axle insertion portion and a first fixing hole; an axle that is inserted through the axle insertion portion of the body and rotatably attached to the body, and that has a plurality of second fixing holes that are spaced apart from one another in a width direction of the cable wiring path; a wheel attached to the axle and adapted to rotate with the axle to roll along the cable wiring path; A motor provided in the main body for rotating the axle; a cable holding mechanism provided on the main body for holding the cable; A fixing member movably provided in the first fixing hole of the main body; Equipped with A cable extension system characterized in that the position of the fixing member can be changed between a fixed position in which the fixing member is inserted into any one of the multiple second fixing holes to restrict movement of the main body in the width direction relative to the axle, and a released position in which the fixing member is removed from the second fixing hole to allow movement of the main body in the width direction relative to the axle. (Appendix 6) A travel path auxiliary tool characterized by spanning a gap formed between adjacent cable wiring paths among a plurality of cable wiring paths installed in line along a cable extension path, and connecting the adjacent cable wiring paths through the gap. (Appendix 7) A cable extension method for extending a cable using a plurality of cable extension machines according to any one of appendixes 1 to 4, a first step of extending the cable by running the cable extension machine to which the cable is attached; a second step of attaching a new cable drawing machine to a midway portion of the cable drawn in the first step in the longitudinal direction; Including, A cable extension method, comprising alternately repeating the first step and the second step. (Appendix 8) A cable drawing method for drawing a cable by using the cable drawing machine according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to 4 and a tension detection type cable drawing machine that detects tension applied to a cable and pushes the cable forward in a running direction when the detected tension is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, a first step of attaching the cable to the cable drawing machine and attaching the cable to the tension detection type cable drawing machine disposed behind the cable drawing machine in the running direction and away from the cable drawing machine; a second step of running the cable drawing machine to which the cable is attached, detecting tension applied to the cable with the tension detection type cable drawing machine, and pushing the cable forward in the running direction when the detected tension is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value; A cable extension method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 cable wiring path, 1a parent beam, 1b child beam, 1c clamp, 1d parent beam lower part, 1e parent beam middle part, 1f parent beam upper part, 1g mounting part, 1h hook part, 1i connection part, 1j step, 1k wiring space, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C cable extension machine, 3 main body, 3a axle insertion part, 3b first fixing hole, 3c bottom cover, 3d bearing frame, 4 axle, 4a mounting hole, 4b second fixing hole, 5 wheel, 5a through hole, 5b flange, 5c groove, 6 fall prevention member, 6a fall prevention frame, 6b fall prevention pin, 6c axle mounting part, 6d connection part, 6e insertion hole, 6f bearing, 7 motor, 8 power supply, 9 cable holding mechanism, 9a ring part, 10 fixing member, 11 cable, 12 Travel path auxiliary jig, 12a connecting part, 12b fixing part, 12c bolt, 13 gap, 14 tension detection type cable extension machine, 100 cable extension system, C central axis.

Claims

1. A cable drawing machine that draws a cable while traveling along a cable wiring path, a main body provided with an axle insertion portion and a first fixing hole; an axle that is inserted through the axle insertion portion of the body and rotatably attached to the body, the axle having a plurality of second fixing holes that are spaced apart from one another in a width direction of the cable wiring path; a wheel attached to the axle and adapted to rotate with the axle to roll along the cable wiring path; A motor provided in the main body for rotating the axle; a cable holding mechanism provided on the main body for holding the cable; A fixing member movably provided in the first fixing hole of the main body; Equipped with A cable drawing machine characterized in that the position of the fixing member can be changed between a fixed position in which the fixing member is inserted into any one of the multiple second fixing holes to restrict movement of the main body in the width direction relative to the axle, and a released position in which the fixing member is removed from the second fixing hole to allow movement of the main body in the width direction relative to the axle.

2. The axle can be selected from a plurality of types having different axial lengths according to the width of the cable wiring path; 2. The cable drawing machine according to claim 1, wherein the axle insertion portion is formed to a size that allows each of a plurality of types of axles to be inserted therethrough.

3. a fall prevention member attached to the axle on the outer side of the cable wiring path in a width direction relative to the wheels and configured to restrict outward movement of the wheels in the width direction; The axles are spaced apart from one another in a running direction of the cable laying machine, The fall prevention member is attached to the plurality of axles, The cable drawing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the fall prevention member is provided with a plurality of insertion holes through which each of the plurality of axles is inserted, and a plurality of bearings provided on the inner surfaces of each of the plurality of insertion holes to rotatably support the axles.

4. the main body, the axle, the wheels, and the motor are disposed outside a wiring space of the cable wiring path in which the cable is wired; 2. The cable drawing machine according to claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the main body is disposed above the wiring space.

5. A plurality of cable wiring paths arranged side by side along a cable extension path; a cable drawing machine that draws the cable while traveling along the cable wiring path, The cable drawing machine includes: a main body provided with an axle insertion portion and a first fixing hole; an axle that is inserted through the axle insertion portion of the body and rotatably attached to the body, the axle having a plurality of second fixing holes that are spaced apart from one another in a width direction of the cable wiring path; a wheel attached to the axle and adapted to rotate with the axle to roll along the cable wiring path; A motor provided in the main body for rotating the axle; a cable holding mechanism provided on the main body for holding the cable; A fixing member movably provided in the first fixing hole of the main body; Equipped with A cable extension system characterized in that the position of the fixing member can be changed between a fixed position in which the fixing member is inserted into any one of the multiple second fixing holes to restrict movement of the main body in the width direction relative to the axle, and a released position in which the fixing member is removed from the second fixing hole to allow movement of the main body in the width direction relative to the axle.

6. A travel path auxiliary tool characterized by spanning a gap formed between adjacent cable wiring paths among a plurality of cable wiring paths installed in line along a cable extension path, and connecting the adjacent cable wiring paths through the gap.

7. A cable drawing method for drawing a cable using a plurality of cable drawing machines according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the steps of: a first step of extending the cable by running the cable extension machine to which the cable is attached; a second step of attaching a new cable drawing machine to a midway portion of the cable drawn in the first step in the longitudinal direction; Including, A cable extending method, comprising alternately repeating the first step and the second step.

8. A cable drawing method for drawing a cable using the cable drawing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and a tension detection type cable drawing machine that detects tension applied to a cable and pushes the cable forward in a running direction when the detected tension is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value, a first step of attaching the cable to the cable drawing machine and attaching the cable to the tension detection type cable drawing machine disposed rearward of the cable drawing machine in the running direction and spaced apart from the cable drawing machine; a second step of running the cable drawing machine to which the cable is attached, detecting tension applied to the cable with the tension detection type cable drawing machine, and pushing the cable forward in the running direction when the detected tension is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value; A cable extension method comprising:

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