Cable direction changer and winding device

Abstract

To simplify and streamline the process of adjusting cable length. [Solution] A cable direction changer comprising a cable inserted into a predetermined planar space and a guide surrounding the planar space, wherein the cable is rotatable via the guide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable direction turner and a winding device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when adjusting the length of a cable (for example, a power supply cable or a communication cable) connected to construction machinery (hereinafter referred to as construction machinery), a worker is assigned as a watchman to handle it. Also, a cable drum (winding drum) is sometimes used to adjust the length of the cable. For example, referring to Patent Document 1, a tool that enables safe operation of transporting and changing the direction of a cable drum is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, the work of adjusting the length of the cable involves a large load due to the weight of the cable, and is furthermore dangerous because the construction machinery moves. Also, even when using the cable drum and the tool of Patent Document 1, work such as changing the direction of the cable drum by a worker is required, which is laborious.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to simplify and improve the efficiency of the work of adjusting the length of the cable.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Other features of the present invention will be revealed in the specification and drawings described below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the work of adjusting the length of a cable can be simplified and made more efficient. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figures 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the general procedure for adjusting the length of a cable. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the winding device 10 of this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram of the configuration for controlling the rotation of the winding drum 16 around the winding shaft 16b. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of controlling the tension of cable 5 by the device body 10A. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of a modified winding device 10'. [Figure 6] This is a side view of a modified winding device 10'. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following information will become clear from the description in the specification and drawings described later.

[0011] (Aspect 1) A cable direction changer comprising a cable inserted into a predetermined planar space and a guide surrounding the planar space, wherein the cable is capable of freely changing direction via the guide.

[0012] According to the cable direction reverser of Mode 1, the work of adjusting the length of the cable can be simplified and made more efficient.

[0013] (Mode 2) The cable direction reverser according to Mode 1, wherein the guide includes a pair of first rollers arranged in a predetermined direction, and a pair of second rollers arranged in an intersecting direction intersecting the predetermined direction and respectively arranged between one end and the other end of the pair of first rollers in the intersecting direction, and the cable is inserted into the planar space surrounded by the pair of first rollers and the pair of second rollers. A cable direction reverser characterized by this.

[0014] According to the cable direction reverser of Mode 2, the cable can be more reliably reversed in direction.

[0015] (Mode 3) A winding device comprising the cable direction reverser according to Mode 1 or 2 and a winding drum for the cable.

[0016] According to the winding device of Mode 3, the work of adjusting the length of the cable can be simplified and made more efficient. <9000085>

[0017] (Mode 4) The winding device according to Mode 3, wherein the cable direction reverser includes a first cable direction reverser and a second cable direction reverser, and it is desirable that the normal directions of the planar spaces of the first cable direction reverser and the planar spaces of the second cable direction reverser are inclined or parallel and displaced.

[0018] According to the winding device of Mode 3, the corresponding range of cable direction reversal can be expanded.

[0019] (Mode 5) The take-up device according to aspect 3 or 4, comprising a detection unit that detects the torque of the take-up shaft of the take-up drum, a drive unit that rotates the take-up drum around the take-up shaft, and a control unit that controls the drive unit according to the detection result of the detection unit, is desirable.

[0020] According to the take-up device of aspect 5, the tension of the cable can be automatically controlled.

[0021] (Aspect 6) The take-up device according to aspect 5, wherein when the detection result of the detection unit exceeds the upper limit threshold value, it is desirable that the drive unit rotates the take-up drum in the cable feeding direction.

[0022] According to the take-up device of aspect 6, excessive force can be prevented from being applied to the cable.

[0023] (Aspect 7) The take-up device according to aspect 5 or 6, wherein when the detection result of the detection unit is less than the lower limit threshold value, it is desirable that the drive unit rotates the take-up drum in the cable winding direction.

[0024] [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The construction machine 1 shown in the figure (hereinafter also referred to as "construction machine 1") is a machine used for civil engineering and construction work. Here, a hydraulic excavator is shown as construction machine 1, but it is not limited to this. For example, a bulldozer or crane would also be acceptable.

[0028] In recent years, environmental protection movements, particularly those addressing global warming, have become increasingly active. There is a strong interest in air pollution, and efforts to reduce exhaust emissions (such as CO2) from internal combustion engines are attracting attention.

[0029] To reduce CO2 emissions, construction machine 1 does not have a gasoline-powered engine and is electrically driven by electricity. Furthermore, construction machine 1 may be operated by a person on board, or it may be operated remotely, for example, via wireless communication, and operate unmanned.

[0030] Power source 3 is a power source for supplying power to construction machine 1.

[0031] Cable 5 is a power supply cable, with one end connected to power source 3 and the other end connected to construction machine 1. This allows power from power source 3 to be supplied to construction machine 1 via cable 5.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1A, when construction equipment 1 moves in the direction that pulls cable 5, the worker extends the cable in advance to the extent of the movement, as shown in the figure, and then gradually feeds out cable 5.

[0033] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1B, when the construction machine 1 moves in a direction that causes the cable 5 to become slack, the worker pulls the slack portion of the cable 5 and bundles up the excess portion.

[0034] Thus, when adjusting the length of cable 5, it was necessary to assign a worker to perform the length adjustment as a backup. Furthermore, the work of adjusting the length of cable 5 was dangerous due to the heavy load caused by the weight of cable 5 and the movement of construction equipment 1.

[0035] Furthermore, while winding devices equipped with a cable winding drum are known, they can only accommodate the linear movement of the construction machine 1 and cannot accommodate movement in other directions. For example, when the construction machine 1 moves from side to side, it is necessary to change the direction of the winding drum in accordance with the movement of the construction machine 1, which requires a great deal of effort from the workers.

[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment, the process of adjusting the length of the cable 5 is simplified and made more efficient.

[0037] <Winding device of this embodiment> Figure 2 shows the configuration of the winding device 10 of this embodiment. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration for controlling the rotation of the winding drum 16 around the winding shaft 16b. In Figure 2, three intersecting directions (X direction, Y direction, and Z direction) are defined. The Z direction is along the vertical direction, with the upper side of the vertical direction being "up" and the opposite side (the lower side of the vertical direction) being "down". The X and Y directions are two directions (horizontal directions) that are orthogonal in the horizontal plane. One of these three directions (in this case, the X direction) corresponds to the "predetermined direction", and one of the other two directions (in this case, the Z direction) corresponds to the "intersecting direction".

[0038] The winding device 10 of this embodiment comprises a device body 10A and a cable direction changer 20.

[0039] <Device body 10A> As shown in Figure 2, the main unit 10A of the device includes a base 11, a support section 14, a winding drum 16, and an electric motor 19. Although not shown in Figure 2, it also includes a torque sensor 17 and a control unit 18 (see Figure 3).

[0040] The base 11 is a stand for installing the winding drum 16 on the ground or other surface.

[0041] The support portion 14 is a member for supporting the winding shaft 16b (described later) of the winding drum 16 so that it can rotate in the R1 direction in the figure, and a pair of support portions are provided on the base 11 with a gap in the X direction. The cable 5 is passed through the base 11, the support portion 14, and the winding shaft 16b.

[0042] The winding drum 16 is a device for winding (or unwinding) the cable 5, and is also called a cable reel. The winding drum 16 has a flange portion 16a and a winding shaft 16b.

[0043] The flange portion 16a is a circular plate-shaped member. The surface of the flange portion 16a intersects the axial direction (in this case, the X direction) of the winding shaft 16b and is aligned with the Z direction (vertical direction). Furthermore, a pair of flange portions 16a are provided spaced apart in the axial direction (X direction) of the winding shaft 16b. The cable 5 is wound around the winding shaft 16b between this pair of flange portions 16a.

[0044] The winding shaft 16b is an axis aligned with the normal direction to the surface (vertical plane) of the flange portion 16a, and is the axis of rotation of the winding drum 16 (rotation in the R1 direction in the figure). As the winding shaft 16b rotates in the R1 direction, the winding drum 16 also rotates in the same direction (R1 direction).

[0045] As mentioned above, the cable 5 is wound onto the winding drum 16 via the winding shaft 16b. For this reason, a slip ring is used on the winding shaft 16b. A slip ring is a mechanism for transmitting power and signals to a rotating body via annular circuits and brushes arranged in the direction of rotation or concentrically. This allows the winding drum 16 to rotate 360 ​​degrees in the R1 direction in the diagram around the winding shaft 16b without the wiring (in this case, the cable 5) becoming entangled or broken. Depending on the direction of rotation, the cable 5 can be wound up or unwound.

[0046] The torque sensor 17 (see Figure 3: corresponding to the detection unit) is a sensor that detects the rotational torque (load torque) of the winding shaft 16b of the winding drum 16. Torque is the moment of force acting around the rotation axis (in this case, the winding shaft 16b). Here, the torque sensor 17 is a slip ring type sensor and is installed on the winding shaft 16b. However, it is not limited to a slip ring type, and other types of sensors may also be used.

[0047] The control unit 18 (see Figure 3) controls the drive of the electric motor 19 according to the detection result (torque value) of the torque sensor 17 (this process will be described later).

[0048] The electric motor 19 (corresponding to the drive unit) is a motor for driving (rotating) the winding shaft 16b (in other words, the winding drum 16). The electric motor 19 rotates the winding shaft 16b (winding drum 16) in one of the R1 directions according to the instructions of the control unit 18.

[0049] <Cable direction changer 20> The cable direction changer 20 is a device for making the cable 5 between the main body 10A (winding drum 16) and the construction machine 1 freely directional in accordance with the movement of the construction machine 1. The cable direction changer 20 comprises a cable 5 inserted into a predetermined planar space between the main body 10A and the construction machine 1, and four rollers (a pair of vertical rollers 21 and a pair of horizontal rollers 23) surrounding the planar space. In this embodiment, the four rollers correspond to guides. In Figure 2, the cable direction changer 20 appears to be floating in the air (not fixed), but the position of the cable direction changer 20 is fixed and it cannot move. However, each roller of the cable direction changer 20 is rotatable (for example, it is pivotally supported by a support part not shown).

[0050] In Figure 2, the pair of vertical rollers 21 (corresponding to the first roller) are spaced apart in the X direction (a predetermined direction), and their axial directions are aligned with the Z direction (a crossing direction).

[0051] Also, a pair of horizontal rollers 23 (corresponding to the second rollers) are arranged side by side in the Z direction (the intersecting direction), and their axial directions are along the X direction (the predetermined direction). Further, the pair of horizontal rollers 23 are respectively arranged between one ends of the pair of vertical rollers 21 on one side in the Z direction and between the other ends on the other side.

[0052] And, a cable 5 penetrates in the Y direction through a planar space (here, the space of the XZ plane) surrounded by the pair of vertical rollers 21 and the pair of horizontal rollers 23. In other words, the cable 5 is inserted through the above planar space. Thereby, the cable 5 can be freely turned in direction via each roller (the pair of vertical rollers 21 and the pair of horizontal rollers 23) of the cable direction turner 20.

[0053] <Operation of the apparatus main body 10A> FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process of tension control of the cable 5 by the apparatus main body 10A. With reference also to FIG. 3, the process of tension control of the cable 5 will be described.

[0054] Incidentally, as a torque value T for controlling the tension of the cable 5 within a predetermined range, an upper limit threshold value Tth1 on the upper limit side and a lower limit threshold value Tth2 (<Tth1) on the lower limit side are set in advance, and each threshold value is stored in a storage unit (not shown) or the like. Also, the storage unit stores a program or the like for performing the process of FIG. 4.

[0055] First, the torque sensor 17 detects the torque value of the winding shaft 16b, and the control unit 18 receives a signal (torque value T) from the torque sensor 17 (FIG. 4: S01).

[0056] The control unit 18 determines whether the received torque value T exceeds the upper limit threshold value Tth1 (FIG. 4: S02). If the torque value exceeds the upper limit threshold value Tth1 (YES in S02), the control unit 18 controls the electric motor 19 so that the winding shaft 16b rotates in the direction of feeding out the cable 5. That is, the winding drum 16 is rotated in the feeding out direction of the cable 5 (FIG. 44: S03).

[0057] On the other hand, in step S02, if the torque value T does not exceed the upper threshold Tth1 (NO in S02), the control unit 18 determines whether the received torque value T is less than the lower threshold Tth2 (Figure 4: S04).

[0058] If the received torque value T is less than the lower threshold Tth2 (YES in S04), the control unit 18 controls the electric motor 19 so that the winding shaft 16b rotates in the direction of winding the cable 5. In other words, the winding drum 16 is rotated in the direction of winding the cable 5 (Figure 4: S05).

[0059] If, after step S03, after step S05, and in step S04, the torque value is greater than or equal to the lower threshold Tth2 (NO in S04), the control unit 18 determines whether the work is finished or not (Figure 4: S06). If it is determined that the work is not finished (S06: NO), the process returns to step S01 and the same process is repeated. If it is determined that the work is finished (S06: YES), the process is terminated.

[0060] Through the above process, when the construction machine 1 moves, the winding drum 16 can be automatically rotated in one or the other direction in the R1 direction, thereby controlling the tension of the cable 5. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the cable 5 from becoming loose or from being subjected to excessive tension.

[0061] <Effects of the cable direction changer 20> As shown in Figure 2, the cable 5 is inserted between the winding drum 16 and the construction machine 1 into a planar space surrounded by the four rollers (a pair of vertical rollers 21 and a pair of horizontal rollers 23) of the cable direction changer 20.

[0062] This allows the cable 5 to be rotated via the roller located in the direction of movement, regardless of the direction in which the construction machine 1 moves. For example, in Figure 2, when the construction machine 1 moves to one side in the X direction (in this case, the left side of the page), the cable 5 on the winding drum 16 is pulled in the Y direction (towards the back of the page) via the vertical roller 21 on the left side of the page. As a result, the tension in the cable 5 increases, and the cable 5 is fed out from the winding drum 16 according to the flow described above. The same applies when moving in other directions (for example, the direction shown by the dashed line in the figure), so the explanation is omitted.

[0063] Therefore, this system can be used not only when the construction machine 1 moves in a straight line, but also when it moves in any direction, simplifying and streamlining the work of adjusting the length of the cable 5.

[0064] The cable direction changer 20 in this embodiment is equipped with four rollers as guides, but is not limited to this. For example, if the direction of direction of the cable 5's direction change is predetermined to some extent, only the portion corresponding to that direction may be made into a roller (see the modified example described later). Also, the guide can be any member that can guide the direction of the cable 5's direction change, and does not necessarily have to be a roller.

[0065] <<Variation>> In the embodiment described above, there was one cable direction changer 20, but it is not limited to this and multiple may be provided.

[0066] Figure 5 is a plan view (viewed from above) of the modified winding device 10', and Figure 6 is a side view (viewed from the Y direction) of the modified winding device 10'.

[0067] This modified winding device 10' is equipped with three cable direction changers 20 (referred to as 20A, 20B, and 20C, respectively).

[0068] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the three cable direction changers 20 each have a different orientation of the plane enclosed by their four rollers (i.e., the orientation of the normal direction). Specifically, cable direction changer 20A has a plane normal direction in the X direction, cable direction changer 20B has a plane normal direction in the Z direction, and cable direction changer 20C has a plane normal direction in the Y direction.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the main body of the device 10A is positioned higher than the ground (and the construction machine 1).

[0070] The cable 5 is then inserted from the winding drum 16 of the main unit 10A through the cable direction changer 20A → cable direction changer 20B → cable direction changer 20C in that order and connected to the construction machine 1.

[0071] In this way, by arranging multiple cable direction changers 20, the range of direction changes that the cable 5 can handle can be further expanded. In addition, depending on how each cable direction limiter 20 is installed (such as its orientation), the range of coverage can be extended not only on a planar level but also to upper and lower floors.

[0072] In this example, each cable direction changer 20 (20A, 20B, 20C) was positioned so that the normal direction of their respective planes was tilted, but this is not limited to this arrangement. For example, they may be positioned so that their normal directions are offset in parallel. In this case as well, the range of direction change for the cable 5 can be expanded.

[0073] Furthermore, even in this modified example, each cable direction changer 20 does not necessarily have to consist of four rollers. For example, since cable direction changer 20A is positioned higher than cable direction changer 20B, the cable 5 will not be turned upwards. Therefore, the upper part of cable direction changer 20A does not have to be a roller (it could have three rollers). Also, in the case of cable direction changer 20B, since it is positioned between cable direction changer 20A and cable direction changer 20C, the cable 5 will not move to any rollers other than the two overlapping rollers in Figure 5. Therefore, the parts other than these two rollers do not have to be rollers (it could have two rollers).

[0074] ===Other=== The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1. Construction machinery (construction equipment) 3 Power supply 5 Cables 10 Winding device 10' Winding device (modified version) 10A Main Unit 11 Base 14 Support part 16 reel drum 16a Flange section 16b Winding shaft 17 Torque sensor (detection unit) 18 Control Unit 19. Electric motor (drive unit) 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Cable Direction Changer 21. Vertical roller (first roller, guide) 23. Side roller (second roller, guide)

Claims

1. A cable inserted into a predetermined planar space, A guide enclosing the aforementioned planar space, Equipped with, The cable is rotatable via the guide, A cable direction changer characterized by the following features.

2. A cable direction changer according to claim 1, The aforementioned guide, A pair of first rollers aligned in a predetermined direction, A pair of second rollers are arranged in an intersecting direction that intersects the predetermined direction, and are positioned between one end of the pair of first rollers in the intersecting direction, and between the other ends of the pair of first rollers, Equipped with, The aforementioned cable is Inserted into the planar space surrounded by the pair of first rollers and the pair of second rollers, A cable direction changer characterized by the following features.

3. A cable direction changer according to claim 1, The cable winding drum and A winding device characterized by having the following features.

4. A winding device according to claim 3, The cable direction changer comprises a first cable direction changer and a second cable direction changer. The plane of the first cable direction changer and the plane of the second cable direction changer have their respective normal directions tilted or shifted parallel to each other. A winding device characterized by the following features.

5. A winding device according to claim 3 or 4, A detection unit for detecting the torque of the winding shaft of the winding drum, A drive unit that rotates the winding drum around the winding shaft, A control unit controls the drive unit according to the detection result of the detection unit, A winding device characterized by having the following features.

6. A winding device according to claim 5, The control unit, If the detection result of the detection unit exceeds the upper threshold, the drive unit rotates the winding drum in the cable feeding direction. A winding device characterized by the following features.

7. A winding device according to claim 5, The control unit, If the detection result of the detection unit is below the lower threshold, the drive unit rotates the winding drum in the winding direction of the cable. A winding device characterized by the following features.

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