Cable feeding device, cable feeding method, and method for preparing cable feeding device

Abstract

A cable feeding device 1 comprises: a container 20 that is provided with an accommodation space 27 which accommodates a cable bundle 10; a guide 30 that is disposed above the cable bundle 10 and that guides a cable 11 which is pulled out from the cable bundle 10; and a pass-through part 40 that has a pass-through port 41 through which the cable 11 passes and that is provided between the guide 30 and a laying start point 50, wherein the inner diameter D8 of the pass-through port 41 is less than the winding diameter D1 of the cable bundle 10, and the guide 30 and the pass-through part 40 can be accommodated in the accommodation space 27.

Description

Cable payout device, cable payout method, and method for preparing a cable payout device

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable payout device used to pay out a cable from a cable bundle, a cable payout method for paying out a cable from a cable bundle, and a method for preparing a cable payout device. For designated states where incorporation by reference is permitted, the content of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-106449, filed in Japan on July 1, 2024, is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of the description of this specification.

[0002] A known container for housing a cable bundle includes a box body that houses the cable bundle and a pipe that is provided on top of the box body and through which the cables can pass (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0127760

[0004] Immediately after being pulled out of the cable bundle, the cable retains its curl, causing it to bend at a diameter approximately equal to the winding diameter of the cable bundle. Meanwhile, the passage hole of the pipe has an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the cable. Therefore, when the cable is pulled out of the container through the pipe, the cable may get caught on the end surface of the pipe, causing a kink in the cable. In contrast, if the container does not have the pipe, the cable may become unruly as it is released from the curl when pulled out of the container.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cable payout device, a cable payout method, and a method for preparing a cable payout device that can suppress the occurrence of cable kinks and cable unsteadiness.

[0006] [1] Aspect 1 of the present invention is a cable payout device used to pay out a cable from a cable bundle to a laying start point, comprising: a container with a storage space for storing the cable bundle; a guide positioned above the cable bundle for guiding the cable pulled out from the cable bundle; and a wire passing section having a wire passing opening through which the cable passes and installed between the guide and the laying start point, wherein the width of the wire passing opening is smaller than the winding diameter of the cable bundle, and the guide and the wire passing section are capable of being stored in the storage space.

[0007] [2] Aspect 2 of the present invention may be a cable payout device according to aspect 1, wherein the container comprises a wall and a plate-like portion connected to the wall and forming a lid, and the guide is held by the plate-like portion.

[0008] [3] Aspect 3 of the present invention may be a cable payout device according to aspect 2, further comprising an extension member that is detachable from the plate-shaped portion, and the guide is held by the plate-shaped portion via the extension member.

[0009] [4] Aspect 4 of the present invention may be a cable payout device in any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the guide is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the guide is inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0010] [5] Aspect 5 of the present invention may be a cable unwinding device in any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the distance between the top of the cable bundle and the guide is equal to or greater than the winding diameter of the cable bundle.

[0011] [6] A sixth aspect of the present invention may be a cable unwinding device in any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the length of the portion of the guide that guides the cable is equal to or greater than the winding diameter of the cable bundle.

[0012] [7] Aspect 7 of the present invention may be a cable unwinding device in any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the distance between the guide and the wire passage port is equal to or greater than the winding diameter of the cable bundle.

[0013] [8] Aspect 8 of the present invention may be a cable feeding device in any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the wire-passing section is installed so as to deviate from an imaginary straight line passing through the guide and the laying start point.

[0014] [9] A ninth aspect of the present invention may be the cable reeling device of the eighth aspect, wherein the wire passing portion is disposed at a position lower than the guide.

[0015]

[10] A tenth aspect of the present invention may be a cable reeling device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the guide holds the cable only from below.

[0016]

[11] Aspect 11 of the present invention may be a cable reeling device in any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the guide is shortenable or disassembleable to a size that can be accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0017]

[12] Aspect 12 of the present invention may be a cable payout device in any one of aspects 1 to 11, which includes an upper plate having a retaining hole, an outer lid that can cover the upper surface of the container and is removable from the container, and the wire-passing portion is inserted into the hole in the outer lid.

[0018]

[13] Aspect 13 of the present invention may be a cable feeding device in any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the wire-passing section is foldable or disassembleable to a size that can be stored in the storage space.

[0019]

[14] Aspect 14 of the present invention may be a cable payout device in any one of aspects 1 to 13, which is provided with a weight that is arranged between the cable bundle and the guide portion and is slidable relative to the cable being pulled out from the cable bundle.

[0020]

[15] Aspect 15 of the present invention may be a cable payout device in any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the cable bundle is a coreless cable bundle having the cable wound in a figure-eight configuration.

[0021]

[16] Aspect 16 of the present invention may be a cable payout device in any one of aspects 1 to 15, further comprising a cable holding member placed on the cable bundle so as to contact the cable pulled out from the cable bundle.

[0022]

[17] Aspect 17 of the present invention is a cable unwinding method for unwinding a cable from a cable bundle to a laying start point, comprising the steps of guiding the cable pulled out from the cable bundle contained in the storage space of a container with a guide arranged above the cable bundle, and passing the cable through a wire passage opening of a wire passage section installed between the guide and the laying start point, wherein the width of the wire passage opening is smaller than the winding diameter of the cable bundle.

[0023]

[18] Aspect 18 of the present invention is a method for preparing a cable bundle payout device, comprising the steps of: arranging a container containing a cable bundle, a guide, and a wire-passing section; opening a plate-shaped section forming a lid of the container; removing the guide from the container and holding the guide on the plate-shaped section; removing the wire-passing section from the container, assembling the wire-passing section, and installing the wire-passing section between the guide and a starting point of laying; and pulling out a cable from the cable bundle, passing it over the guide and through the wire-passing opening of the wire-passing section, and guiding it to the starting point of laying.

[0024] In this invention, the guide is positioned above the cable bundle, so the cable can be pulled up from the cable bundle to release the cable loop, thereby preventing the cable from kinking. Also, in this invention, the width of the wire-passing opening of the wire-passing part positioned between the guide and the starting point of laying is smaller than the winding diameter of the cable bundle, so the cable can be prevented from becoming unruly. Furthermore, in this invention, the guide and wire-passing part can be stored in the storage space, so cable laying work can be done by simply transporting a container containing the guide and wire-passing part to the site without using large-scale equipment.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cable reeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the side. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a cable reeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view of a container containing a cable bundle, a guide, and a cable guide portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear. FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 3(a). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first modified example of a cable reeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear. FIG. 5(a) is a plan view of a guide according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5(b) is a plan view of a modified example of the guide according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second modified example of a cable reeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the side. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second modified example of a cable reeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear, taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view of an outer lid removed from a container according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8(b) is a perspective view of a cable guide portion attached to the outer lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cable reeling device 1 according to this embodiment, as viewed from the side. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cable reeling device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view of a container 20 accommodating a cable bundle 10, a guide 30, and a wire-passing portion 40 according to this embodiment, as viewed from the rear. FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 3(a). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first modified example of the cable reeling device 1 according to this embodiment, as viewed from the rear. FIG. 5(a) is a plan view of a guide 30 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 5(b) is a plan view of a modified example of the guide 30 according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second modified example of the cable reeling device 1 according to this embodiment, as viewed from the side. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second modified example of the cable reeling device 1 according to this embodiment, as viewed from the rear, taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6.

[0028] 1 and 2 , the cable payout device 1 of this embodiment is a device used to pay out a cable 11 from a cable bundle 10 to a laying start point 50. The cable payout device 1 includes a container 20, a guide 30, and a wire passing portion 40.

[0029] 3( a) and 3(b), this cable payout device 1 is capable of storing the guide 30 and the wire-running portion 40 in addition to the cable bundle 10 in the container 20. When laying the cable 11, a worker transports the container 20 to the installation site with the cable bundle 10, the guide 30, and the wire-running portion 40 stored in the container 20. The worker then opens the lid 26 of the container 20, removes the guide 30 and the wire-running portion 40 from the container 20, sets them as described below, and then starts the work of paying out the cable 11.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 3(b), the cable bundle 10 is formed by winding a single continuous cable 11 into a ring (coil). The cable 11 of this embodiment has no connection points between one end and the other end. Note that a single continuous cable 11 may also be formed by connecting multiple cables, for example, by fusion splicing or by connectors. This cable bundle 10 has a winding diameter D １ In this embodiment, the winding diameter D １ is the maximum outer diameter of the cable bundle 10 accommodated in the accommodation space 27 of the container 10. A specific example of the cable 11 is an optical fiber cable, but is not limited to this. For example, the cable 11 may be a metal cable for power transmission, communication, or a composite type that combines these.

[0031] An example of a method for winding the cables 11 when forming the cable bundle 10 is "figure-of-eight winding." This "figure-of-eight winding" is a known cable winding method that follows the procedure described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-5840. Specifically, in this "figure-of-eight winding," the cable 11 is alternately twisted clockwise and counterclockwise to form loops, and the cable 11 is then wound to form the cable bundle 10. Note that the specific procedure for "figure-of-eight winding" is not particularly limited to the above. For example, the cable bundle 10 may be formed by placing the cables 11 on a plane in a figure-of-eight shape and folding two loops at the intersections of the figure-of-eight shape.

[0032] In the cable bundle 10 wound using this "figure-of-eight winding," the winding directions of the two loops (the forward-winding loop and the reverse-winding loop) that make up the figure-eight are opposite, so that when the first and second loops are unwound and the cable is pulled out, the twist that occurs when unwrapping the first loop cancels out the twist that was imparted when the second loop was made, and no twist occurs in the cable 11. Note that the winding method for the cable 11 when forming the cable bundle 10 is not particularly limited to the above.

[0033] Furthermore, this cable bundle 10 is a coreless cable bundle (drumless structure) that does not have a winding core such as a drum, bobbin, or reel. The cable bundle 10 is formed using the above-described twist-free winding method, and there is no need to rotate the cable bundle 10 when paying out the cables 11, so the cable bundle 10 can have a coreless structure. This reduces the weight of the cable bundle 10 and eliminates the need for dedicated tools such as a jack or shaft when paying out the cables 11.

[0034] The container 20 is a box-shaped body including a bottom 21, a front wall 22, side walls 23 and 24, a rear wall 25, and a lid 26. The container 20 has a storage space 27 that stores the cable bundle 10. The internal dimension D of the storage space 27 is ２ (If the container is cylindrical, the inner diameter D ２ ) is the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 １ (D ２ =D １The storage space 27 is defined by the bottom 21, four walls 22 to 25, and the lid 26. The four walls 22 to 25 are connected to the bottom 21 at their respective lower edges. The four walls 22 to 25 are also connected to each other at their respective side edges.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3( a), the lid 26 is composed of a pair of flaps 261, 262. The side walls 23, 24 face each other, and the pair of flaps 261, 262 are connected to the upper edges of the side walls 23, 24, respectively. The flaps 261, 262 can be folded relative to the side walls 23, 24 at folding lines 261a, 262a, respectively. The lid 26 is formed by the flaps 261, 262 folded inward. The opening 28 surrounded by the four walls 22 to 25 is closed by the lid 26. Circular retaining holes 261b, 262b are formed in the flaps 261, 262, respectively.

[0036] In this embodiment, the shape of the container 20 is a quadrangular prism surrounded by four flat surfaces 22 to 25, but is not particularly limited to this as long as it is a shape that can accommodate the cable bundle 10. For example, the shape of the container 20 may be a cylinder or a polygonal prism surrounded by five or more flat surfaces.

[0037] The container 20 is made of, for example, cardboard made of paper, but is not limited to this. For example, the container 20 may be made of plastic cardboard made of a resin material such as polypropylene (PP). Alternatively, for example, the portions of the container 20 other than the lid 26 may be made of a free-standing polypropylene bag.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the guide 30 is a cylindrical guide member that guides the cable 11 pulled out from the cable bundle 10. The guide 30 is made of, for example, a paper tube, but is not limited to this. For example, the guide 30 may be a tube made of a resin material such as polypropylene (PP). The guide 30 has an arc-shaped cross section, which prevents the cable 11 from getting caught on the guide 30. Furthermore, the guide 30 holds the cable 11 only from below, and does not restrain the cable 11 in the vertical or horizontal direction. If the guide 30 restrains the cable 11, this may weaken the effect of preventing kinking.

[0039] When the above-described container 20 is transported to the installation site, the lid 26 of the container 20 is opened, and the flaps 261, 262 are folded outward by 90 degrees so as to be parallel to the walls 23, 24. The guide 30 is inserted into the retaining holes 261b, 262b of the flaps 261, 262 and is detachably held by the flaps 261, 262. The guide 30 held by the flaps 261, 262 is positioned vertically above the cable bundle 10. In this embodiment, the guide 30 is disposed directly above the cable bundle 10.

[0040] Because the guide 30 is positioned above the cable bundle 10, the guide 30 pulls up the cable 11 from the cable bundle 10 to release the loop of the cable 11 and guides the cable 11 to the wire-passing section 40. Furthermore, because the guide 30 is held by the flaps 261 and 262, the guide 30 can be positioned above the front wall 22 in the vertical direction. This allows the cable 11 moving from the guide 30 to the wire-passing section 40 to pass above the front wall 22 located between the guide 30 and the wire-passing section 40, thereby preventing the cable 11 from coming into contact with the front wall 22.

[0041] Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the distance L between the top of the cable bundle 10 and the guide 30 is １ is the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10. １ It is more than (L １ ≧D １) This makes it possible to prevent the loop of the cable 11 that is lifted up without being released from the cable bundle 10 from coming into contact with the guide 30.

[0042] The cable 11 drawn out from the cable bundle 10 can come into contact with a portion 31 between the flaps 261 and 262 of the guide 30. This guide portion 31 is a portion of the guide 30 that guides the cable 11. The cable 11 can come into direct contact with this guide portion 31. Although not particularly limited, the guide portion 31 of the guide 30 is １ The same length L ２ (L ２ =D １ ). Incidentally, since this guide 30 is held by the flaps 261 and 262, the length L of the guide portion 31 ２ Overall length L is longer than ３ (L ３ >L ２ ).

[0043] The length L of the guide portion 31 ２ is the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 １ It may be shorter (L ２ <D １ For example, when the flaps 261 and 262 are tilted toward the inside of the container 20 as viewed from above, the guide 30 is held by the flaps 261 and 262. ２ is the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 １ can be shorter (L ２ <D １ ). Also, for example, even if a thick diameter portion is provided on the guide 30 so that the guide 30 does not slide relative to the flaps 261 and 262, the length L of the guide portion 31 ２ is the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 １ can be shorter (L ２ <D １ ).

[0044] As described above, immediately after being pulled out from the cable bundle 10, the cable 11 has a winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 due to its winding tendency. １ On the other hand, the length L of the guide portion 31 is２ is the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 １ By making the length L of the guide portion 31 of the guide 30 equal to the length L of the guide portion 31 of the guide 30, the cable 11, which is curved due to its winding tendency, will not get caught on the guide 30, and the occurrence of kinking of the cable 11 can be further suppressed. ２ , the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 １ may be larger than (L ２ >D １ ).

[0045] Although not particularly limited, as shown in FIG. 3A, the holding holes 261b and 262b are formed to have an outer diameter D ３ Larger inner diameter D ６ (D ６ >D ３ In this case, the guide 30 is rotatably held by the flaps 261 and 262, and the entire guide portion 31 of the guide 30 rotates. This makes it possible to prevent the container 20 from moving due to tension in the cable 11 when the cable 11 is unwound.

[0046] 4, the guide 30 may be disposed so as to be inclined. Specifically, in the vertical direction, the retaining hole 261b of one flap 261 is disposed lower than the retaining hole 262b of the other flap 262. The guide 30 is held in the retaining holes 261b, 262b so that the longitudinal direction of the guide 30 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0047] For example, when the cable 11 is wound in a "figure-of-eight" fashion, the "reverse loop" whose starting point is located below the end point may be lifted up as the cable 11 is pulled out. In contrast, the inclined guide 30 guides the pulling direction along the route that the "reverse loop" would take if it were to open naturally, which increases the tendency for the "reverse loop" to be released.

[0048] For example, when the cable bundle 10 is wound counterclockwise when the container 20 is viewed from above (when the winding direction of the cable bundle 10 from the winding start end (S end) to the winding end (E end) is counterclockwise), the cables 11 are pulled out clockwise from the cable bundle 10. In this case, by positioning one retaining hole 261b lower than the other retaining hole 262b and tilting the guide 30 as described above, the tendency for the "reverse loop" to be released can be strengthened.

[0049] On the other hand, when the cable bundle 10 is wound clockwise when viewed from above the container 20 (when the winding direction of the cable bundle 10 from the winding start end (S end) to the winding end (E end) is clockwise), the cables 11 are pulled out counterclockwise from the cable bundle 10. In this case, by positioning one retaining hole 261b higher than the other retaining hole 262b and tilting the guide 30, the tendency for the "reverse loop" to be released can be strengthened.

[0050] 6 and 7, the extension plates 61 and 62 may hold the guide 30 in an inclined state. Alternatively, the guide 30 may be inclined by forming a holding hole 261b (or 262b) in the flap 261 (or 262) and a holding hole 621 (or 611) in the extension plate 62 (or 61).

[0051] The guide 30 may be held by a member other than the flaps 261, 262. A specific example of a member other than the flaps 261, 262 is a cardboard pillar member that can be housed in the container 20. The pillar member may have an extendable structure, such as a telescopic structure. Alternatively, the pillar member may have a structure that can be separated into multiple parts and assembled. It is preferable that the pillar member be able to be housed in the container 20 and hold the guide 30 at a sufficient height.

[0052] 6 and 7 , the cable reeling device 1 may include a plurality of guides 30 and a pair of extension plates 61, 62 (extension members). The pair of extension plates 61, 62 are members that extend flaps 261, 262 of the container 20. The plurality of guides 30 are held by the flaps 261, 262 via the extension plates 61, 62.

[0053] Specifically, the extension plate 61 is fixed to the upper part of the flap 261 by a fastener 63, and extends the flap 261 upward. The extension plate 62 is also fixed to the upper part of the flap 262 by a fastener 64, and extends the flap 262 upward. A plurality of circular retaining holes 611 are formed in the extension plate 61. A plurality of circular retaining holes 621 are also formed in the extension plate 62. The guides 30 are inserted into the retaining holes 611, 621 of the extension plates 61, 62, respectively, and are detachably held by the extension plates 61, 62. The retaining holes 611, 621 may have inner diameters larger than the outer diameters of the guides 30.

[0054] The extension plates 61, 62 are made of, for example, cardboard made of paper, but are not limited to this. For example, the extension plates 61, 62 may be made of plastic cardboard made of a resin material such as polypropylene (PP). It is preferable that the extension plates 61, 62 be able to be housed in the container 20.

[0055] For example, cable ties or fasteners (rivets, bolts, nuts, etc.) can be used as the fasteners 63, 64. Instead of the fasteners 63, 64, the extension plates 61, 62 may be fixed to the flaps 261, 262 with an adhesive.

[0056] Alternatively, without using the fasteners 63, 64 or adhesive, the extension plates 61, 62 may be directly fixed to the flaps 261, 262 by, for example, press-fitting engagement pieces formed on the extension plates 61, 62 into openings formed in the flaps 261, 262. Alternatively, for example, the extension plates 61, 62 may be directly fixed to the flaps 261, 262 by press-fitting engagement pieces formed on the flaps 261, 262 into openings formed in the extension plates 61, 62.

[0057] Here, the length of the flaps 261 and 262 is normally set to be equal to or greater than the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10. １ Therefore, when the top of the cable bundle 10 is close to the top end of the container 20, the distance L between the top of the cable bundle 10 and the guide 30 is approximately half the length of the cable bundle 10. １ The winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 １ That is all (L １ ≧D １ In response to this, by attaching the extension plates 61 and 62 to the flaps 261 and 262 and having the flaps 262 and 262 hold the guide 30 via the extension plates 61 and 62, the distance L between the top of the cable bundle 10 and the guide 30 can be reduced. １ The winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 can be easily １ It can be more than that.

[0058] The multiple guides 30 are held by extension plates 61, 62 so as to extend parallel to one another at intervals. Of the multiple guides 30, it is preferable to position the guides 30 closest to the wire-passing section 40 higher than the other guides 30. The multiple guides 30 make it possible to make the angle at which the cable 11 contacts the guides 30 gentler.

[0059] 1 and 2, the flaps 261, 262 may hold multiple guides 30. Alternatively, in the example shown in Figures 6 and 7, the extension plates 61, 62 may hold only one guide 30. Alternatively, although not particularly shown, holding holes 261b, 262b may be formed in the flaps 261, 262, and holding holes 611, 621 may also be formed in the extension plates 61, 62, so that the flaps 261, 262 hold the guide 30, and the extension plates 61, 62 hold the other guide 30.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the guide 30 includes two cylindrical bodies 32 and 33. The outer diameter D of the second cylindrical body 33 is ５ is the inner diameter D of the inner hole 321 of the first cylindrical body 32 ４ (D ５ <D ４3( a) and 3(b), the second cylindrical body 33 can be inserted into the first cylindrical body 32, and the guide 30 is extendable and retractable in its longitudinal direction. That is, the guide 30 has a so-called nested structure (telescopic structure). Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the guide 30 can be housed in the container 20 in a state where the second cylindrical body 33 is housed in the first cylindrical body 32 and the guide 30 is shortened.

[0061] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 5B, the guide 30 may be configured with two separable (disassembled) cylindrical bodies 32 and 33. In this case, the first cylindrical body 32 and the second cylindrical body 33 have the same outer diameter D ３ The second cylindrical body 33 has a small diameter portion 331 at its end. The small diameter portion 331 is smaller than the inner diameter D of the inner hole 321 of the first cylindrical body 32. ４ The outer diameter D is slightly smaller than ５ (D ５ <D ４ ). The small diameter portion 331 is fitted into the inner hole 321 of the first cylindrical body 32 to connect the first cylindrical body 32 and the second cylindrical body 33, thereby forming the guide 30. Therefore, the guide 30 can be housed in the container 20 with the first and second cylindrical bodies 32 and 33 separated.

[0062] In addition, if the guide 30 can be accommodated in the container 20 without being shortened or divided, for example by accommodating the guide 30 diagonally within the container 20, the guide 30 does not need to have an extendable or divisible structure.

[0063] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cable payout device 1 may include a cable weight 15. The cable weight 15 is a metal ring member. The cable weight 15 has an annular shape. A specific example of the metal material constituting the cable weight 15 is stainless steel. The shape of the cable weight 15 may be an annular shape other than an annular shape. Alternatively, as long as the cable weight 15 is slidable relative to the cable 11, the shape of the cable weight 15 is not particularly limited to the above. For example, the cable weight 15 may have a shape other than an annular shape, such as a spiral shape. The cable weight 15 may also be made of a relatively high-density material other than metal.

[0064] The cable 11 drawn out from the cable bundle 10 is inserted into the hole of the cable weight 15. The hole of the cable weight 15 has a diameter D of the cable 11. ７ (see FIG. 2 ) and the cable weight 15 is slidable relative to the cables 11 being pulled out of the cable bundle 10. When the cables 11 are pulled out of the cable bundle 10, the cable weight 15 rises together with the cables 11 or falls along the cables 11 due to its own weight.

[0065] As described above, when the cable 11 is wound in a "figure-eight" pattern, an "inverted loop" whose starting point is located below the end point may be lifted up as the cable 11 is pulled out. In response to this, the loop that is about to be lifted can be opened by the weight of the cable weight 15, thereby releasing the loop without lifting the entire loop. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cable payout device 1 may be equipped with this cable weight 15.

[0066] 6 and 7, the cable payout device 1 may also include a cable retaining member 16. The cable retaining member 16 is a lightweight, flexible, tubular member that is disposed between the cable bundle 10 housed in the container 20 and the guide 30. The cable retaining member 16 is made of, for example, cardboard. The cable retaining member 16 is placed on the cable bundle 10 and comes into slidable contact with the cables 11 being pulled out from the cable bundle 10.

[0067] Although not particularly limited, the cable holding member 16 has a winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10, for example. １ and the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 １ Therefore, the cable holding member 16 is configured to be lifted up by the cable 11 once every time an amount of the cable 11 corresponding to one loop is pulled out from the cable bundle 10.

[0068] When pulling out the cable 11 from the "figure-eight" cable bundle 10, not only the loop that should be released (the first loop) but also the loop that should be released next (the second loop) may be lifted up at the same time. In other words, two loops (the first loop and the second loop) may be lifted at the same time. In contrast, in this embodiment, the cable holding member 16 acts as an obstacle to prevent the second loop (the second loop) from lifting up, which should not be lifted. Since the second loop (the second loop) is likely to be lifted when a delicate balance is maintained due to the pulling force caused by pulling out the cable 11, even if the cable holding member 16 is lightweight, it can fully exert its effect of disrupting that balance. Note that in the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cable payout device 1 may be equipped with this cable holding member 16.

[0069] It is preferable that the cable retainer 16 is flexible and deformable. This allows the cable retainer 16 to easily follow the pulling out of the cable 11. It is also preferable that the cable retainer 16 is lightweight. For example, if a heavy object such as a metal plate is used as the cable retainer, the weight of the cable retainer may make it difficult to pull out the cable 11. Furthermore, the lightweight cable retainer 16 makes it easier for workers to handle the cable retainer 16 compared to when a heavy object such as a metal plate is used as the cable retainer.

[0070] The shape of the cable retainer 16 is not limited to the cylindrical shape described above, and may be a bag-like shape, a columnar shape, or a thick plate-like shape. Furthermore, instead of the cardboard made of paper described above, the cable retainer 16 may be, for example, a polyethylene sheet rolled into a columnar shape or a polyethylene sheet bag-like shape with an appropriate amount of padding. The cable retainer 16 is not particularly limited to the above, as long as it comes into contact with the cables 11 pulled out of the cable bundle 10, rolls around in place, is unlikely to fall off the cable bundle 10, and has an appropriate weight.

[0071] The cable retainer 16 preferably has a cylindrical shape. This allows the cable retainer 16 to roll easily on the cable bundle 10 and prevents the cable retainer 16 from falling off the cable bundle 10. This cylindrical shape can be easily formed, for example, by rolling flat cardboard into a cylinder and joining the ends of the roll. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the "cylinder" referred to here is not limited to a perfect circle, an ellipse, an oval (a shape formed by connecting two semicircles with a pair of straight lines), or a rectangle with arc-shaped corners, but also includes a cross-sectional shape that is distorted due to deformation or a cross-sectional shape with partially formed corners.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the wire-passing section 40 has a wire-passing opening 41 through which the cable 11 passes, and is disposed between the guide 30 and the laying start point 50. This wire-passing section 40 can suppress the movement of the cable 11 that occurs when the cable 11 is released from the cable bundle 10. For example, as described above, when the cable 11 is wound in a "figure-of-eight" pattern, the entire loop of the cable 11 may be lifted as the cable 11 is pulled out at a location where the start point of the loop is located below the end point, and the release of this lifted loop may cause the cable 11 to move wildly. In contrast, in this embodiment, the wire-passing section 40 can suppress the movement of the cable 11. Note that the configuration of the wire-passing section 40 is not limited to the following, as long as it has the wire-passing opening 41.

[0073] The wire passage opening 41 of the wire passage portion 40 has a diameter D of the cable 11. ７ Inner diameter (width) D is larger than ８ (D ８ >D ７ ). The inner diameter D of this wire passage opening 41 ８ is the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 １ is smaller than (D ８ <D １ By passing the cable 11 through this wire passage opening 41, it is possible to suppress the above-mentioned movement of the cable 11. ８ is the diameter D of the cable 11 ７ It is preferable that the value is 10 times or less (D ８ ≦D ７x10).

[0074] Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the wire-passing portion 40 has a distance L between the guide 30 and the wire-passing port 41. ４ is the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 １ So that it becomes (L ４ ≧D １ ), is disposed between the guide 30 and the laying start point 50. As a result, even if the loop of the cable 11 is lifted from the cable bundle 10 without being released and the loop goes beyond the guide 30, the loop can be released between the guide 30 and the wire passage opening 41, and the occurrence of kinks in the cable 11 can be further suppressed.

[0075] Although not particularly limited, the wire-running section 40 is installed between the guide 30 and the laying start point 50 so as to be offset from the imaginary line VL passing through the guide 30 and the laying start point 50. This allows tension to be applied to the cable 11 moving from the guide 30 to the laying start point 50, thereby further suppressing the cable 11 from moving wildly. In this case, it is preferable to position the wire-running section 40 lower in the vertical direction than the guide 30. This allows the wire-running section 40 to be fixed using gravity, making it easier to install the wire-running section 40.

[0076] The wire-running portion 40 is made of, for example, cardboard made of paper, but is not limited to this. For example, the wire-running portion 40 may be made of plastic cardboard made of a resin material such as polypropylene (PP).

[0077] The wire-running section 40 is formed by folding a sheet of cardboard and includes bases 42, 43 and inclined walls 44, 45. The base 42 is connected to one edge of the inclined wall 44, and one edge of another inclined wall 45 is connected to the other edge of the inclined wall 44, and another base 43 is connected to the other edge of the inclined wall 45. As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the wire-running section 40 has a size that can be accommodated in the storage space 27 of the container 20, for example, by folding the cardboard between the inclined walls 44, 45. Note that if the wire-running section 40 can be accommodated in the container 20 without folding, the wire-running section 40 does not need to have a foldable structure.

[0078] 1 and 2 , the bases 42, 43 are placed on the floor surface FP so as to extend horizontally. The inclined walls 44, 45 are bent convexly to form a triangle between the bases 42, 43. Through holes 441, 451 are formed in the inclined walls 44, 45, respectively. These through holes 441, 451 constitute the above-mentioned wire passage opening 41. Note that although the through holes 441, 451 are circular openings, the shape of the through holes 441, 451 is not particularly limited thereto.

[0079] The wire-passing part 40 is fixed to the floor surface FP by a setting weight 46. The setting weight 46 is, for example, a cone weight found at the installation site, but other heavy objects may also be used as the setting weight 46. The setting weight 46 may be able to be stored in the storage space 27 of the container 20 together with the guide 30 and the wire-passing part 40. Alternatively, the wire-passing part 40 itself may function as the setting weight 46. Alternatively, instead of the setting weight 46, the wire-passing part 40 may be fixed to the floor surface FP by, for example, a stake.

[0080] Next, a method for preparing the cable reeling device 1 described above and a method for reeling out the cable 11 from the cable bundle 10 using the cable reeling device 1 will be described.

[0081] First, the worker carries the container 20 containing the cable bundle 10, the guide 30, and the wire-passing portion 40 to the installation site and places the container 20 on the floor surface (e.g., the ground) FP. Next, the worker opens the flaps 261 and 262 that form the lid 26 of the container 20 and folds the flaps 261 and 262 outward so that the flaps 261 and 262 are parallel to the walls 23 and 24.

[0082] Next, the worker removes the guide 30 and the wire-passing portion 40 from the container 20. Then, after extending the guide 30, the worker inserts the guide 30 into the retaining holes 261b, 262b of the flaps 261, 262. As a result, the guide 30 is retained by the flaps 261, 262 of the container 20 and positioned above the cable bundle 10.

[0083] Next, the worker folds the cardboard that constitutes the wire-passing section 40 to form a triangle formed by the inclined walls 44, 45 between the bases 42, 43. Then, the worker places the installation weight 46 on the bases 42, 43 to fix the wire-passing section 40 to the floor surface FP. At this time, the worker adjusts the distance L between the guide 30 and the wire-passing opening 41. ４ is the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 １ The wire-running portion 40 is placed on the floor surface FP so as to be as described above.

[0084] Next, the worker pulls out the cable 11 from the cable bundle 10, passes the cable 11 over the guide 30, inserts the cable 11 into the wire-passing opening 41 of the wire-passing section 40, passes the cable 11 through the wire-passing opening 41, and manually pays out the cable 11 to the laying start point 50. If the cable 11 is laid overhead, the cable 11 is led from the laying start point 50 to, for example, a utility pole. The cable 11 may also be laid indoors or underground.

[0085] Once the preparation work for the cable payout device 1 described above is complete, the work of paying out the cable 11 from the cable bundle 10 begins. Specifically, for example, when a pressure feeder arranged at the laying start point 50 starts pressure-feeding the cable 11, the guide 30 pulls the cable 11 out of the cable bundle 10, thereby releasing the loop of the cable 11. This makes it possible to prevent kinking of the cable 11. Specific examples of pressure feeders include those that use compressed air and those that have caterpillar tracks. Note that the cable 11 may also be paid out manually instead of using a pressure feeder.

[0086] The cable 11 is guided by the guide 30 and passes through the wire-passing section 40, whereby the cable 11 is continuously paid out from the cable bundle 10 to the laying start point 50. At this time, the inner diameter D of the wire-passing opening 41 of the wire-passing section 40 is ８ is the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 １ Since the cable 11 is passed through the wire passage opening 41, the movement of the cable 11 can be suppressed.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide 30 and the wire-passing portion 40 can be stored in the storage space 27, so that the cable 11 can be laid simply by transporting the container 20 containing the guide 30 and the wire-passing portion 40 to the site without using any large-scale equipment.

[0088] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments have been described to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, the elements disclosed in the above embodiments are intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0089] For example, as shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the cable payout device 1 may include an outer lid 70 and a wire passing part 80 instead of the wire passing part 40. Figure 8(a) is a perspective view showing the outer lid 70 removed from the container 20 in another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8(b) is a perspective view showing the wire passing part 80 attached to the outer lid 70 in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 8( a), the outer lid 70 includes a top plate 71 and four side plates 73 surrounding the top plate 71. The top plate 71 is connected to the upper edges of the four side plates 73, respectively. The four side plates 73 are connected to each other at their respective side edges. The outer lid 70 has an opening 74 at its bottom. The outer lid 70 covers the lid (top surface) 26 of the container 20 when the container 20 is inserted into the opening 74. As shown in FIG. 8( a), the outer lid 70 is removed from the container 20 when the container 20 is transported to the installation site and the cable payout device 1 is prepared. A pair of retaining holes 72 for attaching the wire-passing portion 80 is formed in the top plate 71 of the outer lid 70.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 8( b), the wire-passing section 80 includes a pair of tubular members 81 and a pair of beam members 82. Two insertion holes are formed in each of the tubular members 81. The beam members 82 are inserted into the insertion holes to connect the pair of tubular members 81. That is, the wire-passing section 80 has a grid shape. The tubular members 81 are formed, for example, of a paper tube, but are not particularly limited thereto. The beam members 82 are also formed, for example, of a paper tube, but are not particularly limited thereto. The wire-passing section 80 can be disassembled (separated) into four members 81, 82, and the disassembled four members 81, 82 can be housed in the container 20. Note that the wire-passing section 80 may be housed in the container 20 without being disassembled.

[0092] The wire passage opening 83 is an opening surrounded by the tubular member 81 and the beam member 82. That is, the wire passage opening 83 is defined by the pair of tubular members 81 and the pair of beam members 82. The wire passage opening 83 is formed to have a diameter D of the cable 11. ７ Width D is greater than ９ (D ９ >D ７ The width D of this wire passage opening 83 ９ is the inner dimension of the grid formed by the cylindrical member 81 and the beam member 82. The width D of the wire passage opening 83 ９ is the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10 １ is smaller than (D ９ <D １By passing the cable 11 through this wire passage opening 83, it is possible to suppress the above-mentioned movement of the cable 11. ９ is the diameter D of the cable 11 ７ It is preferable that the value is 10 times or less (D ９ ≦D ７ x10).

[0093] When preparing the cable payout device 1, first, the wire-passing section 80 is formed by assembling four members 81, 82. Specifically, one end of a pair of beam members 82 is inserted into the insertion hole of one tubular member 81, and the other end of the pair of beam members 82 is inserted into the insertion hole of the other tubular member 81, thereby forming the parallel cross-shaped wire-passing section 80. Next, the tubular member 81 of the wire-passing section 80 is inserted into the holding hole 72 of the outer lid 70, and the wire-passing section 80 is held by the outer lid 70. Then, the outer lid 70 holding the wire-passing section 80 is placed on the floor surface FP. At this time, the distance between the guide 30 and the wire-passing opening 83 is set to be equal to the winding diameter D of the cable bundle 10. １ The outer cover 70 is placed on the floor surface FP in this manner.

[0094] Although not specifically shown, instead of the above-described wire-passing portion 80, a single cylindrical member having a through hole penetrating in the radial direction may be used as the wire-passing portion. Alternatively, instead of the above-described wire-passing portion 80, a single plate-like member having a through hole penetrating in the thickness direction may be used as the wire-passing portion. In either case, the through hole functions as the wire-passing port. Furthermore, in either case, the wire-passing portion is used by inserting it into the retaining hole 72 of the outer lid 70, similar to the above-described wire-passing portion 80.

[0095] The wire-passing section 80 has a simple configuration and can be easily assembled. Furthermore, the wire-passing section 80 makes it easy to ensure the height of the wire-passing opening 83, thereby preventing the cable 11 from coming into contact with the ground. In particular, when pumping a cable through a conduit, dirt adhering to the surface of the cable 11 can adversely affect the pumping distance, so the wire-passing section 80 described above can prevent dirt from adhering to the ground due to contact of the cable 11 with the ground.

[0096] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Cable payout device 10...Cable bundle 11...Cable 15...Cable weight 16...Cable holding member 20...Container 21...Bottom 22...Front wall 23, 24...Side walls 25...Rear wall 26...Lid 261, 262...Flaps 261a, 262a...Bending lines 261b, 262b...Retaining holes 27...Storage space 28...Opening 30...Guide 31...Guide portion 32...First cylindrical body 321...Inner hole 33...Second cylindrical body 331...Small diameter portion 40...Wire passing portion 41...Wire passing port 42, 43...Base 44, 45...Inclined walls 441, 451...Through holes 46...Installation weight 50...Laying start point 61, 62...Pair of extension plates 611, 621...Retaining holes 63, 64... Fixing tool 70... Outer cover 71... Upper plate 72... Holding hole 73... Side plate 74... Opening 80... Wire passage portion 81... Cylinder member 82... Beam member 83... Wire passage port

Claims

1. A cable payout device used to pay out cable from a cable bundle to a laying start point, comprising: a container with a storage space for storing the cable bundle; a guide positioned above the cable bundle for guiding the cable pulled out from the cable bundle; and a wire passing section having a wire passing opening through which the cable passes and installed between the guide and the laying start point, wherein the width of the wire passing opening is smaller than the winding diameter of the cable bundle, and the guide and the wire passing section can be stored in the storage space.

2. A cable reeling device according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises a wall and a plate-like portion connected to the wall and forming a lid, and the guide is held by the plate-like portion.

3. A cable payout device according to claim 2, comprising an extension member that can be attached to the plate-like portion, and the guide is held by the plate-like portion via the extension member.

4. A cable reeling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guide is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the guide is inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

5. A cable payout device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distance between the top of the cable bundle and the guide is equal to or greater than the winding diameter of the cable bundle.

6. A cable payout device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the length of the portion of the guide that guides the cable is equal to or greater than the winding diameter of the cable bundle.

7. A cable payout device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distance between the guide and the cable passage opening is equal to or greater than the winding diameter of the cable bundle.

8. A cable payout device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wire-passing section is installed so as to deviate from an imaginary straight line passing through the guide and the laying start point.

9. A cable reeling device according to claim 8, wherein the wire passing section is positioned lower than the guide.

10. A cable reeling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the guide holds the cable only from below.

11. A cable reeling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the guide is shortenable or disassembleable to a size that can be accommodated in the accommodation space.

12. A cable payout device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising an upper plate having a retaining hole, an outer lid capable of covering the upper surface of the container and being removable from the container, and the wire-passing portion being inserted into the retaining hole of the outer lid.

13. A cable reeling device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the wire-passing section is foldable or disassembleable to a size that can be accommodated in the accommodation space.

14. A cable payout device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a weight disposed between the cable bundle and the guide and slidable relative to the cable being drawn out from the cable bundle.

15. A cable payout device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cable bundle is a coreless cable bundle with the cable wound in a figure-of-eight configuration.

16. A cable payout device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a cable retaining member placed on the cable bundle so as to come into contact with the cable pulled out from the cable bundle.

17. A cable unwinding method for unwinding a cable from a cable bundle to a laying start point, comprising the steps of: guiding the cable unwound from the cable bundle contained in the storage space of a container with a guide positioned above the cable bundle; and passing the cable through a wire passage opening of a wire passage section installed between the guide and the laying start point, wherein the width of the wire passage opening is smaller than the winding diameter of the cable bundle.

18. A method for preparing a cable bundle payout device, comprising the steps of: arranging a container containing a cable bundle, a guide, and a wire-passing section; opening a plate-shaped section forming a lid of the container; removing the guide from the container and holding the guide on the plate-shaped section; removing the wire-passing section from the container, assembling the wire-passing section, and installing the wire-passing section between the guide and a laying start point; and pulling out a cable from the cable bundle, passing it over the guide and through the wire-passing opening of the wire-passing section, and guiding it to the laying start point.

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