KR102755059B1 - A system for laying cables within a home. - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for positioning a cable within a horizontal gutter (e.g., along a wall of an underground cable tunnel) comprises a platform carrying a traction machine, the traction machine having an inlet facing forward of the platform and an outlet facing rearward of the platform, the inlet receiving the cable and the outlet from which the cable is displaced by the traction machine from the traction machine. A lower track and an upper track extend from the forward and rearward of the platform, respectively. The lower track, the traction machine, and the upper track collectively form a cable displacement path, which slopes upwardly and rearwardly along the lower track, through the traction machine, and along the upper track. The upper track is configured to have an end that is selectively raised to a height greater than an open recess in the gutter and is selectively (re)positionable laterally toward the gutter.

Description

A system for laying cables within a home.

The present disclosure relates to a system or device for transporting, lifting and/or elevating and installing, introducing or placing a portion of one or more cables, for example into a cable trough positioned or mounted in a wall of an underground tunnel.

In many cities, large power plants and mining industries, underground cable tunnels are used, for example, to supply electricity through power cables installed in cable tunnels. The use of underground cable tunnels supports the use of surface space by providing open ground for roads and building space. Underground cable tunnels also prevent potentially hazardous accidents associated with overhead power lines. In densely populated cities, underground cable tunnels may be constructed below ground level, for example, up to 60 m below ground level or even further, to avoid congestion with other existing underground infrastructure, such as underground train systems, highways and drainage pipes.

In a typical underground cable tunnel, multiple layers of cable troughs are mounted on the walls of the cable tunnel. Each trough is configured to carry one or more cables that may be heavy or very heavy. For example, electrical utility power cables typically have a mass of 20 to 60 kg per meter. A given cable may need to be placed within a trough mounted at a considerable height above the floor of the cable tunnel, for example, 1.5 m or more. Due to the limited space available in the cable tunnel, the heavy cable mass, and the curvature of the cable tunnel walls, installing and placing cables within multiple layers of troughs can be undesirably time-consuming and labor-intensive. Traditionally, multiple chain blocks and pulley systems are used, along with 30 to 50 field workers, to manually lift and drop the power cables into the wall-mounted troughs. The pulley system must be suspended from an overhead steel pipe having an inverted L-shape, and the steel pipe and L-shape must be assembled and constructed on-site, which adds additional time and cost to the cable placement operation. In addition, the worker manipulating the pulley system is at increased risk of injury.

Therefore, there is a need for a system which can at least partially overcome the shortcomings of conventional approaches for raising and installing cables (e.g. electrical utility power cables) in gutter ducts within underground cable tunnels.

A cable transport and placement system or device comprises a set of cable transport tracks or paths corresponding to a set of platform structures; a set of hauling machines corresponding to or forming portions of said cable transport tracks; a forward or lower track extending or extending forwardly away from a hauling machine inlet; and a rear or upper track extending or extending rearwardly away from a hauling machine outlet. Certain portions of the system are capable of varying heights above a reference or foundation surface supporting the system; a vertical (e.g., up-down) cable offloading angle; and a lateral (e.g., left-right) cable offloading angle, for example, to place portions of the cable into the gutter progressively, continuously, or periodically, and on an automatic or semi-automatic basis, over a majority of the cable length, thereby significantly reducing the manpower and time required to place the cable in the cable gutter compared to conventional approaches.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for lifting portions of a cable away from a lower surface supporting the cable and transporting the lifted portions of the cable toward a vertically elevated target destination comprises: a frame structure extending upwardly with respect to the lower surface and displaceable along a direction parallel to the lower surface, wherein the frame structure comprises a front portion, a rear portion rearwardly opposite the front portion, a left portion, a right portion transversely opposite the left portion, a bottom portion closest to the lower surface, and an upper portion furthest from the lower surface; a set of tracks or ramp elements carried or provided by or coupled to the frame structure, wherein the set of tracks or ramp elements establish a cable transport path for portions of the frame structure that is elevated with respect to the lower surface such that the cable transport path is vertically farther from the lower surface at a rear portion of the frame structure than at a forward portion of the frame structure; and a cable traction machine coupled to said frame structure, wherein said cable traction machine is configured to progressively displace a lifted portion of the cable from a forward portion of said frame structure toward a rearward portion of said frame structure along said cable transport path.

The system may further include a set of lateral displacement guides coupled to the frame structure or the set of track or ramp elements, wherein each lateral displacement guide is configured to maintain a particular portion of the cable in a selected lateral position relative to the left and right portions of the frame structure as the lifted portion of the cable is displaced toward the target destination.

The above transverse displacement guide set may include at least one transverse displacement guide that is transversely repositionable at a plurality of positions relative to the left and right portions of the frame structure.

The above cable transport machine may be or include a cable traction machine, having an inlet facing the forward portion of the frame structure through which portions of the cable are pulled into the traction machine, and an outlet facing the rear portion of the frame structure through which portions of the cable are output from the traction machine.

The outlet may be vertically further away from the lower surface than the inlet.

The set of said track or ramp elements may include a plurality of cross bars extending longitudinally parallel to one another and configured to support a particular lifted portion of the cable between the front portion of the frame structure and the rear portion of the frame structure.

The above set of track or ramp elements may include a plurality of rollers configured to rotate in response to the displacement of a particular portion of the cable.

The set of said track or ramp elements may include a first track or ramp element positioned between the front portion and the rear portion of the frame structure, and a second track or ramp element positioned beyond the rear portion of the frame structure.

The second track or ramp element may be pivotally coupled to the frame structure such that the second track or ramp element is laterally displaceable relative to the left and right portions of the frame structure.

The second track or ramp element may be joined to the frame structure by a hinge structure such that the second track or ramp element is displaceable upward and downward with respect to the frame structure.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a modular system for lifting portions of a cable away from a lower surface supporting the cable and transporting the lifted portions of the cable toward a vertically elevated target destination comprises: a plurality of frame structures arranged in series with respect to the lower surface, wherein each of the frame structures extends upwardly with respect to the lower surface and is displaceable along a direction parallel to the lower surface, each of the plurality of frame structures including a forward portion, a rear portion rearwardly opposite the forward portion, a left portion, a right portion transversely opposite the left portion, a bottom portion closest to the lower surface, and an upper portion furthest from the lower surface, the plurality of frame structures including a first frame structure; and a final frame structure having an upper portion coupled to the first frame structure and further from the lower surface than the upper portion of the first frame structure; A set of tracks or ramp elements carried or provided by or coupled to a plurality of frame structures, wherein the set of tracks or ramp elements establish a cable transport path which is elevated relative to the lower surface, said cable transport path being vertically further from the lower surface at a rearward portion of said last frame structure than at a forward portion of said first frame structure; and at least one cable traction machine coupled to said plurality of frame structures, wherein said at least one cable traction machine is configured to progressively displace the elevated portion of the cable away from the forward portion of the first frame structure towards the rearward portion of the last frame structure.

Such a modular system may include a set of lateral displacement guides coupled to the plurality of frame structures or to the set of track or ramp elements, wherein each lateral displacement guide is configured to maintain particular portions of the cable in a selected lateral position relative to the left and right portions of particular frame structures within the plurality of frame structures as the lifted portion of the cable is displaced toward a target destination.

The plurality of transverse displacement guides may include at least one transverse displacement guide that is laterally repositionable at a plurality of locations relative to a left portion and a right portion of a particular frame structure within the plurality of frame structures.

The at least one cable transporting machine may be or include a cable traction machine, the cable traction machine having an inlet facing the forward portion of the first frame structure through which portions of the cable are drawn into the traction machine, and an outlet facing the rear portion of the last frame structure through which portions of the cable are output from the traction machine.

The outlet may be vertically further away from the lower surface than the inlet.

The set of said track or ramp elements may include a plurality of crossbars extending longitudinally parallel to one another, said crossbars being configured to support a particular lifted portion of the cable between a forward portion of a particular frame structure within said plurality of frame structures and a rear portion of said particular frame structure within said plurality of frame structures.

The above set of track or ramp elements may include a plurality of rollers configured to rotate in response to the displacement of a particular portion of the cable.

The set of said track or ramp elements may include a first track or ramp element positioned between a front portion and a rear portion of a particular frame structure within the plurality of frame structures, and a second track or ramp element positioned beyond a rear portion of a last frame structure within the plurality of frame structures.

The second track or ramp element may be pivotally coupled to the final frame structure such that the second track or ramp element is laterally displaceable relative to the left and right portions of the final frame structure.

The second track or ramp element may be connected to the final frame structure by a hinge structure such that the second track or ramp element is displaceable upward and downward with respect to the final frame structure.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a process or method for lifting a portion of a cable from a lower surface supporting the cable and transporting the lifted portion of the cable toward a vertically elevated target destination comprises: providing a frame structure extending upwardly relative to the lower surface and displaceable along a direction parallel to the lower surface, wherein the frame structure comprises a front portion, a rear portion rearwardly opposite the front portion, a left portion, a right portion transversely opposite the left portion, a lower portion closest to the lower surface, and an upper portion furthest from the lower surface; providing a set of track or ramp elements carried or carried by or coupled to the frame structure, wherein the set of track or ramp elements forms a cable transport path that is elevated relative to the lower surface relative to a portion of the frame structure, the cable transport path being vertically further from the lower surface at a rear portion of the frame structure than at a front portion of the frame structure; providing a cable transport machine coupled to the kdrl frame structure; and operating said cable pulling machine to progressively lift a portion of the cable away from said lower surface and to displace the lifted portion of the cable away from the forward portion of said frame structure and towards the rear portion of said frame structure in an automated manner along the cable transport path.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for positioning a portion of a cable within a cable trough, such as a target cable trough, mounted horizontally along a wall of a cable tunnel, comprises: (a) a set of platforms; a set of traction machines carried by the set of platforms; a lower track extending forward of the set of platforms; and an upper track extending rearwardly of the set of platforms, wherein the upper track is vertically (re)positionable and horizontally or laterally (re)positionable, such that, for example, a rear portion of the upper track corresponding to a position along the upper track at which a corresponding cable is unloaded from the upper track can be selectively (re)positioned both vertically and laterally relative to a position of the target cable trough.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the lower track is also vertically (re)positionable, and in certain embodiments the lower track is vertically and transversely (re)positionable. The lower track and the upper track may comprise or be structurally coupled to similar or corresponding structural elements, for example structurally coupled to or carried by the platform(s), which enable vertical (re)positioning and/or transverse (re)positioning, depending on the embodiment details.

Each traction machine has an input or inlet for receiving the cable and an output or outlet for outputting the cable. Each traction machine is capable of displacing or transporting a portion of the cable between the inlet and the outlet of the traction machine. Each traction machine is carried by a platform so that the traction machine can progressively or repeatedly transport a portion of the cable along an intended cable transport path, for example, from a forward track to a backward track along an upward and backward cable transport path or trajectory, toward a target cable gutter.

During system operation, the lower track is positioned closest to the surface on which a portion of the cable is initially laid before being pulled into or passed through the traction machine(s); and the upper track is positioned closest to the target cable gutter. The aforementioned surface on which a portion of the cable is initially laid may include, for example, a floor or ground (e.g., a cable tunnel floor), or another cable gutter, such as a first or source cable gutter different from the target cable gutter (e.g., a first cable gutter positioned horizontally along the cable tunnel wall at a vertical level below the target cable gutter).

The lower track, the cable carrying track corresponding to the platform(s), and portions of the upper track can include a set of friction reducing elements, such as one or more rollers through which a portion of the cable passes, and/or one or more frame structures which can include rollers through which a portion of the cable passes. The roller/frame structures assist or provide friction reducing displacement of the cable portion toward a target cable gutter, thereby reducing mechanical energy losses. At least some of these roller/frame structures are lateral or horizontally (re)positionable, for example, to assist or enable lateral or horizontal routing or guiding of the cable displacement toward the target cable gutter. The lateral (re)positionability of the roller/frame structures together with the lateral (re)positionability of the upper track can form a lateral or horizontally curved or non-linear (e.g., partially non-linear) cable displacement path or trajectory along or across a portion of the upper track width relative to the target cable gutter.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a typical underground cable tunnel and its corresponding above-ground facility building.
FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of a representative underground cable tunnel having a plurality of cable troughs arranged at different heights therein, and showing the rear portion of a cable placement system (CPS) above the floor structure of the cable tunnel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2b is a photograph showing a portion of a representative type of facility power cable commonly installed in cable tunnels.
FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a cable layout system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a modular cable layout system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5a is a rear view of parts of a cable laying system without preferential lateral or outward positioning of the upper track towards the target gutter mounted at a predetermined height of the cable tunnel side wall, and FIG. 5b is a rear view of parts of such a system with preferential lateral or outward (re)positioning of the upper track towards the target gutter so that cables can be more easily, reliably and quickly loaded or unloaded from a part of the upper track into the target gutter.
Figures 5c and 5d are schematic diagrams showing the rear view of another cable layout system similar to that shown in Figures 5a and 5b, but with different dimensions.
FIG. 6A is a photograph showing a side view of a cable layout system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6b is a photograph showing a front view of the cable layout system of Figure 6a, with the upper The track is upward and extending rearwardly, and being preferentially offset laterally and outwardly to the right, showing an arrangement of frames carried by upper and middle tracks capable of providing laterally, outward or rightward displacement of the cable towards the target gutter.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are photographs showing front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the cable routing system of FIGS. 6A and 6B, wherein portions of the power cable are displaced upwardly, backwardly and laterally, outwardly or to the right, or are angled, curved or bent along a path toward, into and over a target cable gutter.
FIG. 8 is a schematic side view showing portions of a platform including a set of wheels as well as a set of platform guide rollers according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a portion of a cable traction machine having an outlet offset laterally or horizontally with respect to its inlet, which includes a plurality of cable traction wheels and/or belts offset horizontally with respect to one another according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The following detailed description and related drawings are intended to illustrate and describe representative embodiments of a cable deployment system according to the present disclosure and are not intended to represent the only manner or manners in which the embodiments according to the present disclosure may be constructed, functioned, or utilized. The detailed description presents certain structural and functional aspects of the representative cable deployment system to aid in illustration and understanding. It should be understood that the same or equivalent structures and/or functionality may be realized in different embodiments in different ways and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

As used elsewhere in this specification, like reference numbers are intended to represent identical or similar elements or features.

The terms "approximately" or "about" as used herein mean +/- 5% of the stated value, or +/- 4% of the stated value, or +/- 3% of the stated value, or +/- 2% of the stated value, or +/- 1% of the stated value, or +/- 0.5% of the stated value, or +/- 0% of the stated value, with respect to concentrations of ingredients, conditions, other measurements, etc.

For brevity and simplicity, in the following text, the electrical utility line power transmission cable may simply be referred to as a power cable or a cable; and a system for mechanically displacing/transporting, lifting/elevating, transporting or placing a cable within a cable gutter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be referred to as one of: (i) a cable transporting, lifting, and placing system or machine; (ii) a cable placing system or machine; or (iii) a cable placer.

Various embodiments of the cable placement system or machine according to the present invention relate to automatically or semi-automatically displacing/transporting, lifting/elevating, transporting, laying, placing, or placing cables within horizontal cable troughs. Typically, the cable troughs are mounted on the wall(s) of an underground cable tunnel, such as the type of cable tunnel illustrated in FIG. 1. The cable tunnel is associated with an above-ground electrical utility building.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a representative underground cable tunnel (10) having a plurality of cable troughs (20) positioned at different locations on an interior wall of the cable tunnel (e.g., side walls or left and right side walls). The cable troughs (20) may be positioned at different heights or vertical levels within the cable tunnel (10), as well as at different lateral or outward locations relative to a vertical reference plane (12) defined through the cable tunnel (10), such as a vertical plane dividing or roughly bisecting the cable tunnel (10) into left and right halves. FIG. 2A also illustrates a portion of a representative cable placement system (CPS) (100, 200) according to one embodiment of the present invention, which operates within the cable tunnel (10) to transport and lift power cables toward specific, selected, designated, or target cable troughs (20T) within the cable tunnel (10); and to unload, transport, or place the power cables within the target cable troughs (20T). As illustrated in FIG. 2a, each cable duct (20) includes a removable/replaceable cover in a manner easily understandable to a person skilled in the art.

FIG. 2b is a photograph showing a portion of a representative type of power cable (70) that may be installed in a cable trough (20) via a cable routing system (100, 200) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The longitudinal or central axis (72) may be defined as passing through the approximate midpoint or center of the cable (70) in a manner readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a cable placement system or machine (100, 200) according to an embodiment of the present invention need not be limited to operation in an underground cable tunnel (10). A cable placement system (100, 200) according to an embodiment of the present invention can place a cable (70) in a channel, recess or gutter (20) residing in essentially any type of environment in which the cable placement system (100, 200) can move and operate, as will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the disclosure herein.

With further reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 , aspects of a cable placement system (100, 200) according to certain representative embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. Such a cable placement system (100, 200) is capable of transporting, lifting, and placing, positioning, or installing a cable (70) (e.g., a power cable) into at least a portion of a generally horizontal cable gutter (20), for example a target gutter (20T), at least a portion of which is transported, mounted, installed, or formed horizontally along a wall of an underground cable tunnel (10) (e.g., a left wall along a left or extreme left portion of a vertical reference plane (12) of the cable tunnel (10), or a right wall along a right or extreme right portion of the vertical reference plane (12).

In general, a cable placement system (100, 200) comprises at least one frame, platform structure, or platform (110); at least one cable carrying or traction machine (115) carried, supported, maintained, or secured/mounted to the platform (110); and a plurality of ramps or tracks, said plurality of ramps or tracks projecting away from the platform(s) (110) along an inclined angle from an initial, lower, lowest or floor level, toward the front of the platform(s) (110), into the traction machine(s) (115), from the traction machine(s) (115) toward the rear of the platform(s) (110), away from the rear of the platform(s) up to a final elevated level, and generally into a target gutter (20T) positioned below said final elevated level. The system (100) illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a single platform (110), and the modular system (200) illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a pair of platforms (210).

In various embodiments, the platform (110) includes a bottom portion, section, or floor (111); and an opposing top portion, section, or top (114); a front portion, section, or front; a rear portion, section, or rear; and two opposing transverse side portions, sections, or sides (e.g., left and right sides) corresponding to or forming the width of the platform (110). In this specification, the front of the platform (110) is defined as the portion of the platform (110) closest to the location where the cable (70) is lifted or picked up from the floor level where it is initially located; the rear of the platform (110) is defined as the portion of the platform closest to the location where the cable (70) is unloaded into the target gutter (20); and the bottom (111) of the platform (110) is defined as the portion of the platform (110) closest to the floor level; The upper portion (114) of the platform (110) is defined as the portion of the platform (110) that is furthest from the floor level or closest to the target groove (20T). In various embodiments, the upper portion (114) of the platform (110) may correspond to, include, or be defined by portions of one or more rail, rod, or bar structures that extend longitudinally or horizontally between the front and rear of the platform (110) and that are at a highest height or distance from the floor level. It may be noted that the upper portion (114) of the platform may also correspond to, include, or alternatively be defined by one or more structures between the front and rear of the platform (110) that protrude upward to a highest or furthest distance from the floor level (e.g., the upper portion(s) of the rail(s), rod(s), or bar structure(s) that extend vertically to a highest level or point away from the floor level).

For the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 3, the platform (110) is typically fabricated from metal (e.g., steel), metal alloys, and/or other material(s) sufficiently strong to support the weight of the cables (70) and the traction machine (115). In various embodiments, the mass of the platform (110) is reduced or minimized to correspondingly reduce or minimize the overall mass of the system (100), which facilitates quick and easy (re)positioning and displacement of the system (100) within the cable tunnel (10). In such embodiments, the platform (110) may be comprised of bars, rods, columns, and/or shafts (e.g., hollow shafts) to reduce mass without sacrificing the structural integrity of the platform. The above bars, rods, columns and/or shafts may be joined or connected together by means of conventional fastening devices or fasteners, such as bolts and nuts, so that the sections, parts or materials of which the platform (110) is composed can be conveniently transported and assembled within the tunnel (10), especially considering the limited space available in the tunnel (10).

The floor (111) of the platform (110) may be shaped or formed as a rectangular, square, polygonal or other type of structure corresponding to or defining a frame made of, for example, a plurality of hollow metal (e.g., steel) shafts. The platform (110) has a plurality of wheels (118) coupled or attached to its floor (111) which contact the floor or ground. At least some of the wheels (118) may be swivel wheels, which allow the system (100) to be easily (re)positioned and displaced within the tunnel (10). Additionally, at least one of the swivel wheels (118) may have a locking device incorporated or lockable to secure the platform (110) in place when an operator assembles, sets up or uses the system (100). In various embodiments, the wheels (118), like other components of the system (100), may be removably attached to the floor (111) of the platform (110) to facilitate quick and convenient on-site or in-tunnel system assembly.

In some embodiments, the platform (110) includes at least two pairs of posts (112) extending vertically from or ascending from the floor (111) of the platform (110). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the system (100) includes three pairs of posts (112), a front post pair (112), a middle post pair (112), and a rear post pair (112), each corresponding to a front portion or region, a middle portion or region, and a rear portion or region of the platform (110). Each post pair (112) is typically installed, offset, or set a predetermined distance apart from the other pair of posts (112). Mounting joints (119) can be used to secure each post (112) to the floor (111) of the platform (110). Each pair of posts (112) includes a first or right and a second or left post disposed on opposite transverse sides of the platform (110). Collectively, the pairs of columns (112) correspond to or define a side of the platform (110) and set or approximately set the height of the platform.

The traction machine (115) is carried or supported by, or positioned between, pairs of columns (112), for example, by support rails or trays (116) disposed between said pairs of columns (112). In various embodiments, each column (112) has a plurality of holes (113) formed at different locations along the length or vertical distance that the column extends upward from the platform (110). Since the locations and number of holes (113) on each column (112) substantially correspond to one another for a given left-right pair of columns (112), the tray (116) on which the traction machine (115) is carried or positioned can be mounted to the platform (110) by releasably locking the tray (116) to the selected holes (113) using a device, such as a bolt and nut. A worker assembling or using the system (100) in an underground tunnel (10) can select or adjust the height of the traction machine (115) above the floor (111) of the platform (110) by selecting or adjusting the vertical position or height at which the tray (116) is carried by the posts (112) to which the tray (116) is joined by the holes (113). The tray (116) and the traction machine (115) are generally set or installed at an upward angle with respect to a horizontal plane corresponding to the floor (111) of the platform (110), so that the front or part of the traction machine (115) is lower than the rear part of the traction machine (115) or is closer to the floor (111) of the platform (110). The traction machine (115) can progressively mechanically displace or push and/or pull the cable (70) from a lower level or ground near the front of the platform (110) towards the rear of the platform (110) via the traction machine (115), such that a given portion of the cable (70) carried via the traction machine (115) is progressively displaced backwards and upwards towards the raised rear portion of the traction machine (115).

The traction machine (115) can be conventional (for example, in a particularly non-limiting representative embodiment, the traction machine (115) can be a Xing Jia Pte Ltd. 1200 kgf traction machine, or a Showa MC500A traction machine) and typically includes an inlet facing the front of the platform (110) for receiving the cable (70), and an outlet opposite the inlet facing the rear of the platform (110) for outputting the cable (70). The traction machine (115) can incrementally, repeatedly, and/or periodically push and/or pull portions of the cable (70) along the length of the cable, such that portions of the cable (70) along the length of the cable are incrementally or incrementally lifted or picked up from a lowest starting position (e.g., the floor of the tunnel (10)); and pulled inwardly toward the inlet of the traction machine; Displaced, pulled, pulled and/or pushed upward and rearward through the traction machine (115) to the exit of the traction machine; and further displaced or pushed upward and rearward beyond the exit of the platform (110) toward and beyond the rear of the platform, toward the target groove (20T).

In various embodiments, the system (100) includes a lower or bottom ramp or track (120) and an upper ramp or track (130), the former coupled to and projecting away from the forward portion or forward end (122) of the platform (110) (i.e., at or corresponding to the front of the platform (110)) and the latter coupled to and projecting away from the rear portion or rear end (132) of the platform (110) (i.e., at or corresponding to the rear of the platform) to assist in guiding the cable (70) into and away from the inlet of the traction machine (115). The bottom or bottom track (120) may also be referred to or defined as a forward track or forward lower track; and the upper track (130) may also be referred to or defined as a rear track or rear upper track.

The lower track (120) and the upper track (130) provide or define a lower path and an upper path, respectively, along which the cable (70) is displaced toward the target gutter (20T). In many, but not necessarily all, embodiments, the lower track (120) and the upper track (130) each have a generally ladder-shaped design to reduce the mass of the system (100). In particular, the lower and upper tracks (120, 130) include a pair of bars, rods or columns extending longitudinally parallel to one another. In certain embodiments, the parallel posts of the upper track (130) need not be straight along their entire length, but may be curved along one or more portions of their length, for example to facilitate positioning the upper track (130) closer to the target gutter (20T). The parallel posts are joined or connected to one another by a plurality of vertical crossbars configured to form a portion of the lower path corresponding to the lower track (120) and a portion of the upper path corresponding to the upper track (130). In several embodiments, the lower track (120) includes a leading or forward edge or end (122) corresponding to or forming a portion of the lower track (120) that is furthest from the platform (110); and the upper track (130) includes a rearward or trailing edge or end (132) corresponding to or forming a portion of the upper track (130) that is furthest from the platform (110).

In several embodiments, the system (100) also includes an intermediate ramp or track (117) disposed between the exit of the traction machine (115) and a portion of the upper track (130) that couples or connects the upper track (130) to the platform (110). Thus, the intermediate track (117) is carried by the platform (110) behind the traction machine (115) and in front of the upper track (130) and tilts upward and backward at a given, selectable, selected or predetermined angle. The intermediate track (117) may also include a pair of bars, rods or columns extending longitudinally parallel to one another and coupled or connected to one another by a plurality of vertical crossbars. The intermediate track (117) provides or forms a portion of an additional or intermediate path along which portions of the cable (70) are guided or conveyed from the exit of the traction machine to the upper track (130) in a manner readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

While the cable (70) is displaced toward the elevated level of the target groove (20T), a specific portion of the cable (70) is supported by or rests on the bottom, middle and/or upper paths. To reduce friction acting on the cable (70) as it is carried by the lower track (120), the middle track (117) and the upper track (130) while the cable (70) is displaced along the bottom path, the middle path and the upper path, respectively, in some embodiments, the crosspieces of the lower track (120), the middle track (117) and the upper track (130) include or are formed as rotatable rollers (104). Thus, the bottom path, the middle path and/or the upper path may include or provide a plurality of rollers (104), each of which is spaced apart by a selectable or predetermined distance. The rollers (104) rotate in response to the displacement of the cable (70) as the traction machine (115) displaces the cable (70) upward and backward toward the target groove (20T). Additionally, in some embodiments, the intermediate track (117) may carry or include one or more subframe structures that elevate the roller(s) (104) of the intermediate track downward to the cable (70), depending on the height or vertical level at which the cable (70) exits the exit of the traction machine (115).

The lower track (120) and/or the upper track (130) may be rotatably displaceable or pivotally rotatable relative to the platform (110). More specifically, in various embodiments, the lower track (120) and the upper track (130) are pivotally coupled to the front of the platform (110) and the rear of the platform (110), respectively. Even more specifically, in many embodiments, the lower track (120) is coupled to the front of the platform (110) via a vertical or up-and-down pivot device, assembly, mechanism, device, structure or element that allows vertical (re)angulation or (re)positioning of the lower track (120) relative to the floor (111) of the platform (110); The upper track (130) is coupled to the rear of the platform (110) by, respectively, (i) a vertical or up-and-down pivot device, assembly, mechanism, device, structure or element that allows (re)angular adjustment or (re)positioning of the upper track (130) relative to the floor (111) of the platform (110) (and thus vertical selection or adjustment of the height at which the upper track (130) extends relative to the target gutter (20T)); and (ii) one or more lateral or left-right pivot devices, assemblies, mechanisms, devices, structures or elements that allows lateral or outward or left-right (re)angular adjustment or (re)positioning of one or more portions of the upper track (130) relative to the left and right sides of the platform (and thus lateral selection or (re)positioning of the position of the upper track (130) relative to the target gutter (20T)).

For example, in various embodiments, the lower track (120) is coupled or connected to the platform (110) by a front hinge assembly (140) extending across a forward portion of the platform width at or near the front of the platform (110). The front hinge assembly (140) may include a horizontal support bar carrying one or more hinge elements, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The front hinge assembly (140) allows the lower track (120) to swingably displace across a plurality of vertical positions relative to the floor (111) of the platform (110), or a plurality of vertical positions (e.g., within a particular angular range relative to a horizontal axis of the front hinge assembly (140). The cable routing system (100) also includes a pair of forward retaining devices or bars (127) optionally connectable or coupled to the forward upper portion of the platform (110) and the lower track (120) to securely support or maintain the lower track (120) in a selected or intended vertical orientation relative to the floor (111) of the platform (110). In certain embodiments, the lower track (120) can be raised or folded upward via a forward hinge assembly (140) so as to be positioned nearly vertically or vertically adjacent the front of the platform (110), thereby enhancing compactness of the cable routing system (100) when not in use.

In some embodiments, the upper track (130) is coupled or connected to the platform (110) via a positioning assembly (150) that includes a rear hinge assembly (142) extending across a rear portion of the platform width, and a lateral pivot assembly (152) coupled to each of the upper track (130) and the rear hinge assembly (142). The positioning assembly (150) allows for vertical or up/down, as well as lateral, outward, or left/right (re)adjustment of the position of the upper track (130). More specifically, the rear hinge assembly (142) includes a vertical positioning assembly of the rear portion of the upper track (130) (e.g., the rear end (132) of the upper track (130)) above the uppermost gutter (20) of the cable tunnel (10), which may be, for example, a target gutter (20T), to enable vertical or upward and downward (re)positioning of the upper track (130) (and generally the positioning assembly (150) coupled thereto). The rear hinge assembly (142) may include a horizontal support bar carrying one or more hinge elements, in a manner readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 4, the transverse pivot assembly (152) may include a support plate or bar (154) extending across a portion of the platform width that carries or includes a transverse or left-right pivot or hitch structure, element, pin or joint (156) to which the upper track (130) may be rigidly pivotally coupled (e.g., a pivot structure (156) centrally disposed along the support plate or bar (154)). The upper track (130) may include a receiver, fitting, opening or hole that may rigidly mate with the pivot pin (156). In another embodiment, the upper track (130) carries a pivot pin (156) and the support bar (154) includes a receptacle, fitting, opening or hole into which the pivot pin (156) can be inserted for secure pivotal mating engagement with the upper track (130).

Referring again to FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the cable routing system (100) also includes a pair of rear retaining devices or bars (137) optionally attachable or coupled to the lower rear portion of the platform (110) and the upper track (130), and a wire or wire rope (139) optionally attachable or coupled to the upper rear or rear portion of the platform (110) to firmly retain the upper track (130) in a selected or intended vertical and lateral orientation relative to or above the target gutter (20T), for example. In certain embodiments, the upper track (130) is foldable down via a rear hinge assembly (142) so as to be positioned in a nearly vertical or upright position adjacent the rear of the platform (110), thereby enhancing compactness of the cable routing system (100) when not in use.

The rear hinge assembly (142) allows the upper track (130) and the transverse pivot assembly (152) to be movably displaced a plurality of vertical positions relative to the floor (111) of the platform (110) or to a plurality of vertical positions (e.g., within a particular angular range about a horizontal axis of the rear hinge assembly (142)). The transverse pivot assembly (152) allows the upper track (130) to be movably displaced a plurality of lateral, outward or side-to-side positions (e.g., within a particular angular range about a central axis of the pivot pin (156)) relative to a vertical plane that widthwise or similarly divides or bisects the platform (110) relative to the left and right sides of the platform (110). In this way, the transverse pivot assembly (152) allows the upper track (130) to swing laterally so that the rear portion, section or segment of the upper track (130) through which the cable (70) is unloaded into the target gutter (20T) can be laterally positioned close to, very close to or directly above the target gutter (20T).

The lower track (120), the traction machine (115), the intermediate track (117) and the upper track (130) collectively form a transport route or path for the cable (70), along which the cable (70) is gradually displaced from the floor or the lowest level towards the target gutter (20T) with reduced or low friction by the rollers (104). The lower track (120), the traction machine (115), the intermediate track (117) and the upper track (130) are collectively arranged to incline the cable (70) so as to effectively cause the cable (70) to reach the target gutter (20T) by upward and backward displacement of the cable (70), for example in the manner illustrated in FIG. 3.

The lower track (120) is positioned relatively lower than the entrance of the traction machine (115) to facilitate lifting of the cable (70) from the lowest or initially laid level, for example from the floor of the tunnel (10). While a previously lifted portion of the cable (70) is progressively displaced along another portion of the lower track (120) closer to the platform (110), towards and through the traction machine (115), along the middle track (117) and the upper track (130), and inwardly towards the open recess of the target gutter (20T), the forward end (122) of the lower track allows the system (100) to simultaneously lift the next portion of the cable (70). As a result of the progressive or repeated upward and backward displacement of the cable (70) by the traction machine, successive portions of the cable (70) are displaced from the upper track (130) and into the open recess of the target gutter.

In various embodiments, the lower track (120) is positioned or aligned relative to the left and right sides of the platform (110) such that when portions of the cable (70) are carried by or displaced along the lower track (120), the central axis (72) of the cable is generally or approximately laterally aligned with the left and right center points or midway between the left and right sides of the platform (110). In some (but not necessarily all) embodiments, the lower track (120) is not laterally or laterally rotatable.

The central axis (72) of the cable along the inlet and outlet of the traction machine (115) and accordingly the portions of the cable (70) transported through the traction machine (115) are also generally or approximately positioned or laterally aligned at the left and right midpoints or midway between the left and right sides of the platform.

When the position of the upper track (130) is selectively or preferentially formed or adjusted laterally or outwardly so that portions of the upper track (130) extend laterally or outwardly toward, approach, and/or above the target gutter (20T), portions of the cable (70) along the length of the upper track (130) are progressively laterally displaced closer to the target gutter (20T) with respect to the upward and backward displacement of the cable (70) along the upper track (130). Thus, for portions of the cable (70) carried by or displaced along the upper track (130), the central axis (72) corresponding to these portions of the cable (70) generally does not remain aligned with the midpoint or middle between the left and right sides of the platform, but rather progressively displaces laterally away from the midpoint or middle between the left and right sides of the platform toward the target gutter (20T).

To prevent the cable (70) from slipping or falling laterally from the upper track (130) during cable transport (e.g., due to the lateral momentum of the cable as it is displaced upwardly, backwardly, and laterally along the upper track (130) toward the target gutter (20T), the upper track (130) typically includes a series of lateral displacement guides configured to ensure that each portion of the cable (70) being transported or displaced along the upper track (130) remains within an intended or predetermined lateral position range or lateral positions on the upper track (130) until it reaches an intended upper track exit location where it is introduced or placed into the target gutter (20T). The lateral displacement guides include at least one set of posts or rails extending along a vertical direction corresponding to at least a substantial portion of the cable diameter.

In various embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lateral displacement guide comprises or is formed of a plurality of frames (160) positioned at specific upper track locations (e.g., the frames being separated from one another by a specific or predetermined distance along the length of the upper track (130), wherein each frame (160) is positioned around or above a segment of the cable (70) as the cable (70) passes beneath or through it. Each frame (160) has an upper edge, a lower edge, and a pair of opposing side edges (e.g., left and right edges) that enclose an opening or space through which the cable (70) passes during cable displacement along the upper track (130). The side edges of a given frame (160) limit lateral movement of the cable (70) as the cable (70) is being displaced toward the target groove (20T).

Each frame (160) typically carries a plurality of rollers (104) to reduce friction as the cable (70) passes therethrough. Each roller (104) of the upper path along the upper track (130) may correspond to or provide a lower edge of a corresponding frame (160). Additionally, at least the opposing side edges of the frames (160) carry one or more side rollers (104) that are rotatable when in contact with the cable (70) during cable displacement. The side rollers (104) are capable of converting force(s) exerted upon them by the displacement of the cable (70) into rotational motion, thereby assisting in the directed motion of the cable (70) toward the target groove (20T). In various embodiments, each frame (160) includes a lower roller (104); a pair of left and right rollers (104); and an upper roller (104). Each such frame (160) is typically rectangular and is configured to carry a cable (70) between openings or holes formed by rollers (104).

In various embodiments, one or more frames (160) are also positioned at one or more locations along the middle track (117). A given frame (160) positioned along the middle track (117) or the upper track (130) may be secured to a crossbeam of the middle track (117) or the upper track (130), respectively.

In many embodiments, one or more of the frames (160) are selectively or optionally (re)positionable laterally or outwardly, for example, by incremental frame (re)positioning, or by slidable frame movement along an upper track crosspiece or an intermediate track crosspiece to which the frames (160) are coupled (e.g., side-to-side movement or inward and outward movement relative to a midpoint between the left and right sides of the platform, or a vertical mid-plane or midpoint of the cable tunnel (10)). More specifically, at least some of the crosspieces of the upper track (130) and typically (but not always) one or more of the crosspieces of the intermediate track (117) are configured or manufactured to provide a plurality of laterally extending frame mounts or frame guides. Each frame (160) is paired with a corresponding plurality of frame mounts or frame guides. Additionally, each frame (160) and/or its corresponding plurality of frame supports or frame guides include or provide a securing or locking mechanism for securing or locking the frame (160) in place along the crossbar once the frame (160) has been displaced to an intended or desired position. For example, the frame supports may be or include holes formed at particular or predetermined locations along the crossbar and may further include fasteners (e.g., bolts and nuts) for securing the frame (160) to the crossbar. The frame guides may be or include channels or recesses formed in the crossbar, in addition to generally fasteners or locking mechanisms (e.g., a set of bolts and nuts) for securing the frame (160) at particular lateral or external locations along the frame guides.

A laterally or outwardly (re)positionable frame (160) can be positioned along the crossbeam (e.g., by means of a plurality of frame mounts or frame guides carried by the crossbeam as described above) at a desired laterally or outwardly position. A series of successive laterally or outwardly (re)positionable frames (160) can establish a generally smooth curve to guide the cable (70) into and into the target gutter (20T). The selectable or user definable lateral or outward (re)positioning capability of the frame(s) (160) along the intermediate track (117) and the upper track (130) may assist or enable lateral or outward displacement or displacement of portions of the cable (70) carried by the intermediate track (117) and the upper track (130) along a series of straight or curved paths as the cable (70) is displaced rearward and upwardly and inwardly toward and away from the exit of the traction machine (115) toward the target gutter (20T).

In many embodiments, the portion of the traction machine (115) used to move or transport the cable (70) and the structure corresponding to the intermediate track (117) used to move the cable (including elements such as one or more rollers (104) and/or frames (160)) correspond to or form a platform-based or platform-resident cable transport track residing within the interior of the platform (110) or within a predetermined boundary, for example between the lower (111) and upper (114) portions of the platform (110) and between the left and right sides of the platform.

In various embodiments, the system (100) can position the power cable (70) within the target gutter (20T) at a speed of between about 1-6 m/min. Repetitive and/or periodic cable displacement forces intermittently generated by the traction machine (115) drive the platform (110) to drive the system (100) forward toward the portion of the cable (70) that is still on the floor or lowest level and needs to be lifted, transported, fed or loaded into the target gutter (20T). The speed of the system (100) as it moves forward along the floor of the tunnel (10) is proportional to the power or force generated by the traction machine (115). In some embodiments, the system (100) further includes an electric motor coupled to the wheels (118) to assist in the movement of the platform (110), for example when the system (100) is not transporting the cable (70). The traction machine (115) and/or electric motor may be powered by line power, a portable generator, or a series of batteries carried on or near the platform (110) without the need to plug in from a power point that may not be conveniently available in the underground tunnel (10).

FIG. 4 is a side schematic diagram of a modular cable routing system (200) according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, which comprises at least one traction machine (115) and is constructed from a plurality of modular units (210) arranged sequentially or in series with respect to one another. In various embodiments described below, each modular unit (210) comprises a platform (110), a traction machine (115) carried by the platform (110), and an intermediate track (117) carried by the platform (110). More specifically, as depicted in FIG. 4 , the system (200) is formed of a first or front modular unit (210a); and a second or rear modular unit (210b) and no other modular devices (e.g., no intermediate modular unit between the front and rear modular units). However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other embodiments may include additional modular units (210) (e.g., three or more modular units). Such individuals will also appreciate that in some embodiments, each modular unit (210) need not carry a traction machine (115) (e.g., a system (200) formed of three modular units (210) may carry only two traction machines (115), such as by the first or forward modular unit (210) and the third or rear modular unit (210), without the traction machine (115) carried by the second or intermediate modular unit (210); or perhaps a single traction machine (115), such as by the second or intermediate modular unit (210), without either the first or third modular unit (210) carrying a traction machine (115).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, for a given modular unit (210), the platform (110) is structured in a manner similar to, essentially the same as, or identical to that described above with respect to FIG. 3. For example, the platform (110) may include each of the platform elements illustrated above; and the modular unit (210) carries an intermediate track (117) in a manner similar to, essentially the same as, or identical to that described above with respect to FIG. 3. In embodiments such as that illustrated in FIG. 4, or alternatively in embodiments such as that illustrated in FIG. 3, one or more of the platforms (110) may be coupled to additional (e.g., larger) wheels (118).

The modular units (210) are arranged sequentially or in series (e.g., in a serial linear manner) with respect to one another, such that the rear of one modular unit (210) (e.g., a first or preceding or forward modular unit (210a)) is positioned adjacent to or facing the front of a subsequent or subsequent next modular unit (e.g., a second or subsequent or backward modular unit (210b)). Thus, with respect to FIG. 4, the platform (110) of the preceding modular unit (210a) has a shorter or lower height than that of the immediately succeeding modular unit (210b), and thus the inlet of the traction machine (115) of the subsequent modular unit (210b) is positioned higher than the outlet of the traction machine (115) of the immediately preceding modular unit (210a). More specifically, the inlet of the traction machine (115) of the subsequent modular unit (210b) is configured to receive a portion of the cable (70) displaced from the outlet of the traction machine (115) of the immediately preceding modular unit (210a).

In a similar manner as described above, the system (200) comprises a lower track (120) and an upper track (130), wherein the lower track (120) extends forward of the front modular unit (210), for example forward of the first modular unit (210a) of FIG. 4, and is arranged at a given, selected or selectable incline such that the cable (70) can be displaced along the floor path provided by the lower track (120) and fed upwardly and rearwardly into the inlet of the traction machine (115) of the front modular unit (210a). The upper track (130) is arranged at a given, selected or selectable inclination angle behind the rear modular unit (210), for example behind the second modular unit (210b) of FIG. 4, so that the cable (70) can be received from the middle track (117) of this modular unit (210b) and guided or displaced upwards and backwards along the upper path into the target groove (20T).

Each of the lower track (120) and the upper track (130) generally has the structure described above, and each of the lower track (120), the middle track (117) and the upper track (130) carries a rotatable roller (104) to reduce friction during displacement of the cable (70) along the lower path, the middle path and the upper path.

The lower track (120) and/or the upper track (130) may be rotationally displaceable or pivotally rotatable relative to the platform (110) of the front modular unit (210), for example, the first modular unit (210a) of FIG. 4, and the rear modular unit (210), for example, the second modular unit (210b) of FIG. 4. More specifically, in various embodiments such as that illustrated in FIG. 4, the lower track (120) and the upper track (130) are pivotally coupled to the front platform (110) of the first or front modular unit (210a) and the rear platform (110) of the second or rear modular unit (210b), respectively. In many embodiments, the lower track (120) is coupled to the front of the platform (210) of the first modular unit via a vertical or up-and-down pivot device, assembly, mechanism, device, structure or element that allows vertical (re)angular adjustment or (re)positioning of the lower track (120) relative to the floor (111) of the platform (110); and the upper track (130) is (i) a vertical or up-and-down pivot device, assembly, mechanism, device, structure or element that allows vertical (re)angular adjustment or (re)positioning of the upper track (130) relative to the floor (111) of the platform (110) (and thereby vertical selection or adjustment of the height at which the upper track (130) extends relative to the target gutter (20T)), including vertical adjustment of the height of a portion (e.g., at least a rear end (132)) of the upper track (130) above the target gutter (20T). and (ii) one or more lateral or left-right pivot devices, assemblies, mechanisms, devices, structures or elements respectively coupled to the rear of the platform (110) of the second modular unit, which enable lateral, outward, or left-right (re)angular adjustment or (re)positioning of one or more portions of the upper track (130) with respect to the left and right sides of the platform (and thereby lateral, outward or left-right selection or (re)positioning of the position of the upper track (130) with respect to the target gutter (20T).

For example, in various embodiments, the lower track (120) is coupled or connected to the platform (110) of the first modular unit (210a) via a front hinge assembly (140) extending across a forward portion of the platform width at or near the front of the platform (110), wherein the front hinge assembly (140) may be configured as shown above with respect to FIG. 3. The front hinge assembly (140) allows the lower track (120) to be rocked and displaced across a number of vertical positions relative to the floor (111) of its corresponding platform (110) (e.g., within a certain angular range about a horizontal axis of the front hinge assembly (140). The cable routing system (200) also includes a pair of forward retaining devices or bars (127) optionally engageable or coupled to securely retain or hold the lower track (120) in a selected or intended vertical orientation relative to the floor (111) of the platform (110). In certain embodiments, the lower track (120) can be raised or folded upward by the forward hinge assembly (140) so as to be positioned in a near-vertical or vertical position adjacent the front of the platform (110) of the first module unit (210a).

In some embodiments, the upper track (130) is coupled or connected to the platform (110) of the second modular unit (210b) via a positioning assembly (150), the positioning assembly (150) including a rear hinge assembly (142) extending across a rear portion of the platform width, and a side pivot assembly (152) coupled to each of the upper track (130) and the rear hinge assembly (142) in the manner shown above with reference to FIG. 3. The positioning assembly (150) allows for vertical or up-down as well as lateral or left-right (re)adjustment of the position of the upper track (130), so that the rear or trailing edge or end (132) of the upper track (130) can be positioned vertically at an intended height above the target gutter (20T), and the rear portion of the upper track (130) can be lateral or outwardly (re)positioned above the target gutter (20T) so that the cable (70) can be unloaded into the open recess of the target gutter (20T).

As previously described, the rear hinge assembly (142) may include a horizontal support bar carrying one or more hinge elements. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the side pivot assembly (152) may include a support plate or bar (154) extending across a portion of the corresponding platform width and carrying or including a lateral or left-right pivot or hitch structure, element, pin or joint (156) to which the upper track (130) may be securely pivotally engaged. The upper track (130) may include a receiver, fitting, aperture or opening to which the pivot pin (156) may be securely engaged. In another embodiment, the upper track (130) carries a pivot pin (156), and the support bar (154) includes a receptacle, fitting, opening or hole into which the pivot pin (156) can be inserted for secure pivotal engagement with the upper track (130).

In several embodiments, the modular cable routing system (200) also includes a pair of rear retaining devices or bars (137) optionally attachable or coupled to the lower rear or rear portion of the platform (110) of the second module and the upper track (130), and a retaining wire or wire rope (139) optionally attachable or coupled to the upper rear or rear portion of the platform (110) to securely hold the upper track (130) in a selected or intended vertical and lateral orientation, for example relative to or above the target gutter (20T). In certain embodiments, the upper track (130) can be raised or folded down by the rear hinge assembly (142) so as to be positioned in a near-vertical or vertical position adjacent the rear of the corresponding platform (110).

The rear hinge assembly (142) allows the upper track (130) and the side pivot assembly (152) to be swayably displaced across a number of vertical positions (e.g., within a certain angular range about a horizontal axis of the rear hinge assembly (142)) relative to the floor (111) of the platform (110) of the second modular unit (210b) in a manner similar to that described above. The side pivot assembly (152) allows the platform (110) to be swayably displaced across a number of lateral, outward, or left-right positions (e.g., within a certain angular range about a central axis of the pivot pin (156)) relative to a vertical plane that divides or bisects the platform (110) widthwise or similarly. Accordingly, the side pivot assembly (152) allows the upper track (130) to swing laterally or outwardly so that the rear portion of the upper track (130) through which the cable (70) is unloaded into the target groove (20T) can be laterally positioned close to, or very close to, or directly above the target groove (20T).

The lower track (120), each of the traction machines (115), each of the intermediate tracks (117), and the upper track (130) collectively form a transport route or path for the cable (70), along which the cable (70) is gradually displaced from the floor or the lowest level toward the target gutter (20T), with friction reduced by the rollers (104). The lower track (120), the traction machine (115), the intermediate track (117) and the upper track (130) are collectively arranged to incline the cable (70) so that the cable (70) effectively reaches the target gutter (20T) by upward and backward displacement of the cable (70), for example, in the manner illustrated in FIG. 4.

The lower track (120) is positioned relatively lower than the entrance of the traction machine (115) of the first modular unit to facilitate lifting the cable (70) from the lowest or initially laid level, for example from the floor of the tunnel (10). While the previously lifted portion of the cable (70) passes along other portions of the lower track (120) closer to the platform (110) of the first modular unit (210a), towards the traction machine (115) of this modular unit, along the middle track (117) of this modular unit, through the next modular unit (210b), up to the upper track (130) and into the open recess of the target gutter (20T), the forward end (122) of the lower track allows the system (200) to lift the next portion of the cable (70) simultaneously. As a result of the gradual or repetitive upward and backward displacement of the cable (70) by the traction machine (115), successive portions of the cable (70) are displaced from the upper track (130) into the open recesses of the target groove.

In various embodiments, the lower track (120) is positioned or aligned relative to the left and right sides of the platform (110) of the first modular unit such that the central axis (72) is generally or approximately laterally aligned with the left and right midpoints or midway between the left and right sides of the platform when portions of the cable (70) are carried or displaced by the lower track (120). In some (but not necessarily all) embodiments, the lower track (120) is not pivotable laterally or side to side.

Typically, the central axis (72) of the cable along the inlet and outlet of each traction machine (115), and accordingly the portion of the cable (70) carried through each traction machine (115), is also generally or approximately positioned or laterally aligned at the midpoint or midway between the left and right sides of each platform (110) carrying the traction machine (115).

When the position of the upper track (130) is selectively or preferentially set or adjusted such that portions of the upper track (130) extend laterally or outwardly toward, approach, and/or reside over the target gutter (20T), portions of the upper track (130) along the length of the upper track (130) are progressively displaced laterally or outwardly closer to the target gutter (20T) together with the upward and backward displacement of the cable (70) along the upper track (130). Accordingly, for those portions of the cable (70) that are carried or displaced along the upper track (130), the central axis (72) corresponding to those portions of the cable (70) is generally not maintained aligned at the midpoint or center between the left and right sides of the platform, but rather is progressively displaced laterally or outwardly away from the midpoint or center between the left and right sides of the platform toward the target groove (20T), up to the target groove (20T), and/or above the target groove (20T).

As described above, to prevent the cable (70) from slipping or falling laterally from the upper track (130) at an unintended upper track location during cable transport, each portion of the cable (70) being transported or displaced along the upper track (130) comprises a series of lateral displacement guides configured to ensure that it remains within an intended or predetermined lateral position range or lateral position on the upper track (130) until such portion of the cable (70) reaches an intended upper track exit location where it is fed or placed within the target gutter (20T). Such lateral displacement guides comprise at least a series of posts or rails extending in the vertical direction corresponding to at least a substantial portion of the cable diameter.

In various embodiments, the lateral displacement guide comprises or is formed of a plurality of frames (160) positioned at particular upper track locations. Each frame (160) has a structure as described above, and each frame (160) typically carries a plurality of rollers (104), for example, bottom, top, left and right rollers (104), for reducing friction as the cable (70) passes therethrough. Each roller (104) of the upper path along the upper track (130) may correspond to or be provided with a lower edge of a corresponding frame (160).

In various embodiments, one or more frames (160) are positioned at one or more locations along one or more of the intermediate tracks (117). A given frame (160) positioned along an intermediate track (117) or an upper track (130) may be secured to a crossbeam of the intermediate track (117) or the upper track (130), respectively.

In a manner similar to or essentially identical to or the same as described above, one or more of the frames (160) of the upper track (130) as well as one or more of the frames (160) of the intermediate track (117) of the second or rear modular unit (210b) are optionally or selectably transversely (re)positionable, for example, by frame (re)positioning or slidable frame movement along the upper track crosspiece or intermediate track crosspiece to which said frames (160) are coupled (e.g., side-to-side movement or inward and outward movement relative to a midpoint between the left and right sides of the platform or a vertical mid-plane or midpoint of the cable tunnel (10)). More specifically, at least some of the crosspieces of the upper track (130) and typically (but not always) one or more of the crosspieces of said intermediate track (117) are constructed or include, in the manner described above, a plurality of frame mounts or frame guides extending transversely, wherein each frame (160) is paired with a corresponding plurality of frame mounts or frame guides, as described above.

A series of sequential laterally (re)positionable frames (160) can form generally smooth or smooth curves or transitions to guide the cable (70) into and into the target gutter (20T). The selectable user-definable laterally or outwardly (re)positionable capabilities of the frame(s) (160) along the aforementioned intermediate track (117) and upper track (130) can assist or enable the lateral or outward displacement or displacement of portions of the cable (70) carried by said intermediate track (117) or upper track (130) along a series of straight or curved paths as the cable (70) is displaced backwards and upwards toward, to and into the target gutter (20T) away from the exit of the traction machine (115) of the second modular unit (210b).

Given that a plurality of traction machines (115) are typically arranged in a modular system (200) according to various embodiments of the present invention, such traction machines (115) are preferably synchronized in their operation. Synchronization of the traction machines (115) can be accomplished by connecting each traction machine (115) to a common controller or control unit or panel which can regulate the power output and the traction speed of each traction machine, for example as a function of time. Communication between each traction machine (115) and the control unit can be wired or wireless.

In such a modular system (200), the forward displacement rate of the system (200) along the tunnel (10) during a given time interval is proportional to the power output or force generated by each of the traction machines (115) active during the time interval under consideration. Accordingly, the rate at which the modular system (200) advances in the underground tunnel (10) during cable displacement toward, up to, and into the target gutter (20T) can be regulated via the control unit. In a similar manner as described above, at least one electric motor (180) can be coupled to the wheels (118) of one or more modular units (210) to provide additional driving force for displacing the modular system (200) along the tunnel (10). The electric motor (180) may also function to displace or drive the modular system (200) from one location in the underground tunnel (10) to another when the traction machine (115) is not activated or is not carrying the cable (70). The traction machine (115) and electric motor(s) (180) may be powered by line power, or by a portable generator or battery (190) carried by the platform (110).

FIG. 5a schematically illustrates a rear view of parts of a cable routing system (100, 200) without preferential lateral or outward positioning of the upper track (130) toward the target gutter (20T) mounted at a predetermined height on the side wall of the cable tunnel (10); FIG. 5b schematically illustrates a rear view of parts of such a system (100, 200) in which the upper track (130) is preferentially (re)positioned lateral or outwardly toward the target gutter (20T) so that the cable (70) can be fed or unloaded more easily, reliably and quickly from a part of the upper track (130) into the target gutter (20T).

It should be noted that the physical or spatial measurements or dimensions shown in the various drawings herein are representative and are provided for illustrative purposes to aid understanding. Depending on the cable installation environment being considered (e.g., the cable tunnel (10)), different versions of the cable placement system (100, 200) or portions thereof may be readily assembled or configured to have different physical or spatial dimensions. Additionally or alternatively, different versions of the cable placement system (100, 200) may be readily assembled or configured to provide different angular ranges through which the upper track (130) may be (re)positioned vertically and/or laterally. Accordingly, a particular cable placement system (100, 200) or portions thereof may be dimensioned to be suitable for laying or installing cables (70) within a gutter (20) within a cable tunnel (10) having a particular size/diameter, range of sizes/diameters, or geometry, or particular working area(s) available therein; Other cable placement systems (100, 200) may be dimensioned to accommodate placement or installation of cables (70) within troughs (20) within cable tunnels (10) of different sizes/diameters, size/diameter ranges, or geometries, or to provide different internal working areas(s) or different trough configurations (e.g., a larger diameter cable tunnel (10) having a cable trough (20) mounted higher than a smaller diameter cable tunnel (10). As a representative, non-limiting example, FIGS. 5c and 5d illustrate another representative cable placement system (100, 200) having a width of 1300 mm and a height of 3600 mm, in a manner similar to the rear views illustrated for narrower and shorter embodiments of the cable placement system (100, 200) illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b. This is a schematic diagram showing the back view of (200).

FIG. 6a is a photograph showing a side view of a cable arrangement system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6b is a photograph showing a front view of the cable layout system (100) of FIG. 6a, including an upper track (130) extending upwardly and rearwardly and preferentially offset laterally or outwardly to the right (as defined from the front view of the cable layout system (100)), and an arrangement of a frame (160) carried by the middle track (117) and the upper track (130) capable of providing lateral, outward or rightward displacement of the cable (70) toward the target gutter (20T).

FIGS. 7A and 7B are photographs showing front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the cable arrangement system (100) of FIGS. 6A and 6B, in which portions of the power cable (70) are lifted toward, up to, and over a target groove (20T) along an upward, backward, and rightwardly displaced, angled, curved or bent path (e.g., a rightwardly curved path, or a rightwardly curved path as defined from the front view of the cable arrangement system (100), wherein the path is formed along a middle path corresponding to the middle track (117) and an upper path corresponding to the upper track (130), and a plurality of frames (160) corresponding to the middle track (117) and the upper track (130), so that the power cable (70) is placed into the target groove (20T).

Embodiments according to the present disclosure may exhibit alternative, additional, and/or different elements, structures, features, and/or configurations, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some embodiments may utilize a smaller or shorter lower track (120) than other embodiments, which may not be pivotally coupled to the platform (110); or the lower track (120) may be omitted or excluded. Nonetheless, the presence of the lower track (120) may provide distributed support to the forward portion of the cable (70) adjacent the lowest position of the cable (70) as the forward portion of the cable (70) is lifted and displaced from its lowest starting position, thereby helping to preserve cable integrity, as undesirable or unwanted stresses on the cable (70) may be reduced, minimized, or avoided as the cable (70) is lifted and displaced.

As a further example, one or more platforms (110) may be coupled to a set of platform guide rollers (118b), for example, in the manner described above, as well as a plurality of wheels (118a), for example, in the manner illustrated in FIG. 8. The platform guide rollers (118b) may assist in aligning and/or maintaining (e.g., self-aligning and/or self-maintaining) the platform (110) relative to a set of platform guide structures (e.g., a pair of platform guide structures) extending along a floor or ground surface. The platform guide rollers (118b) may have an axis of rotation that is transverse or perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheels (118a) of the platform, as will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.

As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the cable traction machine (115) may have an outlet (115e) that is laterally or horizontally offset with respect to its inlet (115i) such that a portion of the cable (70) displaced by or through the cable traction machine (115) is laterally displaced or routed along a particular (e.g., predetermined or selected) path (e.g., corresponding to a curve) by or within the cable traction machine (115) itself. Such a cable traction machine (115) may include a plurality of serially arranged cable traction wheels and/or belts (115w) that are laterally offset with respect to one another (e.g., in pairs between the inlet (115i) and the outlet (115e)), which are coupled to and driven by a set of traction machine motors in a manner that will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The representative embodiments presented herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive. The embodiments according to the present disclosure are limited only by the following claims.

Claims (21)

A system for lifting a portion of said cable away from a lower surface supporting said cable and transporting said lifted portion of said cable vertically toward a destination, said system comprising:
A frame extending upwardly with respect to the lower surface and displaceable along a direction parallel to the lower surface, the frame including a front portion, a rear portion opposite the rear of the front portion, a left portion, a right portion laterally opposite to the left portion, a bottom portion closest to the lower surface, and an upper portion farthest from the lower surface;
A plurality of rollers carried or provided by said frame or coupled to said frame, said plurality of rollers setting a transport route for parts of said frame that is elevated relative to said lower surface, so that said transport route is vertically further from said lower surface at a rear portion of said frame than at a front portion of said frame; and
A traction machine coupled to said frame, said traction machine being configured to progressively displace an elevated portion of said cable from a forward portion of said frame toward a rearward portion of said frame along said transport route;
Including,
It further comprises a lower track protruding from the front portion of the frame for guiding the cable toward the towing machine and an upper track protruding from the rear portion of the frame for guiding the cable away from the towing machine.
The above plurality of rollers are spaced apart and support a specific portion of the cable while the cable is displaced rearward and toward the elevated destination,
The above upper track is connected to the platform via a positioning assembly,
The above positioning assembly includes a rear hinge assembly,
The above rear hinge assembly is a system which enables positioning of the upper track. In paragraph 1,
Further comprising a set of transverse displacement guides coupled to the above plurality of rollers,
A system wherein each lateral displacement guide is configured to maintain a particular portion of said cable at a selected position relative to said left and right portions of said frame as said lifted portion of the cable is displaced toward said destination. In the second paragraph,
A system wherein said transverse displacement guide set comprises one or more transverse displacement guides that are laterally repositionable at a plurality of positions relative to said left portion and said right portion of said frame. In the third paragraph,
A system wherein the above traction machine comprises a cable traction machine, the cable traction machine comprising an inlet facing the front part of the frame and an outlet facing the rear part of the frame, a part of the cable being pulled into the traction machine through the inlet, and a part of the cable being output from the traction machine through the outlet. In paragraph 4,
A system wherein said outlet is vertically further from said lower surface than said inlet. In paragraph 5,
A system wherein said plurality of rollers include a plurality of crossbars extending longitudinally parallel to one another, said crossbars configured to support a particular raised portion of the cable between a forward portion of said frame and a rear portion of said frame. In paragraph 6,
A system wherein the upper track and the lower track are formed by a plurality of rollers. In paragraph 7,
The upper track is pivotally coupled to the frame so that the upper track can be displaced laterally with respect to the left and right portions of the frame,
A system wherein the upper track is joined to the frame by a hinge structure such that the upper track is displaceable upward and downward with respect to the frame. A modular system for lifting a portion of a cable from a lower surface supporting the cable and transporting the lifted portion of the cable vertically toward a destination, said system comprising:
A plurality of frames arranged in series with respect to the lower surface, each of the plurality of frames extending upwardly with respect to the lower surface and being displaceable along a direction parallel to the lower surface, each of the plurality of frames including a front portion, a rear portion opposite to the rear of the front portion, a left portion, a right portion laterally opposite to the left portion, a bottom portion closest to the lower surface, and an upper portion farthest from the lower surface, the plurality of frames including a first frame; and a last frame having an upper portion coupled to the first frame and further from the lower surface than an upper portion of the first frame;
A plurality of rollers carried or provided by said plurality of frames or coupled to said plurality of frames, said plurality of rollers establishing a transport route that rises relative to said lower surface, such that said transport route is vertically further from said lower surface at a rear portion of said last frame than at a front portion of said first frame; and
One or more traction machines coupled to said plurality of frames, said one or more traction machines being configured to progressively displace an elevated portion of said cable from a forward portion of said first frame toward a rearward portion of said last frame along said transport route;
Including,
It further comprises a lower track protruding from the front portion of the frame for guiding the cable toward the towing machine and an upper track protruding from the rear portion of the frame for guiding the cable away from the towing machine.
The above plurality of rollers are spaced apart and support a specific portion of the cable while the cable is displaced rearward and toward the elevated destination,
The above upper track is connected to the platform via a positioning assembly,
The above positioning assembly includes a rear hinge assembly,
The above rear hinge assembly is a system which enables positioning of the upper track. In Article 9,
Further comprising a set of transverse displacement guides coupled to the above plurality of rollers,
A system wherein each lateral displacement guide is configured to maintain a particular portion of the cable at a selected lateral position relative to the right and left portions of a particular frame within said plurality of frames as the lifted portion of the cable is displaced toward said destination. In Article 10,
A system wherein said plurality of transverse displacement guides include one or more transverse displacement guides that are laterally repositionable at a plurality of locations relative to the left and right portions of a particular frame within said plurality of frames. In Article 11,
A system wherein said one or more traction machines include a cable traction machine, said cable traction machine including an inlet facing the front portion of said first frame and an outlet facing the rear portion of said last frame, wherein a portion of the cable is drawn into the traction machine through said inlet and a portion of the cable is output from the traction machine through said outlet. In Article 12,
A system wherein said outlet is vertically further from said lower surface than said inlet. In Article 13,
A system wherein said plurality of rollers include a plurality of crossbars extending longitudinally parallel to one another, said plurality of crossbars being configured to support a particular raised portion of the cable between a forward portion of a particular frame within said plurality of frames and a rear portion of a particular frame within said plurality of frames. In Article 14,
A system wherein the upper track and the lower track are formed by a plurality of rollers. In Article 15,
The upper track is pivotally coupled to the frame so that the upper track can be displaced laterally with respect to the left and right portions of the frame,
A system wherein the upper track is connected to the last frame by a hinge structure such that the upper track is displaceable upward and downward with respect to the last frame. A method of lifting a portion of a cable away from a lower surface supporting the cable and transporting the lifted portion of the cable vertically toward a destination, the method comprising:
A step of providing a frame extending upwardly with respect to the lower surface and displaceable along a direction parallel to the lower surface, the frame including a front portion, a rear portion opposite the rear of the front portion, a left portion, a right portion laterally opposite to the left portion, a bottom portion closest to the lower surface, and an upper portion farthest from the lower surface;
A step of providing a plurality of rollers carried or provided by said frame or coupled to said frame, said plurality of rollers establishing a transport route relative to said lower surface for portions of said frame such that said transport route is vertically further from said lower surface at a rear portion of said frame than at a front portion of said frame;
providing a traction machine coupled to the above frame; and
The step of operating the said traction machine to gradually raise a portion of the cable from the said lower surface and to gradually displace the raised portion of the cable along the said transport route in an automated manner from the forward portion of the said frame towards the rear portion of the said frame;
Including,
The above plurality of rollers are spaced apart and support a specific portion of the cable while the cable is displaced rearward and toward the elevated destination,
Further comprising the step of providing a lower track protruding from a forward portion of the frame for guiding the cable toward the towing machine and an upper track protruding from a rear portion of the frame for guiding the cable away from the towing machine;
The above upper track is connected to the platform via a positioning assembly,
The above positioning assembly includes a rear hinge assembly,
A method wherein the rear hinge assembly enables positioning of the upper track. delete delete delete delete