CA2654640A1 - Method and device for installing cables and jackets in a non-inspectable pipe - Google Patents
Method and device for installing cables and jackets in a non-inspectable pipe Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2654640A1 CA2654640A1 CA002654640A CA2654640A CA2654640A1 CA 2654640 A1 CA2654640 A1 CA 2654640A1 CA 002654640 A CA002654640 A CA 002654640A CA 2654640 A CA2654640 A CA 2654640A CA 2654640 A1 CA2654640 A1 CA 2654640A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pipe
- elongate body
- branches
- breakage
- cable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/46—Processes or apparatus adapted for installing or repairing optical fibres or optical cables
- G02B6/50—Underground or underwater installation; Installation through tubing, conduits or ducts
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/46—Processes or apparatus adapted for installing or repairing optical fibres or optical cables
- G02B6/50—Underground or underwater installation; Installation through tubing, conduits or ducts
- G02B6/508—Fixation devices in ducts for drawing cables
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/26—Pigs or moles, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G1/00—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines
- H02G1/06—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle
- H02G1/08—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle through tubing or conduit, e.g. rod or draw wire for pushing or pulling
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G1/00—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines
- H02G1/06—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle
- H02G1/08—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle through tubing or conduit, e.g. rod or draw wire for pushing or pulling
- H02G1/088—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle through tubing or conduit, e.g. rod or draw wire for pushing or pulling using pulling devices movable inside conduits
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G9/00—Installations of electric cables or lines in or on the ground or water
- H02G9/06—Installations of electric cables or lines in or on the ground or water in underground tubes or conduits; Tubes or conduits therefor
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)
- Storage Of Web-Like Or Filamentary Materials (AREA)
- Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)
- Electric Cable Installation (AREA)
- Sewage (AREA)
- Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
- Installation Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
- Insulated Conductors (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of installing a flexible elongate body (1) such as a cable inside a pipe (2), in particular a non-inspectable pipe, wherein said elongate body is held against a wall (21) of said pipe using discrete supporting elements (3, 3') by means of which the elongate body can be pressed against the inner wall of the pipe. In this method, prior to inserting said elongate body (1) into said pipe (2), a plurality of said discrete supporting elements (3, 3') are fastened along the length of said elongate body; and the supporting elements are flexurally stressed and held under stress by means of a locking element (4). Said elongate body is then introduced into said pipe between at least two openings which allow access to said pipe, and said elongate body is pressed against the wall (21) of said pipe by withdrawing or rupturing said locking element (4) that stresses each discrete supporting element, causing said supporting element and said elongate body to be pressed against the wall of the pipe. A robotic device (5) for implementing the method of the invention is also described.
Description
Method and device for installing cables and jackets in a non-inspectable pipe FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This present invention relates to the general field of installing elongate or longilineal body or element that can be coiled up, such as cables, ducts or jackets and the like, in pipes, in particular unpressurised pipes such as sewerage pipes for example.
More particularly, the invention concerns a method for the installation of such body inside the said pipes by means of separate support elements, and an automated device for the implementation of this method.
The field of installing telecommunication cables is a sector that is growing strongly, especially due to the increasing importance of the telecommunication and information technologies and the necessary development of the networks allowing the development and use of the latter.
In fact, the installation of telecommunication networks generates the extensive use of cables and in particular, increasingly, of optical fibre cables.
It is desirable that the deployment of the infrastructures that are necessary in order to put these networks into service should meet requirements from the viewpoint of data transfer, in particular since the arrival of the very high-speed solutions.
Moreover, the rapidity, the simplicity, the quality and the cost of deploying cables have become critical points for the companies specialized in the installation of network infrastructures.
Ir particular, the invention concerns the deployment of cables in existing, preferably circular pipes, which are too narrow to be accessed or inspected and that are intended for an application other than cabling. It is generally considered that pipes with a diameter of greater than 800 mm are accessible.
The invention responds to the requirement of the telecommunication operators who wish to run optical cables up to each building at the lowest possible cost. The objective of the method is to replace the traditional burial of cables, which is a costly and disruptive operation for users and abutters in the public domain.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Diverse types of solutions exist in this specific context but none of these is wholly satisfactory, whether in terms of robustness, cost, simplicity or rapidity of execution.
For example, it can be necessary to interrupt the flow in a pipe in order to install a cable or indeed to execute civil engineering works.
One of these solutions, which is particularly interesting, consists of attaching the cable between accessible points of the network in which attachment means can be installed. We are familiar with techniques according to which the cable is stretched between two access chambers or openings which allow access to said pipe using tensioning means, such as an adjustable turnbuckle for example, coupled to a cable puller, with the assembly fixed to a plate fitted with a hook and attached by screwing, pinning or sealing onto the wall of the access chamber.
This technique is particularly interesting, since it necessitates a relatively slight intervention on the pipes with no civil engineering works and with no need to interrupt the flows. The cable is simply introduced into the pipe.
This present invention relates to the general field of installing elongate or longilineal body or element that can be coiled up, such as cables, ducts or jackets and the like, in pipes, in particular unpressurised pipes such as sewerage pipes for example.
More particularly, the invention concerns a method for the installation of such body inside the said pipes by means of separate support elements, and an automated device for the implementation of this method.
The field of installing telecommunication cables is a sector that is growing strongly, especially due to the increasing importance of the telecommunication and information technologies and the necessary development of the networks allowing the development and use of the latter.
In fact, the installation of telecommunication networks generates the extensive use of cables and in particular, increasingly, of optical fibre cables.
It is desirable that the deployment of the infrastructures that are necessary in order to put these networks into service should meet requirements from the viewpoint of data transfer, in particular since the arrival of the very high-speed solutions.
Moreover, the rapidity, the simplicity, the quality and the cost of deploying cables have become critical points for the companies specialized in the installation of network infrastructures.
Ir particular, the invention concerns the deployment of cables in existing, preferably circular pipes, which are too narrow to be accessed or inspected and that are intended for an application other than cabling. It is generally considered that pipes with a diameter of greater than 800 mm are accessible.
The invention responds to the requirement of the telecommunication operators who wish to run optical cables up to each building at the lowest possible cost. The objective of the method is to replace the traditional burial of cables, which is a costly and disruptive operation for users and abutters in the public domain.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Diverse types of solutions exist in this specific context but none of these is wholly satisfactory, whether in terms of robustness, cost, simplicity or rapidity of execution.
For example, it can be necessary to interrupt the flow in a pipe in order to install a cable or indeed to execute civil engineering works.
One of these solutions, which is particularly interesting, consists of attaching the cable between accessible points of the network in which attachment means can be installed. We are familiar with techniques according to which the cable is stretched between two access chambers or openings which allow access to said pipe using tensioning means, such as an adjustable turnbuckle for example, coupled to a cable puller, with the assembly fixed to a plate fitted with a hook and attached by screwing, pinning or sealing onto the wall of the access chamber.
This technique is particularly interesting, since it necessitates a relatively slight intervention on the pipes with no civil engineering works and with no need to interrupt the flows. The cable is simply introduced into the pipe.
The tensioning of the cable allows the cable to be held as closely as possible to the top wall of the pipe. As a consequence, there is no obstacle to disrupt the flow. However since the tension exerted on the cable must not exceed a value specified by the manufacturer, there is some sagging which, if significant, can give rise to disruption in the operation of the pipe, such as the trapping of floating body and the constitution of blockages through local collection of the materials transported by the water. This technique therefore only partially solves the problem of installing a cable in a pipe.
Finally, documents DE 19813728 and EP-A-0905433 describe a technique proposing the use of separate support elements in the form of arched supports intended to be installed in a pipe in order to support a cable attached between two points inside the pipe. The branches of these arched supports exhibit a certain elasticity allowing the insertion of the said arched supports in the pipe when they are constrained, and then flattening of the cable against the inner wall of the pipe when the said constraint is removed. The support elements are installed directly in the pipe by a mechanical device with a loader that accepts the said support elements in a constrained state, and which are subsequently released one by one inside the pipe, as the mechanical device advances in the latter.
This latter technique requires no drilling and no intervention on the pipe itself.
Nevertheless, when it is required to fit-out pipes of considerable length, this technique has certain limits. In fact, the loaders of the devices for the installation of the support clips in the pipes have a limited capacity. It is therefore necessary to perform successive return trips with the devices i n order to fill the loaders when the latter are empty, thereby significantly increasing the length of the operations for the installation of the cables and therefore the overall cost of installation, which constitutes a crucial parameter in the gaining of contracts for the connection and cabling of telecommunication links.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The purpose of this present invention is to provide a method for the installation of a flexible elongate body designed to be coiled-up, such as a cable, a duct or similar, inside a pipe, and in particular an inaccessible pipe, by means of separate support elements that are used to reduce the time and therefore the costs of installation, compared to the known techniques using loader devices.
This objective is attained according to this present invention by virtue of a method for the installation of a said flexible elongate body in which the said elongate body is held against a wall of the said pipe by means of separate support elements with elastic branches allowing the insertion of the said support elements into the pipe when the said branches are constrained, and the flattening of the said branches and of the said elongate body against the inner wall of the pipe when the said branches are released. According to the invention this method is characterised by the fact that, in succession :
a) before insertion of the said elongate body into the said pipe, a plurality of said separate or discrete support elements are attached along the said elongate body to be installed in the said pipe ;
b) the said branches of the said separate support elements attached or fastened to the said elongate body are constrained by bending or flexurally stressing, and the said branches are held under constraint or stress by means of a retaining or locking element ;
c) the said elongate body bearing the said separate support elements whose branches are constrained, is inserted in the said pipe between at least two access chambers of the said pipe ;
Finally, documents DE 19813728 and EP-A-0905433 describe a technique proposing the use of separate support elements in the form of arched supports intended to be installed in a pipe in order to support a cable attached between two points inside the pipe. The branches of these arched supports exhibit a certain elasticity allowing the insertion of the said arched supports in the pipe when they are constrained, and then flattening of the cable against the inner wall of the pipe when the said constraint is removed. The support elements are installed directly in the pipe by a mechanical device with a loader that accepts the said support elements in a constrained state, and which are subsequently released one by one inside the pipe, as the mechanical device advances in the latter.
This latter technique requires no drilling and no intervention on the pipe itself.
Nevertheless, when it is required to fit-out pipes of considerable length, this technique has certain limits. In fact, the loaders of the devices for the installation of the support clips in the pipes have a limited capacity. It is therefore necessary to perform successive return trips with the devices i n order to fill the loaders when the latter are empty, thereby significantly increasing the length of the operations for the installation of the cables and therefore the overall cost of installation, which constitutes a crucial parameter in the gaining of contracts for the connection and cabling of telecommunication links.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The purpose of this present invention is to provide a method for the installation of a flexible elongate body designed to be coiled-up, such as a cable, a duct or similar, inside a pipe, and in particular an inaccessible pipe, by means of separate support elements that are used to reduce the time and therefore the costs of installation, compared to the known techniques using loader devices.
This objective is attained according to this present invention by virtue of a method for the installation of a said flexible elongate body in which the said elongate body is held against a wall of the said pipe by means of separate support elements with elastic branches allowing the insertion of the said support elements into the pipe when the said branches are constrained, and the flattening of the said branches and of the said elongate body against the inner wall of the pipe when the said branches are released. According to the invention this method is characterised by the fact that, in succession :
a) before insertion of the said elongate body into the said pipe, a plurality of said separate or discrete support elements are attached along the said elongate body to be installed in the said pipe ;
b) the said branches of the said separate support elements attached or fastened to the said elongate body are constrained by bending or flexurally stressing, and the said branches are held under constraint or stress by means of a retaining or locking element ;
c) the said elongate body bearing the said separate support elements whose branches are constrained, is inserted in the said pipe between at least two access chambers of the said pipe ;
5 d) the said elongate body is flattened or pressed against the wall of the said pipe by removal/withdrawing or breakage/rupturing of the said retaining element constraining the said branches of each said separate support element, with the said branches, once released, executing a movement of extension or of lateral separation that results in flattening the said support element and the said elongate body against the wall of the pipe.
Thus by virtue of the method of the invention, we equip the cables or ducts to be installed, even before their introduction into the pipe to be equipped, with separate support elements over the necessary length, and then we constrain the elastic branches of the said support elements so as to allow the insertion of the cables fitted with the said support elements into the pipe and then, once the latter has been effected, we successively release the branches of each of the said support elements by any appropriate means, in order to flatten the cables against the walls of the pipe, this being effected very simply and rapidly by means, for example, of a remotely-controlled robot moving inside the pipe being equipped.
The position selected to install the cables or ducts is the zenithal position, which is the part of the pipe that is least affected by the effluents which can reach the roof of the pipe.
According to a first preferred characteristic of the invention, the said elongate body that one wishes to install is drawn in durina step c) from a first access chamber located downstream of the said pipe by means of a drawing cable that is attached to one end of the said elongate body by means of an attachment clamp, and is simultaneously pushed upstream. At the said access chambers upstream and downstream, the ends of the elongate body are anchored to the wall of the said chambers by means of anchoring devices designed to exert a tensioning force on the said elongate body.
Once the elongate body has been anchored, a drawing force is then applied to the latter so as to put it in tension. This tensioning is effected in order to pre-position the said elongate body in the upper part of the pipe in which the installation is being executed.
In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, at step a), each said separate support element is attached in such a manner that the latter has a degree of freedom to rotate around the said elongate body, but is fixed in longitudinal translation on the said body.
An excellent longitudinal distribution of the separate support clips over the said elongate body (the cables for example) is thus achieved inside the pipe, as well as a better positioning of the latter before flattening them against the walls of the said pipe.
The support elements are installed on the said elongate body before its insertion into the pipe, and are articulated perpendicularly to the axis of the pipe in order to allow them to lie down in a horizontal plane during the insertion of the said elongate body into the pipe. The said support elements have an angular degree of freedom around the elongate body in order to allow it to take up an optimal position during the flattening against the wall of the pipe.
In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, the said separate support elements are made from metal wire and are attached to the said elongate body by means of securing yokes that are mobile in rotation around the said %
elongate body and fixed longitudinally in translation on the said elongate body.
In this preferred embodiment of the invention, each said separate support element is advantageously attached to a said securing yoke, and designed to pivot on the said yoke so as to be capable of being positioned in the said pipe in such a manner that the said branches of the said support elements lie exactly in a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the said pipe before removal or breakage of the said retaining element of the branches.
A particularly advantageous form of the separate support elements is such that the latter include :
- a rectilinear central part by which each said support element is attached to a said securing yoke, and allows pivoting on the said yoke around a more-or-less horizontal axis ;
- two vertical rectilinear and symmetrical parts on either side of the said central part that bring the said support element into contact with the top of the pipe and are used to fix the latter on the yoke ;
- two symmetrical circular branches extending from the top end of the said vertical parts ; and - two notches at the ends of the said branches, that are used to fix a said retaining element of the branches for the phases of insertion into the pipe.
Such separate support elements thus have sufficient elasticity to insert the clip into the pipe without deforming it, and with sufficient spring force to perform the flattening and retention of a elongate body, such as a cable or duct, by pressing it against the top inside of a pipe.
For optimal retention of the support elements in the vertical flattening positioning in the pipe, the said securing yokes include stops that lock the said support elements in ~
rotation, where these stops are shaped and positioned on the yokes so as to mate with the said symmetrical vertical parts of the said support elements.
By virtue of these stops, the pivoting of the support elements on the said yoke is limited between two extreme positions that must be adopted by the support elements, namely a position of insertion into the pipe and a final position for retention of a elongate body against the top inside of a pipe.
According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, between steps c) and d), we also execute a mechanical positioning of the said separate support elements inside the pipe, by means of an automated device that is designed to be inserted into the said pipe, with the said automated device allowing the removal or the breakage of the said retaining elements of the branches of the said separate support elements at step d).
It is thus possible to suitably orient the support clips, and therefore the cable or cables installed in the pipe, before flattening against the walls of the pipe.
In addition, the said mechanical positioning of the separate support elements inside the pipe is such that the said elongate body is flat against the top wall of the pipe after removal of the said retaining elements and flattening of the said support elements against the walls of the pipe.
Nevertheless, the automated device by means of which the cables are positioned in the pipe is preferably also designed to angularly orient the said cables inside the pipes so as to avoid any obstacles or points of connection in the said pipes.
It step d), the said retaining element is advantageously broken by cutting or indeed by melting, with this breakage being advantageously effected by means of the automated device, where the latter has appropriate means to break the said retainina elements.
Finally, according to the method of the invention, it is also advantageous to position and support the said elongate body against the top wall of the said pipe by means of the said automated device during the unwinding process of step d).
A second aspect of the present invention also resides in the design and the supply of a device that is designed for implementing the installation method described above. Such a device in particular includes a motor-driven trolley, equipped with means for rolling and sliding against a wall of a pipe inside which a said flexible elongate body, designed to be coiled up, has to be installed, and a support platform attached to the said motor-driven trolley. According to this present invention this device is characterised in that it includes means for rupturing the said means for retaining or locking the branches of the said separate support elements attached to the said elongate body to be installed in the said pipe.
According to possible implementation variants of the device of the invention, the said breakage means are attached to the said platform and / or to the said trolley and are projecting in relation to the said trolley and the said platform. The said breakage means can also be fixed or mobile in relation to the said trolley or to the said platform and can include, depending on circumstances, at least one cutting device and / or at least one heating device.
The said breakage means can also advantageously be radio-controlled or remotely-controlled, just like the device as a whole.
According to a preferred embodiment, the device of the invention also includes means for positioning and supporting a said elongate body to be installed in a said pipe, where the said positioning means are attached to the platform.
These said positioning and support means advantageously include a pressure roller with a shape that is designed to provide support, and for sliding along the said elongate body (along a cable for example), with the said pressure roller 5 being positioned at the top end of a lift mechanism attached to the said platform, which includes an actuator, and preferably an electrical actuator or jack.
Different implementation variants can be envisaged for the lift mechanism of the device of the invention. In a first 10 variant, the said lift mechanism includes an arm that is mounted to pivot on the platform, with the said arm being telescopic where appropriate, and operated by the said actuator.
In a second preferred variant, the said lift mechanism includes a pantograph, operated by an actuator or a motor.
The device of the invention also advantageously includes at least one camera to provide a view of the interior of the said pipe during the movements of the said device in the said pipe. This said camera can advantageously be fixed onto the said platform, onto the said trolley or to the top end of the said lift mechanism.
Finally, in a preferred embodiment, the device of the invention includes spatulas for orientation of the said separate support elements fixed, according to the method of the invention, on a said elongate body to be installed in a pipe. The said spatulas are fixed onto the said trolley or the said platform so that they come into contact with and press against the branches of the said separate support elements constrained by a said retaining element when the said device advances in the said pipe.
It is thus possible to position the said retaining elements of the branches opposite to the said means for rupturing the device, and the said elongate body against the top wall of the said pipe, in such a manner that, when the said locking means are broken, the said elongate body is flattened against this said top wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other characteristics and advantages of this present invention will emerge from the description that follows, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate an example of implementation that is not limiting in any way. In figures:
- figure 1 represents a separate support element than can be used to implement the method of the invention in a first embodiment ;
figure 2 represents a step of introduction into a pipe of a cable equipped with several support elements, as represented in figure 1, before fixing the said cable in the said pipe according to the method of the invention ;, - Figures 3A and 3B respectively represent, in profile and front views, an automated device inside a pipe, for implementing the cable-laying method according to the invention, by means of the separate support elements of figure 1 in a first embodiment ;
- Figures 4A to 4C schematically represent a separate support element for implementing the method of the invention in a second embodiment, respectively in the free state, the constrained state, and the free state after installation in a pipe ;
- figures 5A and 5B represent the method for securing a separate support element, such as that represented in figures 4A to 4C, onto a cable by means of a securing yoke, in the two extreme positions of the said support element in relation to the said yoke ;
- figures 6A to 6C represent the different steps of implementation of the method of the invention in a second preferred embodiment ;
- Figures 7A to 7C respectively represent, in profile, top and front views, an automated device inside a pipe for implementing the cable-laying method according to the invention in the embodiment of figures 6A to 6D.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This present invention proposes a new method and a device 5 for the laying of telecommunication cables 1 (or ducts intended to accommodate cables) in the inaccessible parts of sewers 2.
In a first embodiment, described below with reference to figures 1 to 3B, the method of the invention plans the use of separate support elements 3 as represented in figure 1, also called support clips 3 in the remainder of the description, in order to effect the installation of cables 1, ducts and similar plant in inaccessible pipes 2.
These support elements 3 are composed of a wire ring in steel or stainless steel alloy. It is in fact necessary that the material constituting the said clips should have high resistance to corrosion since it is intended for use in sewers 2, an environment that is generally wet and often corrosive.
A range of clip sizes can be manufactured so that each size can be used for a given range of pipe sizes.
The support clips 3 must have good elasticity and good flexibility in order to allow implementation of the method of the invention as will be described below. To this end, the support clip 3 has a double curvature that endows it with a cradle shape whose edges are formed by two lateral branches 31, 32 attached to each other at their ends where they form two notches 33 allowina the fixing of the ciip 3 onto a cable (or a duct) 1 before its installation in a pipe 2 to be equipped as shown in figure 2.
In this form, the support clip 3 can easily be deformed and constrained by bending laterally and / or longitudinally.
According to the invention, the deformation of the support clip 3 is achieved by a link 4 drawing together the branches 31, 32 as represented in figure 1. This compression, within the elastic limit of the material, results in a reduction of the transverse diameter of the clip, allowing its insertion and its positioning in a pipe 2.
The shape of the support clip 3 is designed so that, after insertion into a pipe 2 and breakage of the link 4 constraining the branches 31, 32 of the clip, maximum contact is achieved with the inner wall of the pipe 2. The support force exerted on the cable (or the duct) is then achieved by the reaction force of the clip 3 against the walls of the pipe.
According to this present invention, the installation of cables 1(or ducts) inside pipes 2 that are not accessible, by means of support clips 3 such as those described above, is achieved as follows.
In a first step, the support clips 3 are fixed to the cable (or to the duct) 1 to be installed, before insertion into the pipe, by their notches 33, so that the whole constitutes a sort of festoon, with the branches 31, 32 of the clips being constrained and deformed by a link 4, composed of a textile tie for example, of synthetic material such NYLON
or preferably of biodegradable material, so as not to leave residues in the pipe.
The assembly is then inserted into the pipe 2 by pulling or drawing (figure 2) , by means of a draw rope (not shown in the figures) for exarrple, from one end of the pipe 2. During this insertion, the cradle shape of the clips 3, favours the translation of the cable 1 in the pipe 2.
Prior to the insertion of the cable 1, the pipe 2 is preferably inspected in order to check for the absence of anomalies that could, for example, damage the cable once installed, or form an obstacle to the installation and the translation of the cable 1 or duct during its insertion.
During this inspection, any branching positions and the generating line of the pipe that is the most favourable for the positioning of cable are also advantageously identified.
If necessary, the pipe 2 can also be cleaned by hydro-scouring before the start of the procedure for laying the cable 1.
After insertion of the cable (or duct) 1, pre-equipped with the support clips 3, into the pipe 2, the said cable (or duct) is tensioned and flattened to the ceiling 21 of the pipe by breakage of the retaining link 4 of each of the support clips 3 by means of an automated device 5 such as that represented in figures 3A and 3B. Once the link 4 has been broken, the branches 31, 32 of the support clips flatten themselves against the walls of the pipe, the clips 3 then exerting onto the cable (or duct) 1 a vertical reaction force that has the effect of flattening it against the top wall 21 of the pipe 2.
Thus, the floor of the pipe 2 is cleared, so as not to obstruct the circulation of materials in the pipe 2. In the case where the pipe 2 is a sewerage pipe, the driving of the sediments by the effluents occurs without pressure drop even after installation of the cable 1 in the said pipe.
As indicated above, breakage of the links 4 of the clips 3 inside the pipe 2 is effected by means of an automated or robotic device 5 that is represented in figures 3A and 3B and described below in greater detail.
This device 5 includes a trolley 51 equipped with rolling elements 511, 512 such as wheels or tracks allowing the movement of the device 5 in the pipe 2. Such a movement can be achieved by motor-driving of the trolley 51 or indeed by 5 traction using a draw rope.
Motor-driven movement of the device 5 will preferably be favoured in order to provide greater independence and flexibility of use of the device 5 inside the pipes 2.
To this end, the trolley 51 of the device 5 10 advantageously includes an electric motor powered by an energy source outside the pipe 2, via a connecting umbilical also inserted into the said pipe 2, with the said motor being mechanically coupled to a drive train of the said rolling elements 511, 512.
15 The device 5 can also advantageously include an electronic control unit designed to control the said electric motor, and can include remote-control means, such as radio-control or remote control by means with which operators at the surface can guide and monitor the movements of the device 5 and the operations for installing the support clips 3 and the cable 1 in the pipes 2.
In order to facilitate command and control of the said installation operations by the said operators at the surface, the device 5 also includes means 56 for lighting and viewing by camera, advantageously placed on a platform 52 on the top surface of the trolley 51 in a manner that is appropriate for illuminating and displaying the field upstream of the device 5 during its movements in the pipe 2.
Also installed on the platform 52 are means 54 for positioning the cables 1 inside the pipe 2.
The means for positioning the cables 1 include a pantograph 542 that is moved by a hydraulic or preferably an electric actuator 55. The pantograph 542 includes a top table on which is fixes a pressure roller 541 formed of a cylinder or pulley that is free to rotate on its fixing axis, the latter being attached at its ends to a fixed structure on the table of the pantograph 542.
At the front of the trolley 51, the device 5 includes a means for breakage 53 of the links 4 with which the branches 31, 32 of the support clips 3 of the cable 1 are constrained.
This breakage means 53 is fixed onto the trolley 51 so that it projects from the front of the device 5 so that it can easily make contact with the links 4 of the clips 3 in order to break them and free the branches 31, 32 of the clips as the device 5 advances in the pipe 2.
The nature of the breakage means 53 is preferably chosen to suit that of the links 4.
According to the invention, a favoured breakage means is composed of a heating element 53 that is used to simply and rapidly cut any type of link 4 that can be melted, whether textile, synthetic or metallic in nature.
In this configuration, the heating element or resistance 53 can advantageously be powered, like the electric motor of the device 5, by an external source via a connecting umbilical or, in a variant, by an independent generator or by batteries placed on the platform S2 or inside the trolley 51.
The operation of the device 5 during the operations for the installation of cables 1 in inaccessible pipes according to the method of the invention will now be described in greater detail.
After fixing of the support clips 3 onto the cable 1 to be installed in a pipe 2, the said cable 1 is then inserted into the said pipe 2 (figure 2), with the support clips deformed by their links 4, up to the installation position of the cable 1.
A device 5 according to the invention is then introduced into the pipe 2 in order to break the links 4 holding the branches 31, 32 of the support clips 3, and thus allows the flattening of the cable 1 against the wall of the pipe 2 by expansion of the branches of the clips. Once inserted into the pipe 2, the device is moved forward and positioned in the latter, using the camera, so that the cable is held on the pressure roller 541 of the positioning means 54 of the device.
The pantograph 542 is then raised by means of the actuator 55 so as to lift the cable 1 and flatten it against the upper wall 21 of the pipe 2.
Since the pressure roller 541 is free to rotate on its axis, the device 5 is therefore able to move forward freely in the pipe following the cable 1 while holding the latter against the top wall of the pipe 2. This retention of the cable 1 in suspension by the pantograph 542 and the pressure roller 541 of the device 5 causes the cable to lift in front of the device 5 in the direction of advancement of the latter in the pipe 2.
This lifting action advantageously participates in the positioning of the retaining links 4 of the branches of the clips 3 fixed to the cables opposite to the means 53 for breakage of the links on the device, as the latter advances in the pipe 2, as can be seen in figure 3A.
Thus, it is by moving forward in the pipe 2 that the automated device 5, through cutting or melting with the breakage means 53, breaks the retaining links 4 of the separate support clips 3, with the latter then i=nstantaneously expanding by the elastic reaction force of their branches 31, 32 which, after breakage of the link, flatten themselves against the walls of the pipe 2, thereby flattening the cable 1 against the top wall 21 of the pipe.
lg By continuing its advance in the pipe 2, the device 5 thus sequentially frees each of the clips 3 attached to the cable 1, which results in locking and positioning the latter against the wall 21 of the pipe 2 over the whole length of the latter similarly to stapling of the cable 1, without reducing the sill of the said pipe and therefore with no risk of blocking or obstruction after restoration to service.
When all of the clips 3 attached to the cable 1 have been released by means of the device 5, and then when appropriate verification of the correct installation of the cable in all of the pipe has been completed using the camera 56, the device 5 is removed from the said pipe by any appropriate means such as a draw rope, a winch, etc.
The automated device 5 of the invention can therefore be used to effect the laying of cables (or ducts) inside inaccessible pipes using a method that is simple, automated and non-restrictive, and therefore 'at a cost in human and material terms, and within a time, that are considerably reduced in relation to the known methods of the prior art.
An implementation variant of the method for the installation of cables according to the invention, and of the automated device for its execution, is presented below with reference to figures 4A to 7C.
This variant does not include any change to the main steps of the installation method described above in relation to figures 1 to 3B, but simply the use of separate support clips 3' of a different type from the annular clips 3 in the form of a cradle used in the first implementation variant of the method of the invention.
As can be seen from figures 4A to 4C, the support clips 3' are composed of a metal wire that is more-or-less semicircular. These clips 3' are made of metal wire ir, order to provide sufficient elasticity to insert the clip into a pipe without deforming it, and sufficient force to guarantee retention of a cable or duct by pressure against the innef wall of the pipe.
In the embodiment described, these clips 3' advantageously include:
- a horizontal central part 31';
- two vertical parts 32' that are rectilinear and symmetrical, on either side of the central part;
- two branches 33, 34' that are circular and symmetrical, and that extend from the top end of the two vertical parts 32';
- two notches (not shown) at the ends of the branches, which are used to fix a link 4 during the phases for insertion into the pipe.
As represented in figures 5A to 7C, these clips 3' are attached to a cable or duct 1 to be installed in a pipe 2, by means of securing yokes 6. These yokes 6 can be composed of pieces of metal that can be assembles or welded together, or of two half shells of injected plastic material that can be assembled directly on the cable 1 by click-fit, welding or bolting.
The clips 3' are themselves attached to these yokes 6 by clamping, pinning or click-fitting by their said central part 31' for example, which is used to pivot the clips on the yokes.
As represented schematically in figures 5A and 5B, these yokes also include stops 71, 72 for blocking the rotation movements of the clips 3' . These stops 71, 72 mate with the said parts 32' of the clips 3'.
The clips 3' can thus assume two extreme positions in the pipe 2, corresponding to two separate states a first position (figure 5A) during the insertion into the pipe 2, in which the clips are constrained, with their branches 33', 34' being linked by a tie 4, and in a position close to the horizontal, with each clip 3' being pivoted around its central part 31' on its fixing yoke 6, and the parts 32' then being stopped against lugs 71 5 located on the lateral walls of each yoke 6 ; and - a second position (figure 5B), after breakage of the link 4 and freeing of the branches 33', 34' to hold the clips 3' against the wall of the pipe 2 in support of the cable 1, in which the said branches are in a vertical plane 10 orthogonal to the axis of the pipe and blocked in this position by lugs or slots 72 for locking on the lateral walls of the yokes 6.
The material, the diameter of the wire and its shape in the free position, are advantageously calculated so that the 15 clips 3' completely flatten themselves to the pipe 2 in the final support position (figures 4C and 5B) and remain within their elasticity limits in the constrained position (figures 4B, 5A, 7B and 7C).
Figures 6A to 6C and 7A to 7C illustrate in greater 20 detail the procedures for the installation of an optical fibre cable 1 or duct in accordance with this second implementation variant of the method of the invention.
The clips 3' are attached to the cable 1 or duct outside of the pipe 2 so as to form a festoon as in the embodiment with the clips 3.
The clips 3' are also held by a constraining link 4 that connects the free ends of the branches 33', 34' and keeps them in this constrained position. Once the latter has been effected, the cable 1 is drawn in (figure 6A) from an access chamber 8 downstream of the pipe 2 by means of a drawing cable 10, and it is simultaneously pushed from an access chamber 9 upstream. An upstream operator supervises the correct insertion of the clips 3' in the pipe 2. Insertion is facilitated by the freedom left to the clips, which tend to pivot around their securing yoke 6, so as to offer theminimum of resistance to the progression of the assembly in the pipe.
The branches 33' , 34' then lie in a plane close to the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the cable 1 and not in a plane perpendicular to the plane containing the axis of- the cable 1.
A nominal distance is preferably chosen between the clips 3', of the order of two linear metres; this value is an adjustment variable of the system in order to adapt it to particular situations, which may be due to the topology of the pipe (blind chambers, take-off connections, joints in pipes, etc.) or the weight of the duct or cable 2 to be supported.
Once the downstream end of the cable 1 has reached the downstream chamber 8, it is anchored (figure 6B) onto the wall of the said chamber 8 by means of an 'anchoring device with a hook lla fixed in the said wall of the chamber and a tensioning turnbuckle llb linking the end of the cable 1 to the hook.
A drawing force is then applied to the cable 1 so as to put it in tension by means of the said tensioning turnbuckle, of the drawing cables and of the clamps attached to the ends of the cable 1 during installation in the pipe. This tensioning is effected in order to pre-position the cable 1 in the upper part of the pipe 2.
At each end, the cable 1 is held in a retention clamp 13, whose jaws grip the said cable 1 under the action of the tensioning cables llc. The tension is exerted on the tensioning cables llc by the turnbuckle llb plac(~d vertically in the shaft of the access chamber B.
The upstream end of the cable 1 is then fixed by means of an upstream anchoring device 12a, 12b, 12c identical to the downstream anchoring device, and which is then used to hoid the cable 1 in the tensioned position between the upstream and downstream anchoring points.
A corner piece 14 placed at the junction between the upstream and downstream access chambers 9, 8 and the installation pipe 2, provides control over the radius of curvature of the cable 1, as well as transmission of the drawing force from the turnbuckles 1lb, 12b to the retention clamps 13.
As represented in figures 6C to 7C, once the cable 1 has been inserted into the pipe 2 and is in position for attachment, one introduces into the pipe an automated device 5 similar to that described in figure 3A and 3B, and which further includes spatulas 57 fixed to the front of the trolley 51 of the device 5, on either side of the means 53 for breakage of the latter and looking like "horns" projecting from the front of the trolley 51 of the device 5, thus travelling ahead of the device.
As in the first embodiment, the device 5 then advances in the pipe 2, following the cable 1 by means of the pantograph 542 and the pressure roller 541 mounted on the latter. When the device 5 reaches the support clips 3', the horns 57 make the initial contact with the branches 33', 34' causing them to straighten in the direction of the arrow (R) in figure 7A, up to a position perpendicular to the axis of the cable 1, in which the clip 3' is blocked by the blocking lugs or grooves 72.
Continuing to advance in the pipe 2, the device 5, via its breakage means 53 then makes contact, once the clip 3' has straightened, with the link 4 tying the branches of the latter, and breaks it, by cutting it or melting it depending on the nature of the said breakage means 53 which, as seen in the first embodiment, can be a cutter in the form of a blade or a heater in the form of an electrical resistance.
Once the link 4 has been broken, the branches 33', 34' of the clips 3' spring apart by elasticity and flatten themselves against the wall of the pipe 2, from which a vertical action is exerted on the cable 1 or duct and flattens the latter against the top perimeter of the pipe 2.
Once all of the clips 3' have been released by the device 5, the cable 1 or duct is then fixed in the pipe 2, as in the embodiment described in figures 3A and 3B.
Thus, whatever the type of support clips 3, 3' used, the method for the installation of cables 1 according to this present invention allows the laying of cables and ducts in inaccessible pipes in a simple, rapid and safe manner. The fitted support elements 3, 3' reduce the sag of the cable 1, so as to comply with a specification schedule for example. In the case where the cable 1 is stretched between two points of the pipe 2, it is possible to adjust the spacing of the clips according to the acceptable sag values depending on the type of cable or duct installed.
In one particular form of implementation of the method of the invention, whether in the variant represented in figures 3A, 3B or in figures 47A to 7C, the automated device 5 is equipped with a feature for angular orientation of the cable 1 or duct so as to avoid any obstacles along the top perimeter 21 of the pipe 2 in which the cable 1 is run. An example of such obstacles is a branching of the pipe for connection to a building, with the connection entering via the zenithal position in the main collector, inside which the cables are run according to the method of the invention.
In this case it is necessary to bypass this connection point, so that it must be possible to offset the cables on the lateral walls of the collector.
In this case, the positioning and support means 541, 542 of the cable or duct, the breakage means 53, and where appropriate the spatulas for orientation 57 of the support clips 3' of the automated installation device 5, are all articulated around a longitudinal axis in relation to the trolley 51.
In particular, it is possible to effect such an articulation by means of a "pendular" linking mechanism between the trolley 51 and the breakage means 53, the positioning means 541, 542 and the spatulas 57. In such a case, the said breakage means 53, and spatulas 57 if any, are then preferably fixed onto the top platform 52, which is then itself attached to the said trolley via the longitudinal pivoting axis of the assembly.
Orientation of the platform 52 in relation to the trolley in order to orientate the active elements 53, 541, 542, 57 of the device 5 along the walls of the laying pipe (2) can be effected by means of various actuating systems that are familiar to those active in the mechanical field, whether by motor and belts, gearing systems or drive actuators.
In this case, this additional feature for orientation of the active elements 53, 541, 542, 57 of the device 5 in relation to the trolley 51 of the latter advantageously allow the orientation, during the laying process, of the cables or ducts 1 along a trajectory other than the preferred laying trajectory or generating line along the roof at the top of the pipe 2 in which the cables are installed.
Thus by virtue of the method of the invention, we equip the cables or ducts to be installed, even before their introduction into the pipe to be equipped, with separate support elements over the necessary length, and then we constrain the elastic branches of the said support elements so as to allow the insertion of the cables fitted with the said support elements into the pipe and then, once the latter has been effected, we successively release the branches of each of the said support elements by any appropriate means, in order to flatten the cables against the walls of the pipe, this being effected very simply and rapidly by means, for example, of a remotely-controlled robot moving inside the pipe being equipped.
The position selected to install the cables or ducts is the zenithal position, which is the part of the pipe that is least affected by the effluents which can reach the roof of the pipe.
According to a first preferred characteristic of the invention, the said elongate body that one wishes to install is drawn in durina step c) from a first access chamber located downstream of the said pipe by means of a drawing cable that is attached to one end of the said elongate body by means of an attachment clamp, and is simultaneously pushed upstream. At the said access chambers upstream and downstream, the ends of the elongate body are anchored to the wall of the said chambers by means of anchoring devices designed to exert a tensioning force on the said elongate body.
Once the elongate body has been anchored, a drawing force is then applied to the latter so as to put it in tension. This tensioning is effected in order to pre-position the said elongate body in the upper part of the pipe in which the installation is being executed.
In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, at step a), each said separate support element is attached in such a manner that the latter has a degree of freedom to rotate around the said elongate body, but is fixed in longitudinal translation on the said body.
An excellent longitudinal distribution of the separate support clips over the said elongate body (the cables for example) is thus achieved inside the pipe, as well as a better positioning of the latter before flattening them against the walls of the said pipe.
The support elements are installed on the said elongate body before its insertion into the pipe, and are articulated perpendicularly to the axis of the pipe in order to allow them to lie down in a horizontal plane during the insertion of the said elongate body into the pipe. The said support elements have an angular degree of freedom around the elongate body in order to allow it to take up an optimal position during the flattening against the wall of the pipe.
In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, the said separate support elements are made from metal wire and are attached to the said elongate body by means of securing yokes that are mobile in rotation around the said %
elongate body and fixed longitudinally in translation on the said elongate body.
In this preferred embodiment of the invention, each said separate support element is advantageously attached to a said securing yoke, and designed to pivot on the said yoke so as to be capable of being positioned in the said pipe in such a manner that the said branches of the said support elements lie exactly in a plane that is orthogonal to the axis of the said pipe before removal or breakage of the said retaining element of the branches.
A particularly advantageous form of the separate support elements is such that the latter include :
- a rectilinear central part by which each said support element is attached to a said securing yoke, and allows pivoting on the said yoke around a more-or-less horizontal axis ;
- two vertical rectilinear and symmetrical parts on either side of the said central part that bring the said support element into contact with the top of the pipe and are used to fix the latter on the yoke ;
- two symmetrical circular branches extending from the top end of the said vertical parts ; and - two notches at the ends of the said branches, that are used to fix a said retaining element of the branches for the phases of insertion into the pipe.
Such separate support elements thus have sufficient elasticity to insert the clip into the pipe without deforming it, and with sufficient spring force to perform the flattening and retention of a elongate body, such as a cable or duct, by pressing it against the top inside of a pipe.
For optimal retention of the support elements in the vertical flattening positioning in the pipe, the said securing yokes include stops that lock the said support elements in ~
rotation, where these stops are shaped and positioned on the yokes so as to mate with the said symmetrical vertical parts of the said support elements.
By virtue of these stops, the pivoting of the support elements on the said yoke is limited between two extreme positions that must be adopted by the support elements, namely a position of insertion into the pipe and a final position for retention of a elongate body against the top inside of a pipe.
According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, between steps c) and d), we also execute a mechanical positioning of the said separate support elements inside the pipe, by means of an automated device that is designed to be inserted into the said pipe, with the said automated device allowing the removal or the breakage of the said retaining elements of the branches of the said separate support elements at step d).
It is thus possible to suitably orient the support clips, and therefore the cable or cables installed in the pipe, before flattening against the walls of the pipe.
In addition, the said mechanical positioning of the separate support elements inside the pipe is such that the said elongate body is flat against the top wall of the pipe after removal of the said retaining elements and flattening of the said support elements against the walls of the pipe.
Nevertheless, the automated device by means of which the cables are positioned in the pipe is preferably also designed to angularly orient the said cables inside the pipes so as to avoid any obstacles or points of connection in the said pipes.
It step d), the said retaining element is advantageously broken by cutting or indeed by melting, with this breakage being advantageously effected by means of the automated device, where the latter has appropriate means to break the said retainina elements.
Finally, according to the method of the invention, it is also advantageous to position and support the said elongate body against the top wall of the said pipe by means of the said automated device during the unwinding process of step d).
A second aspect of the present invention also resides in the design and the supply of a device that is designed for implementing the installation method described above. Such a device in particular includes a motor-driven trolley, equipped with means for rolling and sliding against a wall of a pipe inside which a said flexible elongate body, designed to be coiled up, has to be installed, and a support platform attached to the said motor-driven trolley. According to this present invention this device is characterised in that it includes means for rupturing the said means for retaining or locking the branches of the said separate support elements attached to the said elongate body to be installed in the said pipe.
According to possible implementation variants of the device of the invention, the said breakage means are attached to the said platform and / or to the said trolley and are projecting in relation to the said trolley and the said platform. The said breakage means can also be fixed or mobile in relation to the said trolley or to the said platform and can include, depending on circumstances, at least one cutting device and / or at least one heating device.
The said breakage means can also advantageously be radio-controlled or remotely-controlled, just like the device as a whole.
According to a preferred embodiment, the device of the invention also includes means for positioning and supporting a said elongate body to be installed in a said pipe, where the said positioning means are attached to the platform.
These said positioning and support means advantageously include a pressure roller with a shape that is designed to provide support, and for sliding along the said elongate body (along a cable for example), with the said pressure roller 5 being positioned at the top end of a lift mechanism attached to the said platform, which includes an actuator, and preferably an electrical actuator or jack.
Different implementation variants can be envisaged for the lift mechanism of the device of the invention. In a first 10 variant, the said lift mechanism includes an arm that is mounted to pivot on the platform, with the said arm being telescopic where appropriate, and operated by the said actuator.
In a second preferred variant, the said lift mechanism includes a pantograph, operated by an actuator or a motor.
The device of the invention also advantageously includes at least one camera to provide a view of the interior of the said pipe during the movements of the said device in the said pipe. This said camera can advantageously be fixed onto the said platform, onto the said trolley or to the top end of the said lift mechanism.
Finally, in a preferred embodiment, the device of the invention includes spatulas for orientation of the said separate support elements fixed, according to the method of the invention, on a said elongate body to be installed in a pipe. The said spatulas are fixed onto the said trolley or the said platform so that they come into contact with and press against the branches of the said separate support elements constrained by a said retaining element when the said device advances in the said pipe.
It is thus possible to position the said retaining elements of the branches opposite to the said means for rupturing the device, and the said elongate body against the top wall of the said pipe, in such a manner that, when the said locking means are broken, the said elongate body is flattened against this said top wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other characteristics and advantages of this present invention will emerge from the description that follows, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate an example of implementation that is not limiting in any way. In figures:
- figure 1 represents a separate support element than can be used to implement the method of the invention in a first embodiment ;
figure 2 represents a step of introduction into a pipe of a cable equipped with several support elements, as represented in figure 1, before fixing the said cable in the said pipe according to the method of the invention ;, - Figures 3A and 3B respectively represent, in profile and front views, an automated device inside a pipe, for implementing the cable-laying method according to the invention, by means of the separate support elements of figure 1 in a first embodiment ;
- Figures 4A to 4C schematically represent a separate support element for implementing the method of the invention in a second embodiment, respectively in the free state, the constrained state, and the free state after installation in a pipe ;
- figures 5A and 5B represent the method for securing a separate support element, such as that represented in figures 4A to 4C, onto a cable by means of a securing yoke, in the two extreme positions of the said support element in relation to the said yoke ;
- figures 6A to 6C represent the different steps of implementation of the method of the invention in a second preferred embodiment ;
- Figures 7A to 7C respectively represent, in profile, top and front views, an automated device inside a pipe for implementing the cable-laying method according to the invention in the embodiment of figures 6A to 6D.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This present invention proposes a new method and a device 5 for the laying of telecommunication cables 1 (or ducts intended to accommodate cables) in the inaccessible parts of sewers 2.
In a first embodiment, described below with reference to figures 1 to 3B, the method of the invention plans the use of separate support elements 3 as represented in figure 1, also called support clips 3 in the remainder of the description, in order to effect the installation of cables 1, ducts and similar plant in inaccessible pipes 2.
These support elements 3 are composed of a wire ring in steel or stainless steel alloy. It is in fact necessary that the material constituting the said clips should have high resistance to corrosion since it is intended for use in sewers 2, an environment that is generally wet and often corrosive.
A range of clip sizes can be manufactured so that each size can be used for a given range of pipe sizes.
The support clips 3 must have good elasticity and good flexibility in order to allow implementation of the method of the invention as will be described below. To this end, the support clip 3 has a double curvature that endows it with a cradle shape whose edges are formed by two lateral branches 31, 32 attached to each other at their ends where they form two notches 33 allowina the fixing of the ciip 3 onto a cable (or a duct) 1 before its installation in a pipe 2 to be equipped as shown in figure 2.
In this form, the support clip 3 can easily be deformed and constrained by bending laterally and / or longitudinally.
According to the invention, the deformation of the support clip 3 is achieved by a link 4 drawing together the branches 31, 32 as represented in figure 1. This compression, within the elastic limit of the material, results in a reduction of the transverse diameter of the clip, allowing its insertion and its positioning in a pipe 2.
The shape of the support clip 3 is designed so that, after insertion into a pipe 2 and breakage of the link 4 constraining the branches 31, 32 of the clip, maximum contact is achieved with the inner wall of the pipe 2. The support force exerted on the cable (or the duct) is then achieved by the reaction force of the clip 3 against the walls of the pipe.
According to this present invention, the installation of cables 1(or ducts) inside pipes 2 that are not accessible, by means of support clips 3 such as those described above, is achieved as follows.
In a first step, the support clips 3 are fixed to the cable (or to the duct) 1 to be installed, before insertion into the pipe, by their notches 33, so that the whole constitutes a sort of festoon, with the branches 31, 32 of the clips being constrained and deformed by a link 4, composed of a textile tie for example, of synthetic material such NYLON
or preferably of biodegradable material, so as not to leave residues in the pipe.
The assembly is then inserted into the pipe 2 by pulling or drawing (figure 2) , by means of a draw rope (not shown in the figures) for exarrple, from one end of the pipe 2. During this insertion, the cradle shape of the clips 3, favours the translation of the cable 1 in the pipe 2.
Prior to the insertion of the cable 1, the pipe 2 is preferably inspected in order to check for the absence of anomalies that could, for example, damage the cable once installed, or form an obstacle to the installation and the translation of the cable 1 or duct during its insertion.
During this inspection, any branching positions and the generating line of the pipe that is the most favourable for the positioning of cable are also advantageously identified.
If necessary, the pipe 2 can also be cleaned by hydro-scouring before the start of the procedure for laying the cable 1.
After insertion of the cable (or duct) 1, pre-equipped with the support clips 3, into the pipe 2, the said cable (or duct) is tensioned and flattened to the ceiling 21 of the pipe by breakage of the retaining link 4 of each of the support clips 3 by means of an automated device 5 such as that represented in figures 3A and 3B. Once the link 4 has been broken, the branches 31, 32 of the support clips flatten themselves against the walls of the pipe, the clips 3 then exerting onto the cable (or duct) 1 a vertical reaction force that has the effect of flattening it against the top wall 21 of the pipe 2.
Thus, the floor of the pipe 2 is cleared, so as not to obstruct the circulation of materials in the pipe 2. In the case where the pipe 2 is a sewerage pipe, the driving of the sediments by the effluents occurs without pressure drop even after installation of the cable 1 in the said pipe.
As indicated above, breakage of the links 4 of the clips 3 inside the pipe 2 is effected by means of an automated or robotic device 5 that is represented in figures 3A and 3B and described below in greater detail.
This device 5 includes a trolley 51 equipped with rolling elements 511, 512 such as wheels or tracks allowing the movement of the device 5 in the pipe 2. Such a movement can be achieved by motor-driving of the trolley 51 or indeed by 5 traction using a draw rope.
Motor-driven movement of the device 5 will preferably be favoured in order to provide greater independence and flexibility of use of the device 5 inside the pipes 2.
To this end, the trolley 51 of the device 5 10 advantageously includes an electric motor powered by an energy source outside the pipe 2, via a connecting umbilical also inserted into the said pipe 2, with the said motor being mechanically coupled to a drive train of the said rolling elements 511, 512.
15 The device 5 can also advantageously include an electronic control unit designed to control the said electric motor, and can include remote-control means, such as radio-control or remote control by means with which operators at the surface can guide and monitor the movements of the device 5 and the operations for installing the support clips 3 and the cable 1 in the pipes 2.
In order to facilitate command and control of the said installation operations by the said operators at the surface, the device 5 also includes means 56 for lighting and viewing by camera, advantageously placed on a platform 52 on the top surface of the trolley 51 in a manner that is appropriate for illuminating and displaying the field upstream of the device 5 during its movements in the pipe 2.
Also installed on the platform 52 are means 54 for positioning the cables 1 inside the pipe 2.
The means for positioning the cables 1 include a pantograph 542 that is moved by a hydraulic or preferably an electric actuator 55. The pantograph 542 includes a top table on which is fixes a pressure roller 541 formed of a cylinder or pulley that is free to rotate on its fixing axis, the latter being attached at its ends to a fixed structure on the table of the pantograph 542.
At the front of the trolley 51, the device 5 includes a means for breakage 53 of the links 4 with which the branches 31, 32 of the support clips 3 of the cable 1 are constrained.
This breakage means 53 is fixed onto the trolley 51 so that it projects from the front of the device 5 so that it can easily make contact with the links 4 of the clips 3 in order to break them and free the branches 31, 32 of the clips as the device 5 advances in the pipe 2.
The nature of the breakage means 53 is preferably chosen to suit that of the links 4.
According to the invention, a favoured breakage means is composed of a heating element 53 that is used to simply and rapidly cut any type of link 4 that can be melted, whether textile, synthetic or metallic in nature.
In this configuration, the heating element or resistance 53 can advantageously be powered, like the electric motor of the device 5, by an external source via a connecting umbilical or, in a variant, by an independent generator or by batteries placed on the platform S2 or inside the trolley 51.
The operation of the device 5 during the operations for the installation of cables 1 in inaccessible pipes according to the method of the invention will now be described in greater detail.
After fixing of the support clips 3 onto the cable 1 to be installed in a pipe 2, the said cable 1 is then inserted into the said pipe 2 (figure 2), with the support clips deformed by their links 4, up to the installation position of the cable 1.
A device 5 according to the invention is then introduced into the pipe 2 in order to break the links 4 holding the branches 31, 32 of the support clips 3, and thus allows the flattening of the cable 1 against the wall of the pipe 2 by expansion of the branches of the clips. Once inserted into the pipe 2, the device is moved forward and positioned in the latter, using the camera, so that the cable is held on the pressure roller 541 of the positioning means 54 of the device.
The pantograph 542 is then raised by means of the actuator 55 so as to lift the cable 1 and flatten it against the upper wall 21 of the pipe 2.
Since the pressure roller 541 is free to rotate on its axis, the device 5 is therefore able to move forward freely in the pipe following the cable 1 while holding the latter against the top wall of the pipe 2. This retention of the cable 1 in suspension by the pantograph 542 and the pressure roller 541 of the device 5 causes the cable to lift in front of the device 5 in the direction of advancement of the latter in the pipe 2.
This lifting action advantageously participates in the positioning of the retaining links 4 of the branches of the clips 3 fixed to the cables opposite to the means 53 for breakage of the links on the device, as the latter advances in the pipe 2, as can be seen in figure 3A.
Thus, it is by moving forward in the pipe 2 that the automated device 5, through cutting or melting with the breakage means 53, breaks the retaining links 4 of the separate support clips 3, with the latter then i=nstantaneously expanding by the elastic reaction force of their branches 31, 32 which, after breakage of the link, flatten themselves against the walls of the pipe 2, thereby flattening the cable 1 against the top wall 21 of the pipe.
lg By continuing its advance in the pipe 2, the device 5 thus sequentially frees each of the clips 3 attached to the cable 1, which results in locking and positioning the latter against the wall 21 of the pipe 2 over the whole length of the latter similarly to stapling of the cable 1, without reducing the sill of the said pipe and therefore with no risk of blocking or obstruction after restoration to service.
When all of the clips 3 attached to the cable 1 have been released by means of the device 5, and then when appropriate verification of the correct installation of the cable in all of the pipe has been completed using the camera 56, the device 5 is removed from the said pipe by any appropriate means such as a draw rope, a winch, etc.
The automated device 5 of the invention can therefore be used to effect the laying of cables (or ducts) inside inaccessible pipes using a method that is simple, automated and non-restrictive, and therefore 'at a cost in human and material terms, and within a time, that are considerably reduced in relation to the known methods of the prior art.
An implementation variant of the method for the installation of cables according to the invention, and of the automated device for its execution, is presented below with reference to figures 4A to 7C.
This variant does not include any change to the main steps of the installation method described above in relation to figures 1 to 3B, but simply the use of separate support clips 3' of a different type from the annular clips 3 in the form of a cradle used in the first implementation variant of the method of the invention.
As can be seen from figures 4A to 4C, the support clips 3' are composed of a metal wire that is more-or-less semicircular. These clips 3' are made of metal wire ir, order to provide sufficient elasticity to insert the clip into a pipe without deforming it, and sufficient force to guarantee retention of a cable or duct by pressure against the innef wall of the pipe.
In the embodiment described, these clips 3' advantageously include:
- a horizontal central part 31';
- two vertical parts 32' that are rectilinear and symmetrical, on either side of the central part;
- two branches 33, 34' that are circular and symmetrical, and that extend from the top end of the two vertical parts 32';
- two notches (not shown) at the ends of the branches, which are used to fix a link 4 during the phases for insertion into the pipe.
As represented in figures 5A to 7C, these clips 3' are attached to a cable or duct 1 to be installed in a pipe 2, by means of securing yokes 6. These yokes 6 can be composed of pieces of metal that can be assembles or welded together, or of two half shells of injected plastic material that can be assembled directly on the cable 1 by click-fit, welding or bolting.
The clips 3' are themselves attached to these yokes 6 by clamping, pinning or click-fitting by their said central part 31' for example, which is used to pivot the clips on the yokes.
As represented schematically in figures 5A and 5B, these yokes also include stops 71, 72 for blocking the rotation movements of the clips 3' . These stops 71, 72 mate with the said parts 32' of the clips 3'.
The clips 3' can thus assume two extreme positions in the pipe 2, corresponding to two separate states a first position (figure 5A) during the insertion into the pipe 2, in which the clips are constrained, with their branches 33', 34' being linked by a tie 4, and in a position close to the horizontal, with each clip 3' being pivoted around its central part 31' on its fixing yoke 6, and the parts 32' then being stopped against lugs 71 5 located on the lateral walls of each yoke 6 ; and - a second position (figure 5B), after breakage of the link 4 and freeing of the branches 33', 34' to hold the clips 3' against the wall of the pipe 2 in support of the cable 1, in which the said branches are in a vertical plane 10 orthogonal to the axis of the pipe and blocked in this position by lugs or slots 72 for locking on the lateral walls of the yokes 6.
The material, the diameter of the wire and its shape in the free position, are advantageously calculated so that the 15 clips 3' completely flatten themselves to the pipe 2 in the final support position (figures 4C and 5B) and remain within their elasticity limits in the constrained position (figures 4B, 5A, 7B and 7C).
Figures 6A to 6C and 7A to 7C illustrate in greater 20 detail the procedures for the installation of an optical fibre cable 1 or duct in accordance with this second implementation variant of the method of the invention.
The clips 3' are attached to the cable 1 or duct outside of the pipe 2 so as to form a festoon as in the embodiment with the clips 3.
The clips 3' are also held by a constraining link 4 that connects the free ends of the branches 33', 34' and keeps them in this constrained position. Once the latter has been effected, the cable 1 is drawn in (figure 6A) from an access chamber 8 downstream of the pipe 2 by means of a drawing cable 10, and it is simultaneously pushed from an access chamber 9 upstream. An upstream operator supervises the correct insertion of the clips 3' in the pipe 2. Insertion is facilitated by the freedom left to the clips, which tend to pivot around their securing yoke 6, so as to offer theminimum of resistance to the progression of the assembly in the pipe.
The branches 33' , 34' then lie in a plane close to the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the cable 1 and not in a plane perpendicular to the plane containing the axis of- the cable 1.
A nominal distance is preferably chosen between the clips 3', of the order of two linear metres; this value is an adjustment variable of the system in order to adapt it to particular situations, which may be due to the topology of the pipe (blind chambers, take-off connections, joints in pipes, etc.) or the weight of the duct or cable 2 to be supported.
Once the downstream end of the cable 1 has reached the downstream chamber 8, it is anchored (figure 6B) onto the wall of the said chamber 8 by means of an 'anchoring device with a hook lla fixed in the said wall of the chamber and a tensioning turnbuckle llb linking the end of the cable 1 to the hook.
A drawing force is then applied to the cable 1 so as to put it in tension by means of the said tensioning turnbuckle, of the drawing cables and of the clamps attached to the ends of the cable 1 during installation in the pipe. This tensioning is effected in order to pre-position the cable 1 in the upper part of the pipe 2.
At each end, the cable 1 is held in a retention clamp 13, whose jaws grip the said cable 1 under the action of the tensioning cables llc. The tension is exerted on the tensioning cables llc by the turnbuckle llb plac(~d vertically in the shaft of the access chamber B.
The upstream end of the cable 1 is then fixed by means of an upstream anchoring device 12a, 12b, 12c identical to the downstream anchoring device, and which is then used to hoid the cable 1 in the tensioned position between the upstream and downstream anchoring points.
A corner piece 14 placed at the junction between the upstream and downstream access chambers 9, 8 and the installation pipe 2, provides control over the radius of curvature of the cable 1, as well as transmission of the drawing force from the turnbuckles 1lb, 12b to the retention clamps 13.
As represented in figures 6C to 7C, once the cable 1 has been inserted into the pipe 2 and is in position for attachment, one introduces into the pipe an automated device 5 similar to that described in figure 3A and 3B, and which further includes spatulas 57 fixed to the front of the trolley 51 of the device 5, on either side of the means 53 for breakage of the latter and looking like "horns" projecting from the front of the trolley 51 of the device 5, thus travelling ahead of the device.
As in the first embodiment, the device 5 then advances in the pipe 2, following the cable 1 by means of the pantograph 542 and the pressure roller 541 mounted on the latter. When the device 5 reaches the support clips 3', the horns 57 make the initial contact with the branches 33', 34' causing them to straighten in the direction of the arrow (R) in figure 7A, up to a position perpendicular to the axis of the cable 1, in which the clip 3' is blocked by the blocking lugs or grooves 72.
Continuing to advance in the pipe 2, the device 5, via its breakage means 53 then makes contact, once the clip 3' has straightened, with the link 4 tying the branches of the latter, and breaks it, by cutting it or melting it depending on the nature of the said breakage means 53 which, as seen in the first embodiment, can be a cutter in the form of a blade or a heater in the form of an electrical resistance.
Once the link 4 has been broken, the branches 33', 34' of the clips 3' spring apart by elasticity and flatten themselves against the wall of the pipe 2, from which a vertical action is exerted on the cable 1 or duct and flattens the latter against the top perimeter of the pipe 2.
Once all of the clips 3' have been released by the device 5, the cable 1 or duct is then fixed in the pipe 2, as in the embodiment described in figures 3A and 3B.
Thus, whatever the type of support clips 3, 3' used, the method for the installation of cables 1 according to this present invention allows the laying of cables and ducts in inaccessible pipes in a simple, rapid and safe manner. The fitted support elements 3, 3' reduce the sag of the cable 1, so as to comply with a specification schedule for example. In the case where the cable 1 is stretched between two points of the pipe 2, it is possible to adjust the spacing of the clips according to the acceptable sag values depending on the type of cable or duct installed.
In one particular form of implementation of the method of the invention, whether in the variant represented in figures 3A, 3B or in figures 47A to 7C, the automated device 5 is equipped with a feature for angular orientation of the cable 1 or duct so as to avoid any obstacles along the top perimeter 21 of the pipe 2 in which the cable 1 is run. An example of such obstacles is a branching of the pipe for connection to a building, with the connection entering via the zenithal position in the main collector, inside which the cables are run according to the method of the invention.
In this case it is necessary to bypass this connection point, so that it must be possible to offset the cables on the lateral walls of the collector.
In this case, the positioning and support means 541, 542 of the cable or duct, the breakage means 53, and where appropriate the spatulas for orientation 57 of the support clips 3' of the automated installation device 5, are all articulated around a longitudinal axis in relation to the trolley 51.
In particular, it is possible to effect such an articulation by means of a "pendular" linking mechanism between the trolley 51 and the breakage means 53, the positioning means 541, 542 and the spatulas 57. In such a case, the said breakage means 53, and spatulas 57 if any, are then preferably fixed onto the top platform 52, which is then itself attached to the said trolley via the longitudinal pivoting axis of the assembly.
Orientation of the platform 52 in relation to the trolley in order to orientate the active elements 53, 541, 542, 57 of the device 5 along the walls of the laying pipe (2) can be effected by means of various actuating systems that are familiar to those active in the mechanical field, whether by motor and belts, gearing systems or drive actuators.
In this case, this additional feature for orientation of the active elements 53, 541, 542, 57 of the device 5 in relation to the trolley 51 of the latter advantageously allow the orientation, during the laying process, of the cables or ducts 1 along a trajectory other than the preferred laying trajectory or generating line along the roof at the top of the pipe 2 in which the cables are installed.
Claims (27)
1. A method for the installation of a flexible elongate body (1) that is designed to be coiled-up, such as a cable, a duct, or the like, inside a pipe (2) , in particular an inaccessible pipe, in which the said elongate body is held against a wall (21) of the said pipe by means of separate support elements (3, 3') with elastic branches (31, 32, 31', 32') allowing the insertion of the said support elements in the pipe when the said branches are constrained, and flattening of the said branches and of the said elongate body against the inner wall of the pipe when the said branches are released, characterised in that, in succession :
a) before insertion of the said elongate body (1) into the said pipe (2), a plurality of said separate support elements (3, 3') are fixed along the said elongate body to be installed in the said pipe ; b) the said branches of the said separate support elements attached to the said elongate body are constrained by bending, and the said branches are held (31, 32, 33', 34') under constraint by means of a retaining element (4) ;
c) the said elongate body supporting the said separate support elements whose branches are constrained in the said pipe between at least two access chambers (8, 9) is inserted into the said pipe ;
d) the said elongate body is flattened against the wall (21) of the said pipe by removal or breakage of the said retaining element (4) constraining the said branches of each said separate support element, with the said branches, once released, executing a movement of extension or lateral separation that results in flattening the said support element and the said elongate body against the wall of the pipe.
a) before insertion of the said elongate body (1) into the said pipe (2), a plurality of said separate support elements (3, 3') are fixed along the said elongate body to be installed in the said pipe ; b) the said branches of the said separate support elements attached to the said elongate body are constrained by bending, and the said branches are held (31, 32, 33', 34') under constraint by means of a retaining element (4) ;
c) the said elongate body supporting the said separate support elements whose branches are constrained in the said pipe between at least two access chambers (8, 9) is inserted into the said pipe ;
d) the said elongate body is flattened against the wall (21) of the said pipe by removal or breakage of the said retaining element (4) constraining the said branches of each said separate support element, with the said branches, once released, executing a movement of extension or lateral separation that results in flattening the said support element and the said elongate body against the wall of the pipe.
2. A method according to claim 1, in which, at step c), the said elongate body (1) is drawn from a said first access chamber (8) located downstream of the said pipe (2), by means of a drawing cable (10) that is attached to one end of the said elongate body by means of a retention clamp (13), and simultaneously the said elongate body is pushed at a said second access chamber (9) located upstream.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 in which, at step c), the ends of the said elongate body (1) are fixed at the said access chambers (8, 9) by means of an anchoring device (11a, 11b, 11c; 12a, 12b, 12c) that is designed to exert a tensioning force on the said elongate body.
4. A method according any one of claims 1 to 3 in which, at step a), each said separate support element is attached (3, 3') in such a manner that the latter has a degree of freedom to rotate around the said elongate body (1), but is fixed in longitudinal translation onto the said body.
5. A method according to claim 4, in which the said separate support elements (3, 3' ) are fixed onto the said elongate body (1) by means of a securing yoke (6).
6. A method according any one of claims 1 to 5 in which, between steps c) and d) , a mechanical positioning of the said separate support elements (3, 3') is effected inside the pipe (2) by means of an automated device (5) that is designed to be inserted into the said pipe, with the said automated device being used for removal or breakage of the said retaining elements (4) of the branches of the said separate support elements at step d).
7. A method according to claim 6, in which the said mechanical positioning of the separate support elements inside the pipe is such that the said elongate body (1) is flattened against the top wall (21) of the pipe after removal of the said retaining elements (4) and flattening of the said support elements (3, 3') against the walls of the pipe.
8. A method according any one of claims 1 to 7 in which, at step d), the said retaining elements (4) are broken by cutting.
9. A method according any one of claims 1 to 7, in which, at step c), the said retaining elements are broken by melting.
10. A method according any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the said retaining elements are broken by means of an automated device (5) that is designed to be inserted into the said pipe, where the said automated device has means (53) for breaking the said retaining elements.
11. A method according any one of claims 1 to 10 in which, during the running of step d), the said elongate body (1) is positioned and supported against the top wall (21) of the said pipe, by means of an automated device (5) that is designed to be inserted into the said pipe.
12. A device (5) for implementing an installation method such as that described in any of claims 1 to 11, that includes a motor-driven trolley (51), equipped with means for rolling (511, 512) along one wall of a pipe (2), inside which a said flexible elongate body (1), that is designed to be coiled-up, is to be installed, and a platform (52) attached to the said motor-driven trolley, characterised in that it includes means (53) for breakage of the said retention means (4) of the branches (31, 32, 31', 32') of the said separate support elements (3, 3') attached to the said elongate body to be installed in the said pipe.
13. A device according to claim 12, in which the said breakage means (53) are attached to the said platform (52) and / or the said trolley (51), and are projecting in relation to the said trolley and the said platform.
14. A device according any one of claims 12 or 13, in which the said breakage means (53) are fixed or mobile in relation to the said trolley or the said platform.
15. A device according any one of claims 12 to 14, in which the said breakage means (53) include at least one cutting device.
16. A device according any one of claims 12 to 15, in which the said breakage means (53) include at least one heating device.
17. A device according any one of claims 12 to 15, in which the said breakage means (53) are suitable to be radio-controlled or remotely-controlled.
18. A device according any one of claims 12 to 17, which also includes in means (54) for positioning and support of the said elongate body (1) to be installed in the said pipe (2), where the said positioning means are attached to the said platform (52).
19. A device according to claim 18, in which the said positioning and support means (54) include a pressure roller (541) with a shape that is designed to provide support and to slide along the said elongate body (1), with the said pressure roller being positioned at the top end of a lift mechanism (542) attached to the said platform.
20. A device according to claim 19, in which the said lift mechanism (542) includes an actuator (55), preferably an electrical actuator.
21. A device according to claim 20, in which the said lift mechanism (542) includes an arm that is mounted to pivot on the platform, the said arm being telescopic where appropriate, and operated by the said actuator.
22. A device according any one of claims 18 to 20, in which the said lift mechanism includes a pantograph (542), operated by an actuator (55) or a motor.
23. A device according any one of claims 12 to 22, which also includes at least one camera (56) to provide a view of the interior of the said pipe during movements of the said device in the said pipe.
24. A device according any one of claims 19 to 23, in which the positioning and support means (541, 542) for the said elongate body, the breakage means (53), and the spatulas for orientation (57) of the support clips (3') where appropriate, are articulated around a longitudinal axis in relation to the trolley (51).
25. A device according to claim 23 or 24, in which the said camera (56) is fixed onto the said platform (52) on the said trolley (51), or to the top end of the said lift mechanism (54).
26. A device according any one of claims 12 to 25, that includes spatulas for orientation (57) of the said separate support elements (3, 3') attached to the said elongate body (1) to be installed in the said pipe (2), with the said spatulas being fixed onto the said trolley (51) or the said platform (52) so that they come into contact and press against the branches (31, 32, 31' , 32') of the said separate linking elements (3, 3') constrained by a said retaining element (4) when the said device advances in the said pipe so as to position the said retaining elements (4) of the branches opposite to the said breakage means (53) of the device, and the said elongate body (1) against the top wall (21) of the said pipe, in such a manner that when the said retaining means are broken, the said elongate body is flattened against this said top wall.
27. A device according any one of claims 12 to 26, in which the positioning and support means (541, 542) for the said elongate body (1), the breakage means (53), and the spatulas for orientation (57) of the support clips (3, 3') where appropriate, are articulated as a whole around a longitudinal axis in relation to the trolley (51), so as to be capable of being oriented in relation to the wall of the said pipe (2).
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR0605324A FR2902484B1 (en) | 2006-06-15 | 2006-06-15 | "METHOD FOR INSTALLING CABLES, SHEATHES AND ANALOGUES IN AN UNAVAILABLE CANALIZATION AND DEVICE FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION" |
| FR0605324 | 2006-06-15 | ||
| EP06122531A EP1868020B8 (en) | 2006-06-15 | 2006-10-18 | Method and device for installation of cables and tubes in non visitable canalisations |
| EP06122531.4 | 2006-10-18 | ||
| PCT/FR2007/050611 WO2007144523A1 (en) | 2006-06-15 | 2007-01-05 | Method and device for installing cables and jackets in a non-inspectable pipe |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2654640A1 true CA2654640A1 (en) | 2007-12-21 |
Family
ID=37714626
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002654640A Abandoned CA2654640A1 (en) | 2006-06-15 | 2007-01-05 | Method and device for installing cables and jackets in a non-inspectable pipe |
Country Status (15)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1868020B8 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2009540791A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20090025240A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101467086A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE514114T1 (en) |
| BR (1) | BRPI0713645A2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2654640A1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK1868020T3 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2368495T3 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2902484B1 (en) |
| HR (1) | HRP20110678T1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX2008016032A (en) |
| PL (1) | PL1868020T3 (en) |
| PT (1) | PT1868020E (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2007144523A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2931217B1 (en) * | 2008-05-13 | 2010-11-26 | Sogetrel | DEVICE FOR MAINTAINING A LONGILINE BODY AGAINST THE WALL OF A PIPE |
| EP2668704A1 (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2013-12-04 | Jelcer-IP B.V. | A pipe travelling apparatus and use thereof |
| NL2006064C2 (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2012-07-26 | Jelcer Ip B V | A guide member and a method for positioning a cable into a sewerage system. |
| NL2006652C2 (en) | 2011-04-21 | 2012-10-23 | Jelcer Ip B V | FIBER-CABLE CABLE IN A PRESSURE Sewer. |
| NL2009654C2 (en) | 2012-04-19 | 2013-10-23 | Jelcer Ip B V | Glass fibre cable in a pressure sewer. |
| CN107765385A (en) * | 2016-09-06 | 2018-03-06 | 北京新创迪克系统集成技术有限公司 | A kind of light current cable laying method |
| CN106410693B (en) * | 2016-12-11 | 2018-02-06 | 国家电网公司 | Intelligent substation connects up draft gauge |
| CN111810768B (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2021-11-09 | 武汉理工光科股份有限公司 | Method and device for monitoring running state of pipe cleaner based on distributed optical fiber sensing |
| KR102499501B1 (en) * | 2020-12-21 | 2023-02-15 | 한국수력원자력 주식회사 | Corrosion detecting system in post-tensioning duct |
| CN112764181B (en) * | 2021-01-22 | 2023-01-13 | 国网冀北电力有限公司廊坊供电公司 | Threading device |
| FR3139406A1 (en) | 2022-09-05 | 2024-03-08 | Elwedys | Robotic system |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB8715936D0 (en) * | 1987-07-07 | 1987-08-12 | Raychem Sa Nv | Sealing device |
| JPH05272664A (en) * | 1992-03-26 | 1993-10-19 | Nippon Steel Weld Prod & Eng Co Ltd | Cable supporting method and device therefor |
| DE19751415C2 (en) * | 1997-09-26 | 2001-05-23 | Berliner Wasserbetriebe | Device for gripping, positioning and fixing fasteners in cavities of different cross-sections |
| DE29801408U1 (en) * | 1998-01-29 | 1998-03-12 | Alcatel Alsthom Compagnie Générale d'Electricité, Paris | Device for fixing a cable |
| DE19813728A1 (en) * | 1998-03-27 | 1999-09-30 | Siemens Ag | Fastening element for fixing optical waveguide cable in concealed channel or pipe system, such as for gas or sewage water |
| JP2000104325A (en) * | 1998-09-30 | 2000-04-11 | Takiron Co Ltd | Fixture of optical fiber cable to inside of pipe |
| DE10100647A1 (en) * | 2001-01-09 | 2003-04-24 | Alcatel Sa | cable holder |
| FR2830069B1 (en) * | 2001-09-27 | 2005-06-24 | Cit Alcatel | DEVICE FOR FASTENING A TUBULAR ELEMENT IN AN INACCESSIBLE CAVITY |
-
2006
- 2006-06-15 FR FR0605324A patent/FR2902484B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-10-18 PL PL06122531T patent/PL1868020T3/en unknown
- 2006-10-18 AT AT06122531T patent/ATE514114T1/en active
- 2006-10-18 EP EP06122531A patent/EP1868020B8/en active Active
- 2006-10-18 PT PT06122531T patent/PT1868020E/en unknown
- 2006-10-18 ES ES06122531T patent/ES2368495T3/en active Active
- 2006-10-18 DK DK06122531.4T patent/DK1868020T3/en active
-
2007
- 2007-01-05 JP JP2009514852A patent/JP2009540791A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-01-05 BR BRPI0713645-5A patent/BRPI0713645A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2007-01-05 KR KR1020087030519A patent/KR20090025240A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2007-01-05 MX MX2008016032A patent/MX2008016032A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2007-01-05 CN CNA2007800222113A patent/CN101467086A/en active Pending
- 2007-01-05 CA CA002654640A patent/CA2654640A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-01-05 WO PCT/FR2007/050611 patent/WO2007144523A1/en active Application Filing
-
2011
- 2011-09-21 HR HR20110678T patent/HRP20110678T1/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1868020B8 (en) | 2011-09-21 |
| JP2009540791A (en) | 2009-11-19 |
| EP1868020B1 (en) | 2011-06-22 |
| ATE514114T1 (en) | 2011-07-15 |
| FR2902484A1 (en) | 2007-12-21 |
| ES2368495T3 (en) | 2011-11-17 |
| CN101467086A (en) | 2009-06-24 |
| DK1868020T3 (en) | 2011-10-17 |
| KR20090025240A (en) | 2009-03-10 |
| PT1868020E (en) | 2011-09-28 |
| BRPI0713645A2 (en) | 2012-10-23 |
| EP1868020A1 (en) | 2007-12-19 |
| PL1868020T3 (en) | 2011-12-30 |
| HRP20110678T1 (en) | 2011-11-30 |
| FR2902484B1 (en) | 2010-11-05 |
| MX2008016032A (en) | 2009-06-05 |
| WO2007144523A1 (en) | 2007-12-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20120105 |