CN114503384B

CN114503384B - System for facilitating cable transport, placement and/or installation

Info

Publication number: CN114503384B
Application number: CN202080070150.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 陈宝顺; 黄应基
Original assignee: Baodian Private Ltd
Current assignee: Baodian Private Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-06
Filing date: 2020-11-06
Publication date: 2024-01-26
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-06
Also published as: EP4018518A1; EP4018518A4; AU2020379558A1; TWI779389B; CN114503384A; WO2021091494A9; TW202131588A; SG11202111884RA; KR20220088635A; AU2020379558B2; JP2023500756A; WO2021091494A1

Abstract

A cable placement system, comprising: a modular, generally horizontal monorail track that rises from a floor surface; a plurality of trolleys slidably displaceable along the track, each trolley configured to support and securely retain a selected portion of the cable; and a locomotive, the locomotive being coupleable or coupled to one end of the cable such that movement of the locomotive pulls the cart and thus the cable along the track. A ramp structure coupled or coupleable to the locomotive provides a sloped incline path. As the locomotive moves toward other portions of the cable that are near the lower end of the inclined path and that have not yet traveled along the inclined path, portions of the cable may gradually travel along the inclined path and/or be directed upward or upward and laterally.

Description

System for facilitating cable transport, placement and/or installation

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a system configured for positioning cables, such as power cables, alongside and below a cable trough, and delivering the cables to the cable trough in a space constrained environment, such as a tunnel, aisle, or corridor.

Background

Traditionally, power cable pulling systems consist of a cable winch and a roller that pulls the power cable, as shown in fig. 1. Such conventional approaches are not optimally efficient for use in deploying and installing power cables in tunnels or aisles, which may span thousands of meters (e.g., 15 to 25 kilometers) with tunnel shafts being spaced at specific intervals (e.g., every 2 to 5 kilometers), given the significant amount of manpower and time that must be invested to establish mechanical settings and to pull and/or organize the power cables within the tunnels or aisles. Conventional power cable installation methods require the installation of multiple rollers and cable shippers at multiple locations on the way the power cable is drawn, organized, and/or guided into the cable trough. The pulling process also requires attaching one or more steel cords to one end of the cable and progressively releasing the remainder of the power cable from the winch at the other end of the cable. Normally, the process of pulling the power cable through the tunnel is accomplished with a wire rope having an undesirable length of between 500 and 1000 meters. The management and manipulation of steel cords and power cables across such large lengths often requires an undesirably large number of staff and can be very challenging when working in a space-constrained tunnel. Furthermore, the steel cord is typically subjected to a tensile force of 1 to 2 tons of traction. The continued exposure of workers working around the wire rope, cable head and winch poses significant operational safety risks. There is a need for an improved and/or alternative system that mitigates one or more of the disadvantages of conventional methods for organizing and transporting power cables in cable tunnels.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a system for displacing or transporting an elongated cable having a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween is disclosed, wherein the system comprises: (a) A modular track comprising a plurality of track assemblies that are coupleable or coupled together to form an assembled track and uncoupled from each other to form a disassembled track, wherein each track assembly comprises: an elongate rail that is coupleable or coupled to another elongate rail of an adjacent track assembly; and a set of rail support structures configured to lift or suspend the elongate rails of the track assembly upwardly away from a floor surface on which the assembly track is located; (b) A plurality of carts, wherein each cart is slidably mountable or mounted on the assembly track and slidably displaceable along the assembly track by means of slidable displacement along a rail of the assembly track, wherein each cart is configured for securely holding and supporting or suspending a selected portion of the cable relative to the track, and wherein each cart comprises: a body having a surface, seat, recess, slot or channel configured to receive a selected portion of a cable supported or suspended by the cart; a set of rollers coupled to the body and configured to engage a rail of an assembly track; and a strap, belt, strap, or wrap engageable or engageable with a selected portion of the cable supported or suspended by the cart and configured to assist in securely retaining the selected portion of the cable to the body; and generally or optionally (c) a locomotive displaceable in at least a first direction along a length of the assembly track and coupleable or coupled to the first end of the cable for exerting traction on the first end of the cable, wherein when the locomotive is coupled to the first end of the cable and displaced in the first direction, (i) the first end of the locomotive is oriented toward the first direction, (ii) the opposite second end of the locomotive is oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction, and (iii) the second end of the locomotive is oriented toward the first end of the cable, and wherein when the first end of the cable is coupled to the locomotive and a selected portion of the cable dragging the first end of the cable in a direction toward the second end of the cable is supported or suspended on a plurality of carts on the assembly track, the cable is displaceable or displaceable along the assembly track in response to displacement of the locomotive in the first direction and slidable displacement of the plurality of carts in the first direction.

Without the cable, each cart mounted on the assembly track would normally or preferably only interfere with or limit its slidable displacement along the track in the first and second directions if at least one other cart mounted on the assembly track were present. When the carts mounted on the assembly track do not carry any part of the cable, such carts mounted on the assembly track are typically or preferably coupled to each other only by means of the assembly track.

When a cart mounted on the assembly track carries a selected portion of the cable, such carts mounted on the assembly track are typically or preferably coupled to each other by means of the assembly track and the cable only.

In each track assembly, the set of rail support structures is a pair of rail support structures, wherein a first rail support structure may be coupled or coupled to an underside of a first end of a rail of the track assembly and a second rail support structure may be coupled or coupled to an underside of an opposing second end of the rail of the track assembly.

The assembled track is typically or preferably a monorail track.

The roller sets of each cart may include a first roller configured to engage a left portion of the rail of the assembly track and a second roller configured to engage a right portion of the rail of the assembly track to facilitate or effect reduced friction slidable displacement of the cart along the track (e.g., such that the rail of the assembly track is disposed between the first roller and the second roller).

The locomotive itself is typically or preferably not directly coupled to the assembly track. When the locomotive is shifted in the first direction, the locomotive is typically or preferably configured to ride on the assembly track.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a system may include a platform, scaffold, or ramp structure mountable or mounted to a locomotive and providing an inclined path, wherein the inclined path is inclined upwardly relative to a horizontal plane parallel to a floor surface, wherein a high end of the inclined path corresponding to one end of the locomotive is vertically higher than a low end of the inclined path corresponding to an opposite end of the locomotive, and wherein a portion of the cable may gradually travel and/or be guided in an upward direction along the inclined path as the locomotive moves toward other portions of the cable proximate to the low end of the inclined path and not yet traveling along the inclined path.

The platform, scaffold, or ramp structure may be removably mounted to the locomotive, and the platform, scaffold, or ramp structure may further include a set of wheels (e.g., a plurality of wheels) to facilitate displacement of the platform, scaffold, or ramp structure along the floor surface as the locomotive is displaced along the floor surface.

The platform, scaffold or ramp structure may comprise: a pair of rails extending upwardly between a lower end of the inclined path to a higher end of the inclined path; and a plurality of support bars extending between the pair of rails, wherein each support bar is disposed vertically higher than the other support bar, wherein the plurality of support bars are configured to progressively lift such portions of the cable as they travel away from the low end of the inclined path toward the high end of the inclined path during displacement of the locomotive toward other portions of the cable that are proximate to the low end of the inclined path and have not traveled along the inclined path.

A set of cable guide structures may be coupled or mounted to a platform, scaffolding or ramp structure. The set of cable guide structures may be configured or arranged to laterally guide, route or direct portions of the cable carried by the platform, scaffolding or ramp structure as such portions of the cable travel along the inclined path during displacement of the locomotive toward other portions of the cable proximate to the lower end of the inclined path and not yet traveling along the inclined path.

The set of cable guide structures may include a plurality of cable guide structures laterally positionable relative to one another along the inclined path, and wherein each cable guide structure is configured to limit or restrict lateral displacement of a portion of the cable as such portion of the cable travels along the inclined path during displacement of the locomotive toward other portions of the cable proximate to a lower end of the inclined path and not yet traveling along the inclined path.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows a schematic arrangement of a conventional system for cable pulling;

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a track assembly unit according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a portion of a track formed using the two track assembly units shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a track-mountable cart according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates one manner in which a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may secure cables to multiple individual carts and convey the secured cables through or along the carts;

FIG. 6 depicts a locomotive according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment in which one end of a cable is coupled to a locomotive by a pair of wire ropes;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a locomotive incorporating a platform having an angled path for guiding and/or guiding an unshielded portion of a cable into a slot for occluding and/or receiving the cable therein; and

fig. 9 shows engagement of a cable with a plurality of guide elements arranged on an inclined path as the cable is guided and/or guided into a slot, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Embodiments according to the present disclosure described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the structures, methods, or other essential characteristics thereof. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

As used herein, the term "about" or "approximately" in the context of an expression associated with a component, location/position, condition, etc., refers to +/-10% of a specified value, +/-5% of a specified expression, or +/-4% of a specified expression, or +/-3% of a specified expression, or +/-2% of a specified expression, or +/-1% of a specified expression, or +/-0.5% of a specified expression, or +/-0% of a specified expression.

The term "unshielded cable" or "a portion of an unshielded cable" refers herein to one or more portions or segments of a cable that are exposed to the external environment before being shielded or housed in a container or housing, such as a cable trough.

Fig. 2-7 show aspects of a representative system 100 for facilitating or achieving rapid and less friction delivery and/or placement of a cable 300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The cable 300 may be a power cable (e.g., a high voltage power cable), or another type of cable, or a cable-like structure, such as a conduit. The system 100 includes: a track 110, which is typically (but not necessarily) a monorail track, may be placed and/or attached to a support surface or structure, which is typically a floor surface 105 (e.g., a floor or bottom surface corresponding to a personnel work surface or along a cable tunnel); a plurality of individual carts 130 that are sequentially, sequentially or serially mountable to the track 110, wherein the carts 130 are free to slide relative to one another along the track 110, each cart 130 carrying a surface, retainer or seat/saddle portion 138 for receiving a selected or particular portion of the cable 300 laid on the surface 138; and at least one prime mover (e.g., a device, machine, or collection of components that converts energy from an energy source into power) or locomotive 180 (which may also be referred to as a dolly) located forward of the forward-most cart 130a, wherein one end 303 of cable 300 is carried by or coupled or secured to a given locomotive 180 and the tail of cable 300 has placed its selected or particular portion on a plurality of carts 130 towed by locomotive 180 or is supported or suspended by carts 130 (e.g., such selected tail of cable 300 is supported or suspended by cart surface 138 on which it is placed).

In various embodiments, locomotive 180 includes a housing, body, cradle, chassis, and/or a set of platform structures coupled to or carrying a motor and controller/control unit, wherein the motor is coupled to a set of wheels (e.g., typically four or six wheels, which may include tires in a manner readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art) 182 and is configured to propel locomotive 180 (e.g., along floor surface 105) by means of rotationally driving wheels 182. Thus, rotation of the wheels 182 relative to the floor surface 105 may move, drive or propel the locomotive 180 along the floor surface 105. The first subset of wheels 182 is disposed on a first or left side of the locomotive 180, and thus may be disposed or disposed on a corresponding first or left side of the track 110; and the wheels 184 of the second, opposite, or right subset are disposed on a second, opposite, or right side of the locomotive 180 and, thus, may be disposed or disposed on a corresponding second, opposite, or right side of the track 110. In various embodiments, locomotive 180 and wheels 182 coupled thereto may thus straddle track 110 (e.g., such that track 110 is approximately midway between a first or left side of locomotive 180 and a second or right side of locomotive 180). Alternatively or additionally to the foregoing, in certain embodiments locomotive 180 may be coupled to a set of treads (e.g., a pair of treads, such as a first side or left tread and a second side or right tread) driven by a particular driving element (e.g., wheels 182) for propelling locomotive 180.

Locomotive 180 may be positioned, located, configurable, or configured to travel at or at least generally aligned (e.g., lengthwise or longitudinally aligned) with track 110 (e.g., over, above, and/or along a portion of track 110) along a target or first direction or toward a target or first destination at a selectable, selected, or predetermined speed (e.g., up to a predetermined maximum speed) for applying a traction force that pulls cable 300 along with trolley 130 on which the tail of cable 300 has been laid toward the target direction or toward the target destination such that trolley 130 slidably moves along track 110 and cable 300 is displaced in the target direction or toward the target destination by virtue of slidable movement of trolley 130 along track 110 as locomotive 180 moves toward the target destination. In various embodiments, for example, when the locomotive is on track 110 or longitudinally aligned with track 110, locomotive 180 itself does not or need to be in intentional or direct contact with track 110 (e.g., such that track 110 is intermediate, substantially intermediate, or substantially intermediate of first or left side wheel sub-set 182 and second or right side wheel sub-set 182 of the locomotive).

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the track 110 generally includes or is formed with a plurality of rail supports 111 and elongated rail segments or portions, which may be referred to simply as rails 114. Each rail 114 may be a rod, column, or shaft-like structure, member, or configuration. The rail 114 is generally hollow to reduce weight. The rail support 111 is located or rests on or above the floor surface 105 or is anchored to the floor surface 105. The at least one rail 114 may be fixed or fastened to the at least one rail support 111 (e.g., in the manner shown).

In several embodiments, the track 110 may be constructed from multiple units of track assemblies 120 (e.g., the track 110 may be constructed by coupling, linking, or joining multiple track assemblies 120 in series). For example, the track assembly 120 of each unit includes a plurality of rail supports 111 (such as a pair of rail supports 111) and an elongated rail 114 (e.g., a single rail 114 in a monorail embodiment) that may extend therebetween. A given rail support 111 may be in the form of a rod or shaft, such as an inverted U-shaped frame having a top and two lateral side walls or legs extending downwardly from the top. The distal ends of the legs of the rail support may rest on the floor surface 105 and may provide a bottom or base portion of the rail support 111. In particular embodiments, the rail support 111 may include a structural base or base member that engages the distal ends of the legs of the rail support.

The stub 121 may protrude upwardly away from the top of the rail support frame. For each rail assembly 120, its pair of rail supports 111 rest or rest on the floor surface 105. The pair of rail supports 111 are spaced apart from each other on the floor surface 105 by a distance not exceeding the length of the rail 114 such that the stub 121 of each rail support 111 can be inserted into a hole 115 preformed on and proximate to the end of the rail 114 for anchoring the elongated rail 114 to the rail support 111 and supporting the rail 114 relative to the floor surface 105 or above the floor surface 105. In some embodiments, the stub 121 includes two distinct portions or sites, namely an enlarged base 122 directly adjacent the top of the frame and a narrower or smaller extension 123 extending further away from the enlarged base 122. In such embodiments, the enlarged base 122 is formed to have a diameter greater than the preformed hole 115, while the thin extension 123 has a diameter less than or no greater than the preformed hole 115. The small extension 123 may be made threaded and its tip may protrude slightly beyond the top surface of the rail 114 so that a nut may be coupled to the tip of the small extension, thereby securing or locking the rail 114 to the rail support 111. Thus, in several embodiments, attaching the rail 114 of each rail assembly 120 to the respective stub 121 results in the rail 114 supported on the enlarged base 122 hanging or lifting above the top of the rail support 111. In various embodiments, the rail support 111 positions or spaces the rail 114 secured thereto from direct contact with the floor surface 105.

In various embodiments, each rail 114 has a first end 116 and a second end 117. The second end 117 of a given front rail or first rail 114 may be positioned or located immediately adjacent or directly adjacent to the rear rail or second rail 114, i.e., directly in front of or in front of the first end 116 of the second rail 114 disposed immediately behind the first rail 114. In several embodiments, the ends of the rails 114 include one or more through holes 119 such that two immediately adjacent or directly adjacent rails 114 may be linked in series, sequentially, or continuously by means of a rail coupler 160. The rail coupler 160 includes a block 163 and a plurality of protrusions 164 erected sequentially or continuously upward from the top of the block 163. Within the plurality of protrusions 164, a particular protrusion 164 may be individually or individually couplable, coupled, engageable, or engageable with corresponding through holes 119 located at the ends or extremities of two adjacently positioned rails 114 to engage and connect adjacent rails 114 together for forming a portion of the track 110. By linking the plurality of elongate rails 114 together in this manner using the rail couplers 160 and rail supports 111, a modular track system (e.g., a modular monorail track system) can be easily and quickly built and/or disassembled in the field for extension and/or retraction of the track 110 (e.g., associated with or corresponding to the course and/or length of a cable trough in a tunnel). In such a system 100, the track 110 may be established or assembled along or adjacent to the slot in which the cable 300 is received (e.g., in a straightforward, simple and generally rapid manner, even in a space-constrained environment, such as a cable tunnel).

Fig. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of a cart 130, the cart 130 may be slidably coupled or mounted to the rail 110, and may support a portion of the cable 300 such that the cable 300 may be slidably displaced along the rail 110. The cart 130 includes a body 131, the body 131 having or being manufactured with a cutout portion 132 for receiving a portion of the rail 110 therein, and more particularly the interlinked rail 114. In some embodiments, the body 131 of the cart 130 may be a partially or substantially hollow block such that the cutout portion 132 extends from a front or front to a rear or rear of the block, with an opening 134 at the bottom to access the cutout portion 132 and mount the cart 130 to the rail 114.

In various embodiments, cart 130 includes a set of roller elements or rollers 133. For example, one or more rollers 133 may be located in the cut-out portion 132 of the cart 130 and may be coupled to the rail 110 or contactable with the rail 110 to facilitate or enable reduced friction/low friction sliding movement of the cart 130 along the rail 110 (e.g., along the rail 114 of the rail 110). In various embodiments, each roller 133 may be located on a particular lateral side of the cutout portion 132 and at a particular location or position between the front and rear of the block and may rotate about an axis in a plane, such as an inclined plane transverse to the length of the rail 114 or a vertical plane perpendicular to the length of the rail 114, against a lateral surface of the rail 114. Each roller 133 may comprise or be a ball bearing roller that may be grasped or snugly clamped against a side surface of rail 114 to facilitate sliding movement of cart 130 along track 110 with reduced or minimal friction. In some embodiments, the set of rollers 133 includes a first set of rollers 133 corresponding to a first side or left lateral side or edge of the cart 130 or left side/rail 110; and a second set of rollers 133 corresponding to a second, opposite side or right side or lateral side or edge of the cart 130/rail 110.

A stepped portion or step 136 may rise from the top of the body 131 and have a surface 138 for seating or laying a selected portion of the cable 300 thereon. In several embodiments, the surface 138 is formed as a concave structure having a radius substantially corresponding to or equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the cable 300 for receiving a portion of the cable 300 laid on the surface 138. The slightly raised lateral edges of the steps 136 around the concave surface 138 may improve the grip of the surface 138 on the portion of the cable 300 laid thereon such that during slidable movement of the cart 130 along the track 110 (and thus the cable 300), undesired or undesired lateral or lateral movement of the secured cable 300 is restricted.

As further described in connection with fig. 5, the cart 130 may be associated with or include a cable fixture or mechanism, such as at least one belt, strap, or wrap structure 139. For example, the strap 139 may include a first end that may be coupled, attachable, or attached to a first lateral side of the surface 138, and a second end that may extend over the surface 138 or may be stretched across the surface 138 for adjustably engaging a fastening mechanism and/or buckle 174 located on a second lateral side of the surface 138 to securely retain a portion of the power cable 300 laid on the surface 138. More specifically, in various embodiments, a pair of generally C-shaped arms or handles 170 may be located on opposite lateral sides of the step 136. One end of the strap 139 may be secured or attached to one of the handles 170 and the other end of the strap 139 may be secured/inserted into a fastening mechanism or buckle 174, which fastening mechanism or buckle 174 is carried by or coupled or secured to the other handle 170 on the opposite lateral side of the step 136. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism or buckle 174 includes one or more structures, such as a slot or loop 176, to facilitate retaining the strap 139 in or around the slot or loop 176 for securely retaining a portion of the cable 300 that the strap 139 is wrapped around. The fastening mechanism or buckle 174 may further be engaged with a latch or ratchet mechanism 178, which latch or ratchet mechanism 178 is capable of quickly securing/locking and/or disengaging/releasing the strap 139 from the fastening mechanism or buckle 174 by means of a release mechanism, such as a lever or button.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a representative locomotive 180 that may be used in the system 100 to generate sufficient force and/or torque to draw the cart 130 and cable 300 along the track 110. A control panel 185 may be located on locomotive 180 to receive user input so that a user of system 100 may manage the speed and direction of locomotive 180. Locomotive 180 moves in a first direction and accordingly pulls cart 130 and cable 300 secured thereto in a first direction that is generally aligned or parallel with the cable trough. The movement of locomotive 180 and the slidable displacement of cable 300 in a first direction by means of cart 130 carrying a portion of cable 300 and thus suspending cable 300 relative to track 110 may be considered a first or primary mode of operation of system 100. The primary mode of operation of the system 100 is to introduce and position the cable 300 in a cable tunnel and organize, position, and/or arrange the cable 300 with respect to or along a trough in which the cable 300 is intended to be positioned (e.g., typically below the trough, as the trough may typically be above the level of the cable 300 when the cable 300 is carried by the cart 130) prior to placing the cable 300 in the trough in which the cable 300 is to be received.

In some embodiments, locomotive 180 may be coupleable or coupled to or include a steering mechanism (e.g., which may simply be a joystick mechanism) such that a system user may maneuver locomotive 180 or adjust the movement of the locomotive relative to the length of track 110 (e.g., when locomotive 180 is traveling in a first direction). As described above, in several embodiments, locomotive 180 is not or need not be directly engaged with track 110; however, in certain embodiments, locomotive 180 may itself include one or more structures or elements capable of or intended to directly engage track 110 (e.g., rollers intended to contact or engage track 110), thereby, for example, facilitating or effectuating automatic guidance or automatic steering of locomotive 180 along track 110.

Fig. 7 illustrates a representative manner in which the system 100 may couple, join, secure, or fasten a cable 300 to a locomotive 180. In the embodiment shown in fig. 7, locomotive 180 is positioned in front of the forward-most cart 130a and one end of cable 300 is connected to the rear, rear end or rear of locomotive 180 using a set of wire ropes 187, such as a pair of wire ropes 187. Advancement of locomotive 180 in the first direction exerts a force on wire rope 187 pulling the end of cable 300 connected to wire rope 187. Meanwhile, because the cable 300 is fixed or fastened to the plurality of carts 130, when the cable 300 is towed by the locomotive 180, the cable 300 moves to drag or slide the carts 130 along the track 110. The sliding motion of the cart 130 makes it easier or easier to transport the cable 300 into and/or along the cable tunnel while reducing or minimizing friction.

In various embodiments, the carts 130 on the track 110 are not or need to be physically linked to each other by one or more chains, rods, wires, or similar structures (e.g., non-track structures), which may or may not be coupled or linked to the carts 130 without the cable 300. Conversely, (a) when the cart 130 on the track 110 does not carry or suspend a portion of the cable 300, the cart 130 is slidably coupled to the track 110, and thus is coupled along the track 110 only by the track 110 itself; and (b) when portions of the cable 300 are carried or suspended by the carts 130 on the track 110, those carts 130 carrying or suspending the cable 300 are further coupled, linked or connected to each other by the cable 300 itself. The portion of the cable 300 itself thus serves as a cart-to-cart coupling or connection structure or member, and such portion of the cable 300 itself transmits/distributes locomotive tractive effort across the plurality of carts 130, rather than using or requiring a cart-to-cart coupling or connection structure other than the cable 300 to transmit/distribute or assist in the transmission/distribution of locomotive tractive effort across the plurality of carts 130. Thus, without the cable 300, a given cart 130 on the track 110 interferes with or restricts its slidable movement along the track 110 solely due to the presence of other carts 130 adjacent thereto; and thus, without the cable 300, the carts 130 along the track 110 are coupled to each other by way of the track 110 only (e.g., rather than by a direct link such as one or more chains, rods, wire ropes, or similar structures between the cart bodies 131). Nonetheless, in particular embodiments, at least some subsets of carts 130, such as particular pairs of adjacent carts 130, may be physically coupled or linked to each other by one or more chains, rods, wires, and/or the like (e.g., at least some subsets of carts 130 may be coupled or joined in such a manner) in addition to being coupled or linked along a longitudinal portion of track 110 by cable 300.

In view of the foregoing, the system 100 may operate in a first/primary mode of operation corresponding to cable transportation and placement into a cable tunnel. In at least some embodiments, after the cable 300 has been successfully initially positioned/deployed with respect to or along the cable tray (e.g., on or near the cable tunnel floor), the system 100 can be operated in or switched to an additional, second/secondary or reverse mode of operation to gradually lift portions of the cable 300 upward and direct these lifted portions of the cable 300 toward and to the cable tray, and possibly place the cable 300 in the cable tray. The second mode of operation may also be referred to as a cable hoist mode of operation. In such embodiments, at least one locomotive 180 may be coupled to a ramp structure configured to lift or elevate portions of the cable 300 such that successive portions of the cable 300 are gradually lifted upward toward the cable trough in association with movement of the locomotive 180. For example, the same locomotive 180 used to transport and place the cable into the cable tunnel may also be configured to move in a second or opposite direction that is opposite or substantially opposite to the first direction, thereby lifting, transporting and/or placing portions of the cable into the trough by way of the ramp structure in the secondary mode of operation. Additionally or alternatively, another or different locomotive 180 may be used to lift, transport, and/or place portions of the cable into the trough by way of a ramp structure that may be coupled or coupled to the other locomotive 180.

To achieve such progressive cable lifting and guiding towards and into the trough, and placement of the cable into the trough, the system 100 may further include a platform, scaffold, or ramp structure 150 that may be coupled to or carried by a given locomotive 180 (e.g., that may be selectively attached to and removed from the locomotive 180), wherein the platform 150 provides an inclined or sloped path 152 (e.g., upwardly inclined relative to a horizontal plane parallel to the track 110) along which portions of the cable 300 may travel and/or be guided when the locomotive 180 moves in a second or opposite direction. The inclined path 152 extends upwardly (e.g., toward the cable trough) at a selectable/adjustable or predetermined angle, forming an upper portion or end 151 and a lower portion or end 154 thereof such that the upper end 151 of the inclined path 152 is positionable or positionable at a selectable/adjustable or predetermined height, e.g., substantially corresponding to the height of the cable trough or at least slightly above the height of the cable trough.

The platform 150 also generally includes a set of cable positioning or guiding structures that may be configured or configured for guiding, routing, or directing such portions of the cable 300 laterally (e.g., leftward and/or rightward) as such portions of the cable 300 travel along the inclined path 152. For example, in various embodiments, the platform 150 includes a plurality of guide elements 156 spaced apart from one another along the length of the inclined path 152, e.g., as depicted in fig. 8 and 9.

In association with the cable lift/second mode of operation, a portion or segment of the cable 300 proximate or adjacent to the locomotive 180 (which may initially be an end of the cable 300) and an adjoining portion or segment of the cable 300 may be positioned on the inclined path 152 and displaced from the lower end 154 of the inclined path 152 toward the upper end 151 of the inclined path 152 and further positioned at the upper end 151 of the inclined path such that the portion of the power cable 300 is directed toward, and/or into the cable trough by moving the locomotive 180 (e.g., movement of the locomotive in a second direction opposite the first direction) by way of the plurality of guide elements 156. During the cable lift/second mode of operation, at least some portions of the cable 300 are generally not secured to at least some carts 130, such as one or more carts 130 directly adjacent to the locomotive 180 or behind the locomotive 180. For example, in a first/primary mode of operation, a particular strip 139 wrapped around the cable 300 may be released or untwisted (e.g., gradually released or untwisted) for at least a portion of the cable 300, which will then be gradually lifted onto the inclined path 152 and transported or placed into a trough. The portion of the cable 300 that is no longer bound to the cart 130 may be pushed or displaced onto or placed on the floor surface 105, after which such portion of the cable 300 may be "scooped up" and displaced upward (e.g., in a second direction) along the inclined path 152 by way of locomotive movement.

In addition to the inclined path 152, the platform 150 may include a base or base frame 153 mounted and/or attached to the locomotive 180, wherein the base frame 153 aids or assists in establishing the inclined path 152 relative to the locomotive 180. One or more pairs of wheels may be coupled to or secured below the base frame 153 so that the platform 150 may slide on the floor surface 105 in a second direction relative to movement of the locomotive 180. In certain embodiments, the system 100 places and/or places the platform 150 on the locomotive 180 just prior to the initiation of the cable lift/second mode of operation, and the locomotive 180 may not carry the platform 150 when in the first/primary mode of operation. In other embodiments, locomotive 180 may carry the platform in the first/primary mode of operation.

According to several embodiments, the inclined path 152 over which the cable 300 may be laid and slid (e.g., slid up) to place the cable may include or be similar to or a ladder-like structure. For example, as shown in fig. 8 and 9, the inclined path 152 includes a pair of support bars/rods or stringers 199 (e.g., exterior or outward support bars/rods or stringers 199) that extend longitudinally parallel, for example, between the rear or rear end of the locomotive 180 and the front or front end of the locomotive 180 and are angled in a vertical direction therebetween (e.g., in a manner that establishes an upwardly directed angle of the inclined path 152), wherein the front and rear ends of the locomotive are transverse or perpendicular to the track 110 and the locomotive 180 is configured to carry or support the portion of the cable 300 between the rear and front ends of the locomotive. The stringers 199 may be raised vertically along their length and/or supported in a particular location by a series of progressively longer support bars 197 (e.g., in at least some embodiments, the support bars 197 may have a selectable or adjustable length such that the angle of the inclined path 152 may be selected or adjusted). In a direction perpendicular to the length of the stringers 199, a plurality of rails 198 extend from one stringer 199 engaging another stringer 199. The rungs 198 are spaced apart an adjustable/selectable or predetermined distance to support the cables 300 laid on the inclined path 152 without the cables 300 significantly bending or falling into the space between two rungs 198 (e.g., immediately adjacent rungs 198).

At least some of the rails 198 or each of the rails 198 may carry guide elements 156, wherein the position (e.g., lateral position) of at least some of the guide elements 156 or each guide element 156 may be selectable or adjustable relative to the longitudinal axis of the locomotive 180, the inclined path 152, and/or the stringers 199 (e.g., the position of at least some of the guide elements 156 or each guide element 156 may be laterally adjustable relative to the longitudinal axis of the inclined path 152). In some embodiments, a given guide element 156 may be slidably adjustable along a rail 198 to which guide element 156 is coupled or connected or on rail 198. In addition, the guide element 156 may include a pair of substantially vertically raised prongs 157, with gaps or spaces included between the prongs 157 for limiting lateral displacement of a portion of the power cable 300 slidably therethrough after such portion, section, or portion of the power cable 300 is raised or placed on the inclined path 152.

In some embodiments, a given guide element 156 may take the form of a hollow rectangular or square section including two prongs 157 on both sides to define a gap or space in the central region through which the cable 300 passes. The side prongs 157 limit and control lateral movement of the cable 300 on the angled path 152 as the cable 300 is placed or pushed into the slot in response to movement of the locomotive 180 in the second direction. In various embodiments, the guide elements 156 are organized such that one guide element 156 is offset in position from a previous guide element 156 that is closer to the cable trough. By organizing the guide elements 156 in a progressively offset manner, the system 100 progressively bends the cable 300 toward the slot, as shown in fig. 9. As such, the plurality of guide elements 156 collectively define a sliding travel path (e.g., a curved or curvilinear path) for the power cable 300 to move along the inclined path 152 to direct the power cable 300 toward, and/or into the cable trough. To bring the cable 300 closer to the slot, the last few rungs 198 on the inclined path 152 may extend further beyond the stringers 199, allowing the guide element 156 to remain closer to the slot.

In other embodiments, at least some of the rails 198 and/or at least some of the guide elements 156 (e.g., each guide element 156) include one or more rollers (not shown) that may contact the power cable 300 placed on the inclined path 152, wherein the one or more rollers may rotate to facilitate directing the power cable 300 toward and/or into the cable trough (e.g., with reduced friction). Such rollers are coupled to portions of the prongs 157 and/or the rungs 198 to smooth sliding movement of the cable 300 on the inclined path 152.

According to a related aspect of the present disclosure, a process or method for placing a portion of an unshielded cable 300 (e.g., power cable 300) into a cable trough for receipt therein by means of a given locomotive 180 coupled to or carrying a ramp structure, such as the platform 150 described above, includes: providing or positioning an unshielded portion of the cable 300 longitudinally along or parallel to a portion of the cable trough (e.g., by means of displacement of the same or a different locomotive 180 in a first direction associated with the aforementioned first mode of operation, and corresponding slidable displacement of the cable 300 along the track 110), wherein the unshielded portion of the cable 300 and the cable trough are located at first and second levels, respectively, which are higher than the first level in a vertical plane (e.g., perpendicular to the floor surface 105); placing one segment of the unshielded power cable 300 on the inclined path 152 of the platform 150 (e.g., by moving a given locomotive 180 in a second direction after releasing the ribbon holding the segment of the cable 300, and typically placing the segment of the cable on the floor surface 105), the inclined path 152 having a lower end 154 extending toward an upper end 151, wherein the upper end 151 is positioned at a height substantially corresponding to the second level and proximate or adjacent to the top opening of the cable trough; and displacing or moving the platform 150 by means of displacing or moving the locomotive 180 (e.g., in a second direction) towards the portion of the power cable 300 placed on the first level, wherein the lower end 154 of the inclined path 152 to the upper end 151 is configured to scoop up the unshielded power cable 300 from the first level and onto the inclined path 152, further raise and guide the unshielded power cable as it travels along the inclined path 152, and guide the power cable 300 into or into the cable trough during movement of the platform 150 and locomotive 180 or in association with movement of the platform 150 and locomotive 180 (e.g., in the second direction).

The trough is typically mounted on the wall of the cable tunnel and the unshielded cable 300 may be positioned or laid on the ground plane or floor surface 105, e.g., along or generally parallel to the trough in several embodiments, prior to shifting the locomotive 180 and the platform 150 in the cable lifting/second mode of operation. The platform 150 may be carried by or coupled to, mounted to, or attached to the locomotive 180, with the locomotive 180 being capable of generating sufficient power to move the platform 150 in a predetermined direction (e.g., a second direction) to scoop up the cable 300, raise the cable 300 upward in a direction toward the trough, and guide the cable 300 into and/or into the trough. As described above, the platform 150 may include a base or base frame 153 mounted and/or attached to the locomotive 180, wherein the base frame 153 facilitates establishing the inclined path 152 and obtaining a desired (e.g., selectable or adjustable) height and/or angle to guide and direct the cable 300 into the trough. One or more pairs of wheels may be coupled to or secured below the base frame 153 for sliding movement of the platform 150 along the floor surface 105 in a manner corresponding to movement of the locomotive 180.

The angled path 152 may include a pair of elongated shafts, rods, bars, or stringers 199 extending in parallel, with a plurality of rails 198 extending from one stringer 199 into the other stringer 199 in a direction perpendicular to the length of the stringers 199. The plurality of rungs 198 may be spaced or positioned at an adjustable/selectable or predetermined distance to substantially support the cable 300. In various embodiments, the platform 150 includes a plurality of guide elements 156 longitudinally spaced apart from one another on the inclined path 152. Each guide element 156 may be coupled to a separate rail 198 such that the position of each guide element 156 is adjustable on the respective rail 198 relative to the longitudinal axis of the inclined path 152. In some embodiments, the guide member 156 may include or be formed as a pair of substantially vertically raised prongs 157, with a gap or space included between the prongs 157 for receiving a portion of the power cable 300 to slidably move therethrough as the power cable 300 is guided along the angled path 152. The side prongs 157 limit and/or control the lateral or sideways movement of the cable 300 in the angled path 152. Referring to several embodiments, the process or method further comprises: the guide elements 156 are organized on the inclined path 152 such that the position of the vertically higher guide element 156 is offset from the position of the front or vertically lower guide element 156 such that the vertically higher guide element 156 is closer to the cable trough than the front or vertically lower guide element 156. By organizing the guide elements 156 in a series of progressively and sequentially offset positions (e.g., laterally offset positions relative to each other), such a process or method may progressively or progressively bend or bend portions of the cable 300 along the inclined path 152 toward the slot direction. Thus, the guide elements 156 may collectively establish or define a sliding lateral movement of the cable 300 along the angled path 152 toward the cable trough to direct and/or enter the cable 300 into the cable trough.

Additionally, in some embodiments, at least some of the guide elements 156 further include one or more rollers that may contact portions of the cable 300 along the inclined path 152, wherein the one or more rollers help to direct the cable 300 toward, and/or into the cable trough in a friction-reducing manner.

In view of the foregoing, (a) in a cable placement/first mode of operation, a particular locomotive 180 associated with or in conjunction with the track 110 and the cart 130 may progressively slidably displace the cable 300 into the cable tunnel until the cable 300 is located at an intended location and/or target destination within the cable tunnel; and (b) in the cable lift/second mode of operation, the same or a different locomotive 180 associated with or in conjunction with the inclined path 152 may gradually "scoop" portions of the cable 300 and lift or lift those scooped portions of the cable 300 toward or to the cable trough. In various embodiments, in a first mode of operation, the combination of locomotive 180, track 110, and cart 130 operates as a first type of cable shipper that is configurable or configured to horizontally ship or displace cable 300 relative to floor surface 105 (e.g., at a vertical elevation or distance, such as a substantially constant vertical distance away from floor surface 105, such that in the first mode of operation cable 300 remains or remains generally parallel to floor surface 105 and/or remains a vertical distance or set of vertical distances closer to floor surface 105 than the cable trough, and in a second mode of operation, the combination of inclined path 152 and the same or different locomotive 180 operates as a second type of cable shipper that is configurable or configured to ship and guide cable 300 laterally upward or upward along inclined path 152.

Thus, a system 100 is provided in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein at least one locomotive 180 may be configured (e.g., in a selectable or adjustable manner) to operate as a drive or motive power assembly in: (i) A horizontal cable haul or displacement machine (e.g., for gradually hauling cable 300 into a cable tunnel such that cable 300 may be initially positioned in the cable tunnel relative to the cable trough, such as below and generally parallel to the cable trough); and (ii) a vertical or vertical transverse cable hauling or displacement machine (e.g., for gradually scooping and lifting portions of cable 300 toward and possibly into the cable trough after cable 300 has been initially positioned in the cable tunnel relative to the cable trough). Depending on the embodiment and/or the details of the situation, the horizontal cable haul or shift and the vertical or vertical-to-lateral cable haul or shift may occur with the same locomotive 180 (e.g., a single locomotive 180) or different locomotives 180.

A given locomotive 180 may travel in a first direction for transporting the cable 300 from a starting location to a target destination into a cable tunnel, and the same or a different locomotive 180 may then travel in a second, opposite direction away from the target destination for lifting the cable 300 toward, and/or into a cable trough (e.g., until the starting location is reached). Alternatively, the selected locomotive 180 may travel in a first direction for transporting the cable 300 from the starting location to the target destination into the cable tunnel, and the same or a different locomotive 180 corresponding to or located at the starting location may (e.g., subsequently) travel in the first direction from the starting location toward the target destination for lifting the cable 300 toward, and/or into the cable pit (e.g., until the target destination is reached).

One of ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate that the cable tunnel may be accessed from ground level or earth's surface by way of a shaft (which may extend downwardly from the earth's surface 50-60 meters, for example) that corresponds to or leads to an enlarged portion coupled or connected to the cable tunnel. The enlarged portion may couple or link different portions of the cable tunnel to which it is coupled, e.g., a first portion of the cable tunnel extending away from the enlarged portion, and a second portion of the cable tunnel extending away from the enlarged portion. The first and second portions of the cable tunnel may extend in opposite directions away from the enlarged portion. By means of the shaft and the enlarged portion, one or more power cables 300 and various types of objects and/or equipment may be transported and positioned relative to and/or in the cable tunnel.

In such cases, the cable 300 may be initially positioned in and along the cable tunnel, including in a first portion, an enlarged portion, and a second portion of the cable tunnel and along or across each portion by way of a given locomotive 180, such as in the manner described or indicated above. Subsequently, a pair of locomotives 180 (one of which may be, but need not be, a given locomotive 180 for initially positioning the cable 300 in and along the cable tunnel) may be driven, shifted, or moved in opposite directions (e.g., away from each other) toward different or opposite lengths or ends of the cable tunnel 10, wherein each of the pair of locomotives 180 scoops up and lifts/lifts portions of the cable 300 toward, and/or into the cable trough by way of a corresponding platform or ramp structure 150. Thus, (a) the first locomotive 180 may be displaced or driven toward and into a first portion of the cable tunnel extending away from the enlarged portion while gradually lifting a portion of the cable 300 disposed in the first portion of the cable tunnel (e.g., on the floor surface 105 of the first portion of the cable tunnel) toward, toward and/or into the cable trough by way of the first platform or ramp structure 150 providing the inclined path 152 in the manner described above; and (b) the second locomotive 180 may be displaced or driven toward and into a second portion of the cable tunnel that also extends away from the enlarged portion while gradually lifting other portions of the cable 300 disposed in the second portion of the cable tunnel (e.g., on the floor surface 105 of the second portion of the cable tunnel) toward, toward and/or into the cable trough by way of the second platform or ramp structure 150 providing the inclined path 152 in the manner described above. Such a pair of locomotives 180 may operate simultaneously, or separately/sequentially (e.g., as needed) to facilitate time-saving loading of the cable 300 into the cable trough.

Embodiments according to the present disclosure may provide an efficient, friction-reducing, quick, low-cost, and minimally manual manner (e.g., requiring as few as two workers, or even one worker) to transport the cable 300 into the cable tunnel 10, and/or to lift or raise the cable 300 toward, and/or into a container or long-term/final destination, such as the cable trough 20. It may also be noted that in various embodiments, the lifting of the rail 110 away from the floor surface 105 in combination with the roller sets 133 of each cart provides a low or very low noise system 10 (e.g., a quietly operating system 10) for cabling and placement.

It should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms and that the embodiments described and illustrated in this disclosure are representative for purposes of facilitating understanding. Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are not limited to only the embodiments described and illustrated herein. For example, one or more carts 130 may itself carry a prime mover or motor (e.g., a roller set 133 configured to rotationally drive each such power cart 130 to propel the power carts 130 along the track 110) such that (a) the locomotive 180 may not be needed or used in at least some instances; and/or (b) after the cable 300 has been positioned in the cable tunnel 10 or loaded into the cable trough 20, one or more powered carts 130 (e.g., possibly associated with a set of non-powered carts 130 coupled thereto) may transport or convey other objects and/or equipment (e.g., objects and/or equipment other than the cable 300) along the track 110 within the cable tunnel 10. The scope of the present disclosure includes additional or other modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts, devices and structures, such as those readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

Claims

1. A system for displacing an elongated cable, the cable having a first end, a second end and a length therebetween, the system comprising:

a modular track comprising a plurality of track assemblies that can be coupled or coupled together to form an assembled track and decoupled from one another to form a disassembled track, wherein each track assembly comprises:

an elongate rail that can be coupled or coupled to another elongate rail of an adjacent track assembly; and

a set of rail support structures configured to lift or suspend the elongate rail of the track assembly upwardly away from a floor surface on which the assembly track is located;

a plurality of carts, wherein each cart is slidably mountable or mounted on the assembly track and slidably displaced along the assembly track by means of slidable displacement along the rail of the assembly track, wherein each cart is configured for securely holding and supporting or suspending a selected portion of the cable relative to the track, and wherein each cart comprises:

a body having a surface, a seat, a recess configured to receive the selected portion of the cable supported or suspended by the cart;

A set of rollers coupled to the body and configured to engage the rail of the assembly track; and

a wrap engageable or engageable with the selected portion of the cable supported or suspended by the cart and configured to facilitate securely holding the selected portion of the cable to the body;

and

A locomotive displaceable in at least a first direction along the length of the assembly track and coupleable or coupled to the first end of the cable for exerting traction on the first end of the cable, wherein when the locomotive is coupled to the first end of the cable and displaced in the first direction, (a) the first end of the locomotive is oriented in the first direction, (b) an opposite second end of the locomotive is oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction, and (c) the second end of the locomotive is oriented in the first end of the cable, and

wherein when the first end of the cable is coupled to the locomotive and the plurality of trolleys that are supported or suspended on the assembly track are dragged in a direction toward the second end of the cable, the cable is displaceable or displaceable along the assembly track in response to (i) displacement of the locomotive in the first direction and (ii) slidable displacement of the plurality of trolleys in the first direction.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein without the cable, each cart mounted on the assembly track interferes with or restricts slidable displacement thereof along the track in the first and second directions only when at least one other cart mounted on the assembly track is present.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein when a cart mounted on the assembly track does not carry any portion of the cable, such carts mounted on the assembly track are coupled to each other by means of the assembly track only.

4. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein when a cart mounted on the assembly track carries a selected portion of the cable, such carts mounted on the assembly track are coupled to each other by means of only the assembly track and the cable.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein in each track assembly the set of rail support structures is a pair of rail support structures, wherein a first rail support structure is coupleable or coupled to an underside of a first end of the rail of the track assembly and a second rail support structure is coupleable or coupled to an underside of an opposite second end of the rail of the track assembly.

6. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the assembly track is a monorail track.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of rollers of each cart comprises a first roller configured to engage with a left portion of the assembly track and a second roller configured to engage with a right portion of the assembly track to facilitate or achieve reduced frictional sliding displacement of the cart along the track.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the locomotive itself is not directly coupled to the assembly rail.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the locomotive is configured to ride on the assembly track when the locomotive is shifted in the first direction.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a platform, scaffold, or ramp structure mountable or mounted to the locomotive and providing an inclined path, wherein the inclined path is inclined upwardly relative to a horizontal plane parallel to the floor surface, wherein a high end of the inclined path corresponding to one end of the locomotive is vertically higher than a low end of the inclined path corresponding to an opposite end of the locomotive, and wherein a portion of the cable may be progressively traveled and/or guided in an upward direction along the inclined path as the locomotive moves toward other portions of the cable proximate to and not yet traveling along the low end of the inclined path.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the platform, scaffold, or ramp structure is removably mounted to the locomotive, and wherein the platform, scaffold, or ramp structure further comprises a plurality of wheels to facilitate displacement of the platform, scaffold, or ramp structure along the floor surface as the locomotive is displaced along the floor surface.

12. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the platform, scaffold, or ramp structure comprises:

a pair of rails extending upwardly between the low end of the inclined path to the high end of the inclined path; and

a plurality of support bars extending between the pair of rails, wherein each support bar is disposed vertically higher than the other support bar, and wherein the plurality of support bars are configured to progressively lift such portions of the cable as they travel away from the low end of the inclined path toward the high end of the inclined path during displacement of the locomotive toward other portions of the cable that are proximate to the low end of the inclined path and that have not traveled along the inclined path.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a set of cable guide structures coupled to the platform, scaffold, or ramp structure and configurable or configured to laterally guide, route, or direct such portions of the cable carried by the platform, scaffold, or ramp structure as the portions of the cable travel along the inclined path during displacement of the locomotive toward other portions of the cable proximate to the low end of the inclined path and not yet traveling along the inclined path.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the set of cable guide structures comprises a plurality of cable guide structures laterally positionable relative to one another along the inclined path, and wherein each cable guide structure is configured to limit or restrict lateral displacement of a portion of the cable as such portion of the cable travels along the inclined path during displacement of the locomotive toward other portions of the cable that are proximate to the lower end of the inclined path and have not traveled along the inclined path.