JP2011107479A - Optical cable closure inspection device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow safe and efficient work with the small number of persons, and to allow acquisition of a stable picked-up image by preventing shakes of a camera. <P>SOLUTION: An optical cable closure inspection device is installed on an electric pole and exteriorly inspects a closure provided for connection and branching of an optical cable by imaging the closure from above with an imaging means. The device includes: a measurement rod which is formed so as to be expansible by connecting a plurality of graduated glass fiber pipes in a one-touch system and is capable of measuring a height from the ground of a front end thereof by connecting them; a folding lever which is provided in a lower end of the measurement rod so as to be freely opened and closed and, when being used, is opened and pushed with a foot to fix the measurement rod at a prescribed angle with respect to the ground surface; and an imaging means-attaching means which is provided in a front end of the measurement rod and attaches the imaging means to the measurement rod; and a monitor part which can be attached to and detached from the measurement rod and displays a picked-up image transmitted from the imaging means by radio. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical cable closure inspection device used for visually inspecting a closure on a utility pole installed at a connection / branch point of an optical cable.

  An optical cable closure (hereinafter, simply referred to as “closure”) is installed at a location where an optical cable laid on a power pole is connected or branched to connect or branch the optical cable. Since this closure is installed on a utility pole, when performing an appearance inspection, only the side and bottom surfaces can be confirmed from the ground. In order to inspect the whole area including the upper part of the closure, it was necessary to ascend to the utility pole and observe from above the closure.

  This electric pole ascending / descending involves the danger of falling, etc., and it was necessary for skilled workers to work. In some cases, the closure is installed at a position slightly away from the utility pole. In such a case, work is performed using an aerial work vehicle, but the vehicle installation location is limited or the vehicle is closed. In some cases, third parties were inconvenienced due to traffic regulations.

  As a solution to this problem, for example, in Patent Document 1, a camera is attached to the tip of an extendable measuring rod, and a monitor is detachably attached to the hand. A technique for easily and quickly inspecting inspection locations or inspection locations inside a facility such as a ceiling or under the floor is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 2, in order to eliminate the risk of electric shock and to improve workability when performing inspections and investigations with images of high-voltage overhead wires and pole-mounted equipment, the upper end of the extendable operation rod with insulation is provided. There has been proposed a charging unit inspection device in which a camera is fixed to a camera via a mounting portion, and an image of the camera is converted into an optical signal by an optical signal converter and sent to a video body at hand with an optical fiber cable.

  Further, Patent Document 3 proposes a high-altitude work operating rod having a step saddle for preventing overturning.

JP 2001-086483 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-307108 No. 7-33532

  However, in the technique described in the above-mentioned patent document, when the attachment position of the closure is high, the camera at the tip of the closure shakes due to the bending of the measuring rod to the attachment position of the closure, and a stable captured image cannot be acquired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and is an optical cable that can be operated safely and efficiently with a small number of people and that can acquire a stable captured image by preventing camera shake. An object is to provide a closure inspection device.

  In order to achieve the above object, an optical cable closure inspection device (1) according to the present invention is provided on a utility pole, and a closure (11) provided for connection and branching of an optical cable is taken by an imaging means (3, 3a). An optical cable closure inspection device for inspecting the appearance of a closure by taking an image from above, which is formed to be extendable by connecting a plurality of graduated glass fiber pipes (21). A measuring rod (2) that can measure the ground height of the tip, and is provided at the lower end of the measuring rod so as to be openable and closable. Foldable lever (6), an imaging means mounting portion (4) provided at the tip of the measuring rod for attaching the imaging means to the measuring rod, and a measuring rod Monitor for displaying a captured image sent from the image pickup means a et detachable and (5), characterized by comprising a.

  In the present invention, the ground height can be measured by extending the pipe with a scale. In addition, a folding lever is provided at the lower end of the measuring rod so that an operator can stand with a predetermined angle from the ground when the operator steps on the foot. As a result, the tip of the measuring rod can be easily leaned against the electric wire (or optical cable), and the measuring rod can be stabilized at least at two points of the ground and the electric wire, and work can be easily performed even on a windy day. .

  Preferably, the pipe surface at the tip that comes into contact with the electric wire when the measuring rod is extended is covered with rubber. Thereby, the measuring rod can be stably supported by the friction between the rubber portion of the pipe and the electric wire.

  The optical cable closure inspection device according to the present invention includes an air injection part (51b) that is detachably attached to a hand part of a measuring rod, a tube (53) that sends air sent from the air injection part, and the tube. A balloon-like member (51a) that expands or contracts by air sent through the imaging means mounting portion (4), and the angle of the imaging means (3) is changed by the balloon-like member (51a). And

  In the present invention, the vertical inclination of the imaging means (3) is changed by expanding and contracting the balloon-shaped member with air. Since electricity is not used, it is possible to reduce the possibility of electric shock and equipment destruction.

Furthermore, in the optical cable closure inspection apparatus according to the present invention, the folding lever has an inclination angle adjusting means (95) for adjusting a predetermined angle.
In the present invention, since the angle between the measuring rod and the ground is variable, when the measuring rod is stabilized by the ground and the electric wire, it is appropriate depending on the position of the closure, that is, the length of the measuring rod, or the strength and direction of the wind. This makes it possible to adjust the angle smoothly, improving workability.

  According to the present invention, the measuring rod is made of glass fiber, and the folding lever that stabilizes the measuring rod by stepping on the lower end of the measuring rod is provided. Alternatively, the measuring rod can be stabilized at least at the two points of the ground and the electric wire during work. Thereby, the safety | security in an operation | work improves and it can aim at the significant reduction of construction cost by shortening of work time. Furthermore, since it becomes possible to perform work with a smaller space and a smaller number of people than before, it is not necessary to apply for vehicle closure, and the administrative procedure speed is improved.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an optical cable closure inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the joint part of the pipe 21 of FIG. It is a block diagram of the foldable lever 6 of FIG. (FIG. 3 (a) front view, FIG. 3 (b) plan view, FIG. 3 (c) side view). It is a block diagram of the attaching part 4 of FIG. (FIG. 4 (a) front view, FIG. 4 (b) (c) plan view). It is explanatory drawing of the usage method of the optical cable closure inspection apparatus of FIG. It is the photograph of the scenery which works using the optical cable closure inspection apparatus of FIG. It is an example of the captured image of the upper part of the optical cable closure acquired as a result of performing work using the optical cable closure inspection device of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the joint part of the pipe 21 by the other Example of FIG. It is an external view which shows the accommodation condition of the pipe 21 which has the fastening member 56 of FIG. It is a block diagram of the folding lever 6 by the other Example of FIG. It is a block diagram of the attaching part 4 by the other Example of FIG. It is a block diagram of the inclination angle adjustment means of the optical cable closure inspection apparatus by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an optical cable closure inspection device (hereinafter simply referred to as “inspection device”) according to a first embodiment.

The inspection device 1 displays an insulating measurement rod 2 that is formed to be stretchable, a camera 3, a mounting portion 4 that is connected to the tip of the measurement rod 2 and fixes the camera 3, and an image that is captured by the camera 3. The monitor unit 5 has a foldable lever (rolling prevention means) 6 provided at the lower end of the measuring bar 2 when the measuring bar extends and contracts. The camera 3 and the monitor unit 5 are connected by a cable 7, and multi-directional shooting such as zooming and wide angle can be performed by commands from the monitor unit 5.
In addition, it is also possible to connect the camera 3a and the monitor unit 5 by wireless communication using the wireless camera 3a. The camera 3 and the camera 3a are preferably used depending on the purpose and work content (whether the work is near the electric wire).

  The monitor unit 5 can be attached to and detached from the measuring rod 2, and an operator can operate the hand by separating the monitor unit 5 from the measuring rod 2.

  In addition, since it will receive to the influence of a wind when the measuring rod 2 is extended, the camera mounting base 4 for attaching the camera 3 to the measuring rod 2 is preferably a fixed type rather than a ball bearing type.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the measuring rod 2 is composed of cylindrical hollow pipes 21 having different diameters, which are sequentially pulled out from the inner small-diameter pipe, and are pinned when pulled out to a predetermined position by a pin one-touch stop type described later. 22 protrudes from the through-hole 23 of an outer pipe by the repulsive force of a spring, and a pin and the through-hole 23 are engaged. At the time of storage, an operator releases the engagement state by pressing the pin 22 toward the inside of the pipe and stores the pipe.

  Each pipe 21 is provided with a scale, and the height of the tip (camera position) from the ground can be grasped. The pipe 21 is preferably made of glass fiber having insulating properties and appropriate flexibility.

  The camera and the monitor unit may be connected wirelessly. In this way, the work near the electric wire can be performed without the risk of electric shock.

  A foldable lever 6 shown in FIG. 3 is attached to the position of the lower foot of the measuring rod 2. By stepping on this lever with a foot, it is possible to stabilize the measuring rod 2 during outdoor work and prevent rollover when the measuring rod is extended or contracted.

  The schematic configuration of the inspection device 1 is as described above. Next, characteristic components will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

(Pipe fitting)
The measuring rod 2 is composed of a plurality of pipes 21. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of joint portions of the plurality of pipes 21. This figure is an enlarged view of the pipe joint, and the upper and lower parts of the pipe are not shown.

  Each pipe 21 is hollow with at least an open top, and pipes having different diameters can be accommodated inside. Each pipe 21 is provided with a pin 22 that protrudes due to the repulsive force of the spring and retracts when the operator depresses it, and a through hole 23 that engages when the pin 22 of the inner pipe protrudes. Assuming that the i-th pipe is 21 (i), the pin provided on the i-th pipe is 22 (i), and the through hole is 23 (i), the operator pulls out the inner pipe in order from the inside. The measuring rod 2 is extended. At this time, when the pipe 21 (i-1) inside the i-th pipe 21 (i) is pulled out to a certain position, the through-hole 23 (i) of the pipe 21 (i) as shown in FIG. The pin 22 (i-1) of the inner pipe 21 (i-1) protrudes by the repulsive force of a spring (not shown) provided between the pipe and the pin and engages with the through hole 23 (i). . When storing, the operator pushes the pin 22 (i-1) and lowers the pipe 21 (i-1) while maintaining the retracted state from the through hole 23 (i). Store in.

The above configuration is a method of connecting and releasing a pipe only by pressing a pin, and this configuration is referred to as a pin one-touch stop type in this embodiment.
By making this pipe one-touch stop type connection mechanism of the pipe, the worker can extend and contract the measuring rod 2 with one hand.

(Folding lever)
Next, the configuration of the folding lever 6 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The foldable lever 6 includes a base 62 connected to the lowermost pipe 21 of the measuring rod 2, a step 61 (pedal) for an operator to step on the measuring rod 2 stably with his / her feet, and a step 61 Is connected to the base 62 in a rotatable manner. In FIG. 3, when the step 61 is at the position A, it is called an open state, and when it is at the position B, it is called a closed state. The stand 62 is provided with a protrusion 64 for fixing at the time of storage that engages with the step 61 when the step 61 is closed.

  In use, the worker applies a force in the direction of A to the step 61 at the position B with a foot or the like, so that the protrusion 64 is disengaged, and the step 61 is in an open state (position A). Become. When the worker steps on the step 61 with his / her foot, the base 62 is held down by the connecting portion 61a formed integrally with the step 61, and the base 62 can be stabilized.

(Imaging means mounting part)
Next, the configuration of the attachment portion 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The attachment portion 4 includes a columnar support shaft 41 for fixing the attachment portion main body to the pipe 21, a horizontal rotation direction, and a connection portion 42 fixed to the support shaft 41 by tightening a screw 43, the camera 3. And a screw 44 for fixing the mounting table 45 to the connecting portion 42 by adjusting and tightening the vertical angle (tilt angle) of the mounting table.

  The mounting base 45 is provided with a lever 46 for fixing the camera 3 with one touch. The camera 3 is mounted with the lever 46 opened (FIG. 4 (c)), and the lever 46 is closed as shown in FIG. 4 (b) with the bottom of the camera 3 and the mounting base 45 closely attached. Thus, the engaging portion 46a can engage with the camera bottom portion to fix the camera.

  The operator loosens the screw 43 and adjusts the horizontal position of the camera 3, and then tightens the screw 43. Also, the operator loosens the screw 44 and adjusts the tilt angle of the camera 3, and then tightens the screw 44 and moves the camera. Adjust.

  Next, a method of using the inspection device 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the case where the closure 11 shown in FIG. 5 is inspected will be described. First, the operator adjusts the protruding length of the measuring rod 2 according to the height of the closure 11. Then, the monitor unit 5 is operated so as to be ready for photographing. Next, the worker holds the measuring rod 2 and brings the camera 3 at the upper end of the inspection device 1 close to the closure 11. In the camera 3, the height of the measuring rod 2 is adjusted so that the closure 11 is at a high position, and when the measuring rod 2 is brought close to the camera 3, it is leaned against the electric wire 12 and stabilized.

  In this state, when the closure 3 is photographed by the camera 3, the image signal is sent to the monitor unit 5 side, and the captured image is displayed. Here, when it becomes necessary to observe the outer peripheral portion of the closure 11 in detail, the monitor unit 5 is operated to perform zooming or wide angle of the camera 3. If necessary, the captured image displayed on the monitor unit 5 may be recorded on a video tape.

  FIG. 6 shows a scene in which work is performed using the inspection apparatus 1, and FIG. 7 shows an example of a captured image of the upper portion of the closure acquired as a result of the work performed using the inspection apparatus 1.

Next, another embodiment of the mechanism of the inspection device 1 described above will be described.
(Other examples of pipe joints)
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of the joint portion of the pipe 21 according to another embodiment. It comprises a fastening member 56 for fastening the pipe 21 and a screw type lever 57. FIG. 9 is an external view showing a storage state of the pipe 21 having the tightening member 56. When the inner pipe 21 is pulled out to a desired position, by rotating the lever 57 of the outer pipe 21, the outer pipe 21 is tightened by the fastening member 56, and the frictional force with the inner pipe 21 is applied. Fix it.

(Other examples of folding levers)
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a folding lever 6 according to another embodiment. A tread (pedal) 55 is provided on the lowermost pipe 21. An operator can stabilize the measuring rod 2 by stepping on the step with his / her foot.

(Another embodiment of the imaging means mounting portion)
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of the mounting portion 4 according to another embodiment. The difference from FIG. 4 is that a balloon-like member 51a supported by the repulsive force of the springs 52a and 52b is provided between the connecting portion 42 and the mounting base 45, respectively. This balloon-like member 51a is connected to a balloon-like member (air injection part) 51b on the operator's hand side via a tube 53, and the tube 53 is provided with a valve 54 that allows / inhibits the flow of air inside. Yes. It should be noted that the screw 44 is tightened to such an extent that the mounting base 45 moves, and the camera 3 is mounted on the mounting base 45.
In this configuration, the operator compresses the balloon-like member 51b at hand while the valve 54 is opened, and inflates the balloon-like member 51a on the attachment portion 4 side. Thereby, the mounting base 45 rotates in the direction B in the figure. The operator looks at the captured image displayed on the monitor unit 5 and closes the valve 54 at a desired position. Thereby, the inclination of the camera 3 can be adjusted to a desired position.

  When returning the inclination to the A side, the worker opens the valve 54, whereby the air of the balloon-shaped member 51 a is pushed out to the balloon-shaped member 51 b side by the repulsive force of the springs 52 a and 52 b and the weight of the camera 3. As a result, the volume of the balloon-like member 51a is reduced, and the camera 3 can be tilted to the A side.

According to the present embodiment, since the tilt of the camera can be adjusted without using electricity, the work near the electric wire can be performed safely.
As mentioned above, according to this Embodiment, an optical cable closure inspection apparatus has the following effect.

  Since the measuring rod is made of glass fiber (insulator), the operator can safely perform inspection work without electric shock.

  A commercially available camera (imaging means) can also be used, and the price can be reduced. A recording function can also be confirmed at a later date. The camera can be zoomed and wide-angled, enabling multi-directional shooting. In addition, by attaching a wireless device to the camera and the monitor unit, inspection and confirmation work can be performed even at a remote place. The monitor unit can be operated by hand by separating it from the measuring rod, and there is no blur.

  In addition, since the measurement rod is graduated so that the height can be measured, the ground height can be measured while operating the camera. The method of fixing the measuring rod after moving up and down is not a tightening ring, but a pin one-touch stop type, which makes it easy to fix the height while supporting the measuring rod.

  Furthermore, by making the camera mounting base a fixed type rather than a ball bearing type, it is possible to prevent the camera mounting base from moving due to the influence of wind. By attaching a foldable lever at the foot and stepping on it with the foot, it is possible to prevent rollover when the measuring rod is extended or contracted. In particular, it is easy to stabilize by changing the pressure of stepping on the folding lever according to the length of the measuring rod or wind force, etc., adjusting the angle between the measuring rod and the ground, and supporting the vicinity of the tip of the measuring rod with an electric wire And workability can be improved.

  In addition, in the case of work with an aerial work vehicle installed, road traffic may be hindered, so road traffic may be blocked, etc., but by using the optical cable closure inspection device according to this embodiment, one person can be accommodated. If the space can be secured, the work can be performed, so traffic regulation becomes unnecessary, and the work can be performed safely without causing trouble to third parties such as passers-by. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to move up and down on the power pole, there is no risk of falling and the work can be performed safely.

Next, a second embodiment will be described.
The inspection device 1 according to the present embodiment is obtained by adding an inclination angle adjusting means for adjusting the angle formed by the measuring rod and the ground to the inspection device 1 according to the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of the tilt angle adjusting means. The inclination angle adjusting means 95 is provided between the lowermost pipe 21 and the folding lever 6.

  A gear 83 that rotates about a shaft 85 that penetrates the pipe 21 and the foldable lever 6 in the horizontal direction is provided. On the other hand, a pedestal 93 having teeth that engage with the gear 83 and movable in the left-right direction in FIG. 12 is attached to the pedestal 62 of the foldable lever 6 via springs 91 and 92. The spring 91 is attached to the inner wall surface of the base 62, and the spring 92 is attached to a column 94 fixed to the base 62 of the folding lever 6.

  A handle 82 having a rubber disc 82a is attached to the surface of the pipe 21 through a shaft 82b fixed to the surface of the pipe 21 at a height that is easy for an operator to operate. By rotating, the disk 82a rotates about the shaft 82b.

  Further, a rubber disc 84 is fixed to the outer side of the gear 83 around a shaft 85, and a belt 80 is hung between the disc 84 and a disc 82a on the handle 82 side.

The tilt angle adjusting means 95 includes the pedestal side mechanisms 91 to 94, the gear side mechanisms 83 to 85, the handle side mechanisms 82, 82 a and 82 b, and the belt 80.
Hereinafter, the operation of the tilt angle adjusting means 95 will be described.
When not working, the pedestal 93 is in a position where the elastic forces of the springs 91 and 92 are in a balanced state, and the gear 83 and the pedestal 93 are engaged so that the pipe 21 is perpendicular to the pedestal at that position. Is adjusted in advance.

  At the time of work, the worker puts the inspection device 1 at a position slightly away from the electric wire 12 under the closure 11 to be measured, opens the step 61 and steps on the foot, and stabilizes the stand 62 from moving.

  Then, the measuring rod 2 is extended until the camera 3 or the wireless camera 3a has a height suitable for photographing the upper portion of the closure 11. At this time, the measuring rod 2 made of glass fiber bends to some extent, but when the measuring rod 2 is vertical, the bending direction is not constant, and the bending direction may change even with a little wind. In such a case, the worker turns the handle 82 to change the inclination of the measuring rod 2 to make the inclination direction constant even in the presence of wind.

  Hereinafter, this operation will be described in detail. When the operator turns the handle 82 so that the measuring rod 2 is inclined in the direction of the electric wire 12, the rotating plate 82 a rotates, and the rotating plate 84 and the gear 83 are rotated via the belt 80. Rotate. As a result, the pedestal 93 with which the gear 83 is engaged moves to the right or left in the figure. In order to improve workability, the electric wire is positioned in front of the worker, the inspection device 1 is placed between them, and the handle 82 is rotated so that the measuring rod 2 is tilted away from the worker. In addition, it is preferable to determine the radius ratio between the disk 82a and the disk 84 so that the operator can easily adjust the inclination of the rotation angle (or the number of rotations) of the handle 82 and the movement distance of the base 93.

  In addition, since the bending differs depending on the height of the measuring rod 2, the measuring rod 2 is stretched while the handle 82 is operated in accordance with the angle of the bending so that the inclination is appropriately adjusted to an angle that does not become unstable due to wind or the like. To go.

  And when the height of the measuring rod 2 exceeds the electric wire 12, the measuring rod 2 is in a state of great inclination due to its bending. In this state, the operator steps on the step portion 61 with his / her foot. The measuring rod 2 is leaned against the electric wire 12 by shifting it forward. If it does in this way, the measuring rod 2 can be supported and stabilized in two places, the foldable lever 6 side and the electric wire 12 side.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, workability due to the fact that the measurement rod is made of glass fiber and the bending becomes larger than that of metal (for example, iron). Work can be done safely and efficiently. Further, even when compared with the inspection device 1 made of glass fiber glass without the tilt angle adjusting means 95, the pipe of the measuring rod 2 can be made thinner by providing the tilt angle adjusting means 95.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Optical cable closure inspection apparatus 2 Measuring rod 3 Camera 3a Wireless camera 4 Mounting part (camera mounting base)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 Monitor part 6 Folding lever 7 Cable 11 Optical cable closure 12 Electric wire 21 Pipe 22 Pin 23 Through-hole 41 Support shaft 42 Connection part 43,44 Screw 45 Mounting base 46 Lever 46a Engagement part 61 Step part 61a Connection part 62 Base 63 Connection part 64 Protrusion 80 Belt 82 Handle 82a, 84 Disk (rotary disk)
82b, 85 shaft 83 gear 91, 92 spring 93 pedestal 94 column 95 tilt angle adjusting means

Claims (3)

An optical cable closure inspection device for inspecting the appearance of the closure by imaging from above the closure provided on the utility pole for connection and branching of the optical cable,
A measuring rod that can be expanded and contracted by connecting a plurality of glass fiber pipes with a scale, and by measuring the ground height of the tip by connecting,
A foldable lever that is provided at the lower end of the measuring rod so as to be freely opened and closed, and that is fixed at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground by opening it when used and stepping on with a foot;
An imaging means mounting portion provided at the tip of the measuring rod and attaching the imaging means to the measuring rod;
A monitor unit that is detachable from the measuring rod and displays a captured image sent from the imaging means;
An optical cable closure inspection device characterized by comprising:   An air injection unit, a tube for sending air, and a balloon-like member that expands or contracts by air sent through the tube, and the imaging unit attachment unit changes the angle of the imaging unit by the balloon-like member The optical cable closure inspection device according to claim 1.   The optical cable closure inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the foldable lever has an inclination angle adjusting means for adjusting the predetermined angle.