WO2001065654A2

WO2001065654A2 - Apparatus for laying cables and the like into a corresponding piping

Info

Publication number: WO2001065654A2
Application number: PCT/IB2001/000298
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Ferrioli
Original assignee: Ing. Ferrioli S.R.L.
Priority date: 2000-03-03
Filing date: 2001-03-01
Publication date: 2001-09-07
Also published as: ITBO20000110A1; WO2001065654A3; IT1321147B1; AU3402201A

Abstract

The present apparatus (1) for laying of cables and the like into a corresponding pipe (3) is fit to insert and/or extract a flexible probe (2) into/from a corresponding pipe (3). The probe (2) can be of any type suitable for its insertion into a pipe (3) from a pipe mouth (3a), for dragging a cable or a group of cables from the opposite end of the pipe (3) up to the pipe mouth (3a). The apparatus (1) comprises a traction assembly (4, 104, 204), for engaging the probe (2) and applying to said probe (2) a dragging force directed axially with respect to the probe (2) axis. A motor assembly (6, 106) is moreover provided, which is mechanically coupled to the traction assembly (4, 104, 204) by means of a reduction gear (8). A remote control box (70), linked to the motor assembly (6, 106) by means of electric cables or via a wireless link, allows an installer to remotely operate said apparatus (1). In the front side of the apparatus (1) there is provided a fitting assembly (5), fit to lock the apparatus (1) to the pipe mouth (3a). The fitting assembly (5), fit to lock the apparatus (1) to the pipe mouth (3a). The fitting assembly is provided with a removable, interchangeable outer fitting (60), for locking the fitting assembly (5) to the pipe mouth (3a).

Description

APPARATUS FOR LAYING CABLES AND THE LIKE INTO A CORRESPONDING PIPING.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention falls into the technical sector relating the laying of cables and the like into suitable piping systems, either built-in or surface-mounted ones, during the building or restoring of industrial or household electric systems. More particularly, the present invention relates an apparatus able to facilitate the insertion and/or extraction of a flexible probe in/from a pipe, necessary for guiding the insertion of electric cables into the same pipe. Further applications for this apparatus will appear evident during the subsequent detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE KNOWN ART

It is known that, while building household or industrial electric or telecommunication systems, almost all the cables are laid into suitable piping systems. These latter usually consist of a network of pipes, either made of metal or plastic material (e.g. PVC - polyvinyl chloride), groups of pipe branches being interconnected at corresponding node boxes. Said piping systems can be either built-in (mostly in household electric systems) or surface-mounted (industrial establishments). Usually, cables to be inserted into a pipe are fastened to the end of a flexible probe, which is then inserted and forwarded by hand in the same pipe. At least two people are normally needed in order to carry out this operation in a reasonably effective way, one at each end of the pipe.

This leads to a consistent amount of manpower in building of electric or telecommunication networks. Moreover, installers that have to build small networks, or that work alone, find this job very difficult and time consuming. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which is able to make the aforesaid operation easier, and to allow a single installer to carry out the laying out of cables very quickly and efficiently.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which is achievable at a reasonably low cost, and which is greatly reliable and easy to use.

The aforesaid objects are entirely attained, according to the claims contents, by an apparatus for the laying of cables and the like into a corresponding pipe, fit to insert and/or to extract a flexible probe into/from a pipe, said apparatus comprising: a box; a traction assembly, enclosed into said box and fit to engage the probe and to drag it axially; a motor assembly, mechanically coupled to said traction assembly and capable to drive it, when operated by an installer, for inserting said probe into or for extracting the same from the aforesaid pipe; a control assembly, operable by said installer, for actuating said apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

All the characteristic features of the invention, as they will appear from the subsequent Claims, will be now explained in the following detailed description, with particular reference to the enclosed drawing tables, wherein: - figure 1 shows a view, partially sectioned and comprising some functional blocks, of the apparatus for laying of cables according to the present invention, showing a first embodiment of the traction assembly;

- figure 2a shows a first shape of the dragging wheels in the traction as- sembly of figure 1 ;

- figure 2b shows a second shape of said dragging wheels;

- figure 2c shows a second shape of the same dragging wheels;

- figure 3a shows a first embodiment of the outer fitting in its operating position; - figure 3b shows the outer fitting of figure 3a, in its inserting position;

- figure 4a shows a second embodiment of the outer fitting in its operating position;

- figure 4b shows the fitting of figure 4a in its inserting position; - figure 5 shows a section of the tubular sheath, in a first embodiment of the fitting assembly of the apparatus of figure 1 ;

- figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the above fitting assembly;

- figure 7 shows a preferred configuration of the remote control of the present apparatus; - figure 8 shows a first side sectional view of a second embodiment of the traction assembly;

- figure 9 shows a sectional view according to line IX-IX of figure 8;

- figure 10 shows a first side view of a third embodiment of the traction assembly; - figure 11 shows a sectional view according to line XI-XI of figure 10;

- figure 12 shows a second side view of the above third embodiment of the traction assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to figure 1 , numeral 1 indicates the apparatus for laying of cables and the like of the present invention, which is fit to insert a flexible probe 2 into a corresponding pipe 3, and/or to extract it from the same pipe. The probe 2 has, normally, an elongated, cylindrical body, but it could assume several other shapes, which are as well suitable for its insertion into a pipe 3.

The apparatus 1 comprises a box 10, fit for supporting and enclosing most of the components of the same apparatus. The box 10 is made of metal or plastic materials, of suitable mechanic performances.

A front opening 1 1 is made in the front side of the box 10, which is sized to allow the probe 2 pass therethrough. In its rear side, the apparatus 1 features a rear opening 1 1 a, which is also sized for allowing the probe 2 pass therethrough. Said front opening 1 1 and rear opening 1 1 a are connected by means of a guide 12, fit for guiding the probe 1 in its way inside the box 10.

Inside the box 10, a traction assembly 4 for the probe 2 is further provided, close to the above front opening 1 1 , for engaging the same probe 2 and drag it to a direction which is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of probe 2.

In a first embodiment illustrated in figure 1 , the aforesaid traction assembly 4 comprises several pairs of counter-rotating, dragging wheels 41 ,42, mounted on the same vertical plane which includes the probe 2 axis. More particularly, in the embodiment shown in figure 1 , two pairs of dragging wheels 41 ,42 are provided, which are located on the same vertical plane and which are aligned on the above axis of probe 2. However, the number of pairs of dragging wheels could be greater, according to the required traction performances of the apparatus 1. In the following, only one of said pairs of dragging wheels will be detailed, as al the other pairs will result identical to the first one.

The peripheral profiles 43,44 (see figures 2a,2b,2c) of dragging wheels 41 ,42 are shaped to receive the probe 2 and to apply a force to it in a direction which is tangential with respect to the same wheels 41 ,42 and axial with respect to the probe 2. More particularly, in a first configuration of the aforesaid peripheral profiles 43,44 (see figure 2a), the profile of dragging wheel 41 has a convex shape, while its corresponding peripheral profile has a concave shape. In this way, a friction coupling is created between the dragging wheels 41 ,42 and the probe 2. In a second configuration, shown in figure 2b, the peripheral profiles

43,44 are provided with cogs 43a,44a, fit to engage a corresponding rack 2a made on the probe 2 external surface.

In a third configuration, shown in figure 2c, both the peripheral profiles 43,44 have a concave shape, substantially defining arcs of circumfer- ence. Even in this case there is a friction coupling between the dragging wheels 41 ,42 and the probe 2.

The lower dragging wheel 42 is moreover provided with mechanical coupling means 45 (see figure 1 ) to a motor assembly 6, which comprise a pinion-worm screw pair, wherein the pinion is mounted on the wheel 42 axis.

The aforesaid traction assembly 4 also comprise adjusting means 46, for adjusting the force applied by the dragging wheels 41 ,42 to the probe 2. The adjusting means 46 comprises a stem 47, which is reciprocally movable with respect to the upper dragging wheel 41. One end of said stem 47 is rotatably coupled to the axis of this latter, with the free end extending outside the box 10. The stem 47 can be reciprocally moved, by rotating a knob 48 which is coupled to the free end thereof by means of a threaded coupling, for varying the force applied to the upper dragging wheel 41 axis.

All of the upper dragging wheels 41 are mutually linked by means of an elongated plate 49, which rotatably connects the wheels axles. The above adjusting means 46 moreover comprise a further stem 47a, made as the aforesaid stem 47 and provided with a knob 48a. The stem 47a acts on an intermediate portion of the elongated plate 49, and applies a variable force to it, in order to allow a better regulation of the force applied by the dragging wheels 41 ,42 to the probe 2.

The aforesaid motor assembly 6 is mounted in the rear zone of the box 10, and is coupled with the traction assembly 4 by means of a reduc- tion gear 8 mounted therebetween. The motor assembly 6 is operable by an installer, and is fit to drive the dragging wheels 41 ,42 for inserting , or for extracting the probe 2 into/from the pipe 3.

In a preferred embodiment of said motor assembly 6, a direct- current or alternating-current electric motor is provided. In the first case, said motor is powered by means of a battery, an ac/dc converter or a combination thereof. In the second case, a direct connection to the electric grid is provided.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown but immediately arguable, the motor assembly 6 comprise a drill, of any kind commonly available, which is connected to the traction assembly 4 by means of a rotatable shaft extending outside of the box 10.

The above specified reduction gear 8 can be of any kind known and commonly available in the market. It can be equipped with a maximum torque regulator 81 , preferably friction operated, for decoupling the traction assembly 4 from the motor assembly 6 when a preset maximum torque is attained.

The apparatus 1 according to the present invention moreover comprises a fitting assembly 5, fit to connect the aforesaid front opening 1 1 with a mouth 3a of pipe 3. The fitting assembly 5 is fit to slidably receive the probe 2, and to guide it from the mouth 3a to the traction assembly 4 and vice-versa.

More particularly, the fitting assembly 5 comprise: a flexible, tubular, open-ended sheath 51 ; an inner fitting 52, mounted at one end of the flexi- ble sheath 51 and fit to be connected to the aforesaid front opening 1 1 . This latter is suitably provided with a connector which is complementary with respect to the inner fitting 52; an interchangeable outer fitting 60, mounted at the opposite end of the flexible sheath 51 and fit to be locked to the pipe mouth 3a . According to a preferred embodiment of the fitting assembly 5 (see figures 3a,3b,4a,4b,5), the outer fitting 60 is removably mounted to the sheath 51 end, by means of a clutch 53. More particularly, the outer fitting 60 comprises an inner, fixed portion 61 , having a substantially frusto- conical shape, and an outer, slidable portion 62, coaxial to the inner one and fit to reciprocally slide along it, between an operating position A (see figure 3a) and a mounting position B (figure 3b). While in its operating position A, the outer fitting 60 is tightly coupled with the pipe 3 at its mouth 3a and, while in its mounting position B, the outer fitting 60 can be unlocked from the same pipe 3. The above outer portion 62 comprises: a front ring 63, located at the rear end of the outer portion 62 and fit to be put in contact with the mouth 3a when the outer fitting 60 is in the above operating position A; a group of coupling rings 64, made in the external surface of the outer portion 62, and fit to be inserted into the pipe 3 and to apply a radial force, directed outwardly, to the inner surface of the same pipe 3, in order to lock the outer fitting 60; a plurality of longitudinal slots 65, extending from the front end of the outer portion 62, fit to allow this one to be enlarged when reaching its operating position A inside the pipe 3.

In an alternative embodiment of the outer fitting 60 (see figures 4a,4b), it comprises: an scissors-like, elastic clamping member 91 , which is movable between an open position C (see figure 4a) and a closed position D (see figure 4b); a front ring 93, located at the rear end of the external portion 62 and fit to contact the pipe mouth 3a, when the outer fitting 60 in locked to the pipe 3.

When in its open position C, which is also a position of stable equilibrium for the clamping member 91 , this latter locks the outer fitting 60 to the pipe 3; when it is drawn to the closed position D, by applying a suitable force, the outer fitting 60 can be unlocked from the same pipe 3. The outer fitting 60 can be also made integral with the flexible sheath

51 (see figure 6). In this case the outer portion 62 is connected to a ring nut 66, placed near the inner fitting 52, by means of an outer layer 51a of the flexible sheath 51. The external layer 51 a is slidably and co-axially mounted over a inner layer of the same sheath 51. the outer fitting 60 is lead from its open position A to its closed position B, and vice-versa, by reciprocally sliding the ring nut 66 and the outer layer 51a.

The above embodiments of the outer fitting 60 have been described as examples; in any case, it is to be understood that any other kind of outer fitting 60 falls into the scopes of the present invention. The whole fit- ting assembly 5 can be removed, or not provided at all, in the present apparatus 1 , as it is a useful but not indispensable accessory of the same apparatus.

The apparatus 1 moreover comprises a control assembly 7, operable by an installer, fit to actuate the motor assembly 6, allowing the traction assembly to operate with two operating directions. A first operating direction corresponds to the probe 2 extraction from the pipe 3, and a second operating direction, which is opposite with respect to the first one, corresponds to the insertion of the probe 2 into the pipe 3.

For this purpose, the above control assembly 7 preferably comprises (see figure 7) a remote control box 70, fit to be used by the installer for controlling the operating of apparatus 1 from a remote location.

The remote control box 70 comprises: a motor actuating device 71 in the aforesaid first operating direction; a motor actuating device 72 in the second operating direction; and a display 77, for displaying several operat- ing status of the apparatus 1 ; remote link means 73, fit to allow the remote control box 70 to be connected to the remote apparatus 1.

The above devices 71 ,72 preferably consist of commercial pushbuttons, even if a corresponding group of pedals can be provided, together with any other known kind of circuit-switch devices.

The display 77 comprises a group of light emitting diodes and/or a group of buzzers, which can be actuated by a known electronic control unit (not shown), enclosed into the box 10, upon the activation of corresponding sensors suitably placed in the apparatus 1. Among the several operat- ing or malfunctioning status that can be signalled in this way, there are the complete extraction of probe 2 from the pipe 3, or if the probe 2 itself fails to proceed.

The above remote link means 73 can comprise either an electric cabling or a wireless communicating means. This latter can, in turn, comprise a radio-frequency or infra-red transmitter-receiver, or an ultrasonic transmitter-receiver.

The apparatus 1 also comprises a base 15, removably locked at the box 10 bottom, for fastening the same to ground. It is moreover possible to include a commercially available cable self-rewinder, which can be placed near the rear opening 11a for automatically rewinding the probe 2 when it is going to be extracted from the pipe 3, and for progressively release it during its insertion into the same pipe 3.

An operating session of the apparatus 1 will be described in the following, with particular reference to the apparatus embodiment shown in figure 1 , and starting from an operating situation wherein the same apparatus 1 is placed near the mouth 3a of a pipe 3, and a probe 2 has to be inserted into the same pipe.

If no cables are already installed into the pipe 3, an outer fitting 60 according to the first configuration thereof, having a size compatible with the inner diameter of the pipe 3 is mounted at the outer end of the flexible sheath 51. The coupling between the outer fitting 60 and the sheath 51 can be either a threaded coupling or a bayonet coupling. The outer fitting 60 is then lead to its open position A, it is then inserted by hand in the pipe 3, and it is lead to the closed position B by sliding the outer portion 62 on the inner portion 61 , until the outer fitting is locked to the pipe 3 (see figure

1 ).

The maximum torque regulator 81 of the reduction gear 8 is then set to a reasonable value, empirically found, in order to set the maximum trac- tion torque.

The adjusting means 46 is then operated by rotating the knobs

48,48a for loosing the upper dragging wheels 41 , until the probe 2 to be used can be easily inserted in the space defined by the peripheral profiles

43,44 of the dragging wheels 41 ,42. The probe 2 is then inserted by hand, from the rear opening 1 1 a, until the same probe is engaged by the dragging wheels 41 ,42.

The knobs 48,48a are then rotated again, in the opposite direction, to tighten the engagement between the peripheral profiles 43,44 of dragging wheels 41 ,42 to the probe 2, with a suitable force. By pushing the push-button 72 of the remote control box 70, the motor 6 is then operated for driving the dragging wheels 41 ,42 in the probe forwarding direction and, subsequently, forwarding the probe 2. The dragging wheels 41 ,42 then forward the probe 2, by friction or by engaging their cogs in the probe rack, depending on the actual embodiment of the traction assembly 4. The motor 6 is operated while the probe 2 moves into the flexible sheath 51 , and then into the pipe 3, until it reaches the remote pipe end. The installer could advantageously follow the last part of said operation from near the remote pipe end, as he can remotely control the apparatus 1 . The installer then fastens the cables to be inserted into the pipe 3 to the probe end which is out of the remote pipe end, and then pushes the push-button 71 for operating the motor 6 in the opposite direction. The probe 3 is moved backwards into the pipe 3, dragging back the cables fastened to its end, until they trespass the mouth 3a and reach the front opening 1 1 . This is detected by a suitable sensing device (not shown) placed near the front opening 1 1 , and is signalled to the installer by a corresponding LED and/or buzzer of the display 77 in the remote control box 70.

Finally, the installer can unlock the outer fitting 60 from the pipe 3, moving it to its mounting position B.

The apparatus 1 operating modes according to the alternative configurations of the fitting assembly 5, described above, are as much simple and arguable as the just described one. For this reason, said further oper- ating modes will not be detailed in the following.

In a second embodiment of the apparatus 1 , shown in figures 8 and 9, a traction assembly 104 is disclosed, comprising a pair of continuous dragging belts, respectively an upper dragging belt 110 and a lower dragging belt 111. They are arranged longitudinally and parallel one each other, so that the lower branch of belt 110 counter-faces the upper branch of belt 111. Belts 110,111 can be counter-rotated according to a forward and reverse direction, so that their counter-faced branches move in the same direction for dragging a probe 2 arranged therebetween, respectively to an insertion and to an extraction direction into/from a correspond- ing pipe 3.

Each one of said dragging belts 110 111 , at their driving end, engages a traction gear, respectively an upper gear 120 and a lower gear 121 , which lay on the same vertical plane, and which are counter-rotating as they mesh one each other. Upper and lower traction gear 120,121 are rotatably operable in a forward and reverse direction, for moving their respective belts 110,111 accordingly.

The lower gear 121 is connected to a motor assembly 106 by means of a transmission group 145, which consists of a pair of conic pinions. In this way, when the motor assembly 106 rotates, its rotation is transmitted to the lower gear 121 , to the lower dragging belt 111 and to the upper gear

120 and to the upper dragging belt 110.

The upper and lower dragging belts 110,111 are also supported in their operating configuration by a plurality of pairs of rotating supporting rollers, each pair comprising an upper roller 130 and a lower roller 131. All of the roller pairs 130,131 are arranged side by side, and the upper roller 130 of each pair is in vertical alignment with is respective lower roller 131. A pair of upper supporting plates 135,136 is provided at both sides of the upper dragging belt 110. They are fit to rotatably support the upper traction gear 120 and the upper supporting rollers 130. A pair of lower supporting plates 137,138 is moreover provided at both sides of the lower dragging belt 111. The lower supporting plates 137,138 are fit to rotatably support the lower traction gear 121 and the lower supporting rollers 131.

The upper supporting plates 135,136 and the lower supporting plates 137,138 are suitably provided with holes and with known coupling members, as ball bearings or brasses, which are not shown herein.

The lower supporting plates 137,138 are moreover fastened to a support frame 105, which encloses the whole traction assembly 104.

The upper supporting plates 135,136 are not directly connected to the lower supporting plates 137,138. Each one of the upper supporting roller 130 are linked to its respective lower supporting roller 131 by means of a pair of tapered plates 113, which extend vertically at opposite sides of their respective rollers 130,131 and which are provided with holes rotatably receiving the same rollers 130,131. The above described arrangement allows a certain variation of the vertical distance between the upper dragging belt 110 and the lower dragging belt 111 , and consequently a certain adjustment of the traction assembly to some different transverse sizes of probe 2.

Each one of the aforesaid traction gears 120,121 moreover com- prises a central cogged groove 122, fit to engage a respective dragging belt 110,111 , and a pair of side cogged rings 123,124, meshing the corresponding cogged rings of the other traction gear 121 ,120 of the gear pair.

Each one of the dragging belts 110,111 preferably comprises an outer belt 110a, 111a, fit to be put in contact with the probe 2, and an inner belt 110b, 111 b, fit to engage its respective traction gear 120,121 and supporting rollers 130,131.

The traction assembly 104 moreover comprises position adjusting means 160 for setting the default position of the upper supporting plates

135,136 with respect to the lower supporting plates 137,138. In this way the optimum default distance between the upper belt 110 and the lower belt 111 can be set up.

More particularly, the position adjusting means 160 comprises a spring 161 , arranged longitudinally, which works against a transverse plate 139. This latter extends horizontally between corresponding ends of the upper supporting plates 135,136. The opposite end of spring 161 works against the inner end of a key 163, which is placed outside of the supporting frame 105. The stem of key 163 is externally threaded and rotatably engages, by means of a threaded coupling, a threaded hole made in the support frame 105. A guiding stem 162 is moreover provided, which is arranged coaxially with respect of the spring 161 , in order to keep this latter in its operating position.

When operating the apparatus 1 enclosing the traction assembly 104 made according to the above described second embodiment, a probe 2 is longitudinally inserted between the counter-facing branches of dragging belts 110,111. The default distance between said dragging belts 110,111 is set up, by suitably rotating the key 163, so that they receive the probe 2 with a certain friction. When regulating the default distance by rotating the key 163, the whole group consisting of the upper supporting plates 135,136, the upper dragging belt 110, the upper traction gear 120 and the upper supporting rollers 130, can be moved to a lower and advance position, or to an upper and rear position. This is made possible as the tapered plates 113 can rotate on their respective supporting rollers 130,131.

When the motor assembly 106 is operated, the traction gears 120,121 counter-rotate, and, by consequence, the dragging belts 110,111 are moved accordingly. Belts 110,111 then apply an axial force to the probe 2, the maximum force depending on the amount of friction existing between the same belts 110,111 and the external surface of the probe 2. The motor assembly can be operated in both directions, respectively cor- responding to the insertion of the probe 2 into a pipe 3, or to its extraction from the same pipe 3.

According to a third embodiment of the apparatus 1 , which is shown in figures 10,11 and 12, a traction assembly 204 comprises a pair of longitudinal plates, respectively an upper plate 210 and a lower plate 211. Plates 210,211 are aligned on the same vertical plane and they are mutually hinged, by means of pins 216,217, at their end portions 210a,211a, and 210b,211 b.

A plurality of pairs of traction wheels 225,226 is mounted side by side on the same side of the longitudinal plates 210,211. Each pair comprises an upper traction wheel 225, mounted on the upper plate 210, and a lower traction wheel 226, which is mounted on the lower plate 211 , and which is vertically aligned with the corresponding upper wheel 225 and counter- faces the same wheel. A space is provided between the circumferences of each pair of traction wheels 225,226, which is fit to receive a probe 2 to be inserted and/or extracted into/from a pipe 3. Each one of the wheels 225,226 is mounted at the end of a shaft 222,224, which engages rotatably a respective horizontal hole made in the respective longitudinal plate 210,211. For each traction wheel 225,226 the traction assembly 204 comprises a cogged wheel 221 ,223, axially mounted on the shaft 222,224, at the opposite end with respect to the corresponding traction wheel 225,226. In this way, the cogged wheels, respectively upper 221 and lower 223, of a pair, are vertically aligned, and placed at a pre-defined distance. More par- ticularly, in the present embodiment as shown in figures 10 to 12, five pairs of traction wheels 225,226 and five pairs of cogged wheels 221 ,223 are provided.

Between the upper cogged wheels 221 and the lower cogged wheels 223, a worm screw 215 is provided, extending longitudinally, which meshes with all of them. The worm screw 215 is connected to the motor assembly 6, according to the above described and known modes, in order to counter-rotate the cogged wheels 221 ,223 and, by consequence, the traction wheels 225,226.

The operating mode of the apparatus 1 according to the aforesaid third embodiment of the traction assembly 204 differs from what has been previously described in that the probe 2 must be arranged in the space between the upper traction wheels 225 and the lower traction wheels 226, e.g. by inserting it longitudinally from a pair of traction wheels placed at one end of the traction assembly 204, and then advancing the traction wheels 225,226 until all of the pairs of wheels engage the probe 2.

It is also possible to provide the traction assembly 204 with some known divaricating means (not shown) for the upper longitudinal plate 210, operating against a suitable elastic means which tend to held said plate in its operating position. In this way it is possible to insert sideways the probe 2 between the traction wheels 225,226.

By rotating the worm screw 215 by means of the motor 6 causes the pair of cogged wheels 221 ,223 to counter-rotate and, by consequence, the traction wheels 225,226 counter-rotate as well. This latter then move the probe 2 by friction, for inserting or extracting it into/from the pipe 3.

The advantages provided by the apparatus 1 made according to the present invention comprise the possibility, for an installer, of carrying out the operations of laying out cables into a piping system without any effort and in a completely controllable way. Moreover, he is able to carry out the whole job without any need of help, effectively and without time wastes.

A further advantage arises from that all the forces applied to the cables to be inserted into the piping system are perfectly controllable, either adjusting the traction force applied to the probe 2 or by setting the maxi- mum operating torque fort the reduction gear.

It is to be understood that the above detailed description has been made by way of example, and in a non-limitative way. However, all possible modifications or variation of the aforesaid embodiments are intended to be enclosed in the present invention, as above described and as claimed in the following.

Claims

1. Apparatus for installing cables and the like into a corresponding piping system, fit to insert and/or to extract at least a flexible probe (2) into/from a corresponding pipe (3), characterised in that it comprises: a box (10); a traction assembly (4,104,204), fit to engage said probe (2) for move the same according to a direction which is substantially aligned with the probe (2) axis; a motor assembly (6,106), mechanically coupled to said traction assembly (4,104,204) and fit to drive said traction assembly

(4,104,204) for inserting said probe (2) into said pipe (3) or for extracting it from the same pipe (3); a control assembly (7), electrically connected to said motor assembly

(6) and operable by an installer, fit to actuate said motor assembly (6).

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 , characterised in that said traction assembly (4) comprise at least one pair of counter-rotating dragging wheels (41 ,42), whose respective peripheral profiles (43,44) are shaped so as to define a space therebetween, fit to receive and to engage said probe (2), at least one dragging wheel (42) of said pair (41 ,42) being also provided with mechanical coupling means (45) to said motor assembly (6).

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterised in that one peripheral profile (43) of a said dragging wheel (41 ) of said pair (41 ,42) has a convex shape, and that the corresponding peripheral profile (44) of the other dragging wheel (42) of said pair (41 ,42) has a concave shape, said peripheral profiles (43,44) being fit to be coupled by fric- tion with said probe (2).

4. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterised in that said peripheral profiles (43,44) are provided with cogs (43a,44a), fit to engage a corresponding rack (2a) made in the external surface of said probe (2).

5. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterised in that both of said peripheral profiles (43,44) have a concave shape.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterised in that said mechani- cal coupling means (45) comprises a pinion, which meshes a corresponding worm screw.

7. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterised in that said traction assembly (4) moreover comprises force adjusting means (46), fit to adjust the force applied to said probe (2), said adjusting means (46) comprising a stem (47), reciprocally movable in a radial direction with respect to a said dragging wheel (41) and operable, by rotating a corresponding knob (48), for applying an adjustable force to the axis of said dragging wheel (41 ).

8. Apparatus according to Claim 1 , characterised in that said traction assembly (104) comprises: at least one pair of continuous dragging belts, respectively upper (1 10) and lower (1 1 1 ), the respective branches lower and upper thereof being counter-facing, being sub- stantially parallel and being fit to engage by friction said probe (2); at least one pair of counter-rotating traction gears, upper (120) and lower (121 ), said traction gears (120,121 ) of each pair being vertically aligned and meshing one each other, and respectively engaging said dragging belts upper (1 10) and lower (1 1 1 ), at least one of said trac- tion gears (120,121 ) being mechanically coupled to said motor assembly (106); at least one pair of supporting rollers, respectively upper (130) and lower (131 ), for supporting and held in their operating position said dragging belts (1 10,1 1 1 ), rotatably mounted inside their respective belt (1 10,1 1 1 ) and vertically aligned; at least one pair of upper supporting plates (135,136), arranged at opposite sides of said upper dragging belt (1 10) and fit to rotatably support said upper traction gear (120) and upper supporting roller (130); at least one pair of lower supporting plates (137,138), arranged at opposite sides of said lower dragging belt (1 1 1 ) and rotatably supporting said lower traction gear (121 ) and lower supporting roller (131 ).

9. Apparatus according to Claim 8, characterised in that said pair of upper supporting plates (135,136) is independent from said pair of lower supporting plates (137,138), and that each of said upper supporting rollers (130) is connected to its corresponding lower supporting roller (131 ) by means of at least one tapered plate (113), provided with holes rotatably receiving said supporting rollers (130,131 ), said pair of lower supporting plates (137,138) being moreover fas- tened to a frame (105) enclosing the whole traction assembly (104).

10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, characterised in that for each pair of supporting rollers (130,131 ), a pair of said tapered plates (113) are provided, arranged at opposite sides of said supporting rollers (130,131 ).

1 1. Apparatus according to Claim 8, characterised in that each one of said traction gears (120,121 ) comprises a central cogged groove (122), fit to engage a respective dragging belt (1 10,1 1 1 ), and a pair of side cogged rings (123,124), meshing the corresponding cogged rings of the other traction gear (121 ,120) of said pair.

12. Apparatus according to Claim 8, characterised in that each one of said dragging belt (1 10,1 1 1 ) comprises an outer belt (1 10a,1 1 1 a), fit to contact said probe (2), and an inner belt (1 10b,1 1 1 b), fit to engage said traction gears (120,121 ) and said supporting rollers (130,131 ).

13. Apparatus according to Claim 8, characterised in that said traction assembly (104) moreover comprises position adjusting means (160) for setting the default position of said upper supporting plates

(135,136) with respect to said lower supporting plates (137,138).

14. Apparatus according to Claim 13, characterised in that said position adjusting means (160) comprises a spring (161 ), arranged longitudi- nally, working at one end against a transverse plate (139) extending between the ends of said upper supporting plates (135,136), and at the opposite end against a key (163) coupled by means of a threaded coupling to said frame (105) and extending outside of said frame (105), a guiding stem (162), coaxial with said spring (161 ), being provided for keeping said spring (161 ) in its operating position.

15. Apparatus according to Claim 1 , characterised in that said traction assembly (204) comprise: a pair of longitudinal plates, respectively upper (210) and lower (21 1 ), aligned on a vertical plane and mutually hinged, by means of pins (216,217) at their respective end zones (210a,21 1 a) and (210b,21 1 b); at leas one pair of traction wheels, respectively upper (225) and lower (226), fit to receive and drag said probe (2), mounted on the same side of said longitudinal plates, re- spectively upper (210) and lower (21 1 ), the traction wheels of each pair (225,226) being also vertically aligned and being mounted at one end of respective horizontal shafts (222,224), these latter being rotatably mounted on respective holes made in said longitudinal plates (210,21 1 ); for each of said traction wheels (225,226), a correspond- ing cogged wheel (221 ,223), mounted at the opposite end of said shaft, on the opposite side of said longitudinal plates (210,21 1 ); at least one worm screw (215), interposed between said cogged wheels (221 ,223) and meshing all of them, said worm screw (215) being also mechanically coupled with said motor assembly (6) for counter- rotating each pair of said traction wheels (225,226).

16. Apparatus according to Claim 15, characterised in that a plurality of said pairs of traction wheels (225,226) is provided, arranged in a longitudinal alignment, all of them being provided with respective cog- ged wheels (221 ,223) meshing the same worm screw (215).

17. Apparatus according to Claim 1 , characterised in that between said traction assembly (4,104,204) and said motor assembly (6,106), at least one reduction gear (8) is interposed, for reducing the dragging speed of said traction assembly (4,104,204).

18. Apparatus according to Claim 18, characterised in that said reduction gear (8) comprises means for setting the maximum torque (81 ), for decoupling said traction assembly (4,104,204) from said motor assembly (6) when the maximum torque that has been set up is attained.

19. Apparatus according to Claim 1 , characterised in that said apparatus 1 moreover comprises a fitting assembly (5), interposed between said traction assembly (4,104,204) and a mouth (3a) of said pipe (3), fit to receive and guide said probe (2) for guiding the same from said pipe mouth (3a) to said traction assembly (4,104,204) and vice- versa.

20. Apparatus according to Claim 19, characterised in that said fitting assembly (5) comprises a flexible sheath (51 ), an inner fitting (52), mounted at one end of said flexible sheath (51 ) and fit to connect this latter to a front opening (1 1 ) of said box (10), and an outer fitting (60), mounted at the opposite end of said flexible sheath (51 ), fit to lock this latter to said pipe mouth (3a).

21. Apparatus according to Claim 20, characterised in that said outer fitting (60) comprises a fixed inner portion (61 ), having a substantially frusto-conical shape, and a slidable outer portion (62), coaxial with said inner portion (61 ) and fit to reciprocally slide along said inner portion (61 ), between an open position (A), wherein said outer fitting (60) is locked to said pipe (3), at its mouth (3a), and a closed position (B), wherein said outer fitting (60) is unlocked from said pipe (3).

22. Apparatus according to Claim 21 , characterised in that said outer portion (62) comprises: at least one front ring (63), located at the end of said outer portion (62) and fit to contact said pipe mouth (3a); a group of coupling rings (64), made on the external surface of said outer portion (62) and fit to engage the inner surface of said pipe (3), for locking said outer fitting (60) to said pipe (3); a plurality of longitudinal slots (65), extending from the free end of said outer portion (62).

23. Apparatus according to Claim 20, characterised in that said outer fitting (60) comprises: at least a scissors-like, elastic clamping member (91 ), movable between an open position (C), wherein said outer fitting (60) is locked to said pipe (3), and a closed position (D), wherein said outer fitting (60) is unlocked from said pipe (3); at least one front ring (93), placed near the free end of said outer fitting (60), fit to be put in contact with said pipe mouth (3).

24. Apparatus according to Claim 1 , characterised in that said control assembly (7) comprise: at least one first actuating device (71 ), for actuating said motor assembly (6) in a first operating direction, corresponding to the extraction of said probe (2) from said pipe (3); and at least one second actuating device (72), for actuating said motor assembly in a second operating direction, corresponding to the inser- tion of said probe (2) into said pipe (3).

25. Apparatus according to Claim 24, characterised in that said actuating devices (71 ,72) consist of push-buttons operated by hand.

26. Apparatus according to Claim 24, characterised in that said actuating devices (71 ,72) consist of a group of pedals.

27. Apparatus according to Claim 1 , characterised in that a remote control means (73) is provided, fit to allow a remote link between said control assembly (7) and said motor assembly (6).

28. Apparatus according to Claim 27, characterised in that said remote control means (73) comprise a group of electric cables.

29. Apparatus according to Claim 27, characterised in that said remote control means (73) comprise a wireless transmitter-receiver device.

30. Apparatus according to Claim 1 , characterised in that said control assembly (7) comprises at least one display (77), comprising optical and/or acoustical devices for displaying several operating status of said apparatus (1 ).

31. Apparatus according to Claim 1 , characterised in that said box (10 comprises at least one front opening (11 ), placed in a front side of said box (10), near said traction assembly (4,104,204), at least one rear opening (11a), placed in a rear side of said box (10), and a guide (12), connecting said front opening (11 ) and rear opening (11a), for guiding said probe (2) through said box (10).