Field of the disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a cable pulling machine as well as a method of operating the cable pulling machine.

Background to the disclosure

Cables are used for many purposes, such as the transmission of power. These cables can be rather long, and they are also often buried underground for security and aesthetics. Therefore, disposing of cables is often far from straightforward.

A solution to this problem is desired.

Summary of the disclosure

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is described a cable pulling machine comprising a tool, the tool comprising: a channel arranged to receive a cable at a distal end of the tool; a cutting mechanism located at a proximal end of the tool, the cutting mechanism being arranged to cut through the cable; a gripping mechanism arranged to grip the cable; and a pulling mechanism arranged to move the gripping mechanism between the distal end of the tool and a proximal end of the tool so as to pull the cable towards the cutting mechanism.

Preferably, the pulling mechanism is arranged to move the gripping mechanism in a direction extending from the distal end of the tool towards the proximal end of the tool so as to pull the cable towards the cutting mechanism.

Preferably, the tool comprises a sloped end arranged to aid the movement of the cable into the channel.

Preferably, the machine comprises a movement mechanism for moving the machine. Preferably, the movement mechanism comprises wheels and/or tracks.

Preferably, the machine comprises comprising a securing mechanism for securing the tool in a safe position and/or a working position.

Preferably, the machine is arranged to operate in one or more of: a first state in which the machine is unpowered; a second first state in which the machine and/or the movement mechanism has power and the cutting mechanism is unpowered; and a third second state in which the machine and the cutting mechanism are is powered.

Preferably, the machine comprises an anchoring mechanism for securing the vehicle during use. Preferably, the anchoring mechanism is arranged to suspend a/the movement mechanism above the ground.

Preferably, the machine comprises an excavation mechanism.

Preferably, the channel comprises a roughened surface arranged to resist the movement of the cable out of the distal end of the tool.

Preferably, the machine comprises a storage structure for storing cut portions of the cable.

Preferably, the machine comprises an emergency stop, preferably wherein the emergency stop is arranged to stop one or more of: a motor of the engine; the gripping mechanism; and the cutting mechanism.

Preferably, the machine comprises a control panel on the machine.

Preferably, the machine comprises a remote control switch, wherein the remote control switch transfers control of the machine between a remote control and the control panel on the machine.

Preferably, in a remote controlled mode, only the remote control can be used to start the engine of the machine.

Preferably, the cutting mechanism is only operable using a control panel on the machine.

Preferably, the cutting mechanism is only operable using a/the remote control.

Preferably, the machine comprises a capping mechanism, wherein the capping mechanism is arranged to place a cap over a cut portion of a cable. Preferably, the cap comprises a heat shrink material.

Preferably, the machine comprises a draining mechanism for draining fluid from the cable. Preferably, the machine comprises a fluid runoff section for receiving fluid associated with the cable.

Preferably, the machine comprises a bunded storage structure for storing fluid associated with the cable. Preferably, the bunded storage structure is arranged to receive the fluid from a/the fluid runoff section.

Preferably, the machine comprises an identification mechanism for determining a type of cable located in the channel.

Preferably, the machine comprises: a first, hard, set of gripping mechanisms for pulling cables; and a second, soft set of gripping mechanisms for laying cables.

Preferably, the machine is arranged to operate in at least a laying mode and a pulling mode. Preferably, the gripping mechanisms use a lower gripping strength in the laying mode than in the pulling mode. The machine may comprise plant machinery.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is described a method of operating the cable pulling machine of any preceding claim.

Preferably, the method comprises locating the cable in the channel. Preferably, the method comprises moving the machine towards the cable so as to locate the cable in the channel.

Preferably, the method comprises selecting a mode of the machine. Preferably, the method comprises selecting the mode in dependence on a type of the cable.

Preferably, the method comprises digging a hole so as to access an underground cable; and placing an end of the cable in the channel.

Preferably, the method comprises moving the cable machine to be adjacent to a container, such that portions of cable cut by the machine and/or fluids associated with the cable fall into the container. Preferably, the container is a bunded container.

Any feature described as being carried out by an apparatus, an application, and a device may be carried out by any of an apparatus, an application, or a device. Where multiple apparatuses are described, each apparatus may be located on a single device.

Any feature in one aspect of the disclosure may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly.

Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As used herein, means plus function features may be expressed alternatively in terms of their corresponding structure, such as a suitably programmed processor and associated memory.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the disclosure can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

The disclosure extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a cable pulling machine.

Figures 2a - 2c show a tool of the cable pulling machine.

Figure 3 shows a flowchart for a method of operating the cable pulling machine. Figure 4 shows a control panel for the cable pulling machine.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a cable pulling machine 100. The machine comprises: a moving mechanism 102, such as wheels and/or tracks; a control structure 104, such as a cab; a tool 110; and a securing structure 112 associated with the tool. The machine typically comprises plant machinery arranged for industrial use. Typically, the machine is suitable for use on a building site.

The moving mechanism 102 enables the machine 100 to move about a site.

The control structure 104 is arranged to control the moving mechanism 102 and the tool 110. The control structure may comprise a cab, in which a person can sit in order to control the machine 100. Equally the machine may be arranged to be automated and/or remotely controlled, so that the control structure may comprise a processor and/or a communication interface that controls the moving mechanism and the tool.

The tool 110 is arranged to process a cable, for example to extract and/or cut a cable. In particular, the tool may be arranged to pull a cable towards a cutting mechanism and then to cut the cable. This enables the machine 100 to be used to quickly and efficiently dispose of a cable.

The securing structure 112 is arranged to secure the tool 110 in a safe position when it is not in use. Typically, the tool is arranged to move between at least two positions: a ‘working’ position and a ‘safe’ position. The working position may comprise the tool being lowered so that it can receive a cable that is near to the ground. The safe position may comprise the tool being raised above the moving mechanism 102 so that it can be moved around a site without impacting objects or people on the site.

In some embodiments, the securing structure 112 comprises a pin, a strut and/or a deadlink. In particular, the securing structure may comprise a pin that restricts a rotation and/or movement of the tool 110 relating to the rest of the machine 100. In order to move the tool from the safe position to the working position the pin may be removed so that the tool can be moved relative to the rest of the machine. The tool may then be secured in the working position for the duration of use (e.g. by reinserting the pin). In some embodiments, the securing structure 112 comprises a plurality of deadlinks that can be placed attached to both the tool 110 and the body of the machine 100 to hold the tool in place relative to the rest of the machine. Two deadlinks of different sizes may be provided, where a first deadlink is usable to secure the tool in a first position and a second deadlink is usable to secure the tool in a second position. The working position may be the first position, the second position, and/or a third position (e.g. where no deadlink is used).

The tool movement and the operation of the securing structure may be manual or automatic. More specifically, the tool 110 and/or the securing structure 112 may be controlled using the control structure 104, where the tool may be moved using hydraulics and/or the securing structure may comprise an electrically controlled structure (e.g. an electromagnet). Typically, the tool and the securing structure are arranged to be operated manually, so that a user removes the securing structure and then moves the tool 110 before switching on an engine of the machine.

In some embodiments, the machine 100 has a plurality of activation states. For example, the machine may be arranged to operate in one or more of: a first state in which the machine is unpowered; a second state in which power is provided to the tool so that the tool can move; and a third state in which power is provided to a pulling mechanism and/or a cutting mechanism of the tool. This enables a user to move the tool while the pulling mechanism and the cutting mechanism are not powered. This provides increased safety when using the machine.

In some embodiments, the machine 100 comprises an anchoring structure that prevents movement of the machine during use. For example, the machine may comprise supports that lift the machine (and the movement mechanism 102) away from the ground before use.

Referring to Figures 2a - 2c, there is described an embodiment of the tool 110 of the cable pulling machine 100.

The tool 110 comprises a pulling mechanism 120 and a cutting mechanism 114. The pulling mechanism is arranged to grip a cable and to pull it towards the cutting mechanism. Typically, the pulling mechanism comprises or is associated with one or more gripping mechanisms 122; the gripping mechanisms may for example comprise jaws or ropes. The gripping mechanisms are arranged to grip a cable or a pipe that is present in a channel 116 of the tool. The gripping mechanisms are a part of the pulling mechanism and/or are attached to the pulling mechanism so that the movement of the pulling mechanism along the tool moves the gripping mechanisms along the tool.

The pulling mechanism 120 is arranged to move along the length of the tool. Typically, this comprises the pulling mechanism being attached to a track 118 on a boom of the tool. The pulling mechanism may move along this track using an electric, magnetic, or hydraulic mechanism. Similarly, the gripping mechanisms 122 may use an electric, magnetic, or hydraulic mechanism to grip and release a cable.

The gripping mechanisms 122 are typically sized in dependence on an expected use of the machine 100. Typically, the gripping mechanisms are arranged to grip cables of between 10mm and 250mm and/or between 25mm and 175mm.

The gripping mechanisms 122 typically have a gripping pressure of at least 5 tonnes, at least 7.5 tonnes, and/or at least 9.7 tonnes.

The length of the tool 110 and/or the range of movement of the pulling mechanism 120 is typically at least 1 m, at least 1 5m, and/or at least 1 9m.

The cutting mechanism 114 comprises a sharp surface such that the cutting mechanism provides a guillotine. The cutting mechanism may therefore be used to cut through the cable to divide the cable into smaller sections for easy disposal. The length of the cut sections is dependent on the amount that the pulling mechanism 120 moves between operations of the cutting mechanism. This movement amount can be determined to achieve a desired length of cut sections (where this length may depend on the size of a skip or lorry that receives the cut sections).

Referring to Figures 2b, 2c and 3, a method 10 of operating of the machine 100 is described. For the sake of description, the tool 110 is described as having a distal end that is far from the cutting mechanism 114 and a proximal end that is near to the cutting mechanism.

In a first step 11, when a user wishes to cut a cable, the user moves the machine 100 towards the end of the cable using the movement mechanism 102.

In a second step 12, the user moves a cable 200 into the tool 110. This may comprise a user physically pulling the cable into the tool. Equally, this may comprise the tool being moved (e.g. using hydraulics) such that the cable moves into the channel 116 of the tool. The distal end of the tool may comprise a ramp or a sloped end that aids the movement of the cable into the channel.

Typically, the second step 12 involves the user disengaging the securing structure 112, lowering the tool into the working position, and then inserting the cable into the tool 110. These actions can all be taken before power is provided to the pulling mechanism 120 or the cutting mechanism 114.

Lowering the tool into the working position typically comprises moving the distal end of the tool near to the ground so that the tool can receive a cable. In some embodiments, the second step 12 comprises the user moving the machine 100 towards the cable 200 so that the cable enters the channel 116 of the tool 110. As mentioned above, the tool may comprise a sloped end or a ramp to aid the movement of the cable into the channel as the machine is moved towards the cable.

This method of locating the cable 200 in the channel 116 is particularly applicable where the cable is on or above the ground. However, if the cable is in a trench, it may not be possible to drive the machine towards the cable. Therefore, the pulling mechanism 120 and/or the gripping mechanisms 122 may comprise a pulling eye, where a sling can be attached to the pulling eye and also to the cable. The pulling mechanism 120 can then be moved towards the proximal end of the tool to pull the cable out of the trench. Once a part of the cable is out of the trench (and in the channel of the tool 110), the sling is removed, the gripping mechanisms are returned to the distal end of the tool, and then the gripping mechanisms are used to grasp the part of the tool that is in the channel and to pull the cable towards the cutting mechanism 114.

In some embodiments, the tool 110 also comprises an excavation mechanism, such as a pick. This enables the tool to dig into the ground in order to access an underground cable. Equally, the method may comprising using a separate excavator to dig into the ground to access the cable.

In some embodiments, the tool 110 also comprises a distal cutting mechanism, such as a sharpened end. Therefore, the tool is able to dig into the ground, cut a cable using the distal cutting mechanism, and then move so that an end of the cut cable is located in the channel 116 of the tool. It will be appreciated that the excavation mechanism and the distal cutting mechanism may be the same.

Once the tool 110 is in the working position, the user can step away from the machine and then provide power to the gripping mechanisms 122, the pulling mechanism 120 and/or the cutting mechanism 114. The machine typically comprises a safety structure (e.g. a cover) associated with the cutting mechanism. This safety structure may be removed by the user. Equally, the safety structure may be electrically and/or hydraulically activated so that the cutting mechanism is only exposed once the user is distanced from the tool 110 and the cutting mechanism.

In a third step 13, once the cable 200 is located in the channel 116, the user moves the pulling mechanism 120 so that it is at the distal end of the tool. Typically, this comprises the pulling mechanism being moved using hydraulics.

In a fourth step 14, the user operates the gripping mechanisms 122 in order to grip the cable. Typically, the gripping mechanisms are operated using hydraulics. In a fifth step 15, the user moves the pulling mechanism 120 towards the cutting mechanism 114 at the proximal end of the tool 110; this results in the gripping mechanisms 122 and the cable 200 being pulled towards the cutting mechanism.

Once the pulling mechanism 120 is near to the proximal end of the tool 110, the gripping mechanisms 122 may be deactivated so that the cable is released. The pulling mechanism can then be returned to the distal end of the tool and the gripping mechanisms are once again activated. The pulling mechanism can then be, again, moved towards the cutting mechanism 114. In this way, a long cable can be pulled towards the cutting mechanism of the tool.

In some embodiments, the channel 116 comprises a structure that restricts the movement of the cable 200 out of the channel. For example, the channel may have a roughened surface. Equally, the channel may have raked teeth that point towards the cutting mechanism. Such raked teeth enable a cable to be inserted into the channel, but restrict the movement of the cable out of the channel.

In a sixth step 16, in order to cut the cable the cutting mechanism 114 is activated. The cutting mechanism is arranged to cut through the cable so that the portion 202 of the cable that extends beyond the proximal end of the tool 110 is separated from the remainder of the cable.

The machine 100 may be placed next to a container or a skip before use, so that the separated portions of the cable fall into this container and can be disposed at a later date. In some embodiments, the machine comprises a storage structure, where the storage structure is located adjacent the cutting mechanism 114 such that portions of cut cable fall into the storage structure.

Therefore, the machine 100 can be used to pull a long cable towards the cutting mechanism 114 and to cut this cable into smaller sections that can be easily transported and disposed of.

It will be appreciated that while the method 10 of Figure 3 has described the user taking certain actions, these actions may equally be taken by a processor of the control structure 104. Typically, the user is able to provide instructions to a processor of the control structure via a communication interface (e.g. an area network and/or WiFi interface, or a Bluetooth® interface), where these instructions are then implemented using the processer. This enables a user to activate the machine 100 without being near to the tool 110 (and risking injury).

Referring to Figure 4, the control structure 104 typically comprises one or more of the following controls:

- A starting switch 302.

As described above, the machine 100 may be arranged to operate in a plurality of modes, where these modes may be selected using the starting switch. In a specific embodiment, the starting switch is arranged to be moved between one or more of the following positions: o Position 0. Engine stopped and all services off. o Position 1 (on). An alternator is energised as is one or more of: a flashing beacon, fuel solenoid (hold), a fuel pump, gauges, lamps and senders, a power supply to one or more emergency stop buttons, a radio control toggle switch, a work light switch auxiliary switch and a horn button. o Position 2. A glow plug timer and therefore glow plugs and lamp are energised. o Position 3. A starter motor is energised.

One or more emergency stop(s) that stop one or more of: the engine of the machine 100, the pulling mechanism 120, the gripping mechanisms 122 (activation of the emergency stops typically moves the gripping mechanisms to an open position), and the cutting mechanism 114.

Typically, there is at least one emergency stop located on the body of the machine 100.

- A boom control 304. The boom control controls the location of the tool. For example, the boom control may enable the tool to be lowered into the working position and/or moved in dependence on a location of a cable.

Movement controls 306, 308. Where the movement mechanism 102 comprises tracks, there are typically provided separate controls for each track.

- A cutting mechanism control 310. For example, a switch may be provided that moves the cutting mechanism 114 between two positions. Equally, a more precise control may be provided to move the cutting mechanism.

- A pulling mechanism control 312. For example, a switch may be provided that moves the pulling mechanism 120 between a distal position and a proximal position. Equally, a more precise control may be provided to move the pulling mechanism to any location on the tool 110.

- A gripping mechanism control 314. For example, a switch may be provided that moves the gripping mechanisms 122 between an open position and a closed position. The closed position may depend on a size or material of a cable placed in the tool 110, where this position may be automatically detected based on a resistance experienced by the gripping mechanisms. Equally, a more precise control may be provided to move the jaws of the gripping mechanisms to any spacing.

- A horn that is useable to alert nearby persons to the presence of the machine. - A remote control switch that turns a remote control system on or off.

- A track speed switch that controls a speed of movement of the movement mechanism 102.

It will be appreciated that these controls may also be provided on a remote controller, so that the user is able to operate the machine 100 from a distance.

Typically, the control structure 104 comprises a remote control switch. This remote control switch is used to give control of the machine 100 to, or take control of the machine from, a remote control. Typically, the remote control switch being on causes the engine of the machine to only be operable using the remote control. In particular, the engine may then only be startable from the remote control. If the remote control switch is moved to an on position while the engine of the machine is running, the engine may stop and the engine may then only be startable from the remote control.

The remote control switch may be provided on the machine 100 and/or on a remote control. Where the remote control switch is operated on the remote control, a keeper of the remote control is able to prevent other parties from operating the machine 100.

Typically, an emergency stop button on the machine 100 is arranged to stop the engine, tool 110, pulling mechanism 120, gripping mechanisms 122, and/or cutting mechanism 114 regardless of the state of the remote control switch.

Typically, the cutting mechanism 114 can only be operated using a control on the machine 100. More specifically, the remote control typically does not comprise a cutting mechanism control. Therefore, even when the remote control switch is in an on position, the cutting mechanism can only be operated by a user near the machine. This prevents the cutting mechanism being operated dangerously by someone who cannot confirm there are no persons near the cutting mechanism.

Equally, the cutting mechanism 114 may be, or may only be, operable from the remote control so that no user is required to be near the machine 100 when the machine is processing cables.

The machine 100 may comprise a warning indicator that indicates when the machine is in use and/or when the cutting mechanism 114 is in use. This warning indicator may, for example, comprise a light, a flashing light, and/or a siren.

Typically, the operation of the machine is dependent on a type of cable being pulled. In particular: Direct-buried cable: in order to process direct-buried cables, a portion of the cable is exposed and then fed into the tool 110. Exposing this portion may comprise: digging using the machine 100, manual digging, and/or digging using another apparatus.

In some embodiments, the whole section of cable that is to be processed is exposed before the pulling mechanism 120 and cutting mechanism 114 are used. In some embodiments, only a portion of the cable to be processed is exposed (e.g. via a small hole), where the pulling mechanism is arranged to pull the remainder of the cable out of the ground.

In some embodiments, the machine 100 comprises an excavation mechanism that can be used to uncover buried cables. Where cables are bedded in sand or in cement-bound sand, this bedding may need to be broken up or loosened before processing. The machine may comprise a tool for loosening the bedding (e.g. a pick), or this bedding may be loosened manually or using a different apparatus. Therefore, the method of operating the machine may comprise one or more of: determining a type of cable; determining a type of material in which the cable is bedded; and loosening the bedding.

Fluid filled cables. In order to avoid the spillage of fluid from fluid filled cables (which may contaminate the site), cables may be capped after being cut. For example, a heat shrink material may be placed over a cut end of a cable. In some embodiments, the machine 100 comprises a mechanism for capping cables in order to avoid the escape of fluid. For example, the machine may comprise a capping mechanism arranged to place a cap over a cut portion of the cable. Equally, the machine may comprise a fluid runoff section, which fluid runoff section is arranged to receive fluid from a cut cable. This fluid runoff section may, for example, lead to a bunded container so that the received fluid can be re-used or safely disposed of.

Equally, the capping of cable sections and/or the recovery of fluid may be performed manually be a user of the machine 100.

In particular, a user may cut the cable 200 into long lengths and cap these lengths before using the machine 100. The machine can then be used to cut these long lengths into smaller lengths, where the fluid runoff section is used so that the cable from these long lengths flows into a bunded container after each length is cut.

In this situation, the use of the machine 100 enables the user to initially cut the cable into long sections since these long sections can be processed using the tool 110. This reduces the amount of capping necessary, which capping is a time-consuming and costly process (since caps are typically single use). In some embodiments, the machine 100 comprises a draining mechanism for draining fluid from the cable. This draining mechanism can be used to avoid fluid from the machines contaminating a site near the machine.

Gas compression cables

Gas compression cables are typically installed in a steel duct, and the machine 100 is useable to pull these cables out of the duct. These cables tend to be coated in oil. The fluid runoff section may therefore be used to recover this oil in the bunded container so that the oil can be recovered.

The type of cable may be identified by a user of the machine 100. Equally, the type of cable may be identified by an identing mechanism of the machine, which may for example read a barcode on a cable.

It will be appreciated that the machine 100 is typically provided as a single machine adapted to be used with all kinds of cable, so that (for example) the machine may comprise the fluid runoff section even when it is being used for direct buried cables. Therefore, the identification of a type of cable may be optional.

Alternatives and modifications

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention.

For example, a variety of mechanisms may be used to move the cable between the distal end of the tool 110 and the proximal end of the tool. As examples, the machine 100 may be provided with a conveyor belt and/or a suction means in order to move the cable from the distal end of the tool to the proximal end of the tool.

For example, while the machine 100 and the pulling mechanism 120 have been described as being useable to pull cables, it will be appreciated that the machine may also be used to push cables (e.g. to push cables into an underground channel via an entry hole). Specifically, a cable is fed into the proximal end of the tool 110, the pulling mechanism is moved to the proximal end, and the gripping mechanisms 122 are operated to grip the cable. The pulling mechanism 120 is then moved to the distal end of the tool and the gripping mechanisms are operated to release the cable. The pulling machine is returned to the proximal end and this process is repeated. The cutting mechanism 114 may be removed or covered during this operation to avoid inadvertently damaging the cable.

Typically, the tool 110 is arranged so that, when the tool is in the working position, the engine of the machine 100 is accessible and/or is exposed. This provides access to the engine for maintenance and is also useable to provide a cooling flow over the engine in order to avoid overheating of the engine or of any hydraulic fluid used to operate the tool 100.

While the machine 100 has been described as being used to extract cables, it will be appreciated that the machine can also be used to lay cables. In particular, in a laying mode, the cutting mechanism 114 may be covered or removed. A cable is then be placed into the channel and the gripping mechanisms 122 and the pulling mechanism 120 is used to lay the cable (either out of the distal end of the tool 110 or out of the proximal end of the tool).

In order to optimise the machine 100 for laying cables, the machine may be provided with soft jaws and a limited gripping force, where this gripping force may be limited based on a mode of the machine (e.g. the user may be able to put the machine in a laying mode). The machine may be provided with a set of hard jaws for pulling cables and a set of soft jaws for laying cables.

Equally, the machine may be arranged to operate in each of a laying mode and a pulling mode. In the laying mode, the gripping mechanisms may be arranged to operate using a smaller gripping force than in the pulling mode to avoid damaging the cable.

In practice, for laying longer cables, a plurality of similar machines may be aligned so that the cable to be laid passes through the tool of each of this plurality of machines.

Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.