A mechanical locking device for a mooring system slip ring group and its usage method

Abstract

The present application relates to a mechanical locking device for a slip ring group of a mooring system and a method for using the same, and relates to the technical field of ship mooring systems. The mechanical locking device includes a first connection unit, a second connection unit and a driving unit. One end of the first connection unit is used to connect the slip ring group. The second connection unit includes a connecting member and a first fixing seat. One end of the first fixing seat is used to be fixed to the installation platform, and the other end is hinged to the connecting member. One end of the connecting member is used to be detachably connected to the end of the first connection unit away from the slip ring group. The driving unit, one end of which is used to be fixed to the installation platform and the other end is connected to the connecting member. The driving unit is used to drive the connecting member to rotate around the hinge point to control the connection state between the connecting member and the corresponding end of the first connection unit. The mechanical locking device and the method for using the same provided by the present application preferably solve the problems that in the related art, the connection and disconnection of the slip ring group corresponding to the driving arm need to be manually operated, and the operation difficulty is large, time-consuming and laborious.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of ship mooring systems, and particularly relates to a mechanical locking device for a slip ring group of a mooring system and a using method thereof. Background Art

[0002] At present, with the continuous increase in the demand for oil, various oil extraction devices have emerged. As an offshore floating production storage and offloading unit (FPSO), which integrates production processing, storage and offloading, and living and power supply, it generally forms a complete production system with underwater oil production devices and shuttle tankers. It can store the collected crude oil in the tank and transport it to the shuttle tanker through the unloading system after processing. Among them, a mooring system is generally used to connect the hull of the FPSO to the seabed, adjust the movement under the action of wind, waves and currents, and ensure the long-term safe operation of the FPSO at sea.

[0003] The mooring system includes a variety of slip ring devices (also known as "rotary joints"). Multiple slip rings are axially stacked. According to the characteristic that the FPSO rotates 360° around the mooring system, the slip ring device needs to have the function of rotating and transporting media such as electricity, fluid and signal. Therefore, the slip ring group is provided with multiple driving devices, which are connected to the mooring system structure through driving arms. In related technologies, most of the driving devices are connected to the mooring system structure by bolts. Considering the dimensions of the mooring system structure and the outer diameter of the slip ring, the driving arm is set to be relatively long. Due to the long-term action of the marine environmental load, high requirements are imposed on the structural strength and stiffness.

[0004] Although the bolt connection method is firm and the structure is simple, the connection and disconnection of this structure need to be carried out by on-site manual operation. Moreover, the overall height of the slip ring group is large, and the operation platforms for connecting and disconnecting the corresponding driving arms are set at different heights of the mooring system structure. The labor and workload consumed by the operation are relatively large, and it is impossible to achieve quick connection and disconnection in a short time, which also poses a threat to the personal safety of offshore operation personnel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a mechanical locking device for a slip ring group of a mooring system and a using method thereof, so as to solve the problems in related technologies that the connection and disconnection of the driving arm corresponding to the slip ring group require manual operation, with large operation difficulty, time-consuming and laborious.

[0006] In a first aspect, a mechanical locking device for a slip ring group of a mooring system is provided, which includes:

[0007] A first connection unit, one end of which is used to connect the slip ring group;

[0008] A second connection unit, which includes a connecting member and a first fixing seat. One end of the first fixing seat is used to be fixed to an installation platform, and the other end is hinged to the connecting member. One end of the connecting member is used to be detachably connected to one end of the first connection unit away from the slip ring group;

[0009] A driving unit, one end of which is used to be fixed to the installation platform, and the other end is connected to the connecting member. The driving unit is used to drive the connecting member to rotate around the hinge point to control the connection state between the connecting member and the corresponding end of the first connection unit.

[0010] In some embodiments, the driving unit includes:

[0011] A transmission member, one end of which is used to be hinged to one end of the first fixing seat away from the installation platform;

[0012] A driving module, which includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod and a driving component. One end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the transmission member, and the other end is hinged to the second connecting rod. The end of the second connecting rod away from the first connecting rod is hinged to the end of the connecting member away from the first connection unit. The driving component is arranged on the transmission member and one end is used to be fixed to the installation platform. The driving component is also connected to the common hinge point of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod. The driving component is used to drive the connecting member to rotate by adjusting the included angle between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to control the connection state between the connecting member and the first connection unit.

[0013] In some embodiments, the driving component includes:

[0014] A first driving component, one end of which is used to be fixed to the installation platform, and the other end is connected to the end of the transmission member away from the first fixing seat. The first driving component is used to adjust the height of the corresponding end of the transmission member;

[0015] A second driving component, one end of which is hinged to the transmission member, and the other end is hinged to the common hinge point of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod. The second driving component and the first driving component cooperate together to drive the connecting member to rotate by adjusting the included angle between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, so as to control the connection state between the connecting member and the first connection unit.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first connection unit is a driving arm. A connection groove is provided at the bottom of the end of the first connection unit close to the connecting member, and a connection key with a size matching that of the connection groove is provided at the top of the corresponding end of the connecting member.

[0017] In some embodiments, a hydrophobic coating is coated on both the inside of the connection groove and the surface of the connection key.

[0018] In some embodiments, the included angle between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod varies within a range of 150° to 180°.

[0019] In some embodiments, both the first driving component and the second driving component are hydraulic cylinders.

[0020] In some embodiments, a second fixing seat is further provided at the bottom of the first driving component. One end of the second fixing seat is used to be fixed to the installation platform, and the other end is fixed to the first driving component.

[0021] In some embodiments, both the first fixing seat and the second fixing seat are used to be connected and fixed to the installation platform through hexagon bolts.

[0022] In a second aspect, a method for using a mechanical locking device for a mooring system slip ring group is provided, and the steps thereof include:

[0023] Fix one end of the first fixing seat to the installation platform, and hinge the other end to a connecting member. Detachably connect one end of the connecting member to the end of the first connecting unit away from the slip ring group;

[0024] Fix one end of the driving unit to the installation platform, and connect the other end to the connecting member. Drive the connecting member to rotate around the hinge point by using the driving unit to control the connection state between the connecting member and the corresponding end of the first connecting unit.

[0025] The beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions provided in this application include:

[0026] The embodiments of this application provide a mechanical locking device for a mooring system slip ring group. One end of the connecting member is used to be detachably connected to the end of the first connecting unit away from the slip ring group. This mechanical locking device mainly uses the driving unit to drive the connecting member to rotate around the hinge point to control the connection state between the connecting member and the corresponding end of the first connecting unit, so as to realize the connection or separation between the first connecting unit and the connecting member. Compared with the previous simple manual operation, it significantly saves the manpower for on-site operation at sea, reduces the personal risk, and shortens the time for changing the connection state between the connecting member and the corresponding end of the first connecting unit. The structure is simple and easy to operate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following described drawings are only some embodiments of this application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0028] Figure 1Schematic structural diagram of the mechanical locking device for the slip ring group of the mooring system provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 2 Schematic diagram when the connecting member of the mechanical locking device for the slip ring group of the mooring system provided by the embodiment of the present application is connected to the first connection unit;

[0030] Figure 3 Schematic diagram when the connecting member of the mechanical locking device for the slip ring group of the mooring system provided by the embodiment of the present application is separated from the first connection unit.

[0031] In the figure: 10 - connecting member, 11 - first fixing seat, 12 - connecting key, 20 - transmitting member, 21 - first connecting rod, 22 - second connecting rod, 23 - second fixing seat, 24 - first driving assembly, 25 - second driving assembly, 3 - first connection unit, 30 - connection groove, 4 - installation platform, 5 - slip ring group. Detailed implementation manners

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Apparently, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present application. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0033] The embodiment of the present application provides a mechanical locking device for a slip ring group of a mooring system, which can solve the problems in the related art that the connection and disconnection of the slip ring group corresponding to the driving arm require manual operation, with high operation difficulty and time-consuming and laborious.

[0034] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the mechanical locking device. The mechanical locking device includes a first connection unit 3, a second connection unit and a driving unit. One end of the first connection unit 3 is used to connect the slip ring group 5. The second connection unit includes a connecting member 10 and a first fixing seat 11. One end of the first fixing seat 11 is used to be fixed to the installation platform 4, and the other end is hinged to the connecting member 10. One end of the connecting member 10 is used to be detachably connected to the end of the first connection unit 3 away from the slip ring group 5. One end of the driving unit is used to be fixed to the installation platform 4, and the other end is connected to the connecting member 10. The driving unit is used to drive the connecting member 10 to rotate around the hinge point to control the connection state, that is, the connection state and the separation state, of the corresponding end of the connecting member 10 and the first connection unit 3.

[0035] Further, the driving unit includes a transmission member 20 and a driving module. One end of the transmission member 20 is hinged to one end of the first fixed seat 11 away from the mounting platform 4. The driving module includes a first connecting rod 21, a second connecting rod 22 and a driving component. One end of the first connecting rod 21 is hinged to the transmission member 20, and the other end is hinged to the second connecting rod 22. The end of the second connecting rod 22 away from the first connecting rod 21 is hinged to the end of the connecting member 10 away from the first connecting unit 3. The driving component is arranged on the transmission member 20 and one end is used to be fixed to the mounting platform 4. The driving component is also connected to the common hinge point of the first connecting rod 21 and the second connecting rod 22. The driving component is used to drive the connecting member 10 to rotate by adjusting the angle between the first connecting rod 21 and the second connecting rod 22, so as to control the connection state between the connecting member 10 and the first connecting unit 3.

[0036] Specifically, the first connecting unit 3 is a driving arm, one end of which is connected to the slip ring group 5 through a mounting ear. When the mooring buoy rotates around the mooring system, the first connecting unit 3 is the main structure that drives the slip ring group 5 to rotate. The end of the first connecting unit 3 away from the slip ring group 5 is detachably connected to the connecting member 10. The connecting member 10 is arranged on the mounting platform 4 through the first fixed seat 11. The mounting platform 4 is part of the mooring system structure. When the mooring buoy rotates around the mooring system and the first connecting unit 3 and the connecting member 10 are in a connected state, the mounting platform 4 rotates synchronously with the mooring buoy. The first fixed seat 11, the transmission member 20 and the driving component all bear the driving force transmitted from the mounting platform 4, and finally transmit the force to the mounting ear through the first connecting unit 3, so as to drive the slip ring group 5 to rotate and complete the transmission of media such as electricity, fluid and signal.

[0037] Further, the driving component includes a first driving component 24 and a second driving component 25. One end of the first driving component 24 is used to be fixed to the mounting platform 4, and the other end is connected to the end of the transmission member 20 away from the first fixed seat 11. The first driving component 24 is used to adjust the height of the corresponding end of the transmission member 20; One end of the second driving component 25 is hinged to the transmission member 20, and the other end is hinged to the common hinge point of the first connecting rod 21 and the second connecting rod 22. The second driving component 25 and the first driving component 24 cooperate together to drive the connecting member 10 to rotate by adjusting the angle between the first connecting rod 21 and the second connecting rod 22, so as to control the connection state between the connecting member 10 and the first connecting unit 3. Here, both the first driving component 24 and the second driving component 25 are hydraulic cylinders, and their operations can be remotely controlled.

[0038] Specifically, Figure 2Schematic diagram when the connecting piece is connected to the first connection unit. When it is necessary to connect the connecting piece 10 to the first connection unit 3, the first driving assembly 24 rises, and the second driving assembly 25 extends. Correspondingly, the end of the transmission piece 20 away from the first fixed seat 11 rises. The angle between the first connecting rod 21 and the second connecting rod 22 becomes almost 180° due to the extension of the second driving assembly 25. The position of the end of the second connecting rod 22 away from the first connecting rod 21 drops, thereby driving the connecting piece 10 to rotate around the hinge point. The end of the connecting piece 10 close to the first connection unit 3 rises and is connected to the first connection unit 3, and the slip ring group 5 is connected to the mooring system. Figure 3 Schematic diagram when the connecting piece is separated from the first connection unit. When it is necessary to separate the connecting piece 10 from the first connection unit 3, the first driving assembly 24 drops, and the second driving assembly 25 contracts. Correspondingly, the end of the transmission piece 20 away from the first fixed seat 11 drops. The angle between the first connecting rod 21 and the second connecting rod 22 becomes smaller due to the contraction of the second driving assembly 25. The position of the end of the second connecting rod 22 away from the first connecting rod 21 rises, thereby driving the connecting piece 10 to rotate around the hinge point. The end of the connecting piece 10 close to the first connection unit 3 drops and is separated from the first connection unit 3, and the slip ring group 5 is separated from the mooring system. Here, the variation range of the angle between the first connecting rod 21 and the second connecting rod 22 is 150° to 180°.

[0039] Further, a connection groove 30 is provided at the bottom of the end of the first connection unit 3 close to the connecting piece 10, and a connection key 12 with a size matching that of the connection groove 30 is provided at the top of the corresponding end of the connecting piece 10. When the connection key 12 is located in the connection groove 30, it is in a connected state. When the connection key 12 is not located in the connection groove 30, it is in a separated state. Since the mooring system is in the marine environment for a long time and there is snowfall in winter in the application sea area, a hydrophobic coating is applied to both the inside of the connection groove 30 and the surface of the connection key 12, which can effectively prevent water droplets from condensing on its inner surface, freezing or corroding in winter, and affecting the fit between the connection groove 30 and the connection key 12.

[0040] Further, a second fixed seat 23 is also provided at the bottom of the first driving assembly 24. One end of the second fixed seat 23 is used to be fixed to the installation platform 4, and the other end is fixed to the first driving assembly 24 to increase the overall stability of the device. In addition, both the first fixed seat 11 and the second fixed seat 23 are connected and fixed to the installation platform 4 by hexagon bolts, which facilitates on-site disassembly and installation by the operators at sea. When the slip ring group 5 rotates for operation, the acting force and torque on the first connection unit 3 are large. Therefore, the first connection unit 3 is made of stainless steel with high structural strength and stiffness. At the same time, to ensure the consistency of the force, the first fixed seat 11, the second fixed seat 23, and the transmission piece 20 are all made of the same material.

[0041] This mechanical locking device uses a remote control drive unit to drive the connecting member 10 to rotate around the hinge point, so as to control the connection state between the connecting member 10 and the corresponding end of the first connection unit 3, thereby realizing the connection or separation between the first connection unit 3 and the connecting member 10. Compared with the previous simple manual operation, it significantly saves the manpower for on-site operation at sea, reduces the personal risk, and shortens the time for changing the connection state between the connecting member 10 and the corresponding end of the first connection unit 3. The structure is simple and easy to operate.

[0042] The present invention also provides a method for using a mechanical locking device for a mooring system slip ring group. The steps include first fixing one end of the first fixing seat 11 to the installation platform 4, and hinging the other end to the connecting member 10; detachably connecting one end of the connecting member 10 to the end of the first connection unit 3 away from the slip ring group 5; fixing one end of the drive unit to the installation platform 4 and connecting the other end to the connecting member 10, and using the drive unit to drive the connecting member 10 to rotate around the hinge point to control the connection state between the connecting member 10 and the corresponding end of the first connection unit 3.

[0043] Specifically, when it is necessary to connect the connecting member 10 with the first connection unit 3, raise the first drive assembly 24 and at the same time extend the second drive assembly 25. Correspondingly, the end of the transfer member 20 away from the first fixing seat 11 will rise, and the angle between the first connecting rod 21 and the second connecting rod 22 becomes almost 180° due to the extension of the second drive assembly 25. The position of the end of the second connecting rod 22 away from the first connecting rod 21 drops, thereby driving the connecting member 10 to rotate around the hinge point. The end of the connecting member 10 close to the first connection unit 3 rises and is connected to the first connection unit 3, and the slip ring group 5 is connected to the mooring system. When it is necessary to separate the connecting member 10 from the first connection unit 3, lower the first drive assembly 24 and at the same time contract the second drive assembly 25. Correspondingly, the end of the transfer member 20 away from the first fixing seat 11 drops, and the angle between the first connecting rod 21 and the second connecting rod 22 becomes smaller due to the contraction of the second drive assembly 25. The position of the end of the second connecting rod 22 away from the first connecting rod 21 rises, thereby driving the connecting member 10 to rotate around the hinge point. The end of the connecting member 10 close to the first connection unit 3 drops and is separated from the first connection unit 3, and the slip ring group 5 is separated from the mooring system.

[0044] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper" and "lower" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present application. Unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installed", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0045] It should be noted that in the present application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprising", "including" or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements not only includes those elements but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "including one..." does not exclude the existence of another identical element in the process, method, article or device including the said element.

[0046] The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement the present application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application will not be limited to these embodiments shown herein, but rather to the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A mechanical locking device for a slip ring group of a mooring system, characterized in that, It includes: A first connection unit (3), one end of which is used to connect to the slip ring group (5); A second connection unit, which includes a connecting piece (10) and a first fixing seat (11). One end of the first fixing seat (11) is used to be fixed to the mounting platform (4), and the other end is hinged to the connecting piece (10). One end of the connecting piece (10) is used to be detachably connected to the end of the first connection unit (3) away from the slip ring group (5); A driving unit, one end of which is used to be fixed to the mounting platform (4), and the other end is connected to the connecting piece (10). The driving unit is used to drive the connecting piece (10) to rotate around the hinge point to control the connection state of the corresponding end of the connecting piece (10) and the first connection unit (3); The first connection unit (3) is a driving arm. A connection groove (30) is provided at the bottom of the end of the first connection unit (3) close to the connecting piece (10). A connection key (12) with a size matching that of the connection groove (30) is provided at the top of the corresponding end of the connecting piece (10); A hydrophobic coating is coated on the inside of the connection groove (30) and the surface of the connection key (12).

2. The mechanical locking device for the slip ring group of the mooring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving unit includes: A transmission piece (20), one end of which is used to be hinged to the end of the first fixing seat (11) away from the mounting platform (4); A driving module, which includes a first connecting rod (21), a second connecting rod (22) and a driving component. One end of the first connecting rod (21) is hinged to the transmission piece (20), and the other end is hinged to the second connecting rod (22). The end of the second connecting rod (22) away from the first connecting rod (21) is hinged to the end of the connecting piece (10) away from the first connection unit (3). The driving component is arranged on the transmission piece (20) and one end is used to be fixed to the mounting platform (4). The driving component is also connected to the common hinge point of the first connecting rod (21) and the second connecting rod (22). The driving component is used to drive the connecting piece (10) to rotate by adjusting the angle between the first connecting rod (21) and the second connecting rod (22) so as to control the connection state of the connecting piece (10) and the first connection unit (3).

3. The mechanical locking device for a mooring system slip ring group according to claim 2, wherein, The driving component includes: A first driving component (24), one end of which is used to be fixed to the mounting platform (4), and the other end is connected to the end of the transmission piece (20) away from the first fixing seat (11). The first driving component (24) is used to adjust the height of the corresponding end of the transmission piece (20); A second driving component (25), one end of which is hinged to the transmission piece (20), and the other end is hinged to the common hinge point of the first connecting rod (21) and the second connecting rod (22). The second driving component (25) and the first driving component (24) cooperate together to drive the connecting piece (10) to rotate by adjusting the angle between the first connecting rod (21) and the second connecting rod (22), so as to control the connection state of the connecting piece (10) and the first connection unit (3).

4. The mechanical locking device for the slip ring group of the mooring system according to claim 2, wherein: The included angle change range between the first connecting rod (21) and the second connecting rod (22) is 150° to 180°.

5. The mechanical locking device for the slip ring group of a mooring system according to claim 3, characterized in that: Both the first driving component (24) and the second driving component (25) are hydraulic cylinders.

6. The mechanical locking device for a mooring system slip ring group according to claim 3, characterized in that: A second fixing seat (23) is further provided at the bottom of the first driving component (24). One end of the second fixing seat (23) is used to be fixed to the mounting platform (4), and the other end is fixed to the first driving component (24).

7. The mechanical locking device for a mooring system slip ring group according to claim 6, wherein: Both the first fixing seat (11) and the second fixing seat (23) are used to be connected and fixed to the mounting platform (4) by hexagon bolts.

8. A method of using a mechanical locking device for a slip ring group of a mooring system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The steps include: Fix one end of the first fixing seat (11) to the mounting platform (4), and hinge the other end to the connecting member (10). Detachably connect one end of the connecting member (10) to the end of the first connecting unit (3) away from the slip ring group (5). Fix one end of the driving unit to the mounting platform (4), and connect the other end to the connecting member (10). Use the driving unit to drive the connecting member (10) to rotate around the hinge point to control the connection state between the connecting member (10) and the corresponding end of the first connecting unit (3).

Images