A probe follower structure for detection inside a micro pipeline

Abstract

The present invention discloses a probe follower structure for detection inside a micro pipeline, which comprises a flexible connection part and a follower mechanism part connected through a connection assembly; the follower mechanism part includes a front rigid connection sleeve and a rear rigid connection sleeve arranged along the axial direction of the pipeline to be detected, a spring assembly and a plurality of rotatable arm groups are arranged between the front rigid connection sleeve and the rear rigid connection sleeve, and a probe assembly is arranged on each arm group corresponding to the pipeline to be detected; the flexible connection part is provided with a power port assembly at one end far away from the follower mechanism part. By ensuring that the angle of the ultrasonic detection probe is always perpendicular to the pipe wall during the following process, the present invention improves the passing performance and detection stability of the follower structure, and improves the working quality and efficiency; moreover, the overall structure of this structure can be deformed to adapt to the changes in the internal space and shape of the pipeline, realizing the full-coverage precise scanning detection of the whole circumference of the pipeline by the ultrasonic detection probe during rotation, forward movement and turning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of pipeline ultrasonic detection, and particularly relates to a probe follow-up structure for detecting inside a micro pipeline. Background Art

[0002] As an economical, efficient and safe means of material transportation, pipelines are widely used in many important industrial fields such as ships, petrochemicals, nuclear energy, and electric power. With the increase of service time, pipelines will be corroded under the action of internal and external media. In severe cases, pipeline leakage will occur, and even major safety accidents will occur, bringing great potential hazards to the safe operation of equipment.

[0003] Traditional ultrasonic detection of pipeline corrosion uses a single probe to perform local single-point detection outside the pipeline. The detection range is small, the overall corrosion condition of the pipeline cannot be obtained, and the detection ability is limited. At the same time, the external space of the pipeline is complex, which causes great difficulties in the implementation of pipeline corrosion detection, and sometimes external detection cannot even be carried out. Especially in the field of detecting internal corrosion of micro pipelines, due to the small diameter and large curvature of micro pipelines, strict requirements are imposed on the directivity of ultrasonic probes for internal corrosion detection. If the emitted sound beam of the probe does not keep perpendicular to the partial tangent of the inner wall of the pipe, it will affect the detection accuracy or even lead to inability to detect. At present, due to the insufficient stability of the probe structure for ultrasonic internal detection of pipelines, especially the orientation of the probe cannot be guaranteed when passing through the pipeline elbow, problems such as low accuracy and missed detection in ultrasonic internal detection occur. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a probe follow-up structure for detecting inside a micro pipeline, which solves the problems of low accuracy and missed detection in ultrasonic detection caused by the insufficient stability of the probe structure for ultrasonic internal detection of pipelines at present.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows.

[0006] A probe follow-up structure for detecting inside a micro pipeline includes a flexible connection part and a follow-up mechanism part connected by a connection component.

[0007] Among them, the follow-up mechanism part includes a rigid connection sleeve group arranged along the axial direction of the pipeline to be detected. The rigid connection sleeve group includes a front rigid connection sleeve and a rear rigid connection sleeve. A spring component and several rotatable arm groups are arranged between the front rigid connection sleeve and the rear rigid connection sleeve. A probe component is arranged on each arm group corresponding to the pipeline to be detected.

[0008] The flexible connection part is provided with a power port component at one end far from the follow-up mechanism part. When the power port component is connected to the pipeline detector main body, the flexible connection part drives the follow-up mechanism part to move so as to perform ultrasonic detection on the pipeline to be detected.

[0009] The features of the present invention also lie in that

[0010] The flexible connection part includes a flexible connection body. The flexible connection body and the connection port assembly are of an integral structure. The connection assembly includes a connection steel seat. One end of the connection steel seat is connected to the flexible connection body through a rear-end connection bolt, and the other end of the connection steel seat is connected to a front rigid connection sleeve.

[0011] The connection port assembly includes a power connection seat. The power connection seat is provided with a power connection port, and the power connection seat is provided with a front-end connection bolt for connecting the main body of the pipeline detector to be connected.

[0012] Each arm group includes a front arm and a rear arm. One end of the front arm is connected to the front rigid connection sleeve through a front rotating shaft. The other end of the front arm is connected to one end of the rear arm through an arm rotating shaft. The other end of the rear arm is connected to a rear rigid connection sleeve through a rear rotating shaft; wherein, the arm rotating shaft is arranged on the probe assembly.

[0013] The probe assembly includes an ultrasonic probe fixing frame. Buffer components are respectively connected to both ends of the ultrasonic probe fixing frame along the axial direction of the pipeline to be detected through fixing bolts.

[0014] The buffer component includes a ball fixing seat. A ball is arranged in the ball fixing seat. When the probe follow-up structure moves along the pipeline to be detected, the ball rotates in the ball fixing seat by friction with the pipe wall of the pipeline to be detected.

[0015] The spring component includes a spring. One end of the spring corresponds to a front spring clamping hole arranged on the front rigid connection sleeve, and the other end of the spring corresponds to a rear spring clamping hole arranged on the rear rigid connection sleeve. Both ends of the spring are correspondingly arranged in the front spring clamping hole and the rear spring clamping hole. When the probe follow-up structure moves along the pipeline to be detected, the spring controls flexibly through the arm group so as to fix the angle between the probe assembly and the pipeline to be detected.

[0016] The flexible connection part is made of polyurethane material.

[0017] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that: a probe follow-up structure for detecting inside a tiny pipeline of the present invention fixes and rotates the ultrasonic detection probe in a follow-up manner, and the overall structure can be deformed to adapt to spatial changes, so as to ensure that during the ultrasonic internal detection of the pipeline, the probe rotates with the detector motor and keeps perpendicular to the pipe wall, thereby realizing the full-coverage scanning detection of the whole circumference of the pipeline by the ultrasonic detection probe, and at the same time ensuring the accuracy of the corrosion ultrasonic internal detection. Description of the Drawings

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a probe follow-up structure for detecting inside a tiny pipeline of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2It is a schematic structural diagram of the probe assembly in a probe follow-up structure for in-pipe detection of a micro-pipeline according to the present invention.

[0020] In the figure, 1. Front-end connection bolt, 2. Flexible connection body, 3. Connection steel seat, 4. Front rigid connection sleeve, 5. Front support arm, 6. Ultrasonic probe fixing bracket, 7. Ball fixing seat, 8. Ball, 9. Front connection pin hole, 10. Front spring snap hole, 11. Spring, 12. Front rotating shaft, 13. Rear support arm, 14. Rear connection pin hole, 15. Rear rotating shaft, 16. Rear rigid connection sleeve, 17. Fixing bolt, 18. Rear spring snap hole, 19. Power connection port, 20. Power connection seat, 21. Rear-end connection bolt, 22. Support arm rotating shaft. Detailed implementation manners

[0021] The following will describe in detail a probe follow-up structure for in-pipe detection of a micro-pipeline according to the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation manners.

[0022] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, a probe follow-up structure for in-pipe detection of a micro-pipeline includes a flexible connection part and a follow-up mechanism part connected by a connection component;

[0023] Among them, the follow-up mechanism part includes a rigid connection sleeve group arranged along the axial direction of the pipeline to be detected. The rigid connection sleeve group includes a front rigid connection sleeve 4 and a rear rigid connection sleeve 16. A spring assembly and several rotatable support arm groups are arranged between the front rigid connection sleeve 4 and the rear rigid connection sleeve 16. A probe assembly is arranged on each support arm group corresponding to the pipeline to be detected;

[0024] The flexible connection part is provided with a power port assembly at one end far from the follow-up mechanism part. When the power port assembly is connected to the pipeline detector main body, the flexible connection part drives the follow-up mechanism part to move so as to perform ultrasonic detection on the pipeline to be detected.

[0025] Furthermore, the flexible connection part includes a flexible connection body 2. The flexible connection body 2 and the connection port assembly are of an integral structure. The connection component includes a connection steel seat 3. One end of the connection steel seat 3 is connected to the flexible connection body 2 through a rear-end connection bolt 21, and the other end of the connection steel seat 3 is connected to the front rigid connection sleeve 4.

[0026] The flexible connection body 2 of the probe follow-up structure for in-pipe detection of a micro-pipeline according to the present invention is provided with a serrated shape on its outer surface. The serrated shape increases its deformation ability and can ensure smooth passage through its own deformation when passing through a bent pipe or a variable-diameter pipeline. The front and rear ends of the flexible connection body 2 have connection holes for the connection and fixation of bolts;

[0027] Further, the connection port assembly includes a power connection seat 20, the power connection seat 20 is provided with a power connection port 19, and the power connection seat 20 is provided with a front connection bolt 1 for connecting the main body of the pipeline detector to be connected.

[0028] Further, each arm group includes a front arm 5 and a rear arm 13. One end of the front arm 5 is connected to the front rigid connection sleeve 4 through a front rotating shaft 12, the other end of the front arm 5 is connected to one end of the rear arm 13 through an arm rotating shaft 22, and the other end of the rear arm 13 is connected to the rear rigid connection sleeve 16 through a rear rotating shaft 15; wherein, the arm rotating shaft 22 is arranged on the probe assembly. The arm groups present a stacked structure;

[0029] Further, the probe assembly includes an ultrasonic probe fixing frame 6, and buffer assemblies are respectively connected to both ends of the ultrasonic probe fixing frame 6 along the axial direction of the pipeline to be detected through fixing bolts 17.

[0030] Further, the buffer assembly includes a ball fixing seat 7, and balls 8 are arranged inside the ball fixing seat 7. When the probe follower structure moves along the pipeline to be detected, the balls 8 rotate inside the ball fixing seat 7 by friction with the pipe wall.

[0031] Further, the spring assembly includes a spring 11. One end of the front rigid connection sleeve 4 is provided with a front spring clamping hole 10 corresponding to the spring 11, the other end of the rear rigid connection sleeve 16 is provided with a rear spring clamping hole 18 corresponding to the spring 11, and both ends of the spring 11 are respectively arranged inside the front spring clamping hole 10 and the rear spring clamping hole 18. When the follower structure moves along the pipeline to be detected, the spring 11 is flexibly controlled through the arm group so as to fix the angle between the probe assembly and the pipeline to be detected.

[0032] The connecting steel seat 3 of a probe follower structure for detecting inside a micro pipeline according to the present invention is made of stainless steel and is used to connect the flexible connection body 2 and the follower structure. The rear end of the connecting steel seat 3 is shaft-shaped and processed with an external thread, and a front spring clamping hole 10 is processed at the end for connecting the spring 11.

[0033] Further, the flexible connection part is made of polyurethane material.

[0034] The front rigid connection sleeve 4 and the rear rigid connection sleeve 16 of a probe follower structure for detecting inside a micro pipeline according to the present invention are both made of stainless steel and are respectively arranged at the front end and the rear end of the structure, and both are processed with connection pin holes for connecting the arm group. The overall rigid connection sleeve is a cross-shaped structure, with a through hole in the middle, and internal threads are processed inside the through hole. The rigid connection sleeve is tightly connected to the shaft end thread of the connecting steel seat 3 through the through hole, thereby connecting and fixing the follower mechanism to the front pipeline detector.

[0035] The probe follower structure includes four groups of arm sets, namely four front arms 5 and four rear arms 13. The front arm 5 and the rear arm 13 in each group of arm sets cooperate with the arm rotating shaft 22, the front rotating shaft 12, the rear rotating shaft 15 and the spring 11 to expand and contract; there are also four corresponding probe assemblies. Each group of arm sets supports the ultrasonic probe fixing bracket 6, so that the two balls 8 at the front end of the ultrasonic probe fixing bracket 6 are in contact with the inner wall of the pipeline to be detected, thereby ensuring that the angle of the ultrasonic detection probe remains unchanged during rotation. At the same time, each group of arm sets forms a V shape, and the connection part is rotatable. Therefore, when encountering a bent pipe or deformation, the overall structure can be deformed to adapt to the spatial change.

[0036] The ultrasonic probe fixing bracket 6 is used to fix the ultrasonic detection probe. It has through holes inside for embedding and fixing the probe. There is an installation lug on each side for installing the ball fixing seat 7. The two lugs and the end of the ultrasonic probe fixing bracket 6 are at the same horizontal position to ensure that the angle of the ultrasonic detection probe during the follow-up process is always perpendicular to the pipe wall.

[0037] The ball fixing seat 7 is installed on the ultrasonic probe fixing bracket 6 through the fixing bolt 17 and is used to fix the ball 8.

[0038] The front rotating shaft 12 is provided with a front connection pin hole 9 on the front rigid connection sleeve 4, and the rear rotating shaft 15 is provided with a rear connection pin hole 14 on the rear rigid connection sleeve 16. The front connection pin hole 9 and the rear connection pin hole 14 have basically the same structure and are used for connecting the front arm 5 and the rear arm 13 in each group.

[0039] The front spring clamping hole 10 and the rear spring clamping hole 18 have basically the same structure and are arranged at both ends of the follower mechanism for connecting the spring 11.

[0040] The spring 11 tightens the arm sets of the follower mechanism, so that the probe assembly at the front end of the arm is in close contact with the pipe wall. During the follow-up process, when encountering a bent pipe or deformation, the spring 11 can expand and contract, thereby adapting to the deformation of the overall follower structure and ensuring the passability of the follower structure and the stability of detection.

[0041] The working process of a probe follower structure for in-pipe detection of micro pipelines in the present invention is as follows: Check the overall assembled mechanism in advance, test the integrity of each component. After the detection is completed, connect this structure to the pipeline detector main body, then put this structure into the pipeline to be detected. The pipeline detector main body drives this structure to move axially in the pipeline to be detected through its power part and drives this structure to rotate circumferentially in the pipeline. At the same time, the pipeline detector main body cooperates with the ultrasonic probe to perform ultrasonic detection on the pipeline to be detected. After the detection is completed, take out this structure and tidy up the detection site and the pipeline. Thus, the working process of a probe follower structure for in-pipe detection of micro pipelines in the present invention is completed.

[0042] A probe follower structure for detection inside a micro pipeline according to the present invention ensures that the angle of the ultrasonic detection probe during the following process is always perpendicular to the pipe wall, thereby improving the passing performance and detection stability of the follower structure, and enhancing the working quality and efficiency. Moreover, the overall structure of this structure is deformable to adapt to the changes in the internal space and shape of the pipeline, realizing the full-coverage precise scanning detection of the entire circumference of the pipeline by the ultrasonic detection probe during rotation, forward movement, and turning.

Claims

1. A probe follower structure for detection inside a micro pipeline, characterized in that It includes a flexible connection part and a follow-up mechanism part connected by a connection component; Among them, the follow-up mechanism part includes a rigid connection sleeve group arranged along the axial direction of the pipeline to be detected. The rigid connection sleeve group includes a front rigid connection sleeve (4) and a rear rigid connection sleeve (16). A spring component and several rotatable arm groups are arranged between the front rigid connection sleeve (4) and the rear rigid connection sleeve (16). A probe component is arranged on each arm group corresponding to the pipeline to be detected; the probe components are respectively rotationally connected to the arm groups; One end of the flexible connection part away from the follow-up mechanism part is provided with a power port component. When the power port component is connected to a driving structure, the flexible connection part drives the follow-up mechanism part to move so as to perform ultrasonic detection on the pipeline to be detected; The flexible connection part includes a flexible connection body (2). The outer part of the flexible connection body (2) is set to be serrated. The flexible connection body (2) and the connection port component are of an integral structure. The connection component includes a connection steel seat (3). One end of the connection steel seat (3) is connected to the flexible connection body (2) through a rear-end connection bolt (21), and the other end of the connection steel seat (3) is connected to the front rigid connection sleeve (4); Each arm group includes a front arm (5) and a rear arm (13). One end of the front arm (5) is connected to the front rigid connection sleeve (4) through a front rotating shaft (12). The other end of the front arm (5) is connected to one end of the rear arm (13) through an arm rotating shaft (22). The other end of the rear arm (13) is connected to the rear rigid connection sleeve (16) through a rear rotating shaft (15); among them, the arm rotating shaft (22) is arranged on the probe component; The probe component includes an ultrasonic probe fixing frame (6). Buffer components are respectively connected to both ends of the ultrasonic probe fixing frame (6) along the axial direction of the pipeline to be detected through fixing bolts (17); The buffer component includes a ball fixing seat (7). A ball (8) is arranged in the ball fixing seat (7). When the probe follow-up structure moves along the pipeline to be detected, the ball (8) rotates in the ball fixing seat (7) by friction with the pipe wall of the pipeline to be detected.

2. The probe follow-up structure for in-pipe detection of micro pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection port component includes a power connection seat (20). The power connection seat (20) is provided with a power connection port (19). The power connection seat (20) is provided with a front-end connection bolt (1) for connecting the detector main body of the pipeline to be connected.

3. The probe follower structure for in-pipe inspection of micro pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring component includes a spring (11). One end of the front rigid connection sleeve (4) corresponding to the spring (11) is provided with a front spring clamping hole (10). The other end of the rear rigid connection sleeve (16) corresponding to the spring (11) is provided with a rear spring clamping hole (18). Both ends of the spring (11) are correspondingly arranged in the front spring clamping hole (10) and the rear spring clamping hole (18). When the probe follow-up structure moves along the pipeline to be detected, the spring (11) flexibly controls through the arm group so as to fix the angle between the probe component and the pipeline to be detected.

4. A probe follower structure for in-pipe inspection of micro pipelines according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The flexible connection part is made of polyurethane material.

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