Three-degree-of-freedom chute connector for connecting a transfer barge to a semi-submersible platform

Abstract

The present invention discloses a three-degree-of-freedom chute-type connector for connecting a transfer barge and a semi-submersible platform, which comprises a boss attachment provided on the transfer barge and a channel attachment provided on the semi-submersible platform. There are two channel attachments, and the boss attachment is inserted between the two channel attachments; vertical chutes are provided on both of the two channel attachments; the cross-section of the chute is trapezoidal; a pin hole is provided on each of the two side surfaces of the boss attachment, and a pin is inserted through each of the two pin holes; a telescopic mechanism is provided at the tail of the pin; each of the two pins is inserted into a chute; the central axes of the two pins coincide; the two side surfaces of the boss attachment and the front end surface of the boss attachment close to the semi-submersible platform are both arc-shaped surfaces. The present invention can achieve accurate docking, rapid connection and tight connection, and can release the three degrees of freedom, namely the vertical degree of freedom, the roll degree of freedom and the pitch degree of freedom, between the connection interfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of marine equipment, and particularly relates to a three-degree-of-freedom chute connector for connecting a transfer barge and a semi-submersible platform. Background Art

[0002] As a transfer base for maritime equipment and materials and an aviation island platform base, the configuration of a super-large floating platform is complex and its size is huge. The purpose of offshore connection is to solve problems such as the engineering design, construction, maritime transportation, and engineering installation of the offshore assembly project of a super-large floating platform with a complex configuration.

[0003] In response to the technical requirements for the rapid offshore connection between a multi-module transfer barge and a large semi-submersible platform, it is required that the longitudinal end of the multi-module transfer barge be connected to the side of the large semi-submersible platform, that is, the end of the transfer barge be transversely connected to two of the pile legs in a multi-pile-leg semi-submersible platform, forming a super-large floating platform with a T-shaped connection layout between the multi-module transfer barge and the large semi-submersible platform. Due to the great differences in the forms of these two large floating structures, namely the multi-module transfer barge and the large semi-submersible platform, the multi-module transfer barge is composed of multiple barge-shaped modules, while the large semi-submersible platform is a semi-submersible platform with multiple pile legs. Under the action of ocean environmental loads such as wind, waves, and currents at sea, with a T-shaped connection layout between the multi-module transfer barge and the large semi-submersible platform, the floating states, heave amplitudes, and relative motions of roll and pitch of the multi-module transfer barge and the large semi-submersible platform are all different and not synchronous, thus generating extremely high load forces at the connection interface.

[0004] Currently, the connection of offshore structures in China only relies on mooring cables for soft connection. This connection method is only applicable to port operations or in lower sea conditions, and there is no technical solution to solve the docking problem between ships and floating structures in high sea conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects existing in the prior art and provide a three-degree-of-freedom chute connector for connecting a transfer barge and a semi-submersible platform.

[0006] The present invention solves the above technical problem through the following technical solutions:

[0007] A three-degree-of-freedom chute-type connector for connecting a transfer barge to a semi-submersible platform, which comprises a boss attachment provided on the transfer barge and a channel attachment provided on the semi-submersible platform. There are two channel attachments, and the boss attachment is inserted between the two channel attachments. Vertical chutes are provided on both of the two channel attachments; the cross-section of the chute is trapezoidal; a pin hole is provided on each of the two side surfaces of the boss attachment, and a pin is inserted into each of the two pin holes; a telescopic mechanism enabling the pin to extend out of the boss attachment or retract into the boss attachment is provided at the tail of the pin; each of the two pins is inserted into a chute; the central axes of the two pins coincide; the two side surfaces of the boss attachment and the front end surface of the boss attachment close to the semi-submersible platform are all arc-shaped surfaces.

[0008] A slider cap is sleeved on the head of the pin, and a limiting member for restricting the pin from detaching from the slider cap is fixed on the pin; the limiting member is located inside the slider cap; the head end of the pin is a curved surface; the inner cavity of the slider cap has an accommodation space allowing the pin to rotate or move axially in the inner cavity of the slider cap.

[0009] The slider cap has a rectangular end face that can abut against the bottom of the chute; the ratio of the width to the height of the rectangular end face is 1:1.5 to 1:2.

[0010] The width of the rectangular end face of the slider cap is not greater than the width of the bottom of the chute.

[0011] The orifice of the pin hole has a receiving groove for accommodating the slider cap.

[0012] The telescopic mechanism is a hydraulic telescopic mechanism; the hydraulic telescopic mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder, and the piston of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the tail of the pin.

[0013] The hydraulic cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder with a constant top-supporting force function.

[0014] The arc-shaped surfaces on the side surface of the boss attachment are distributed on the upper side and the lower side of the pin hole, and the arc-shaped surface on the upper side of the pin hole and the arc-shaped surface on the lower side of the pin hole both extend towards the direction close to the central axis of the pin.

[0015] The arc-shaped surfaces on the front end surface of the boss attachment are distributed on the upper side and the lower side of the intersection line between the horizontal plane where the central axis of the pin is located and the front end surface of the boss attachment, and the arc-shaped surface on the upper side of the intersection line and the arc-shaped surface on the lower side of the intersection line both extend towards the direction close to the central axis of the pin.

[0016] The width of the bottom of the chute is smaller than the width of the orifice of the chute.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention can achieve accurate docking, rapid connection, and tight connection between the boss attachment and the channel attachment. The pin shaft can freely slide up and down and rotate axially in the chute, which can release the three degrees of freedom of vertical freedom, roll freedom, and pitch freedom between the connection interface of the transfer barge and the semi-submersible platform, so as to reduce the extremely high bearing force requirements of the connector between the connection interfaces. The end and side of the boss attachment of the present invention are provided with arc surfaces, which can effectively avoid structural interference between relative pitch and relative roll. The connector of the present invention allows relative pitch, roll, and heave motions after the connection of the transfer barge and the semi-submersible platform, but limits the longitudinal and lateral linear displacements and left and right horizontal sway between the connection interfaces, which can facilitate the rapid transfer of equipment and materials between the transfer barge and the semi-submersible platform through the gangplank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the schematic A-A cross-sectional view in

[0020] Figure 3 is Figure 1 the schematic B-B cross-sectional view in

[0021] Figure 4 is Figure 1 the enlarged schematic view of part C in

[0022] Figure 5 is Figure 4 the schematic D-D cross-sectional view in DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The following is a preferred embodiment and is described in more clearly and completely in conjunction with the drawings to illustrate the present invention.

[0024] As Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, a three-degree-of-freedom chute-type connector for connecting a transfer barge and a semi-submersible platform includes a boss attachment 20 provided on the transfer barge 10 and a channel attachment 30 provided on the semi-submersible platform 11.

[0025] There are two channel attachments 30, and the boss attachment 20 is inserted between the two channel attachments 30.

[0026] Vertical chutes 31 are provided on both of the two channel attachments 30. The cross-section of the chute 31 is trapezoidal. The width of the bottom of the chute is smaller than the width of the chute opening.

[0027] One pin hole 21 is provided on each of the two side surfaces of the boss attachment 20, and one pin 22 is inserted through each of the two pin holes 21.

[0028] The tail of the pin 22 is provided with a telescopic mechanism that can make the pin extend out of the boss attachment or retract into the boss attachment. The telescopic mechanism is a hydraulic telescopic mechanism 40; the hydraulic telescopic mechanism 40 includes a hydraulic cylinder 41, and the piston 42 of the hydraulic cylinder 41 is connected to the tail of the pin 22. In this embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder 41 is a hydraulic cylinder with a constant top support force function.

[0029] Each of the two pins 22 is inserted into a chute 31; the central axes of the two pins 22 coincide.

[0030] A slider cap 23 is sleeved on the head of the pin 22, and a limiting member 24 for restricting the pin from detaching from the slider cap is fixedly provided on the pin 22; the limiting member 24 is located inside the slider cap 23. The limiting member can be an annular plate, and the annular plate is sleeved on the pin.

[0031] The head end of the pin 22 is a curved surface; the inner cavity of the slider cap 23 has an accommodating space for the pin to rotate or axially move in the inner cavity of the slider cap.

[0032] The pin can rotate in the slider cap, and the pin can also axially move slightly in the slider cap. The pin can slide up and down along the chute with the slider cap.

[0033] The slider cap 23 has a rectangular end face that can abut against the bottom of the chute; the ratio of the width to the height of the rectangular end face is 1:1.5 to 1:2. In this way, the contact area between the slider cap and the chute can be increased, and the bearing strength per unit area on the chute track can be reduced.

[0034] It should be noted that Figure 5 In, for a clearer display of the structure of the slider cap, the components at the tail of the pin are omitted.

[0035] The width of the rectangular end face of the slider cap 23 is not greater than the width of the bottom of the chute.

[0036] Setting a rectangular end face on the slider cap can not only increase the contact area between the slider cap and the chute to improve the structural stability when the pin is connected to the chute, but also enable the pin to move up and down along the chute, giving the pin vertical freedom.

[0037] The orifice of the pin hole 21 has a receiving groove 25 for receiving the slider cap. When the pin retracts into the boss attachment, the slider cap does not protrude from the surface of the boss attachment.

[0038] Both of the two side surfaces of the boss attachment 20 and the front end surface of the boss attachment 20 close to the semi-submersible platform have arc surfaces.

[0039] The arc-shaped surfaces on the side surface 51 of the boss attachment 20 are distributed on the upper and lower sides of the pin shaft hole, and the arc-shaped surface on the upper side of the pin shaft hole and the arc-shaped surface on the lower side of the pin shaft hole both extend towards the direction close to the central axis of the pin shaft. When the two pin shafts inserted in the chute slide in opposite directions along the chute respectively, the boss attachment will not touch the chute attachment.

[0040] The arc-shaped surfaces 52 on the front end surface 52 of the boss attachment 20 are distributed on the upper and lower sides of the intersection line of the horizontal plane where the central axis of the pin shaft is located and the front end surface of the boss attachment. The arc-shaped surface on the upper side of the intersection line and the arc-shaped surface on the lower side of the intersection line both extend towards the direction close to the central axis of the pin shaft. When the boss attachment and the chute attachment rotate towards each other around the central axis of the pin shaft, the boss attachment will not touch the semi-submersible platform.

[0041] For a semi-submersible platform with multiple legs, the two chute attachments of the connector of the present invention can be arranged on one leg. To improve the stability of the structure during connection, the connectors of the present invention can be respectively arranged on two legs.

[0042] The present invention adopts the concave-convex combination configuration of the boss attachment and the chute attachment to ensure the docking accuracy between the boss attachment of the transfer barge and the chute attachment of the semi-submersible platform, and also realizes rapid docking. The arc-shaped surfaces are arranged at the end and side of the boss attachment, which can effectively avoid the structural interference between each other caused by relative pitching and relative rolling.

[0043] After the boss attachment of the transfer barge is docked with the chute attachment of the semi-submersible platform, the hydraulic telescopic mechanism is used to push the pin shaft out and connect it. The end of the pin shaft is embedded in the chute of the chute attachment. At the same time, the hydraulic telescopic mechanism provides a continuous constant top support force to maintain the tight connection between the end of the pin shaft and the chute.

[0044] While ensuring the tight connection between the boss attachment and the chute attachment, the pin shaft of the present invention can freely slide up and down and rotate axially in the chute, and can release the three degrees of freedom of the vertical degree of freedom, the roll degree of freedom and the pitch degree of freedom between the connection interfaces of the T-shaped connection layout of the transfer barge and the semi-submersible platform, so as to reduce the extremely high bearing force requirements on the connector between the connection interfaces.

[0045] The connector of the present invention allows the relative pitching, rolling and heaving motions after the T-shaped connection layout of the transfer barge and the semi-submersible platform, but limits the longitudinal and lateral linear displacements and the left and right horizontal swaying between the connection interfaces, which can facilitate the rapid transfer of equipment and materials between the transfer barge and the semi-submersible platform through the gangway.

[0046] The present invention can meet the technical requirements for the rapid offshore connection between a transfer barge and a semi-submersible platform, and can be connected conveniently, reliably, quickly and safely. Moreover, the present invention does not make major modifications to the transfer barge and the semi-submersible platform, and can be installed on the main structures of multi-module transfer barges and large semi-submersible platforms as equipment appendages, facilitating the rapid transfer of equipment and supplies between the multi-module transfer barge and the large semi-submersible platform through a gangplank.

[0047] The present invention has the advantages of simple structure, rapid connection, safe operation and reliable connection. It has a low manufacturing cost and great economic value.

[0048] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that this is only an example, and the protection scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments, but these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A three-degree-of-freedom chute-type connector for connecting a transfer barge to a semi-submersible platform, characterized in that It includes a boss attachment provided on a transfer barge and a channel attachment provided on a semi-submersible platform. There are two channel attachments, and the boss attachment is inserted between the two channel attachments. Vertical chutes are provided on both of the two channel attachments. The cross-section of the chute is trapezoidal. A pin hole is provided on each of the two side surfaces of the boss attachment, and a pin is inserted through each of the two pin holes. A telescopic mechanism that can make the pin extend out of or retract into the boss attachment is provided at the tail of the pin. Each of the two pins is inserted into a chute. The central axes of the two pins coincide. The two side surfaces of the boss attachment and the front end surface of the boss attachment close to the semi-submersible platform are all arc-shaped surfaces. A slider cap is sleeved on the head of the pin, and a limiting component for restricting the pin from detaching from the slider cap is fixed on the pin. The limiting component is located inside the slider cap. The head end of the pin is a curved surface. The inner cavity of the slider cap has an accommodation space for the pin to rotate or axially move inside the inner cavity of the slider cap. The limiting component is an annular plate sleeved on the pin. The pin can rotate inside the slider cap, and the pin can also axially move slightly inside the slider cap. The pin can slide up and down along the chute with the slider cap. The slider cap has a rectangular end surface that can abut against the bottom of the chute. The ratio of the width to the height of the rectangular end surface is 1:1.5 to 1:

2. The arc-shaped surfaces on the front end surface of the boss attachment are distributed on the upper side and the lower side of the intersection line between the horizontal plane where the central axis of the pin is located and the front end surface of the boss attachment. The arc-shaped surface on the upper side of the intersection line and the arc-shaped surface on the lower side of the intersection line both extend towards the direction close to the central axis of the pin.

2. The three-degree-of-freedom chute-type connector for connecting a transfer barge and a semi-submersible platform as claimed in claim 1, wherein The width of the rectangular end surface of the slider cap is not greater than the width of the bottom of the chute.

3. The three-degree-of-freedom chute-type connector for connecting a transfer barge and a semi-submersible platform according to claim 1, characterized in that The orifice of the pin hole has an accommodation groove for accommodating the slider cap.

4. The three-degree-of-freedom chute-type connector for connecting a transfer barge to a semi-submersible platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic mechanism is a hydraulic telescopic mechanism; the hydraulic telescopic mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder, and the piston of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the tail of the pin.

5. The three-degree-of-freedom chute-type connector for connecting a transfer barge to a semi-submersible platform according to claim 4, wherein, The hydraulic cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder with a constant top support force function.

6. The three-degree-of-freedom chute-type connector for connecting a transfer barge and a semi-submersible platform according to claim 1, wherein The arc-shaped surfaces on the side surface of the boss attachment are distributed on the upper side and the lower side of the pin hole. The arc-shaped surface on the upper side of the pin hole and the arc-shaped surface on the lower side of the pin hole both extend towards the direction close to the central axis of the pin.

7. The three-degree-of-freedom chute-type connector for connecting a transfer barge and a semi-submersible platform according to claim 1, wherein The width of the bottom of the chute is less than the width of the orifice of the chute.

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