Pipe flange connection device, pipe assembly and top-blown submersible spray gun system

Abstract

This invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a pipe flange connection device (3), which is attachable to a first pipe (1) connected to a first pipe flange (1a) and has a chuck (6) for engaging a second pipe flange (2) of a second pipe (2). The chuck (6) is fixed to a spindle (5), which can be retracted by a translational arrangement to pull the second pipe flange (2a) against the first pipe flange (1a). More specifically, the translational arrangement is configured such that when the flanged pipes (1, 2) are connected and the chuck (6) is retracted, a force applied to the chuck (6) toward the extended position is transmitted via the translational arrangement against a mechanical stop. Moreover, the translational arrangement is biased such that the translational arrangement must act on this bias to extend the chuck and release the flanged pipes (1, 2) connected to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a flanged pipe connector, and more particularly, to a pipe flange connection device for connecting two flanged pipes to each other. This disclosure further relates to a pipe assembly including such a pipe flange connection device and a top-blown submersible spray gun (TSL) system including such a pipe assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Flanges are joined together by attaching corresponding pipe flanges. This is typically done using threaded connections (i.e., nuts and bolts) that extend through corresponding holes provided in the opposing flanges. While providing a reliable connection in static installations, threaded connections are time-consuming to set up, can be difficult to access, and are prone to loosening in high-vibration environments. Furthermore, such threaded connections require personnel to be close to the flanges when connecting the flanged pipes, potentially exposing them to less-than-ideal or even unsafe working conditions.

[0003] For example, publication EP 1 704 340 B1 discloses a device for automating the connection of flanged pipes by providing claws that clamp the flanges together. However, this device is actuated via a ball screw mechanism, which may loosen in high-vibration environments unless continuously powered or individually secured. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of this disclosure is to provide a pipe flange connection device that provides automatic connection of flanged pipes, ensuring the pipes remain fixed even in high-vibration environments. Another object of this disclosure is to provide a pipe assembly secured with such a pipe flange connection device and a TSL system having such a pipe assembly.

[0005] The objectives of this invention are achieved through pipe flange connection devices, pipe assemblies, and top-blown submersible spray gun (TSL) systems having the features described in this application.

[0006] This disclosure is based on the idea of ​​providing a pipe flange coupling device, which is attachable to a first pipe flange of a first pipe flange and has a chuck for engaging a second pipe flange of a second pipe. The chuck is fixed to a spindle, which can be retracted by a translational arrangement to pull the second pipe flange against the first pipe flange. More specifically, the translational arrangement is configured such that when the flanged pipes are coupled and the chuck is retracted, a force applied to the chuck toward its extended position is transmitted via the translational arrangement against a mechanical stop. Furthermore, the translational arrangement is biased such that the bias must function to extend the chuck and release the flanged pipes coupled to each other.

[0007] The advantage of this disclosure is that it enables robust and automatic connection of flanged pipes, even in high-vibration environments. Attached Figure Description

[0008] In the following, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A perspective view of a pipe flange connection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A partial sectional view of a pipe flange connection device; and Figure 3 A perspective view of a pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0009] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a pipe flange connection device is provided for connecting a first pipe 1 flange 1a to a second pipe 2 flange 2a.

[0010] The pipe flange connection device 3 includes a frame 4 that can be attached to the first pipe 1 of the first pipe flange 1a. For example, the frame 4 can be provided as a box-like structure that at least partially accommodates some components of the device, such as translational arrangements, rotational arrangements, and a portion of the main shaft.

[0011] Preferably, but not necessarily, the frame is equipped with means for attaching the frame 4 to the first pipe flange 1a. For example, the frame 4 may include a pair of side plates that can be welded to the first pipe flange 1a. Alternatively, the frame 4 may include threaded holes for bolting the frame to the side plates already provided on the first pipe flange 1a. It should be understood that other methods of attaching the frame 4 relative to the first pipe flange 1a may be provided. For example, the frame may be attached to a complete intermediate mounting flange that may be mounted between the first pipe flange and the second pipe flange.

[0012] The pipe flange connection device 3 further includes a main shaft 5 having a longitudinal axis that extends radially outward from the first pipe flange 1a when viewed longitudinally during use, generally parallel to the first pipe 1. The main shaft 5 has a proximal end 5a and a distal end 5b that extends longitudinally beyond the first pipe flange 1a during use. The main shaft 5 further has a pawl 6 that is secured to and extends radially from the distal end 5b of the main shaft 5.

[0013] Preferably, but not necessarily, the proximal end 5a can be accommodated within the frame 4, while the distal end 5b can extend out of the frame 4.

[0014] The main shaft 5 is arranged to be radially restricted relative to the frame 4 and is axially movable relative to the frame 4 along the longitudinal axis between an extended position and a retracted position. Furthermore, the main shaft 5 is arranged to be rotatably movable relative to the frame 4 about the longitudinal axis between an inwardly rotating position when viewed along the longitudinal direction during use and an outwardly rotating position when viewed along the longitudinal direction during use. In the inwardly rotating position, the pawl 6 overlaps with the first pipe flange 1a, and in the outwardly rotating position, the pawl 6 does not overlap with the first pipe flange 1a.

[0015] The pipe flange connection device 3 further includes a rotatable arrangement 10, which is connected to the main shaft 5 so that the main shaft 5 can rotate selectively between an inward rotation position and an outward rotation position.

[0016] The pipe flange connection device 3 further includes a translational arrangement coupled to the spindle 5 to allow selective movement of the spindle 5 between its extended and retracted positions. The translational arrangement has an open position and a mechanically restricted closed position, such that movement from the open position to the closed position causes the spindle to move from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0017] Furthermore, the translation arrangement is associated with an offsetting member used to offset the translation arrangement to its closed position.

[0018] The translational arrangement and associated offset member are configured such that, during the transition from the open position to the closed position, after the main shaft 5 reaches the retracted position, the translational arrangement first acts on the offset member before reaching the closed position. Then, the springback of the offset member subsequently offsets the translational arrangement toward its closed position.

[0019] The translation arrangement and associated offset member are further configured such that, during the transition from the closed position to the open position, before the main shaft 5 leaves the retracted position, the translation arrangement acts on the offset member to reach the open position.

[0020] The translation arrangement is further configured such that, in the closed position, the force applied to the main shaft 5 toward the extended position causes the translation arrangement to resist the mechanically restricted closed position, thereby preventing the main shaft 5 from moving toward the extended position.

[0021] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the translational arrangement includes a first stop 12 fixed to the main shaft 5 between a proximal end 5a and a distal end 5b and extending radially from the main shaft 5 relative to its adjacent portion.

[0022] Preferably, but not necessarily, the stop 12 can be configured to be threadedly attached to the thrust nut of the spindle 5.

[0023] The translational arrangement further includes a first thrust plate 7, which engages with a first stop 12 in a first direction corresponding to the movement of the main shaft 5 toward its retracted position. That is, the first thrust plate 7 is radially restricted relative to the main shaft 5, while rotationally permissible and axially permissible relative movement between the thrust plate 7 and the main shaft 5 about the longitudinal axis of the main shaft 5.

[0024] Preferably, but not necessarily, the cam 8 is provided with a support surface that engages the thrust plate 7, such as a roller.

[0025] Preferably, but not necessarily, the translational arrangement further includes a thrust bearing disposed between the thrust plate 7 and the stop member 12, and most suitably disposed between the thrust plate 7 and the compressible element 13.

[0026] The translational arrangement further includes a first compressible element 13 as an offset member, the first compressible element 13 being arranged between the first thrust plate 7 and the first stop 12 such that the first thrust plate 7 engages with the first stop 12 via the first compressible element 13, and such that the first compressible element 13 is compressible along a first direction, thereby allowing corresponding relative movement between the first thrust plate 7 and the first stop 12 along the first direction.

[0027] The translational arrangement further includes a cam 8 that engages with the first thrust plate 7 at least along a first direction. The cam 8 is pivotable between an open position and a mechanically restricted closed position.

[0028] The translational arrangement further includes a first actuator 9, which is coupled to the cam 8 and configured to selectively operate the cam between an open position and a closed position (or vice versa).

[0029] The translational arrangement further includes a reset arrangement 11, which is configured to push the spindle 5 from the retracted position to the extended position when the cam 8 moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0030] For example, the reset arrangement can be implemented by providing a reset spring 11 that biases the main shaft 5 toward its extended position. If such a spring is provided, it should have a lower spring stiffness than the compressible element 13, that is, under the same load, the yield of the compressible element 13 should be less than the yield of the spring 11 in the reset arrangement. Most preferably, such a reset spring 11 is provided between the stop 12 and the pad fixed relative to the frame. Alternatively, the reset arrangement can be implemented by providing a second thrust plate (not shown) that engages with the second stop (not shown) in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0031] Furthermore, the cam 8, the thrust plate 7, the compressible element 13, and the reset arrangement 11 are configured such that the movement of the cam 8 from the open position to the closed position first pushes the spindle 5 from its extended position to its retracted position via the first thrust plate 7, the first compressible element 13, and the first stop 12. During this period, the engagement point of the cam 8 (i.e., the point where the cam engages with the first thrust plate 7) moves in the first direction.

[0032] After this, once the spindle 5 has reached its retracted position, the compression-allowing thrust plate 7 of the compressible element 13 along the first direction is pushed toward the stop 12. During this period, the engagement point of the cam 8 moves along the first direction.

[0033] Furthermore, the rebound of the compressible element 13 then pushes the cam 8 to its closed position via the thrust plate 7 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby biasing the cam 8 against its closed position. During this period, the engagement point of the cam 8 moves along the second direction. That is, the closed position of the cam 8 is a position beyond the center, in which the cam 8 is biased by the compressible element 13.

[0034] The cam 8, thrust plate 7, compressible element 13, and reset arrangement 11 are further configured such that the movement of the cam 8 from the closed position to the open position is first permitted by the compression of the compressible element 13 in a first direction, allowing the thrust plate 7 to be pushed toward the stop 12. During this period, the engagement point of the cam 8 moves again in the first direction.

[0035] Following this, the springback of the compressible element 13 pushes the cam 8 and its engagement point along the second direction via the thrust plate 7, thereby releasing the bias of the cam 8 against its closed position. That is, the cam 8 is released from its biased position beyond the center.

[0036] Furthermore, after this, the reset arrangement 11 pushes the spindle 5 from the retracted position to the extended position. During this period, the engagement point of the cam 8 moves in the second direction.

[0037] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the first actuator 9 is a linear actuator configured to pivot the cam 8 between its open and closed positions.

[0038] Any suitable linear actuator can be used. For example, the linear actuator 9 can be a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or an electromechanical actuator, such as a ball screw actuator.

[0039] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the rotation arrangement 10 is configured to rotate the spindle 5 from an outward rotation position to an inward rotation position before the spindle 5 reaches the retracted position, during the movement of the spindle 5 from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0040] The rotation arrangement 10 is further configured such that, after the spindle 5 leaves the retracted position, during the period when the spindle 5 moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the spindle 5 rotates from an inward rotation position to an outward rotation position.

[0041] This arrangement ensures that the jaws do not rotate when in frictional contact with the flange 2a of the second pipe 2, thereby minimizing the torque required for rotation.

[0042] Preferably, but not necessarily, the rotating arrangement 10 includes a second actuator. For example, the second actuator may be a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or an electromechanical actuator.

[0043] As an example, the second actuator can be a rotary actuator, which is fixed relative to the frame 4 and coupled to the main shaft 5 so that it is rotatably engaged while allowing relative movement in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] For example, this can be done by providing a spline connection between the second actuator and the spindle 5.

[0045] Alternatively, this can be accomplished by providing a sleeve 14a rotatably coupled to the second actuator. The proximal end 5a of the spindle 5 can then be received within the sleeve 14a to allow longitudinal movement between them. The proximal end 5a of the spindle 5 may be provided with a guide 14b extending radially from the spindle and rotatably engaging a longitudinal groove provided on the sleeve 14a. The longitudinal groove on the sleeve 14a then allows longitudinal movement of the guide 14b and the spindle 5 relative to the sleeve 14a, while rotatably coupling the second actuator to the spindle 5.

[0046] Such an arrangement with sleeve 14a and guide 14b can further include an additional bushing surrounding sleeve 14a and fixed relative to frame 4. This bushing is provided with an additional groove that engages with guide 14b extending through sleeve 14a. Furthermore, the additional groove appropriately has a shape corresponding to the travel path of the spindle. For example, the additional groove may have a longitudinal groove portion corresponding to the travel of the spindle 5 from a retracted position to an extended position (and vice versa) and a circumferential groove portion corresponding to the rotation of the spindle 5 between an inwardly rotating position and an outwardly rotating position (i.e., a groove portion transverse to the longitudinal groove portion). In particular, arranging the circumferential groove to extend from a point in the longitudinal groove portion corresponding to the extended position of the spindle achieves rotational locking of the spindle 5 in the retracted position, where rotational movement of the bushing's additional groove is not permitted.

[0047] Alternatively, the rotary arrangement 10 can be implemented without a second actuator and without a sleeve by providing similar bushings and guides as described above, but the shape of the additional groove is configured to convert the longitudinal movement of the spindle into the desired rotational movement, i.e., that the pawl rotates inward in the retracted position of the spindle 5 and outward in the extended position of the spindle. In such a case, for example, a partially helical groove shape can be used. Furthermore, the rotation of the spindle can be facilitated by providing, for example, a torsion spring for rotatably biasing the spindle 5.

[0048] In an embodiment according to a first aspect of the invention, the biasing member, preferably a compressible element 13, is configured as a disc spring. Alternatively or additionally, other compressible elements, such as annular elastomer elements, may be used.

[0049] It should be noted that, as described above, the first aspect of this disclosure includes any combination of two or more embodiments or variations thereof.

[0050] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a pipe assembly is provided.

[0051] The pipe assembly includes a first pipe 1 equipped with a first pipe flange 1a and a second pipe 2 equipped with a second pipe flange 2a.

[0052] As described above, the pipe assembly further includes a pipe flange connection device 3 according to the first aspect, wherein the frame 4 of the pipe flange connection device 3 is attached to the first pipe 1 in a connected manner.

[0053] Furthermore, the pipe flange connecting device 3 is attached to the first pipe 1 in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the main shaft 5 extends approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first pipe 1 on the radially outer side of the first pipe flange 1a when viewed in the longitudinal direction. The distal end 5b of the main shaft 5 extends beyond the first pipe flange 1a and the second pipe flange 2a. Moreover, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, the pawl 6 overlaps with the first pipe flange 1a and the second pipe flange 2a in its inwardly rotated position, and does not overlap with the first pipe flange 1a and the second pipe flange in its outwardly rotated position.

[0054] The first pipe 1 is connected to the second pipe 2 in the following manner: the first pipe flange 1a abuts against the second pipe flange 2a, and the claw 6 of the pipe connecting device 3 engages the second pipe flange 2a and presses the second pipe flange 2a against the first pipe flange 1a.

[0055] Preferably, but not necessarily, the frame 4 of the pipe flange connection device 3 is attached to the first pipe flange 1a. This can be achieved, for example, by attaching a pair of side plates to the pipe connection device 3 and then securing the side plates to the first pipe flange 1a. The side plates can be secured by welding, threaded connection, or any other suitable method of fixing.

[0056] It should be noted that the first pipe flange 1a does not necessarily have to be rigidly or directly fixed to the first pipe 1. For example, the first pipe flange 1a can be configured as a separate mounting flange attached to the integral flange of the first pipe 1, or even attached to an intermediate pipe flange attached to the integral flange of the first pipe 1. This allows the pipe flange connection device 3 to be more flexibly installed with existing pipes and pipe flanges, i.e., retrofitted. For example, the first pipe 1 can have an integral pipe flange, to which a flexible corrugated pipe is attached, the flexible corrugated pipe having intermediate flanges at both ends. Then, the mounting flange 1a will be attached to the intermediate flange of the corrugated pipe on the side opposite to the first pipe 1.

[0057] Preferably, but not necessarily, the pipe assembly may include a plurality of pipe flange connection devices 3 arranged circumferentially around the first pipe 1.

[0058] It should be noted that, as described above, the second aspect of this disclosure includes any combination of two or more embodiments or variations thereof.

[0059] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a top-blown submersible spray gun (TSL) system is provided. The TSL system includes a furnace and a feed conduit for providing a feed flow, the feed conduit having a feed flange. The TSL system further includes a top-blown submersible spray gun for guiding the feed flow into the furnace. The spray gun further includes a spray gun conduit having a spray gun flange for connecting the spray gun conduit to the feed conduit.

[0060] In particular, the TSL system further includes a piping assembly according to a second aspect of this disclosure, wherein a first pipe 1 of the piping assembly is a feed pipe and a second pipe 2 of the piping assembly is a spray gun pipe.

[0061] Preferably, but not necessarily, the feed flange is attached to the feed pipe via a flexible bellows. This helps to disconnect the vibration of the spray gun from the connection between the feed pipe flange and the spray gun pipe.

[0062] It should be noted that, as described above, the third aspect of this disclosure includes any combination of two or more embodiments or variations thereof.

[0063] Figure 1 A perspective view of a pipe flange connection device 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The pipe flange connection device 3 includes a box-shaped frame 4. For the purpose of better illustrating other components of the device, [details omitted]. Figure 1 The components of the box-shaped frame 4 are omitted. The device 3 has a main shaft 5, which has a distal end 5b located outside the frame 4 and a proximal end 5a located inside the frame 4. The distal end 5b is equipped with a pawl 6 extending radially from the main shaft 5.

[0064] The device 3 has a cam 8, which can be pivoted by a first actuator 9, which is configured as a linear actuator. The pivot point of the cam 8 is fixed relative to the frame 4. The cam 8 engages with the first thrust plate 7 in a first direction (i.e., toward the proximal end 5a of the main shaft).

[0065] The first thrust plate 7 is radially restricted relative to the main shaft 5, while allowing longitudinal movement between them. The thrust plate 7 is engaged with the main shaft in a first direction via a compressible element 13 configured as a disc spring and a thrust nut 12, which is threadedly fixed to the main shaft 5.

[0066] A return spring 11 is provided, which is used to bias the main shaft 5 in a second direction opposite to the first direction via a thrust nut 12. That is, the return spring is located on the main shaft 5 between the thrust nut 12 and a pad fixed relative to the frame.

[0067] A rotational arrangement including a second actuator 10 has been configured, the rotational arrangement being connected to the proximal end 5a of the main shaft 5 to allow longitudinal movement between the main shaft 5 and the actuator 10.

[0068] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A partial sectional view of a pipe flange connection device. Specifically, Figure 2 To better illustrate how cam 8 engages with spindle 5 in a first direction via thrust plate 7, thrust bearing 7a, disc spring 13, and thrust nut 12. That is, cam 8, thrust plate 7, thrust bearing 7a, and disc spring 13 are not directly connected to spindle 5, while thrust nut 12 is connected to spindle 5 via a threaded connection. Naturally, other connection methods can be used to connect thrust nut 12 to spindle 5. Similarly, the spring of reset arrangement 11 is connected to spindle 5 via thrust nut 12. More specifically, the spring of reset arrangement 11 is positioned between a pad fixed to frame 4 and thrust nut 12 to bias spindle 12 toward a second direction. Furthermore, the shaft of second actuator 10 is rotatably connected to sleeve 14a with a longitudinal groove, in which guide 14b of spindle 5 is allowed to travel longitudinally. Sleeve 14a is received by a bushing fixed relative to frame 4. The bushing is equipped with an additional groove as described above, and the guide 14b extends through a groove in the sleeve 14a into the additional groove.

[0069] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown (i.e., the first pipe and the second pipe are separated from each other). The first pipe 1 of the pipe assembly (shown in dashed lines for clarity) is provided with a first pipe flange 1a, and the second pipe 2 of the pipe assembly is provided with a second pipe flange 2a. As discussed above, the first pipe flange 1a may be configured to connect with the first pipe 1 and an integral pipe flange, or with an intermediate pipe flange attached to the integral pipe flange of the first pipe 1. Specifically, Figure 3 The piping assembly is equipped with three according to Figure 1 and 2 Each of the pipe flange connection devices 3 is attached to the first flange 1a via a pair of side plates. Naturally, any number of connection devices 3 can be used depending on the pipe size and application. Figure 3A pipe flange connecting device 3 is shown, with its respective main shafts 5 in an extended and outwardly rotating position. The pipes are connected by abutting the first pipe flange 1a and the second pipe flange 2a so that their annular surfaces face each other. Then, the main shafts 5 of the pipe flange connecting device 3 are rotated to an inwardly rotating position so that the pawls 6, when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the pipe 2, overlap with the flange 2a and extend beyond the flange 2a to the rear of the flange 2a. Then, as described above, the main shafts 5 are subsequently pulled to their retracted position, thereby pressing the first pipe flange 1a and the second pipe flange 2a together and connecting the first pipe 1 and the second pipe 2.

Claims

1. A pipe flange connection device (3) for connecting a flange (1a) of a first pipe (1) to a flange (2a) of a second pipe (2), comprising: A frame (4) that can be attached to the first pipe (1) of the first pipe flange (1a); The main spindle (5) has: - A longitudinal axis, which extends radially outward from the first pipe flange (1a) when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the first pipe (1) in use, and is substantially parallel to the first pipe (1) of the first pipe flange (1a). -Proximal end (5a); - When in use, it extends longitudinally beyond the distal end (5b) of the first pipe flange (1a); - Claw (6), the claw (6) is fixed to the distal end (5b) of the main shaft (5) and extends radially from the distal end (5b) of the main shaft (5); The main shaft (5) is arranged as follows: -It is radially confined relative to the frame (4); - It can move axially along the longitudinal axis relative to the frame (4) between the extended position and the retracted position; and - It can rotate about the longitudinal axis relative to the frame (4) between an inward rotation position when viewed in the longitudinal direction during use and an outward rotation position when viewed in the longitudinal direction during use. In the inward rotation position, the claw (6) overlaps with the first pipe flange (1a), and in the outward rotation position, the claw (6) does not overlap with the first pipe flange (1a). A rotating arrangement (10) is connected to the main shaft (5) so that the main shaft (5) can rotate selectively between the inward rotation position and the outward rotation position. A translational arrangement is provided, which is coupled to the main shaft (5) to allow selective movement of the main shaft (5) between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the translational arrangement has an open position and a mechanically restricted closed position, such that movement from the open position to the closed position causes the main shaft to move from the extended position to the retracted position, and The characteristic feature is that the translational arrangement includes a biasing member for biasing the translational arrangement to its closed position, wherein the translational arrangement and the rotational arrangement are configured such that: In the closed position, the force applied to the spindle (5) by the biasing member toward the extended position causes the translational arrangement to abut against the mechanically restricted closed position, thereby preventing the spindle (5) from moving toward the extended position. Before the main shaft (5) reaches the retracted position, during the movement of the main shaft (5) from the extended position to the retracted position, the main shaft (5) is rotated from the outward rotation position to the inward rotation position. After the spindle (5) leaves the retracted position, during the movement of the spindle (5) from the retracted position to the extended position, the spindle (5) is rotated from the inward rotation position to the outward rotation position.

2. The pipe flange connection device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The translational arrangement includes: - A first stop (12) is fixed to the main shaft (5) between the proximal end (5a) and the distal end (5b), and extends radially from the main shaft (5) relative to its adjacent portion. - A first thrust plate (7) engages with the first stop (12) in a first direction corresponding to the movement of the main shaft (5) toward its retracted position, wherein the first thrust plate (7) is radially restricted relative to the main shaft (5), while rotatably allowing relative movement between the thrust plate (7) and the main shaft (5) about the longitudinal axis of the main shaft (5) and axially along the longitudinal axis of the main shaft (5); - As the first compressible element (13) of the biasing member, the first compressible element (13) is arranged between the first thrust plate (7) and the first stop (12) such that the first thrust plate (7) engages with the first stop (12) via the first compressible element (13) and such that the first compressible element (13) is compressible along the first direction, thereby allowing corresponding relative movement between the first thrust plate (7) and the first stop (12) along the first direction. -A cam (8) that engages with the first thrust plate (7) at least along the first direction, the cam (8) being pivotable between an open position and a mechanically restricted closed position, the pivot point of the cam (8) being fixed relative to the frame (4); - A first actuator (9), the first actuator (9) being coupled to the cam (8) and configured to selectively operate the cam between the open position and the closed position, and vice versa; and - Reset arrangement (11), which is disposed between the stop (12) and the pad fixed relative to the frame, and is capable of biasing the main shaft (5) toward its extended position. The cam (8), the thrust plate (7), the compressible element (13), and the reset arrangement (11) are configured such that: - The movement of the cam (8) from the open position to the closed position: First, the spindle (5) is pushed from its extended position to its retracted position via the first thrust plate (7), the first compressible element (13), and the first stop (12). Subsequently, the compression of the compressible element (13) along the first direction allows the thrust plate (7) to be pushed toward the stop (12), and Further, the rebound of the compressible element (13) then pushes the cam (8) to its closed position via the thrust plate (7) in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby biasing the cam (8) to its closed position, wherein the closed position of the cam (8) is a position beyond the center, and - The movement of the cam (8) from the closed position to the open position: First, the compression of the compressible element (13) along the first direction allows the thrust plate (7) to be pushed toward the stop (12). Subsequently, the springback of the compressible element (13) pushes the cam along the second direction via the thrust plate, thereby releasing the bias of the cam against its closed position, thus the cam (8) is released from its biased position beyond the center, and ○ Further, thereafter, the reset arrangement (11) pushes the spindle (5) from the retracted position to the extended position.

3. The pipe flange connection device (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first actuator (9) is a linear actuator configured to pivot the cam (8) between its open and closed positions.

4. The pipe flange connection device (3) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The shaft of the rotating arrangement (10) is rotatably connected to a sleeve (14a) having a longitudinal groove, and a guide (14b) of the main shaft (5) is permitted to travel longitudinally in the longitudinal groove. The sleeve (14a) is received by a bushing fixed relative to the frame (4), the bushing being equipped with an additional groove, and the guide (14b) extends through the longitudinal groove in the sleeve (14a) into the additional groove. The additional groove has a longitudinal groove portion corresponding to the main shaft (5) traveling from the retracted position to the extended position, and a circumferential groove portion transverse to the longitudinal groove portion, the circumferential groove portion corresponding to the rotation of the main shaft between the inward rotation position and the outward rotation position of the main shaft (5), and the circumferential groove portion is arranged to extend from a point of the longitudinal groove portion corresponding to the extended position of the main shaft.

5. The pipe flange connection device (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rotational arrangement (10) includes a second actuator, wherein the second actuator is a rotational actuator coupled to the main shaft (5), engaged in the rotational direction, and allowing relative movement in the longitudinal direction.

6. The pipe flange connection device (3) according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that, The reset arrangement (11) includes a reset spring that biases the spindle (5) toward its extended position.

7. The pipe flange connection device (3) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The biasing member (13) is configured as a disc spring.

8. The pipe flange connection device (3) according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that, A thrust bearing is provided between the thrust plate (7) and the stop member (12).

9. The pipe flange connection device (3) according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that, A thrust bearing is provided between the thrust plate (7) and the compressible element (13).

10. The pipe flange connection device (3) according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that, The cam (8) is provided with a roller that engages with the thrust plate (7).

11. The pipe flange connection device (3) according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that, The stop (12) is configured to be threadedly attached to the thrust nut of the main shaft (5).

12. The pipe flange connection device (3) according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The frame (4) is equipped with an attachment device for attaching the frame (4) to the first pipe flange (1a).

13. A pipe assembly, comprising: A first pipe (1) is equipped with a first pipe flange (1a). The second pipe (2) is equipped with a second pipe flange (2a). The feature is that it further includes a pipe flange connection device (3) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the frame (4) of the pipe flange connection device (3) is connectedly attached to the first pipe (1) such that: - The longitudinal axis of the main shaft (5) extends approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first pipe (1) on the radially outer side of the first pipe flange (1a) when viewed along the longitudinal direction. - The distal end (5b) of the main shaft (5) extends beyond the first pipe flange (1a) and the second pipe flange (2a), and When viewed along the longitudinal direction, the chuck (6) overlaps with the first pipe flange (1a) and the second pipe flange (2a) in its inwardly rotated position, and the chuck (6) does not overlap with the first pipe flange (1a) and the second pipe flange in its outwardly rotated position. The first pipe (1) is connected to the second pipe (2) in the following manner: the first pipe flange (1a) abuts against the second pipe flange (2a), and the claw (6) of the pipe flange connecting device (3) engages the second pipe flange (2a) and presses the second pipe flange (2a) against the first pipe flange (1a).

14. The pipe assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The frame (4) of the pipe flange connection device (3) is attached to the first pipe flange (1a).

15. The pipe assembly according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The first pipe flange (1a) is configured as a separate mounting flange attached to the integral flange of the first pipe (1), or as a separate mounting flange attached to an intermediate pipe flange which in turn is attached to the integral flange of the first pipe (1).

16. The pipe assembly according to any one of claims 13-14, characterized in that, It includes multiple pipe flange connection devices (3) arranged circumferentially around the first pipe (1).

17. A top-blown submersible spray gun (TSL) system, comprising: furnace; A feed conduit for providing a feed flow, the feed conduit having a feed flange; And a top-blown submersible spray gun for guiding the feed flow into the furnace, the top-blown submersible spray gun including a spray gun pipe having a spray gun flange for connecting the spray gun pipe to the feed pipe; The top-blown immersion spray gun system is characterized in that it further includes a piping assembly according to any one of claims 13-16. The first pipe (1) of the pipe assembly is a feed pipe and the second pipe (2) of the pipe assembly is a spray gun pipe.

18. The top-blowing submersible spray gun system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The feed flange is attached to the feed pipe via a flexible corrugated tube.

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