A modular variable diameter pipe internal plug, its drive mechanism, and its coordination coil

Abstract

This invention discloses a modular variable-diameter pipe internal plugging device, its driving mechanism, and a coordinating ring. The plugging device includes a sealing barrel, a clamping mechanism, and universal joints. The clamping mechanism is a deformable series structure consisting of multiple variable-diameter modules connected together by universal joints. It is installed inside the sealing barrel, and during plugging operations, the sealing barrel is pressed against the inner wall of the pipe by the various variable-diameter modules to complete the sealing operation. The plugging system of this invention uses a hydraulic system for power, eliminating the need for a complex gas supply system. The main body of the variable-diameter mechanism inside the variable-diameter module adopts a plugging method combining spring steel and flexible sealing materials, which has excellent structural strength and provides higher plugging pressure than ordinary plugging devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of mechanical engineering and petrochemical technology, specifically to a modular variable diameter pipe internal plug, its drive mechanism, and its coordination ring. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, China's oil and gas industry infrastructure is largely complete, and the corresponding oil and gas pipelines have been in service for many years. As pipelines age, corrosion, damage, and potential cracks inevitably occur, leading to technical challenges in pipeline maintenance and repair. This has resulted in the development of numerous pipeline plugging devices. When a pipeline ruptures, the usual method for repair is to cut off the fluid supply and then perform repair work. However, most existing plugging technologies rely on air inflation or the deformation of simple rubber materials, making them difficult to implement for large-diameter, high-pressure pipelines. Furthermore, current plugging equipment has a very limited radial extension range, resulting in stringent requirements on the radius of the internal plug. If the damage occurs at a bend in the pipeline or when there is a change in diameter, existing internal plugs are insufficient for sealing.

[0003] The search results are as follows:

[0004] Patent search: Searching for the keywords "pipeline", "plug", and "diameter changer" yielded two patents in the State Intellectual Property Office patent search. Among them, two patents are fundamentally different from this patent in terms of usage and structural principle, including (1) a device for temporary plugging compensator leakage with publication number CN104712876A; and (2) a plugging device with publication number CN105805486A.

[0005] A device for temporarily sealing leaks in a compensator, disclosed in CN104712876A, includes: a housing for sealing the outer wall of the compensator when a leak occurs, comprising an upper housing and a lower housing symmetrically arranged, the outer walls of the upper and lower housings having outwardly protruding annular protrusions; and fastening bolts, passing through pin holes in the upper and lower housings to securely connect them; wherein, the space between the inner wall of the housing and the outer diameter of the pipe is a pipe-to-pipe packing layer, and the space between the upper and lower housings is a shell-to-shell packing layer, the packing layers being made of flexible materials such as rubber pads. This device has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and can promptly seal leaks in the compensator without requiring production shutdowns, thus reducing maintenance time.

[0006] A sealing device, disclosed in CN105805486A, comprises: a cylindrical body; an anchoring device including an anchoring slip and a wedge block that pushes the anchoring slip to expand radially, the wedge block being slidably mounted on the body; a sealing device including a slidable rubber sleeve compression ring disposed on the body and a sealing rubber sleeve disposed on the rubber sleeve compression ring; and a telescopic device, one end of which pushes the wedge-shaped pusher and the other end of which pushes the sealing rubber sleeve to deform radially, and when the telescopic device extends, it pushes the wedge-shaped pusher and the rubber sleeve compression ring to slide. In the above technical solution, when the telescopic device extends, it controls the anchoring device to anchor, positioning the sealing device in the desired position and driving the sealing device to seal, thereby sealing the pipeline. Using the above sealing device, the anchoring device and the sealing device are driven by the same telescopic device, simplifying the structure of the sealing device. Furthermore, with the above structure, only one control signal is needed to complete the anchoring and sealing of the sealing device.

[0007] The invention disclosed in publication number 105782633B, a pipeline leakage adaptive tandem sealing and repair device based on helical drive crawling, belongs to the field of pipeline engineering. The technical problem it addresses is to provide a pipeline leakage adaptive tandem sealing and repair device based on helical drive crawling. This device uses a helical drive mechanism to achieve adaptive drive within the pipeline, allowing it to smoothly pass through bends or pipe diameter changes. It utilizes airbags as sealing units to perform adaptive sealing and repair on special pipe diameter changes. The technical solution adopted to solve this problem is as follows: The pipeline leakage adaptive tandem sealing and repair device based on helical drive crawling includes a helical drive mechanism and a sealing unit. The helical drive mechanism includes a rotating mechanism and a guiding mechanism. The rotating mechanism is rotated by a motor, and the drive wheel is angled relative to the pipeline axis, causing the rotating mechanism to move radially. The guiding mechanism moves along with the radial movement of the rotating mechanism, and the sealing unit moves within the pipeline through the movement of the helical drive mechanism.

[0008] A variable-diameter coupling, disclosed in Publication No. 105972354B, includes two semi-annular shells that interlock to form a tubular shell. One end of the tubular shell has a larger diameter than the other end, allowing it to clamp at the connection of two pipes of different diameters. Sealing gaskets are provided at the joint of the two semi-annular shells and between the pipe openings at both ends of the tubular shell and the outer wall of the pipe. The semi-annular shells have a groove-like structure; when the two semi-annular shells are interlocked, both ends of the tubular shell taper, and the middle section of the tubular shell arches outwards radially along the pipe. Two arc-shaped grooves are provided on the inner side of the arc-shaped edges at both ends of the semi-annular shells. Two arched grooves are provided on the arched edges on both sides of the semi-annular shells. The two arched grooves and the two arc-shaped grooves are sequentially connected to form a closed annular groove for accommodating the sealing gaskets. Flanges protruding outwards are provided on the arched edges on both sides of the semi-annular shells, and bolt mounting holes on these flanges allow the two semi-annular shells to pass through. The flange is bolted together; the arched groove is located on the end face of the flange edge; the gasket includes two arc-shaped sealing strips, one of which has a larger radius than the other; the two ends of the two arc-shaped sealing strips are connected by two arched sealing strips to form a closed-loop sealing ring; multiple protrusions are provided on both sides of the arc-shaped sealing strips and the arched sealing strips, which are interference-fitted with the sidewalls of the arc-shaped grooves and the arched grooves to tighten and fix the gasket; the protrusions are semi-cylindrical, and the length direction of each protrusion is arranged along the direction in which the gasket enters and exits the annular groove; each end of the arc-shaped sealing strip is provided with a wedge-shaped protrusion, the inner edge of which is higher than the outer edge; multiple arc-shaped ridges are provided on the inner ring surface of the arc-shaped sealing strip; a positioning protrusion is provided on the arched sealing strip, which protrudes into the bottom of the arched groove, and a positioning groove that mates with the positioning protrusion is provided on the bottom of the arched groove. The diameters at both ends of the split joint are individually designed to accommodate changes in pipe diameter, forming a variable-diameter split joint that can be used to seal pipes with varying diameters to adapt to actual working conditions.

[0009] Publication No. 110260090A discloses a novel pipeline leak plugging device, comprising three parts: a spiral drive robot (1), a plugging and repair unit (2), and a universal connector (3). The spiral drive robot (1) and the plugging and repair unit (2) are connected by the universal connector (3). The front end of the plugging and repair unit (2) is connected to the rear support system (13) on the spiral drive robot (1) through the universal connector (3), and the rear end is fixed on a separate rear support system (13). The spiral drive robot (1) has the following structure: the front drive system (11) is installed on the output shaft of the external rotor motor (12), and the rear support system (13) is installed on the motor housing. The structure of (11) is as follows: the drive wheel system (111) is fixed to the support and variable diameter system (112) by bolts; wherein the structure of the drive wheel system (111) is as follows: the angle adjustment servo (1111) is fixed to the servo connecting plate (1112) by bolts, the servo connecting plate (1112) is connected to the servo frame (1113) by bolts, the servo frame (1113) is connected to the hinge (1127) of the support and variable diameter system (112) by bolts, the output shaft of the angle adjustment servo (1111) is directly connected to the drive wheel frame (1116), and the drive wheel (1114) is fixed to the wheel frame (1116) by the wheel axle (1115) and rotates with the wheel frame (1116); the support and variable diameter system The structure of system (112) is as follows: the triangular fixed bracket (1129) adopts a hollow shaft design. The triangular fixed bracket (1129) is installed on the output shaft of the external rotor motor (12) through the connecting flange (1130). The tie rod (1122) is nested in the hollow shaft of the triangular fixed bracket (1129). One end of the tie rod is connected to the external rotor motor (12) through a spring (1131), and the other end is fixed to the connecting plate (1121) by bolts. The connecting plate (1121) adopts a regular hexagonal structure and is connected to the short connecting rod (1124) through hinge A (1123). The short connecting rod (1124) is connected to the supporting aluminum frame A (1126) through hinge B (1125). The supporting aluminum frame A (1126) The external rotor motor (12) is arranged parallel to the supporting aluminum frame B. One end of the supporting aluminum frame A (1126) and the supporting aluminum frame B (1128) are both bolted to the triangular fixed bracket (1129), and the other end of both are bolted to the hinge (1127). The structure of the external rotor motor (12) is as follows: the motor consists of a motor body (121) and a motor housing (122). The motor body (121) is bolted to the connecting flange (1130), and the motor housing (122) is bolted to the tail of the motor and connected to the rear support system 13. The structure of the rear support system 13 is as follows: the driven wheel system (131) is bolted to the support and variable diameter system (112) through the servo frame (1113).The driven wheel system (131) is structured as follows: the driven wheel (1311) is fixed to the wheel frame (1116) via the wheel axle (1115) and rotates thereon; the wheel frame (1116) is fixed to the servo frame (1113) via bolts; the servo frame (1113) is connected to the hinge (1127) of the support and variable diameter system (121) via bolts; the sealing and repair unit (2) consists of a support frame (21), sealing airbags (22), repair airbags (23) and a metal cladding layer (24); the support frame (21) is covered with sealing airbags (22) at both ends; repair airbags (23) are covered inside the sealing airbags (22) at both ends of the support frame (21); and repair airbags (23) are covered inside the two repair airbags (24). 3) A metal cladding layer (24) is wrapped between them. Support wheels are provided on both sides of the support frame (21) to support the sealing and repair unit (2) to move along the pipe wall. One side is provided with a sealing air inlet and a repair air inlet. The sealing air inlet is connected to the sealing air inlet pipe inside the support frame (21). The sealing air inlet pipe is connected to the sealing airbag (22) inside the support frame (21). The repair air inlet is connected to the repair air inlet pipe inside the support frame (21). The repair air inlet pipe is connected to the repair airbag (23) inside the support frame (21). The diameter of the repair air inlet pipe connected to the repair airbag (23) is smaller than the diameter of the sealing air inlet pipe connected to the sealing airbag (22). When a pipeline leaks, it can be divided into three types according to the pipeline leakage situation: single-point leakage, short-distance multi-point section leakage, and multi-point long-distance dispersed section leakage. The spiral drive unit pulls the sealing and repair unit to the leak area, and, depending on the leak situation, performs emergency treatment of the pipeline leak by sealing, isolating, repairing, or replacing the leak.

[0010] Conclusion: This patent is fundamentally different from the patents previously included in the State Intellectual Property Office.

[0011] The technical solutions, technical problems to be solved, and beneficial effects of the above-disclosed technologies are different from those of the present invention, or they are in different technical fields or application scenarios. The above-disclosed technical documents do not provide any technical inspiration for the more technical features, technical problems to be solved, and beneficial effects of the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide a modular variable-diameter pipe internal plug, drive mechanism, and coordination ring to address the above-mentioned deficiencies in the existing technology, so as to improve the adaptability of the pipe plugging system to the plugging of bends and variable-diameter pipes.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0014] A modular reducing pipe internal plug, comprising:

[0015] The sealing barrel (1) is made of a deformable rubber material and has a cylindrical barrel structure with one end open.

[0016] The clamping mechanism (2) is a series structure consisting of at least two variable diameter modules (4) connected together by a universal joint (3), and the clamping mechanism (2) is installed inside the sealing barrel (1).

[0017] Furthermore, the variable diameter module (4) includes:

[0018] A variable diameter drive mechanism (6) is capable of radial extension and retraction to change the diameter;

[0019] A variable diameter coordination ring (5) is installed on the radial outer side of the variable diameter drive mechanism (6).

[0020] Furthermore, the variable diameter drive mechanism (6) includes:

[0021] The arc-shaped barrel wall (10) is a quarter-circular arc-shaped shell structure made of spring steel. Symmetrical semi-cylindrical linear grooves with an angle of 20-70 degrees to the axis of the cylindrical surface are designed at both ends of the arc-shaped barrel wall (10). The four arc-shaped barrel walls (10) are arranged in a circumferential array. The outer side of each of the four arc-shaped barrel walls (10) is designed with an annular groove for installing the variable diameter coordination ring (5). The two adjacent semi-cylindrical linear grooves on the inner side of the cylindrical surface joint formed by the four arc-shaped barrel walls (10) respectively form trapezoidal slides on both sides for installing trapezoidal sliders (11).

[0022] The cylinder (13) is composed of a cylinder body and a hydraulic rod. Flanges are installed on the outer wall of the cylinder body and the outer wall of the hydraulic rod. The universal joint (3) is connected to both ends of the cylinder (13).

[0023] U-shaped connecting rod (12), there are 8 U-shaped connecting rods (12), of which the radial inner ends of four U-shaped connecting rods are hinged to the flange on the cylinder body, and the radial inner ends of the other four U-shaped connecting rods are hinged to the flange on the hydraulic rod.

[0024] The trapezoidal slider (11) comprises four groups, all of which slide within the trapezoidal slide rail. Each group of trapezoidal sliders includes a front slider and a rear slider. The front slider is hinged to the radial outer end of the U-shaped connecting rod on the cylinder flange, and the rear slider is hinged to the radial outer end of the U-shaped connecting rod on the hydraulic rod flange.

[0025] Furthermore, the variable diameter coordination loop (5) includes:

[0026] The rubber ring (7) has a cylindrical ring structure with an annular groove on its inner surface and is installed on the outside of the spiral steel ring (8).

[0027] The spiral steel ring (8) is a complete cylindrical structure welded from multiple spiral spring plates (14) and small spring plates (15), with the small spring plates (15) distributed in the gaps between the spiral spring plates (14); the spiral steel ring (8) is installed on the radial outer side of the arc-shaped barrel wall (10) of the variable diameter drive mechanism (6).

[0028] Furthermore, the variable diameter coordination loop (5) also includes:

[0029] A strip steel bar (9) is filled in an annular cavity formed by a spiral steel ring (8) and a rubber ring (7).

[0030] Furthermore, the outer wall of the rubber ring (7) is in close contact with the inner wall of the sealing barrel (1).

[0031] Furthermore, the arc-shaped barrel wall (10) has radial square holes.

[0032] Furthermore, the tail universal joint (3) of the plug is provided with a threaded pair for connection with a pipeline robot or robotic arm.

[0033] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0034] A variable diameter drive mechanism, comprising:

[0035] The arc-shaped barrel wall (10) is a quarter-circular arc-shaped shell structure made of spring steel. Symmetrical semi-cylindrical linear grooves with an angle of 20-70 degrees to the axis of the cylindrical surface are designed at both ends of the arc-shaped barrel wall (10). The four arc-shaped barrel walls (10) are arranged in a circumferential array. The outer side of each of the four arc-shaped barrel walls (10) is designed with an annular groove for installing a variable diameter coordination ring (5). The two adjacent semi-cylindrical linear grooves on the inner side of the cylindrical surface joint formed by the four arc-shaped barrel walls (10) respectively form trapezoidal slides on both sides for installing trapezoidal sliders (11). The arc-shaped barrel wall (10) has radial square holes.

[0036] The cylinder (13) is composed of a cylinder body and a hydraulic rod. Flanges are installed on the outer wall of the cylinder body and the outer wall of the hydraulic rod. The universal joint (3) is connected to both ends of the cylinder (13).

[0037] U-shaped connecting rod (12), there are 8 U-shaped connecting rods (12), of which the radial inner ends of four U-shaped connecting rods are hinged to the flange on the cylinder body, and the radial inner ends of the other four U-shaped connecting rods are hinged to the flange on the hydraulic rod.

[0038] The trapezoidal slider (11) comprises four groups, all of which slide within the trapezoidal slide rail. Each group of trapezoidal sliders includes a front slider and a rear slider. The front slider is hinged to the radial outer end of the U-shaped connecting rod on the cylinder flange, and the rear slider is hinged to the radial outer end of the U-shaped connecting rod on the hydraulic rod flange.

[0039] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0040] A variable diameter coordination ring, comprising:

[0041] The rubber ring (7) has a cylindrical ring structure with an annular groove on its inner surface and is installed on the outside of the spiral steel ring (8).

[0042] The spiral steel ring (8) is a complete cylindrical structure welded from multiple spiral spring plates (14) and small spring plates (15), with the small spring plates (15) distributed in the gaps between the spiral spring plates (14); the spiral steel ring (8) is installed on the radial outer side of the arc-shaped barrel wall (10) of the variable diameter drive mechanism (6);

[0043] A strip steel bar (9) is filled in an annular cavity formed by a spiral steel ring (8) and a rubber ring (7).

[0044] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0045] 1. The sealing system of the present invention uses a hydraulic system to provide power, eliminating the need for a complex gas supply system;

[0046] 2. The main body of the variable diameter drive mechanism adopts a sealing method that combines spring steel and flexible sealing materials, which has excellent structural strength and higher sealing pressure than ordinary sealing devices;

[0047] 3. The variable diameter drive mechanism adopts a composite deformation method of spiral steel ring deformation and strip steel bar rolling, which can form a new distribution according to the geometry of the pipe, has a certain adaptability to the inner wall of the faulty pipe, improves the load distribution, and improves the pressure resistance of the overall structure, thereby increasing the working pressure of the plug.

[0048] 4. The present invention adopts a modular design method, and the number of variable diameter modules 4 can be selected according to the pipeline sealing pressure to form a sealing device corresponding to different pressure operations;

[0049] 5. The variable diameter modules are connected by universal joints, forming a deformable tandem serpentine structure that provides excellent passability and sealing adaptability for bends. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structural layout of a modular variable-diameter pipe internal plug according to the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A half-section isometric drawing;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structural layout of the clamping mechanism of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Axonometric drawing;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of the variable diameter module structure of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the variable diameter module structure of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the variable diameter coordination ring structure layout of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the spiral steel ring structure of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of a portion at point A;

[0059] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the variable diameter drive mechanism of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the variable diameter drive mechanism of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 12 This is a partial schematic diagram of the edge driving principle of the variable diameter drive mechanism of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the center drive principle of the variable diameter drive mechanism of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic cylinder structure of the present invention.

[0064] In the diagram: 1. Sealing barrel; 2. Pressing mechanism; 3. Universal joint; 4. Variable diameter module; 5. Variable diameter coordination ring; 6. Variable diameter drive mechanism; 7. Rubber ring; 8. Spiral steel ring; 9. Strip steel bar; 10. Arc-shaped barrel wall; 11. Trapezoidal slider; 12. U-shaped connecting rod; 13. Hydraulic cylinder; 14. Spiral spring plate; 15. Small spring plate. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0066] Example 1:

[0067] Please see Figures 1 to 14 The present invention provides a technical solution:

[0068] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the overall structural layout of the present invention. The modular variable diameter pipe internal plug of the present invention mainly consists of two parts: a sealing barrel 1 and a pressing mechanism 2. The sealing barrel 1 is made of a deformable rubber material and has a cylindrical barrel structure with one end open.

[0069] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the structure layout of the pressing mechanism of the present invention. The pressing mechanism 2 is a deformable series structure consisting of multiple variable diameter modules 4 connected together by universal joints 3. It is installed inside the sealing barrel 1. During the sealing operation, the sealing barrel 1 can be pressed against the inner wall of the pipe by each variable diameter module 4 to complete the sealing operation.

[0070] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 The diagram shown is a partial schematic of the variable diameter module structure of the present invention. Figure 1 and indication Figure 2The variable diameter module 4 consists of a variable diameter drive mechanism 6 and a variable diameter coordination ring 5. The variable diameter drive mechanism 6 consists of an arc-shaped barrel wall 10, a trapezoidal slider 11, a U-shaped connecting rod 12, and a hydraulic cylinder 13. The arc-shaped barrel wall 10 has a main structure of a quarter-circular arc-shaped shell made of spring steel, with a square hole in the middle to enhance its coordinated deformation capacity. Symmetrical semi-cylindrical linear grooves at both ends are designed to be at 20-70 degrees to the axis of the cylindrical surface. The four arc-shaped barrel walls 10 can form an approximately complete cylindrical surface in a single circumferential array. An annular groove is designed on the outer side of the complete cylindrical surface for installing the variable diameter coordination ring 5. The array forms an approximately complete cylindrical surface. Straight grooves are provided on the inner sides of two adjacent semi-cylindrical surfaces at all joints. These adjacent straight grooves form trapezoidal tracks on both sides for installing trapezoidal sliders 11. Each trapezoidal slider 11 has a cylindrical hinge joint, connected to the flanges at both ends of the hydraulic cylinder 13 via cylindrical hinges at both ends of the U-shaped connecting rod 12. The hydraulic cylinder 13 synchronously drives four trapezoidal sliders 11 at both ends to move along the cylindrical surface axis via eight U-shaped connecting rods 12. The sliding of the trapezoidal sliders 11 within the trapezoidal tracks generates a thrust on the arc-shaped barrel walls 10 on both sides of the gap, increasing the circumference of the cylindrical surface and thus increasing the radius. However, as the radius increases, the gap between the arc-shaped barrel walls 10 also continuously increases, leading to insufficient local sealing pressure during the sealing process. To prevent the increased gap from affecting the sealing effect, a diameter-changing coordination ring 5 is installed on the outside of the diameter-changing drive mechanism 6.

[0071] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the structure layout of the variable diameter coordination ring of the present invention; the variable diameter coordination ring 5 is composed of a rubber ring 7, a spiral steel ring 8 and a strip steel bar 9; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the spiral steel ring structure of the present invention. The spiral steel ring 8 is a completed cylindrical surface welded together from multiple spiral spring plates 14 and small spring plates 15. The small spring plates 15 are distributed in the gaps between the spiral spring plates 14, and their coordinated deformation effect allows the variable diameter coordination ring 5 to undergo elastic deformation with a small force. The rubber ring 7 and its structure are cylindrical annular structures with annular grooves inside, and it is installed on the outside of the variable diameter coordination ring 5. The annular cavity formed by the variable diameter coordination ring 5 and the rubber ring 7 is filled with many strip steel rods 9. The strip steel rods 9 roll against each other during the diameter change process to improve the load distribution and improve the overall compressive strength of the structure, thereby increasing the working pressure of the plug.

[0072] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the variable diameter drive mechanism of the present invention. Figure 1 and indication Figure 2The variable diameter drive mechanism 6 consists of an arc-shaped barrel wall 10, a trapezoidal slider 11, a U-shaped connecting rod 12, and a hydraulic cylinder 13. The arc-shaped barrel wall 10 has a main structure of a quarter-circular arc-shaped shell made of spring steel, with a square hole in the middle to enhance its coordinated deformation ability. Symmetrical semi-cylindrical linear grooves at both ends are designed at a certain angle to the axis of the cylindrical surface. The four arc-shaped barrel walls 10 can form an approximately complete cylindrical surface in a single circumferential array. An annular groove is designed on the outer side of the complete cylindrical surface for installing the variable diameter coordination ring 5. At the joint where the four arc-shaped barrel walls 10 can form an approximately complete cylindrical surface in a single circumferential array, two adjacent semi-cylindrical linear grooves on the inner side form trapezoidal slides on both sides for installing the trapezoidal slider 11.

[0073] like Figure 12 The diagram shown is a partial schematic of the edge driving principle of the variable diameter mechanism of the present invention; the upper part of the trapezoidal slider 11 is designed with a cylindrical hinge joint, which is connected to the flanges at both ends of the oil cylinder 13 through the cylindrical hinges at both ends of the U-shaped connecting rod 12.

[0074] like Figure 13 , Figure 14 The diagram shown illustrates the central drive principle of the variable diameter mechanism of this invention. The hydraulic cylinder 13 synchronously drives four trapezoidal sliders 11 at both ends to move along the cylindrical axis via eight U-shaped connecting rods 12. The trapezoidal sliders 11 slide within the trapezoidal slideways, generating a thrust on the arc-shaped barrel walls 10 on both sides of the gap, thus increasing the circumference of the cylindrical surface and achieving the purpose of increasing the radius. However, as the radius increases, the gap between the arc-shaped barrel walls 10 also continuously increases, which can lead to insufficient local sealing pressure during the sealing process. To prevent the increased gap from affecting the sealing effect, a variable diameter coordination ring 5 is installed on the outside of the variable diameter drive mechanism 6.

[0075] When a pipeline malfunctions, ruptures, or breaks and requires repair, the fluid within the pipeline needs to be blocked. At this time, a certain number of reducing modules 4 are connected in series using universal joints 3, forming a series structure, and assembled into a sealing container to form a plug corresponding to the pipe's sealing pressure. The universal joint 3 at the tail of the plug has a pre-threaded connection for connecting to a pipeline robot or robotic arm. The robotic arm or pipeline robot transport platform then delivers the plug to the designated sealing position within the pipe.

[0076] Upon reaching the designated sealing position, the hydraulic cylinders 13 within each diameter-changing module 4 are activated sequentially. The cylinders extend and retract, and through eight U-shaped connecting rods 12, they synchronously drive the four trapezoidal sliders 11 at both ends to move along the cylindrical axis. The trapezoidal sliders 11 slide within the trapezoidal slideway, generating a thrust on the arc-shaped barrel walls 10 on both sides of the gap, increasing the circumference of the cylindrical surface and thus its radius. As the radius of the diameter-changing drive mechanism 6 increases, the diameter-changing coordination ring 5 also increases, pressing the sealing barrel tightly against the inner wall of the pipe to form an annular sealing band. Multiple annular sealing bands are formed in the areas where multiple diameter-changing modules 4 are located, ultimately forming a gradient sealing structure inside the pipe, completing the sealing process.

[0077] During the process of increasing the radius of the variable diameter coordination ring 5, the helical spring plate 14 of the inner helical steel ring 8 plays a supporting role in the gap between the arc-shaped barrel walls 10 during deformation, avoiding the adverse effects of the gap. The annular cavity formed by the variable diameter coordination ring 5 and the rubber ring 7 is filled with many strip steel bars 9. During the process of increasing the radius of the helical steel ring 8, the mutual rolling of a series of strip steel bars 9 forms a new distribution according to the internal geometry of the tube. In the process of making up for the gap of the helical spring plate 14 inside the helical steel ring 8, it has a certain adaptability to the internal geometry of the tube, improves the load distribution, and improves the overall compressive strength of the structure, thereby increasing the working pressure of the plug.

[0078] Example 2:

[0079] Please see Figures 1 to 14 The present invention provides a technical solution:

[0080] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the overall structural layout of the present invention. The modular variable diameter pipe internal plug of the present invention mainly consists of two parts: a sealing barrel 1 and a pressing mechanism 2. The sealing barrel 1 is made of a deformable rubber material and has a cylindrical barrel structure with one end open.

[0081] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the structure layout of the pressing mechanism of the present invention. The pressing mechanism 2 is a deformable series structure consisting of multiple variable diameter modules 4 connected together by universal joints 3. It is installed inside the sealing barrel 1. During the sealing operation, the sealing barrel 1 can be pressed against the inner wall of the pipe by each variable diameter module 4 to complete the sealing operation.

[0082] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 The diagram shown is a partial schematic of the variable diameter module structure of the present invention. Figure 1 and indication Figure 2The variable diameter module 4 consists of a variable diameter drive mechanism 6 and a variable diameter coordination ring 5. The variable diameter drive mechanism 6 comprises an arc-shaped barrel wall 10, a trapezoidal slider 11, a U-shaped connecting rod 12, and a hydraulic cylinder 13. The arc-shaped barrel wall 10 has a main structure of a quarter-circular arc-shaped shell made of spring steel. Symmetrical semi-cylindrical linear grooves at both ends, forming a 20-70 degree angle with the cylindrical axis, are designed. A circular array of four arc-shaped barrel walls 10 can form an approximately complete cylindrical surface. An annular groove is designed on the outer side of the complete cylindrical surface for installing the variable diameter coordination ring 5. The approximately... A straight groove is provided on the inner side of each of the two adjacent semi-cylindrical surfaces at all joints of the complete cylindrical surface. The two adjacent straight grooves form trapezoidal tracks on both sides for installing trapezoidal sliders 11. The trapezoidal sliders 11 are designed with cylindrical hinge joints, which are connected to the flanges at both ends of the hydraulic cylinder 13 through the cylindrical hinges at both ends of the U-shaped connecting rods 12. The hydraulic cylinder 13 synchronously drives the four trapezoidal sliders 11 at both ends to move along the axis of the cylindrical surface through eight U-shaped connecting rods 12. The trapezoidal sliders 11 slide in the trapezoidal tracks, generating a thrust on the arc-shaped barrel walls 10 on both sides of the gap, which increases the circumference of the cylindrical surface and achieves the purpose of increasing the radius. As the gap between the arc-shaped barrel walls 10 increases during the radius increase, this will lead to insufficient local sealing pressure during the sealing process. In order to prevent the increased gap from affecting the sealing effect, a diameter-changing coordination ring 5 is installed on the outside of the diameter-changing drive mechanism 6.

[0083] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the variable diameter drive mechanism of the present invention. Figure 1 and indication Figure 2 The variable diameter drive mechanism 6 consists of an arc-shaped barrel wall 10, a trapezoidal slider 11, a U-shaped connecting rod 12, and a hydraulic cylinder 13. The arc-shaped barrel wall 10 has a main structure of a quarter-circular arc-shaped shell made of spring steel, with a square hole in the middle to enhance its coordinated deformation ability. Symmetrical semi-cylindrical linear grooves at both ends are designed at a certain angle to the axis of the cylindrical surface. The four arc-shaped barrel walls 10 can form an approximately complete cylindrical surface in a single circumferential array. An annular groove is designed on the outer side of the complete cylindrical surface for installing the variable diameter coordination ring 5. At the joint where the four arc-shaped barrel walls 10 can form an approximately complete cylindrical surface in a single circumferential array, two adjacent semi-cylindrical linear grooves on the inner side form trapezoidal slides on both sides for installing the trapezoidal slider 11.

[0084] like Figure 12 The diagram shown is a partial schematic of the edge driving principle of the variable diameter mechanism of the present invention; the upper part of the trapezoidal slider 11 is designed with a cylindrical hinge joint, which is connected to the flange of the oil cylinder 13 through the cylindrical hinges at both ends of the U-shaped connecting rod 12.

[0085] like Figure 13 , Figure 14 The diagram shown illustrates the central drive principle of the variable diameter mechanism of this invention. The hydraulic cylinder 13 synchronously drives four trapezoidal sliders 11 at both ends to move along the cylindrical axis via eight U-shaped connecting rods 12. The trapezoidal sliders 11 slide within the trapezoidal slideways, generating a thrust on the arc-shaped barrel walls 10 on both sides of the gap, thus increasing the circumference of the cylindrical surface and achieving the purpose of increasing the radius. However, as the radius increases, the gap between the arc-shaped barrel walls 10 also continuously increases, which can lead to insufficient local sealing pressure during the sealing process. To prevent the increased gap from affecting the sealing effect, a variable diameter coordination ring 5 is installed on the outside of the variable diameter drive mechanism 6.

[0086] Although all the above embodiments use a single set of drawings, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that separate drawings are not necessary; simply removing missing components or structural features from the drawings is sufficient. This is clear to those skilled in the art. Of course, embodiments with more components are merely optimal embodiments, while embodiments with fewer components are basic embodiments, but all can achieve the basic inventive objective. Therefore, all of these are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0087] All components not discussed in detail in this application, as well as the connection methods of these components, are well-known technologies in this field and will not be elaborated upon further. Examples include welding and threaded connections.

[0088] In this invention, the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "install," "connect," "link," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "link" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0089] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0090] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0091] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular variable-diameter pipe internal plug, characterized in that, include: The sealing barrel (1) is made of a deformable rubber material and has a cylindrical barrel structure with one end open. The clamping mechanism (2) is a series structure consisting of at least two variable diameter modules (4) connected together by a universal joint (3), and the clamping mechanism (2) is installed inside the sealing barrel (1); The variable diameter module (4) includes: A variable diameter drive mechanism (6) is capable of radial extension and retraction to change the diameter; A variable diameter coordination ring (5) is installed on the radial outer side of the variable diameter drive mechanism (6); The variable diameter drive mechanism (6) includes: The arc-shaped barrel wall (10) is a quarter-circular arc-shaped shell structure made of spring steel. Symmetrical semi-cylindrical linear grooves with an angle of 20-70 degrees to the axis of the cylindrical surface are designed at both ends of the arc-shaped barrel wall (10). The four arc-shaped barrel walls (10) are arranged in a circumferential array. The outer side of each of the four arc-shaped barrel walls (10) is designed with an annular groove for installing the variable diameter coordination ring (5). The two adjacent semi-cylindrical linear grooves on the inner side of the cylindrical surface joint formed by the four arc-shaped barrel walls (10) respectively form trapezoidal slides on both sides for installing trapezoidal sliders (11). The variable diameter drive mechanism (6) also includes a hydraulic cylinder (13) and a U-shaped connecting rod (12). The hydraulic cylinder (13) drives the trapezoidal slider (11) to move axially within the trapezoidal slide through the U-shaped connecting rod (12). The variable diameter coordination ring (5) includes: The rubber ring (7) has a cylindrical ring structure with an annular groove on its inner surface and is installed on the outside of the spiral steel ring (8). The spiral steel ring (8) is a complete cylindrical structure welded from multiple spiral spring plates (14) and small spring plates (15), with the small spring plates (15) distributed in the gaps between the spiral spring plates (14); the spiral steel ring (8) is installed on the radial outer side of the arc-shaped barrel wall (10) of the variable diameter drive mechanism (6).

2. The modular reducing pipe internal plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylinder (13) is composed of a cylinder body and a hydraulic rod. Flanges are installed on the outer wall of the cylinder body and the outer wall of the hydraulic rod. The universal joints (3) are connected to both ends of the cylinder (13). The U-shaped connecting rod (12) is provided in eight parts, of which the radial inner ends of four U-shaped connecting rods are hinged to the flanges on the cylinder body, and the radial inner ends of the other four U-shaped connecting rods are hinged to the flanges on the hydraulic rod. The trapezoidal slider (11) includes four groups, all of which slide within the trapezoidal slide rail. Each group of trapezoidal sliders includes a front slider and a rear slider. The front slider is hinged to the radial outer end of the U-shaped connecting rod on the cylinder flange, and the rear slider is hinged to the radial outer end of the U-shaped connecting rod on the hydraulic rod flange.

3. The modular reducing pipe internal plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The variable diameter coordination ring (5) also includes: A number of strip steel rods (9) are filled in the annular cavity formed by the spiral steel ring (8) and the rubber ring (7).

4. A modular reducing pipe internal plug as described in claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The outer wall of the rubber ring (7) is in close contact with the inner wall of the sealing barrel (1).

5. A modular reducing pipe internal plug as described in claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The arc-shaped barrel wall (10) has radial square holes.

6. A modular reducing pipe internal plug as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tail universal joint (3) of the plug is provided with a threaded pair for connection with a pipeline robot or robotic arm.

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