A connecting device for a trailing pipe line of a cutter suction dredger

Abstract

The application discloses a connecting device for a pipe line of a cutter suction dredger, which comprises an outer shell, an inner shell, a locking device and a bolt device, the outer surface of the input end of the inner shell is in a spherical surface structure, the inner wall of the outer shell is provided with a spherical arc surface matched with the outer spherical surface of the inner shell, the outer shell is provided with a sealing groove at the spherical arc surface, and a sealing ring is arranged in the sealing groove, so that the inner shell is rotatably connected between the outer shell after being inserted into the outer shell, sealing is realized, the inner shell can be arbitrarily rotated in the radial direction in the outer shell, and the maximum axial rotation angle is 12.5 degrees; the outer shell is provided with a water flushing opening near the spherical arc surface, and the outer shell is provided with a guard ring at the outermost side of the output end; the locking device is arranged in the outer shell and is used for tightly holding the inner shell in the outer shell, the rotating side of the locking device is rotatably connected with the outer shell, the opening and closing side of the locking device is connected with the outer shell through the bolt device, and the connection or disconnection of the inner shell and the outer shell is realized. The service life of the connecting device is prolonged, and the connecting device can better adapt to a severe environment with strong wind and surge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dredging engineering technology, and in particular to a connecting device for the stern blow-off pipeline of a cutter suction dredger. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most cutter suction dredgers use offshore self-floating pipe flanges to directly connect to the stern mud pipe flanges, requiring bolt installation one by one, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Especially in the event of strong winds and waves, the bolts cannot be easily disconnected, affecting the safety of the vessel.

[0003] In recent years, two types of quick couplings have emerged: tapered quick couplings that require manual disassembly and hydraulic jacking tapered quick couplings that temporarily install hydraulic cylinders and hand pumps. Both types require workers to climb onto the coupling for on-site disassembly and assembly, which is particularly dangerous in windy and wavery conditions, affecting the safety of personnel and construction vessels, as well as work efficiency. Later, ball-shaped quick couplings with fixed hydraulic cylinders appeared. The hydraulic cylinders of this type of quick coupling are fixed on the ship and powered by a cutter suction dredger, reducing the on-site installation process and lowering installation risks. However, the structural components of this type of quick coupling are difficult to repair after being worn down by silt and sand, resulting in a short service life. When the auxiliary vessel lifts the inner shell of this type of quick coupling and inserts it into the outer shell, it frequently collides with the outer shell structure and locking device, causing damage to the outer shell and locking device. Furthermore, when the inner shell of this type of quick coupling rotates to a certain angle and remains stationary for an extended period, silt and sand can accumulate in the cavity area after rotation, causing the inner shell to jam and preventing it from swinging freely with the offshore floating pipe. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a safe and efficient connection device for the stern blow-off pipeline of a cutter suction dredger, which enables rapid connection and disconnection between the cutter suction dredger and the water pipeline, greatly improving work efficiency and the safety of personnel and vessels.

[0005] This invention is implemented as follows: a connecting device for the stern blowdown pipeline of a cutter suction dredger, comprising four parts: an outer shell, an inner shell, a locking device, and a pin device. The input end flange of the outer shell is connected to the steel sludge discharge pipe at the stern of the cutter suction dredger, and the output end flange of the inner shell is connected to the self-floating sludge discharge pipe at sea. The outer surface of the input end of the inner shell is a spherical structure, and the inner wall of the outer shell is provided with a spherical arc surface that mates with the outer spherical surface of the inner shell. A sealing groove is formed in the spherical arc surface of the outer shell, and a sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove to ensure that the inner... The inner shell extends into the outer shell and is rotatably connected to it to achieve a seal, allowing the inner shell to rotate arbitrarily radially within the outer shell, with a maximum axial rotation angle of 12.5°. The outer shell has a flushing port near its spherical arc surface, and a protective ring is provided on the outermost side of the output end. The locking device is installed inside the outer shell and is used to hold the inner shell tightly within the outer shell. The rotating side of the locking device is rotatably connected to the outer shell, and the opening and closing side of the locking device is controlled by a pin device to connect or disconnect the inner shell from the outer shell.

[0006] In the above technical solution, preferably, the outer shell includes an outer shell structure, an outer shell wear-resistant layer, a sealing ring, and a limiting ring. The outer shell structure is a conical structure, and along the pipeline conveying direction, the inner cavity of the outer shell structure gradually widens. The outer shell wear-resistant layer is disposed on the inner wall of the outer shell structure. The output end of the outer shell structure is connected to the sealing ring and the limiting ring. The sealing ring and the limiting ring are fixed together by a connecting code. The spherical arc surface of the outer shell is located at the connection between the outer shell structure and the sealing ring. The sealing groove is located on the inner wall of the sealing ring.

[0007] In the above technical solution, it is further preferred that the outer side of the limiting ring has an oblique angle, which is used to mechanically limit the inner shell after the inner shell is rotated to the maximum angle.

[0008] In the above technical solution, it is further preferred that a pipe clamp is provided between the input end flange of the outer casing and the outer casing, and at least two lifting lugs are provided on the outer casing.

[0009] In the above technical solution, preferably, the inner shell includes an inner shell outer structure and an inner shell wear-resistant layer. The input end of the inner shell outer structure is connected to the outer shell, and the output end of the inner shell outer structure is used to limit the inner shell after it is rotated to the maximum angle. The inner shell wear-resistant layer is fixed inside the inner shell outer structure by an inner shell locking pin. Along the pipeline conveying direction, the inner cavity of the inner shell wear-resistant layer is conical, tapering from coarse to fine.

[0010] In the above technical solution, preferably, the locking device is located between the sealing ring and the limiting ring of the outer shell. The locking device includes two symmetrical arc-shaped locking rings, a locking cylinder, and two locking cylinder bases. The opening and closing end of one locking ring is connected to the cylinder end of the locking cylinder through a locking cylinder base. The opening and closing end of the other locking ring is connected to the piston rod end of the locking cylinder through a locking cylinder base and a connecting shaft. The rotating ends of the two locking rings are rotatably connected to the outer shell through a locking ring fixing pin.

[0011] In the above technical solution, a further preferred embodiment is that the inner wall of the locking ring is provided with a spherical arc surface that mates with the outer spherical surface of the inner shell.

[0012] In the above technical solution, a further preferred embodiment is that the locking ring is provided with a grease nipple.

[0013] In the above technical solution, preferably, the pin device includes a pin cylinder, a fixed cylinder, and a pin. The power source of the pin cylinder is provided by the hydraulic pump station on the cutter suction dredger. The pin cylinder is mounted on the outer shell through the fixed cylinder, and the piston rod end of the pin cylinder is connected to the pin. When the pin cylinder retracts, the pin is located inside the fixed cylinder. When the pin cylinder extends, the pin passes through the pin holes of the sealing ring, the locking ring, and the limiting ring in sequence, mechanically locking the locking ring and fixing the locking device and the outer shell.

[0014] During connection, the inner shell and the self-floating mud discharge pipe are lifted and inserted into the outer shell. Then, the locking cylinder retracts, causing the locking ring to grip the lower part of the inner shell sphere. Next, the pin cylinder extends, pushing out the pin. The pin passes through the pin holes of the sealing ring, locking ring, and limit ring in sequence, mechanically locking the locking ring and ensuring the reliability of the inner and outer shell connection. During disengagement, the pin cylinder retracts, pulling back the pin. Then, the locking cylinder opens, causing the locking ring to loosen the lower part of the inner shell sphere, allowing the inner shell and the self-floating mud discharge pipe to quickly detach from the outer shell.

[0015] The present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0016] (1) The connection device of the present invention can realize the rapid connection and disconnection between the cutter suction dredger and the water pipeline, which greatly improves work efficiency and the safety of personnel and ships.

[0017] (2) The outer shell and inner shell of the connecting device of the present invention are divided into two parts: an outer structure and a wear-resistant layer. When the wear-resistant layer is worn down to a certain extent by mud and sand, it can be used again by simply replacing the wear-resistant layer. This solves the defect that the entire connecting device has to be scrapped due to structural wear, extends the service life of the connecting device, and saves resources.

[0018] (3) The connecting device of the present invention is equipped with a protective ring at the front end of the outer shell. The protective ring protects the outer shell and locking cylinder and other components. When the auxiliary vessel lifts the inner shell and inserts it into the outer shell, it prevents the lifting device from hitting the outer shell and locking cylinder, causing damage to the outer shell and locking cylinder. In addition, when the entire connecting device is disassembled and installed on the ground, the protective ring will touch the ground first, serving as a support point to protect the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0019] (4) The connecting device of the present invention is equipped with a flushing system, and six flushing ports are provided on the outer shell to flush the area that changes after the inner shell rotates with high pressure, so that the mud and sand will not accumulate here and cause the inner shell to be unable to rotate; in addition, the flushing has a rinsing effect on the outer sphere of the inner shell, preventing the outer sphere of the inner shell from bringing mud and sand into the gap between the inner and outer shells when the inner shell rotates, which would cause the wear of the outer sphere of the inner shell, the outer structure of the outer shell, the locking ring and the sealing ring to be aggravated.

[0020] (5) The connecting device of the present invention has an inner shell that can rotate arbitrarily in the radial direction within the outer shell, and the maximum axial rotation angle reaches 12.5°, which is 2.5° larger than the maximum rotation angle of the previous quick connector, making it more adaptable to harsh environments with strong winds and waves. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connecting device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a front view of the connection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a side view of the connecting device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the housing of the connecting device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the connecting device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the inner shell of the connecting device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a front view of the pin device of the connecting device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the locking device of the connecting device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Outer shell; 1-1. Wear-resistant layer of outer shell; 1-2. Outer structure of outer shell; 1-3. Water inlet; 1-4. Connecting bracket; 1-5. Lifting lug; 1-6. Sealing ring; 1-7. Limiting ring; 1-8. Pipe bracket; 1-9. Protective ring;

[0030] 2. Inner shell; 2-1. Outer structure of the inner shell; 2-2. Locking pin of the inner shell; 2-3. Wear-resistant layer of the inner shell;

[0031] 3. Pin device; 3-1. Pin cylinder; 3-2. Fixing cylinder; 3-3. Pin;

[0032] 4. Locking device; 4-1. Locking ring; 4-2. Locking cylinder; 4-3. Locking cylinder base; 4-4. Grease fitting;

[0033] 5. Locking ring fixing pin; 6. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element 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. Furthermore, the terms "a," "b," "c," "d," "e," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] Example

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 8This embodiment provides a connecting device for the stern blowdown pipeline of a cutter suction dredger, comprising four parts: an outer shell 1, an inner shell 2, a locking device 4, and a pin device 3. The input end flange of the outer shell 1 is connected to the steel sludge discharge pipe at the stern of the cutter suction dredger, and the output end flange of the inner shell 2 is connected to the self-floating sludge discharge pipe at sea. The outer surface of the input end of the inner shell 2 is spherical, and the inner wall of the outer shell 1 is provided with a spherical arc surface that mates with the outer spherical surface of the inner shell 2. A sealing groove is provided in the spherical arc surface of the outer shell 1, and a sealing ring 6 is provided in the sealing groove. This allows the inner shell 2 to extend into the outer shell 1 and rotate to achieve a seal, while also allowing the inner shell 2 to rotate arbitrarily radially within the outer shell 1, with a maximum axial rotation angle of 12.5°. The outer shell 1 has a flushing port 1-3 near its spherical arc surface. The flushing port 1-3 provides high-pressure water flushing to the area of ​​the inner shell 2 that changes after rotation, and also rinses the outer spherical surface of the inner shell 2. The outer shell 1 has a protective ring 1-9 on its outermost output end, protecting the outer shell 1, inner shell 2, and locking device 4. The locking device 4 is installed inside the outer shell 1 and is used to hold the inner shell 2 tightly within the outer shell 1. The rotating side of the locking device 4 is rotatably connected to the outer shell 1, and the opening / closing side of the locking device 4 is controlled by a pin device 3 to connect or disconnect the inner shell 2 from the outer shell 1.

[0039] The outer shell 1 includes an outer shell structure 1-2, a wear-resistant outer shell layer 1-1, a sealing ring 1-6, and a limiting ring 1-7. The outer shell structure 1-2 is a conical structure, and its inner cavity gradually widens from thin to coarse along the pipeline conveying direction. The wear-resistant outer shell layer 1-1 is disposed on the inner wall of the outer shell structure 1-2. The output end of the outer shell structure 1-2 is connected to the sealing ring 1-6 and the limiting ring 1-7, which are connected and fixed by a connecting rod 1-4. The spherical arc surface of the outer shell 1 is located at the connection between the outer shell structure 1-2 and the sealing ring 1-6, and the sealing groove is located on the inner wall of the sealing ring 1-6. The outer side of the limiting ring 1-7 has an angled opening for mechanically limiting the inner shell 2 after it rotates to its maximum angle. A pipe rod 1-8 is provided between the input end flange of the outer shell 1 and the outer shell 1, and at least two lifting lugs 1-5 are provided on the outer shell 1.

[0040] The inner shell 2 includes an inner shell outer structure 2-1 and an inner shell wear-resistant layer 2-3. The input end of the inner shell outer structure 2-1 is connected to the outer shell 1, and the output end of the inner shell outer structure 2-1 is used to limit the inner shell 2 after it is rotated to the maximum angle, in cooperation with the outer shell 1. The inner shell wear-resistant layer 2-3 is fixed inside the inner shell outer structure 2-1 by an inner shell locking pin 2-2. Along the pipeline conveying direction, the inner cavity of the inner shell wear-resistant layer 2-3 is conical, tapering from coarse to fine.

[0041] The locking device 4 is located between the sealing ring 1-6 and the limiting ring 1-7 of the outer shell 1. The locking device 4 includes two symmetrical arc-shaped locking rings 4-1, a locking cylinder 4-2, and two locking cylinder bases 4-3. The opening and closing end of one locking ring 4-1 is connected to the cylinder end of the locking cylinder 4-2 through a locking cylinder base 4-3. The opening and closing end of the other locking ring 4-1 is connected to the piston rod end of the locking cylinder 4-2 through a locking cylinder base 4-3 and a connecting shaft. The rotating ends of the two locking rings 4-1 are rotatably connected to the outer shell 1 through a locking ring fixing pin 5. The inner wall of the locking ring 4-1 is provided with a spherical arc surface that matches the outer spherical surface of the inner shell 2, so that the locking device 4 grips the inner shell 2 more firmly. The locking cylinder 4-2 is powered by a hydraulic pump station on the cutter suction dredger. The locking device 4 controls the opening and closing of two arc-shaped locking rings 4-1 through the locking cylinder 4-2, thereby achieving the clamping and loosening of the inner shell 2. Each locking ring 4-1 is equipped with a grease nipple 4-4. Grease is injected through the grease nipple 4-4 to make the inner wall of the locking ring 4-1 more lubricated and corrosion-resistant against the outer spherical surface of the inner shell 2, allowing the inner shell 2 to rotate more flexibly and without jamming.

[0042] The pin device 3 includes a pin cylinder 3-1, a fixed cylinder 3-2, and a pin 3-3. The power source for the pin cylinder 3-1 is provided by the hydraulic pump station on the cutter suction dredger. The pin cylinder 3-1 is mounted on the sealing ring 1-6 of the outer shell 1 via the fixed cylinder 3-2. The piston rod end of the pin cylinder 3-1 is connected to the pin 3-3. When the pin cylinder 3-1 retracts, the pin 3-3 is located inside the fixed cylinder 3-2. When the pin cylinder 3-1 extends, the pin 3-3 passes through the pin holes of the sealing ring 1-6, the locking ring 4-1, and the limiting ring 1-7 in sequence, mechanically locking the locking ring 4-1 and simultaneously fixing the locking device 4 and the outer shell 1. When the pin cylinder 3-1 pushes out the pin 3-3, the pin 3-3 passes through the pin holes of the sealing ring 1-6, the locking ring 4-1, and the limiting ring 1-7 in sequence, mechanically locking the locking ring 4-1 and ensuring the reliability of the connection between the inner and outer shell 1.

[0043] Specific implementation process of the present invention:

[0044] First, the inner shell 2 is connected to the self-floating mud discharge pipe at sea via a flange. Then, the auxiliary vessel lifts the inner shell 2 and the self-floating mud discharge pipe at sea and inserts them into the outer shell 1. When the input end of the inner shell 2 presses against the sealing ring 1-6 of the outer shell 1, the locking cylinder 4-2 retracts to lock the locking ring 4-1. The locking ring 4-1 holds the inner shell 2. After locking, the pin cylinder 3-1 extends. The piston rod of the pin cylinder 3-1 drives the pin 3-3 to extend outward and pass through the pin holes of the sealing ring 1-6, the locking ring 4-1, and the limit ring 1-7 in sequence, mechanically locking the locking ring 4-1 to prevent it from coming off. At this point, the connection of the connecting device is completed.

[0045] When it is necessary to disconnect the connecting device, firstly, the pin cylinder 3-1 retracts and pulls out the pin 3-3, then the locking cylinder 4-2 extends to open the locking ring 4-1, and then the auxiliary vessel lifts the inner shell 2 and pulls out the self-floating mud discharge pipe at sea. At this point, the disconnection action is completed.

[0046] The mud in the cutter suction dredger's pipeline enters the outer shell 1 through the inlet port of the outer shell 1, and then is discharged from the outlet port of the inner shell 2 to the self-floating mud discharge pipe at sea, eventually reaching the mud blowing area at a certain distance from the ship.

[0047] The application of this invention to construction and production will bring huge economic benefits and has good promotional value.

[0048] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connecting device for the stern blowdown pipeline of a cutter suction dredger, characterized in that, The connecting device is located at the stern of the cutter suction dredger and includes four parts: an outer shell, an inner shell, a locking device, and a pin device. The input end flange of the outer shell connects to the steel sludge discharge pipe at the stern of the cutter suction dredger, and the output end flange of the inner shell connects to the self-floating sludge discharge pipe at sea. The outer surface of the input end of the inner shell is spherical, and the inner wall of the outer shell has a spherical arc surface that mates with the outer spherical surface of the inner shell. A sealing groove is formed in the spherical arc surface of the outer shell, and a sealing ring is installed in the sealing groove, allowing the inner shell to extend into the outer shell and rotate to connect with it. The inner shell is sealed and can rotate radially within the outer shell, with a maximum axial rotation angle of 12.5°. A flushing port is located near the spherical arc surface of the outer shell, used for high-pressure flushing of the area affected by the rotation of the inner shell. A protective ring is located on the outermost side of the output end of the outer shell. A locking device is installed inside the outer shell to hold the inner shell tightly within it. The rotating side of the locking device is rotatably connected to the outer shell, and the opening / closing side of the locking device is controlled by a pin device to connect or disconnect the inner shell from the outer shell.

2. The connecting device for the stern blowdown pipeline of a cutter suction dredger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell includes an outer shell structure, a wear-resistant outer shell layer, a sealing ring, and a limiting ring. The outer shell structure is a conical structure, and along the pipeline conveying direction, the inner cavity of the outer shell structure gradually widens. The wear-resistant outer shell layer is disposed on the inner wall of the outer shell structure. The output end of the outer shell structure is connected to the sealing ring and the limiting ring. The sealing ring and the limiting ring are fixed together by a connecting code. The spherical arc surface of the outer shell is located at the connection between the outer shell structure and the sealing ring. The sealing groove is located on the inner wall of the sealing ring.

3. The connecting device for the stern blowdown pipeline of a cutter suction dredger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer side of the limiting ring has an angled opening, which is used to mechanically limit the inner shell after the inner shell is rotated to the maximum angle.

4. The connecting device for the stern blowdown pipeline of a cutter suction dredger according to claim 2, characterized in that, A pipe clamp is provided between the input end flange of the housing and the housing, and at least two lifting lugs are provided on the housing.

5. The connecting device for the stern blowdown pipeline of a cutter suction dredger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner shell includes an outer structure and a wear-resistant layer. The input end of the outer structure is connected to the outer shell, and the output end of the outer structure is used to limit the inner shell after it is rotated to its maximum angle. The wear-resistant layer is fixed inside the outer structure by an inner shell locking pin. Along the pipeline conveying direction, the inner cavity of the wear-resistant layer is conical, tapering from coarse to fine.

6. The connecting device for the stern blowdown pipeline of a cutter suction dredger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking device is located between the sealing ring and the limiting ring of the outer shell. The locking device includes two symmetrical arc-shaped locking rings, a locking cylinder, and two locking cylinder bases. The opening and closing end of one locking ring is connected to the cylinder end of the locking cylinder through a locking cylinder base. The opening and closing end of the other locking ring is connected to the piston rod end of the locking cylinder through a locking cylinder base and a connecting shaft. The rotating ends of the two locking rings are rotatably connected to the outer shell through a locking ring fixing pin.

7. The connecting device for the stern blowdown pipeline of a cutter suction dredger according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inner wall of the locking ring is provided with a spherical arc surface that matches the outer spherical surface of the inner shell.

8. The connecting device for the stern blowdown pipeline of a cutter suction dredger according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking ring is equipped with a grease fitting.

9. The connecting device for the stern blowdown pipeline of a cutter suction dredger according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pin device includes a pin cylinder, a fixed cylinder, and a pin. The power source for the pin cylinder is provided by the hydraulic pump station on the cutter suction dredger. The pin cylinder is mounted on the outer casing through the fixed cylinder, and the piston rod end of the pin cylinder is connected to the pin. When the pin cylinder retracts, the pin is located inside the fixed cylinder. When the pin cylinder extends, the pin passes through the pin holes of the sealing ring, the locking ring, and the limiting ring in sequence, mechanically locking the locking ring and fixing the locking device and the outer casing.

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