Dry quick joint for LNG transfer

Abstract

The application relates to a dry quick joint for LNG transfer, which comprises a female joint and a male joint, the female joint comprises a fixed shell, a rotating shell, a valve tongue, a valve core, a first spring, a second spring and a guide shaft, the valve tongue comprises a first sealing end and a second sealing end, the second sealing end is connected with one end of the first spring, the other end of the first spring is fixedly connected with one end of a flange of the fixed shell, the valve tongue and the rotating shell are screwedly connected, one end of the second spring is fixedly connected with one end of the rotating shell close to the fixed shell, the other end of the second spring is connected with the valve core, the rotating rotating shell can drive the first sealing end and the second sealing end of the valve tongue to move axially, meanwhile, the second spring drives the valve core to move axially, the first sealing end and the valve core are sealed, the second sealing end is sealed with the fixed shell, and two seals are realized in the female joint. The female joint realizes two seals, the leaking probability of the filling end is greatly reduced, and the safety is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of LNG transshipment and transportation, and more particularly to a dry quick coupling for LNG transshipment and transportation. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, natural gas, as a high-quality clean energy source, has been increasingly widely used in my country, with a significant increase in its consumption. Consequently, the number of LNG transfers has increased considerably. Given the inherent flammability and explosiveness of LNG, it is crucial to minimize the risk of LNG leakage during transfers and transportation.

[0003] Dry-type quick couplings, as devices to prevent leakage during connection and disconnection, have seen rapid development in recent years with strong industry support. Their main features include built-in valves on both male and female connectors, quick connection and disconnection, and reliable interlocking devices ensuring safety during use.

[0004] The internal valve of the female dry quick-connect coupling commonly used for LNG transportation and transfer adopts a single bevel and O-ring sealing method. The machining accuracy of related parts and the service life of the O-ring have a certain impact on leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dry quick coupling for LNG transfer and transportation, which greatly reduces the risk of LNG leakage and improves the safety of transfer and transportation; the device has a compact structure, high safety, and is simple and convenient to use.

[0006] The technical solution to achieve the purpose of this invention is as follows:

[0007] A dry quick connector for LNG transshipment includes a female connector and a male connector. The female connector includes a fixed housing, a rotating housing, a valve tongue, a valve core, a first spring, a second spring, and several guide shafts, wherein:

[0008] One end of the fixed housing is connected to a flange, and the other end is connected to one end of the rotating housing. The other end of the rotating housing is used to connect to one end of the male connector, and the other end of the male connector is connected to a flange.

[0009] The valve tongue includes a first sealing end and a second sealing end. The second sealing end is connected to one end of a first spring, and the other end of the first spring is fixedly connected to one end of a flange connecting to a fixed housing. The valve tongue is helically connected to a rotating housing via a connecting mechanism and is also connected to a valve core. One end of the second spring is fixedly connected to the end of the rotating housing near the fixed housing, and the other end is connected to the valve core. Rotating the rotating housing via the connecting mechanism can drive the first and second sealing ends of the valve tongue to move axially. When the valve tongue moves toward the fixed housing, the male and female ends are disconnected. At the same time, the second spring gives the valve core a tendency to move toward the male end, pressing it against the sealing ring of the first sealing end, so that the first sealing end and the valve core are sealed, the second sealing end is sealed with the fixed housing, and the female end has two seals inside.

[0010] The guide shaft is used to rotate the connection between the housing and the male connector.

[0011] Furthermore, the connecting mechanism includes a valve tongue plate and a valve tongue guide shaft. A guide sleeve is fixedly installed at one end of the valve tongue plate, and the valve tongue guide shaft is installed inside the guide sleeve. Both ends of the guide shaft are rotatably connected to the rotating housing. The first sealing end is hinged to the end of the valve tongue plate away from the guide sleeve via a pin. One end of the second sealing end is hinged to the guide sleeve via a pin, and the other end is connected to one end of the fixed housing connecting flange via a movable shaft. The movable shaft can pass through the through hole at the end of the fixed housing and extend to the outside as the first spring is compressed. As the first spring extends, the movable shaft moves into the fixed housing. The valve tongue plate is connected to the valve core.

[0012] Furthermore, the rotating housing is circumferentially machined with two spiral guide grooves and several guide shaft mounting holes. The two ends of the valve tongue guide shaft are slidably connected to the two spiral guide grooves respectively, and the guide shaft is installed in the guide shaft mounting holes.

[0013] Furthermore, limiting points are provided at both ends of the spiral guide groove.

[0014] Furthermore, the valve core is provided with a valve tongue guide groove, and the valve tongue plate is partially inserted into the valve tongue guide groove to restrict the movement of the valve tongue plate relative to the valve tongue guide groove.

[0015] Furthermore, multiple limiting blocks are evenly distributed on the periphery of the valve core.

[0016] Furthermore, the male connector includes a male connector housing, a male connector sealing end, and a male connector spring. One end of the male connector spring is fixedly installed inside the male connector housing, and the other end is in contact with the plane of the male connector sealing end. When no external force is applied, the male connector sealing end is sealed to the inside of the male connector housing under the pre-tightening force of the male connector spring. When the male connector and the female connector are connected, the first sealing end is in contact with the plane of the male connector sealing end.

[0017] Furthermore, the male head housing is provided with a limiting groove and a rotating guide groove. When the female head and the male head are connected, the limiting groove is engaged with the limiting block. At the same time, the guide shaft enters the rotating guide groove and can roll circumferentially within it.

[0018] Furthermore, both ends of the first spring, the second spring, and the male spring are connected to other components via spring fixing seats.

[0019] Furthermore, two ball bearings are installed between the rotating housing and the fixed housing, the rotating housing is provided with a force-applying handle, and both the first sealing end and the second sealing end are provided with sealing rings.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0021] (1) Compact structure and convenient and quick operation;

[0022] (2) The female head is equipped with two seals. The first sealing end and the valve core achieve the first seal; the second sealing end and the fixed housing achieve the second seal. The synchronous movement of the mechanical device greatly reduces the risk of leakage and improves safety.

[0023] (3) Reduce the intensity of work by applying force to the handle. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the male and female connectors of this invention after they have been connected but before the valve has been opened.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the valve of the present invention when it is open, where the arrows indicate the LNG transmission direction.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the male connector structure.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the valve core inside the female valve head.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating housing inside the female head.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the valve tongue inside the female valve head.

[0031] 1. Female head; 11. Fixed housing; 12. Rotating housing; 121. Spiral guide groove; 122. Guide shaft mounting hole; 13. Valve tongue; 131. Valve tongue guide shaft; 132. First sealing end; 133. Second sealing end; 134. Valve tongue plate; 14. Valve core; 141. Limiting block; 142. Valve tongue guide groove; 15. First spring; 16. Second spring; 17. Guide shaft; 2. Male head; 21. Male head housing; 211. Limiting groove; 212. Rotating guide groove; 22. Male head sealing end; 23. Male head spring; 3. Force-applying handle. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", 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 application and 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 application.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly 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 or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this embodiment, at least one rotary seal is evenly distributed between the two rotating parts, and an end face seal is provided between the female and male ends. A seal is ensured by pressing together during mating. Additionally, each sealing end face is equipped with a sealing ring. Preferably, all seals in this embodiment are spring-loaded seals or other low-temperature resistant seals.

[0035] See Figure 1 The present invention provides a dry quick connector for LNG transfer and transportation, which includes a female connector 1, a male connector 2 and a force-applying handle 3.

[0036] Combination Figure 3 Specifically, the female connector 1 includes a fixed housing 11, a rotating housing 12, a valve tongue 13, a valve core 14, a first spring 15, a second spring 16, and a guide shaft 17. One end of the fixed housing 11 is machined with a connecting flange for connection to the refueling hose of the LNG connection and delivery system; combined with... Figure 6The rotating housing 12 has two spiral guide grooves 121 evenly distributed around its circumference and three guide shaft mounting holes 122; the guide shaft mounting holes 122 are used to mount guide shafts 17; furthermore, two ball bearings are installed between the rotating housing 12 and the fixed housing 11 to ensure their relative rotational movement; combined with Figure 7 The valve tongue 13 consists of a valve tongue plate 134, a valve tongue guide shaft 131, a first sealing end 132, and a second sealing end 133. A guide sleeve is mounted on one end of the valve tongue plate 134, and the valve tongue guide shaft 131 is installed inside the guide sleeve and rotatably connected to it. The first sealing end 132 is hinged to the end of the valve tongue plate 134 away from the sleeve via a pin. One end of the second sealing end 133 is hinged to the guide sleeve via a pin, and its other end is connected to one end of the flange of the fixed housing 11 via a movable shaft. This movable shaft, as the first spring 15 is compressed, passes through the through hole at the end of the fixed housing 11 and extends to the outside. As the first spring 15 extends, the movable shaft moves into the fixed housing 11. The two ends of the valve tongue guide shaft 131 are in rolling contact with two spiral guide grooves 121, respectively. Figure 5 Three limiting blocks 141 and two valve tongue guide grooves 142 are evenly distributed on the circumference of the valve core 14. The flat part of the valve tongue plate 134 is inserted into the valve tongue guide groove 142, thereby restricting the relative rotation between the two. The valve tongue guide shaft 131 slides in the spiral guide groove 121. Both ends of the spiral guide groove 121 are machined with limiting points. When working, the valve tongue is located at the right limiting point. When disconnected, the valve tongue is located at the left limiting point.

[0037] Furthermore, all contact points with both ends of the spring are equipped with spring fixing seats to ensure that the spring force is applied evenly. One end of the first spring 15 is fixedly installed inside one end of the mounting flange of the fixed housing 11 through the spring fixing seat, and the other end is in contact with the plane of the second sealing end 133. The spring force of the first spring 15 after compression acts on the second sealing end 133. One end of the second spring 16 is fixedly installed inside the end of the rotating housing 12 away from the male head 2 through the spring fixing seat, and the other end is in contact with the plane of the valve core 14. The spring force of the second spring 16 after compression acts on the valve core 14.

[0038] Furthermore, the second spring 16 continuously provides the valve core 14 with an axial movement tendency. When disconnected, it drives the valve core to achieve an internal seal between the female head and the first sealing end 132. When connected, it drives the valve core 14 to press against the end face seal provided in the male head 2 to achieve a seal between the female head 1 and the male head 2.

[0039] Furthermore, the first sealing end 132 and the second sealing end 133 move synchronously with the valve tongue guide shaft 131. When they are at the left limit point, the second spring 16 gives the valve core 14 a tendency to move to the right, so that the first sealing end 132 and the valve core 14 achieve a seal; at the same time, the second sealing end 133 achieves a seal with the fixed housing 11, see Figure 2In summary, when no connection work is required or during the transition from connection to disconnection, the internal structure of the female connector 1 achieves two seals, significantly reducing the probability of leakage at the filling end and improving safety.

[0040] Furthermore, combined Figure 3 The male connector 2 includes a male connector housing 21, a male connector sealing end 22, and a male connector spring 23. One end of the male connector housing 21 is machined with a connecting flange and is installed at the injection end of the LNG connection and delivery system. Figure 4 The male head housing 21 is provided with a limiting groove 211 and a rotating guide groove 212. The limiting groove 211 can engage with the limiting block 141 during the docking process. At the same time, the guide shaft 17 enters the rotating guide groove 212 and can roll circumferentially within it. One end of the male head spring 23 is fixedly installed inside the male head housing 21, and the other end is in plane contact with the male head sealing end 22. The spring force of the compressed male head spring 23 acts on the male head sealing end 22. When no external force is applied, the male head sealing end 22 achieves internal sealing with the male head housing 21 under the pre-tightening force of the male head spring 23.

[0041] Furthermore, the force-applying handle 3 is connected to the rotating housing 12, and the increased diameter can effectively reduce the applied force during docking.

[0042] Furthermore, the first sealing end 132 is in planar contact with the male sealing end 22, which greatly reduces the volume between the two inner valves, thereby reducing the amount of LNG leakage during separation.

[0043] The usage process in this embodiment is as follows:

[0044] Initially, the female and male heads each rely on spring force to ensure sealing. During the docking process, the female head moves towards the male head, causing the guide shaft 17 to enter the rotating guide groove 212. The limiting block 141 engages with the limiting groove 211, thereby fixing the valve core 14 and the male head 2 relatively.

[0045] Combination Figure 2 During the valve opening process, an external force is applied clockwise to the handle 3, causing the housing 12 to rotate accordingly. The spiral guide groove 121 then slides relative to the valve tongue guide shaft 131. Due to the constraint of the valve tongue guide groove 142, the valve tongue 13 moves to the right relative to the male end. The first sealing end 132 overcomes the spring force of the male end spring 23, causing the male end sealing end 22 to move to the right. At the same time, the second sealing end moves away from the sealing point of the fixed housing, thus realizing the opening of the valve. It should be noted that the angle between the two limiting points of the spiral guide groove 121 is smaller than the angle between the limiting grooves, meaning that after the valve is opened, the male and female ends automatically lock together and cannot be disengaged.

[0046] During the valve closing process, rotating the force-applying handle 3 counterclockwise causes the valve tongue 13 to move to the left. After the female and male heads achieve their respective seals under the action of their spring forces, the guide shaft 17 rotates to the same direction as the limit groove 211, thus enabling the female head 1 and male head 2 to disengage.

[0047] It should be noted that the known structures in the male and female connectors of this invention will not be described again here.

[0048] In summary, this invention provides a dry quick connector for LNG transshipment, featuring a redundant double-seal configuration inside the female connector, which significantly reduces the risk of LNG leakage and improves the safety of transshipment. This device has a compact structure, with two safety seals inside the female connector, ensuring high safety and ease of use.

[0049] 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 dry quick coupling for LNG transfer, comprising a female head (1) and a male head (2), characterized in that, The female head (1) comprises a fixed shell (11), a rotating shell (12), a valve tongue (13), a valve core (14), a first spring (15), a second spring (16) and a plurality of guide shafts (17), wherein: One end of the fixed shell (11) is connected with a flange, and the other end is connected with one end of the rotating shell (12), and the other end of the rotating shell (12) is used for being connected with one end of the male head (2), and the other end of the male head (2) is connected with a flange; The valve tongue (13) comprises a first sealing end (132) and a second sealing end (133), the second sealing end (133) is connected with one end of the first spring (15), and the other end of the first spring (15) is fixedly connected with one end of the fixed shell (11) connected with the flange; the valve tongue (13) is spirally and rotatably connected with the rotating shell (12) through a connecting mechanism, and is connected with the valve core (14); one end of the second spring (16) is fixedly connected with one end of the rotating shell (12) close to the fixed shell (11), and the other end is connected with the valve core (14); the rotating shell (12) can drive the first sealing end (132) and the second sealing end (133) of the valve tongue (13) to move axially through the connecting mechanism; when the valve tongue (13) moves towards the fixed shell (11), the male head (2) is disconnected with the female head (1), and at the same time, the second spring (16) gives the valve core (14) a moving trend towards the male head (2), and the first sealing end (132) is pressed tightly, so that the first sealing end (132) and the valve core (14) are sealed, and the second sealing end (133) is sealed with the fixed shell (11); The guide shaft (17) is used for connecting the rotating shell (12) and the male head (2).

2. The dry quick coupling for LNG transfer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting mechanism comprises a valve tongue plate (134) and a valve tongue guide shaft (131), one end of the valve tongue plate (134) is fixedly provided with a guide shaft sleeve, the valve tongue guide shaft (131) is installed in the guide shaft sleeve, and both ends of the valve tongue guide shaft (131) are rotatably connected with the rotating shell (12); the first sealing end (132) is hingedly connected with one end of the valve tongue plate (134) away from the guide shaft sleeve through a pin shaft; one end of the second sealing end (133) is hingedly connected with the guide shaft sleeve through a pin shaft, and the other end is connected with one end of the fixed shell (11) connected with the flange through a moving shaft; the moving shaft can penetrate through a through hole at the end of the fixed shell (11) and extend to the outside along with the compression of the first spring (15); the moving shaft moves into the fixed shell (11) along with the elongation of the first spring (15); and the valve tongue plate (134) is connected with the valve core (14).

3. The dry quick coupling for LNG transfer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating shell (12) is provided with two spiral guide grooves (121) and a plurality of guide shaft mounting holes (122) uniformly distributed in the circumference; both ends of the valve tongue guide shaft (131) are slidably connected with the two spiral guide grooves (121) respectively; and the guide shaft mounting holes (122) are used for mounting the guide shafts (17).

4. The dry quick coupling for LNG transfer according to claim 3, characterized in that, Limiting points are arranged at both ends of the spiral guide groove (121).

5. The dry quick coupling for LNG transfer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve core (14) is provided with a valve tongue guide groove (142), and the valve tongue plate (134) is partially inserted into the valve tongue guide groove (142) to limit the axial movement of the valve tongue plate (134) relative to the valve tongue guide groove (142).

6. The dry quick coupling for LNG transfer according to claim 3, characterized in that, A plurality of limiting blocks (141) are uniformly distributed on the periphery of the valve core (14).

7. The dry quick coupling for LNG transfer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The male head (2) comprises a male head shell (21), a male head sealing end (22) and a male head spring (23), one end of the male head spring (23) is fixedly installed in the male head shell (21), and the other end is in plane contact with the male head sealing end (22); when no external force is applied, the male head sealing end (22) is sealed with the inside of the male head shell (21) under the pre-tightening force of the male head spring (23), and the first sealing end (132) is in plane contact with the male head sealing end (22).

8. The dry quick coupling for LNG transfer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The male head shell (21) is provided with a limiting groove (211) and a rotating guide groove (212), and when the female head (1) and the male head (2) are connected, the limiting groove (211) is connected with the limiting block (141), and the rotating guide groove (212) is connected with the guide shaft (17).

9. The dry quick coupling for LNG transfer according to claim 8, characterized in that, Both ends of the first spring (15), the second spring (16) and the male head spring (23) are connected with other components through spring fixing seats.

10. A dry quick coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that Two balls are arranged between the rotating shell (12) and the fixed shell (11), the rotating shell (12) is provided with a force adding handle (3), and the first sealing end (132) and the second sealing end (133) are both provided with sealing rings.

Images