A concentric positioning mechanism

Abstract

The application is suitable for the field of pipeline processing, and provides a concentric positioning mechanism, which comprises a first connecting disc and a second connecting disc, the first connecting disc and the second connecting disc are hinged to each other, the first connecting disc and the second connecting disc are matched to form a lock catch, and the concentric positioning mechanism further comprises a driving hydraulic cylinder, a connecting driving assembly and a clamping assembly. The scheme is a high-precision pipeline concentric positioning system which can be opened and closed, and can realize high-precision concentric positioning between the system and the clamped pipeline under the condition of overall opening and closing. As a basic functional positioning system, a rotating slip ring can be assembled on the system, and pipeline detection equipment such as a CT machine and an acoustic probe is installed to complete the scanning detection of the pipeline. The system can also be used in other application scenarios with high concentric positioning and non-fixed requirements, such as pipeline welding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of pipe processing, and particularly relates to a concentric positioning mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Pipelines are one of the most important methods of transporting oil and gas. The oil and natural gas extracted from reservoirs have complex compositions, and over long periods of transport, they gradually corrode pipelines. Furthermore, factors such as the settling of heavy oil and gas components can cause pipeline blockages, posing safety hazards to oil and gas pipeline transportation. To address these issues, industry professionals have developed a series of pipeline inspection technologies, including ultrasonic testing, magnetohydrodynamic testing, and radiographic testing.

[0003] These inspection methods all require the testing equipment to perform multi-angle radial testing on the pipeline in order to obtain the overall characteristics of the pipe wall. However, currently, most inspection methods still rely heavily on manual labor; for example, ultrasonic testing involves workers holding ultrasonic probes to inspect the pipeline from multiple angles; radiographic testing involves placing the X-ray generator and X-ray detector face-to-face at 180° at both ends of the pipeline's radial direction to take pictures of the pipeline from different angles. However, mounting the inspection equipment on a carrier that rotates concentrically around the pipeline for 360° inspection can significantly reduce manpower input, reduce worker exposure hazards, and improve inspection accuracy while avoiding blind spots. Developing a device structure with the above functions is of positive significance for the development of pipeline inspection technologies, and the resulting technological innovations will also radiate to other pipeline-related technology industries, such as pipeline welding.

[0004] Current pipeline inspection techniques rely heavily on manual labor. To improve the accuracy and reliability of pipeline inspection, pipeline inspection equipment can be mounted on a rotating platform that rotates concentrically around the pipeline. This rotating platform requires a high degree of concentricity with the pipeline. Furthermore, in most cases, pipelines are in a fixed state and have no open ends; therefore, the rotating platform must also be designed for easy and rapid installation on the pipeline. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a concentric positioning mechanism, aiming to address the issue that existing pipeline inspection techniques rely heavily on manual labor. To improve the accuracy and reliability of pipeline inspection, pipeline inspection equipment can be mounted on a carrier that rotates concentrically around the pipeline. This rotating carrier requires a high degree of concentricity with the pipeline. Furthermore, in most cases, pipelines are in a fixed state and have no open ends; therefore, the aforementioned rotating carrier also needs to be designed for easy and rapid installation on the pipeline.

[0006] The present invention is implemented as follows: a concentric positioning mechanism includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate being hinged to each other, and the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate cooperating to form a lock. The concentric positioning mechanism further includes:

[0007] An active hydraulic cylinder is disposed between the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate, and both ends of the active hydraulic cylinder are hinged to the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate, respectively.

[0008] A connection drive assembly is disposed on the first connection disk and the second connection disk, and the connection drive assembly is used to drive the first connection disk and the second connection disk to rotate.

[0009] A snap-fit ​​assembly is disposed on the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate. After the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate come into contact, the snap-fit ​​assembly is used to connect and fix the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate.

[0010] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the connection driving component includes:

[0011] Multiple sets of clamping components are disposed on the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate. When the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are in contact with each other, the multiple sets of clamping components are used to squeeze and fix the pipe fitting.

[0012] Multiple sets of connecting plates are rotatably mounted on the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate. Several connecting rods are also rotatably connected to the multiple sets of connecting plates. The connecting rods are used to connect the clamping assembly and the connecting plates.

[0013] Hydraulic cylinder No. 1, hydraulic cylinder No. 2 and hydraulic cylinder No. 3, wherein hydraulic cylinder No. 1 is rotatably mounted on the first connecting plate, and one end of hydraulic cylinder No. 1 is connected to one of the clamping components;

[0014] Both hydraulic cylinder No. 2 and hydraulic cylinder No. 3 are rotatably connected to the second connecting plate. Hydraulic cylinder No. 2 is connected to another clamping assembly, and hydraulic cylinder No. 3 is connected to a clamping assembly that is not connected to hydraulic cylinder No. 1 or hydraulic cylinder No. 2.

[0015] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the clamping assembly includes:

[0016] A first rotating plate is rotatably mounted on the first and second connecting plates, and the first rotating plate is connected to the connecting rod.

[0017] One of the connecting plates on the first connecting plate is connected to one of the first rotating plates on the second connecting plate by a telescopic connecting rod;

[0018] The second rotating plate is rotatably mounted on the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate. The second rotating plate is rotatably connected to the first rotating plate, and a clamping pad is provided on one side of the second rotating plate.

[0019] As a further embodiment of the present invention: the snap-fit ​​assembly includes:

[0020] A snap-fit ​​component is rotatably mounted on the second connecting plate, and one end of the snap-fit ​​component is connected to the third hydraulic cylinder.

[0021] A snap-fit ​​block is disposed on the first connecting plate, and the snap-fit ​​block cooperates with the snap-fit ​​component. A push hydraulic cylinder is also disposed on the first connecting plate, and the push hydraulic cylinder cooperates with the snap-fit ​​component.

[0022] As a further aspect of the present invention: the resistance that the third hydraulic cylinder needs to overcome to drive the clamping component to rotate is greater than the resistance that the third hydraulic cylinder needs to overcome to drive the clamping assembly to rotate.

[0023] The concentric positioning mechanism provided in this embodiment of the invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] This solution is a high-precision concentric positioning system for pipelines that can be opened and closed as a whole, achieving high-precision concentric positioning between the system and the clamped pipeline. As a basic functional positioning system, this system can be equipped with a rotating slip ring and can complete the scanning and inspection of pipelines by installing pipeline inspection equipment such as CT scanners and ultrasonic probes. It can also be used in other application scenarios with requirements for high concentric positioning with pipelines and non-fixed requirements, such as pipeline welding. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a concentric positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 The motion state of a concentric positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 3 The motion state of a concentric positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 4 The motion state of a concentric positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 ;

[0029] Figure 5 The motion state of a concentric positioning mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention Figure 4 .

[0030] In the attached diagram: 1-First connecting plate; 2-Second connecting plate; 3-Active hydraulic cylinder; 4-Connecting plate; 5-Connecting rod; 6-Hydraulic cylinder No. 1; 7-Hydraulic cylinder No. 2; 8-Hydraulic cylinder No. 3; 9-First rotating plate; 10-Second rotating plate; 11-Clamping pad; 12-Snap-fit ​​component; 13-Snap-fit ​​block; 14-Push hydraulic cylinder; 15-Telescopic connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0032] The specific implementation of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, in an embodiment of the present invention, a concentric positioning mechanism includes a first connecting plate 1 and a second connecting plate 2, the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2 being hinged to each other, and the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2 cooperating to form a lock, characterized in that the concentric positioning mechanism further includes:

[0034] An active hydraulic cylinder 3 is disposed between the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2, and both ends of the active hydraulic cylinder 3 are hinged to the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2 respectively.

[0035] A connection drive assembly is disposed on the first connection disk 1 and the second connection disk 2, and the connection drive assembly is used to drive the first connection disk 1 and the second connection disk 2 to rotate.

[0036] A snap-fit ​​assembly is disposed on the first connecting disk 1 and the second connecting disk 2. After the first connecting disk 1 and the second connecting disk 2 come into contact, the snap-fit ​​assembly is used to connect and fix the first connecting disk 1 and the second connecting disk 2.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the connection driving component includes:

[0038] Multiple clamping assemblies are disposed on the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2. When the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2 are in contact with each other, the multiple clamping assemblies are used to squeeze and fix the pipe fitting.

[0039] Multiple sets of connecting plates 4 are rotatably mounted on the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2. Several connecting rods 5 are also rotatably connected to the multiple sets of connecting plates 4. The connecting rods 5 are used to connect the clamping assembly and the connecting plates 4.

[0040] Hydraulic cylinder 6, hydraulic cylinder 7, and hydraulic cylinder 8 are provided. Hydraulic cylinder 6 is rotatably mounted on the first connecting plate 1. One end of hydraulic cylinder 6 is connected to one of the clamping components.

[0041] Hydraulic cylinder 7 and hydraulic cylinder 8 are both rotatably connected to the second connecting plate 2. Hydraulic cylinder 7 is connected to another clamping assembly, and hydraulic cylinder 8 is connected to a clamping assembly that is not connected to hydraulic cylinder 6 or hydraulic cylinder 7.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the clamping assembly includes:

[0043] A first rotating plate 9 is rotatably mounted on the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2, and the first rotating plate 9 is connected to the connecting rod 5.

[0044] One of the connecting plates 4 on the first connecting plate 1 is connected to one of the first rotating plates 9 on the second connecting plate 2 by a telescopic connecting rod 15;

[0045] The second rotating plate 10 is rotatably mounted on the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2. The second rotating plate 10 is rotatably connected to the first rotating plate 9. A clamping pad 11 is provided on one side of the second rotating plate 10.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in this embodiment of the invention, the snap-fit ​​assembly includes:

[0047] The snap-fit ​​component 12 is rotatably mounted on the second connecting plate 2, and one end of the snap-fit ​​component 12 is connected to the third hydraulic cylinder 8.

[0048] A snap-fit ​​block 13 is disposed on the first connecting plate 1. The snap-fit ​​block 13 cooperates with the snap-fit ​​member 12. A push hydraulic cylinder 14 is also disposed on the first connecting plate 1. The push hydraulic cylinder 14 cooperates with the snap-fit ​​member 12.

[0049] In this embodiment of the invention, the resistance that the third hydraulic cylinder 8 needs to overcome to drive the clamping component 12 to rotate is greater than the resistance that the third hydraulic cylinder 8 needs to overcome to drive the clamping assembly to rotate.

[0050] The status remains the same Figure 1 As shown: Overall opening, concentric positioning opening, snap-fit ​​component opening:

[0051] 1. The active hydraulic cylinder 3 retracts, causing the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2 to be in the open state, and the telescopic connecting rod 15 to be in the extended state.

[0052] 2. Hydraulic cylinders 6, 7, and 8 are in the extended state, which drives the clamping pads 11 in all clamping assemblies to be in a state away from the pipe wall, and the tail of the snap-fit ​​part 12 is lifted to the unlocked state.

[0053] 3. Push the hydraulic cylinder 14 to retract.

[0054] State 2 as Figure 2 As shown: The whole structure is closed, concentrically positioned and open, and the snap-fit ​​components open.

[0055] 1. The active hydraulic cylinder 3 extends, the entire system closes, and the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2 initially clamp the pipeline.

[0056] 2. Hydraulic cylinders 6, 7, and 8 are in the extended state, causing the clamping pads 11 in all clamping components to remain away from the pipe wall. The entire system and the clamped pipe do not achieve high-precision concentric positioning, and the tail of the snap-fit ​​part 12 is lifted and unlocked.

[0057] 3. Push the hydraulic cylinder 14 to retract.

[0058] State Three Figure 3 As shown: Overall closure, concentric positioning closure, snap-fit ​​components open:

[0059] 1. The active hydraulic cylinder 3 extends, the entire system closes, and the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2 initially clamp the pipeline.

[0060] 2. Hydraulic cylinders 6, 7, and 8 are in the retracted state, which drives the clamping pads 11 in all clamping components to clamp the pipe wall. Due to the rigid connection of the entire set of connecting rods 5, the three clamping pads 11 maintain synchronous clamping action, realizing high-precision concentric positioning of the entire system and the clamped pipeline. The tail of the snap fastener 12 is lifted to unlock the state.

[0061] 3. Push the hydraulic cylinder 14 to retract.

[0062] State Four Figure 4 As shown: Overall closure, concentric positioning closure, snap-fit ​​component closure:

[0063] 1. The active hydraulic cylinder 3 extends, the entire system closes, and the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2 initially clamp the pipeline.

[0064] 2. Hydraulic cylinders 6, 7, and 8 are in the retracted state, which drives the clamping pads 11 in the clamping assembly to clamp the pipe wall. Due to the rigid connection of the entire linkage, the three clamping pads 11 maintain synchronous clamping action, realizing high-precision concentric positioning of the entire system and the clamped pipeline. Hydraulic cylinder 14 completes the second stroke retraction, the tail of the snap fastener 12 falls down, and the mechanical lock hook is in the hooked state.

[0065] 3. Push the hydraulic cylinder 14 to retract.

[0066] State Five Figure 5 As shown: Overall closure, concentric positioning closure, snap-fit ​​component closure:

[0067] 1. The active hydraulic cylinder 3 extends, the entire system closes, and the first connecting plate 1 and the second connecting plate 2 initially clamp the pipeline.

[0068] 2. Hydraulic cylinders 6, 7, and 8 are in the retracted state, which drives the clamping pads 11 in the clamping assembly to clamp the pipe wall. Due to the rigid connection of the entire linkage, the three clamping pads 11 maintain synchronous clamping action, realizing high-precision concentric positioning of the entire system and the clamped pipeline. Hydraulic cylinder 8 completes the second stroke retraction, the tail of the snap fastener 12 drops down, and the snap fastener 12 hangs on the snap fastener block 13.

[0069] 3. Push the hydraulic cylinder 14 to extend, completing the mechanical locking of the entire system.

[0070] This system is equipped with a rotary slip ring and an acoustic probe to scan and inspect the pipeline. The process is as follows: First, the entire system opens concentrically, and the clamping assembly opens. Second, the entire system, equipped with the slip ring and acoustic probe, is installed on the pipeline to be inspected. The active hydraulic cylinder 3 extends, closing the entire system and initially clamping the pipeline. Third, concentric positioning: Hydraulic cylinders 6, 7, and 8 retract, causing the clamping pads 11 in all clamping assemblies to clamp the pipe wall. Due to the rigid connection of the entire linkage, the three clamping pads 11 maintain synchronous clamping action, achieving high-precision concentric positioning of the entire system and the clamped pipeline. The tail of the clamping piece 12 descends and hangs on the clamping block 13. Fourth, self-locking: Hydraulic cylinder 14 extends, completing the mechanical locking of the entire system. Fifth, acoustic detection process: The specific condition of the pipeline is determined by analyzing the received acoustic signals. While ensuring high-precision concentric positioning between the system and the clamped pipeline, a 360° circumferential rotation detection of the outer wall of the pipeline can be achieved with the help of a rotating slip ring.

[0071] After the overall mechanism self-locks, hydraulic cylinders 6 and 7 retract (at this time, hydraulic cylinder 8 is already in the retracted oil circuit). Through the control of the separate oil circuit throttle valve, the action speed of hydraulic cylinder 6 will be faster than that of hydraulic cylinders 7 and 8, so that the telescopic link 6 is always in the retracted state, ensuring the synchronicity of the link's movement during the positioning process. Through the connection restriction of the link and the telescopic link 6, hydraulic cylinders 6, 7, and 8 achieve synchronous action, and at the same time drive all the clamping pads 11 to move synchronously to press the pipeline, achieving concentric positioning.

[0072] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A concentric positioning mechanism, comprising a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate being hinged to each other, and the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate cooperating to form a lock, characterized in that, The concentric positioning mechanism also includes: An active hydraulic cylinder is disposed between the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate, and both ends of the active hydraulic cylinder are hinged to the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate, respectively. A connection drive assembly is disposed on the first connection disk and the second connection disk, and the connection drive assembly is used to drive the first connection disk and the second connection disk to rotate. A snap-fit ​​assembly is disposed on the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate. After the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate come into contact, the snap-fit ​​assembly is used to connect and fix the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate. The connection driver component includes: Multiple sets of clamping components are disposed on the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate. When the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are in contact with each other, the multiple sets of clamping components are used to squeeze and fix the pipe fitting. Multiple sets of connecting plates are rotatably mounted on the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate. Several connecting rods are also rotatably connected to the multiple sets of connecting plates. The connecting rods are used to connect the clamping assembly and the connecting plates. Hydraulic cylinder No. 1, hydraulic cylinder No. 2 and hydraulic cylinder No. 3, wherein hydraulic cylinder No. 1 is rotatably mounted on the first connecting plate, and one end of hydraulic cylinder No. 1 is connected to one of the clamping components; Both the No. 2 hydraulic cylinder and the No. 3 hydraulic cylinder are rotatably connected to the second connecting plate. The No. 2 hydraulic cylinder is connected to another clamping assembly, and the No. 3 hydraulic cylinder is connected to a clamping assembly that is not connected to either the No. 1 hydraulic cylinder or the No. 2 hydraulic cylinder. The clamping assembly includes: A first rotating plate is rotatably mounted on the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate, and the first rotating plate is connected to the connecting rod. The second rotating plate is rotatably mounted on the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate. The second rotating plate is rotatably connected to the first rotating plate. A clamping pad is provided on one side of the second rotating plate. The snap-fit ​​assembly includes: A snap-fit ​​component is rotatably mounted on the second connecting plate, and one end of the snap-fit ​​component is connected to the third hydraulic cylinder. A snap-fit ​​block is disposed on the first connecting plate, and the snap-fit ​​block cooperates with the snap-fit ​​component. A push hydraulic cylinder is also disposed on the first connecting plate, and the push hydraulic cylinder cooperates with the snap-fit ​​component. The resistance that the third hydraulic cylinder needs to overcome to drive the clamping component to rotate is greater than the resistance that the third hydraulic cylinder needs to overcome to drive the clamping assembly to rotate.

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