A buffer device for a submersible bottom support and a method of use thereof

Abstract

A buffer device for a submersible bottom support and a method of use, comprising a submersible connecting section connected to the submersible, with a bottom support section installed inside the submersible; a connecting section spring step and a support section spring step are provided at upper and lower intervals on the inner wall surface of the connecting section shell, with a shock-absorbing spring installed between the two; a pressure compensator is installed at the bottom of the support section spring step, a connecting section sealing plate and a damping disk are provided at upper and lower intervals between the outer wall surface of the bottom support section and the inner wall surface of the connecting section shell, and an oil-filled sealing chamber is formed below the connecting section sealing plate; a support section sealing plate is installed on the inner wall surface of the bottom support section, an oil delivery hole is provided on the bottom support section above the support section sealing plate, and a symmetrical deceleration plate is installed on the outer wall surface of the connecting section shell through a pin shaft, which can conveniently provide a buffering bottom support buffer device when the submersible lands on the seabed, cooperate with the submersible to realize the landing and lifting operations, and greatly improve safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of buffer devices, and in particular to a buffer device for a submersible bottom support and a use method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Submersibles can serve the operational tasks of deep-sea exploration and scientific research, deep-sea resource development and utilization, carry scientists and engineering technicians into the deep sea, and effectively perform tasks including deep-sea microbial environmental parameter detection, guaranteed sampling and in-situ research on complex seabeds such as seamounts, ridges, basins and hydrothermal vents, in-situ observation and real-time research on marine ecology, physics and seabed geology, deployment, recovery, maintenance and repair of underwater scientific research facilities, underwater production support operations, on-site observation of underwater emergencies, and auxiliary installation and maintenance of underwater production systems and equipment.

[0003] At present, submersibles achieve bottom landing tasks mainly by installing fixed brackets on the bottom of the submersible or by directly contacting the bottom with the seabed. Among them, the bottom landing is achieved by contacting the bracket with the seabed. In this way, the submersible can only choose relatively flat and hard seabed for bottom landing operations.

[0004] Submersible landing operations are dangerous. Due to the combined effects of multiple factors, including seabed topography, seabed currents, landing speed, and displacement, the state of the submersible after landing is difficult to accurately predict. This presents numerous risks, including structural damage and uncontrollable attitude. If the landing speed is high or the submersible itself has a large displacement, the landing process will cause significant impact on the landing support or the submersible itself, potentially damaging components such as the support and pressure-resistant structure, thereby affecting the safety of the submersible itself. If the submersible is in a state of slight negative buoyancy or zero buoyancy during landing, the reaction force from the seabed will cause repeated bouncing after landing, resulting in uncontrolled attitude and affecting the use of equipment and the safety of personnel within the cabin. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the shortcomings of the above-mentioned existing production technology, the applicant provides a buffer device for a submersible bottom support and a method of use, so that the bottom support buffer device can conveniently provide a buffer when the submersible lands on the seabed, and cooperate with the submersible to perform the bottom landing and departure operations, thereby greatly improving safety.

[0006] The technical solutions adopted in the present invention are as follows:

[0007] A buffer device for a submersible support, comprising a submersible connecting section connected to the submersible, a support section being mounted in cooperation with the submersible connecting section, the support section being connected to a portion of the support device contacting the seabed, and the support section extending out from the bottom of the submersible connecting section;

[0008] The structure of the submersible connecting section is as follows: it includes a connecting section shell with a thin-walled cylindrical structure with an open top, an opening is provided in the middle of the bottom of the connecting section shell, and the bottom support section is installed in the opening. The inner wall surface of the connecting section shell is provided with connecting section spring steps and supporting section spring steps at intervals above and below, and a shock-absorbing spring is installed between the connecting section spring step and the supporting section spring step.

[0009] A pressure compensator is installed at the bottom of the support section spring step. The pressure compensator is located on the top surface of the bottom support section. A connecting section sealing plate and a damping disc are installed between the outer wall surface of the bottom support section and the inner wall surface of the connecting section shell. An oil-filled sealed cavity is formed below the connecting section sealing plate. The oil-filled sealed cavity is divided into an upper oil-filled sealed cavity and a lower oil-filled sealed cavity by the damping disc. A damping hole is opened on the damping disc.

[0010] The inner wall surface of the bottom support section is installed with a support section sealing plate, and an oil delivery hole is opened on the bottom support section above the support section sealing plate;

[0011] A symmetrical speed reducer is installed on the outer wall of the connecting section shell through a pin shaft. A flexible support tube is installed between the middle position of the bottom surface of each speed reducer and the connecting section shell. At the same time, the flexible support tube passes through the connecting section shell and communicates with the internal cavity of the bottom support section.

[0012] Its further technical solution is:

[0013] The submersible connecting section is a semi-closed cavity structure.

[0014] The bottom support section is a rod-shaped semi-enclosed cavity structure.

[0015] A support frame is welded on the outer wall surface of the connecting section shell, a pin is installed on the support frame, and the pin is connected to the speed reducer.

[0016] The single speed brake is in an arc-shaped structure. When the speed brake is closed, it just wraps around the outer wall of the connecting section shell and conforms to the shape.

[0017] The flexible support tube is connected to the connecting section shell via a flange or sealant.

[0018] The submersible connecting section is coaxially installed with the bottom supporting section.

[0019] A method for using a buffer device for a submersible bottom support comprises the following steps:

[0020] S1: Preparation work, install the buffer device on the bottom bracket of the submersible;

[0021] S2: When the submersible touches the bottom, the bottom support section touches the bottom. Due to the weight of the submersible and the speed when it touches the bottom, the submersible connection section is compressed, driving the shock-absorbing spring to compress, absorbing the potential energy and kinetic energy of the submersible when it touches the bottom, playing a shock-absorbing role.

[0022] S3: After the shock absorber spring is compressed into place, the submersible connecting section continues to move vertically downward. At this time, the connecting section sealing plate compresses the oil in the oil-filled closed chamber, accelerating it through the damping hole on the damping disk. At this time, the damping hole plays a role in consuming the potential energy and kinetic energy of the submersible;

[0023] S4: When the connecting section of the submersible moves downward and compresses the oil in the oil-filled sealed chamber, the damping hole prevents the oil from flowing to the lower oil-filled sealed chamber in time, causing the oil to flow into the flexible support tube. At this time, the flexible support tube is connected to the upper oil-filled sealed chamber. After the flexible support tube is filled with pressurized oil, it forms a rigid support effect to support the deployment of the speed brake. After the speed brake is deployed, it interacts with the seawater to overcome the resistance of the seawater, which also consumes the potential energy and kinetic energy of the submersible.

[0024] S5: When the submersible reaches the lowest point after bottoming out, the shock absorber spring will rebound in the opposite direction due to its compression, causing the submersible to rebound after bottoming out. At this time, the submersible connecting section moves vertically upward under the action of the shock absorber spring, and the oil in the oil-filled closed cavity will be pressurized to flow from the lower half of the oil-filled closed cavity to the upper half of the oil-filled closed cavity, and also pass through the damping holes on the damping disk to consume kinetic energy. The interface between the flexible support tube and the closed cavity is in the lower half of the oil-filled closed cavity, and the oil will still flow into the flexible support tube. After the flexible support tube is filled with pressurized oil, a rigid support effect is formed to support the deployment of the speed brake. After the speed brake is deployed, it interacts with seawater to overcome the resistance of seawater, which also consumes the kinetic energy of the submersible.

[0025] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0026] The present invention has a compact and reasonable structure and is easy to operate. During the process of the submarine landing on the bottom, the shock-absorbing spring in the device can absorb the kinetic energy of the submarine in the process of descending and touching the bottom, bringing a significant shock-absorbing effect and reducing the impact on the bottom-seating device and the submarine structure; at the same time, the closed cavity damping hole and the speed reduction plate in the device can consume the kinetic energy of the submarine in the process of descending and touching the bottom and the possible rebound process after touching the bottom, and can quickly achieve a stationary state of the submarine after landing on the bottom.

[0027] The present invention adopts a non-powered shock absorption technology route, has a simple structure, high reliability and good maintainability.

[0028] The invention is mainly used for alleviating the impact on the submersible body and quickly eliminating the vibration of the submersible during the submersible's landing process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention (expanded state).

[0030] Figure 2 It is a half-section view of the present invention (expanded state).

[0031] Figure 3Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention (expanded state).

[0032] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention (recovery state).

[0033] Figure 5 It is a half-section view of the present invention (recovery state).

[0034] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention (recovery state).

[0035] Among them: 1. Submersible connecting section; 2. Speed brake; 3. Bottom support section; 4. Shock absorber spring; 5. Pressure compensator; 6. Flexible support tube; 7. Damping disk; 8. Oil-filled closed cavity; 801, upper half of the oil-filled closed cavity; 802, lower half of the oil-filled closed cavity; 9. Support section sealing plate; 10. Oil hole; 11. Connecting section sealing plate; 12. Connecting section shell; 13. Connecting section spring step; 14. Support section spring step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the buffer device for the submersible bottom support of this embodiment includes a submersible connecting section 1 connected to the submersible, a bottom support section 3 is mounted in the interior of the submersible connecting section 1, and the bottom support section 3 is connected to the portion of the bottom support device that contacts the seabed, and the bottom support section 3 extends out from the bottom of the submersible connecting section 1;

[0038] The structure of the submersible connecting section 1 is as follows: it includes a connecting section shell 12 with a thin-walled cylindrical structure with an open top, an opening is provided in the middle of the bottom of the connecting section shell 12, and the bottom support section 3 is installed in the opening. The inner wall surface of the connecting section shell 12 is provided with a connecting section spring step 13 and a supporting section spring step 14 at intervals above and below, and a shock-absorbing spring 4 is installed between the connecting section spring step 13 and the supporting section spring step 14;

[0039] A pressure compensator 5 is installed at the bottom of the support section spring step 14. The pressure compensator 5 is located on the top surface of the bottom support section 3. A connecting section sealing plate 11 and a damping disc 7 are installed between the outer wall of the bottom support section 3 and the inner wall of the connecting section housing 12. An oil-filled closed chamber 8 is formed below the connecting section sealing plate 11. The oil-filled closed chamber 8 is divided into an upper oil-filled closed chamber 801 and a lower oil-filled closed chamber 802 by the damping disc 7. A damping hole is opened on the damping disc 7.

[0040] The inner wall surface of the bottom support section 3 is installed with a support section sealing plate 9, and an oil delivery hole 10 is opened on the bottom support section 3 above the support section sealing plate 9;

[0041] A symmetrical speed reducer 2 is installed on the outer wall of the connecting section shell 12 through a pin shaft. A flexible support tube 6 is installed between the middle position of the bottom surface of each speed reducer 2 and the connecting section shell 12. At the same time, the flexible support tube 6 passes through the connecting section shell 12 and communicates with the internal cavity of the bottom support section 3.

[0042] The submersible connecting section 1 is a semi-closed cavity structure.

[0043] The base support section 3 is a rod-shaped semi-enclosed cavity structure.

[0044] A support frame is welded to the outer wall of the connecting section housing 12 , and a pin is installed on the support frame, and the pin is connected to the speed reducer 2 .

[0045] The single speed reducer 2 is in an arc-shaped structure. When the speed reducer 2 is closed, it just wraps around the outer wall surface of the connecting section shell 12 and conforms to the shape.

[0046] The flexible support tube 6 and the connecting section housing 12 are connected via a flange or sealant.

[0047] The submersible connecting section 1 and the bottom support section 3 are coaxially installed.

[0048] The method for using the buffer device for a submersible bottom support of this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0049] S1: Preparation work, install the buffer device on the bottom bracket of the submersible;

[0050] S2: When the submersible touches the bottom, the bottom support section 3 touches the bottom. Due to the weight of the submersible and the speed when it touches the bottom, the submersible connection section 1 is compressed, driving the shock-absorbing spring 4 to compress, absorbing the potential energy and kinetic energy of the submersible when it touches the bottom, playing a shock-absorbing role;

[0051] S3: After the shock-absorbing spring 4 is compressed into place, the submersible connecting section 1 continues to move vertically downward. At this time, the connecting section sealing plate 11 compresses the oil in the oil-filled closed chamber 8, accelerating it through the damping hole on the damping plate 7. At this time, the damping hole plays a role in consuming the potential energy and kinetic energy of the submersible;

[0052] S4: When the submersible connecting section 1 moves downward and compresses the oil in the oil-filled sealed chamber 8, the oil cannot flow to the lower oil-filled sealed chamber 802 in time due to the existence of the damping hole, causing the oil to flow into the flexible support tube 6. At this time, the flexible support tube 6 is connected to the upper oil-filled sealed chamber 801. After the flexible support tube 6 is filled with pressurized oil, it forms a rigid support effect to support the deployment of the speed brake 2. After the speed brake 2 is deployed, it interacts with the seawater to overcome the resistance of the seawater, which also consumes the potential energy and kinetic energy of the submersible.

[0053] S5: When the submersible reaches the lowest point after bottoming out, since the shock-absorbing spring 4 has been compressed into place, the shock-absorbing spring 4 will rebound in the opposite direction, causing the submersible to be in a rebound state after bottoming out; at this time, the submersible connecting section 1 moves vertically upward under the action of the shock-absorbing spring 4, and the oil in the oil-filled closed cavity 8 will be pressurized to flow from the lower half of the oil-filled closed cavity 802 to the upper half of the oil-filled closed cavity 801, and also pass through the damping hole on the damping disk 7 to consume kinetic energy; the interface between the flexible support tube 6 and the closed cavity is in the lower half of the oil-filled closed cavity 802, and the oil will still flow into the flexible support tube 6. After the flexible support tube 6 is filled with pressurized oil, a rigid support effect is formed to support the expansion of the speed reducer 2. After the speed reducer 2 is expanded, it reacts with seawater to overcome the resistance of seawater, which will also consume the kinetic energy of the submersible.

[0054] The specific structure and function of the buffer device for the submersible bottom support described in the present invention are as follows:

[0055] It mainly includes a submersible connecting section 1, a bottom support section 3, a shock-absorbing spring 4, a pressure compensator 5, a speed reducer 2, a flexible support tube 6 and other fasteners such as pins, bolts, and screws.

[0056] Among them, the bottom support section 3 is a rod-shaped semi-closed cavity structure, which includes a top pressure compensator 5, a spring step, a damping plate 7, an oil hole 10, a sealing plate, etc.

[0057] The submersible connecting section 1 is a semi-enclosed cavity structure, comprising a connecting section shell 12, a spring step and a sealing plate.

[0058] Among them, the upper part of the submersible connecting section 1 is connected to the submersible, and the bottom support section 3 is connected to the part of the bottom support device that contacts the seabed; the shock-absorbing spring 4 is installed between the connecting section spring step 13 and the support section spring step 14; the pressure compensator 5 is installed on the top of the bottom support section 3; the speed reducer 2 is connected to the connecting section shell 12 by a pin shaft; the flexible support tube 6 is connected to the connecting section shell 12 by a flange or sealant, and it is connected to the internal cavity of the bottom support section 3.

[0059] The submersible connecting section 1 and the bottom support section 3 are coaxially installed, wherein the connecting section shell 12 and the sealing plate provide axial movement support for the bottom support section 3, and the contact position is sealed with a sealing ring; at the same time, the connecting section shell 12, the connecting section sealing plate 11 and the bottom support section 3 together constitute an oil-filled sealed chamber 8, and the oil-filled sealed chamber 8 is filled with hydraulic oil. The top pressure compensator 5 can achieve pressure balance between the oil in the closed chamber and the external seawater, thereby avoiding pressure in the closed chamber, reducing the structural weight and improving reliability.

[0060] In actual work process:

[0061] The submersible bottom seating buffer device is installed on the submersible bottom seating bracket.

[0062] When the submersible lands on the bottom, its support section 3 touches the bottom. Due to the submersible's own weight and the speed it experiences when landing, the submersible's connecting section 1 is compressed, driving the shock-absorbing spring 4 to compress, absorbing the submersible's potential and kinetic energy from landing and providing a shock-absorbing effect. Simultaneously, after the spring is compressed, the submersible's connecting section 1 continues its vertical downward movement. At this time, the connecting section sealing plate 11 compresses the oil in the oil-filled sealed chamber, accelerating it through the damping holes on the damping disc 7. At this point, the damping holes serve to dissipate the submersible's potential and kinetic energy. Furthermore, when the connecting section moves downward and compresses the oil in the sealed chamber, the damping holes prevent the oil from flowing to the lower half of the sealed chamber in a timely manner. Consequently, the oil flows into the flexible support tube 6 (which is now connected to the upper half of the sealed chamber). Filled with pressurized oil, the flexible support tube 6 forms a rigid support, supporting the deployment of the speed brake 2. Once deployed, the speed brake 2 interacts with the seawater, overcoming the resistance of the seawater and also dissipating the submersible's potential and kinetic energy. The above-mentioned spring energy storage, damping hole and deceleration plate 2 can consume the descent potential energy and kinetic energy of the submarine, and can play a shock-absorbing and buffering role.

[0063] When the submersible reaches its lowest point, the spring, having been compressed, will rebound in the opposite direction, causing the submersible to rebound after landing. At this point, the connecting section, under the action of the spring, moves vertically upward, and the oil in the oil-filled sealed chamber 8 is pressurized to flow from the lower half to the upper half of the sealed chamber, also passing through the damping holes on the damping disk 7, consuming kinetic energy. At the same time, the interface between the flexible support tube 6 and the sealed chamber is in the lower half of the sealed chamber, and the oil will continue to flow into the flexible support tube 6. After the flexible support tube 6 is filled with pressurized oil, it forms a rigid support effect, supporting the deployment of the speed brake 2. After the speed brake 2 is deployed, it interacts with the seawater, overcoming the resistance of the seawater and also consuming the kinetic energy of the submersible. The damping holes and speed brake 2 can consume the energy stored in the spring during the submersible's descent, significantly reducing the frequency and amplitude of the submersible's rebound.

[0064] The above operation method can easily complete the submersible bottom landing work. It adopts non-powered shock absorption technology, with simple overall structure, high reliability and good maintainability.

[0065] The above description is an explanation of the present invention, not a limitation of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined in the claims. Any modifications may be made within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A buffer device for a submersible bottom support, characterized by: It comprises a submersible connecting section (1) connected to the submersible, wherein a bottom support section (3) is cooperatively installed inside the submersible connecting section (1), the bottom support section (3) is connected to the bottom contacting portion of the bottom support device, and the bottom support section (3) extends out of the bottom of the submersible connecting section (1); The structure of the submersible connecting section (1) is as follows: it comprises a connecting section shell (12) of a thin-walled cylindrical structure with an open top, an opening is provided in the middle of the bottom of the connecting section shell (12), a bottom support section (3) is installed in the opening, a connecting section spring step (13) and a support section spring step (14) are provided at intervals above and below the inner wall surface of the connecting section shell (12), and a shock-absorbing spring (4) is installed between the connecting section spring step (13) and the support section spring step (14); A pressure compensator (5) is installed at the bottom of the support section spring step (14). The pressure compensator (5) is located on the top surface of the bottom support section (3). A connecting section sealing plate (11) and a damping disc (7) are installed between the outer wall surface of the bottom support section (3) and the inner wall surface of the connecting section shell (12). An oil-filled closed cavity (8) is formed below the connecting section sealing plate (11). The oil-filled closed cavity (8) is divided into an upper half oil-filled closed cavity (801) and a lower half oil-filled closed cavity (802) by the damping disc (7). A damping hole is opened on the damping disc (7); A support section sealing plate (9) is installed on the inner wall surface of the bottom support section (3), and an oil delivery hole (10) is opened on the bottom support section (3) above the support section sealing plate (9); Symmetrical speed reducers (2) are installed on the outer wall of the connecting section housing (12) via pins. A flexible support tube (6) is installed between the middle position of the bottom surface of each speed reducer (2) and the connecting section housing (12). The flexible support tube (6) passes through the connecting section housing (12) and communicates with the internal cavity of the bottom support section (3).

2. A buffer device for a submersible bottom support according to claim 1, characterized in that: The submersible connecting section (1) is a semi-enclosed cavity structure.

3. The buffer device for a submersible bottom support according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom support section (3) is a rod-shaped semi-enclosed cavity structure.

4. The buffer device for a submersible bottom support according to claim 1, characterized in that: A support frame is welded to the outer wall surface of the connecting section housing (12), a pin is mounted on the support frame, and the pin is connected to the speed reducer (2).

5. The buffer device for a submersible bottom support according to claim 1, characterized in that: The single deceleration plate (2) has an arc-shaped structure. When the deceleration plate (2) is closed, it just wraps around the outer wall surface of the connecting section shell (12) and conforms to the shape.

6. The buffer device for a submersible bottom support according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible support tube (6) and the connecting section housing (12) are connected via a flange or sealant.

7. The buffer device for a submersible bottom support according to claim 1, characterized in that: The submersible connecting section (1) and the bottom support section (3) are coaxially mounted.

8. A method for using the buffer device for a submersible bottom support according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steps include: S1: Preparation work, install the buffer device on the bottom bracket of the submersible; S2: When the submersible lands on the bottom, the bottom support section (3) touches the bottom. Due to the weight of the submersible and the speed when it lands on the bottom, the submersible connecting section (1) is compressed, driving the shock-absorbing spring (4) to compress, absorbing the potential energy and kinetic energy of the submersible when it lands on the bottom, thus playing a shock-absorbing role. S3: After the shock-absorbing spring (4) is compressed into place, the submersible connecting section (1) continues to move vertically downward. At this time, the connecting section sealing plate (11) compresses the oil in the oil-filled closed chamber (8) and accelerates it through the damping hole on the damping plate (7). At this time, the damping hole plays a role in consuming the potential energy and kinetic energy of the submersible; S4: When the submersible connecting section (1) moves downward to compress the oil in the oil-filled sealed chamber (8), due to the existence of the damping hole, the oil cannot flow to the lower half of the oil-filled sealed chamber (802) in time, causing the oil to flow into the flexible support tube (6). At this time, the flexible support tube (6) is connected to the upper half of the oil-filled sealed chamber (801). After the flexible support tube (6) is filled with pressurized oil, a rigid support effect is formed to support the deceleration plate (2) to be deployed. After the deceleration plate (2) is deployed, it interacts with the seawater to overcome the resistance of the seawater, which also consumes the potential energy and kinetic energy of the submersible. S5: When the submersible lands at the lowest point, since the shock absorber spring (4) has been compressed into place, the shock absorber spring (4) will rebound in the opposite direction, causing the submersible to be in a rebound state after landing; at this time, the submersible connecting section (1) moves vertically upward under the action of the shock absorber spring (4), and the oil in the oil-filled closed cavity (8) will be pressurized to flow from the lower half oil-filled closed cavity (802) to the upper half oil-filled closed cavity (801), and also pass through the damping hole on the damping disk (7), consuming kinetic energy; the interface between the flexible support tube (6) and the closed cavity is in the lower half oil-filled closed cavity (802), and the oil will still flow into the flexible support tube (6). After the flexible support tube (6) is filled with pressurized oil, a rigid support effect is formed to support the deceleration plate (2) to be deployed. After the deceleration plate (2) is deployed, it reacts with seawater to overcome the resistance of seawater and also consumes the kinetic energy of the submersible.

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