Handwheel assembly for underwater valve

Abstract

This invention discloses a handwheel assembly suitable for underwater valves, including a handwheel and an operating mechanism. The handwheel has a connecting shaft. The operating mechanism includes a housing, a sealed top cover, and a planetary gear transmission mechanism disposed within the housing. The planetary gear transmission mechanism includes a first planetary carrier, a second planetary carrier for connection to the valve stem, a central gear connected to the connecting shaft, an internal gear disposed on the inner wall of the housing, and planetary gears disposed between the central gear and the internal gear. The first and second planetary carriers are fixedly connected, and a gear spindle is disposed between the first and second planetary carriers. The planetary gears are sleeved on the gear spindle. A retaining ring is disposed on the gear spindle, and a rolling bearing is disposed between the planetary gears and the gear spindle. The planetary gears are fixed to the planetary carriers by the gear spindle passing through their cores, the rolling bearings, and the retaining ring.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on December 31, 2019, with application number 2019114059499 and invention title "Portable Handwheel Assembly". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of valve technology, and more specifically to a portable handwheel assembly for underwater valve operation. Background Technology

[0003] Submersible valves are commonly used in equipment and devices for underwater oil and gas extraction and production in the ocean. Current technology typically uses actuators matched to the submersible valve to drive it and open it. Both submersible valves and their actuators require long-term, maintenance-free operation; therefore, highly reliable actuators are a key design consideration for submersible valve systems.

[0004] Most current underwater valve actuators are large actuators connected to valves, making them unportable and difficult to operate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a portable handwheel assembly that is easy to carry and easy to operate for underwater valves.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A portable handwheel assembly includes a handwheel and an operating mechanism. The handwheel has a connecting shaft. The operating mechanism includes a housing, a sealed top cover, and a planetary gear transmission mechanism disposed within the housing. The planetary gear transmission mechanism includes a first planetary carrier, a second planetary carrier for connection to a valve stem, a central gear connected to the connecting shaft, an internal gear disposed on the inner wall of the housing, and planetary gears disposed between the central gear and the internal gear. A gear spindle is disposed between the first and second planetary carriers, and the planetary gears are sleeved on the gear spindle.

[0008] Preferably, the second planetary carrier includes a support portion for supporting the planetary gears and a connecting portion for connecting with the valve stem of the valve. The connecting portion passes through the lower part of the housing and extends downward, and the connecting portion has a connecting hole for connecting with the valve stem.

[0009] More preferably, the lower part of the housing extends toward the connecting part to form a limiting part for supporting the support part, and a thrust pad is provided between the support part and the limiting part.

[0010] More preferably, the adapter shaft passes through the sealing top cover and connects to the center wheel, and a sealing ring and a bearing are provided between the adapter shaft and the sealing top cover, as well as between the connecting part and the limiting part.

[0011] More preferably, the sealing rings are provided above and below the bearing, respectively.

[0012] Preferably, an O-ring is provided between the sealing top cover and the housing, and the sealing top cover and the housing are fastened together by bolts.

[0013] More preferably, the valve has an interface that cooperates with the operating mechanism, the interface has a limit notch, the operating tool has a limit protrusion that cooperates with the limit notch, and the bolt is disposed on the limit protrusion.

[0014] Preferably, a thrust pad is provided between the first planetary carrier and the sealed top cover; the first planetary carrier and the second planetary carrier are fixed together by screws.

[0015] Preferably, at least three planetary gears are evenly distributed between the central gear and the internal gear.

[0016] Preferably, the sealing top cover has an oil injection channel for injecting oil into the planetary gear transmission mechanism, and a screw plug is provided at the top of the oil injection channel.

[0017] Due to the adoption of the above technical solutions, the advantages of the present invention compared with the prior art are as follows: the handwheel assembly of the present invention for underwater valves has a reasonable structural design. By introducing a planetary gear transmission mechanism, the operating torque can be effectively reduced when opening and closing the valve through the handwheel assembly, so as to smoothly operate the high torque underwater valve. Moreover, the overall size is small and easy to transport and carry. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the portable handwheel assembly in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the portable handwheel assembly in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the portable handwheel assembly after it has been installed on the valve in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the portable handwheel assembly installed on the valve in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] In the attached diagram: 1. Bolt, 2. Sealing top cover, 3. Retaining ring, 4. O-ring, 5. Housing, 6. Screw, 7. Thrust pad, 8. Sealing ring, 9. Bearing, 10. Gear spindle, 11. Shaft retaining ring, 12. Rolling bearing, 13. Planetary gear, 141. First planetary carrier, 142. Second planetary carrier, 15. Handwheel, 16. Plug, 17. Adapter shaft, 18. Center wheel, 19. Gasket, 20. Valve stem, 21. ROV interface, 22. Valve, 23. Rotation direction indicator, 24. Limiting protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0025] Please see Figure 1-4 The portable handwheel assembly of this embodiment includes a handwheel 15 and an operating mechanism connected to each other. The handwheel 15 has a connecting shaft 17. The operating mechanism is used to connect to the valve stem 20 of the valve 22. By rotating the handwheel 15, the components in the operating mechanism are moved, thereby opening and closing the valve 22.

[0026] The operating mechanism includes a housing 5, a sealed top cover 2, and a planetary gear transmission mechanism disposed within the housing 5, that is, the planetary transmission mechanism is housed in the cavity formed between the housing 5 and the sealed top cover 2.

[0027] The planetary gear transmission mechanism includes a first planetary carrier 141, a second planetary carrier 142 for connection to the valve stem 20 of the valve 22, a center gear 18 connected to the adapter shaft 17, an internal gear disposed on the inner wall of the housing 5, and planetary gears disposed between the center gear 18 and the internal gears. A gear spindle 10 is disposed between the first planetary carrier 141 and the second planetary carrier 142, and the planetary gears are sleeved on the gear spindle 10. The first planetary carrier 141 and the second planetary carrier 142 are fixed together by screws 6. The internal gears are integrally formed with the housing 5, that is, the internal gears are formed on the inner wall of the housing 5, rather than being installed separately. In this embodiment, a shaft retaining ring 11 is disposed on the gear spindle 10, and a rolling bearing 12 is also disposed between the planetary gear 13 and the gear spindle 10. That is, the planetary gear 13 is fixed to the planetary carrier by the gear spindle 10 passing through its core, the rolling bearing 12, and the shaft retaining ring 11. The first planetary carrier 141 and the second planetary carrier 142 are positioned by the gear spindle 10 and fixed by screws 6.

[0028] The second planetary carrier 142 includes a support portion for supporting the planetary gear 13 and a connecting portion for connecting to the valve stem 20 of the valve 22. The connecting portion extends downward through the lower part of the housing 5 and has a connecting hole for connecting to the valve stem 20. The lower part of the housing 5 extends towards the connecting portion to form a limiting portion for supporting the support portion of the second planetary carrier 142. A thrust pad 7 is provided between the support portion and the limiting portion, and a thrust pad 7 is also provided between the first planetary carrier 141 and the sealing top cover 2. By providing the thrust pad 7, wear on the sealing top cover 2 and the housing 5 during operation of the planetary gear transmission mechanism can be avoided, and the operating torque can be effectively reduced.

[0029] The adapter shaft 17 passes through the sealing top cover 2 and connects to the center wheel 18. A sealing ring 8 and a bearing 9 are provided between the adapter shaft 17 and the sealing top cover 2, as well as between the connecting part and the limiting part. In this embodiment, sealing rings 8 are provided above and below the bearing 9 to further improve the sealing effect.

[0030] An O-ring is provided between the sealing top cover 2 and the housing 5, and the sealing top cover 2 and the housing 5 are fastened together by bolts 1. The valve 22 has an interface that cooperates with the operating mechanism, and a limit notch is provided on the interface. The operating tool has a limit protrusion 24 that cooperates with the limit notch, and the bolt 1 is set on the limit protrusion 24.

[0031] In this embodiment, three planetary gears 13 are evenly distributed between the central wheel 18 and the internal gear. In other embodiments, more than three planetary gears 13 may be provided. An oil injection channel for injecting oil into the planetary gear transmission mechanism is provided on the sealing top cover 2, and a screw plug 16 is provided at the top of the oil injection channel.

[0032] In the prior art, gear materials are usually high-strength alloys, which cannot achieve efficient corrosion resistance. Therefore, in this embodiment, a stainless steel adapter shaft 17 is used to transmit the input torque to the center wheel 18. The upper end of the adapter shaft 17 extends through the sealing top cover 2 to the outside and is fixed to the handwheel 15 by a gasket 19 and a bolt 1. The adapter shaft 17 and the sealing top cover 2 are sealed by a sealing ring 8, and the bearing 9 effectively prevents direct contact between the adapter shaft 17 and the sealing top cover 2, thus preventing scratches.

[0033] The second planetary carrier 142, as a torque output component, also needs to be sealed to the housing 5 via a sealing ring 8, while a bearing 9 is used to prevent scratching the sealing surface. The sealing top cover 2 and the housing 5 are fixed together by bolts 1, and an O-ring 4 is used between them to achieve a seal. At the same time, a retaining ring 3 is used to prevent the O-ring 4 from being squeezed out, ensuring the sealing effect.

[0034] Because the operating mechanism contains numerous gear transmission mechanisms, it should be used with gear oil or a similar lubricating medium. Gear oil can be injected through the oil filling channel at the top of the sealing top cover 2. After oiling, the channel should be plugged with a screw plug 16. In this embodiment, the handwheel assembly experiences localized compressive stress due to changes in temperature and external pressure. Therefore, this embodiment incorporates thrust pads 7 in multiple locations to effectively reduce relative wear between parts, while also reducing operating torque and extending service life.

[0035] Because the housing 5 requires a high-strength material while also needing effective corrosion resistance, conventional stainless steel cannot be used. In this embodiment, based on a high-strength alloy material, a suitable surface treatment method, such as nitriding, is selected to effectively protect the housing 5 from corrosion; this is a conventional technique in the relevant technical field. The second planetary carrier 142, serving as the torque output end and directly in contact with the external medium, is made of stainless steel.

[0036] The portable handwheel assembly of this embodiment enables underwater divers to smoothly operate the high-torque underwater valve 22 using its deceleration and torque-reducing capabilities, thus achieving the opening and closing of the underwater valve 22. Furthermore, its operation is not limited to the handwheel 15; by replacing the handwheel 15 component, other operating methods can be adopted to reduce the operating torque. In actual use, the handwheel assembly is inserted into the ROV interface 21, and its output end (second planetary carrier 142) is inserted into the upper part of the valve stem 20, achieving low input torque operation of the valve 22. Additionally, the handwheel 15 is equipped with a rotation direction indicator 23 to visually indicate the opening and closing of the valve 22, enabling visual operation of the valve 22.

[0037] The working process of the portable handwheel assembly in this embodiment is briefly described below:

[0038] When using the portable handwheel assembly of this embodiment, first insert the valve stem 20 of the valve 22 into the connecting hole on the second planetary carrier 142, and then insert the limiting protrusion 24 on the housing 5 into the limiting notch of the ROV interface 21.

[0039] Then, turning the handwheel 15 causes the central wheel 18 to rotate via the adapter shaft 17, which in turn drives the planetary gears to rotate between the central wheel 18 and the internal gear. At this time, the second planetary carrier 142 also rotates, driving the valve stem 20 connected to the second planetary carrier 142 to rotate, thereby driving the valve 22 to open and close. Through the planetary gear transmission mechanism, the operating torque during rotation is reduced, making rotation convenient and effortless.

[0040] The portable handwheel assembly of the present invention has a reasonable structural design. By introducing a planetary gear transmission mechanism, the operating torque can be effectively reduced when opening and closing valves through the handwheel assembly, so as to smoothly operate high-torque underwater valves. Moreover, the overall size is small and easy to transport and carry.

[0041] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A handwheel assembly suitable for underwater valves, comprising a handwheel and an operating mechanism, wherein the handwheel has a connecting shaft, characterized in that: The operating mechanism includes a housing, a sealed top cover, and a planetary gear transmission mechanism disposed within the housing. The planetary gear transmission mechanism includes a first planetary carrier, a second planetary carrier for connection to the valve stem of the valve, a central gear connected to the adapter shaft, an internal gear disposed on the inner wall of the housing, and planetary gears disposed between the central gear and the internal gear. The first planetary carrier and the second planetary carrier are fixedly connected, and a gear spindle is disposed between the first planetary carrier and the second planetary carrier. The planetary gears are sleeved on the gear spindle. A retaining ring for the shaft is provided on the gear spindle, and a rolling bearing is provided between the planetary gear and the gear spindle. The planetary gear is fixed to the planet carrier by the gear spindle passing through its core, the rolling bearing and the retaining ring for the shaft. A sealing ring and a bearing are provided between the adapter shaft and the sealing top cover; the sealing ring is provided above and below the bearing respectively; a sealing ring is also provided between the second planetary carrier and the housing; The second planetary carrier includes a support portion for supporting the planetary gears and a connecting portion for connecting with the valve stem of the valve. The connecting portion passes through the lower part of the housing and extends downward. The connecting portion has a connecting hole for connecting with the valve stem. The lower part of the housing extends toward the connecting part to form a limiting part for supporting the supporting part, and a thrust pad is provided between the supporting part and the limiting part. A sealing ring and a bearing are provided between the connecting part and the limiting part; the sealing ring is provided above and below the bearing respectively; The lower end of the adapter shaft passes through the sealing top cover and is connected to the center wheel; the upper end of the adapter shaft passes through the sealing top cover and extends to the outside, and is fixed to the handwheel by a gasket and bolts. A thrust pad is provided between the first planetary carrier and the sealing top cover; the sealing top cover has an oil injection channel for injecting oil into the planetary gear transmission mechanism, and a screw plug is provided at the top of the oil injection channel; The valve has an interface that mates with the operating mechanism, and a limit notch is provided on the interface. The operating mechanism has a limit protrusion that mates with the limit notch, and the bolt is disposed on the limit protrusion. The first planetary carrier and the second planetary carrier are positioned by a gear spindle and fixed by screws.

2. The handwheel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: An O-ring is provided between the sealing top cover and the housing, and the sealing top cover and the housing are fastened together by bolts.

3. The handwheel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The internal gear is formed directly on the inner wall of the housing.

4. The handwheel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handwheel is equipped with a rotation direction indicator to show whether the valve is switched on or off.

5. The handwheel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adapter shaft and the second planetary carrier are made of stainless steel; the surface of the housing is nitrided.

Images