Water conservancy and hydropower pipeline connecting device

Abstract

The application provides a water conservancy and hydropower pipeline connecting device, which effectively solves the problems that the existing pipeline connecting structure cannot cope with frequent axial expansion and contraction of the pipeline, insufficient axial expansion and contraction amount, large friction loss of the sealing element, cannot play an energy dissipation role on high-speed water flow in the pipeline, and cannot well cope with the connection of two pipelines with different axes; the technical solution is that the pipeline connecting device comprises an upper shell with an upper opening, a lower shell with a lower opening below the upper shell, a plurality of S-shaped communication pipes around a telescopic rod, a spherical hinge between the upper end of the communication pipe and the side wall of the upper shell, and a spherical hinge between the lower end of the communication pipe and the side wall of the lower shell; the communication pipe comprises two elbow pipes and a middle straight pipe, the end of the straight pipe is rotationally connected with the end of the elbow pipe, a rotatable rotating drum is sleeved on the middle part of the telescopic rod, the straight pipe and the rotating drum are connected through a tension spring, when the upper shell and the lower shell move close to each other, the straight pipe moves to the side away from the telescopic rod, and at this time, the tension spring is elongated; water flow sequentially passes through the upper shell, the plurality of communication pipes and the lower shell, and finally flows downward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water conservancy and hydropower engineering pipeline construction technology, and in particular to a water conservancy and hydropower pipeline connection device. Background Technology

[0002] To improve pipeline installation efficiency, pipelines are typically divided into multiple segments, extending outwards at the nodes and connecting to form a complete pipeline. Pipeline construction must fully consider the operating environment and axial expansion / contraction, especially in environments with significant temperature variations, such as steam pipelines, cooling water drainage pipelines in hydropower stations, and water pipelines in high-altitude areas with large diurnal temperature differences. Taking the most complex environment of high-altitude and steep terrain as an example, the high frequency of temperature changes in the pipeline's operating environment leads to frequent axial expansion / contraction, and the steep terrain causes significant impact from water flow on downstream pipe bends, resulting in high-frequency vibrations, and even pipe rupture or damage to the concrete base. Furthermore, during pipeline connection, pipe eccentricity or angle deviation often occurs. The eccentricity problem at pipe connections has always been a challenge for construction technicians, and currently, it can only be improved by controlling the shape of the sealing gasket.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies primarily employ the following connection methods at intermediate joints: First, the most common and conventional method is the use of expansion joints. While expansion joints effectively absorb axial forces, stress concentration can easily occur at expansion joints when water flow velocity is high and flow rate and pressure are unstable, leading to vibration. Second, nested connection structures, exemplified by patent documents CN112576830B (a sewage pipe and its construction method) and CN114992408A (a pipe connection structure), primarily securely fix the two ends together to achieve the connection. However, their axial expansion and contraction capabilities are limited, making them unsuitable for long-distance pipeline expansion and contraction. Third, stable connection devices for water conservancy engineering pipelines, as disclosed in patent documents CN113719663A and CN216520168U (a pipe for water conservancy engineering). The first type of pipe connection device, a water conservancy engineering docking drainage structure disclosed in CN114905439A, and a water conservancy and hydropower construction pipe connection device disclosed in CN116464848A, are essentially hoses with an adjustable steel frame added to the outside. They can only ensure that the hose can be sealed with the pipes on both sides during installation. However, during the use of the pipe, the hose itself cannot expand or contract axially. Moreover, when the flow rate in the water conservancy pipeline is unstable, the hose itself is prone to shrinkage and deformation, and it is easy to break the hose in a short time. It can only be used as a temporary remedial measure and cannot be used as a long-term device. The second type is the telescopic pipe structure formed by the axial sliding of multiple sleeves, represented by the telescopic drainage pipe for water conservancy engineering disclosed in CN209229192U. However, in the frequent expansion and contraction, the water pressure in the pipe itself and the large-scale axial sliding friction can easily cause the seal to fail.

[0004] In addition to their inherent structural defects, the above four connection structures cannot address the eccentricity problem at pipe connections. They can only achieve a sealed connection by fabricating specially shaped pipes through processes such as measurement and cutting. These processes are quite complicated and seriously affect construction efficiency. Furthermore, none of the existing four structures are capable of handling the impact of high-drop water flow. They lack energy dissipation measures and are prone to vibration when the water flow rate changes, causing wear on the pipes and foundation piles.

[0005] It should be emphasized that a few documents attempt to solve the problem of eccentric connection, such as the pipe expansion and contraction adjustment device disclosed in CN211259909U. Essentially, it only solves the eccentricity problem and is more suitable for small-diameter pipes, such as water pipes. Even so, it still has the same obvious defects as the third type of solution mentioned above during use. Therefore, it is not suitable for working conditions with frequent changes in ambient temperature, and it cannot effectively dissipate energy for turbulent water flow. The vibration generated by the change in flow rate will still be transmitted to other parts of the pipe, causing damage to the pipe or fixed structure.

[0006] A water conservancy and hydropower pipeline connection device is provided to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above situation and to overcome the defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a water conservancy and hydropower pipeline connection device, which effectively solves the problems that the existing pipeline connection structure cannot cope with the frequent axial expansion and contraction of the pipeline, the insufficient axial expansion and contraction amount, and the large frictional loss of the sealing parts. It also cannot dissipate energy for the high-speed water flow in the pipeline, nor can it effectively solve the connection problem of two pipelines with different axes.

[0008] The technical solution includes an upper shell with an opening at the top, a lower shell with an opening at the bottom below the upper shell, and multiple S-shaped connecting pipes around the telescopic rod. The upper end of the connecting pipe is ball-jointed with the side wall of the upper shell, and the lower end of the connecting pipe is ball-jointed with the side wall of the lower shell. The connecting pipe includes two bends and a middle flat pipe. The end of the flat pipe is rotatably connected to the end of the bends. A rotatable cylinder is fitted in the middle of the telescopic rod. The flat rod and the cylinder are connected by a tension spring. When the upper shell and the lower shell approach each other, the flat pipe moves away from the telescopic rod, at which time the tension spring is stretched. The water flows sequentially through the upper shell, multiple connecting pipes, and the lower shell, finally flowing downwards.

[0009] Furthermore, the upper shell contains a rotating shaft coaxial with it, with its upper end extending out of the upper shell. Helical blades are mounted on the shaft. The lower shell contains a rotating impeller. A vertical telescopic rod connects the upper and lower shells. The upper end of the telescopic rod is connected to the rotating shaft via a universal coupling, and the lower end of the telescopic rod is connected to the impeller via a universal coupling. When water flows and impacts the helical blades, the helical blades tend to drive the rotating shaft to rotate. When water flows through multiple connecting pipes and enters the lower shell cavity tangentially, it impacts the impeller, causing the impeller to rotate in the opposite direction to the rotating shaft, thus achieving energy dissipation.

[0010] Furthermore, the telescopic rod includes a hollow cylinder with an outer square and an inner circle. Both ends of the hollow cylinder have a square shaft that can slide axially but cannot rotate. A compression spring connects the two square shafts. The ends of the two square shafts extend out of the hollow cylinder and are fixed together with the corresponding universal couplings. A compression spring is also provided between the ends of the hollow cylinder and the universal couplings. A rotating drum is rotatably installed in the middle of the hollow cylinder.

[0011] Furthermore, both ends of the connecting pipe are provided with bent sections facing the direction of the telescopic rod. The upper and lower shells are provided with spherical shells corresponding to the bent sections on their side walls. There are spherical protrusions on the outer side of the bent sections. The outer edge of the spherical protrusions fits against the inner side wall of the spherical shell to form a spherical hinge. The spherical shell on the side wall of the upper shell is connected to the cavity of the upper shell, and the spherical shell on the side wall of the lower shell is connected to the cavity of the lower shell. When water flows into the cavity of the lower shell, it is along the tangential direction inside the cavity of the lower shell.

[0012] Furthermore, the impeller includes a vertical central shaft with multiple blades around it. Water flow can drive the entire impeller to rotate through the blades, and the upper end of the central shaft is rotatably connected to the upper side wall of the lower casing.

[0013] A water conservancy and hydropower pipeline connection device is provided, which can cope with the frequent axial expansion and contraction of the pipeline during use, and the cross section and total length do not change during axial expansion and contraction. It cleverly transforms the axial sliding expansion and contraction motion into a radial rotating pair, reduces the friction loss faced by the sealing parts, and converts the potential energy of the water flow into mechanical energy to reduce the impact force of the subsequent water flow and achieve energy dissipation; at the same time, it can also solve the eccentricity problem at the pipeline connection. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a front sectional view of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a front sectional view of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Sectional view of AA.

[0017] Figure 4 for Figure 1 BB section view.

[0018] Figure 5 for Figure 1 CC section view.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structural composition of the connecting pipe in this invention.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the application of the present invention in coaxial pipe connections.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the application of the present invention in the connection of eccentric pipes. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Depend on Figures 1 to 8The present invention includes an upper shell 1 with an open top, a lower shell 2 with an open bottom, a vertical telescopic rod between the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2, and multiple S-shaped connecting pipes 3 around the telescopic rod. The upper end of the connecting pipe 3 is ball-jointed with the side wall of the upper shell 1, and the lower end of the connecting pipe 3 is ball-jointed with the side wall of the lower shell 2. The connecting pipe 3 includes two bent pipes 4 and a horizontal pipe 5 in the middle. The end of the horizontal pipe 5 is rotatably connected to the end of the bent pipes 4. A rotatable rotating cylinder 6 is fitted in the middle of the telescopic rod. The horizontal rod and the rotating cylinder 6 are connected by a tension spring. When the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2 approach each other, the horizontal pipe 5 moves away from the telescopic rod, at which time the tension spring is stretched. The water flows sequentially through the upper shell 1, the multiple connecting pipes 3, the lower shell 2, and finally flows downward.

[0024] To reduce the impact force of water flowing downwards and achieve energy dissipation, the upper shell 1 contains a rotating shaft 7 coaxial with it. The upper end of the rotating shaft 7 extends out of the upper shell 1, and a spiral blade 8 is installed on the rotating shaft 7. The lower shell 2 contains a rotating impeller. A vertical telescopic rod is connected between the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2. The upper end of the telescopic rod is connected to the rotating shaft 7 via a universal coupling 11, and the lower end of the telescopic rod is connected to the impeller via a universal coupling 11. When the water flows and impacts the spiral blade 8, the spiral blade 8 tends to drive the rotating shaft 7 to rotate. When the water flows through multiple connecting pipes 3 and enters the cavity of the lower shell 2 tangentially, it can impact the impeller, causing the impeller to have a rotational tendency opposite to that of the rotating shaft 7, thus achieving the purpose of energy dissipation.

[0025] The telescopic rod includes a hollow cylinder 9 with an outer square and an inner circle. There is a square shaft 10 at both ends of the hollow cylinder 9 that can slide axially but cannot rotate. A compression spring is connected between the two square shafts 10. The ends of the two square shafts 10 extend out of the hollow cylinder 9 and are fixed together with the corresponding universal couplings 11. A compression spring is also provided between the end of the hollow cylinder 9 and the universal couplings 11. A rotating cylinder 6 is rotatably installed in the middle of the hollow cylinder 9.

[0026] To achieve the ball joint installation at the end of the connecting pipe 3, both the upper and lower ends of the connecting pipe 3 are provided with bent sections 12 facing the direction of the telescopic rod. The upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2 are each provided with a spherical shell 13 corresponding to the bent section 12 on their side walls. There is a spherical protrusion 14 on the outer side of the bent section 12. The outer edge of the spherical protrusion 14 fits against the inner side wall of the spherical shell 13 to achieve a ball joint. The spherical shell 13 on the side wall of the upper shell 1 is connected to the cavity of the upper shell 1, and the spherical shell 13 on the side wall of the lower shell 2 is connected to the cavity of the lower shell 2. When the water flows into the cavity of the lower shell 2, it is along the tangential direction inside the cavity of the lower shell 2.

[0027] The impeller includes a vertical central shaft 15, around which are multiple fan blades 16. Water flow can drive the entire impeller to rotate through the fan blades 16. The upper end of the central shaft 15 is rotatably connected to the upper side wall of the lower shell 2.

[0028] To increase the deformation resistance of the bend 4 in the connecting pipe, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 18 are provided inside the bend 4.

[0029] In order to be installed with the ends of the pipes on both sides, flanges 17 are installed at the openings of the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2.

[0030] It is worth noting that, in order to ensure the flow capacity of the device and avoid throttling as much as possible, the sum of the flow areas of the multiple connecting pipes 3 is not less than the flow area of ​​the pipe; bearings are installed at the junction of the flat pipe 5 and the bend 4, and bearings are installed between the rotating cylinder 6 and the hollow cylinder 9; ball joint bearings or spherical plain bearings can be used between the bent section 12 of the bend 4 and the side wall of the spherical shell 13, instead of the spherical protrusion 14 mentioned above; bearings are installed between the rotating shaft 7 and the lower side wall of the upper shell 1, and bearings are installed between the central shaft 15 and the upper side wall of the lower shell 2. All bearings in this device are waterproof bearings with self-sealing effect.

[0031] During pipeline connection construction, to facilitate installation, it is necessary to first remove the multiple tension springs around the rotating cylinder 6 in this device, then connect the flange 17 on the upper shell 1 to the flange 17 at the end of the upstream pipeline, and connect the flange 17 on the lower shell 2 to the flange 17 at the end of the downstream pipeline. Then, install the multiple tension springs around the rotating cylinder 6 one by one. The tension of these tension springs is transmitted to the flange 17 through the bends 4 on both sides to provide sufficient pressure. If the pipelines on both sides are not coaxial, the distance between the multiple flat pipes 5 and the telescopic rod will not be the same. If the pipelines on both sides are coaxial, the distance between the multiple flat pipes 5 and the telescopic rod will be the same. When the ambient temperature is low, the distance between the two pipes at the connection point is at its maximum. As the ambient temperature rises, thermal expansion and contraction cause the pipes on both sides to elongate axially. The upper shell 1 and lower shell 2 in this device move closer together, and the flat pipe 5 moves further away from the telescopic rod. At this time, the tension spring on the rotating drum 6 is further stretched. As the ambient temperature gradually decreases, the ends of the pipes on both sides move further apart, increasing the distance between the upper shell 1 and lower shell 2. The tension spring on the rotating drum 6 then pulls its corresponding flat rod closer to the telescopic rod. It is worth noting that the process of the flat pipe 5 in the connecting pipe 3 moving closer to or away from the telescopic rod is the process of deformation of the connecting pipe 3. During the deformation of the connecting pipe 3, its total axial length and effective flow area remain unchanged, which is sufficient to ensure the stability of the pipe flow rate.

[0032] When this device is in use, initially, the water flow impacts the spiral blades 8 from top to bottom, causing the shaft 7 to rotate. The water flow enters the upper shell 1 cavity, then passes through multiple spherical shells 13 on the side wall of the upper shell 1 and enters the connecting pipe 3. Then, it passes through the spherical shells 13 on the side wall of the lower shell 2 and enters the lower shell 2. When the water flow enters the lower shell 2, it enters along the tangential direction of the lower shell 2 cross section. The multiple water flows impact the impeller, causing the impeller to have a rotational tendency opposite to that of the shaft 7. If there is no telescopic rod to restrict it, the rotation direction of the impeller is opposite to that of the shaft 7, but the presence of the telescopic rod allows the rotational forces of the two to cancel each other out, thus achieving energy dissipation.

[0033] In terms of energy dissipation, if the rotational torque of the impeller is less than the rotational torque of the helical blade 8, the impeller rotates with the helical blade 8; if the rotational torque of the impeller is greater than the rotational torque of the helical blade 8, the helical blade 8 rotates with the impeller; if the two are equal, neither the impeller nor the helical blade 8 moves. Regardless of the form, the purpose of energy dissipation is achieved; the only difference is the energy dissipation efficiency.

[0034] The connecting pipe 3 in this device is composed of a flat pipe 5 and two semi-circular arc-shaped pipes, which can make the water flow smoothly, avoid scouring specific parts, and reduce the vibration generated when the water flows through. Of course, the multiple tension springs around the rotating drum 6 can also reduce the vibration.

[0035] This device can handle the frequent axial expansion and contraction of pipelines during use. Unlike traditional methods, the connecting pipe 3 in this device does not experience stress or strain during deformation and bending; its cross-section does not deform; and the water flow is smooth and uniform, including at the junction of the flat pipe 5 and the bend 4. This effectively addresses the problem of frequent expansion and contraction of pipelines in areas with large diurnal temperature differences and significantly reduces frictional wear on the sealing components.

[0036] In this device, the connection between the end of the connecting pipe 3 and the upper shell 1 and lower shell 2 is a ball joint, allowing the upper shell 1 and lower shell 2 to be eccentric within a certain range, thus accommodating the problem of pipe eccentricity at both ends. Furthermore, this device can also be applied to pipe bends. Compared to traditional methods using custom-made bending elbows, this device is more flexible, adaptable to different bending angles, and has excellent extensibility, resulting in better performance.

Claims

1. A water conservancy and hydropower pipeline connection device, characterized in that, The system includes an upper shell (1) with an opening at the top, a lower shell (2) with an opening at the bottom below the upper shell (1), a vertical telescopic rod between the upper shell (1) and the lower shell (2), and multiple S-shaped connecting pipes (3) around the telescopic rod. The upper end of the connecting pipe (3) is ball-jointed with the side wall of the upper shell (1), and the lower end of the connecting pipe (3) is ball-jointed with the side wall of the lower shell (2). The connecting pipe (3) includes two bent pipes (4) and a flat pipe (5) in the middle. The end of the flat pipe (5) is rotatably connected to the end of the bent pipe (4). A rotating cylinder (6) is fitted in the middle of the telescopic rod. The flat pipe (5) and the rotating cylinder (6) are connected by a tension spring. When the upper shell (1) and the lower shell (2) approach each other, the flat pipe (5) moves away from the telescopic rod. At this time, the tension spring is stretched. The water flows through the upper shell (1), multiple connecting pipes (3), and the lower shell (2) in sequence, and finally flows downward. The upper shell (1) contains a rotating shaft (7) that is coaxial with it and can rotate. The upper end of the rotating shaft (7) extends out of the upper shell (1). The rotating shaft (7) is equipped with a spiral blade (8). The lower shell (2) contains a rotating impeller. There is a vertical telescopic rod between the upper shell (1) and the lower shell (2). The upper end of the telescopic rod is connected to the rotating shaft (7) via a universal coupling (11). The lower end of the telescopic rod is connected to the impeller via a universal coupling (11). When the water flow impacts the spiral blade (8), the spiral blade (8) tends to drive the rotating shaft (7) to rotate. When the water flow enters the cavity of the lower shell (2) along the tangent through multiple connecting pipes (3), it can impact the impeller, so that the impeller has a rotational tendency opposite to the rotational tendency of the rotating shaft (7), thereby achieving the purpose of energy dissipation. The telescopic rod includes a hollow cylinder (9) with an outer circle and an inner square. There is a square shaft (10) at both ends of the hollow cylinder (9) that can slide axially but cannot rotate. A compression spring is connected between the two square shafts (10). The ends of the two square shafts (10) extend out of the hollow cylinder (9) and are fixed together with the corresponding universal coupling (11). A compression spring is also provided between the end of the hollow cylinder (9) and the universal coupling (11). The rotating cylinder (6) is rotatably installed in the middle of the hollow cylinder (9).

2. The water conservancy and hydropower pipeline connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting pipe (3) is provided with a bent section (12) facing the telescopic rod at both the upper and lower ends. The upper shell (1) and the lower shell (2) are provided with spherical shells (13) corresponding to the bent section (12) on their side walls. There is a spherical protrusion (14) on the outside of the bent section (12). The outer edge of the spherical protrusion (14) is attached to the inner side wall of the spherical shell (13) to realize a ball joint. The spherical shell (13) on the side wall of the upper shell (1) is connected to the cavity of the upper shell (1). The spherical shell (13) on the side wall of the lower shell (2) is connected to the cavity of the lower shell (2). When the water flows into the cavity of the lower shell (2), it is along the tangential direction inside the cavity of the lower shell (2).

3. The water conservancy and hydropower pipeline connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The impeller includes a vertical central shaft (15), and multiple fan blades (16) around the central shaft (15). Water flow can drive the entire impeller to rotate through the fan blades (16). The upper end of the central shaft (15) is rotatably connected to the upper side wall of the lower shell (2).

4. A water conservancy and hydropower pipeline connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bent pipe (4) is provided with multiple reinforcing ribs (18).

5. A water conservancy and hydropower pipeline connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Flanges (17) are installed at the openings of both the upper shell (1) and the lower shell (2).

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