A subway tunnel segment geothermal extraction pipeline connector

Abstract

The application discloses a subway tunnel segment geothermal extraction pipeline connector and relates to the technical field of geothermal energy. The connector comprises a shell and a sealing element. The shell is provided with at least two water passages, and the inner side edges of the water passages are fixed with a plurality of guide rods. The sealing element comprises a ring-shaped seat which is in sliding connection with the guide rods. The inner ring of the ring-shaped seat corresponds to the water passages, and the inner ring of the ring-shaped seat is embedded with a sealing ring. The outer ring of the ring-shaped seat is fixed with a flexible lip, and the outer ring edge of the flexible lip is in contact with the inner side wall of the shell. The design principle of the application adopts the form of plug-in sealing. The movable sealing element is used to transfer the water pressure at the position of the sealing ring and the pipeline to the movement of the ring-shaped seat, thereby avoiding water leakage at the position of the sealing ring. Meanwhile, the deformation of the flexible lip enables the water pressure to act on the flexible lip, thereby satisfying the sealing effect of the sealing element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of geothermal energy technology, and more specifically to a connector for a geothermal extraction pipeline for subway tunnel segments. Background Technology

[0002] Geothermal energy is natural heat extracted from the Earth's crust. This energy originates from the Earth's internal magma and exists in the form of heat, serving as the energy that causes volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The Earth's interior temperature reaches as high as 7000°C, while at depths of 80 to 100 kilometers, the temperature drops to 650 to 1200°C. Through the flow of groundwater and the upwelling of lava to depths of 1 to 5 kilometers, heat is transferred to areas closer to the surface. The high-temperature lava heats nearby groundwater, which eventually seeps to the surface. The simplest and most cost-effective way to utilize geothermal energy is to directly extract its energy from these heat sources; geothermal energy is a renewable resource.

[0003] In the process of geothermal energy utilization, geothermal water needs to be transported through pipelines. Traditional transport structures connect the two pipelines at their ends via end flanges, with a seal between the two flanges. Due to this flange connection, if the threaded connections of the flanges loosen, the seal will also loosen, leading to leakage. To solve this problem, existing patent 202220680439.3 provides a pipeline structure for geothermal energy transport that uses two anti-loosening structures to ensure the stability of the connection between the pipelines, thereby preventing the seal from loosening and improving the stability of the seal.

[0004] However, the use of the above structures is limited in certain operating environments with limited operating space and inconvenient flange fastening conditions.

[0005] Therefore, how to provide a connector for geothermal extraction pipelines in subway tunnel segments that can be both easy to connect and has a stable sealing effect is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a connector for geothermal extraction pipelines of subway tunnel segments, which aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A connector for geothermal extraction pipelines in subway tunnel segments, comprising:

[0009] A housing having at least two water inlets, with multiple guide rods fixed to the inner edge of each water inlet;

[0010] The sealing element includes an annular seat that is slidably connected to the plurality of guide rods. The inner ring of the annular seat corresponds to the water inlet that is matched with it. A sealing ring is embedded in the inner ring of the annular seat. A flexible lip is fixed to the outer ring of the annular seat. The outer edge of the flexible lip is in contact with the inner sidewall of the housing.

[0011] Through the above technical solution, the pipe connector provided by the present invention abandons the traditional pipe flange fastening connection structure and adopts a direct plug-in method to connect the pipes that need to be connected. The pipe to be connected is inserted into the inner ring of the annular seat through the water inlet of the shell. The pipe and the sealing ring of the inner ring of the annular seat form a sliding seal. After water is turned on, under the action of water pressure, the annular seat can move along the pipe, dispersing the water pressure at the sealing ring to the flexible lip of the annular seat. This allows the flexible lip to form a tight seal with the inner wall of the shell, preventing water leakage. Moreover, the sealing effect of the flexible lip is better as the pressure increases. This solves the pipe connection obstacle in confined space, satisfying both the simplicity of connection and ensuring the sealing effect.

[0012] Preferably, in the above-mentioned connector for geothermal extraction pipelines of subway tunnel segments, the portion of the housing corresponding to the flexible lip is arc-shaped, and the flexible lip is arc-shaped. This arc-shaped structural design allows for more accurate deformation of the flexible lip and enables a tight fit with the housing.

[0013] Preferably, in the above-mentioned connector for geothermal extraction pipelines of subway tunnel segments, the end of the guide rod away from the water inlet has a limiting head. The limiting head prevents the annular seat from detaching from the guide rod.

[0014] Preferably, in the above-mentioned connector for geothermal extraction pipelines in subway tunnel segments, a reset water inlet is provided on the side wall of the housing between the flexible lip and the water inlet, and a reset water inlet valve is threaded onto the reset water inlet. After water supply is completed, if the flexible lip cannot automatically reset, water is supplied to the reset water inlet to provide pressure and reset it, preventing subsequent failures due to prolonged deformation of the flexible lip in the absence of water supply.

[0015] Preferably, in the above-mentioned connector for geothermal extraction pipelines of subway tunnel segments, a return spring is sleeved on the guide rod, and the return spring is pressed between the inner edge of the annular seat and the water inlet. Adding a return spring helps the seal to reset when water is not flowing, and also creates a stable balance with the water pressure inside the housing, preventing leakage at the seal position due to instability of the annular seat.

[0016] Preferably, in the above-mentioned connector for geothermal extraction pipelines of subway tunnel segments, a pressure relief outlet is provided on the middle side wall of the housing, and a pressure relief valve is threadedly connected to the pressure relief outlet. The pressure relief valve can release water from the inside of the housing.

[0017] Preferably, in the above-mentioned connector for geothermal extraction pipelines in subway tunnel segments, the housing is made of a transparent material. Using a transparent rigid plastic material allows for easy observation of the shape of the flexible lip inside the housing and its repositioning.

[0018] Preferably, in the above-mentioned connector for geothermal extraction pipelines of subway tunnel segments, the housing is a modular assembly structure. Designing the housing as a modular structure facilitates the assembly of the internal sealing components.

[0019] Preferably, in the above-mentioned connector for geothermal extraction pipelines of subway tunnel segments, the assembly mating surfaces of the housing are connected by a flange structure and a waterproof sealing ring is provided. The flange structure for assembling the housing facilitates connection, simplifies operation, and ensures stability and reliability.

[0020] As can be seen from the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the present invention discloses a connector for geothermal extraction pipelines of subway tunnel segments. The design principle of the present invention adopts a plug-in sealing form. If only the pipeline and the shell with a sealing ring are plugged in, leakage is likely to occur at the plug-in sealing point. The present invention utilizes a movable sealing element, which allows the water pressure acting on the sealing ring and the pipeline to be transferred and converted into the movement of the annular seat, which effectively avoids water leakage at the sealing ring position. At the same time, the deformation of the flexible lip allows the water pressure to act on the flexible lip, satisfying the sealing effect of the sealing element. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 The attached figure is a structural schematic diagram of the pipe connector in the form of a two-way valve according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 The attached figure is an exploded view of the structure of the pipe connector in the form of a two-way valve according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 The attached figure is a structural cross-sectional view of the pipe connector in the form of a two-way valve according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 The attached figure is a cross-sectional view of the pipe connector in the form of a two-way valve according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing the pipe connection status.

[0026] Figure 5 The attached figure is a cross-sectional view of the pipe connector in the form of a two-way valve according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention after being inserted into the pipe and sealed by water flow.

[0027] Figure 6 The attached figure is a structural schematic diagram of the pipe connector in the form of a three-way valve according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 The attached figure is a structural schematic diagram of the pipeline connector in the form of a four-way valve according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0029] in:

[0030] 1-Shell;

[0031] 11-Middle main housing; 111-Pressure relief drain port; 112-Pressure relief drain valve; 12-End housing; 121-Water inlet; 122-Guide rod; 123-Limit head; 124-Reset water inlet; 125-Reset water inlet valve; 126-Reset spring;

[0032] 2-Seals;

[0033] 21-Annular seat; 22-Sealing ring; 23-Flexible lip;

[0034] 3-Pipelines. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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 are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] Example 1:

[0037] See appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 3 This invention discloses a connector for geothermal extraction pipelines in subway tunnel segments, comprising:

[0038] The housing 1 has at least two water inlets 121, and multiple guide rods 122 are fixed to the inner edge of the water inlets 121.

[0039] The sealing element 2 includes an annular seat 21 that is slidably connected to multiple guide rods 122. The inner ring of the annular seat 21 corresponds to the water inlet 121 that is matched, and a sealing ring 22 is embedded in the inner ring of the annular seat 21. A flexible lip 23 is fixed on the outer ring of the annular seat 21, and the outer edge of the flexible lip 23 is in contact with the inner sidewall of the housing 1.

[0040] To further optimize the above technical solution, the part of the shell 1 corresponding to the flexible lip 23 is arc-shaped, and the flexible lip 23 is arc-shaped.

[0041] To further optimize the above technical solution, the end of the guide rod 122 away from the water inlet 121 has a limiting head 123.

[0042] In this embodiment, the end of the guide rod 122 is threaded, and the limiting head 123 is a nut, which can achieve quick and simple connection.

[0043] To further optimize the above technical solution, a reset water inlet 124 is provided on the side wall of the housing 1 between the corresponding flexible lip 23 and the water inlet 121, and a reset water inlet valve 125 is threaded onto the reset water inlet 124.

[0044] To further optimize the above technical solution, a return spring 126 is sleeved on the guide rod 122, and the return spring 126 is pressed between the inner edge of the annular seat 21 and the water inlet 121.

[0045] To further optimize the above technical solution, a pressure relief outlet 111 is provided on the middle side wall of the housing 1, and a pressure relief valve 112 is threadedly connected to the pressure relief outlet 111.

[0046] To further optimize the above technical solution, the shell 1 is made of transparent material.

[0047] To further optimize the above technical solution, the shell 1 is a split assembly structure.

[0048] As attached Figure 2 As shown, the housing 1 consists of a central main housing 11 and two end housings 12 connected by a flange structure and a waterproof sealing ring is provided. This structure facilitates the installation of the sealing element 2.

[0049] The method of using the pipe connector provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0050] like Figure 4As shown, this embodiment provides a two-way valve type pipe connector structure: two pipes 3 are inserted into the two water inlets 121 at both ends of the housing 1. The pipes 3 pass through the water inlets 121 and are inserted into the inner ring of the annular seat 21, forming a sliding seal with the sealing ring 22 of the inner ring of the annular seat 21. After insertion, water is supplied to the pipes 3. The water enters the housing 1, and the water pressure pushes the annular seat 21 towards its end, compressing the flexible lip 23 to deform, thus achieving a seal. Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. This structure only requires the insertion of pipe 3 to achieve a seal, without requiring further steps.

[0051] After use, the ring seat 21 is reset under the action of the reset spring 126. If it cannot be reset, unscrew the reset water injection valve 125 and let water flow into the reset water injection port 124 to help it reset.

[0052] When disassembly is required, the pressure relief valve 112 can be opened to drain water from the inside of the housing 1.

[0053] Example 2:

[0054] See appendix Figure 6 This embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment 1: a central main housing 11 and three end housings 12 are combined to form a three-way valve-type pipeline connector structure. The usage method of this embodiment is basically the same as that of embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0055] Example 3:

[0056] See appendix Figure 7 This embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment 1: a central main housing 11 and four end housings 12 are combined to form a four-way valve-type pipeline connector structure. The usage method of this embodiment is basically the same as that of embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0057] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0058] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A connector for geothermal extraction pipelines in subway tunnel segments, characterized in that, include: The housing (1) has at least two water inlets (121), and multiple guide rods (122) are fixed to the inner edge of the water inlets (121). The sealing element (2) includes an annular seat (21) slidably connected to multiple guide rods (122). The inner ring of the annular seat (21) corresponds to the water inlet (121) that is matched with it. The inner ring of the annular seat (21) is fitted with a sealing ring (22). The outer ring of the annular seat (21) is fixed with a flexible lip (23). The outer edge of the flexible lip (23) is in contact with the inner sidewall of the housing (1). A reset water inlet (124) is provided on the side wall of the housing (1) between the corresponding flexible lip (23) and the water inlet (121), and a reset water inlet valve (125) is threaded onto the reset water inlet (124). A return spring (126) is sleeved on the guide rod (122), and the return spring (126) is pressed between the inner edge of the annular seat (21) and the water inlet (121); The portion of the housing (1) corresponding to the flexible lip (23) is arc-shaped, and the flexible lip (23) is arc-shaped; The end of the guide rod (122) away from the water inlet (121) has a limiting head (123).

2. A connector for geothermal extraction pipeline of subway tunnel segments according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pressure relief outlet (111) is provided on the middle side wall of the housing (1), and a pressure relief valve (112) is threaded onto the pressure relief outlet (111).

3. A connector for geothermal extraction pipeline of subway tunnel segments according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shell (1) is made of transparent material.

4. A connector for geothermal extraction pipeline of subway tunnel segments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell (1) is a modular assembly structure.

5. A connector for geothermal extraction pipeline of subway tunnel segments according to claim 4, characterized in that, The assembly mating surfaces of the housing (1) are connected by a flange structure and are padded with a waterproof sealing ring.

6. A connector for geothermal extraction pipeline of subway tunnel segments according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The housing (1) is a two-way valve structure with two water inlets (121), or the housing (1) is a three-way valve structure with three water inlets (121), or the housing (1) is a four-way valve structure with four water inlets (121).

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