Anchoring device for probe sphere

Abstract

This invention discloses an anchoring device for a probe ball, comprising a top flange fixing the probe ball and a claw bracket located between the head and middle of a support rod; a push ratchet and a claw tail bracket are respectively assembled at the middle and head of the support rod. Driven by the support rod, the guide boss on the push ratchet slides in the guide groove within the sleeve. Combined with gravity and a return spring, the ratchet teeth switch between engaging with the ratchet teeth within the sleeve and sliding in the guide groove within the sleeve. The tail of the claw is connected to a claw tail bracket, and the support rod drives the claw tail bracket to move up and down, opening and closing the claw. The underwater electric winch wire rope inside the probe ball passes through the support rod and connects to the mushroom head. The locking and unlocking actions of the anchoring device provided by this invention are not electrically powered, but entirely mechanical, avoiding adverse factors such as improper sealing and power supply problems, and possessing high reliability and practicality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an anchoring device for a probe ball, which uses a mechanical method to achieve automatic locking and unhooking of the underwater probe ball, and is the core device for anchoring underwater probe balls. Background Technology

[0002] Underwater detection spheres have a wide range of applications. After being equipped with various sensors, they can be submerged in water to collect various hydrological data in real time and detect unidentified submersibles. Therefore, underwater detection spheres play an important role in both civilian and national defense applications.

[0003] The underwater probe sphere is designed for positive buoyancy, and its descent is controlled by an underwater electric winch. After submerging, the probe needs to remain underwater for a period of time until the observation is completed. During the underwater probe's stay and observation phases, it needs to be anchored. If the probe is held in place by the underwater electric winch's steel cable for an extended period, the cable will be subjected to alternating forces under the influence of water currents, making it prone to fatigue fracture. Therefore, an anchoring device for the underwater probe sphere needs to be invented. This device can release the tension of the steel cable after the probe is anchored. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an anchoring device for a probe ball, which releases the tension of the steel wire rope after the probe ball is mechanically anchored.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] An anchoring device for a probe ball includes a sleeve tail end cap 1, a sleeve 2, a top flange 3, a pawl 5, a mushroom head 6, a support rod 7, a ratchet 8, a pushing ratchet 9, a pawl tail bracket 10, and a return spring 12.

[0007] The top flange 3 is used to fix the bottom of the probe ball, and the top flange 3 has a through hole in the middle for the support rod 7 to pass through;

[0008] The support rod 7 has a through hole in the middle for the underwater electric winch wire rope inside the probe ball to pass through. The support rod 7 passes through the through hole of the top flange 3, so that the top flange 3 is located between the head area and the middle area of ​​the support rod. The middle of the push ratchet 9 is assembled in the middle area of ​​the support rod. The middle of the claw tail bracket 10 is assembled in the head area of ​​the support rod. The claw tail bracket has eyes around its perimeter for installing claws.

[0009] The return spring 12 is sleeved on the tail of the support rod 7, with one end pressing against the ratchet 8 and the other end pressing against the sleeve tail end cap 1. The sleeve tail end cap 1 covers the sleeve 2 at the tail of the support rod 7. The sleeve tail end cap 1 also has a through hole in the middle for the underwater electric winch wire rope inside the probe ball to pass through.

[0010] The ratchet 8 and the support rod 7 are in clearance fit. The ratchet 8 and the push ratchet 9 are used in pairs. The ratchet has protruding ratchet teeth, and the two sides of the protruding ratchet teeth are guide surfaces. The ratchet tooth surfaces are beveled. The push ratchet 9 has guide bosses around its perimeter and beveled ratchet teeth at the bottom.

[0011] Sleeve 2 is fitted over the outside of ratchet 8 and push ratchet 9, and is fixed to support rod 7 by covering sleeve 2 with its tail. Slanted ratchet teeth and guide grooves are also machined on the inner wall of sleeve 2. Driven by support rod, push ratchet 9 pushes the guide boss on ratchet 9 to slide in guide groove inside sleeve. With the help of gravity and return spring 12, the ratchet teeth of ratchet 8 switch between engaging with the ratchet teeth inside sleeve and sliding in guide groove.

[0012] The claw is used to hook and release the mushroom head 6. The tail of the claw is connected to the eye on the claw tail bracket 10 by a pin. The claw has an oblique guide groove. A pin 11 passes through the guide groove of the claw. The pin 11 in the guide groove of the claw is connected to the claw bracket 13. The claw bracket 13 is connected to the top flange 3. When the load-bearing rod 7 drives the claw tail bracket 10 to move up and down, the claw will open and close under the action of the guide groove.

[0013] The mushroom-shaped probe 6 connects to the underwater electric winch wire rope inside the probe sphere.

[0014] Preferably, the top flange 3 is secured to the bottom of the probe ball by bolts.

[0015] Preferably, the head and middle regions of the load-bearing rod are threaded, the push ratchet 9 is threaded inside and screwed onto the thread in the middle region of the load-bearing rod, and the middle of the pawl tail bracket 10 is fitted onto the thread in the head region of the load-bearing rod and fixed to the load-bearing rod with a nut and a washer.

[0016] Preferably, the ratchet has four protruding teeth, and the push ratchet 9 has eight guide bosses around its perimeter.

[0017] Preferably, there are 4 claws 5 in total, and the claw tail bracket 10 has 4 holes for installing the claws.

[0018] Preferably, it also includes a guide frame 4, which is fitted on the outermost side of the claw 5 and the claw support 13 and connected to the top flange 3.

[0019] Preferably, during the locking action, the underwater electric winch inside the probe ball retracts the wire rope, causing the probe ball to descend. After the support rod touches the mushroom head, the support rod moves upwards towards the water surface. As the support rod moves upwards, it drives the push ratchet to move upwards. When the ratchet disengages from the guide groove of the sleeve, under the action of gravity and the push force of the return spring, the ratchet slides along the ratchet teeth of the push ratchet and rotates. At the same time, the pawl is also gradually retracting. When the pawl's tail bracket touches the top flange, the support rod stops moving upwards. The probe ball releases the wire rope, releasing the tension of the wire rope. Under the action of buoyancy, the probe ball rises. At the same time, under the action of gravity and the return spring, the support rod, along with the ratchet, moves downwards. However, the ratchet engages with the ratchet teeth on the sleeve, limiting the support rod from moving further downwards and also limiting the pawl's closed state. At this moment, the pawl completely hooks the mushroom head.

[0020] Preferably, upon disengagement, the underwater electric winch inside the probe sphere retracts the wire rope, causing the probe sphere to descend. After the support rod touches the mushroom head, the support rod moves upwards towards the water surface. As the support rod moves upwards, the push ratchet contacts the ratchet and pushes the ratchet away from the meshing area with the sleeve ratchet teeth. Under the action of gravity and the push force of the return spring, the ratchet slides along the ratchet teeth of the push ratchet and rotates. When the pawl tail bracket touches the top flange, the support rod stops moving upwards. At this moment, the probe sphere releases the wire rope, and under the action of buoyancy, the underwater probe sphere rises. Simultaneously, under the action of the return spring and gravity, the ratchet retracts into the guide groove of the sleeve. At this moment, the pawl fully opens, and the mushroom head and the pawl disengage.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0022] The locking and unlocking actions of the anchoring device provided by this invention are not powered by electricity but are achieved entirely by mechanical means, avoiding adverse factors such as improper sealing and power supply problems. It has the characteristics of high reliability and strong practicality, and its technology is in a leading position in China. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic locking and unhooking device for the probe ball.

[0024] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the overall layout of the automatic locking and unhooking device for the probe ball.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the claw tail support.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of a load-bearing rod.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pusher ratchet.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a ratchet.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sleeve structure.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the chuck's structure.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the claw support structure.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the top flange.

[0033] Label Explanation:

[0034] 1-Sleeve tail end cap, 2-Sleeve, 3-Top flange, 4-Guide frame, 5-Claw, 6-Mushroom head, 7-Bearing rod, 8-Ratchet, 9-Push ratchet, 10-Claw tail support, 11-Pin, 12-Return spring, 13-Claw support Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0036] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the core of the anchoring device for the detection ball shown in this embodiment relies on mechanical movement to realize the locking and unhooking functions. It includes a sleeve tail end cap 1, sleeve 2, top flange 3, guide frame 4, pawl 5, mushroom head 6, load-bearing rod 7, ratchet 8, pushing ratchet 9, pawl tail bracket 10 and return spring 12. The opening, closing and limiting of the pawl rely entirely on the mechanical structure and do not rely on electrical energy.

[0037] See Figure 10 As shown, the top flange 3 is used to fix the bottom of the probe ball with bolts, and there is a through hole in the middle of the top flange 3 for the support rod 7 to pass through.

[0038] See Figure 4 As shown, the support rod 7 has a through hole in the middle for the underwater electric winch wire rope inside the probe sphere to pass through. Threads are machined in the head and middle regions of the support rod. The support rod 7 passes through the through hole of the top flange 3, positioning the top flange 3 between the threads in the head and middle regions. The push ratchet 9 has threads machined inside and is screwed onto the threads in the middle region of the support rod. See also... Figure 3 As shown, the middle of the claw tail bracket 10 is fitted onto the thread in the head area of ​​the load-bearing rod and fixed to the load-bearing rod with nuts and washers. The claw tail bracket is provided with holes around its perimeter for installing the claws.

[0039] The return spring 12 is sleeved on the tail of the support rod 7, with one end pressing against the ratchet 8 and the other end pressing against the sleeve tail end cap 1. The sleeve tail end cap 1 covers the sleeve 2 at the tail of the support rod 7. The sleeve tail end cap 1 also has a through hole in the middle for the underwater electric winch wire rope inside the probe ball to pass through.

[0040] Ratchet 8 and the support bar 7 are in a clearance fit, allowing the ratchet to rotate on the support bar. See also Figure 5 The push ratchet shown and Figure 6 The diagram shows ratchet 8 and push ratchet 9 used in pairs. The ratchet has four protruding teeth, with guide surfaces on both sides of the protruding teeth. The tooth surfaces are beveled. The push ratchet 9 has eight guide bosses around its perimeter. Under the action of these guide bosses, the push ratchet can only move in a reciprocating linear motion within the sleeve. The lower part of the push ratchet also has beveled teeth to allow relative sliding and rotation between the ratchet and the push ratchet.

[0041] See Figure 7 As shown, sleeve 2 is fitted over the outside of ratchet 8 and push ratchet 9, and is fixed to the support rod 7 by a tail cover. Slanted ratchet teeth and guide grooves are also machined on the inner wall of sleeve 2. The guide boss on push ratchet 9 can slide in the guide groove inside the sleeve; the ratchet teeth on ratchet 8 can engage with the ratchet teeth inside the sleeve, and the ratchet teeth on ratchet 8 can also slide in the guide groove inside the sleeve, so that the ratchet teeth of the ratchet engage with the ratchet teeth on the inner wall of the sleeve. When push ratchet 9 pushes ratchet 8 upwards, once the protruding ratchet teeth on the ratchet disengage from the guide groove on the sleeve, under the action of gravity and the thrust of the return spring 12, the ratchet teeth on the ratchet slide down along the slanted ratchet teeth on push ratchet 9 and simultaneously rotate relative to each other; when the support rod 7 moves downwards with the ratchet, the ratchet teeth of the ratchet and the ratchet teeth on the sleeve engage together, thus preventing the support rod 7 from moving further downwards, thereby ensuring that the pawl is in a closed state. When the support rod moves upward again, the push ratchet 9 pushes the ratchet 8 upward and disengages from the ratchet engagement area with the sleeve. Under the action of gravity and the return spring, the ratchet 8 slides down along the inclined ratchet teeth on the push ratchet 9 and rotates relative to the support rod 7 at the same time. When the support rod moves downward, the ratchet returns to the guide groove of the sleeve 2, allowing the pawl to be in the open state. This repetitive motion realizes the opening and closing function of the pawl.

[0042] See Figure 8 The single-piece chuck and Figure 9 The shown claw bracket has four claws (5) for hooking and releasing the mushroom head (6). The tail of the claw is connected to the eye on the claw tail bracket (10) via a pin. The claw has an oblique guide groove, through which a pin (11) passes. The pin (11) in the guide groove connects to the claw bracket (13), which in turn connects to the top flange (3). When the claw tail bracket (10) moves up and down, the claws open and close under the action of the guide groove.

[0043] The guide frame 4 is fitted on the outermost side of the claw 5 and the claw bracket 13 and is connected to the top flange 3.

[0044] In use, the mushroom head 6 is fixed to the concrete block, and the top flange 3 is fixed to the bottom of the probe ball with bolts. The underwater electric winch wire rope inside the probe ball passes through the sleeve tail end cover 1, the load-bearing rod 7, and connects to the mushroom head 6 on the concrete block. When deploying the probe ball, the concrete block is first sunk to the bottom, and then the probe ball is placed on the water surface. The underwater electric winch inside the probe ball submerges the probe ball to the bottom. Before the claw hooks onto the mushroom head, the underwater electric winch can make the underwater probe ball rise and fall in the water by releasing and retrieving the rope.

[0045] Locking hook action:

[0046] Step 1: The underwater electric winch inside the underwater probe retracts the steel cable, causing the underwater probe to descend. After the support rod of the device touches the mushroom head, the support rod moves upward to the surface.

[0047] Step 2: When the support rod moves upward, it drives the push ratchet to move upward. When the ratchet is disengaged from the guide groove of the sleeve, under the action of gravity and the push force of the return spring, the ratchet slides along the ratchet teeth of the push ratchet and rotates, while the pawl is gradually retracting.

[0048] Step 3: After the tail bracket of the chuck touches the top flange, the load-bearing rod stops moving upward.

[0049] Step 4: The underwater probe releases its steel cable, releasing tension. Under buoyancy, the probe rises. Simultaneously, under gravity and the return spring, the support rod, along with the ratchet, moves downwards. However, the ratchet engages with the ratchet teeth on the sleeve, limiting the rod's downward movement and also restricting the closure of the chuck. At this point, the chuck fully engages the mushroom-shaped head, securing the underwater probe underwater.

[0050] Unhooking action:

[0051] Step 1: The underwater electric winch inside the underwater probe retracts the steel cable, causing the underwater probe to descend. After the support rod of the device touches the mushroom head, the support rod moves upward to the surface.

[0052] Step 2: When the support rod moves upward, the push ratchet contacts the ratchet and pushes the ratchet away from the meshing area with the sleeve ratchet teeth. Under the action of gravity and the push force of the return spring, the ratchet slides along the ratchet teeth of the push ratchet and rotates.

[0053] Step 3: When the tail bracket of the chuck touches the top flange, the support rod stops moving upward. At this moment, the underwater probe ball releases the steel cable. Under the action of buoyancy, the underwater probe ball floats up. At the same time, under the action of the return spring and gravity, the ratchet will retract into the guide groove of the sleeve. At this moment, the chuck is fully opened, and the mushroom head and the chuck are separated.

[0054] Step 4: The underwater electric winch releases the wire rope, and under the action of buoyancy, the underwater probe ball will float to the surface.

[0055] The underwater exploration sphere, underwater electric winch, wire rope, and concrete block described in the text are not within the scope of this invention.

[0056] It is understood that those skilled in the art can make equivalent substitutions or modifications to the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, and all such substitutions or modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An anchoring device for a probe ball, comprising a sleeve tail end cap (1), a sleeve (2), a top flange (3), a pawl (5), a mushroom head (6), a support rod (7), a ratchet (8), a pushing ratchet (9), a pawl tail bracket (10), and a return spring (12), characterized in that: The top flange (3) is used to fix the bottom of the probe ball, and there is a through hole in the middle of the top flange (3) for the support rod (7) to pass through; The support rod (7) has a through hole in the middle for the underwater electric winch wire rope inside the probe ball to pass through. The support rod (7) passes through the through hole of the top flange (3), so that the top flange (3) is located between the head area and the middle area of ​​the support rod. The middle of the push ratchet (9) is assembled in the middle area of ​​the support rod. The middle of the claw tail bracket (10) is assembled in the head area of ​​the support rod. The claw tail bracket is provided with eyes around its perimeter for installing claws. The return spring (12) is sleeved on the tail of the support rod (7), with one end pressing against the ratchet (8) and the other end pressing against the sleeve tail end cap (1). The sleeve tail end cap (1) covers the sleeve (2) at the tail of the support rod (7). The sleeve tail end cap (1) also has a through hole in the middle for the underwater electric winch wire rope inside the probe ball to pass through. The ratchet (8) and the support rod (7) are in clearance fit. The ratchet (8) and the push ratchet (9) are used in pairs. The ratchet (8) has protruding ratchet teeth. The two sides of the protruding ratchet teeth are guide surfaces. The ratchet teeth are oblique. The push ratchet (9) has guide bosses around its perimeter and oblique ratchet teeth at the bottom. The sleeve (2) is fitted on the outside of the ratchet (8) and the push ratchet (9), and is fixed to the support rod (7) by covering the sleeve (2) with its tail. The inner wall of the sleeve (2) is also machined with oblique ratchet teeth and guide grooves. Driven by the support rod, the guide boss on the push ratchet (9) slides in the guide groove inside the sleeve. With the help of gravity and the return spring (12), the ratchet teeth of the ratchet (8) switch between meshing with the ratchet teeth inside the sleeve and sliding in the guide groove. The claw (5) is used to hook and release the mushroom head (6). The tail of the claw is connected to the eye on the claw tail bracket (10) by a pin. The claw has an oblique guide groove. A pin (11) passes through the guide groove of the claw. The pin (11) in the guide groove of the claw is connected to the claw bracket (13). The claw bracket (13) is connected to the top flange (3). When the support rod (7) drives the claw tail bracket (10) to move up and down, the claw will open and close under the action of the guide groove. The mushroom head (6) connects to the underwater electric winch wire rope inside the probe ball.

2. The anchoring device for a probe ball according to claim 1, characterized in that... The top flange (3) is secured to the bottom of the probe ball by bolts.

3. The anchoring device for a probe ball according to claim 1, characterized in that... The head and middle areas of the load-bearing rod are threaded. The push ratchet (9) is threaded inside and screwed onto the thread in the middle area of ​​the load-bearing rod. The middle of the pawl tail bracket (10) is assembled onto the thread in the head area of ​​the load-bearing rod and fixed to the load-bearing rod with a nut and washer.

4. An anchoring device for a probe ball according to claim 1, characterized in that... The ratchet (8) has 4 protruding ratchet teeth, and the push ratchet (9) has 8 guide bosses around its perimeter.

5. An anchoring device for a probe ball according to claim 1, characterized in that... There are 4 claws (5) in total, and there are 4 holes for installing the claws on the tail bracket (10).

6. An anchoring device for a detection ball according to claim 1, characterized in that... It also includes a guide frame (4), which is fitted on the outermost side of the claw (5) and the claw bracket (13) and connected to the top flange (3).

7. An anchoring device for a detection ball according to claim 1, characterized in that... When the hook is engaged, the underwater electric winch inside the probe sphere retracts the steel cable, causing the probe sphere to descend. After the support rod touches the mushroom head, the support rod moves upwards towards the water surface. As the support rod moves upwards, it drives the push ratchet to move upwards. When the ratchet disengages from the guide groove of the sleeve, under the action of gravity and the push force of the return spring, the ratchet slides along the ratchet teeth of the push ratchet and rotates. At the same time, the pawl is also gradually retracting. When the pawl's tail bracket touches the top flange, the support rod stops moving upwards. The probe ball releases the steel wire rope, releasing the tension of the steel wire rope. Under the action of buoyancy, the probe ball floats up. At the same time, under the action of gravity and the return spring, the support rod moves downward with the ratchet. However, the ratchet will mesh with the ratchet teeth on the sleeve, limiting the support rod to move further downward, and also limiting the closed state of the pawl. At this moment, the pawl completely hooks the mushroom head.

8. An anchoring device for a probe ball according to claim 1, characterized in that... When disengaging, the underwater electric winch inside the probe sphere retracts the wire rope, causing the probe sphere to descend. After the support rod touches the mushroom head, the support rod moves upward to the surface. As the support rod moves upward, the push ratchet contacts the ratchet and pushes it away from the meshing area of ​​the sleeve ratchet teeth. Under the action of gravity and the push force of the return spring, the ratchet slides along the ratchet teeth of the push ratchet and rotates. When the pawl tail bracket touches the top flange, the support rod stops moving upward. At this moment, the probe sphere releases the wire rope, and under the action of buoyancy, the underwater probe sphere rises. At the same time, under the action of the return spring and gravity, the ratchet will retract into the guide groove of the sleeve. At this moment, the pawl fully opens, and the mushroom head and the pawl disengage.

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