Underwater connector for offshore oil and gas pipeline

Abstract

The invention discloses an underwater connector for an offshore oil and gas pipeline, the underwater connector for the offshore oil and gas pipeline comprises a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe and a connecting assembly, the first connecting pipe is suitable for being connected with a first external pipeline and communicating with the first external pipeline, and the second connecting pipe is suitable for being connected with a second external pipeline; the second connecting pipe is suitable for being connected with a second external pipeline and communicating with the second external pipeline, the connecting assembly comprises a shell, a driving part and a plurality of clamping parts, the shell is arranged on the peripheral side of the first connecting pipe in a sleeving mode and connected with the first connecting pipe, and the inner circumferential face of the shell and the outer circumferential face of the first connecting pipe are arranged in a spaced mode in the inside-outside direction to form a mounting cavity; the driving part is arranged in the mounting cavity and can move relative to the shell in the length direction of the shell, the multiple clamping parts are all arranged in the mounting cavity and arranged in the circumferential direction of the first connecting pipe at intervals, and one end of each clamping part is movably connected with the first connecting pipe. The underwater connector for the offshore oil and gas pipeline has the advantages of being high in connecting efficiency, good in connecting effect and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of marine oil and gas pipeline connection, in particular to an underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines. Background Art

[0002] As the connecting parts of underwater production systems, underwater connectors are often used to connect various submarine pipelines. They are indispensable equipment for underwater production systems. However, due to the complexity of their working environment, submarine pipelines may be disturbed and damaged by mooring anchors, submarine undercurrents, earthquakes, seabed collapse, and other human and natural factors in the marine environment, which in turn affects the mining efficiency of underwater production systems. Underwater hydraulic connectors usually work in extremely harsh environments, such as high loads, dynamic loads, low temperatures, and chemical corrosion environments. Once a pipeline connection leaks or is damaged, it will not only cause a waste of oil and gas resources, but also cause pollution to the marine environment. It will also require shutdowns for maintenance, resulting in huge economic and time losses. Therefore, in the construction of submarine oil and gas production systems and pipeline maintenance, how to reliably connect pipelines and related equipment faces huge challenges.

[0003] In the related art, the underwater connector connection process is complicated and the connection efficiency is low, which cannot meet the current needs of connecting sea pipelines. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention is based on the inventor's discovery and understanding of the following facts and problems: In the related art, two pipes are connected by manual docking. In deep water environment, the effective working time of divers each dive is very limited, and long-term exposure to high-pressure environment will have serious effects on human health (such as decompression sickness). Although a connecting device is also used to connect the two pipes, manual intervention is also required for the connecting device to connect the two pipes. For example, patent: CN202321462952.6-An underwater pipe connection device, both external pipes are inserted into the first fixture and the second fixture, and then the locking parts and hydraulic parts are used to lock the external pipes together. However, due to the setting of the locking parts, the diver needs to tighten the locking parts, resulting in low connection efficiency, and the hydraulic cylinder is set outside the first fixture and the second fixture. The hydraulic cylinder is subjected to seawater erosion for a long time, which will reduce the service life of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve one of the technical problems in the related art at least to a certain extent.

[0006] To this end, an embodiment of the present invention provides an underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines with a simple structure and high connection efficiency.

[0007] An underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first connecting pipe, the first connecting pipe is suitable for being connected to a first external pipe and communicating with the first external pipe; a second connecting pipe, the second connecting pipe is suitable for being connected to a second external pipe and communicating with the second external pipe; a connecting assembly, the connecting assembly comprises a shell, a driving member and a plurality of clamping members, the shell is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the first connecting pipe and is connected to the first connecting pipe, the inner peripheral surface of the shell and the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting pipe are spaced apart in the inner and outer directions to form an installation cavity, the driving member is arranged in the installation cavity and is movable relative to the shell along the length direction of the shell, and the plurality of clamping members are arranged in the installation cavity. The connector is configured to be a plurality of clamping members, each of which is a plurality of clamping members, each of which is a plurality of clamping members. The plurality of clamping members are configured to be a plurality of clamping members, each of which is a plurality of clamping members. The plurality of clamping members are configured to be a plurality of clamping members, each of which is a plurality of clamping members. The plurality of clamping members are configured to be a plurality of clamping members, each of which is a plurality of clamping members. The plurality of clamping members are configured to be a plurality of clamping members, each of which is a plurality of clamping members. The plurality of clamping members are configured to be a plurality of clamping members, each of which is a plurality of clamping members.

[0008] In some embodiments, a plurality of first mounting grooves are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first connecting tube, and the plurality of first mounting grooves are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the plurality of first connecting tubes. In the first state and the second state, one ends of the plurality of clamping members are movably arranged in the first mounting grooves in a one-to-one correspondence, and / or, a plurality of second mounting grooves are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting tube, and the plurality of second mounting grooves are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the second connecting tube. In the second state, the other ends of the plurality of clamping members are arranged in the plurality of second mounting grooves in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0009] In some embodiments, the clamping member includes a first section, a second section, and a third section connected in sequence, the first section is movably arranged in the first mounting groove, the two ends of the second section are respectively connected to the first section and the second section, the driving member is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the second section and abuts against the second section, in the first state, the driving member abuts against the first section and the second section, in the second state, the driving member abuts against the second section and the third section, so that the driving member drives the third section to be arranged in the second mounting groove, the distance between the side of the first mounting groove adjacent to the second connecting tube and the free end of the first connecting tube is L1, the distance between the side of the second mounting groove adjacent to the first connecting tube and the free end of the second connecting tube is L2, and the length of the second section is equal to the sum of L1 and L2.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first section extends in a direction away from the second section and is inclined in a direction away from the first connecting tube, and the third section extends in a direction away from the second section and is inclined in a direction away from the first connecting tube.

[0011] In some embodiments, a first transition surface is provided between the first section and the second section, the first transition surface is located on the side of the clamping member facing the first connecting tube, the first transition surface extends from the first section toward the second section and is inclined from the inside of the shell toward the outside of the shell, and / or, a second transition surface is provided between the second section and the third section, the second transition surface is located on the side of the clamping member facing the second connecting tube, the second transition surface extends from the second section toward the third section and is inclined from the outside of the shell toward the inside of the shell.

[0012] In some embodiments, the underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines also includes a partition plate, which is arranged in the shell and sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the first connecting pipe, and the inner and outer sides of the partition plate are respectively connected to the shell and the first connecting pipe, so that the partition plate divides the installation cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity that are independent of each other, the free end of the first connecting pipe passes through the first cavity and is located in the second cavity, and the plurality of clamps, the driving members and the free ends of the second connecting pipe are all located in the second cavity.

[0013] In some embodiments, the underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines also includes a hydraulic assembly, which includes a piston, a connecting rod and a hydraulic cylinder sleeve. The hydraulic cylinder sleeve is arranged in the first chamber, and the piston is arranged in the first chamber and is movable relative to the height direction of the shell so as to supply oil to the hydraulic cylinder sleeve to drive the piston to move. The two ends of the connecting rod are respectively connected to the piston and the driving member so that the piston drives the driving member to move through the connecting rod.

[0014] In some embodiments, a first groove extending along the circumference of the first connecting pipe is provided at one end of the first connecting pipe facing the second connecting pipe, and a second groove extending along the circumference of the second connecting pipe is provided at one end of the second connecting pipe facing the first connecting pipe. The underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines also includes a seal, a portion of the seal is inserted into one of the first groove and the second groove and connected to one of the first groove and the second groove, and in the second state, another portion of the seal can be inserted into the other of the first groove and the second groove.

[0015] In some embodiments, the seal includes a first part and a second part connected in sequence along the height direction of the shell. In a second state, the first part and the second part are respectively arranged in the first groove and the second groove, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the first part gradually increases in the direction away from the second connecting tube, and / or the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the second part gradually increases in the direction away from the first connecting tube.

[0016] In some embodiments, the underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines also includes a connecting tube, which is arranged at an end of the shell away from the first connecting pipe and is connected to the installation cavity. The inner circumferential surface of the connecting tube gradually increases in a direction away from the first connecting pipe so that the second connecting pipe passes through the connecting tube and extends into the shell.

[0017] The underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines in the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe and a connecting assembly. Through the cooperation of the clamping member and the driving member of the connecting assembly, the driving member drives the clamping member to open or close to clamp the second connecting pipe. The hydraulic assembly is provided not only to provide clamping power for the clamping member, but also to improve the clamping stability of the clamping member, thereby improving the connection efficiency and ensuring the connection effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a first state of an underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the second state of the underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of a clamping member of an underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of a seal for an underwater connector of a marine oil and gas pipeline according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] 100. Underwater connectors for marine oil and gas pipelines; 1. first connecting pipe; 2. second connecting pipe; 3. connecting assembly; 31. housing; 311. partition plate; 32. driving member; 33. clamping member; 331. first section; 332. second section; 333. third section; 334. first transition surface; 335. second transition surface; 4. Hydraulic assembly; 41. Piston; 42. Connecting rod; 45. Hydraulic cylinder sleeve; 5. Sealing member; 51; first part; 52. second part; 53. convex ring; 6. connecting tube. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to be used to explain the present invention, but should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0024] The following describes an underwater connector 100 for marine oil and gas pipelines according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] like Figure 1-4 As shown, an underwater connector 100 for a marine oil and gas pipeline according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first connecting pipe 1 , a second connecting pipe 2 and a connecting assembly 3 .

[0026] The first connecting pipe 1 is suitable for being connected to and communicating with the first external pipe. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first connecting pipe 1 is a vertical pipe extending in the up-down direction, and the upper end of the first connecting pipe 1 can be fixed to the first external pipe by a fastener and the first connecting pipe 1 is connected to the first external pipe.

[0027] The second connecting pipe 2 is suitable for being connected to and communicating with the second external pipe. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second connecting pipe 2 is a vertical pipe extending in the up-down direction, and the lower end of the second connecting pipe 2 is connected to the second external pipe through a fastener and the second connecting pipe 2 is in communication with the second external pipe.

[0028] The connecting assembly 3 includes a housing 31, a driving member 32 and a plurality of clamping members 33. The housing 31 is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the first connecting pipe 1 and is connected to the first connecting pipe 1. The inner peripheral surface of the housing 31 and the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting pipe 1 are spaced apart in the inner and outer directions to form an installation cavity. The driving member 32 is arranged in the installation cavity and is relative to the housing 31 along the length direction of the housing 31 (such as Figure 1 The connector 31 is movable in the up and down directions shown in the figure, and a plurality of clamping members 33 are all arranged in the installation cavity and are arranged at intervals around the circumference of the first connecting tube 1. One end of the clamping member 33 is movably connected to the first connecting tube 1, and the other end of the clamping member 33 is located below the first connecting tube 1. The connector has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the driving member 32 drives the other ends of the plurality of clamping members 33 to rotate along the inside of the shell 31 toward the outside of the shell 31, so that the plurality of clamping parts are opened. In the second state, the second connecting tube 2 is penetrated in the shell 31 and is connected to the first connecting tube 1. The driving member 32 drives the other ends of the clamping members 33 to rotate along the outside of the shell 31 toward the inside of the shell 31, so that the plurality of clamping members 33 clamp the second connecting tube 2. Specifically, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the shell 31 can be a shell extending in the up-down direction, the lower end of the first connecting pipe 1 is inserted into the shell 31 and the outer circumferential surface of the first connecting pipe 1 and the inner circumferential surface of the shell 31 are spaced apart to form a mounting cavity, the driving member 32 can be annular and sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the first connecting pipe 1, the driving member 32 can move between a first position and a second position in the up-down direction in the shell 31 (the driving member 32 can be driven by hydraulic pressure, an air pump or a motor), the clamping member 33 is arranged in the shell 31 and is arranged at equal intervals around the circumference of the lower end of the first connecting pipe 1, the upper end of the clamping member 33 is rotatably matched with the first connecting pipe 1, and the lower end of the clamping member 33 extends out and is located below the first connecting pipe 1, and when the first external pipe and the second external pipe need to be connected, the connector is in the first state (such as Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the driving member 32 moves upward to the first position to drive the lower end of the clamping member 33 to rotate outward, so that the multiple clamping members 33 are opened, and the upper end of the second connecting pipe 2 can be passed through the housing 31 and positioned between the multiple clamping members 33 by an automatic underwater robot. The connector is in the second state (as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the driving member 32 moves downward to the second position, and the driving member 32 drives the lower ends of the multiple clamping members 33 to rotate inward, so that the multiple clamping members 33 are clamped on the upper end of the second connecting pipe 2, thereby connecting the first external pipe and the second external pipe through the first connecting pipe 1 and the second connecting pipe 2.

[0029] The underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines in the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a first connecting pipe 1, a second connecting pipe 2 and a connecting assembly 3. Through the cooperation between the clamping member 33 and the driving member 32 of the connecting assembly 3, the driving member 32 drives the clamping member 33 to open to facilitate the second connecting pipe 2 to pass between the clamping members 33, or the driving member 32 drives the clamping member 33 to close to clamp the second connecting pipe 2, so that the first connecting pipe 1 and the second connecting pipe 2 are connected together. Compared with the related art, there is no need to set a diver to dive into the water to manually intervene in the connecting assembly 3, which improves the connection efficiency of the connector and reduces the connection time of the connector. In addition, the connecting assembly 3 is arranged in the shell 31, which can protect the connecting assembly 3 from being scour by seawater, ensure the stability of the connection, and improve the service life of the connecting assembly 3.

[0030] In some embodiments, the outer circumferential surface of the first connecting tube 1 is provided with a plurality of first mounting grooves, the plurality of first mounting grooves are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the plurality of first connecting tubes 1, and in the first state and the second state, one end of the plurality of clamping members 33 is movably arranged in the first mounting grooves in a one-to-one correspondence, and / or, the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting tube 2 is provided with a plurality of second mounting grooves, the plurality of second mounting grooves are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the second connecting tube 2, and in the second state, the other ends of the plurality of clamping members 33 are arranged in the plurality of second mounting grooves in a one-to-one correspondence. Specifically, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the lower end of the first connecting tube 1 is provided with a plurality of first mounting grooves spaced along the circumference of the first connecting tube 1, and the upper end of the clamping member 33 is inserted into the first mounting groove and is movable in the first mounting groove, thereby ensuring that the clamping member 33 can flexibly adjust the angle as needed, thereby realizing the action conversion from opening to clamping, and the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the second connecting tube 2 is provided with second mounting grooves spaced along the circumference of the second connecting tube 2. In the first state, the lower end of the clamping member 33 is located outside the second mounting groove, and in the second state, the lower end of the clamping member 33 is inserted into the second mounting groove, thereby not only improving the clamping force, but also ensuring the tightness and stability of the connection between the clamping member 33 and the second connecting tube 2.

[0031] It is worth noting that the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove may also be one, and the first mounting groove extends along the circumference of the first connecting pipe 1 , and the second mounting groove extends along the circumference of the second connecting pipe 2 .

[0032] In some embodiments, the clamping member 33 includes a first section 331, a second section 332 and a third section 333 which are connected in sequence. The first section 331 is movably arranged in the first mounting groove. Both ends of the second section 332 are respectively connected to the first section 331 and the second section 332. The driving member 32 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the second section 332 and abuts against the second section 332. In the first state, the driving member 32 abuts against the first section 331 and the second section 332. In the second state, the driving member 32 abuts against the second section 332 and the third section 333 so that the driving member 32 drives the third section 333 to be arranged in the second mounting groove. The distance between the side of the first mounting groove adjacent to the second connecting tube 2 and the free end of the first connecting tube 1 is L1, the distance between the side of the second mounting groove adjacent to the first connecting tube 1 and the free end of the second connecting tube 2 is L2, and the length of the second section 332 is equal to the sum of L1 and L2.

[0033] Specifically, Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the first section 331 is arranged at the upper end of the second section 332 and is connected to the second section 332. The first section 331 is movably arranged in the first mounting groove on the first connecting pipe 1 to adjust the rotation angle of the clamping member 33 to adapt to different working states. The second section 332 is arranged at the upper end of the third section 333 and is connected to the third section 333. The driving member 32 is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the second section 332, so that the second section 332 directly bears the pressure from the driving member 32, ensuring that the driving member 32 can effectively transmit force to the first section 331 and the second section 332. In the first state, the driving member 32 moves upward to the second position, so that the driving member 32 is against the first section 331 and the second section 332, so that the third section 333 moves outward. In the second state, the driving member 32 moves downward so that the driving member 32 is against the second section 332 and the third section 333, thereby driving the third section 333 to move in the groove so that the third section 333 cooperates with the second groove, thereby achieving a firm clamping of the second connecting pipe 2.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first section 331 extends in a direction away from the second section 332 and is inclined in a direction away from the first connecting tube 1, and the third section 333 extends in a direction away from the second section 332 and is inclined in a direction away from the first connecting tube 1. Figure 3 As shown, the first section 331 extends from bottom to top and tilts outward, and the third section 333 extends from top to bottom and tilts outward. When the driving member 32 is driven to the first position, the driving member 32 acts on the first section 331 and the second section 332. Since the first section 331 and the third section 333 are both tilted in a direction away from the first connecting tube 1, the first section 331 can be driven to move inward to drive the third section 333 to move outward, providing sufficient space for the insertion of the second connecting tube 2. As the second connecting tube 2 is inserted into place, the driving member 32 moves downward to the second position, gradually applying the driving member 32 force to the second section 332 and the third section 333. The third section 333 naturally rotates inward due to the tilted design and is finally embedded in the second mounting groove, forming a firm mechanical connection, thereby making the setting of the clamping member 33 more reasonable.

[0035] In some embodiments, a first transition surface 334 is provided between the first section 331 and the second section 332, the first transition surface 334 is located on the side of the clamping member 33 facing the first connecting pipe 1, the first transition surface 334 extends from the first section 331 toward the second section 332 and is inclined from the inside of the shell 31 toward the outside of the shell 31, and / or, a second transition surface 335 is provided between the second section 332 and the third section 333, the second transition surface 335 is located on the side of the clamping member 33 facing the second connecting pipe 2, the second transition surface 335 extends from the second section 332 toward the third section 333 and is inclined from the outside of the shell 31 toward the inside of the shell 31. Specifically, as Figure 3 As shown, the inner circumference of the lower end of the first section 331 is a first transition surface 334, and the first transition surface 334 extends from top to bottom and tilts from inside to outside. Therefore, when the clamping member 33 needs to be converted from an open state to a clamped state, the first transition surface 334 can assist the clamping member 33 to change its angle more smoothly. The inner circumference of the upper end of the third section 333 is a second transition surface 335, and the second transition surface 335 extends from bottom to top and tilts from inside to outside. When the pressure applied by the driving member 32 is effectively transmitted to the third section 333, the second transition surface 335 ensures that the third section 333 can be accurately embedded in the second installation groove. At the same time, the second transition surface 335 also helps to reduce the resistance encountered by the third section 333 when entering the second installation groove, ensuring that the entire clamping process is smoother.

[0036] In some embodiments, the underwater connector 100 for marine oil and gas pipelines further includes a partition plate 311, which is disposed in the housing 31 and sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the first connecting pipe 1. The inner and outer sides of the partition plate 311 are respectively connected to the housing 31 and the first connecting pipe 1, so that the partition plate 311 divides the installation cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity that are independent of each other, the free end of the first connecting pipe 1 passes through the first cavity and is located in the second cavity, and the plurality of clamping members 33, the driving member 32 and the free end of the second connecting pipe 2 are all located in the second cavity. Specifically, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the partition plate 311 is annular and is arranged in the shell 31. The partition plate 311 is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the first connecting tube 1. The inner and outer side surfaces of the partition plate 311 are fixedly connected to the shell 31 and the first connecting tube 1 respectively, so that the installation cavity is divided into a first cavity and a second cavity by the partition plate 311, and the partition plate 311 is arranged in the shell 31, specifically located in the middle part of the first connecting tube 1 or near the lower end, to ensure that the partition plate 311 can reasonably divide the installation cavity into two parts. Therefore, through such a layout, the partition plate 311 can achieve effective management of the space without affecting the normal operation of other components. The upper end of the first connecting tube 1 is located in the first cavity, and the lower end of the first connecting tube 1 is located in the second cavity. The main activity area of ​​the clamping member 33, the driving member 32 and the free end of the second connecting tube 2, the design of the second cavity takes into account sufficient operating space to ensure that the clamping member 33 can smoothly perform the action conversion from opening to clamping.

[0037] In some embodiments, the underwater connector 100 for marine oil and gas pipelines also includes a hydraulic assembly 4 disposed in the first chamber, the hydraulic assembly 4 includes a piston 41, a connecting rod 42 and a hydraulic cylinder sleeve 45, the hydraulic cylinder sleeve 45 is disposed in the first chamber, the piston 41 is disposed in the first chamber and is movable in the height direction relative to the housing 31, so that oil is supplied to the hydraulic cylinder sleeve 45 to drive the piston 41 to move, and the two ends of the connecting rod 42 are respectively connected to the piston 41 and the driving member 32, so that the piston 41 drives the driving member 32 to move through the connecting rod 42.

[0038] Specifically, Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the hydraulic cylinder sleeve 45 is sleeved in the first cavity and has a first oil passage and a second oil passage in the hydraulic cylinder sleeve 45. The outlet of the first oil passage is arranged adjacent to the top of the hydraulic cylinder sleeve 45, and the outlet of the second oil passage is arranged adjacent to the bottom of the hydraulic cylinder sleeve 45, so that the hydraulic oil flows into the hydraulic cylinder sleeve 45 through the first oil passage or the second oil passage. The piston 41 is arranged in the hydraulic cylinder sleeve 45 and the outer circumferential surface of the piston 41 is fitted with the inner circumferential surface of the hydraulic cylinder sleeve 45 through a sealing ring. The connecting rod 42 extends in the up-down direction and the upper end of the connecting rod 42 is located in the first cavity and connected to the piston 41. The lower end of the connecting rod 42 passes through the partition plate 311 and is located in the second cavity and connected to the driving member 32. When the driving member 32 needs to move upward, the hydraulic oil can flow into the hydraulic cylinder sleeve 45 through the second oil passage to drive the piston 41 to move upward. Thereby, the driving member 32 is driven to move upward through the connecting rod 42. When the driving member 32 needs to move downward, the hydraulic oil can flow into the hydraulic cylinder sleeve 45 through the first oil channel to drive the piston 41 to move downward, thereby driving the driving member 32 to move downward through the connecting rod 42. Therefore, the driving member 32 is provided with driving force through the hydraulic component 4, ensuring that the driving member 32 and the clamping member 33 move quickly and powerfully, thereby improving the efficiency of the entire connection process. The closedness and stability of the hydraulic system reduce potential safety hazards, such as leakage or loss of control. At the same time, it is also convenient for maintenance and inspection, and can work stably under different working conditions, meeting the strict requirements of marine engineering for equipment performance. In addition, the hydraulic component 4 is arranged in the housing 31, which can protect the hydraulic component 4 from the scouring of seawater and improve the service life of the hydraulic component 4.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first connecting pipe 1 is provided with a first groove extending along the circumference of the first connecting pipe 1 at one end facing the second connecting pipe 2, and the second connecting pipe 2 is provided with a second groove extending along the circumference of the second connecting pipe 2 at one end facing the first connecting pipe 1. The underwater connector 100 for marine oil and gas pipelines also includes a seal 5, a portion of the seal 5 is inserted into one of the first groove and the second groove and connected to one of the first groove and the second groove, and in the second state, another portion of the seal 5 can be inserted into the other of the first groove and the second groove. Specifically, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a first groove is provided on the lower end surface of the first connecting tube 1, and a second groove is provided on the upper end surface of the second connecting tube 2, and both the first groove and the second groove are annular. The sealing member 5 is a sealing ring and can be arranged according to actual conditions. For example, the upper half of the sealing member 5 is arranged in the first groove by a fastener and the lower half of the sealing member 5 extends out of the first groove. When the second connecting tube 2 extends into the shell 31 and abuts against the first connecting tube 1, the lower half of the sealing member 5 is embedded in the second groove, or the lower half of the sealing member 5 is arranged in the second groove by a fastener and the upper half of the sealing member 5 extends out of the second groove. When the second connecting tube 2 extends into the shell 31 and abuts against the first connecting tube 1, the upper half of the sealing member 5 is embedded in the first groove. Thus, through the cooperation of the first groove, the second groove and the sealing member 5, an efficient sealing effect is achieved, ensuring the reliable operation of the connector under extreme conditions such as high pressure and low temperature, reducing the risk of fluid leakage, and improving the safety and stability of the entire connector.

[0040] In some embodiments, the seal 5 includes a first portion 51 and a second portion 52 which are sequentially connected along the height direction of the housing 31. In the second state, the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 are respectively arranged in the first groove and the second groove, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 51 gradually increases in the direction away from the second connecting pipe 2, and / or the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 51 gradually increases in the direction away from the first connecting pipe 1. Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown, the first part 51 is the upper half of the seal 5, the second part 52 is the lower half of the seal 5, and the first part 51 and the second part 52 are symmetrically arranged in the up and down directions. The first part 51 can be arranged in the first groove, and the second part 52 can be arranged in the second groove. The first part 51 and the second part 52 are both trapezoidal with a cross-section gradually decreasing from bottom to top. Therefore, through the arrangement of the first part 51 and the second part 52, the first part 51 has a certain self-guiding ability when inserted into the first groove, or the second part 52 is inserted into the second groove, so that the first part 51 and the second part 52 are smoothly embedded in the corresponding first groove and second groove, reducing the installation difficulty of the seal 5 and improving the operating efficiency. In addition, the gradual cross-sectional area design of the first part 51 and the second part 52 also enables the seal 5 to adapt to the size difference or slight deviation between the pipes within a certain range, ensuring that the first connecting pipe 1 and the second management pipe can achieve reliable sealing even when they are not completely aligned.

[0041] In some embodiments, the seal 5 further includes a protruding ring 53, which is formed between the first portion 51 and the second portion 52 and extends along the circumference of the seal 5, and the protruding ring 53 is connected to the first connecting pipe 1 through a fastener, or the protruding ring 53 is connected to the second connecting pipe 2 through a fastener. Thus, the protruding ring 53 provides a mounting base for the seal 5.

[0042] In some embodiments, the underwater connector 100 for marine oil and gas pipelines further includes a connecting tube 6, which is disposed at one end of the housing 31 away from the first connecting tube 1 and communicates with the mounting cavity, and the inner circumference of the connecting tube 6 gradually increases in a direction away from the first connecting tube 1, so that the second connecting tube 2 passes through the connecting tube 6 and extends into the housing 31. Specifically, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connecting tube 6 is arranged at the lower end of the shell 31 and is connected to the shell 31. The connecting tube 6 is funnel-shaped with an inner circumference gradually increasing from top to bottom. The second connecting tube 2 gradually approaches and begins to be inserted into the connecting tube 6. The conical design of the connecting tube 6 will guide the second connecting tube 2 to move into the shell 31 until it completely enters the interior of the shell 31 and docks with the first connecting tube 1, ensuring the efficiency and accuracy of the insertion of the second connecting tube 2 and reducing the operational difficulties caused by misalignment or angle deviation.

[0043] In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that the terms “center”, “longitudinal”, “lateral”, “length”, “width”, “thickness”, “up”, “down”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “inside”, “outside”, “clockwise”, “counterclockwise”, “axial”, “radial”, “circumferential”, etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0044] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0045] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral one; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or communication with each other; it can be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0046] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" or "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0047] In the present invention, the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the described specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0048] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and vary the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines, characterized in that: include: a first connecting pipe, the first connecting pipe being adapted to be connected to a first external pipe and communicating with the first external pipe; a second connecting pipe, the second connecting pipe being adapted to be connected to and communicated with a second external pipe; A connecting assembly, the connecting assembly includes a shell, a driving member and a plurality of clamping members, the shell is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the first connecting tube and is connected to the first connecting tube, the inner peripheral surface of the shell and the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting tube are arranged at intervals along the inner and outer directions to form a mounting cavity, the driving member is arranged in the mounting cavity and is movable relative to the shell along the length direction of the shell, a plurality of clamping members are arranged in the mounting cavity and are arranged at intervals around the circumference of the first connecting tube, one end of the clamping member is movably connected to the first connecting tube, and the other end of the clamping member is located below the first connecting tube, the connector has a first state and a second state, in the first state, the driving member drives the other ends of the plurality of clamping members to rotate along the direction from the inside of the shell to the outside of the shell, so that the plurality of clamping parts are opened, in the second state, the second connecting tube is penetrated in the shell and is located in communication with the first connecting tube, the driving member drives the other end of the clamping member to rotate along the direction from the outside of the shell to the inside of the shell, so that the plurality of clamping members clamp the second connecting tube.

2. The underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer circumferential surface of the first connecting tube is provided with a plurality of first mounting grooves, and the plurality of first mounting grooves are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the plurality of first connecting tubes. In the first state and the second state, one ends of the plurality of clamping members are movably arranged in the first mounting grooves in a one-to-one correspondence, and / or, the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting tube is provided with a plurality of second mounting grooves, and the plurality of second mounting grooves are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the second connecting tube. In the second state, the other ends of the plurality of clamping members are arranged in the plurality of second mounting grooves in a one-to-one correspondence.

3. The underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamping member includes a first section, a second section and a third section which are connected in sequence. The first section is movably arranged in the first mounting groove. Two ends of the second section are respectively connected to the first section and the second section. The driving member is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the second section and abuts against the second section. In the first state, the driving member abuts against the first section and the second section. In the second state, the driving member abuts against the second section and the third section so that the driving member drives the third section to be arranged in the second mounting groove. The distance between the side of the first mounting groove adjacent to the second connecting tube and the free end of the first connecting tube is L1, the distance between the side of the second mounting groove adjacent to the first connecting tube and the free end of the second connecting tube is L2, and the length of the second section is equal to the sum of L1 and L2.

4. The underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first section extends in a direction away from the second section and is inclined in a direction away from the first connecting tube. The third section extends in a direction away from the second section and is inclined in a direction away from the first connecting tube.

5. The underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first transition surface is provided between the first section and the second section, the first transition surface is located on the side of the clamping member facing the first connecting tube, the first transition surface extends from the first section toward the second section and is inclined from the inside of the shell toward the outside of the shell, and / or a second transition surface is provided between the second section and the third section, the second transition surface is located on the side of the clamping member facing the second connecting tube, the second transition surface extends from the second section toward the third section and is inclined from the outside of the shell toward the inside of the shell.

6. The underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a partition plate, which is arranged in the shell and sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the first connecting tube, and the inner and outer sides of the partition plate are respectively connected to the shell and the first connecting tube, so that the partition plate divides the installation cavity into a first cavity and a second cavity that are independent of each other, the free end of the first connecting tube passes through the first cavity and is located in the second cavity, and the plurality of clamping members, the driving member and the free ends of the second connecting tube are all located in the second cavity.

7. The underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a hydraulic assembly, which includes a piston, a connecting rod and a hydraulic cylinder sleeve. The hydraulic cylinder sleeve is arranged in the first cavity. The piston is arranged in the first cavity and is movable relative to the height direction of the housing so as to supply oil to the hydraulic cylinder sleeve to drive the piston to move. The two ends of the connecting rod are respectively connected to the piston and the driving member so that the piston drives the driving member to move through the connecting rod.

8. The underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first groove extending along the circumference of the first connecting pipe is provided at one end of the first connecting pipe facing the second connecting pipe, and a second groove extending along the circumference of the second connecting pipe is provided at one end of the second connecting pipe facing the first connecting pipe. The underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines also includes a seal, a portion of the seal is inserted into one of the first groove and the second groove and is connected to one of the first groove and the second groove, and in the second state, another portion of the seal can be inserted into the other of the first groove and the second groove.

9. The underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines according to claim 8, characterized in that: The seal includes a first part and a second part which are connected in sequence along the height direction of the shell. In a second state, the first part and the second part are respectively arranged in the first groove and the second groove, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the first part gradually increases in the direction away from the second connecting tube, and / or the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the second part gradually increases in the direction away from the first connecting tube.

10. The underwater connector for marine oil and gas pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a connecting tube, which is arranged at one end of the shell away from the first connecting tube and is connected to the installation cavity. The inner circumference of the connecting tube gradually increases in a direction away from the first connecting tube so that the second connecting tube passes through the connecting tube and extends into the shell.

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