Self-balancing offshore platform safety ladder

Abstract

The application discloses a self-balancing offshore operation platform safety ladder and a use method thereof, which comprises a sliding seat arranged in a horizontal sliding mode, a connecting frame hinged to one end of the sliding seat, a footboard horizontally and rotationally connected to the connecting frame, and a counterweight hung at the bottom of the footboard, wherein a hoisting frame is installed at the top of the sliding seat, the top end of the hoisting frame is connected with the movable end of the connecting frame through a lifting rope, and a horizontal shaking buffer assembly is arranged between the connecting frame and the footboard. The self-balancing mechanism and the buffer assembly significantly improve the stability of the safety ladder under complex sea conditions, the real-time response and anti-skid design ensure the safety of personnel getting on and off the platform, and the quick installation and modular design facilitate daily use and maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of safety ladder technology, and in particular to a self-balancing safety ladder for offshore work platforms. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the safety ladders commonly used on offshore operating platforms mainly include two types: fixed safety ladders and suspended safety ladders.

[0003] Fixed safety ladders are typically installed directly on the platform structure, offering advantages such as simple structure and easy installation. However, they cannot be adjusted according to changes in sea conditions and are prone to swaying in large waves, increasing the risk of injury when personnel are ascending or descending the platform.

[0004] Suspended safety ladders: These are suspended from a platform by ropes or chains and can be adjusted to some extent according to sea conditions. The disadvantages are that the suspension system is complex, maintenance costs are high, and stability is difficult to guarantee under extreme weather conditions, posing safety hazards.

[0005] Furthermore, existing safety ladders are prone to tilting and slipping in severe sea conditions such as strong winds and high waves, posing significant safety risks to workers. In particular, when the platform shakes violently, traditional safety ladders cannot adjust their posture in time, potentially leading to injuries or even falls into the sea. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that this invention aims to solve is that fixed safety ladders cannot adjust their posture in time when subjected to impact and swaying, resulting in a high risk factor.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a self-balancing safety ladder for offshore operation platforms, including a horizontally sliding seat, a connecting frame hinged to one end of the sliding seat, a step horizontally rotatably connected to the connecting frame, and a counterweight suspended at the bottom of the step. A lifting frame is installed on the top of the sliding seat, and the top of the lifting frame is connected to the movable end of the connecting frame through a lifting rope. A horizontally swaying buffer component is provided between the connecting frame and the step.

[0008] Preferably, the buffer assembly includes a hoisting rod equidistantly arranged on the connecting frame, a support shaft horizontally fixed to the movable end of the hoisting rod, and a support block fixedly sleeved on the support shaft. Both ends of the pedal are connected to the connecting frame, and the support block slides horizontally in the mounting cavity at the end of the pedal. A buffer unit is provided in the mounting cavity.

[0009] Preferably, the buffer unit includes a piston fixed to the movable end of the support shaft and an air pipe fixed to the bottom of the pedal, one end of the air pipe communicating with the mounting cavity, and the outer wall of the piston fitting against the inner wall of the mounting cavity.

[0010] Preferably, a spring is provided inside the mounting cavity, and an annular protrusion is provided on the end wall of the piston. One end of the spring is fixedly fitted onto the annular protrusion, and the other end is connected to the inner end wall of the mounting cavity.

[0011] Preferably, the movable end of the frame is fixedly connected to an arc-shaped hook, and the suspension rope is connected to the fixed end of the hook.

[0012] Preferably, the connecting rod has ribs on both sides of its fixed end, the counterweight includes a counterweight bar, the top of the counterweight bar is fixedly provided with an ear plate, the ear plates are arranged on both sides of the counterweight bar, and the bottom end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the ear plate.

[0013] Preferably, the inner ring of the ear plate is provided with a bearing mounting seat, the outer ring of the bearing mounting seat is provided with a connecting groove, the counterweight bar is provided with an oil groove, and the connecting groove is connected in parallel to the oil groove.

[0014] Preferably, an oil tank is provided in the movable end of the counterweight bar, and the oil tank is connected to the connecting groove.

[0015] Preferably, the slide rail has an I-shaped cross-section, the slider has a U-shaped cross-section, and the inner side of the bottom end of the slider is in contact with the side wall of the slide rail.

[0016] The method for using a self-balancing safety ladder on an offshore work platform includes the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: The transport ship is equipped with a safety ladder. The transport ship moves to one side of the work platform and the hoisting rope is unwound using the winding assembly, causing the top of the connecting frame to rotate downwards. After the top of the connecting frame rotates to the height of the work platform, the sliding seat is pushed to move along the slide rail, so that the connecting frame is attached to the guardrail of the work platform.

[0018] Step 2: Move the sliding seat backward to move the connecting frame, and further lower the connecting frame so that the hook is attached to the guardrail of the work platform, thus connecting the connecting frame to the work platform.

[0019] Step 3: Workers enter the work platform by stepping onto the platform and holding onto the connecting frame. The weight of the counterweight bar keeps the hoisting rod vertical, thus keeping the platform horizontal.

[0020] Step 4: When the transport ship rises or falls relative to the working platform, pull the sliding seat back or push the sliding seat forward. During the movement of the sliding seat, if the sliding seat moves backward, the connecting frame will be lowered simultaneously; if the sliding seat moves forward, the connecting frame will be raised simultaneously, maintaining the stable connection of the connecting frame.

[0021] Step 5: When swaying occurs between the transport ship and the working platform, the connecting frame swings laterally, and the impact is buffered by the buffer assembly to reduce the lateral swing amplitude of the pedal.

[0022] This invention provides a self-balancing safety ladder for offshore work platforms and a method for using it, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1. The automatic balancing function of the safety ladder is achieved through the design of the sliding seat, connecting frame, and counterweight. Especially in complex sea conditions, the gravity of the counterweight can keep the hoisting boom in a vertical position, thereby ensuring that the steps are level and greatly improving the safety of personnel going up and down the platform.

[0024] 2. The pistons, air pipes, and springs in the buffer assembly can effectively absorb lateral impacts, reduce the swing amplitude of the steps when they shake, and further enhance the stability of the safety ladder.

[0025] 3. The safety ladder can move along the slide rail via a sliding seat, allowing for flexible connection between the connecting frame and the work platform railing. Whether the transport ship rises or falls relative to the work platform, or there is swaying between the two, the forward and backward movement of the sliding seat can synchronously adjust the height and angle of the connecting frame, ensuring that the safety ladder always maintains a stable connection.

[0026] 4. This design is not only suitable for fixed installation, but can also be adjusted to a certain extent according to actual sea conditions, adapting to different usage environments and improving the versatility and applicability of the safety ladder.

[0027] 5. When there is shaking between the transport ship and the working platform, the connecting frame can respond quickly and adjust its attitude. The buffer component reduces the swing amplitude of the pedals, avoiding the possibility of personnel injury or even falling into the sea that may occur when traditional safety ladders shake violently.

[0028] 6. The pedal surface has anti-slip texture, which increases the friction of the feet, prevents people from slipping, and further improves the safety of use.

[0029] 7. The components are easy to disassemble and assemble, facilitating daily maintenance and repair, reducing user costs and inconvenience; with the help of hooks and ropes, the safety ladder can be quickly installed and disassembled, reducing installation time and improving work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pedal structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the pedal in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the slide rail in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the counterweight bar in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In the diagram: 1. Slide rail; 2. Sliding seat; 3. Slider; 4. Connecting frame; 5. Lifting frame; 6. Fixed pulley; 7. Lifting rope; 8. Hook; 9. Rewinding assembly; 10. Lifting rod; 11. Pedal; 12. Connecting rod; 13. Counterweight bar; 14. Support shaft; 15. Piston; 16. Mounting cavity; 17. Spring; 18. Air pipe; 19. Ear plate; 20. Oil tank; 21. Oil reservoir; 22. Connecting groove. Detailed Implementation

[0037] like Figure 1-5 As shown, the present invention provides a self-balancing safety ladder for offshore work platforms, including a horizontally slidable sliding seat 2, a connecting frame 4 hinged to one end of the sliding seat 2, a step 11 horizontally rotatably connected to the connecting frame 4, and a counterweight suspended at the bottom of the step 11. A lifting frame 5 is installed on the top of the sliding seat 2, and the top of the lifting frame 5 is connected to the movable end of the connecting frame 4 through a lifting rope 7. A horizontally swaying buffer assembly is provided between the connecting frame 4 and the step 11.

[0038] The bottom of the slide rail 1 is equipped with a base plate, which is bolted to the transport ship. Limit plates are installed at both ends of the slide rail 1 to prevent the slider 3 from detaching from the slide rail 1. Three sliders 3 are installed on both sides of the bottom of the sliding seat 2 to achieve sliding support for the sliding seat 2.

[0039] Connecting frames 4 are hinged to both sides of the sliding seat 2. Each connecting frame 4 includes a central rod segment, with guardrail vertical bars evenly spaced at the top of the rod end. Guardrail horizontal bars are connected to the guardrail vertical bars, forming a guardrail structure. A hoisting rod 10 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the connecting frame 4, and the end of the pedal 11 is rotatably connected to the bottom end of the hoisting rod 10 via a pin.

[0040] A connecting rod 12 is vertically fixed to the middle of the bottom surface of the pedal 11. The connecting rod 12 is used to rotatably connect the counterweight. The counterweight is subjected to downward gravity, thereby ensuring that the connecting rod 12 remains vertical under the vertical downward tension, and thus ensuring that the pedal 11 above the connecting rod 12 is in a horizontal state. When the connecting frame 4 is at any angle, the pedal 11 is guaranteed to be in a horizontal state, so as to achieve the self-balance of the pedal 11.

[0041] The connecting frame 4 rotates by the unwinding and winding of the hoisting rope 8 through the unwinding assembly 9. When unwinding the hoisting rope 8, the connecting frame 4 rotates clockwise, and when winding, the connecting frame 4 rotates counterclockwise. The unwinding and winding actions of the unwinding assembly 9 are controlled by a rangefinder on the transport ship. The rangefinder is used to detect the horizontal and vertical distance between the transport ship deck and the working platform, and controls the actions of the unwinding assembly 9 and the sliding seat 3 based on the detected data.

[0042] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown. The buffer assembly includes a hoisting rod 10 equidistantly arranged on the connecting frame 4, a support shaft 14 horizontally fixed to the movable end of the hoisting rod 10, and a support block fixedly sleeved on the support shaft 14. Both ends of the pedal 11 are connected to the connecting frame 4. The support block slides horizontally in the mounting cavity 16 at the end of the pedal 11. A buffer unit is provided in the mounting cavity 16.

[0043] By installing a support shaft 14 on the hoisting rod 10, the support block on the support shaft 14 is ring-shaped, and the cooperation between the support block and the mounting cavity 16 enables the rotational installation of the pedal 11; and provides space for the lateral movement of the pedal 11.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown. The buffer unit includes a piston 15 fixed to the movable end of the support shaft 14 and an air pipe 18 fixed to the bottom of the pedal 11. One end of the air pipe 18 communicates with the mounting cavity 16, and the outer wall of the piston 15 is in contact with the inner wall of the mounting cavity 16. When the connecting frame 4 sways laterally, one side of the connecting frame 4 drives the support shaft 14 to slide into the mounting cavity 16, while the other side of the connecting frame 4 drives the support shaft 14 to move outward from the mounting cavity 16. During the movement, the piston 15 compresses the air in the mounting cavity 16 and squeezes the air out of the air pipe 18. The piston 15 on the other side draws in air through the air pipe 18, thus converting part of the impact kinetic energy into the internal energy of the air, thereby achieving buffering.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown. A spring 17 is provided inside the mounting cavity 16. An annular protrusion is provided on the end wall of the piston 15. One end of the spring 17 is fixedly fitted onto the annular protrusion, and the other end is connected to the inner end wall of the mounting cavity 16. By providing the spring 17, the spring 17 is mainly used to restore the pedal 11 to its original position by elastic force after it has been displaced by shaking. Moreover, during the impact process, some of the kinetic energy is used to compress the spring 17, reducing the swing amplitude of the pedal 11.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, to improve the stability of the connection between the frame 4 and the work platform, an arc-shaped hook 8 is fixedly connected to the movable end of the frame 4, and the lifting rope 7 is connected to the fixed end of the hook 8.

[0047] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown. Ribs are provided on both sides of the fixed end of the connecting rod 12. The counterweight includes a counterweight bar 13. Ear plates 19 are fixedly provided on the top of the counterweight bar 13. The ear plates 19 are arranged on both sides of the counterweight bar 13. The bottom end of the connecting rod 12 is rotatably connected to the ear plates 19.

[0048] Ribs are used to improve the stability of the connecting rod 12. By setting a counterweight 13, a parallelogram structure is formed. Under the action of gravity, the counterweight 13 pulls down the connecting rod 12, maintaining the horizontal state of the pedal 11. The top surface of the pedal 11 is also provided with friction texture for anti-slip purposes.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown. The inner ring of the ear plate 19 is provided with a bearing mounting seat, and the outer ring of the bearing mounting seat is provided with a connecting groove 22. The counterweight bar 13 is provided with an oil groove 20, and the connecting groove 22 is connected in parallel to the oil groove 20. During the continuous change of the angle of the connecting frame 4, the relative rotation between the ear plate 19 and the connecting rod 12 is lubricated by the oil groove 20, ensuring smooth rotation.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown. An oil tank 21 is provided in the movable end of the counterweight bar 13, and the oil tank 21 is connected to the connecting groove 22. Oil is applied through the connecting groove 22, and the lubricating oil is replenished through the parallel support grooves on the connecting groove 22.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, to ensure the safe operation of the sliding seat 2, the cross-section of the slide rail 1 is I-shaped, the slider 3 is U-shaped, and the inner side of the bottom end of the slider 3 is in contact with the side wall of the slide rail 1.

[0052] A method for using a self-balancing safety ladder for offshore work platforms includes the following steps:

[0053] Step 1: The transport ship is equipped with a safety ladder. The transport ship moves to one side of the work platform and the hoisting rope 7 is unwound by the winding assembly 9, so that the top of the connecting frame 4 rotates downward. After the top of the connecting frame 4 rotates to the height of the work platform, the sliding seat 2 is pushed to move along the slide rail 1, so that the connecting frame 4 is attached to the guardrail of the work platform.

[0054] Step 2: Move the sliding seat 2 backward to move the connecting frame 4, and further lower the connecting frame 4 so that the hook 8 is attached to the guardrail of the work platform, thus connecting the connecting frame 4 to the work platform.

[0055] Step 3: The staff enters the work platform by stepping on the platform 11 and holding the connecting frame 4. The platform 11 keeps the hoisting rod 10 in a vertical state by the gravity of the counterweight bar 13, thereby keeping the platform 11 in a horizontal state.

[0056] Step 4: When the transport ship rises or falls relative to the working platform, pull the sliding seat 2 back or push the sliding seat 2 forward. During the movement of the sliding seat 2, if the sliding seat 2 moves backward, the connecting frame 4 will be lowered simultaneously; if the sliding seat 2 moves forward, the connecting frame 4 will be raised simultaneously, thus maintaining the stable connection of the connecting frame 4.

[0057] Step 5: When swaying occurs between the transport ship and the working platform, the connecting frame 4 swings laterally, and the impact is buffered by the buffer assembly to reduce the lateral swing amplitude of the pedal 11.

Claims

1. A self-balancing safety ladder for offshore work platforms, characterized in that: It includes a horizontally sliding seat (2), a connecting frame (4) hinged to one end of the sliding seat (2), a pedal (11) horizontally rotatably connected to the connecting frame (4), and a counterweight suspended at the bottom of the pedal (11). A lifting frame (5) is installed on the top of the sliding seat (2). The top of the lifting frame (5) is connected to the movable end of the connecting frame (4) by a lifting rope (7). A horizontally swaying buffer assembly is provided between the connecting frame (4) and the pedal (11). The buffer assembly includes a hoisting rod (10) equidistantly arranged on the connecting frame (4), a support shaft (14) horizontally fixed to the movable end of the hoisting rod (10), and a support block fixedly sleeved on the support shaft (14). Both ends of the pedal (11) are connected to the connecting frame (4). The support block slides horizontally in the mounting cavity (16) at the end of the pedal (11). A buffer unit is provided in the mounting cavity (16). The buffer unit includes a piston (15) fixed to the movable end of the support shaft (14) and an air pipe (18) fixed to the bottom of the pedal (11). One end of the air pipe (18) is connected to the mounting cavity (16), and the outer wall of the piston (15) is in contact with the inner wall of the mounting cavity (16).

2. The self-balancing safety ladder for offshore work platforms as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A spring (17) is provided inside the mounting cavity (16), and an annular protrusion is provided on the end wall of the piston (15). One end of the spring (17) is fixedly fitted on the annular protrusion, and the other end is connected to the inner end wall of the mounting cavity (16).

3. The self-balancing safety ladder for offshore work platforms as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The movable end of the connecting frame (4) is fixedly connected to an arc-shaped hook (8), and the suspension rope (7) is connected to the fixed end of the hook (8).

4. The self-balancing safety ladder for offshore work platforms as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Ribs are provided on both sides of the fixed end of the connecting rod (12). The counterweight includes a counterweight bar (13). Ear plates (19) are fixedly provided on the top of the counterweight bar (13). The ear plates (19) are arranged on both sides of the counterweight bar (13). The bottom end of the connecting rod (12) is rotatably connected to the ear plates (19).

5. The self-balancing safety ladder for offshore work platforms as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The inner ring of the ear plate (19) is provided with a bearing mounting seat, the outer ring of the bearing mounting seat is provided with a connecting groove (22), the counterweight bar (13) is provided with an oil groove (20), and the connecting groove (22) is connected in parallel to the oil groove (20).

6. The self-balancing safety ladder for offshore work platforms as described in claim 5, characterized in that: An oil tank (21) is provided in the movable end of the counterweight bar (13), and the oil tank (21) is connected to the connecting groove (22).

7. The self-balancing safety ladder for offshore work platforms as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The slide rail (1) has an I-shaped cross section, the slider (3) has a gate-shaped cross section, and the inner side of the bottom end of the slider (3) is in contact with the side wall of the slide rail (1).

8. The method of using the self-balancing safety ladder for offshore work platforms as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: The transport ship is equipped with a safety ladder. The transport ship moves to one side of the work platform and unwinds the hoisting rope (7) through the winding assembly (9), so that the top of the connecting frame (4) rotates downward. After the top of the connecting frame (4) rotates to the height of the work platform, the sliding seat (2) is pushed to move along the slide rail (1), so that the connecting frame (4) is attached to the guardrail of the work platform. Step 2: Move the sliding seat (2) backward to move the connecting frame (4) and further lower the connecting frame (4) so ​​that the hook (8) is hung on the guardrail of the working platform, thus realizing the connection between the connecting frame (4) and the working platform; Step 3: The staff enters the work platform by stepping on the footboard (11) and holding the connecting frame (4). The footboard (11) is kept vertical by the weight of the counterweight (13), thus keeping the footboard (11) horizontal. Step 4: When the transport ship rises or falls relative to the working platform, pull the sliding seat (2) back or push the sliding seat (2) forward. During the movement of the sliding seat (2), if the sliding seat (2) moves backward, the connecting frame (4) will be lowered simultaneously. If the sliding seat (2) moves forward, the connecting frame (4) will be raised simultaneously to maintain the stable connection of the connecting frame (4). Step 5: When swaying occurs between the transport ship and the working platform, the connecting frame (4) swings laterally, and the impact is buffered by the buffer assembly, reducing the lateral swing amplitude of the pedal (11).

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