A portable life raft mounted on the deck of an oil platform

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of life raft, especially a portable life raft installed on the deck of an oil platform. It comprises a first protective shell, a second protective shell rotatably connected to the first protective shell, symmetrically distributed fixing seats each fixedly connected to the first protective shell, a first connecting rod rotatably and slidably connected between the symmetrically distributed fixing seats, a connecting frame slidably connected between the symmetrically distributed fixing seats, the connecting frame fixedly connected to symmetrically distributed multi-stage elastic telescopic rods, a second connecting rod fixedly connected to the telescopic ends of the symmetrically distributed multi-stage elastic telescopic rods, and a winding member wound around the first connecting rod, the winding member being used for winding the life raft. The present application distinguishes the unfolding and inflation of the life raft under the premise of adjusting the center of gravity of the life raft, actively unfolds the life raft, inflates the life raft in the process of active unfolding, and makes the unfolding of the life raft no longer rely on inflation only.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of life raft technology, and more particularly to a portable life raft that can be installed on the deck of an oil platform. Background Technology

[0002] In offshore operations such as oil platforms, safety is always the primary concern. Since oil platforms are usually located in open waters far from the coast, the operating environment is complex and risky. In the event of emergencies such as fires, explosions, equipment failures, or natural disasters, the rapid evacuation and effective rescue of personnel are particularly important. In such emergencies, life-saving equipment, as a key facility to ensure the safety of personnel, directly affects the efficiency of emergency rescue due to its performance and ease of use.

[0003] However, most existing life rafts are designed to be fixed or suspended. When they are deployed into the sea in an emergency, they are prone to unfolding backwards due to improper deployment angle. This backward unfolding not only affects the normal use of the life raft, but also prolongs the time required for inflation, thereby delaying the rescue opportunity, reducing the escape efficiency, and threatening the lives of people in distress. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems mentioned in the background section, the present invention provides a portable life raft that can be installed on the deck of an oil platform.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a portable life raft installed on the deck of an oil platform, comprising: a first protective shell; a second protective shell rotatably connected to the first protective shell, wherein the outer sides of the first and second protective shells are jointly provided with a first strap; symmetrically distributed fixed seats, all fixedly connected to the first protective shell, wherein the symmetrically distributed fixed seats are rotatably and slidably connected to a first connecting rod located within the first protective shell; a connecting frame, slidably connected between the symmetrically distributed fixed seats, wherein the connecting frame is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod, wherein the connecting frame is fixedly connected to symmetrically distributed multi-stage elastic telescopic rods; a second connecting rod, fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the symmetrically distributed multi-stage elastic telescopic rods, wherein the second connecting rod is used to compress the second protective shell; and a winding member, wound around the first connecting rod and fixedly connected to the second connecting rod, wherein the winding member is used to wind up the life raft.

[0006] More preferably, the symmetrically distributed multi-stage elastic telescopic rods are located inside the first protective shell on a side away from its rotational position relative to the second protective shell.

[0007] More preferably, the winding component is spiral-shaped.

[0008] More preferably, a fixing block is fixedly connected to the side of the first protective shell near the second connecting rod, and a swing plate is rotatably connected to the fixing block. The swing plate is used to limit the second connecting rod, and a first torsion spring is provided between the fixing block and the swing plate.

[0009] More preferably, the rotational positions of the fixed block and the swing plate are not located within the movement path of the second connecting rod.

[0010] More preferably, the fixed block and the swing plate are slidably connected to a limiting plate, which is used to limit the swing plate. The second protective shell is slidably connected to a pull rope, which has a slack in the second protective shell and is used to drive the limiting plate to move.

[0011] More preferably, the second connecting rod and the winding member are both wrapped with a second binding strap. When the swing plate limits the second connecting rod, the second binding strap fixes the winding member, keeping the winding member in a wound shape.

[0012] More preferably, the first connecting rod is provided with a number of threaded portions consistent with the number of fixed seats, and the threaded portions are threadedly connected to a limiting bracket that is slidably connected to the fixed seats. The limiting bracket is used to fix the first connecting rod on the symmetrically distributed fixed seats, and the fixed seats are provided with springs to assist the connecting brackets in popping out.

[0013] More preferably, it also includes a plurality of rotating members, all of which are rotatably connected to the winding member. A second torsion spring is provided between the rotating member and the winding member. The rotating member passes through the winding member and is fixedly connected to a support plate, which is used to support the winding member.

[0014] More preferably, the support plate is provided with an arc-shaped chamfer to facilitate the compression of the winding component.

[0015] This invention has the following advantages: To solve the problems of existing life rafts deploying backwards, having prolonged inflation time, and reduced rescue efficiency due to improper angles during emergency deployment, this invention proposes the following improvement scheme:

[0016] Adjusting the center of gravity of the life raft: By installing parts on the first protective shell, the center of gravity is shifted, allowing the life raft to float naturally in the right direction when it falls into the water and does not deploy, thus preventing it from deploying in the wrong direction.

[0017] Spiral storage method: The life raft is rolled into a spiral shape for easy storage and quick deployment. When it is deployed, it simulates the stretching of a measuring tape, prioritizing the structural deployment.

[0018] The deployment and inflation of the life raft are distinguished: Compared with the traditional method of deploying the life raft by inflating it in the water, the present invention actively deploys the life raft, inflating it during the active deployment process. This design reduces structural interference and inflation resistance, thereby shortening the deployment time of the life raft and improving inflation efficiency.

[0019] Because the retractor is located on the underside of the life raft, after the life raft is released, this structure not only serves to store and guide the deployment, but also enhances the overall rigidity and center of gravity stability of the life raft, thereby improving the life raft's balance and anti-capsulation ability on the water surface, and further ensuring the safety of personnel when boarding. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention from another perspective;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the parts inside the first protective shell of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first connecting rod and the winding component of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second connecting rod and the second strap of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram showing the positional relationship between the first connecting rod and the connecting frame of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 6 Enlarged view of point A;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural cross-sectional view of the fixing base of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the three-dimensional structure of the fixing block, swing plate, and limiting plate of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the unwound retractor of the present invention.

[0030] Reference numerals: 1. First protective shell, 2. Second protective shell, 3. First strap, 4. Fixing base, 5. First connecting rod, 6. Connecting frame, 7. Multi-stage elastic telescopic rod, 8. Second connecting rod, 9. Rewinding component, 10. Fixing block, 11. Swinging plate, 12. Limiting plate, 13. Pull rope, 14. Second strap, 15. Threaded part, 16. Limiting frame, 17. Rotating component, 18. Support plate. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solution will be further explained below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that the terms "up," "down," "left," and "right" used in this document refer only to the position of the structure shown in the corresponding drawings. The serial numbers assigned to the components in this document, such as "first," "second," etc., are only used to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning.

[0032] In this device, the life raft is an existing inflatable life raft. Except for the changes in the winding and releasing methods of the life raft, other mechanisms, such as the towing rope connecting the life raft and the inflation mechanism, can refer to the mechanisms in the existing life raft.

[0033] To address the problem that existing life rafts are prone to reverse deployment during emergency deployment due to improper angles, leading to prolonged inflation time, reduced rescue efficiency, and threats to personnel safety, this invention first adjusts the life raft's center of gravity so that it floats upright when it enters the water and is not yet fully deployed. Furthermore, after emergency deployment, the life raft can actively deploy instead of relying solely on inflation, thereby improving rescue efficiency while shortening inflation time.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] A portable life raft installed on the deck of an oil platform, please refer to Figures 1-10The raft includes a first protective shell 1; a second protective shell 2 rotatably connected to the first protective shell 1, with a first strap 3 provided on the outer sides of both the first and second protective shells 1 and 2; symmetrically distributed fixing seats 4, each fixed inside the first protective shell 1, with a first connecting rod 5 rotatably and slidably connected between the symmetrically distributed fixing seats 4 and located inside the first protective shell 1; a connecting frame 6 slidably connected between the symmetrically distributed fixing seats 4, rotatably connected to the first connecting rod 5, and fixedly connected to symmetrically distributed multi-stage elastic telescopic rods 7; a second connecting rod 8 fixedly connected to the telescopic end of the symmetrically distributed multi-stage elastic telescopic rods 7, used to compress the second protective shell 2; and a winding member 9 wound around the first connecting rod 5 and fixedly connected to the second connecting rod 8, used to wind up the life raft. The multi-stage elastic telescopic rod 7 is located inside the first protective shell 1 on the side away from its rotational position with the second protective shell 2. It is used to release the winding component 9 away from the rotational position of the first protective shell 1 and the second protective shell 2 when it is released. The winding component 9 is spiral-shaped when it is wound up. The central axis of the first connecting rod 5 is located below the center line of the first protective shell 1 and the second protective shell 2. By installing the parts on the first protective shell 1, the center of gravity is shifted. When the whole device is not unfolded in the water, the first protective shell 1 is naturally located at the bottom due to its large weight. A fixing block 10 is fixedly connected to the side of the first protective shell 1 near the second connecting rod 8. The fixing block 10 is rotatably connected to the swing plate 11. The swing plate 11 is used to limit the second connecting rod 8. A first torsion spring is provided between the fixing block 10 and the swing plate 11.

[0036] In the above scheme, a torsion spring can be installed between the first protective shell 1 and the second protective shell 2 to allow the second protective shell 2 to quickly detach from the first protective shell 1. The torsion provided by this torsion spring cannot overcome the binding force of the first strap 3 on the first protective shell 1 and the second protective shell 2. Viewed from above, the projection of the connecting frame 6 on the horizontal plane is U-shaped. In use, the inner side of the winding member 9 is fixed to the lower side (after unfolding) of the life raft. When the winding member 9 is not released, the telescopic end of the multi-stage elastic telescopic rod 7 is in a contracted state, and the life raft (not shown in the figure) is wound up by the winding member 9 in a manner that simulates the winding of a tape measure, so as to facilitate the subsequent unfolding of the life raft and ensure the stability of the life raft during the subsequent unfolding process. Viewed from right to left, the winding member 9 drives the first connecting rod 5 to rotate clockwise during the release process.

[0037] Please refer to Figures 3-6 and Figure 9The fixed block 10 and the swing plate 11 are slidably connected to the limit plate 12, which is used to limit the swing plate 11. The second protective shell 2 is slidably connected to the pull rope 13, which has a slack in the second protective shell 2. The pull rope 13 is used to drive the limit plate 12 to move. The rotation position of the fixed block 10 and the swing plate 11 is not located in the extension path of the extension end of the multi-stage elastic telescopic rod 7 and the movement path of the second connecting rod 8, so that the swing plate 11 will not affect the extension of the extension end of the multi-stage elastic telescopic rod 7 and the movement of the second connecting rod 8 after rotating along the fixed block 10.

[0038] In the above scheme, when the swing plate 11 contacts and limits the second connecting rod 8, the first torsion spring between the fixed block 10 and the swing plate 11 is in a stored state, which is used to make the swing plate 11 no longer contact the second connecting rod 8 and limit it. When the swing plate 11 no longer contacts and limits the second connecting rod 8, the swing plate 11 rotates rapidly along the adjacent fixed block 10 by means of the reset of the first torsion spring.

[0039] Please refer to Figures 5-7 The second connecting rod 8 and the winding member 9 are both wrapped with a second binding strap 14. When the swing plate 11 limits the second connecting rod 8, the second binding strap 14 fixes the winding member 9, keeping the winding member 9 in a wound shape. The first connecting rod 5 is provided with a threaded part 15 in the same number as the fixed seat 4. The threaded part 15 is threadedly connected to a limiting frame 16 that is slidably connected to the fixed seat 4. The limiting frame 16 is used to fix the first connecting rod 5 on the symmetrically distributed fixed seats 4. The fixed seat 4 is provided with a spring for assisting the connecting frame 6 to pop out.

[0040] In the above scheme, there are two threaded parts 15, which are respectively distributed on the left and right sides of the first connecting rod 5. As the first connecting rod 5 rotates, the threaded parts 15 drive the limiting frame 16 to move away from the adjacent fixed seat 4, thereby gradually disengaging from the adjacent fixed seat 4. When the limiting frame 16 is no longer in contact with the fixed seat 4, the connecting frame 6 moves upward under the action of the adjacent spring, so that the connecting frame 6 and its parts actively disengage from the first protective shell 1.

[0041] Working principle: Before using this device, connect the pull rope 13 to the existing towing rope to complete the preparation work before using the device (the connection method is: one end of the existing towing rope is tied to the oil platform, and the other end is in a V-shape. One end of the V-shape is connected to the pull rope 13, and the other end is connected to the existing inflatable structure. There is a margin in the part connected to the inflatable structure, and this margin is greater than the margin of the pull rope 13).

[0042] When the device is needed, the user drops it from the deck of the oil platform into the sea. When the device falls into the water and the center of gravity is biased towards the first protective shell 1, the device floats on the sea surface with the first protective shell 1 on the bottom, so that the life raft can be deployed in the forward direction.

[0043] When the device is unfolded, the user pulls the pull rope 13 with the existing tow rope. At this time, the slack of the pull rope 13 is pulled by the existing tow rope. When the pull rope 13 is taut at the connection with the tow rope, the pull rope 13 will then drive the two limit plates 12 to move to the right, so that the limit plates 12 move to the right and gradually disengage from the fixed block 10 and the swing plate 11. During the above process, the part of the existing tow rope connected to the inflation structure still has slack, and the existing inflation structure will not be triggered at this time.

[0044] When the limiting plate 12 disengages from the fixed block 10 and the swing plate 11, the swing plate 11 swings upward under the action of the first torsion spring to release the limitation on the second connecting rod 8, and then releases the limitation on all the multi-stage elastic telescopic rods 7. The telescopic end of the multi-stage elastic telescopic rod 7 then drives the second connecting rod 8 to press forward, causing the second connecting rod 8 to press the second strap 14 (at this time, the swing plate 11 no longer limits the second connecting rod 8). The second strap 14 then snaps, thereby releasing the limitation on the second connecting rod 8 and the winding member 9. During the extension process, the telescopic end of the multi-stage elastic telescopic rod 7 pushes the second connecting rod 8 forward so that it contacts the second protective shell 2 and applies a compressive force. During the movement of the second connecting rod 8, it pulls the winding member 9, causing the winding member 9 to rotate while releasing. Through the compressive force provided by the second connecting rod 8 to the second protective shell 2 and the compression inside the second protective shell 2 after the winding member 9 is released, the first strap 3 snaps.

[0045] When the first strap 3 breaks (at this time, the user pulls the existing tow rope again to trigger the existing inflation mechanism to inflate the life raft), the second protective shell 2 swings backward along the first protective shell 1 under the action of compression, thereby avoiding the active release of the winding component 9. During the extension process, the extension end of the multi-stage elastic telescopic rod 7 drives the winding component 9 to release synchronously through the second connecting rod 8, so that the winding component 9 gradually switches from the winding state to the release state. During the release process, the winding component 9 drives the life raft inside it to release synchronously.

[0046] During the release of the winding component 9, the first connecting rod 5 rotates, causing the two threaded portions 15 on the first connecting rod 5 to drive the two limiting frames 16 to move towards each other. During the movement, the limiting frames 16 gradually disengage from the adjacent fixed seats 4. After the winding component 9 is unwound (it has already been inflated by the existing inflation mechanism during the unwound process), the telescopic ends of all the multi-stage elastic telescopic rods 7 have extended, and the limiting frames 16 have disengaged from the adjacent fixed seats 4. Under the action of the adjacent springs of the connecting frame 6, the connecting frame 6 causes the first connecting rod 5, all the multi-stage elastic telescopic rods 7, the second connecting rod 8, the winding component 9, all the threaded portions 15, and all the limiting frames 16 to pop out from the first protective shell 1, so that the above parts actively disengage from the first protective shell 1 to avoid affecting the deployment of the life raft. After the telescopic ends of all the multi-stage elastic telescopic rods 7 have extended, the existing inflation mechanism causes the life raft to inflate.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] Based on Example 1, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 It also includes several rotating parts 17, all of which are rotatably connected to the winding part 9. A second torsion spring is provided between the rotating parts 17 and the winding part 9. The rotating parts 17 pass through the winding part 9 and are fixedly connected to a support plate 18. The support plate 18 is used to support the winding part 9. The support plate 18 is provided with an arc-shaped chamfer to facilitate the release of the winding part 9.

[0049] In the above scheme, when the winding component 9 is in the winding state, the second torsion spring between the rotating component 17 and the winding component 9 is in a stored state, which is used to enable the support plate 18 to rotate to a cross distribution with the extension line of its center line and the center axis of the first connecting rod 5 after the winding component 9 is released, thereby increasing the structural strength of the winding component 9. During the release process of the winding component 9, the arc chamfer of the support plate 18 squeezes the winding component 9, shortening the release time of the winding component 9.

[0050] Working principle: During the release process, the take-up component 9 drives the life raft to be released synchronously. Under the action of the second torsion spring between the rotating component 17 and the take-up component 9, the rotating component 17 drives the support plate 18 to rotate along the take-up component 9, thereby squeezing the take-up component 9 and assisting the take-up component 9 to open.

[0051] When the winding component 9 switches from the winding state to the release state, the support plate 18 changes from a state where the extension line of its centerline is parallel to the central axis of the second connecting rod 8 to a state where they are arranged in a cross pattern, providing support for the winding component 9 and increasing the structural strength of the winding component 9. Before this, the winding component 9 and its components are located on the underside of the life raft. Through the cooperation of the winding component 9 and the support plate 18, the overall rigidity and center of gravity stability of the life raft are enhanced, thereby improving the balance and anti-capsulation ability of the life raft on the water surface.

[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable life raft installed on the deck of an oil platform, characterized in that it comprises: a first protective shell (1); a second protective shell (2) rotatably connected to the first protective shell (1), the outer sides of the first protective shell (1) and the second protective shell (2) being provided with a first binding belt (3); symmetrically distributed fixing seats (4) fixedly connected to the first protective shell (1), the symmetrically distributed fixing seats (4) being rotatably and slidably connected with a first connecting rod (5) located in the first protective shell (1); a connecting frame (6) slidably connected between the symmetrically distributed fixing seats (4), the connecting frame (6) being rotatably connected with the first connecting rod (5), the connecting frame (6) being fixedly connected with symmetrically distributed multi-stage elastic telescopic rods (7); a second connecting rod (8) fixedly connected to the telescopic ends of the symmetrically distributed multi-stage elastic telescopic rods (7), the second connecting rod (8) being used for pressing the second protective shell (2); a winding member (9) wound around the first connecting rod (5) and fixedly connected with the second connecting rod (8), the winding member (9) being used for winding the life raft; the symmetrically distributed multi-stage elastic telescopic rods (7) being located in the first protective shell (1) away from the side of the first protective shell (1) where the second protective shell (2) is rotatably located; a fixed block (10) being fixedly connected to the side of the first protective shell (1) close to the second connecting rod (8), the fixed block (10) being rotatably connected with a swing plate (11), the swing plate (11) being used for limiting the second connecting rod (8), a first torsional spring being arranged between the fixed block (10) and the swing plate (11); the rotating positions of the fixed block (10) and the swing plate (11) not being located in the movement path of the second connecting rod (8); the first connecting rod (5) being provided with a number of thread parts (15) consistent with the number of the fixing seats (4), the thread parts (15) being threadedly connected with limiting frames (16) slidably connected with the fixing seats (4), the limiting frames (16) being used for fixing the first connecting rod (5) on the symmetrically distributed fixing seats (4), springs being arranged in the fixing seats (4) for assisting the ejection of the connecting frame (6). The winding member (9) is in a spiral shape. The fixed block (10) and the swing plate (11) are jointly slidably connected with a limiting plate (12) used for limiting the swing plate (11), the second protective shell (2) being slidably connected with a pull rope (13) having a surplus in the second protective shell (2), the pull rope (13) being used for moving the limiting plate (12). The second connecting rod (8) and the winding member (9) are jointly wound with a second binding belt (14), the second binding belt (14) fixing the winding member (9) when the swing plate (11) limits the second connecting rod (8), so that the winding member (9) remains in a wound state. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2. A portable life raft for mounting on the deck of an oil platform according to claim 1, characterised in that: ​ 3. A portable life raft for mounting on the deck of an oil platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: ​ 4. A portable life raft for mounting on the deck of an oil platform according to claim 3, wherein: ​ 5. A portable life raft for mounting on the deck of an oil platform according to claim 4, characterised in that: A plurality of rotating members (17) are arranged, and the rotating members (17) are all rotationally connected to the winding member (9), and a second torsion spring is arranged between the rotating member (17) and the winding member (9), the rotating member (17) penetrates through the winding member (9) and is fixedly connected with a supporting plate (18), and the supporting plate (18) is used for supporting the winding member (9).

6. A portable life raft for mounting on the deck of an oil platform according to claim 5, wherein: The supporting plate (18) is provided with an arc-shaped chamfer which facilitates extrusion of the winding member (9).

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