Non-welding type connecting mechanism for container ship superstructure modular construction

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of container ship superstructure modular construction, in particular to a non-welding type connecting mechanism for container ship superstructure modular construction. According to the design of the corrugated sheets in the locking assembly, buffering is provided through elastic deformation, the anti-loosening performance is enhanced, and meanwhile the corrosion risk caused by the material performance difference is avoided; in addition, the single-chip microcomputer and the torque sensor achieve automatic control and real-time state monitoring of the driving assembly, and the influence of human factors on the connection quality is greatly reduced. Meanwhile, the mechanism completely cancels the generation of high temperature, high noise and harmful smoke dust, and meets the green and environment-friendly manufacturing requirements; and finally, through the mechanical locking and unlocking functions achieved through forward and reverse rotation of the stepping motor, the module connection has the characteristic of being capable of being disassembled and assembled repeatedly, and the flexibility and economical efficiency of the modular ship in construction, transportation, reloading and emergency maintenance are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of modular construction technology for superstructures on container ships, and more particularly to a non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of superstructures on container ships. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the shipbuilding industry, especially in the construction of container ship superstructures, welding technology, as the mainstream method for modular connection, has demonstrated its unique advantages. Welding technology is mature and reliable, providing high connection strength and ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the ship's superstructure in complex marine environments. At the same time, welding operations can achieve one-time forming, reducing the use of connecting components, simplifying the manufacturing process, and improving production efficiency. Furthermore, with proper treatment, such as anti-corrosion coatings, welded joints can resist corrosion in the marine environment to a certain extent, extending the service life of the ship.

[0003] However, firstly, welding is prone to defects such as cracks, porosity, and slag inclusions, affecting the connection quality and structural strength; secondly, uneven heat input during welding can lead to residual stress and structural deformation, affecting the installation accuracy and sealing between the superstructure module and the hull; thirdly, the welded joint area is prone to electrochemical corrosion, especially in the high-salt and high-humidity marine environment, where corrosion is exacerbated; in addition, welding operations are highly dependent on the skills of the operators, and process parameters need to be strictly controlled; at the same time, the welding site is heavily polluted, with problems of high temperature, high noise, and harmful fumes; finally, the welded joint is a one-time connection method, lacking reversibility, which is not conducive to the standardized construction, transportation, and rapid replacement of modular ships, nor is it suitable for emergency disassembly and maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a non-welded connection mechanism for the modular construction of superstructures on container ships. This addresses several issues in existing technologies: First, welding processes are prone to defects such as cracks, porosity, and slag inclusions, affecting connection quality and structural strength. Second, uneven heat input during welding leads to residual stress and structural deformation, impacting installation accuracy and sealing between the superstructure module and the hull. Third, welded joint areas are susceptible to electrochemical corrosion, especially in high-salt, high-humidity marine environments where corrosion is exacerbated. Furthermore, welding operations are highly dependent on operator skill, requiring strict control of process parameters. Additionally, welding sites are heavily polluted, exhibiting high temperatures, high noise levels, and harmful fumes. Finally, welded joints are one-time connections lacking reversibility, hindering standardized construction, transportation, and rapid refitting of modular ships, and are unsuitable for emergency disassembly and maintenance.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs a non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of container ship superstructures, comprising a sleeve, a connecting seat, and a base. A torque sensor is mounted on the sleeve and externally connected to a microcontroller. Multiple locking heads are mounted on the outer side of the sleeve, each with a limit block. A connector is located at the center of the lower end face of the connecting seat. The upper end face of the base has multiple locking grooves, each with a limit groove. The sleeve is rotatably mounted below the connecting seat via the connector. The sleeve is also mounted on the base via multiple locking heads, and a driving assembly is provided between the sleeve and the base. Each locking head is located within a corresponding locking groove, and the limit block is inserted into the limit groove.

[0006] The connector includes a bushing and a connecting shaft. The bushing has a connecting groove on its upper part and shaft grooves on both sides of the connecting groove. The bushing is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft and is sleeved on the connecting shaft. The sleeve is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft and is sleeved on the outside of the connecting shaft, and the bushing is located in the shaft groove.

[0007] The outer edge of the connector has multiple connecting holes, and the multiple connecting holes are arranged in a ring shape.

[0008] Each of the lock slots has a corrugated sheet at its inner bottom, and the corrugated sheet abuts against the lock head and the lock slot.

[0009] The drive assembly includes a bushing, a locating pin, and a stepper motor. The lower part of the sleeve has a groove, and the base has a mounting groove. The bushing is inserted into the sleeve and located in the groove. The locating pin is inserted into the bushing and located in the locating pin, and also extends into the mounting groove. The stepper motor is disposed in the mounting groove, and one end of the locating pin is disposed at the output end of the stepper motor.

[0010] The outer side of the bushing and the other end of the locating pin both have hexagonal surfaces, and the sleeve groove and the mounting groove are both hexagonal grooves.

[0011] The outer side of the bushing and the other end of the locating pin both have hexagonal surfaces, and the sleeve groove and the mounting groove are both hexagonal grooves.

[0012] This invention discloses a non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of container ship superstructures. The corrugated sheet design in the locking assembly provides cushioning and enhances anti-loosening performance through elastic deformation, while avoiding corrosion risks caused by differences in material properties. Furthermore, the microcontroller and torque sensor enable automated control and real-time status monitoring of the drive components, significantly reducing the impact of human factors on connection quality. Simultaneously, this mechanism completely eliminates the generation of high temperatures, high noise, and harmful fumes, meeting green and environmentally friendly manufacturing requirements. Finally, the mechanical locking and unlocking function achieved through the forward and reverse rotation of the stepper motor allows for repeated disassembly and assembly of the modular connection, greatly improving the flexibility and economy of modular ships in construction, transportation, refitting, and emergency maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional perspective view of the non-welded connection mechanism for the modular construction of the superstructure on a container ship according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the non-welded connection mechanism for the modular construction of the superstructure on a container ship according to the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the connecting seat, sleeve, and multiple locks in the non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of container ship superstructure according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning pins and bushings in the non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of container ship superstructures according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the base structure in the non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of container ship superstructures according to the present invention.

[0019] 1-1 Connecting seat; 1-2 Connecting shaft; 1-3 Sleeve; 1-4 Lock head; 1-5 Limiting block; 2-1 Positioning pin; 2-2 Bushing; 3-1 Base; 3-2 Stepper motor; 4-1 Locking groove; 4-2 Limiting groove; 4-3 Corrugated sheet. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0021] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This invention provides a non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of container ship superstructures, including a sleeve 1-3, a connecting seat 1-1, and a base 3-1. A torque sensor is mounted on the sleeve 1-3 and connected to a microcontroller. Multiple locking heads 1-4 are located on the outer side of the sleeve 1-3, each locking head 1-4 having a limiting block 1-5. A connector is located in the center of the lower end face of the connecting seat 1-1. The upper end face of the base 3-1 has multiple locking grooves 4-1, each locking groove 4-1 having a limiting groove 4-2. The sleeve 1-3 is rotatably mounted below the connecting seat 1-1 via the connector. The sleeve 1-3 is also mounted on the base 3-1 via multiple locking heads 1-4, and a driving assembly is provided between the sleeve 1-3 and the base 3-1. Each locking head 1-4 is located within a corresponding locking groove 4-1, and the limiting block 1-5 is inserted into the limiting groove 4-2.

[0022] In this embodiment, a mechanical locking mechanism replaces traditional welding, effectively avoiding defects such as cracks, porosity, and slag inclusions that may occur during welding, significantly improving connection quality and structural strength. At the same time, the combination of the torque sensor and the microcontroller enables real-time monitoring and precise control of the connection process, improving assembly accuracy and safety. The modular design makes the connection process more efficient and convenient, and easy to maintain and replace, providing strong support for the modular construction of ship superstructures.

[0023] Furthermore, the connector includes a bushing and a connecting shaft 1-2. The upper part of the bushing 1-3 has a connecting groove, and the two sides of the connecting groove have shaft grooves. The bushing is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft 1-2 and is sleeved on the connecting shaft 1-2. The bushing 1-3 is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft 1-2 and is sleeved on the outside of the connecting shaft 1-2, and the bushing is located in the shaft groove.

[0024] In this embodiment, the design of the connector enhances the connection stability and rotational flexibility between the sleeve 1-3 and the connecting seat 1-1.

[0025] Furthermore, the outer edge of the connecting seat 1-1 has a plurality of connecting holes, and the plurality of connecting holes are respectively arranged in a ring shape.

[0026] In this embodiment, the design of multiple connection holes provides a variety of connection methods, enabling the connection mechanism to adapt to superstructure modules of different shapes and sizes, thereby enhancing the versatility and flexibility of the mechanism.

[0027] Furthermore, each of the lock grooves 4-1 has a corrugated sheet 4-3 at its inner bottom, and the corrugated sheet 4-3 abuts against the lock head 1-4 and the lock groove 4-1.

[0028] In this embodiment, the locking effect is enhanced by the reaction force of the corrugated sheet 4-3, ensuring a stable connection between the modules.

[0029] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a bushing 2-2, a positioning pin 2-1, and a stepper motor 3-2. The sleeve 1-3 has a groove at its lower part, and the base 3-1 has a mounting groove. The bushing 2-2 is inserted into the sleeve 1-3 and is located in the groove. The positioning pin 2-1 is inserted into the bushing 2-2 and is located in the positioning pin 2-1, and also extends into the mounting groove. The stepper motor 3-2 is disposed in the mounting groove, and one end of the positioning pin 2-1 is disposed at the output end of the stepper motor 3-2.

[0030] In this embodiment, the rotation of the stepper motor 3-2 drives the synchronous movement of the positioning pin 2-1 and the bushing 2-2, thereby driving the locking and unlocking of the sleeve 1-3 and the lock head 1-4. This design improves the automation level and operational efficiency of the connection, reduces manual intervention and errors, and provides convenience for the rapid assembly and disassembly of the superstructure module.

[0031] Furthermore, the outer side of the bushing 2-2 and the other end of the positioning pin 2-1 both have hexagonal surfaces, and both the sleeve groove and the mounting groove are hexagonal grooves.

[0032] In this embodiment, the hexagonal surface design enhances the connection stability and transmission efficiency between the bushing 2-2 and the locating pin 2-1, as well as between them and the sleeve groove and the mounting groove. This shape fit can effectively prevent slippage and misalignment, ensuring the stability and reliability of the drive assembly during operation. At the same time, the hexagonal groove also facilitates installation and disassembly, improving maintenance efficiency.

[0033] Furthermore, one end of the positioning pin 2-1 is a first semi-circular rod, and the output shaft of the stepper motor 3-2 is a second semi-circular rod, with the first semi-circular rod and the second semi-circular rod abutting against each other.

[0034] In this embodiment, driven by the stepper motor 3-2, the positioning pin 2-1 can accurately drive the sleeve 1-3 and the lock head 1-4 to perform locking and unlocking operations, providing a strong guarantee for the rapid and safe connection of the upper building module.

[0035] In this invention, the superstructure module is fixedly connected to the connecting seat 1-1 by bolts. Then, the microcontroller is controlled to start the stepper motor 3-2. The stepper motor 3-2 rotates, driving the positioning pin 2-1 and the bushing 2-2, which in turn drives the sleeve 1-3 and the multiple locking heads 1-4 mounted thereon to rotate. During rotation, the locking heads 1-4 enter the locking groove 4-1 on the base 3-1, while the limiting block 1-5 on the locking head 1-4 slides into the limiting groove 4-2 within the locking groove 4-1, achieving a secure lock. During this process, the torque sensor monitors the rotation angle in real time and feeds it back to the microcontroller to ensure proper locking. When disassembly is required, the microcontroller controls the stepper motor 3-2 to rotate in the opposite direction, compressing the corrugated sheet 4-3 within the locking groove 4-1, causing the limiting block 1-5 to separate from the limiting groove 4-2. Subsequently, the locking heads 1-4 exit the locking groove 4-1, completing the safe and efficient separation of the module.

[0036] The above description discloses only one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes of the above embodiments can be implemented, and equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of container ship superstructures, characterized in that, The device includes a sleeve, a connecting seat, and a base. A torque sensor is mounted on the sleeve and connected to a microcontroller. Multiple locking heads are located on the outer side of the sleeve, each with a limit block. A connector is located at the center of the lower end face of the connecting seat. The upper end face of the base has multiple locking grooves, each with a limit groove. The sleeve is rotatably mounted below the connecting seat via the connector. The sleeve is also mounted on the base via the multiple locking heads, and a driving assembly is located between the sleeve and the base. Each locking head is located within a corresponding locking groove, and the limit block is inserted into the limit groove.

2. The non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of container ship superstructures as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The connector includes a bushing and a connecting shaft. The bushing has a connecting groove on its upper part and shaft grooves on both sides of the connecting groove. The bushing is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft and is sleeved on the connecting shaft. The sleeve is rotatably connected to the connecting shaft and is sleeved on the outside of the connecting shaft, and the bushing is located in the shaft groove.

3. The non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of container ship superstructures as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outer edge of the connector has multiple connecting holes, and the multiple connecting holes are arranged in a ring shape.

4. The non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of container ship superstructures as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the lock slots has a corrugated sheet at its inner bottom, and the corrugated sheet abuts between the lock head and the lock slot.

5. The non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of container ship superstructures as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a bushing, a locating pin, and a stepper motor. The lower part of the bushing has a groove, and the base has a mounting groove. The bushing is inserted into the bushing and located in the groove. The locating pin is inserted into the bushing and located in the locating pin, and also extends into the mounting groove. The stepper motor is disposed in the mounting groove, and one end of the locating pin is disposed at the output end of the stepper motor.

6. The non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of container ship superstructures as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The outer side of the bushing and the other end of the locating pin both have hexagonal surfaces, and both the sleeve groove and the mounting groove are hexagonal grooves.

7. The non-welded connection mechanism for modular construction of container ship superstructures as described in claim 6, characterized in that, One end of the positioning pin is a first semi-circular rod, and the output shaft of the stepper motor is a second semi-circular rod, with the first semi-circular rod and the second semi-circular rod abutting against each other.

Images