Workover rig crown block lightning rod winding and unwinding device
The lightning rod deployment and retraction device driven by the linkage mechanism solves the problem of disassembling and installing the lightning rod of the workover rig overhead crane when it is in the retracted state, realizing convenient deployment and retraction of the lightning rod, and improving operational efficiency and safety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511387327.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-12
AI Technical Summary
The lightning rods of existing workover rigs need to be disassembled and installed when the rig is in the retracted state, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive and poses safety risks, especially inconvenient to operate in confined spaces.
Design a lightning rod deployment and retraction device driven by a linkage mechanism. The deployment and retraction of the lightning rod can be controlled on the ground by electric, pneumatic, hydraulic or mechanical transmission. Combined with joystick, button or automatic sensing control, the deployment and retraction of the lightning rod can be realized when the workover rig is in operation.
It improves operational convenience, reduces working hours, ensures personnel safety, and increases the efficiency of transferring workover rigs between well sites.
Smart Images

Figure CN121123757A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of petroleum machinery and equipment, specifically to a lightning rod deployment and retraction device for a workover rig overhead crane. Background Technology
[0002] During its operation, the workover rig needs to erect the derrick to pull up the tubing. Since the derrick is usually more than 20 meters high after being erected, and each operation takes a long time, a lightning rod is often installed on the top of the workover rig to cope with natural lightning.
[0003] Currently, lightning rods installed on workover rigs are typically bolted to the top of the rig, with grounding wires connected to the upper and lower sections of the rig via cable chains, and finally inserted into the ground via copper rods to achieve lightning protection. With the strengthening of well site safety regulations, more and more workover rigs are being required to install lightning rods.
[0004] However, the lightning rod installation requirement necessitates placing it above the highest point of the overhead crane. This results in the lightning rod extending significantly beyond its furthest point when the workover rig is in the retracted state. Therefore, the lightning rod must be removed and transported separately before being moved between well sites. Upon arrival at the new well site, it needs to be reinstalled, and the grounding wire connected to its tip. However, even in the retracted state, the lightning rod remains four meters above the ground. Manually disassembling the bolts and grounding wire at this height, then securing the grounding wire in place, and finally transferring it to the ground, or reassembling the lightning rod from the ground back onto the top of the overhead crane, is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, the overhead crane itself offers limited space, making it dangerous even with safety ropes. To improve operational convenience and reduce operational risks, a device needs to be designed to allow the lightning rod to be erected during operation and retracted during crane travel, all from the ground. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This invention discloses a lightning rod deployment and retraction device for a workover rig overhead crane. It utilizes a linkage mechanism to deploy the lightning rod while the workover rig is in operation and retract it when the workover rig is in a retracted state. The device can be driven by electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical transmission, and can be controlled by a joystick, button, automatic sensor control, or manual operation.
[0006] A lightning rod retraction and deployment device for a workover rig overhead crane includes a lightning rod, a linkage mechanism, and an actuator; the lightning rod is rotatably connected to the top of the overhead crane railing, and the actuator drives the lightning rod to retract and deploy via the linkage mechanism.
[0007] Furthermore, the lightning rod includes a conductor, an insulator, and a main support rod; the conductor is insulated from the main support rod by the insulator, forming an integrated lightning rod.
[0008] Furthermore, the main support rod is rotatably connected to the top of the crane railing.
[0009] Furthermore, the linkage mechanism is a screw-driven structure.
[0010] Furthermore, the screw drive structure includes a lead screw, a slider, and a connecting rod; the lead screw has a threaded structure and is connected to the actuator, the slider has an internal threaded structure, and the slider is sleeved on the lead screw; the lightning rod is connected to the slider through the connecting rod.
[0011] Furthermore, the linkage mechanism is a telescopic rod drive structure.
[0012] Furthermore, the telescopic rod drive structure includes a sliding rod, a slider, and a connecting rod; the sliding rod is fixed below the lightning rod, and the slider is slidably connected to the sliding rod. The actuator is a telescopic mechanism, with the telescopic rod of the actuator connected to the slider, and the lightning rod connected to the slider via the connecting rod.
[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a containment chamber for storing lightning rods.
[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a dust cover for enclosing the linkage mechanism.
[0015] This invention can be operated directly on the ground, avoiding manual disassembly and assembly, saving time while ensuring personnel safety. At the same time, the self-locking effect of the linkage mechanism ensures that the lightning rod can effectively maintain a vertical state during operation.
[0016] This invention achieves the retraction and closure of the lightning rod through the combination of the above mechanisms, improving the transfer efficiency of the workover rig between different well sites. At the same time, this structure effectively utilizes the space on the overhead crane, is simple and reliable, and does not affect the maintenance of the overhead crane.
[0017] This invention offers multiple forms of operation and control, including manual or automatic control, allowing users to select different configurations based on their specific operational needs and meet diverse requirements. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 : A structural diagram of the lightning rod deployment and retraction device in the deployed state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0019] Figure 2 : Structural diagram of the lightning rod deployment and recovery device in the recovery state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0020] Figure 3 : A top view of the lightning rod deployment and retrieval device in the recovery state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 4 : Structural diagram of the lightning rod deployment and retraction device in the deployed state according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 5: Structural diagram of the lightning rod deployment and recovery device in the recovery state according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 6 : Schematic diagram of the lightning rod deployment and retraction device of the present invention in operation and deployment state;
[0024] Figure 7 : A schematic diagram of the lightning rod deployed in the display state of the well workover rig of this invention;
[0025] Figure 8 : A schematic diagram of the lightning rod deployment and retrieval device of the present invention in the retraction state;
[0026] Figure 9 : Schematic diagram of lightning rod retrieval in the well workover rig's stationary state;
[0027] In the diagram: 1. Containment chamber, 2. Connecting seat, 3. Lead screw, 4. Slider, 5. Connecting rod, 6. Connecting rod pin assembly, 7. Fixing bolt assembly, 8. Actuator, 9. Conductor, 10. Insulator, 11. Main support rod, 12. Rotary pin assembly, 31. Slide rod, 81. Actuator. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments and specific features in the embodiments are detailed descriptions of the technical solution of the present application, rather than limitations thereof. In the absence of conflict, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.
[0029] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.
[0030] Example 1
[0031] like Figure 1-3As shown, a lightning rod deployment and retraction device for a workover rig mainly consists of a housing 1, a connecting seat 2, a lead screw 3, a slider 4, a connecting rod 5, a connecting rod pin assembly 6, a fixing bolt group 7, an actuator 8, a conductor 9, an insulator 10, and a main support rod 11. The conductor 9 and the main support rod 11 are assembled into an integrated lightning rod via the insulator 10. The insulator 10 provides insulation between the conductor 9 and the main support rod 11. A wire connects the conductor 9 to the ground. The main support rod 11, assembled as an integrated lightning rod, is connected to a rotating pin assembly 12 and can rotate around the rotating pin assembly 12. The pin seat of the rotating pin assembly 12 is welded to the rig railing as the fulcrum of the entire rotating structure. The containment chamber 1 is welded to the overhead crane railing. The actuator 8 is fixed to the bottom of the containment chamber 1 via a mounting plate. The lead screw 3 has a threaded structure, with its rear end connected to the actuator 8 via a fixing bolt group 7. Its front end is fixed to the bottom of the containment chamber 1 via a bearing seat 2. The slider 4 has an internal threaded structure and is fitted onto the lead screw 3. The slider 4 can move horizontally within the stroke of the lead screw 3. The main support rod 11 of the lightning rod is connected to the slider 4 via a connecting rod 5. The upper and lower ends of the connecting rod 5 are hinged to the main support rod 11 and the slider 4 via a connecting rod pin assembly 6. The actuator 8 is a rotating mechanism that drives the lead screw 3 to rotate by forward and reverse rotation. The rotation of the lead screw 3 can drive the slider 4 to move horizontally. The movement of the slider 4 to the right can drive the lightning rod to be supported by the connecting rod 5, ensuring that the lightning rod remains vertical during operation. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the screw 3 and slider 4 have a self-locking function and will not reset after the power is cut off; the slider 4 moves to the left and can drive the lightning rod to retract into the compartment via the connecting rod 5, ensuring that the workover rig remains in the retracted state during operation. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown. When the lightning rod is fully retracted, the connecting rod 5 and the lead screw 3 must form a certain angle to prevent the connecting rod 5 from getting stuck at the dead point. A movable groove is provided in the middle of the containment chamber 1 to ensure that the connecting rod 5 can move freely within the groove without jamming. A dust cover is installed at the bottom of the containment chamber 1 to completely enclose the bearing housing 2, lead screw 3, slider 4, and connecting rod 5, preventing dust from contaminating the lead screw and slider and preventing foreign objects from being trapped.
[0032] The actuator 8 of this device has the following power sources and control methods:
[0033] 1. Mechanical transmission type: A handwheel is fixed at one point on the upper section of the derrick via chain or belt transmission. Before the derrick is deployed or after it is retracted, the operator cranks the handwheel to drive the actuator 8 to rotate. The deployment or retraction of the lightning rod is achieved by rotating the handwheel in both directions.
[0034] II. Electric drive type: The lightning rod is deployed or retrieved by deploying the motor by rotating the lead screw to rotate forward and backward. The operator controls the motor to rotate forward and backward from the ground by using a switch.
[0035] 3. Hydraulic drive type: The lightning rod is deployed or retrieved by deploying or retracting the lightning rod by rotating a hydraulic motor to drive the lead screw to rotate forward and backward. The operator controls the hydraulic motor to rotate forward and backward from the ground through a switch.
[0036] IV. Pneumatically Driven Type: The lightning rod is deployed or retrieved by deploying a pneumatically driven screw through a pneumatic motor. The operator controls the pneumatic motor to rotate forward and backward via a switch on the ground.
[0037] V. Automatic Control Method: Sensors are installed on the front support or roof of the workover rig. When the workover rig is ready to operate, the derrick is erected. After the sensor detects the derrick being raised, the system receives the signal and automatically controls the actuator to rotate, causing the lightning rod to deploy. The lightning rod automatically stops when it reaches its position, at which point the lightning rod is in working condition. When the workover rig is ready to move to the well site, the derrick is retracted. After the sensor detects the derrick being retracted, the system receives the signal and automatically controls the actuator to reverse. When the lightning rod is retracted to its position, the system automatically stops, at which point the lightning rod is completely retracted into the cabin. No personnel intervention is required throughout the entire process.
[0038] Example 2
[0039] The linkage mechanism in Example 1 uses a screw-driven structure, while this example uses a telescopic rod-driven structure, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the rear end of the slide rod 31 is connected to the actuator 8 via a fixing bolt group 7, or to the bottom of the containment chamber 1. Its front end is fixed to the bottom of the containment chamber 1 via a bearing seat 2. The slider 4 is fitted onto the slide rod 31 and can move horizontally within the stroke of the slide rod 31. The main support rod 11 of the lightning rod is connected to the slider 4 via a connecting rod 5. Both the upper and lower ends of the connecting rod 5 are hinged to the main support rod 11 and the slider 4 via a connecting rod pin assembly 6. The actuator 81 is a telescopic mechanism. The telescopic rod of the actuator 81 is connected to the slider 4, causing the slider 4 to move horizontally on the slide rod 31. When the telescopic rod of the actuator 81 retracts, it causes the slider 4 to move to the right, which can drive the lightning rod to be supported via the connecting rod 5, ensuring that the lightning rod remains vertical during operation. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown; the extension rod of actuator 81 extends, driving slider 4 to move to the left, which can drive the lightning rod to retract into the compartment via connecting rod 5, ensuring that the workover rig remains in the retracted state during operation, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown.
[0040] The lightning rod deployment and retraction device for a workover rig mentioned in this invention includes the following operating procedures:
[0041] 1. When the workover rig is working, the control actuator drives the lightning rod to deploy, which can provide lightning protection for the workover rig.
[0042] 2. When the well repair rig needs to be moved, the actuator can be controlled to retract the lightning rod. After retraction, the overall length does not exceed that of the vehicle, and personnel can drive the vehicle directly for transfer.
[0043] 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 technical principles 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 lightning rod deployment and retraction device for a well workover rig overhead crane, characterized in that, It includes a lightning rod, a linkage mechanism, and an actuator; the lightning rod is rotatably connected to the top of the overhead crane fence, and the actuator drives the lightning rod to extend and retract through the linkage mechanism.
2. The lightning rod deployment and retraction device for a workover rig overhead crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lightning rod includes a conductor, an insulator, and a main support rod; the conductor is insulated from the main support rod by the insulator, forming an integrated lightning rod.
3. The lightning rod deployment and retraction device for a workover rig overhead crane according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main support rod is rotatably connected to the top of the overhead crane fence.
4. The lightning rod deployment and retraction device for a workover rig overhead crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism is a screw-driven structure.
5. A lightning rod deployment and retraction device for a workover rig overhead crane according to claim 4, characterized in that, The screw drive structure includes a lead screw, a slider, and a connecting rod; the lead screw has a threaded structure and is connected to the actuator, the slider has an internal threaded structure and is sleeved on the lead screw; the lightning rod is connected to the slider through the connecting rod.
6. The lightning rod deployment and retraction device for a workover rig overhead crane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism is a telescopic rod drive structure.
7. A lightning rod deployment and retraction device for a workover rig overhead crane according to claim 6, characterized in that, The telescopic rod drive structure includes a sliding rod, a slider, and a connecting rod; the sliding rod is fixed below the lightning rod, and the slider is slidably connected to the sliding rod; the actuator is a telescopic mechanism, the telescopic rod of the actuator is connected to the slider, and the lightning rod is connected to the slider through the connecting rod.
8. A lightning rod deployment and retraction device for a workover rig overhead crane according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It also includes a containment chamber for storing lightning rods.
9. A lightning rod deployment and retraction device for a workover rig overhead crane according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It also includes a dust cover for enclosing the linkage mechanism.