Submarine cable automatic centering welding device

Abstract

A submarine cable automatic centering welding device comprises a frame, a clamping mechanism, an X-axis adjusting mechanism, a Y-axis adjusting mechanism, a Z-axis adjusting mechanism, a sensor and a control mechanism. The two X-axis adjusting mechanisms are arranged on the frame, each X-axis adjusting mechanism is provided with a clamping mechanism, a Y-axis adjusting mechanism and a Z-axis adjusting mechanism, the two clamping mechanisms are used for clamping two sections of submarine cables to be welded respectively, the sensors are arranged on the clamping mechanisms, and the control mechanism is in signal connection with the X-axis adjusting mechanisms, the Y-axis adjusting mechanisms, the Z-axis adjusting mechanisms and the sensors. And the control mechanism is used for controlling the X-axis adjusting mechanism, the Y-axis adjusting mechanism and the Z-axis adjusting mechanism to move in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction so as to adjust the positions of the two sections of submarine cables to be welded in the three-dimensional space, and centering calibration is conducted on the positions of the two sections of submarine cables to be welded through a sensor. According to the invention, accurate concentricity of the submarine cable conductor during welding can be ensured, the electrical performance and the mechanical performance of a welding part are ensured, and the welding efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of submarine cable flexible joint welding technology, and in particular to an automatic centering welding device for submarine cables. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of offshore wind power systems, submarine power cables play a crucial role in offshore energy transmission. Submarine cables typically consist of stranded conductors covered with an insulation layer, and additional special structures such as shielding, sheathing, and armor are added to give them excellent insulation, mechanical, and electrical properties. They are mainly used in power transmission and distribution networks, bearing the heavy responsibility of power transmission, and are primarily installed underwater.

[0003] With the booming development of the offshore wind power industry, wind turbines are trending towards larger sizes and gradually expanding into deep-sea and offshore areas. This places higher demands on submarine cable technology, which will move towards higher voltage, DC power, and flexible joints in the future. In practical applications of long-distance submarine cables, due to current production technology and capacity constraints, the length of a single, seamless submarine cable is often insufficient to meet the actual usage distance requirements. In this situation, using flexible joints to splice multiple submarine cables has become an effective solution to meet the application requirements of one-time laying. The joint between two submarine cable segments is the weakest link in the entire submarine cable system. The performance of the joint directly affects the overall stability and reliability of the submarine cable.

[0004] Specifically, to ensure that the performance of the flexible joints in long-length, large-section single-core and three-core submarine cables remains highly consistent with that of the cable body, the insulation eccentricity needs to be strictly controlled to around 2%. The concentricity during conductor welding, as a key factor affecting insulation eccentricity, is particularly crucial. Only by ensuring extremely high concentricity during conductor welding can insulation eccentricity be effectively controlled, thereby improving the performance of the flexible joints and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the submarine cable system in complex marine environments. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic alignment and welding device for submarine cables, which ensures concentricity during welding and improves welding quality.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the solution of the present invention is as follows: An automatic alignment and welding device for submarine cables includes a frame, a clamping mechanism, an X-axis adjustment mechanism, a Y-axis adjustment mechanism, a Z-axis adjustment mechanism, a sensor, and a control mechanism. Two X-axis adjustment mechanisms are mounted on the frame. Each X-axis adjustment mechanism is equipped with a clamping mechanism, a Y-axis adjustment mechanism, and a Z-axis adjustment mechanism. The two clamping mechanisms are used to clamp the two sections of submarine cable to be welded. Sensors are mounted on the clamping mechanisms. The control mechanism is connected to the X-axis adjustment mechanism, the Y-axis adjustment mechanism, the Z-axis adjustment mechanism, and the sensor signals, respectively. It is used to control the movement of the X-axis adjustment mechanism, the Y-axis adjustment mechanism, and the Z-axis adjustment mechanism in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions to adjust the position of the two sections of submarine cable to be welded in three-dimensional space, and to perform centering calibration of the position of the two sections of submarine cable to be welded through the sensors.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the frame includes a first horizontal beam, a first longitudinal beam, and a first vertical beam, with the four first horizontal beams, four first longitudinal beams, and four first vertical beams overlapping each other to form a cubic frame.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the X-axis adjustment mechanism includes a first longitudinal rod, a first vertical rod, a first motor, and a first screw. Two first longitudinal rods and two first vertical rods overlap to form a square frame. The clamping mechanism, the Y-axis adjustment mechanism, and the Z-axis adjustment mechanism are mounted on the square frame. The two ends of each first vertical rod are slidably mounted on two first horizontal beams along the X-axis direction. The first motor is mounted on the first longitudinal beam, and its output end is positioned along the X-axis direction. The first longitudinal rod has a first threaded hole, the axis of which is positioned along the X-axis direction. The first screw is positioned along the X-axis direction, with one end of the first screw passing through the first threaded hole and the other end rotatably connected to the output end of the first motor. The first motor drives the square frame to slide along the X-axis direction via the first screw.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the Y-axis adjustment mechanism includes a second motor and a second screw. The second motor is slidably mounted on the first vertical rod along the Z-axis direction, and the output end of the second motor is positioned along the Y-axis direction. The clamping mechanism has a second threaded hole, the axis of which is positioned along the Y-axis direction. The second screw is positioned along the Y-axis direction, one end of which passes through the second threaded hole, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the output end of the second motor. The second motor drives the clamping mechanism to slide along the Y-axis direction through the second screw.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the Z-axis adjustment mechanism includes a third motor and a third screw. The third motor is slidably mounted on the first vertical rod along the Y-axis direction, and the output end of the third motor is positioned along the Z-axis direction. The clamping mechanism has a third threaded hole, the axis of which is positioned along the Z-axis direction. The third screw is positioned along the Z-axis direction, one end of which passes through the third threaded hole, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the output end of the third motor. The third motor drives the clamping mechanism to slide along the Z-axis direction through the third screw.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping mechanism includes a clamping seat and a retaining ring. The second threaded hole and the third threaded hole are respectively provided on the clamping seat. The retaining ring is fixedly disposed on the clamping seat. The axis of the retaining ring is arranged along the X-axis direction. The submarine cable to be welded is fixedly placed in the retaining ring. The sensor is disposed on the retaining ring.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, a pin is also included, wherein the outer periphery of the retaining ring has a plurality of pin holes, the pin is inserted into the pin holes and abuts against the submarine cable to be welded in the retaining ring for positioning.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is a laser sensor, and the transmitting end and receiving end of the laser sensor are respectively mounted on two clamping mechanisms.

[0014] After adopting the above solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention precisely adjusts the positions of two sections of submarine cable to be welded on the clamping mechanism in three-dimensional space using X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis adjustment mechanisms. Combined with centering calibration using sensors, this ensures accurate concentricity of the cable conductors during welding, guaranteeing the electrical and mechanical performance of the welded area and improving the overall stability and reliability of the submarine cable. Furthermore, by connecting the control mechanism with the various adjustment mechanisms and sensor signals, automated control of the cable position adjustment and centering calibration is achieved, saving operation time and labor costs, improving welding efficiency, and shortening the welding cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the centering welding device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping mechanism, Y-axis adjustment mechanism, and Z-axis adjustment mechanism being arranged on the X-axis adjustment mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating centering using a laser sensor in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Label Explanation: 1. Frame; 11. First crossbeam; 12. First longitudinal beam; 13. First vertical beam; 2. Clamping mechanism; 21. Clamping seat; 22. Snap ring; 23. Second threaded hole; 24. Third threaded hole; 25. Pin hole; 3. X-axis adjustment mechanism; 31. First longitudinal rod; 32. First vertical rod; 33. First motor; 34. First screw; 35. First threaded hole; 4. Y-axis adjustment mechanism; 41. Second motor; 42. Second screw; 5. Z-axis adjustment mechanism; 51. Third motor; 52. Third screw; 6. Submarine cable to be welded. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0018] This embodiment provides an automatic alignment and welding device for submarine cables, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it includes a frame 1, a clamping mechanism 2, an X-axis adjustment mechanism 3, a Y-axis adjustment mechanism 4, a Z-axis adjustment mechanism 5, a sensor, and a control mechanism; Two X-axis adjustment mechanisms 3 are mounted on the frame 1. Each X-axis adjustment mechanism 3 is equipped with a clamping mechanism 2, a Y-axis adjustment mechanism 4, and a Z-axis adjustment mechanism 5. The two clamping mechanisms 2 are used to clamp two sections of submarine cable 6 to be welded. Sensors are mounted on the clamping mechanisms 2. The control mechanism is connected to the X-axis adjustment mechanism 3, the Y-axis adjustment mechanism 4, the Z-axis adjustment mechanism 5, and the sensor signals, respectively, to control the movement of the X-axis adjustment mechanism 3, the Y-axis adjustment mechanism 4, and the Z-axis adjustment mechanism 5 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions to adjust the position of the two sections of submarine cable 6 to be welded in three-dimensional space, and to perform centering calibration of the position of the two sections of submarine cable 6 to be welded through the sensors.

[0019] This embodiment uses X-axis adjustment mechanism 3, Y-axis adjustment mechanism 4, and Z-axis adjustment mechanism 5 to precisely adjust the positions of the two sections of submarine cable 6 to be welded on the clamping mechanism 2 in three-dimensional space. Combined with centering calibration using sensors (not shown in the figure), this ensures accurate concentricity of the submarine cable conductors during welding, guarantees the electrical and mechanical performance of the welded area, and improves the overall stability and reliability of the submarine cable. Only the clamping mechanism 2 needs adjustment to accommodate submarine cables of different sizes, making operation simple and improving the applicability of the entire device.

[0020] In addition, by connecting the control mechanism (not shown in the figure) with the signals of various adjustment mechanisms and sensors, the automatic control of the submarine cable position adjustment and centering calibration can be realized, which helps to save operation time and labor costs, improve welding efficiency, and shorten the welding cycle.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the frame 1 in this embodiment includes a first horizontal beam 11, a first vertical beam 12 and a first vertical beam 13. The four first horizontal beams 11, the four first vertical beams 12 and the four first vertical beams 13 are connected to each other to form a cubic frame.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first crossbeam 11, the first longitudinal beam 12, and the first vertical beam 13 are made of rigid materials, which makes the cubic frame form a stable spatial structure and ensures the smooth progress of submarine cable welding.

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the X-axis adjustment mechanism 3 of this embodiment includes a first vertical rod 31, a first vertical rod 32, a first motor 33, and a first screw 34. Two first vertical rods 31 and two first vertical rods 32 overlap to form a square frame. The clamping mechanism 2, the Y-axis adjustment mechanism 4, and the Z-axis adjustment mechanism 5 are mounted on the square frame. The two ends of each first vertical rod 32 are slidably mounted on two first horizontal beams 11 along the X-axis direction. The first motor 33 is mounted on the first vertical beam 12, and the output end of the first motor 33 is mounted along the X-axis direction. The first vertical rod 31 has a first threaded hole 35, the axis of which is mounted along the X-axis direction. The first screw 34 is mounted along the X-axis direction. One end of the first screw 34 passes through the first threaded hole 35, and the other end of the first screw 34 is rotatably connected to the output end of the first motor 33. The first motor 33 drives the square frame to slide along the X-axis direction through the first screw 34.

[0024] In this embodiment, the first motor 33 drives the square frame to slide along the X-axis direction through the first screw 34 and the first threaded hole 35, which has high transmission accuracy and can ensure the alignment accuracy of the two sections of submarine cable 6 to be welded in the X-axis direction, thereby improving the subsequent welding quality. The two ends of the first vertical rod 32 can be directly slidably connected to the first horizontal beam 11 via a slide rail and slide groove, or they can be slidably connected using a slider. The operator can set this according to the actual situation.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the Y-axis adjustment mechanism 4 in this embodiment includes a second motor 41 and a second screw 42. The second motor 41 is slidably mounted on the first vertical rod 32 along the Z-axis direction. The output end of the second motor 41 is set along the Y-axis direction. The clamping mechanism 2 has a second threaded hole 23. The axis of the second threaded hole 23 is set along the Y-axis direction. The second screw 42 is set along the Y-axis direction. One end of the second screw 42 passes through the second threaded hole 23, and the other end of the second screw 42 is rotatably connected to the output end of the second motor 41. The second motor 41 drives the clamping mechanism 2 to slide along the Y-axis direction through the second screw 42.

[0026] In this embodiment, the second motor 41 drives the clamping mechanism 2 to slide along the Y-axis direction via the second screw 42 and the second threaded hole 23. This provides high transmission accuracy and ensures the alignment accuracy of the two sections of submarine cable 6 to be welded in the Y-axis direction, thereby improving the subsequent welding quality. The second motor 41 and the first vertical rod 32 can be slidably connected via a slider, but this is not a limitation; the operator can configure it according to the actual situation.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the Z-axis adjustment mechanism 5 in this embodiment includes a third motor 51 and a third screw 52. The third motor 51 is slidably mounted on the first vertical rod 31 along the Y-axis direction, and the output end of the third motor 51 is mounted along the Z-axis direction. The clamping mechanism 2 has a third threaded hole 24, the axis of which is mounted along the Z-axis direction. The third screw 52 is mounted along the Z-axis direction, one end of which passes through the third threaded hole 24, and the other end of which is rotatably connected to the output end of the third motor 51. The third motor 51 drives the clamping mechanism 2 to slide along the Z-axis direction through the third screw 52.

[0028] In this embodiment, the third motor 51 drives the clamping mechanism 2 to slide along the Z-axis direction via the third screw 52 and the third threaded hole 24. This provides high transmission accuracy and ensures the alignment accuracy of the two sections of submarine cable 6 to be welded in the Z-axis direction, thereby improving the subsequent welding quality. The third motor 51 and the first longitudinal rod 31 can be slidably connected via a slider, but this is not a limitation; the operator can configure the connection according to the actual situation.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the clamping mechanism 2 of this embodiment includes a clamping seat 21 and a retaining ring 22. The second threaded hole 23 and the third threaded hole 24 are respectively provided on the clamping seat 21. The retaining ring 22 is fixedly provided on the clamping seat 21. The axis of the retaining ring 22 is set along the X-axis direction. The submarine cable 6 to be welded is fixedly placed in the retaining ring 22. The sensor is set on the retaining ring 22.

[0030] In this embodiment, the retaining ring 22 is fixedly mounted on the clamping seat 21, which provides a stable support platform for the retaining ring 22. The axis of the retaining ring 22 is set along the X-axis direction, and the submarine cable 6 to be welded is fixedly placed in the retaining ring 22 to ensure the smooth welding of the submarine cable. By simply adjusting the retaining ring 22, it can accommodate submarine cables of different sizes, making the operation simple and improving the applicability of the entire device.

[0031] Furthermore, this embodiment also includes a pin (not shown in the figure), and the retaining ring 22 has a plurality of pin holes 25 radially formed on its outer periphery, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the pin is inserted into the pin hole 25 and abuts against the submarine cable 6 to be welded in the retaining ring 22 for positioning. The structure is simple and easy to set up.

[0032] Furthermore, the sensor in this embodiment is a laser sensor, but it is not limited to this. The transmitting end and the receiving end of the laser sensor are respectively set on two clamping mechanisms 2 (not shown in the figure). Specifically, the transmitting end and the receiving end of the laser sensor can be respectively set on the clamping seat 21 or the retaining ring 22, which can ensure the concentricity of the two sections of the submarine cable 6 conductors to be welded and improve the stability and reliability of the submarine cable after welding.

[0033] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 3 The working process of the X-axis adjustment mechanism 3, Y-axis adjustment mechanism 4, and Z-axis adjustment mechanism 5 in conjunction with the laser sensor is as follows: Before loading, under the control of the control mechanism, the first motor 33 drives the square frame to slide along the X-axis to the left or right end of the frame 1 via the first screw 34, the second motor 41 drives the clamping mechanism 2 to slide along the Y-axis to the front or rear side of the frame 1 via the second screw 42, and the third motor 51 drives the clamping mechanism 2 to slide along the Z-axis to the bottom of the frame 1 via the third screw 52, ​​so that the operator can load the material.

[0034] The operator places the submarine cable 6 to be welded in the retaining ring 22, inserts the pin into the pin hole 25 of the retaining ring 22 and abuts against the submarine cable 6 to be welded for fixation, and then strips the submarine cable 6 to remove the outer sheath.

[0035] During centering, the laser sensor is activated for calibration. Under the control of the control mechanism, the first motor 33 drives the square frame to slide along the X-axis direction through the first screw 34 to adjust in the X-axis direction. The second motor 41 drives the clamping mechanism 2 to slide along the Y-axis direction through the second screw 42 to adjust in the Y-axis direction. The third motor 51 drives the clamping mechanism 2 to slide along the Z-axis direction through the third screw 52 to adjust in the Z-axis direction.

[0036] After aligning the X, Y, and Z axes, the two sections of submarine cable 6 to be welded are brought together, and the operator performs the welding.

[0037] The directional terms used in this specification are defined relative to the structures shown in the accompanying drawings. They are relative concepts and may therefore vary depending on their location and usage. Therefore, these or other directional terms should not be interpreted as restrictive.

[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the design of this case. All equivalent changes made based on the key design features of this case shall fall within the protection scope of this case.

Claims

1. A submarine cable automatic centering welding device, characterized by: The frame, the clamping mechanism, the X-axis adjusting mechanism, the Y-axis adjusting mechanism, the Z-axis adjusting mechanism, the sensor and the control mechanism are included. Two X-axis adjusting mechanisms are arranged on the frame, each of which is provided with a clamping mechanism, a Y-axis adjusting mechanism and a Z-axis adjusting mechanism, two clamping mechanisms are respectively used for clamping two sections of the submarine cable to be welded, the sensor is arranged on the clamping mechanism, and the control mechanism is respectively connected with the X-axis adjusting mechanism, the Y-axis adjusting mechanism, the Z-axis adjusting mechanism and the sensor signal, used for controlling the movement of the X-axis adjusting mechanism, the Y-axis adjusting mechanism and the Z-axis adjusting mechanism in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions to adjust the position of the two sections of the submarine cable to be welded in the three-dimensional space, and the position of the two sections of the submarine cable to be welded is calibrated through the sensor.

2. A submarine cable automatic centering welding device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The frame includes first cross beams, first longitudinal beams and first vertical beams, four first cross beams, four first longitudinal beams and four first vertical beams are interlaced to form a cubic frame.

3. A submarine cable automatic centering welding device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The X-axis adjusting mechanism includes first longitudinal rods, first vertical rods, a first motor and a first screw rod, two first longitudinal rods and two first vertical rods are interlaced to form a square frame, the clamping mechanism, the Y-axis adjusting mechanism and the Z-axis adjusting mechanism are arranged on the square frame; the two ends of each first vertical rod are respectively arranged on the two first cross beams in the X-axis direction, the first motor is arranged on the first longitudinal beam, and the output end of the first motor is arranged in the X-axis direction, the first longitudinal rod is provided with a first threaded hole, the axis of the first threaded hole is arranged in the X-axis direction, the first screw rod is arranged in the X-axis direction, one end of the first screw rod penetrates through the first threaded hole, and the other end of the first screw rod is rotationally connected with the output end of the first motor, and the first motor drives the square frame to slide in the X-axis direction through the first screw rod.

4. A submarine cable automatic centering and welding device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The Y-axis adjusting mechanism includes a second motor and a second screw rod, the second motor is arranged on the first vertical rod in the Z-axis direction, the output end of the second motor is arranged in the Y-axis direction, the clamping mechanism is provided with a second threaded hole, the axis of the second threaded hole is arranged in the Y-axis direction, the second screw rod is arranged in the Y-axis direction, one end of the second screw rod penetrates through the second threaded hole, and the other end of the second screw rod is rotationally connected with the output end of the second motor, and the second motor drives the clamping mechanism to slide in the Y-axis direction through the second screw rod.

5. An automatic submarine cable centering welding device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: The Z-axis adjusting mechanism includes a third motor and a third screw rod, the third motor is arranged on the first longitudinal rod in the Y-axis direction, the output end of the third motor is arranged in the Z-axis direction, the clamping mechanism is provided with a third threaded hole, the axis of the third threaded hole is arranged in the Z-axis direction, the third screw rod is arranged in the Z-axis direction, one end of the third screw rod penetrates through the third threaded hole, and the other end of the third screw rod is rotationally connected with the output end of the third motor, and the third motor drives the clamping mechanism to slide in the Z-axis direction through the third screw rod.

6. An automatic submarine cable centering welding device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: The clamping mechanism includes a clamping seat and a clamping ring, the second threaded hole and the third threaded hole are respectively arranged on the clamping seat, the clamping ring is fixedly arranged on the clamping seat, the axis of the clamping ring is arranged in the X-axis direction, the submarine cable to be welded is arranged in the clamping ring, and the sensor is arranged on the clamping ring.

7. An automatic submarine cable centering welding device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a plug pin, a plurality of pin holes are radially arranged on the outer periphery of the clamping ring, the plug pin is embedded in the pin hole and abuts against the submarine cable to be welded in the clamping ring to position.

8. A submarine cable automatic centering and welding device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor is a laser sensor, and the sending end and the receiving end of the laser sensor are arranged on the two clamping mechanisms respectively.

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