A flange separator

Abstract

This invention discloses a flange separator, relating to the technical field of flange separation, comprising: a central connecting rod assembly, and two separation mechanisms symmetrically arranged at both ends of the central connecting rod assembly; the central connecting rod assembly includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod, which are movably sleeved together in an axially relative telescopic manner to form an adjustable-length rigid lever arm. The thrust applied by the operator is effectively integrated and transmitted to the separation mechanisms at both ends through the rod itself, avoiding the asynchronous problems that may occur with multiple power sources and ensuring the coordinated and consistent separation action. The locking mechanism is designed to allow the first and second connecting rods to be easily telescopically adjusted to adapt to different flange spacings, while ensuring that their relative positions are absolutely fixed when subjected to huge reaction forces during separation operations, preventing any possible sliding or contraction, thereby ensuring the stable transmission of separation force and operational safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flange separation technology, and in particular to a flange separator. Background Technology

[0002] In equipment maintenance in fields such as petrochemicals and energy, separating flange connections is a necessary step for gasket replacement and equipment overhaul. Currently, in situations where space is limited or large hydraulic equipment cannot be used, operators often use manual mechanical flange separators, such as screw-type or eccentric wheel pry tools. Typically, two separators need to be symmetrically installed on the flange circumference. In practice, the operator needs to drive the two separators separately and sequentially: first operating one to create a certain gap, then rotating to the other side to operate the second separator, and so on, alternating between the two.

[0003] Operators need to repeatedly move and switch between two workstations, causing interruptions in the workflow and resulting in low overall separation efficiency. Furthermore, due to reliance on manual judgment and control, it is difficult to precisely ensure that the opening speed and displacement of the two separators are completely synchronized. This may lead to uneven stress on both sides of the flange, causing slight warping or misalignment of the flange surface, which is detrimental to the protection of precision sealing surfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flange separator that effectively integrates the thrust applied by the operator and transmits it to the separation mechanisms at both ends through the rods themselves, thus avoiding the asynchronous problems that may occur with multiple power sources and ensuring the coordinated and consistent separation action.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a flange separator, comprising:

[0006] A central connecting rod assembly, and two separation mechanisms symmetrically arranged at both ends of the central connecting rod assembly;

[0007] The central connecting rod assembly includes a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod, wherein the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are movably sleeved together in a manner of axial telescopic expansion and contraction.

[0008] Each of the separation mechanisms includes a first and second skid plates with identical structures and symmetrically arranged, a connecting seat, a pressing block, and a drive assembly.

[0009] The connecting seat hinges one end of the first pry bar and the second pry bar together.

[0010] The pressing block is disposed between the first skid plate and the second skid plate, and can move along the direction of their opposing pressing surfaces;

[0011] The drive assembly is disposed within the connector and is driven to connect with the extrusion block.

[0012] One end of the first connecting rod is connected to the drive assembly of one of the separation mechanisms, and one end of the second connecting rod is connected to the drive assembly of the other separation mechanism;

[0013] The outer wall of the connection point between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod and the corresponding drive component is respectively shaft-connected to the connecting seat of the corresponding separation mechanism.

[0014] When the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod rotate around their axial joint, they drive the corresponding driving components to rotate, thereby causing the pressing block to move and forcing the first skid and the second skid to open around their hinge point, thus achieving flange separation.

[0015] Furthermore, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod extend and retract to adjust the distance between the two separation mechanisms, and a locking element is provided between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod.

[0016] Furthermore, the locking component includes a left locking plate, a right locking plate, and a locking rod. The left locking plate and the right locking plate are respectively fixed on the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, and the left locking plate and the right locking plate are interlocked and fitted together.

[0017] Furthermore, the locking rod is mounted on the second connecting rod via bearings and brackets, and the first and second connecting rods are provided with limiting holes for the locking rod to be movably inserted.

[0018] Furthermore, one end of the extrusion block is conical, and a conical groove for installing the extrusion block is provided between the first pry bar and the second pry bar.

[0019] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a lead screw, a connecting rod, a ratchet assembly, and a drive rod. One end of the lead screw is connected to the ratchet assembly via the connecting rod, and the other end of the ratchet assembly is connected to the drive rod. The drive rod is connected to the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, respectively.

[0020] Furthermore, the ratchet assembly includes a first ratchet, a second ratchet, a first ratchet tooth, and a second ratchet tooth. When the first ratchet tooth is aligned with the first ratchet tooth, the second ratchet tooth is misaligned with the second ratchet tooth. The central connecting rod assembly is provided with a linkage component that drives the first ratchet tooth and the second ratchet tooth to move.

[0021] Furthermore, the linkage includes a pressure rod, a winding rod, and a pull rope. One end of the pull rope is connected to the drive rod, and the other end of the pull rope is wound around the winding rod. The pressure rod and the winding rod are threaded together.

[0022] Furthermore, the pull rope is disposed within the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, and rollers for guiding the pull rope are disposed within the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod.

[0023] Furthermore, the extrusion block is threadedly mounted on the lead screw.

[0024] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0025] 1. Each separation mechanism of this invention includes a first and second skid plate, a connecting seat, a pressing block, and a driving assembly, all with identical and symmetrical structures. The two separation mechanisms are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the central connecting rod assembly. When driven, the separation forces generated by the two mechanisms are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, acting on two points approximately 10 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the flange. The symmetrical force application mode can form a pair of force couples on the flange mating surface, ensuring that the separation force mainly acts along the axial direction of the flange bolts, reducing the generation of lateral component forces or torsional moments. Since the forces are symmetrical and parallel, the two flanges can maintain relatively parallel movement trajectories during the separation process, and the gap increases uniformly, effectively avoiding flange tilting or misalignment caused by unilateral prying. This provides crucial protection for the precision sealing surface of the flange and reduces the risk of secondary leakage due to improper maintenance operations.

[0026] 2. The locking mechanism of this invention allows the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod to be easily telescopically adjusted to adapt to different flange spacings, while ensuring that their relative positions are absolutely fixed when subjected to huge reaction forces during separation operations, eliminating any possible sliding or contraction, thereby ensuring the stable transmission of separation force and operational safety.

[0027] 3. After the state is switched by the linkage, the first ratchet disengages and the second ratchet engages with the second ratchet. At this time, the effective driving direction of the drive rod is opposite. The operator can choose one direction as the working stroke to open the flange, and the opposite direction as the idling stroke to quickly reset the handle and prepare for the next force application. This realizes a labor-saving reciprocating operation similar to a pump, reducing the labor load of high-intensity operations. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the central connecting rod assembly and the separation mechanism of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the separation mechanism of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a half-sectional view of the separation mechanism structure of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the separation mechanism of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a half-sectional view of the ratchet assembly structure of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the linkage structure of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 9 For the present invention Figure 8 Enlarged view of point B.

[0037] In the picture:

[0038] 1. Central connecting rod assembly; 11. First connecting rod; 12. Second connecting rod;

[0039] 2. Separation mechanism; 21. First skid; 22. Second skid; 23. Connecting seat; 24. Pressing block; 25. Drive assembly; 251. Lead screw; 252. Connecting rod; 253. Ratchet assembly; 2531. First ratchet; 2532. Second ratchet; 2533. First ratchet tooth; 2534. Second ratchet tooth; 254. Drive rod;

[0040] 3. Locking component; 31. Left locking plate; 311. Limiting hole; 32. Right locking plate; 33. Locking rod;

[0041] 4. Linkage component; 41. Pressure rod; 42. Winding rod; 43. Pull rope. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 - Figure 9 A flange separator is provided, comprising:

[0044] A central connecting rod assembly 1, and two separation mechanisms 2 symmetrically arranged at both ends of the central connecting rod assembly 1;

[0045] The central connecting rod assembly 1 includes a first connecting rod 11 and a second connecting rod 12. The first connecting rod 11 and the second connecting rod 12 are movably sleeved in a axially relative telescopic manner, forming an adjustable-length rigid lever arm. The thrust applied by the operator is effectively integrated and transmitted to the separation mechanism 2 at both ends through the rod itself, avoiding the asynchronous problem that may occur with multiple power sources and ensuring the coordination of the separation action. The movable sleeve structure allows the total length of the central connecting rod assembly 1 to be flexibly adjusted within a certain range. When facing flange pairs with different spacing or when the initial installation position is not ideal, it increases the overall adaptability. The operator does not need to change tools or add complex accessories. By simply adjusting the sleeve length, the separation mechanism 2 can be quickly aligned with the optimal force application point, which greatly improves the preparation efficiency.

[0046] Each separation mechanism 2 includes a first skid plate 21 and a second skid plate 22 with identical and symmetrical structures, a connecting seat 23, a pressing block 24, and a driving assembly 25. The two separation mechanisms 2 are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the central connecting rod assembly 1. When driven, the separation forces generated by the two are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, and act on two points about 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the flange. The symmetrical force application mode can form a pair of force couples on the flange mating surface, ensuring that the separation force mainly acts along the axial direction of the flange bolts, reducing the generation of lateral component forces or torsional moments. Since the forces are symmetrical and parallel, the two flanges can maintain relatively parallel movement trajectories during the separation process, and the gap increases uniformly, effectively avoiding the flange tilting or misalignment caused by unilateral prying, thus forming a crucial protection for the precision sealing surface of the flange and reducing the risk of secondary leakage due to improper maintenance operations.

[0047] Connector 23 hinges one end of the first pry bar 21 and the second pry bar 22 to each other;

[0048] The extrusion block 24 is disposed between the first pry bar 21 and the second pry bar 22 and can move along the direction of their opposing pressing surfaces. The extrusion block 24 is the medium for realizing motion conversion. It is usually designed as a wedge block or roller structure with symmetrical inclined surfaces. When the drive assembly 25 pushes the extrusion block 24 to move along the pressing surface direction of the first pry bar 21 and the second pry bar 22, its inclined surface contacts the corresponding inclined surface or curved surface on the inner side of the pry bar, generating normal pressure. This normal pressure is decomposed into a force perpendicular to the inner wall of the pry bar, thereby converting the horizontal linear motion of the extrusion block into the radial opening motion of the first pry bar 21 and the second pry bar 22 around the hinge point.

[0049] The drive assembly 25 is disposed within the connecting seat 23 and is drivenly connected to the extrusion block 24;

[0050] One end of the first connecting rod 11 is connected to the drive assembly 25 of one of the separation mechanisms 2, and one end of the second connecting rod 12 is connected to the drive assembly 25 of the other separation mechanism 2.

[0051] The outer walls of the connection points between the first connecting rod 11 and the second connecting rod 12 and the corresponding drive assembly 25 are respectively axially connected to the connecting seat 23 of the corresponding separation mechanism 2.

[0052] When the first connecting rod 11 and the second connecting rod 12 rotate around their axial joint, they drive the corresponding driving assembly 25 to rotate, thereby driving the pressing block 24 to move, forcing the first skid plate 21 and the second skid plate 22 to open around their hinge point, thus achieving flange separation. Through the coordinated design of the central connecting rod assembly 1 and the separation mechanism 2 symmetrically arranged at both ends, the problems of limited space, uneven force application, dangerous operation, low efficiency and easy damage to the sealing surface in traditional flange separation operations are solved. The driving source of the separation action is efficiently and synchronously converted into the parallel opening motion of the first skid plate 21 and the second skid plate 22 through the driving assembly 25 integrated in the connecting seat 23.

[0053] The first connecting rod 11 and the second connecting rod 12 are telescopic to adjust the distance between the two separation mechanisms 2. A locking element 3 is provided between the first connecting rod 11 and the second connecting rod 12. The locking element 3 is designed to allow the first connecting rod 11 and the second connecting rod 12 to be easily telescopically adjusted to adapt to different flange distances, while ensuring that the relative position of the two is absolutely fixed when subjected to reaction force during separation operation, eliminating any possible sliding or contraction, thereby ensuring the stable transmission of separation force and operational safety.

[0054] The locking component 3 includes a left locking plate 31, a right locking plate 32, and a locking rod 33. The left locking plate 31 and the right locking plate 32 are respectively fixed on the first connecting rod 11 and the second connecting rod 12. The left locking plate 31 and the right locking plate 32 are interlocked and fitted together. The locking rod 33 is mounted on the second connecting rod 12 through a bearing and a bracket. The first connecting rod 11 and the second connecting rod 12 are provided with limiting holes 311 for the locking rod 33 to be movably inserted.

[0055] It should be noted that most existing separators apply separation force unilaterally or asymmetrically on the flange. Residual pressure, medium stress, or thermal stress may remain within the pipeline system. During separation, the released energy can cause the separator or its components to eject from the flange gap under reaction force, posing a threat to operators and surrounding equipment. During the installation preparation phase, the operator needs to slide the first connecting rod 11 and the second connecting rod 12 to accurately align the separation mechanism 2 at both ends with the optimal force application point on the flange. At this time, the locking element 3 is in the loose state, allowing for easy, stepless, and smooth adjustment. Once the position is determined, the locking rod 33 is inserted into the limiting hole 311, and the staggered mating surfaces of the left locking plate 31 and the right locking plate 32 are rigidly connected together. At this point, the originally sliding sleeve pair transforms into a rigid, seamless rod that can transmit rotational torque and axial thrust to the separation mechanism 2 without loss, avoiding potential damage caused by internal sliding. Energy loss, impact, or uncertainty are mitigated by the interlocking of the left and right locking plates 31 and 32, which form a large-area, interlocking contact interface. When the central connecting rod assembly 1 is subjected to working torque, this contact surface provides a large frictional torque resistance. After insertion, the locking rod 33 passes through the limiting hole 311 on the left and right locking plates, essentially providing an additional rigid connecting pin across the thickness of the two interlocking plates. This ensures that forces from any direction are borne by the shear strength of the locking rod and the compression and friction of the interlocking plate contact surface, improving the overall structural strength and reliability in the locked state. This is especially suitable for high-load conditions when separating heavy, rusted flanges. During separation operations, the rigid locking provided by the fixing part 3 prevents the separation mechanism 2 from suddenly losing its position, causing it to slip off the flange and resulting in tool ejection or personnel instability. This adds critical safety assurance for operations in high-pressure and high-risk environments.

[0056] One end of the extrusion block 24 is conical, and a conical groove for installing the extrusion block 24 is provided between the first skid plate 21 and the second skid plate 22. The conical extrusion block 24 and the corresponding conical groove form a classic inclined plane mechanism. When the lead screw 251 drives the extrusion block 24 to move forward horizontally, its conical surface contacts the inclined surface of the conical groove, generating a normal force perpendicular to the inclined plane. This normal force can be decomposed into a horizontal component and a vertical component. The vertical component acts directly on the inner wall of the skid plate, becoming the radial expansion force that drives the first skid plate 21 and the second skid plate 22 to open.

[0057] The drive assembly 25 includes a lead screw 251, a connecting rod 252, a ratchet assembly 253, and a drive rod 254. One end of the lead screw 251 is connected to the ratchet assembly 253 via the connecting rod 252, and the other end of the ratchet assembly 253 is connected to the drive rod 254. The drive rod 254 is connected to the first connecting rod 11 and the second connecting rod 12 respectively.

[0058] The ratchet assembly 253 includes a first ratchet 2531, a second ratchet 2532, a first ratchet tooth 2533, and a second ratchet tooth 2534. When the first ratchet tooth 2533 is aligned with the first ratchet 2531, the second ratchet 2532 is misaligned with the second ratchet tooth 2534. The central connecting rod assembly 1 is equipped with a linkage 4 that drives the first ratchet tooth 2533 and the second ratchet tooth 2534 to move. By switching different ratchet tooth and ratchet engagement states, the idling and working directions of power transmission can be changed. When the first ratchet tooth 2533 is aligned with the first ratchet 2531, the drive rod 254 rotates in one direction. When the drive screw 251 is in operation, it will slip and idle when rotated in the opposite direction. At this time, the second ratchet 2532 and the second ratchet 2534 are misaligned and do not participate in the transmission. After switching the state through the linkage 4, the first ratchet 2533 disengages and the second ratchet 2534 engages with the second ratchet 2532. At this time, the effective driving direction of the drive rod 254 is opposite. The operator can choose one direction as the working stroke to open the flange, and the opposite direction as the idle stroke to quickly reset the handle and prepare for the next force application. This realizes a labor-saving reciprocating operation similar to that of a pump, reducing the labor load of high-intensity operations.

[0059] The linkage 4 includes a pressure rod 41, a winding rod 42, and a pull rope 43. One end of the pull rope 43 is connected to the drive rod 254, and the other end of the pull rope 43 is wound around the winding rod 42. The pressure rod 41 is threadedly connected to the winding rod 42. The pull rope 43 is set inside the first connecting rod 11 and the second connecting rod 12, and rollers for guiding the pull rope 43 are set inside the first connecting rod 11 and the second connecting rod 12. The extrusion block 24 is threadedly matched on the lead screw 251 and is used to remotely control the switching of the engagement state of the ratchet assembly 253 in the two-end separation mechanism 2. The engagement state of the ratchet on the two drive rods 254 can be synchronously controlled by the pull rope 43. One-button switching and double-end synchronization ensure that the two separation mechanisms 2 are always in the same working mode, avoiding the risk of uncoordinated action due to misoperation.

[0060] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flange separator, characterized in that, include: A central connecting rod assembly (1), and two separation mechanisms (2) symmetrically arranged at both ends of the central connecting rod assembly (1); The central connecting rod assembly (1) includes a first connecting rod (11) and a second connecting rod (12), which are movably sleeved together in a axially reciprocating manner; each separation mechanism (2) includes a first pry bar (21) and a second pry bar (22) with identical structures and symmetrically arranged, a connecting seat (23), a pressing block (24), and a driving assembly (25); the connecting seat (23) hinges one end of the first pry bar (21) and the second pry bar (22) together; the pressing block (24) is disposed between the first pry bar (21) and the second pry bar (22) and can move along the direction of their opposing pressing surfaces; the driving assembly (25) is disposed within the connecting seat (23). And is driven to connect with the extrusion block (24); one end of the first connecting rod (11) is connected to the drive assembly (25) of one of the separation mechanisms (2), and one end of the second connecting rod (12) is connected to the drive assembly (25) of another separation mechanism (2); the outer wall of the connection between the first connecting rod (11) and the second connecting rod (12) and the corresponding drive assembly (25) is axially connected to the connecting seat (23) of the corresponding separation mechanism (2); when the first connecting rod (11) and the second connecting rod (12) rotate around their axial connection point, they drive the corresponding drive assembly (25) to rotate, thereby driving the extrusion block (24) to move, forcing the first pry bar (21) and the second pry bar (22) to open around their hinge point, thereby realizing flange separation; The drive assembly (25) includes a lead screw (251), a connecting rod (252), a ratchet assembly (253), and a drive rod (254). One end of the lead screw (251) is connected to the ratchet assembly (253) via the connecting rod (252), and the other end of the ratchet assembly (253) is connected to the drive rod (254). The drive rod (254) is connected to the first connecting rod (11) and the second connecting rod (12) respectively. The ratchet assembly (253) includes a first ratchet (2531), a second ratchet (2532), a first ratchet tooth (2533), and a second ratchet tooth (2534). When the first ratchet (2533) is aligned with the first ratchet (2531), the second ratchet (2532) is misaligned with the second ratchet (2534), and the central connecting rod assembly (1) is provided with a linkage (4) to drive the first ratchet (2533) and the second ratchet (2534) to move. The linkage (4) includes a pressure rod (41), a winding rod (42) and a pull rope (43). One end of the pull rope (43) is connected to the driving rod (254), and the other end of the pull rope (43) is wound on the winding rod (42). The pressure rod (41) and the winding rod (42) are threaded together.

2. A flange separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting rod (11) and the second connecting rod (12) extend and retract to adjust the distance between the two separation mechanisms (2), and a locking element (3) is provided between the first connecting rod (11) and the second connecting rod (12).

3. A flange separator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking component (3) includes a left locking plate (31), a right locking plate (32) and a locking rod (33). The left locking plate (31) and the right locking plate (32) are respectively fixed on the first connecting rod (11) and the second connecting rod (12), and the left locking plate (31) and the right locking plate (32) are interlocked and attached to each other.

4. A flange separator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking rod (33) is mounted on the second connecting rod (12) via bearings and brackets. The first connecting rod (11) and the second connecting rod (12) are provided with limiting holes (311) for the locking rod (33) to be movably inserted.

5. A flange separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the extrusion block (24) is conical, and a conical groove for installing the extrusion block (24) is provided between the first pry bar (21) and the second pry bar (22).

6. A flange separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pull rope (43) is disposed inside the first connecting rod (11) and the second connecting rod (12), and rollers for guiding the pull rope (43) are disposed inside the first connecting rod (11) and the second connecting rod (12).

7. A flange separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion block (24) is threadedly mounted on the lead screw (251).

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