Overturning and lowering device for submarine cable laying operation

Abstract

The invention discloses a submarine cable laying operation overturning and lowering device which is composed of a fan-shaped frame and an overturning structure, the fan-shaped frame is arranged on a ship body through the overturning structure, the fan-shaped frame abuts against the overturning structure so that the fan-shaped frame can be located at the horizontal position, and a submarine cable is lowered to a seabed through a lower water bridge along the fan-shaped frame. The submarine cable is laid along the moving direction of the ship body; the overturning structure is started, the fan-shaped frame is made to rotate from the horizontal position to the vertical position, the fan-shaped frame is lowered to the position above the seabed in the vertical direction through the constant tension winch and the auxiliary winch, the fan-shaped frame is controlled to overturn in the vertical direction through the auxiliary winch, and then the U-shaped bent section of the submarine cable is separated from the fan-shaped frame to abut against the seabed. According to the submarine cable laying operation overturning and lowering device, the U-shaped bent section of the cable is effectively prevented from making contact with the seabed in the cable lowering process, cable damage is reduced, the submarine cable integrity is improved, submarine cable lowering does not depend on a crane, the device adapts to complex sea conditions, the construction efficiency is improved, and the construction period is shortened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine oil engineering technology, and in particular relates to a device for flipping and lowering submarine cables during laying operations. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of offshore wind power, submarine communications and offshore oil and gas construction, higher requirements have been placed on the efficiency of laying and maintaining submarine cables shallower than 300 meters; at the same time, it also involves the replacement of damaged or old submarine cables.

[0003] In traditional laying methods, the cable end laying and pulling stages are prone to damage due to friction between the cable and seabed gravel, local bending of the product, or the use of cranes being limited by sea conditions, which prolongs the construction period and makes it difficult to adapt to the requirements of stable operation in deep water and complex sea conditions.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a flipping and lowering device for submarine cable laying operations to solve the problems mentioned above. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the technical issues mentioned in the background art regarding cable end laying and pulling stages, which are prone to damage due to friction between the cable and seabed gravel, and localized bending damage to the product, a submarine cable laying operation flipping and lowering device is provided to improve the integrity of submarine cable laying.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the specific technical solution of the submarine cable laying operation flipping and lowering device of the present invention is as follows: A submarine cable laying operation tilting and lowering device consists of a fan-shaped frame and a tilting structure. The fan-shaped frame is set on the hull via the tilting structure and abuts against the tilting structure, so that the fan-shaped frame is in a horizontal position. The submarine cable is lowered along the fan-shaped frame through the launching bridge to the seabed, so that the submarine cable is laid in the direction of the ship's movement. The tilting structure is activated to rotate the fan-shaped frame from the horizontal position to the vertical position. The fan-shaped frame is lowered vertically above the seabed by a constant tension winch and an auxiliary winch. The auxiliary winch controls the fan-shaped frame to tilt vertically, thereby separating the U-bend section of the submarine cable from the fan-shaped frame and abutting against the seabed.

[0007] Furthermore, the fan-shaped frame includes a fan-shaped structure, multiple vertical guide wheels, and multiple horizontal guide wheels. The multiple vertical guide wheels and multiple horizontal guide wheels are all connected at intervals to the fan-shaped structure so that the submarine cable can slide along the fan-shaped structure.

[0008] Furthermore, the fan-shaped structure is connected at intervals with the traction cables of a constant tension winch and two auxiliary winches. The traction cables of the two auxiliary winches are equally spaced on both sides of the traction cable of the constant tension winch, so that when the auxiliary winches retrieve the traction cable, the fan-shaped structure flips vertically to lower the U-shaped section of the submarine cable.

[0009] Furthermore, the tilting structure includes a base, a lower tilting arm, and an upper tilting arm. The upper tilting arm is rotatably connected to the base via the lower tilting arm, and the base is connected to the hull, so that the lower tilting arm drives the upper tilting arm to rotate.

[0010] Furthermore, the fan-shaped structure abuts against the upper flip arm to keep the fan-shaped structure in a horizontal position.

[0011] Furthermore, a locking assembly is provided on the upper tilting arm, which is connected to the fan-shaped structure to ensure that the fan-shaped structure is stably mounted on the upper tilting arm.

[0012] Furthermore, a support cylinder is provided between the lower tilting arm and the base. The support cylinder drives the lower tilting arm to rotate, which in turn drives the fan-shaped structure connected to the upper tilting arm to rotate.

[0013] Furthermore, a connecting rod is hinged between the upper tilting arm and the base. The connecting rod, driven by the support cylinder, rotates the lower tilting arm and limits the upper tilting arm, so that the fan-shaped structure rotates from the horizontal position to the vertical position.

[0014] Furthermore, a guide assembly is hinged to the upper tilting arm so that the traction cable of the constant tension winch is connected to the fan-shaped structure through the guide assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, a guide cylinder is provided between the guide assembly and the upper tilting arm. The guide cylinder drives the guide assembly to rotate so that the fan-shaped structure disengages from the upper tilting arm and lowers the U-shaped section of the submarine cable vertically above the seabed.

[0016] The submarine cable laying operation tilting and lowering device of the present invention has the following advantages: The fan-shaped frame facilitates cable guidance and lowering. The cable enters the water along the lowering bridge via the fan-shaped frame. A flipping structure rotates the fan-shaped frame from a horizontal to a vertical position. A constant tension winch and an auxiliary winch then hoist the fan-shaped frame above the seabed. Rotating the fan-shaped frame vertically lowers the U-bend of the cable into the water. This design effectively avoids contact between the U-bend of the cable and the seabed during lowering, reducing cable damage, improving cable integrity, and allowing the cable to be lowered without relying on cranes. This adapts to complex sea conditions, improves construction efficiency, and shortens the construction period. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the submarine cable laying operation flipping and lowering device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the horizontal position of the fan-shaped frame of the submarine cable laying operation flipping and lowering device of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the fan-shaped frame of the submarine cable laying operation flipping and lowering device of the present invention in a vertical position. Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the fan-shaped frame of the submarine cable laying operation flipping and lowering device of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flipping structure of the submarine cable laying operation flipping and lowering device of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of markings in the diagram: 1. Hull; 2. Fan-shaped frame; 21. Fan-shaped structure; 22. Vertical guide wheel; 23. Horizontal guide wheel; 3. Tilting structure; 31. Base; 32. Lower tilting arm; 33. Upper tilting arm; 34. Locking assembly; 35. Support cylinder; 36. Connecting rod; 37. Guide assembly; 38. Guide cylinder; 4. Submersible bridge. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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, 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.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0021] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 The present invention describes a cable laying operation tilting and lowering device.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the submarine cable laying operation flipping and lowering device of the present invention consists of a fan-shaped frame 2 and a flipping structure 3. The fan-shaped frame 2 is set on the hull 1 through the flipping structure 3. When the fan-shaped frame 2 abuts against the flipping structure 3, the fan-shaped frame 2 is in a horizontal position. The submarine cable is lowered to the seabed along the fan-shaped frame 2 through the lowering bridge 4. During the movement of the hull 1, the submarine cable is laid in the direction of movement of the hull 1.

[0023] If the flipping structure 3 is activated, the sector frame 2 will rotate from the horizontal position to the vertical position. The sector frame 2 will be lowered vertically to the seabed by the constant tension winch and auxiliary winch connected to the sector frame 2. The auxiliary winch will control the sector frame 2 to flip vertically, thereby separating the U-bend section of the submarine cable from the sector frame 2 and abutting it on the seabed.

[0024] The fan-shaped frame 2 can be used to guide and lower the cable. The cable enters the water along the lowering bridge 4 through the fan-shaped frame 2. The flipping structure 3 is used to flip the fan-shaped frame 2 from a horizontal state to a vertical state. The fan-shaped frame is then hoisted to the seabed above by a constant tension winch and an auxiliary winch. The fan-shaped frame 2 is rotated vertically to lower the U-bend section of the cable into the water.

[0025] As a preferred embodiment, in the actual use of submarine cables, if there is aging of the submarine cable or damage to a certain section of the submarine cable, the ROV robot can identify the location of the damage underwater, grab the submarine cable and attach it to the hull 1, fix the damaged section of the submarine cable to the tensioner of the hull 1, cut off the damaged section of the submarine cable, and reconnect the submarine cable through the junction box so that it can continue to be used.

[0026] After the submarine cable is repaired, it can be laid back onto the seabed along with the direction of the ship's movement using the horizontally set fan-shaped frame 2 and the launching bridge 4. As for the U-shaped section of the submarine cable that finally abuts on the fan-shaped frame 2, the fan-shaped frame 2 is rotated to a vertical position, that is, perpendicular to the deck of the ship's hull 1, by the flipping structure 3. At this time, the fan-shaped frame 2 is lowered vertically, thereby driving the U-shaped section of the submarine cable into the sea. When the fan-shaped frame 2 moves above the seabed, the fan-shaped frame 2 is rotated vertically to detach the U-shaped section of the submarine cable from the fan-shaped frame 2 and lay it on the seabed.

[0027] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the fan-shaped frame 2 consists of a fan-shaped structure 21, multiple vertical guide wheels 22, and multiple horizontal guide wheels 23.

[0028] Specifically, multiple vertical guide wheels 22 and multiple horizontal guide wheels 23 are rotatably connected at intervals along the arc direction of the fan-shaped structure 21. The vertical guide wheels 22 and the horizontal guide wheels 23 abut against the outer wall of the submarine cable, thereby causing the submarine cable to slide along the arc surface of the fan-shaped structure 21, so that the submarine cable can be lowered through the fan-shaped structure 21 along the lowering bridge 4.

[0029] Preferably, the traction cables of a constant tension winch and two auxiliary winches are connected at intervals along the arc surface of the fan-shaped structure 21, and the traction cables of the two auxiliary winches are equally spaced on both sides of the traction cable of the constant tension winch; when the constant tension winch and the two auxiliary winches release the traction cables at the same time, it ensures that the fan-shaped structure 21 is lowered in the vertical direction.

[0030] When the two auxiliary winches retrieve the traction cable, the fan-shaped structure 21 rotates along the connection position of the traction cable of the auxiliary winches, that is, it flips in the vertical direction to realize the U-bend section of the submarine cable.

[0031] Furthermore, such as Figure 5As shown, the flipping structure 3 mainly consists of a base 31, a lower flipping arm 32 and an upper flipping arm 33. One end of the upper flipping arm 33 is hinged to the lower flipping arm 32, and the end of the lower flipping arm 32 away from the upper flipping arm 33 is hinged to the base 31, and the base 31 is fixedly connected to the hull 1, so that the lower flipping arm 32 drives the upper flipping arm 33 to rotate, thereby driving the fan-shaped structure 21 to rotate from the horizontal position to the vertical position.

[0032] Specifically, initially, the fan-shaped structure 21 is placed against the upper flip arm 33 to ensure that the fan-shaped structure 21 is in a horizontal position. Preferably, a locking component 34 is connected to the upper flip arm 33 to fix the fan-shaped structure 21 to the upper flip arm 33. When the fan-shaped structure 21 rotates to a vertical position with the upper flip arm 33, the locking component 34 is opened, and the fan-shaped structure 21 can be lowered in the vertical direction.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a support cylinder 35 is provided between the lower tilting arm 32 and the base 31. The drive end of the support cylinder 35 is hinged to the lower tilting arm 32. When the support cylinder 35 is activated, the fan-shaped structure 21 connected to the upper tilting arm 33 will rotate.

[0034] Preferably, a connecting rod 36 is hinged between the upper tilting arm 33 and the base 31. The connecting rod 36 is hinged on the side of the upper tilting arm 33 away from the lower tilting arm 32. When the support cylinder 35 drives the lower tilting arm 32 to rotate, the connecting rod 36 rotates and is limited to a certain position, ensuring that the upper tilting arm 33 rotates to a vertical position, that is, limiting the maximum rotation angle of the upper tilting arm 33 to 90 degrees, so that the upper tilting arm 33 is perpendicular to the deck of the hull 1, thereby ensuring that the fan-shaped structure 21 rotates from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

[0035] Meanwhile, a guide assembly 37 is hinged to the end of the upper tilting arm 33 away from the lower tilting arm 32. Preferably, a guide wheel is connected to the guide assembly 37. The traction cable of the constant tension winch passes through the guide wheel of the guide assembly 37 and is connected to the fan-shaped structure 21, thereby enabling the fan-shaped structure 21 to be lowered and thus initiating a guiding effect on the fan-shaped structure 21.

[0036] Specifically, a guide cylinder 38 is provided between the guide component 37 and the upper tilting arm 33. The drive end of the guide cylinder 38 is connected to the guide component 37, thereby driving the guide component 37 to rotate so that the fan-shaped structure 21 moves vertically after detaching from the upper tilting arm 33, and avoids the fan-shaped structure 21 from contacting the lowering bridge 4, so that the U-shaped section of the submarine cable is lowered vertically to the seabed.

[0037] The working principle of the submarine cable laying operation flipping and lowering device in this invention is as follows: First, the fan-shaped structure 21 is abutted against the upper flip arm 33, and the fan-shaped structure 21 is fixed by the locking assembly 34; Then, the two ends of the submarine cable are lowered through the fan-shaped structure 21 and the lowering bridge 4; Then, start the support cylinder 35 to drive the lower tilting arm 32 to rotate, which in turn drives the upper tilting arm 33 to start rotating from the horizontal position; Then, the upper tilting arm 33 is limited by the connecting rod 36, so that the upper tilting arm 33 rotates from the horizontal position to the vertical position; Then, the locking assembly 34 is opened, and the constant tension winch and auxiliary winch are used to ensure that the sector structure 21 remains stationary in the vertical direction; Then, the guide cylinder 38 is activated, causing the guide assembly 37 to rotate, which in turn drives the traction cable of the constant tension winch to drive the fan-shaped structure 21 to avoid the lower bridge 4 in the vertical direction. Then, the fan-shaped structure 21 is moved vertically to above the seabed by a constant tension winch and an auxiliary winch; Finally, the traction cable of the auxiliary winch is retrieved, causing the fan-shaped structure 21 to rotate vertically, thereby detaching the U-shaped section of the submarine cable from the fan-shaped structure 21, allowing it to be laid on the seabed under its own weight.

[0038] Based on the cable laying operation flipping and lowering device, the present invention effectively avoids the U-bend section of the cable from contacting the seabed during the cable lowering process, reduces cable damage, improves the integrity of the cable, and the cable lowering does not rely on a crane, adapts to complex sea conditions, improves construction efficiency, and shortens the construction period.

[0039] This application has a reasonable structural design, is easy to operate, and has good practicality and application value.

[0040] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for flipping and lowering submarine cable laying operations, comprising a fan-shaped frame and a flipping structure, wherein the fan-shaped frame is mounted on the hull via the flipping structure, characterized in that... The fan-shaped frame abuts against the tilting structure, placing it in a horizontal position. The submarine cable is lowered along the fan-shaped frame to the seabed via the launching bridge, allowing it to be laid in the direction of the ship's movement. The tilting structure is then activated, causing the fan-shaped frame to rotate from a horizontal to a vertical position. The fan-shaped frame is then lowered vertically above the seabed via a constant tension winch and an auxiliary winch. The auxiliary winch controls the fan-shaped frame to tilt vertically, thereby separating the U-bend section of the submarine cable from the fan-shaped frame and abutting it against the seabed.

2. The submarine cable laying operation tilting and lowering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fan-shaped frame includes a fan-shaped structure, multiple vertical guide wheels, and multiple horizontal guide wheels. The multiple vertical guide wheels and multiple horizontal guide wheels are all connected to the fan-shaped structure at intervals to allow the submarine cable to slide along the fan-shaped structure.

3. The submarine cable laying operation tilting and lowering device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fan-shaped structure is connected at intervals with the traction cables of a constant tension winch and two auxiliary winches. The traction cables of the two auxiliary winches are equally spaced on both sides of the traction cable of the constant tension winch, so that when the auxiliary winches retrieve the traction cable, the fan-shaped structure flips vertically to lower the U-shaped section of the submarine cable.

4. The submarine cable laying operation tilting and lowering device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flipping structure includes a base, a lower flipping arm, and an upper flipping arm. The upper flipping arm is rotatably connected to the base via the lower flipping arm, and the base is connected to the hull so that the lower flipping arm drives the upper flipping arm to rotate.

5. The submarine cable laying operation tilting and lowering device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fan-shaped structure abuts against the upper flip arm to keep the fan-shaped structure in a horizontal position.

6. The submarine cable laying operation tilting and lowering device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The upper tilting arm is equipped with a locking component, which is connected to the fan-shaped structure to ensure that the fan-shaped structure is stably mounted on the upper tilting arm.

7. The submarine cable laying operation tilting and lowering device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A support cylinder is installed between the lower tilting arm and the base. The support cylinder drives the lower tilting arm to rotate, which in turn drives the fan-shaped structure connected to the upper tilting arm to rotate.

8. The submarine cable laying operation tilting and lowering device according to claim 7, characterized in that, A connecting rod is hinged between the upper tilting arm and the base. The connecting rod, driven by the support cylinder, rotates the lower tilting arm and limits the upper tilting arm, so that the fan-shaped structure can rotate from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

9. The submarine cable laying operation tilting and lowering device according to claim 8, characterized in that, A guide assembly is hinged to the upper tilting arm so that the traction cable of the constant tension winch is connected to the fan-shaped structure through the guide assembly.

10. The submarine cable laying operation tilting and lowering device according to claim 9, characterized in that, A guide cylinder is installed between the guide assembly and the upper tilting arm. The guide cylinder drives the guide assembly to rotate so that the fan-shaped structure is disengaged from the upper tilting arm, and the U-shaped section of the submarine cable is lowered vertically to the seabed.

Images