Sealing ring replacement tool for underwater double-channel connector

Abstract

The sealing ring replacement tool comprises an upper ring body and an operation handle which are connected with each other, transition channels which are the same as channels on the underwater double-channel connector in number and are in one-to-one correspondence with the channels on the underwater double-channel connector are arranged on the upper ring body, and at least two linkage dismounting systems are installed on the upper ring body on the outer side of each transition channel. The linkage disassembly and assembly system comprises a vertical pin shaft, a transmission sliding block and a transverse clamping device, the vertical pin shaft is arranged in the upper ring body and can vertically slide relative to the upper ring body, the top end of the vertical pin shaft is exposed out of the outer side of the upper ring body and sleeved with an elastic piece, the transmission sliding block is fixed to the bottom end of the vertical pin shaft, one end of the transverse clamping device is connected with the transmission sliding block, and the other end of the transverse clamping device is connected with the upper ring body. And the other end of the transverse clamp holder is a clamping end and extends to the inner side of the transition channel. According to the sealing ring replacement tool designed by the invention, an underwater robot can assist in dismounting of an underwater old sealing ring and mounting of a new sealing ring, an integrated quick replacement function is realized, and the sealing ring replacement tool is adaptive to a dual-channel underwater connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of seal replacement technology in marine oil engineering, and in particular to a seal replacement tool for underwater dual-channel connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Sealing technology is a key technology in underwater connection technology, and metal sealing rings are important components in underwater connection systems. In deep-water environments, sealing rings must withstand the dual pressures of high-temperature, high-pressure oil and gas inside and low-temperature deep water outside, making their failure risk unavoidable. Once a sealing ring fails, it can easily lead to oil and gas leaks, causing serious harm to economic development and the ecological environment. Therefore, to effectively prevent such risks, regular replacement and maintenance of sealing rings are necessary.

[0003] Since underwater connectors typically operate at depths exceeding 2000 meters, where human assistance is impossible, the current mainstream method for replacing seals involves hoisting the entire connector from the seabed to land for replacement. However, this method requires significant manpower, material resources, and financial investment, and its efficiency is low. For underwater seal replacement, the assistance of an underwater robot (ROV) is necessary. Currently, there is very little research on seal replacement tools that allow for one-time installation and removal with the assistance of an underwater robot, and there are no suitable underwater rapid installation and removal tools for dual-channel connectors.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention provides a sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that the existing method of replacing the sealing ring requires the entire underwater connector to be hoisted from the seabed to the land for replacement, but this method not only requires a large investment of manpower, material resources and financial resources, but also has low work efficiency.

[0006] To this end, the present invention provides a sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector, comprising an upper ring body and an operating handle connected to each other. The upper ring body has transition channels with the same number of channels as the underwater dual-channel connector, corresponding one-to-one, for placing new and old sealing rings. The top and bottom ends of the upper ring body are provided with alignment structures for alignment with the underwater dual-channel connector during sealing ring replacement. At least two interconnected disassembly and assembly systems are installed on the upper ring body outside each transition channel, arranged circumferentially around the transition channel. Each interconnected disassembly and assembly system includes vertical... The device comprises a vertical pin, a transmission slider, and a transverse clamp. The vertical pin is disposed inside the upper ring body and can slide vertically relative to it. The top end of the vertical pin is exposed on the outside of the upper ring body and fitted with an elastic element. The bottom end of the vertical pin is fixed to the transmission slider. One end of the transverse clamp is connected to the transmission slider, and the other end of the transverse clamp is a clamping end that extends to the inside of the transition channel. The transmission slider is configured to convert the vertical movement of the vertical pin into the transverse movement of the transverse clamp to clamp or release the new sealing ring placed in the transition channel.

[0007] In the specific embodiment of the sealing ring replacement tool for the underwater dual-channel connector described above, an inclined guide groove is provided on one side wall of the transmission slider. A guide slider is slidably connected in the guide groove. The guide slider is connected to one end of the transverse clamp. The transverse clamp retracts outward as the guide groove moves downward with the transmission slider, and extends into the transition channel as the guide groove moves upward with the transmission slider.

[0008] In the specific embodiment of the sealing ring replacement tool for the underwater dual-channel connector described above, a disassembly ring for removing the old sealing ring is fixed at the top of each transition channel. The top surface of the disassembly ring is a conical surface, and the inner diameter of the disassembly ring is larger than the inner diameter of the transition channel.

[0009] In the specific embodiment of the sealing ring replacement tool for the underwater dual-channel connector described above, the alignment structure includes an upper alignment structure for alignment with the upper flange of the underwater dual-channel connector and a lower alignment structure for alignment with the lower flange. The upper alignment structure includes a first upper positioning groove and an upper alignment groove. The edge of the top surface of the upper ring body is provided with the first upper positioning groove in an annular shape. The top surface of the upper ring body is provided with two upper alignment grooves that are evenly distributed in a circle. The lower alignment structure includes a first lower positioning boss and a lower alignment boss. The edge of the bottom surface of the upper ring body is provided with the first lower positioning boss that corresponds to the first upper positioning groove and is in an annular shape. The bottom surface of the upper ring body is provided with two lower alignment bosses that correspond one-to-one with the upper alignment grooves.

[0010] In the specific embodiment of the sealing ring replacement tool for the underwater dual-channel connector described above, a second lower positioning boss is provided on the bottom end face of the upper ring body outside each transition channel, and a second upper positioning groove is provided on the top end face of the upper ring body outside each transition channel, corresponding to the second lower positioning boss. The bottom wall of the second upper positioning groove is provided with a plurality of vertical guide holes, the same number as the number of linkage disassembly and assembly systems, and corresponding to each other. The part of the second lower positioning boss corresponding to the vertical guide hole is provided with a sliding cavity that communicates with each other. The transmission slider is disposed in the sliding cavity and can move in the vertical direction. The vertical pin is disposed in the vertical guide hole and its bottom end extends into the sliding cavity and is connected to the transmission slider. The top end of the vertical pin is located in the second upper positioning groove and the elastic element is sleeved on it. The side wall of the sliding cavity near the transition channel is provided with a horizontal guide hole, and the horizontal clamp passes through the horizontal guide hole.

[0011] In the specific embodiment of the sealing ring replacement tool for the underwater dual-channel connector described above, the transverse clamp includes a moving rod and a clamping plate. One end of the moving rod is connected to the guide slider, and the other end of the moving rod extends through the transverse guide hole into the transition channel and is fixedly connected to the clamping plate. The clamping plate is provided with a U-shaped clamping cavity for clamping the new sealing ring.

[0012] In the specific embodiment of the sealing ring replacement tool for the underwater dual-channel connector described above, when the vertical pin is not subjected to external force, the lateral clamp in each of the linkage disassembly and assembly systems is in an extended state to clamp the new sealing ring.

[0013] In the specific embodiment of the sealing ring replacement tool for the underwater dual-channel connector described above, a ring-shaped lower mating base is fixedly fitted on the outer side of the bottom end of the upper ring body. The lower mating base is used to fit on the outer side of the lower flange when replacing the sealing ring. The bottom end of the lower mating base extends to the bottom of the upper ring body. The operating handle is fixed on the outer peripheral wall of the lower mating base. A ring-shaped and elastic limiting protrusion is connected to the inner side wall of the lower mating base. The top and bottom surfaces of the limiting protrusion are mutually symmetrical inclined surfaces on the cross-section. When the lower mating base is fitted on the lower flange, the limiting protrusion is stuck at the bottom end of the lower flange to limit the vertical displacement of the lower mating base.

[0014] In the specific embodiment of the sealing ring replacement tool for the underwater dual-channel connector described above, each of the vertical guide holes is provided with a positioning hole that penetrates the outer peripheral wall of the upper ring on the side wall away from the transition channel. The positioning hole is internally threaded with a positioning pin, and one end of the positioning pin is in contact with the vertical pin.

[0015] In the specific embodiment of the sealing ring replacement tool for the underwater dual-channel connector described above, there are two linkage disassembly and assembly systems on the outside of each transition channel, which are evenly distributed in a circle.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: This invention presents a sealing ring replacement tool that, through the design of a disassembly ring, a linked disassembly and assembly system, and an operating handle, allows for underwater disassembly and assembly with the assistance of an underwater robot. Furthermore, it enables the simultaneous rapid underwater removal of the old sealing ring and installation of the new one, achieving a one-stop, rapid replacement function. As it is a dual-channel sealing ring replacement tool, an alignment structure is designed to align with the upper and lower flanges, ensuring accurate sealing ring installation and disassembly. It is compatible with dual-channel underwater connectors, helping to overcome the technical barriers to domestically produced dual-channel connector sealing structure replacement tools. This avoids the problems of low overall replacement efficiency and poor economy associated with existing underwater connector sealing ring replacement methods that rely on land-based methods. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector provided by the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Another perspective illustration; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the transverse clamp in the retracted position; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part A in the middle; Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the central linkage disassembly and assembly system; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the alignment of the sealing ring replacement tool with the upper and lower flanges. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of disassembling and installing old and new sealing rings using a sealing ring replacement tool. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of a portion of the image; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the annular protrusion on the sealing ring; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the upper flange, the old sealing ring, and the lower flange in a mating and sealing state. Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of the upper flange; Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of the lower flange; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic support sheath.

[0018] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Upper ring body; 2. Lower docking base; 201. Limiting boss; 3. First upper positioning groove; 4. Upper centering groove; 5. Linkage disassembly and assembly system; 501. Vertical pin; 502. Horizontal clamp; 5021. Moving rod; 5022. Clamping plate; 503. Transmission slider; 504. Elastic element; 505. Guide groove; 506. Guide slider; 6. Disassembly ring; 7. Transition channel; 8. Second upper positioning groove; 9. Operating handle; 10. Lower centering boss; 11. Second lower positioning boss; 12. First lower positioning boss; 13. Upper flange; 14. First positioning boss; 15. Guide frustum; 16. Lower flange; 17. Old sealing ring; 18. New sealing ring; 19. Sheath body; 20. First positioning groove; 21. Second positioning boss; 22. Second positioning groove; 23. Annular protrusion; 24. Channel; Detailed Implementation To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the system or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the convenience of distinguishing the aforementioned components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] The sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector provided in the embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] See Figure 9-13 The sealing ring replacement tool designed in this invention is used for replacing the sealing ring of an underwater dual-channel 24 connector. The underwater dual-channel 24 connector includes a sealing ring, an upper flange 13, and a lower flange 16. Both the upper flange 13 and the lower flange 16 are provided with two parallel channels 24 for material conveying. The mating surface of the upper flange 13 is provided with two first mounting grooves that correspond one-to-one with and communicate with the channels 24 thereon. The mating surface of the lower flange 16 is provided with two second mounting grooves that correspond one-to-one with and communicate with the channels 24 thereon. The sealing ring is installed in the first mounting grooves and the second mounting grooves where the upper flange 13 and the lower flange 16 meet, so that the channels 24 at the mating part are sealed by the mating of the two.

[0023] Two symmetrically distributed annular protrusions 23 are connected to the middle of the outer wall of the sealing ring. These annular protrusions 23 are used to cooperate with the transverse clamp 502 in the sealing ring replacement tool described below. The transverse clamp 502 clamps the two annular protrusions 23 to confine the new sealing ring 18 within the transition channel 7.

[0024] The mating surface of the upper flange 13 is provided with a first positioning boss 14 that extends outward along the axis of the upper flange 13 and is in the shape of an annular ring near the edge. The mating surface inside the first positioning boss 14 is provided with two evenly distributed guide truncated cones 15 that extend outward along the axis of the upper flange 13. The mating surface of the lower flange 16 is provided with a first positioning groove 20 that engages with the first positioning boss 14 and a guide groove that engages with the guide truncated cones 15. During the mating process, the first positioning boss 14 and the guide truncated cones 15 are respectively inserted into the corresponding first positioning grooves 20 and guide grooves to achieve the alignment of the upper flange 13 and the lower flange 16.

[0025] Each channel 24 has a second positioning boss on its outer mating surface that extends outward along the axis of the upper flange 13 and is in the shape of a ring. Each channel 24 on the lower flange 16 has a second positioning groove 22 on its mating surface that engages with the second positioning boss. During the mating process, the second positioning boss is inserted into the corresponding second positioning groove 22 to assist in the alignment of the upper flange 13 and the lower flange 16.

[0026] See Figure 11 and Figure 13Multiple circumferentially arranged elastic support sheaths are installed on the inner wall of the second positioning boss. Each elastic support sheath includes a spring and a sheath body 19. One end face of the sheath body 19 is beveled, and the other end of the sheath body 19 has a connecting groove. One end of the spring extends into the connecting groove and connects to it. A third mounting groove is provided at the location where the elastic support sheaths are installed on the second positioning boss. The other end of the spring is installed in the third mounting groove, and the end of the sheath body 19 with the connecting groove extends into the third mounting groove and is restricted to moving only along the axis of the spring. In the mating state, the beveled end of the sheath body 19 is located between the two annular protrusions 23 so that the sealing ring moves with it during the upward movement of the upper flange 13. For example, four elastic support sheaths are installed on the inner wall of each second positioning boss.

[0027] Based on the underwater dual-channel connector described above, see [reference] Figure 1-5 This invention provides a sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector, comprising an upper ring body 1 and an operating handle 9 connected to each other. The upper ring body 1 has transition channels 7, the same number as the 24 channels on the underwater dual-channel connector, corresponding one-to-one, for placing new and old sealing rings 17. The top and bottom ends of the upper ring body 1 are provided with alignment structures for centering with the underwater dual-channel connector during sealing ring replacement. At least two circumferentially distributed linkage disassembly and assembly systems 5 are installed on the upper ring body 1 outside each transition channel 7. The linkage disassembly and assembly system 5 includes a vertical pin 501, a transmission slider 503, and... The horizontal clamp 502 and the vertical pin 501 are located inside the upper ring body 1 and can slide vertically relative to it. The top end of the vertical pin 501 is exposed on the outside of the upper ring body 1 and is fitted with an elastic element 504. The bottom end of the vertical pin 501 is fixed with a transmission slider 503. One end of the horizontal clamp 502 is connected to the transmission slider 503, and the other end of the horizontal clamp 502 is the clamping end and extends to the inside of the transition channel 7. The transmission slider 503 is configured to convert the vertical movement of the vertical pin 501 into the horizontal movement of the horizontal clamp 502 to clamp or release the new sealing ring 18 placed in the transition channel 7.

[0028] Specifically, see Figure 1-3 and Figure 6-12The centering structure includes an upper centering structure for centering with the upper flange 13 in the underwater dual-channel connector and a lower centering structure for centering with the lower flange 16. The upper centering structure includes a first upper positioning groove 3 and an upper centering groove 4. The edge of the top surface of the upper ring body 1 is provided with a first upper positioning groove 3 in an annular shape, and two upper centering grooves 4 are provided on the top surface of the upper ring body 1 in a circumferentially evenly distributed manner. The first upper positioning groove 3 is used to mate with the first positioning boss 14 on the upper flange 13, and the upper centering groove 4 is circular and is used to mate with the guide frustum 15 on the upper flange 13 to achieve the centering purpose. That is, the upper flange 13 and the upper ring body 1 are aligned by inserting the first positioning boss 14 into the first upper positioning groove 3 and the guide frustum 15 into the upper centering groove 4.

[0029] The lower centering structure includes a first lower positioning boss 12 and a lower centering boss 10. The bottom edge of the upper ring body 1 has a first lower positioning boss 12 that corresponds to the first upper positioning groove 3 and is annular in shape. The bottom surface of the upper ring body 1 has two lower centering bosses 10 that correspond one-to-one with the upper centering groove 4. The first lower positioning boss 12 is fitted with the first positioning groove 20 on the lower flange 16, and the lower centering boss 10 is fitted with the guide groove on the lower flange 16. That is, by inserting the first lower positioning boss 12 into the first positioning groove 20 and the lower centering boss 10 into the guide groove, the upper ring body 1 and the lower flange 16 are aligned. Furthermore, when the lower centering boss is inserted into the guide groove, its bottom surface fits against the bottom surface of the guide groove.

[0030] Additionally, a second lower positioning boss 11 is provided on the bottom end face of the upper ring body 1 outside each transition channel 7. The second positioning boss is adapted to the second positioning groove 22 on the lower flange 16 for auxiliary alignment. A second upper positioning groove 8 is provided on the top end face of the upper ring body 1 outside each transition channel 7, corresponding to the second lower positioning boss 11. The second upper positioning groove 8 is adapted to the second positioning boss on the upper flange 13. That is, when the upper flange 13 and the upper ring body 1 are aligned, the second positioning boss on the upper flange 13 is inserted into the second upper positioning groove 8 to press the vertical pin 501, providing pressure for the vertical pin 501 to move downward. During the alignment process between the lower flange 16 and the upper ring body 1, the second positioning boss is inserted into the second positioning groove 22.

[0031] By setting an alignment structure on the upper ring body 1, the upper ring body 1 can be quickly aligned with the upper flange 13 and the lower flange 16 when removing the old sealing ring 17 and installing the new sealing ring 18, ensuring the accuracy of the removal and installation of the old and new sealing rings 17 and making the removal and installation faster. The operating handle 9 is an ROV handle. This structural design facilitates the replacement of the dual-channel connector sealing ring by an underwater robot and is suitable for underwater operations.

[0032] In the above embodiments, preferably, see [reference needed]. Figure 3-5An inclined guide groove 505 is provided on one side wall of the transmission slider 503. A guide slider 506 is slidably connected in the guide groove 505. The guide slider 506 is connected to one end of the transverse clamp 502. The transverse clamp 502 retracts outward as the guide groove 505 moves down with the transmission slider 503, and extends into the transition channel 7 as the guide groove 505 moves up with the transmission slider 503.

[0033] Specifically, the bottom wall of the second upper positioning groove 8 is provided with multiple vertical guide holes that are the same number as the linkage disassembly and assembly system 5 and correspond one-to-one. The part of the second lower positioning boss 11 corresponding to the vertical guide holes is provided with a sliding cavity that is interconnected. The transmission slider 503 is set in the sliding cavity and can move in the vertical direction. The vertical pin 501 is set in the vertical guide hole and its bottom end extends into the sliding cavity and is connected to the transmission slider 503. The top end of the vertical pin 501 is located in the second upper positioning groove 8 and an elastic element 504 is sleeved on it. The side wall of the sliding cavity near the transition channel 7 is provided with a horizontal guide hole, and the horizontal clamp 502 passes through the horizontal guide hole.

[0034] Preferably, the elastic element 504 is a spring, with its top end fixedly connected to the vertical pin 501 and its bottom end fixedly connected to the bottom wall of the second upper positioning groove 8. The spring is always in a compressed state, providing elastic force to restore the vertical pin 501 to its initial position. When the vertical pin 501 is not compressed by external force, it is in its initial position, in which state the lateral clamp 502 is extended, i.e., in a state capable of clamping the new sealing ring 18. Regarding the number of linkage disassembly and assembly systems 5, this application does not impose a specific limitation and can flexibly set according to actual conditions. For example, the number of linkage disassembly and assembly systems 5 on the outer side of each transition channel 7 is two and evenly distributed circumferentially.

[0035] In the above embodiment, the vertical pin 501 is pressed downward by the second positioning boss 21 on the upper flange 13, causing the transmission slider 503 to also move downward in the sliding cavity, thereby driving the transverse clamp 502 to retract outward. When the pressing force on the vertical pin 501 disappears, under the action of the spring restoring force, the vertical pin 501 moves upward to the initial position. At this time, the transverse clamp 502 extends into the transition channel 7 to clamp the new sealing ring 18.

[0036] To ensure that the vertical pin 501 moves smoothly in the vertical direction without shaking or deviating, in the above embodiment, preferably, a positioning hole is provided on the side wall of each vertical guide hole away from the transition channel 7, which penetrates the outer peripheral wall of the upper ring body 1. The positioning hole is internally threaded with a positioning pin, and one end of the positioning pin is in contact with the vertical pin 501.

[0037] In the above embodiments, preferably, see [reference needed]. Figure 5The transverse clamp 502 includes a moving rod 5021 and a clamping plate 5022. One end of the moving rod 5021 is connected to the guide slider 506, and the other end of the moving rod 5021 extends through the transverse guide hole into the transition channel 7 and is fixedly connected to the clamping plate 5022. The clamping plate 5022 is provided with a U-shaped clamping cavity for clamping the new sealing ring 18.

[0038] Specifically, the two annular protrusions 23 on the sealing ring can be inserted into the clamping cavity by the lateral movement of the lateral clamp 502. The sealing ring is clamped on the sealing ring replacement tool for the installation of the new sealing ring 18 by the lateral clamp 502 in the multiple linkage disassembly and assembly system 5.

[0039] In the above embodiment, preferably, each transition channel 7 is fixed with a disassembly ring 6 for disassembling the old sealing ring 17 at its top end. The top surface of the disassembly ring 6 is a conical surface for engagement with the inclined surface of the sheath 19 in the upper flange 13. During the process of the upper flange 13 moving downward and docking with the upper ring 1, the disassembly ring 6 abuts against the inclined surface of the sheath 19 and the sheath 19 retracts outward as docking occurs, thereby separating from the old sealing ring 17. This achieves the function of disassembling the old sealing ring 17 when installing the new sealing ring 18 and the function of the old sealing ring 17 being able to fall off quickly.

[0040] Specifically, the inner diameter of the disassembly ring 6 is larger than the inner diameter of the transition channel 7. This ensures that the disassembly ring 6 can smoothly enter the annular gap between the sheath 19 and the old sealing ring 17 during the docking process between the upper flange 13 and the upper ring body 1, thus ensuring that the old sealing ring 17 can be easily detached.

[0041] With the sealing ring replacement tool aligned with both the upper flange 13 and the lower flange 16, the transverse clamp 502 is retracted outwards. The top surface of the disassembly ring 6 contacts the inclined surface of the sheath 19 of the elastic support sheath, causing the sheath 19 to retract radially. This allows the old sealing ring 17 to fall into the corresponding transition channel 7, while the new sealing ring 18 falls into the corresponding installation position on the lower flange 16.

[0042] In this application, it should be noted that when the sealing ring replacement tool is aligned with the lower flange 16, the new sealing ring 18 held by the transverse clamp 502 corresponds precisely to the mounting groove on the lower flange 16 for installing the sealing ring, and the bottom end of the new sealing ring 18 is inserted into the corresponding mounting position on the lower flange 16. This ensures that the new sealing ring 18 can accurately fall into the mounting position of the lower flange 16 after being removed. Similarly, when the sealing ring replacement tool is aligned with the upper flange 13, the bottom end of the old sealing ring 17 is inserted into the transition channel 7. This ensures that the removed old sealing ring 17 can accurately fall into the transition channel 7. After both the new and old sealing rings 17 have been removed and installed, the lower flange 16 is first moved by the underwater robot to disengage from the sealing ring replacement tool. In this way, the transverse clamp 502 on the sealing ring replacement tool extends back into the transition channel 7 under the restoring force of the elastic element 504, which is used to restrict the old sealing ring 17 within the transition channel 7 and prevent it from falling out.

[0043] In the above embodiments, preferably, see [reference needed]. Figure 3 and Figure 7 An annular lower mating base 2 is fixedly fitted on the outer side of the bottom end of the upper ring body 1. The lower mating base 2 is used to fit on the outer side of the lower flange 16 when replacing the sealing ring. The bottom end of the lower mating base 2 extends to the bottom of the upper ring body 1. The operating handle is fixed on the outer peripheral wall of the lower mating base 2. An annular and elastic limiting protrusion is connected to the inner side wall of the lower mating base 2. The top and bottom surfaces of the limiting protrusion are symmetrical inclined surfaces on the cross-section of the limiting protrusion. When the lower mating base 2 is fitted on the lower flange 16, the limiting protrusion is stuck at the bottom end of the lower flange 16 to limit the vertical displacement of the lower mating base 2.

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown, the limiting protrusion is elastic. During the alignment process of the lower flange 16, it ensures that the sealing ring replacement tool does not wobble relative to the lower flange 16, guaranteeing smooth alignment between the sealing ring replacement tool and the lower flange 16. After the sealing ring replacement tool and the lower flange 16 are aligned, the top surface of the limiting protrusion fits against the bottom surface of the lower flange 16, restricting the vertical displacement of the lower mating seat. This restricts the sealing ring replacement tool from moving arbitrarily vertically, ensuring the stability of the alignment.

[0045] The replacement process of the sealing ring replacement tool provided by this invention will be described in detail below.

[0046] See Figure 6-8Alignment Process: Since the sealing ring of the deep-sea dual-channel connector is being replaced, the alignment during the docking process must be considered first. First, an underwater robot lifts the upper flange 13 to a certain height. The upper flange 13 rises together with the old sealing ring 17, supported by multiple elastic support sheaths evenly distributed circumferentially. After the upper flange 13 has risen, the underwater robot's manipulator, holding the ROV handle, begins aligning the sealing ring replacement tool, carrying the new sealing ring 18 (one new sealing ring 18 is held in each transition channel 7), with the lower flange 16. The first lower positioning boss 12 on the sealing ring replacement tool aligns with the positioning groove of the lower flange 16; the second lower positioning boss 11 aligns with the corresponding second positioning groove 22 on the lower flange 16; finally, the sealing ring replacement tool is placed on the lower flange 16, completing the alignment. Then, the underwater robot lowers the upper flange 13. During the descent, the two upper alignment grooves 4 on the sealing ring replacement tool and the guide frustum 15 of the upper flange 13 are aligned; the first upper positioning groove 3 and the first positioning boss 14 on the upper flange 13 are aligned, and the second positioning boss 21 and the second upper positioning groove 8 are aligned, until the second positioning boss 21 contacts the top of the vertical pin, thus achieving alignment between the sealing ring replacement tool and the upper flange 13. The final alignment result between the sealing ring replacement tool and the upper and lower flanges 16 is as follows: Figure 6 As shown.

[0047] The process of replacing the sealing ring: After aligning with the upper flange 13, the underwater robot continues to lower the upper flange 13. During the descent, the second positioning boss 21 on the upper flange 13 contacts the tops of all the vertical pins 501 on the sealing replacement tool, pushing the vertical pins 501 to move vertically downwards. The elastic element 504 is compressed (the elastic element 504 plays a certain buffering role during the movement of the vertical pin 501). At the same time, the vertical pin 501 drives the transmission slider 503 to move downwards. Under the action of the guide groove 505, the guide slider 506 drives the transverse clamp 502 to move laterally to retract outwards until the vertical pin 501 moves downwards to its limit position and stops moving. At this time, all the transverse clamps 502 disengage from the new sealing ring 18, allowing the new sealing ring 18, which was originally placed in the transition channel 7, to fall vertically onto the lower flange 16, completing the installation of the new sealing ring 18. When the top of the vertical pin 501 is not squeezed by external force, it moves upward to the initial position under the restoring force of the elastic element 504. At this time, the transverse clamp 502 moves laterally and extends into the transition channel 7 to clamp the next new sealing ring 18.

[0048] Simultaneously, during the descent of the upper flange 13, the disassembly rings 6 at the top of the two transition channels 7 are inserted into the annular gaps formed by the corresponding old sealing rings 17 and the elastic support sheaths (four in total) (i.e., between the sheath body 19 and the old sealing rings 17). The upper flange 13 continues to descend, and the two disassembly rings 6 contact the sheath bodies 19 (four in total), pushing the sheath bodies 19 (four in total) radially outward. This causes the old sealing rings 17, originally placed on the sheath bodies 19 (four in total), to fall vertically onto the sealing ring replacement tool. Then, the underwater robot lifts the lower flange 16 to a certain height, detaching it from the sealing ring replacement tool. The underwater robot then uses the ROV handle to remove the sealing ring replacement tool, carrying the two old sealing rings 17, from the upper flange 13. This completes the sealing ring disassembly and replacement work. The entire disassembly and installation process can be quickly completed underwater with the ROV handle. Figure 7-8 As shown, the new and old sealing rings are in a critical state of simultaneous detachment. At this time, the new sealing ring has just finished detaching, and the old sealing ring is about to separate from the sheath.

[0049] This invention relates to a sealing ring replacement tool, which incorporates a disassembly ring, a linkage disassembly and assembly system, and an operating handle. The operating handle can be used in conjunction with an underwater robot for underwater disassembly and assembly. The designed disassembly ring and linkage disassembly and assembly system, during the alignment of the sealing ring replacement tool with the upper flange, use a vertical pin to retract the horizontal clamp outwards, thus installing the new sealing ring. Simultaneously, the disassembly ring abuts against the sheath, causing it to retract radially, thus disassembling the old sealing ring. This achieves rapid underwater disassembly of the old sealing ring while simultaneously installing the new one, realizing an integrated, rapid replacement function. Because it involves dual-channel sealing ring replacement, the tool incorporates an alignment structure for alignment with the upper and lower flanges, ensuring accurate sealing ring installation and disassembly. It is compatible with dual-channel underwater connectors, helping to overcome the technological barriers of domestically produced dual-channel connector sealing structure replacement tools. This avoids the problems of low overall replacement efficiency and poor economy associated with existing underwater connector sealing ring replacement methods that rely on land-based methods.

[0050] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the protection scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector, characterized in that, The device includes an interconnected upper ring and an operating handle. The upper ring has a number of transition channels corresponding to the number of channels on the underwater dual-channel connector, used for placing new and old sealing rings. The top and bottom of the upper ring have alignment structures for alignment with the underwater dual-channel connector when replacing the sealing ring. At least two linkage disassembly and assembly systems are installed on the upper ring outside each transition channel, arranged circumferentially around the transition channel. The linkage disassembly and assembly system includes a vertical pin, a transmission slider, and a lateral clamp. The vertical pin is located inside the upper ring and can slide vertically relative to it. The top of the vertical pin is exposed on the outside of the upper ring and fitted with an elastic element. The bottom of the vertical pin is fixed to the transmission slider. One end of the lateral clamp is connected to the transmission slider, and the other end of the lateral clamp is a clamping end that extends to the inside of the transition channel. The transmission slider is configured to convert the vertical movement of the vertical pin into the lateral movement of the lateral clamp to clamp or release the new sealing ring placed in the transition channel.

2. The sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, An inclined guide groove is provided on one side wall of the transmission slider. A guide slider is slidably connected in the guide groove. The guide slider is connected to one end of the transverse clamp. The transverse clamp retracts outward as the guide groove moves down with the transmission slider, and extends into the transition channel as the guide groove moves up with the transmission slider.

3. The sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the transition channels is fixed at its top end with a disassembly ring for removing the old sealing ring. The top end face of the disassembly ring is a conical surface, and the inner diameter of the disassembly ring is larger than the inner diameter of the transition channel.

4. The sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alignment structure includes an upper alignment structure for alignment with the upper flange of the underwater dual-channel connector and a lower alignment structure for alignment with the lower flange. The upper alignment structure includes a first upper positioning groove and an upper alignment groove. The edge of the top surface of the upper ring body is provided with the first upper positioning groove in an annular shape. The top surface of the upper ring body is provided with two upper alignment grooves evenly distributed in a circle. The lower alignment structure includes a first lower positioning boss and a lower alignment boss. The edge of the bottom surface of the upper ring body is provided with the first lower positioning boss in an annular shape corresponding to the first upper positioning groove. The bottom surface of the upper ring body is provided with two lower alignment bosses that correspond one-to-one with the upper alignment grooves.

5. The sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the transition channels has a second lower positioning boss on the bottom surface of the upper ring body outside the outer side, and a second upper positioning groove corresponding to the second lower positioning boss on the top surface of the upper ring body outside the outer side of the transition channel. The bottom wall of the second upper positioning groove has a plurality of vertical guide holes, the same number as the number of linkage disassembly and assembly systems, and corresponding to each other. The part of the second lower positioning boss corresponding to the vertical guide hole has a sliding cavity that is interconnected. The transmission slider is disposed in the sliding cavity and can move in the vertical direction. The vertical pin is disposed in the vertical guide hole and its bottom end extends into the sliding cavity and is connected to the transmission slider. The top end of the vertical pin is located in the second upper positioning groove and the elastic element is sleeved on it. The sliding cavity has a horizontal guide hole on the side wall near the transition channel, and the horizontal clamp passes through the horizontal guide hole.

6. The sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transverse clamp includes a moving rod and a clamping plate. One end of the moving rod is connected to the guide slider, and the other end of the moving rod extends through the transverse guide hole into the transition channel and is fixedly connected to the clamping plate. The clamping plate is provided with a U-shaped clamping cavity for clamping the new sealing ring.

7. The sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the vertical pin is not subjected to external force, the lateral clamp in each of the linkage assembly and disassembly systems is in an extended state to clamp the new sealing ring.

8. The sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, An annular lower docking base is fixedly fitted on the outer side of the bottom end of the upper ring body. The lower docking base is used to fit on the outside of the lower flange when replacing the sealing ring. The bottom end of the lower docking base extends to the bottom of the upper ring body. The operating handle is fixed on the outer peripheral wall of the lower docking base. An annular and elastic limiting protrusion is connected to the inner side wall of the lower docking base. The top and bottom surfaces of the limiting protrusion are symmetrical inclined surfaces on the cross-section. When the lower docking base is fitted on the lower flange, the limiting protrusion is locked at the bottom end of the lower flange to limit the vertical displacement of the lower docking base.

9. The sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the vertical guide holes has a positioning hole on its side wall away from the transition channel, which penetrates the outer peripheral wall of the upper ring. The positioning hole is internally threaded with a positioning pin, and one end of the positioning pin is engaged with the vertical pin.

10. The sealing ring replacement tool for an underwater dual-channel connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of linkage disassembly and assembly systems on the outside of each transition channel is two, and they are evenly distributed in a circle.

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