Quick locking and mounting device for hydropower station pipeline

Abstract

The invention discloses a hydropower station pipeline quick locking and mounting device, which relates to the technical field of hydropower stations and comprises a mounting seat, mounting holes are formed in four corners of the bottom of the mounting seat, a semicircular fixed ring is fixedly arranged at the top of the mounting seat, a movable ring is hinged to one side of the fixed ring through a hinge, and a first connecting plate is fixedly connected to the other end of the movable ring. A second connecting plate is fixedly arranged at the movable end, away from the hinge, of the fixing ring, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are arranged to be in an inverted L shape and are matched, a limiting rod is arranged at the vertical tail end of the first connecting plate through a spring reset assembly, and a pull ring is arranged at the end, away from the first connecting plate, of the limiting rod; a transverse limiting pipe is fixedly arranged at the vertical tail end of the second connecting plate, and the outer wall of the limiting rod is slidably attached to the inner wall of the limiting pipe. The installation difficulty can be reduced, and the pipeline installation efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydropower station technology, and in particular to a quick-locking installation device for hydropower station pipelines. Background Technology

[0002] Hydropower stations, as crucial infrastructure for converting water energy into electrical energy, involve multiple complex and critical systems in their operation, with the pipeline system undoubtedly being an indispensable component. Hydropower station pipelines bear the critical task of transporting water, which is used either to drive turbines for power generation or for auxiliary functions such as cooling and lubrication. Structurally, hydropower station pipelines typically come in various types, including pressure steel pipes, spiral casings, and tailrace pipes. These are distributed at various key locations within the hydropower station, such as the intake, turbine hall, and tailrace area, based on different functional requirements and design specifications. Their materials are also carefully selected, requiring high strength, corrosion resistance, and water pressure resistance to withstand long-term operation in complex aquatic environments and under immense pressure, ensuring the safe, stable, and efficient power generation of the hydropower station.

[0003] Pipeline installation is a crucial step in the construction of a hydropower station. Due to the complexity and unique nature of hydropower station pipeline systems, each pipe needs to be precisely installed in its designated location to ensure the normal operation of the entire water transport system. During installation, it's essential to consider not only the robustness and sealing of the pipe connections themselves to prevent leaks and seepage that could affect the power generation efficiency and equipment safety, but also the coordination between the pipelines and other hydropower station equipment, such as the connection with turbines and valves, to ensure smooth water flow through all components and efficient energy conversion. Furthermore, the installation work must strictly adhere to relevant design specifications and safety standards to cope with various operating conditions and environmental changes that the hydropower station may encounter during operation, ensuring its long-term stable operation. Therefore, the installation of existing hydropower station pipelines is of decisive significance for the overall construction and subsequent operation of the hydropower station.

[0004] However, existing hydropower station pipeline installation methods have many problems, resulting in a complex and inefficient installation process. On the one hand, traditional installation methods often rely heavily on manual labor. From pipeline handling and hoisting to precise docking, each step requires workers with extensive experience and skilled expertise. This not only increases labor costs but also, due to the limitations of manual operation, easily leads to installation errors, affecting the installation quality and service life of the pipeline. On the other hand, existing installation technologies have high requirements for the installation environment and conditions. When facing complex terrain or confined installation spaces, the installation difficulty increases significantly, requiring more time and effort for on-site adjustments and optimizations. (Invention Content)

[0005] In order to at least solve one of the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide a quick-locking installation device for hydropower station pipelines, thereby reducing installation difficulty and improving pipeline installation efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A quick-locking installation device for hydropower station pipelines includes a mounting base with mounting holes at the four corners of its bottom. A semi-circular fixing ring is fixedly installed on the top of the mounting base. A movable ring is hinged to one side of the fixing ring via a hinge. A first connecting plate is fixedly connected to the other end of the movable ring. A second connecting plate is fixedly installed at the movable end of the fixing ring away from the hinge. Both the first and second connecting plates are inverted L-shaped and compatible. A limit rod is provided at the vertical end of the first connecting plate via a spring reset assembly. A pull ring is provided at the end of the limit rod away from the first connecting plate. A transverse limit tube is fixedly installed at the vertical end of the second connecting plate. The outer wall of the limit rod slides against the inner wall of the limit tube.

[0008] Preferably, the spring reset assembly includes a fixed tube fixedly connected to the second connecting plate, a movable tube slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixed tube, a limit block fixedly connected to the movable tube, the limit block being fixedly connected to a limit rod, a limit hole for the limit rod to pass through on the second connecting plate, and a reset spring connecting the limit block and the second connecting plate, the reset spring being sleeved on the outside of the fixed tube and the movable tube.

[0009] Preferably, the inner walls of the fixed ring and the movable ring are bonded with anti-slip buffer pads.

[0010] Preferably, the hinge is made of aluminum alloy.

[0011] Preferably, the outer wall of the pull ring is wrapped with a rubber anti-slip sleeve.

[0012] Preferably, the inlet of the limiting tube is provided with a chamfered guide surface, and the end of the limiting rod is provided with an arc-shaped structure.

[0013] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] I. Reduced Installation Difficulty: The device of this invention significantly reduces the installation difficulty of hydropower station pipelines through its ingenious structural design. Mounting holes are provided at the four corners of the mounting base, facilitating stable installation in various terrains or installation spaces, without being overly restricted by complex environments. The fixed ring and the movable ring are hinged together, allowing the movable ring to open and close flexibly. During pipeline installation, simply open the movable ring, place the pipeline inside the fixed ring, and then close the movable ring. This simple and convenient operation eliminates the need for complex handling, hoisting, and precise docking operations by workers, overcoming the problems of traditional installation methods that rely heavily on manual labor and require high levels of worker experience and skills. It reduces the risk of installation errors caused by the limitations of manual operation, improving installation quality and service life.

[0015] II. Improved Pipeline Installation Efficiency: This device enables rapid pipe locking and installation, thereby improving overall installation efficiency. The first and second connecting plates are designed as inverted L-shapes and fit together. A limit rod is installed at the vertical end of the first connecting plate via a spring-reset assembly, while a transverse limit tube is fixedly installed at the vertical end of the second connecting plate. The outer wall of the limit rod slides against the inner wall of the limit tube. After closing the movable ring, simply pull the ring to slide the limit rod into the limit tube. Under the action of the spring-reset assembly, the limit rod automatically locks, quickly completing the pipe fixing and installation, significantly shortening installation time. Compared to traditional installation techniques, it eliminates the need for extensive on-site adjustments and optimizations, making it particularly suitable for hydropower station construction scenarios with high installation efficiency requirements.

[0016] III. Optimized Design of the Spring Reset Assembly: The spring reset assembly includes a fixed tube fixedly connected to the second connecting plate. A movable tube is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixed tube. A limit block is fixedly connected to the movable tube, and the limit block is fixedly connected to a limit rod. A limit hole is provided on the second connecting plate for the limit rod to pass through. The limit block and the second connecting plate are connected by a reset spring, which is sleeved on the outside of the fixed tube and the movable tube. This design allows the limit rod to automatically reset and maintain a stable locked state under the action of the spring. At the same time, the sliding connection structure of the fixed tube and the movable tube ensures the smoothness and accuracy of the limit rod's movement, enhancing the reliability and stability of the entire device and ensuring that the pipeline will not experience safety problems due to loosening during long-term operation.

[0017] IV. Installation of Anti-slip Buffer Pads: Anti-slip buffer pads are bonded to the inner walls of the fixed ring and the movable ring. This design serves multiple purposes. On one hand, the anti-slip buffer pads increase the friction between the pipe and the fixed and movable rings, preventing the pipe from slipping during installation or operation, thus further improving the stability of the installation. On the other hand, the buffer pads act as a buffer, reducing collisions and wear between the pipe and the fixed and movable rings, extending the service life of the pipe and equipment, and reducing the maintenance costs of the hydropower station.

[0018] V. Selection of Hinge Material and Pull Ring Anti-slip Sleeve: The hinges are made of aluminum alloy, which has the advantages of being lightweight, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant. This ensures the hinges are sturdy and durable, able to withstand the opening and closing movements of the moving ring, while also reducing the overall weight of the device, facilitating installation and transportation. The outer wall of the pull ring is wrapped with a rubber anti-slip sleeve, increasing the friction when the operator pulls the ring, preventing slippage, making operation more convenient and safer, and improving the user-friendly design of the device.

[0019] VI. Special Structure of the Limiting Tube and Limiting Rod: The entrance of the limiting tube is equipped with a chamfered guide surface, and the end of the limiting rod is designed with a rounded arc shape. This design makes the limiting rod slide into the limiting tube more smoothly, reducing jamming or damage caused by sharp edges of components, improving the ease of operation and service life of the device, and also reducing the difficulty of operation during installation, further improving installation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the spring reset assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Mounting base; 201. Fixed ring; 202. Movable ring; 203. Hinge; 301. First connecting plate; 302. Second connecting plate; 401. Limiting rod; 402. Pull ring; 403. Limiting tube; 501. Fixed tube; 502. Movable tube; 503. Limiting block; 504. Return spring; 6. Anti-slip buffer pad. Detailed Implementation

[0024] 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.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 2As shown, a quick-locking installation device for hydropower station pipelines includes a mounting base 1. Mounting holes are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the mounting base 1. A semi-circular fixing ring 201 is fixedly installed on the top of the mounting base 1. A movable ring 202 is hinged to one side of the fixing ring 201 via a hinge 203. A first connecting plate 301 is fixedly connected to the other end of the movable ring 202. A second connecting plate 302 is fixedly installed at the movable end of the fixing ring 201 away from the hinge 203. Both the first connecting plate 301 and the second connecting plate 302 are inverted L-shapes and are compatible with each other. A limit rod 401 is provided at the vertical end of the first connecting plate 301 via a spring reset assembly. A pull ring 402 is provided at the end of the limit rod 401 away from the first connecting plate 301. A transverse limit tube 403 is fixedly installed at the vertical end of the second connecting plate 302. The outer wall of the limit rod 401 slides against the inner wall of the limit tube 403.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the mounting base 1 is securely fixed to the base at the hydropower station pipeline installation location using appropriate bolts and other fasteners through the mounting holes at the four corners of the bottom of the mounting base 1, ensuring that the entire device will not move during installation and providing a stable foundation for subsequent pipeline installation. Since the fixed ring 201 and the movable ring 202 are hinged by the hinge 203, the movable ring 202 can rotate freely around the hinge 203. During pipeline installation, the operator pulls the pull ring 402 (if the pull ring 402 is inconvenient to operate, a rope for easy gripping can be attached to the pull ring 402) to overcome the elasticity of the spring return assembly, causing the limiting rod 401 to move away from the limiting tube 403 until the limiting rod 401 is completely out of the limiting tube 403. At this point, the movable ring 202 is in a freely openable state. The movable ring 202 is opened upwards around the hinge 203, and the hydropower station pipeline to be installed is placed in the semi-circular groove of the fixed ring 201, ensuring that the pipeline is placed stably and accurately.

[0027] After the pipe is placed, the movable ring 202 is closed downwards around the hinge 203, bringing the first connecting plate 301 and the second connecting plate 302 closer together. When the first connecting plate 301 and the second connecting plate 302 are close to the appropriate position, the pull ring 402 is released, and the spring return assembly begins to function. The return spring 504 in the spring return assembly has the elastic force to restore its original shape. It pushes the limiting block 503, which causes the movable tube 502 to slide within the fixed tube 501, thereby causing the limiting rod 401, which is fixedly connected to the limiting block 503, to move closer to the limiting tube 403. The end of the limiting rod 401 is designed with an arc shape, and the entrance of the limiting tube 403 is provided with a chamfered guide surface. This design allows the limiting rod 401 to slide smoothly into the limiting tube 403. As the limiting rod 401 slides in, when the limiting rod 401 is fully inserted into the limiting tube 403 and the outer wall of the limiting rod 401 is tightly slidably attached to the inner wall of the limiting tube 403, the first connecting plate 301 and the second connecting plate 302 are firmly connected together, and the movable ring 202 and the fixed ring 201 are also tightly closed, thereby firmly locking the pipeline between the fixed ring 201 and the movable ring 202.

[0028] The spring reset assembly continuously provides elastic force, keeping the limit rod 401 always within the limit tube 403. Furthermore, the sliding contact between the outer wall of the limit rod 401 and the inner wall of the limit tube 403 increases the friction between them, effectively preventing the limit rod 401 from accidentally slipping out of the limit tube 403. This ensures that the pipeline will not shift or fall off due to loosening of the device during long-term use, thus ensuring the safe and stable operation of the hydropower station pipeline system.

[0029] Through the aforementioned working principle, rapid locking and installation of hydropower station pipelines is achieved. Compared to traditional pipeline installation methods, this significantly simplifies the installation process, reduces manual operation steps and difficulty, lowers reliance on worker experience and skills, and improves installation efficiency. Simultaneously, the coordinated design of the spring return assembly and the limiting rod 401 with the limiting tube 403 ensures the robustness and stability of the pipeline installation, effectively withstanding various forces exerted on the pipeline during hydropower station operation, such as water flow impact and water pressure. This reduces the occurrence of pipeline leaks and loosening, improves the reliability and service life of the hydropower station pipeline system, and provides strong support for the safe and stable operation of the hydropower station.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 2As shown, the spring reset assembly includes a fixed tube 501 fixedly connected to the second connecting plate 302. A movable tube 502 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixed tube 501. A limit block 503 is fixedly connected to the movable tube 502. The limit block 503 is fixedly connected to a limit rod 401. A limit hole is provided on the second connecting plate 302 for the limit rod 401 to pass through. The limit block 503 and the second connecting plate 302 are connected by a reset spring 504, which is sleeved on the outside of the fixed tube 501 and the movable tube 502. When the device is not operated, the reset spring 504 is in a naturally extended state. At this time, under the action of the reset spring 504, the limit block 503 pushes the movable tube 502 away from the second connecting plate 302 (because the movable tube 502 is fixedly connected to the limit block 503). At the same time, the limiting block 503 drives the limiting rod 401 to pass through the limiting hole on the second connecting plate 302, so that the end of the limiting rod 401 extends out of the second connecting plate 302 by a certain distance and is in a ready state to cooperate with the limiting tube 403 for locking.

[0031] When it is necessary to open the movable ring 202 to place or remove the pipe, the operator pulls the pull ring 402 on the limiting rod 401 (although the connection method between the pull ring 402 and the limiting rod 401 is not explicitly shown in the figure, it is usually achieved by common methods such as welding or threaded connection). The limiting rod 401, under the force, drives the limiting block 503 to move closer to the second connecting plate 302. At this time, the movable tube 502, driven by the limiting block 503, slides inward along the inner wall of the fixed tube 501, and the return spring 504 is compressed, storing elastic potential energy. As the limiting rod 401 continues to move, its end gradually exits the limiting tube 403 (the limiting tube 403 is set on the first connecting plate 301 and cooperates with the limiting rod 401 to achieve locking). When the limiting rod 401 is completely exited from the limiting tube 403, the movable ring 202 can rotate freely around the hinge 203, thereby unlocking and facilitating the installation or disassembly of the pipe.

[0032] After the pipe is placed inside the fixed ring 201 and the movable ring 202 is closed, the pull ring 402 is released. At this time, the elastic potential energy stored in the return spring 504 is released, and the return spring 504 pushes the limiting block 503 to move away from the second connecting plate 302. The limiting block 503 drives the movable tube 502 to slide outward inside the fixed tube 501. At the same time, the limiting rod 401, driven by the limiting block 503, moves through the limiting hole towards the limiting tube 403. The arc-shaped structure at the end of the limiting rod 401 (if not explicitly specified, it can be designed as an arc with a suitable radius, generally between 2 and 5 mm, to facilitate smooth entry into the limiting tube 403) and the chamfered guide surface at the entrance of the limiting tube 403 (the chamfer angle can be designed to be 30° to 60° to facilitate the introduction of the limiting rod 401) cooperate with each other to allow the limiting rod 401 to slide smoothly into the limiting tube 403. When the limiting rod 401 is fully inserted into the limiting tube 403 and the outer wall of the limiting rod 401 is tightly fitted with the inner wall of the limiting tube 403, the first connecting plate 301 and the second connecting plate 302 are firmly connected, and the movable ring 202 and the fixed ring 201 are tightly closed, thereby firmly locking the pipeline in the device.

[0033] The spring return assembly, through its ingenious design, enables rapid unlocking and locking of the device. During unlocking, simply pulling the limit rod 401 overcomes the elastic force of the return spring 504 to easily open the movable ring 202. This simple and quick operation significantly reduces pipeline installation or disassembly time and improves work efficiency. During locking, the elastic force of the return spring 504 ensures that the limit rod 401 remains tightly engaged with the limit tube 403, firmly closing the movable ring 202 and the fixed ring 201. This provides stable and reliable fixation for the pipeline, effectively preventing displacement or detachment due to loosening during operation, thus ensuring the safe and stable operation of the hydropower station pipeline system. Furthermore, the assembly has a simple structure and fewer parts, reducing manufacturing costs and maintenance difficulty, making it highly practical and economical.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 2As shown, the anti-slip buffer pad 6, bonded to the inner wall of the fixed ring 201 and the movable ring 202, typically has a special texture or is made of a material with a high coefficient of friction. When the pipeline is locked by the fixed ring 201 and the movable ring 202, the anti-slip buffer pad 6 is in direct contact with the outer wall of the pipeline. During the operation of a hydropower station, the pipeline is subjected to various forces such as water flow impact and water pressure changes, which may cause the pipeline to tend to move relative to the outside. The anti-slip buffer pad 6 effectively prevents the pipeline from sliding by increasing the friction between itself and the outer wall of the pipeline, ensuring that the pipeline remains firmly in its installed position and guaranteeing the safe and stable operation of the pipeline system. During the start-up, shutdown, or operation of a hydropower station pipeline, impact forces may be generated due to sudden changes in water flow, equipment vibration, and other factors. The anti-slip buffer pad 6 has a certain degree of elasticity and flexibility. When the pipeline is subjected to impact forces, the anti-slip buffer pad 6 will undergo elastic deformation, absorbing some of the impact energy, thereby reducing the impact force on the pipeline and installation equipment. This not only protects the pipeline from damage and extends its service life, but also reduces fatigue damage to the installation equipment caused by long-term impact forces, improving the reliability of the entire installation system. Hinge 203 is made of aluminum alloy, which is characterized by its low density and high strength. In the quick-locking installation device for hydropower station pipelines, hinge 203 needs to withstand the frequent opening and closing movements of the movable ring 202 and part of the weight of the pipeline. The low density of aluminum alloy makes hinge 203 relatively lightweight, without adding excessive burden to the installation device, facilitating installation and operation. At the same time, its high strength ensures that hinge 203 will not deform or break due to frequent stress during long-term use, ensuring that the movable ring 202 can rotate smoothly around hinge 203 and maintain the normal function of the device.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the rubber anti-slip sleeve covering the outer wall of the pull ring 402 has good flexibility and friction. When the operator pulls the pull ring 402 to unlock it, the rubber anti-slip sleeve increases the friction between the hand and the pull ring 402, preventing the hand from slipping due to sweaty hands or the smooth surface of the pull ring 402. This allows the operator to pull the pull ring 402 more steadily and forcefully, successfully completing the unlocking action and improving the convenience and safety of the operation.

[0036] The chamfered guide surface at the inlet of the positioning tube and the arc-shaped structure at the end of the limiting rod 401 play a crucial guiding role during the locking process. When the operator releases the pull ring 402, and the limiting rod 401 moves towards the limiting tube 403 under the action of the spring return assembly, the arc-shaped end of the limiting rod 401 and the chamfered guide surface at the inlet of the limiting tube 403 ensure that even if there is a certain deviation between the limiting rod 401 and the limiting tube 403 in their initial positions, the arc-shaped end and the chamfered guide surface can guide the limiting rod 401 smoothly into the limiting tube 403. This design greatly reduces the difficulty of operation, improves the locking success rate of the device, and avoids locking failure caused by the limiting rod 401 failing to accurately enter the limiting tube 403.

[0037] Once the limiting rod 401 smoothly enters the limiting tube 403, the outer wall of the limiting rod 401 fits tightly against the inner wall of the limiting tube 403. This tight fit securely connects the first connecting plate 301 and the second connecting plate 302 together, thereby tightly closing the movable ring 202 and the fixed ring 201, firmly locking the pipeline within the device. During the operation of the hydropower station, even if the pipeline is subjected to various external forces, the tight fit between the limiting rod 401 and the limiting tube 403 ensures that the device will not loosen, guaranteeing that the pipeline remains in a safe installation state.

[0038] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the technical features of the present invention are not limited thereto. Any simple changes, equivalent substitutions, or modifications made based on the present invention to solve essentially the same technical problems and achieve essentially the same technical effects are all covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A quick-locking installation device for hydropower station pipelines, comprising a mounting base (1), characterized in that: The mounting base (1) has mounting holes at the four corners of its bottom. A semi-circular fixing ring (201) is fixedly installed on the top of the mounting base (1). A movable ring (202) is hinged to one side of the fixing ring (201) via a hinge (203). A first connecting plate (301) is fixedly connected to the other end of the movable ring (202). A second connecting plate (302) is fixedly installed at the moving end of the fixing ring (201) away from the hinge (203). Both the first connecting plate (301) and the second connecting plate (302) are inverted L-shaped and compatible. A limit rod (401) is installed at the vertical end of the first connecting plate (301) via a spring reset assembly. A pull ring (402) is installed at the end of the limit rod (401) away from the first connecting plate (301). A horizontal limit tube (403) is fixedly installed at the vertical end of the second connecting plate (302). The outer wall of the limit rod (401) slides against the inner wall of the limit tube (403).

2. The quick-locking installation device for hydropower station pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring reset assembly includes a fixed tube (501) fixedly connected to the second connecting plate (302), a movable tube (502) slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixed tube (501), a limit block (503) fixedly connected to the movable tube (502), the limit block (503) fixedly connected to the limit rod (401), a limit hole for the limit rod (401) to pass through is provided on the second connecting plate (302), the limit block (503) and the second connecting plate (302) are connected by a reset spring (504), the reset spring (504) is sleeved on the outside of the fixed tube (501) and the movable tube (502).

3. The quick-locking installation device for hydropower station pipelines according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner walls of the fixed ring (201) and the movable ring (202) are bonded with anti-slip buffer pads (6).

4. The quick-locking installation device for hydropower station pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hinge (203) is made of aluminum alloy.

5. The quick-locking installation device for hydropower station pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the pull ring (402) is wrapped with a rubber anti-slip sleeve.

6. The quick-locking installation device for hydropower station pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The entrance of the limiting tube (403) is provided with a chamfered guide surface, and the end of the limiting rod (401) is provided with an arc-shaped structure.

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