Switching station system
The mechanical exchange station system is designed to automatically connect chemical liquids using hydraulic cylinders and universal rotary joints, solving the problem of low efficiency in manual operation and achieving safe and efficient chemical logistics transportation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGYIN RUNHUA CHEM STORAGE TRANSPORTATION CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
Smart Images

Figure CN122216418A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to an exchange station system, and more particularly to an exchange station system for chemical logistics transportation. Background Technology
[0002] In the process of chemical logistics transportation, it is necessary to transfer chemical liquids from ship holds or containers to storage tanks in tank farms. The traditional method of transportation is manual, which involves manually connecting the transfer hose to the north-south connector to achieve the liquid transfer effect. However, due to the weight of the transfer hose and the need for manual tightening of bolts, the manual installation process is inefficient. At the same time, the working environment for operators is harsh, often in explosive, toxic, and hazardous environments, which poses certain safety problems and hazards to the operators. Summary of the Invention
[0003] To overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, this invention provides a switching station system that achieves docking between different connectors through mechanical switching walls, which is safe and efficient.
[0004] To achieve this objective, the structure adopted in this invention is as follows: a switching station system, including a first support and a second support, which are symmetrically arranged. Each support is equipped with one or two movable frames, and each movable frame is equipped with a translation frame. An upper infusion pipeline group is connected to the top of the translation frame, and a lower infusion pipeline group is connected to the bottom. A quick-connect device is connected to the end of the lower infusion pipeline group. The translation frame and the movable frame are connected to each other by an X-axis hydraulic cylinder, and the movable frame and the support are connected to each other by a Y-axis hydraulic cylinder. The lower infusion pipeline group is connected to the movable frame by a Z-axis hydraulic cylinder. The upper infusion pipeline groups of the first support and the second support are connected to each other by connecting pipes.
[0005] The upper infusion pipeline assembly includes multiple infusion tubes, which are interconnected by universal joints; the lower infusion pipeline assembly includes multiple infusion tubes, which are interconnected by universal joints; the lower infusion pipeline assembly is interconnected with the quick connection device by universal joints; the upper infusion pipeline assembly of the first and second supports is connected to the connecting pipe by universal joints.
[0006] The movable frame and the support are connected to each other by pulleys and slides; the movable frame and the translation frame are connected to each other by pulleys and slides.
[0007] The quick connection device includes a main pipe, one end of which is connected to the lower infusion pipeline group, and a connecting plate is arranged around the other end. A threaded sleeve is arranged on the outside of the main pipe, and a rotating structure is arranged on the threaded sleeve. A movable ring is connected to the threaded sleeve by a thread. Multiple connecting claws are arranged around the main pipe. One end of the connecting claw is connected to the connecting plate through a first connecting rod, and the other end is connected to the movable ring through a second connecting rod.
[0008] Multiple limiting plates are provided around the connecting plate.
[0009] An explosion-proof pull-wire encoder is installed on the movable frame, and the explosion-proof pull-wire encoder is connected to the translation frame; a forward and backward hydraulic cylinder sensor is installed on the movable frame; and an up and down movement hydraulic cylinder sensor is installed on the Z-axis hydraulic cylinder.
[0010] Anti-collision sensors are respectively installed on the first and second brackets, and the anti-collision sensors are located between the two quick-connect devices on the same bracket.
[0011] The exchange station system also includes one or more loading and unloading arms. Each loading and unloading arm includes a column, on which an inner arm and an outer arm are installed. The inner arm is connected to the column via an inner arm drive and a horizontal drive. The outer arm is connected to the inner arm via an outer arm drive. The end of the outer arm is connected to a quick-connect device via a process pipeline. The process pipeline is connected to the lower infusion pipeline group of the first or second support via a pipe.
[0012] Its beneficial effects are: the invention has a reasonable and ingenious structural design, and uses a multi-directional hydraulic cylinder to control the movement of the quick connection device in all directions, so that the quick connection devices on the two supports can be connected to the material output end and the input end respectively, without the need for manual connection, which is safe and efficient. Attached Figure Description
[0013] The present invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;
[0015] Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention;
[0016] Figure 3 This is a side view of the present invention;
[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the quick-connect device;
[0018] Figure 5 This is a side view of the loading and unloading arm.
[0019] Figure 6 This is a rear view structural diagram of the loading and unloading arm. Detailed Implementation
[0020] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, illustrating only the basic structure of the invention, and therefore only show the components relevant to the invention.
[0021] In the description of the invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," 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 device or element 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 terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0022] In the description of the invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components; a fixed connection can be welded or glued. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0023] like Figures 1-3The exchange station system shown includes a first support 1 and a second support 2, which are symmetrically arranged. Each support has a rectangular frame structure at the top and a support at the bottom. One or two movable frames 3 are mounted on the rectangular frame of each support. The two ends of the movable frames 3 are connected to the rectangular frame via sliding structures. Each movable frame 3 has a translation frame 4 mounted on it, with both ends of the translation frame 4 connected to the movable frame 3 via sliding structures. The movement directions of the movable frames 3 and the translation frames 4 are perpendicular to each other. An upper infusion pipeline assembly 8 is connected above the translation frame 4, and a lower infusion pipeline assembly 10 is connected below it. A quick-connect device 9 is connected to the end of the lower infusion pipeline assembly 10. The translation frame 4 and the movable frames 3 are connected to each other via an X-axis hydraulic cylinder 5, which moves the translation frame 4 on the movable frame 3. An explosion-proof pull-wire encoder is mounted on the movable frame 3 and connected to the translation frame 4. The explosion-proof pull-wire encoder can acquire the left and right positions of the translation frame 4 in real time. The movable frame 3 is connected to the support via a Y-axis hydraulic cylinder 6, which moves the movable frame 3 along the rectangular frame. A forward / backward hydraulic cylinder sensor is installed on the movable frame 3 to acquire its forward / backward position, enabling precise positioning of the Y-axis hydraulic cylinder 6. The lower infusion pipeline assembly 10 is connected to the movable frame 3 via a Z-axis hydraulic cylinder 7, which causes the lower infusion pipeline assembly 10 to swing up and down. The upper infusion pipeline assemblies of the first support 1 and the second support 2 are connected via a connecting pipe 11. The Z-axis hydraulic cylinder 7 is equipped with a vertical movement hydraulic cylinder sensor to achieve precise control of the vertical position of the quick-connecting device 9. Anti-collision sensors are installed on the first support 1 and the second support 2, positioned between the two quick-connecting devices 9 on the same support to prevent collisions between them.
[0024] The first support 1 and the second support 2 correspond to the material input and output ends, respectively. The X-axis hydraulic cylinder 5, Y-axis hydraulic cylinder 6, and Z-axis hydraulic cylinder 7 incorporate magnetostrictive sensors and wire-type absolute encoders for precise measurement and control of the hydraulic cylinders. By controlling the movement of the quick-connect device 9 through the X-axis hydraulic cylinder 5, Y-axis hydraulic cylinder 6, and Z-axis hydraulic cylinder 7, aligning it with the corresponding input and output interfaces, and then connecting the quick-connect device 9 to the interface, the connection between the material input and output ends can be achieved. This system is remotely controllable, requires no manual connection, is convenient and quick, and offers high safety.
[0025] The upper infusion pipeline assembly 8 includes multiple infusion tubes interconnected via universal joints; the lower infusion pipeline assembly 10 also includes multiple infusion tubes interconnected via universal joints; the lower infusion pipeline assembly 10 is connected to the quick-connect device 9 via a universal joint; the upper infusion pipeline assemblies of the first support 1 and the second support 2 are connected to the connecting pipe 11 via universal joints. The universal joints enable rotatable connections between the infusion tubes, which are made of carbon steel or stainless steel, providing excellent corrosion resistance and strength.
[0026] The sliding structure includes pulleys and slide grooves. The pulleys are connected to the end of the movable frame 3, and a slide groove is provided on the side of the support connected to the movable frame 3. The pulleys are engaged in the slide grooves, allowing the movable frame 3 to move along the slide grooves. A pulley is provided at the end of the translation frame 4, and a slide groove is provided on the movable frame 3 where it connects to the translation frame 4. The pulleys are engaged in the slide grooves, allowing the translation frame 4 to move along the slide grooves.
[0027] like Figure 4 As shown, the quick-connect device 9 includes a main pipe 91, one end of which is connected to the lower infusion pipeline assembly 10, and the other end is surrounded by a connecting plate 94. A threaded sleeve 92 is provided on the outside of the main pipe 91, and a rotating structure 93 is provided on the threaded sleeve 92. The rotating structure 93 can be a handwheel or a rotating motor, etc., to drive the threaded sleeve 92 to rotate. A movable ring 99 is threadedly connected to the threaded sleeve 92, and multiple connecting claws 96 surround the main pipe 91. One end of the connecting claw 96 is connected to the connecting plate 94 through a first connecting rod 7, and the other end is connected to the movable ring 99 through a second connecting rod 98. When the threaded sleeve 92 rotates, the movable ring 99 moves back and forth along the threaded sleeve 92. At the same time, the rotation of the first connecting rod 98 and the second connecting rod 97 causes the connecting claws 96 to open and close around the center of the main pipe 91, realizing the docking between the quick-connect device 9 and the material interface.
[0028] Multiple limiting plates 95 are arranged around the connecting plate 94. The limiting plates 95 are vertically connected to the edge of the connecting plate. The side of the limiting plate 95 facing the center of the main pipe 91 is arc-shaped. When the quick connection device 9 is close to the material interface, the material interface can slide smoothly into the connecting claws 96 along the limiting plate 95, avoiding collision between the material interface and the connecting claws 96 during the docking process and ensuring accurate docking.
[0029] A binocular vision camera, a proximity switch, a precision positioning laser recognition and tracking system, and a control system can be installed on the quick-connect device 9. The binocular vision camera and the precision positioning laser recognition and tracking system enable precise positioning of the quick-connect device 9. The proximity switch controls the opening and closing of the connecting claw 96 of the quick-connect device 9. The control system remotely controls the device through the interaction of positioning information with the binocular vision camera and the precision positioning laser recognition system, further improving the system's precision control and automation level. The quick-connect device 9 can also be equipped with an ultrasonic sensor to prevent collisions and provide appropriate adjustments.
[0030] Before docking, each flange to be docked is calibrated, and the relative positions of each flange along the X, Y, and Z axes are recorded. The host computer system selects the flange to be docked and determines the quick-connect device 9. Driven by the X-axis hydraulic cylinder 5, Y-axis hydraulic cylinder 6, and Z-axis hydraulic cylinder 7, the selected quick-connect device 9 moves to the docking position, automatically docking and securing with the selected flange. This invention achieves ultra-high precision docking operations through precise cylinder drive and sensor feedback. The standardized operation process avoids fluctuations in docking quality caused by experience differences in manual operation, reduces errors in manual alignment, and provides a fast and stable connection, significantly improving work efficiency.
[0031] The exchange station system also includes one or more loading arms installed at the dock, which directly connect loading / unloading vessels to the exchange station system's pipelines. For example... Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the loading and unloading arm includes a column 12, which is the main support component of the loading and unloading arm connected to the site foundation with anchor bolts. The flow pipe passes through the inside. This component mainly supports the weight of the entire loading and unloading arm, the weight of the medium, the eccentric moment, and wind loads. The bottom has a flange interface for connection to the dock pipeline. The top of the column 12 is connected to the inner arm 13 via an inner arm drive 17 and a horizontal drive 18, controlling the left-right rotation and up-down swing of the inner arm 13. The upper and lower ends of the inner arm 13 are respectively equipped with an upper rope pulley 15 and a lower rope pulley 16, which are connected by a transmission steel cable. The transmission steel cable connects to the inner arm drive 17. The upper end of the outer arm 14 is connected to the upper rope pulley 15. Under the action of the inner arm drive 17, the upper rope pulley 15 rotates, driving the outer arm 14 to open and retract. The lower end of the outer arm 14 is connected to a quick-connect device 9 via a process pipeline 20. The quick-connect device 9 is responsible for quick docking with the discharge port of the loading and unloading vessel. The process pipeline 20 is connected to the lower infusion pipeline group 10 of the first support 1 or the second support 2 through a pipeline, so as to realize the rapid docking of the loading and unloading ship and the exchange station system, and facilitate the rapid filling of loading and unloading materials.
[0032] Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of this invention. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A switching station system, characterized in that, It includes a first support (1) and a second support (2), which are symmetrically arranged. Each support is provided with one or two movable frames (3), and each movable frame (3) is provided with a translation frame (4). The translation frame (4) is connected to the upper infusion pipeline group (8) above and the lower infusion pipeline group (10) below. The end of the lower infusion pipeline group (10) is connected to a quick connection device (9). The translation frame (4) and the movable frame (3) are connected to each other by an X-axis hydraulic cylinder (5). The movable frame (3) and the support are connected to each other by a Y-axis hydraulic cylinder (6). The lower infusion pipeline group (10) and the movable frame (3) are connected by a Z-axis hydraulic cylinder (7). The upper infusion pipeline groups of the first support (1) and the second support (2) are connected to each other by a connecting pipe (11).
2. The switching station system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper infusion line group (8) includes multiple infusion tubes, which are connected to each other by a universal joint; the lower infusion line group (10) includes multiple infusion tubes, which are connected to each other by a universal joint; the lower infusion line group (10) and the quick connection device (9) are connected to each other by a universal joint; the upper infusion line groups of the first support (1) and the second support (2) are connected to the connecting pipe (11) by a universal joint.
3. The switching station system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable frame (3) is connected to the support through pulleys and slides; the movable frame (3) and the translation frame (4) are connected to each other through pulleys and slides.
4. The switching station system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The quick connection device (9) includes a main pipe (91), one end of which is connected to the lower infusion pipeline group (10), and the other end is surrounded by a connecting plate (94). A threaded sleeve (92) is provided on the outside of the main pipe (91), and a rotating structure (93) is provided on the threaded sleeve (92). A movable ring (99) is connected to the threaded sleeve (92) by a thread. Multiple connecting claws (96) surround the main pipe (91). One end of the connecting claw (91) is connected to the connecting plate (94) through a first connecting rod (97), and the other end is connected to the movable ring (99) through a second connecting rod (98).
5. The switching station system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Multiple limiting plates (95) are provided around the connecting plate (94).
6. The switching station system according to claim 1, characterized in that, An explosion-proof pull-wire encoder is installed on the movable frame (3), and the explosion-proof pull-wire encoder is connected to the translation frame (4); a forward and backward hydraulic cylinder sensor is installed on the movable frame (3); and an up and down movement hydraulic cylinder sensor is installed on the Z-axis hydraulic cylinder (7).
7. The switching station system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Anti-collision sensors are respectively installed on the first bracket (1) and the second bracket (2), and the anti-collision sensors are installed between the two quick-connect devices (9) on the same bracket.
8. The switching station system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The exchange station system also includes one or more loading and unloading arms, each including a column (12), with an inner arm (13) and an outer arm (14) mounted on the column (12). The inner arm (13) is connected to the column (12) via an inner arm drive (17) and a horizontal drive (19), and the outer arm (14) is connected to the inner arm (13) via an outer arm drive (19). The end of the outer arm (14) is connected to a quick-connect device (9) via a process pipeline (20), and the process pipeline (20) is connected to the lower infusion pipeline group (10) of the first support (1) or the second support (2) via a pipe.