Roller chain for a circulating rolling module for offshore applications

Abstract

This invention relates to a roller chain (10) for a circulating rolling module (20) for offshore applications. The roller chain (10) includes a plurality of rollers (11), each mounted on a shaft (12). The rollers (11) are free to rotate relative to their associated shafts (12). The cylindrical inner surface (112) of the rollers (11) and the outer surface (121) of the shafts (12) define sealed cavities (15) filled with lubricating fluid. Each shaft (12) is rotatably locked together with at least one associated link (13) by a rotational locking device (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of roller chains for recirculating rolling modules designed for offshore applications. Background Technology

[0002] In the offshore sector, there is a growing demand for technologies that can guide and manipulate increasingly large structures.

[0003] This demand is particularly evident in the offshore wind power industry, where the installation, positioning, and maintenance of equipment require reliable mechanical solutions suitable for harsh environments.

[0004] To meet these requirements, it is known to use circulating rolling modules with integrated roller chains. These chains consist of multiple rollers, each mounted on a shaft connected to an adjacent shaft via two chain links.

[0005] These chains enable rapid and controlled movement between mobile chassis in offshore structures, which is essential for optimizing operations in complex environments.

[0006] However, despite their effectiveness, current solutions have significant limitations. The links of conventional roller chains are particularly sensitive to repetitive motion, which can lead to premature degradation or even breakage under the high mechanical constraints of offshore application features. This weakness represents a major risk, for example, in critical operations such as the placement of offshore wind turbines, where failure can have substantial economic and environmental consequences.

[0007] Therefore, the demand for new roller chains that can enhance resistance to dynamic loads is constantly increasing. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention proposes a roller chain (chain with rollers) for a circulating rolling module (support module, bearing type module), which is intended for offshore (water, sea) applications.

[0009] This roller chain comprises multiple rollers, each mounted on a shaft. Each shaft includes an outer surface and is connected to adjacent shafts via two links.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the rollers are tubular, and each roller includes:

[0011] - Cylindrical outer surface, and

[0012] - A cylindrical inner surface that defines a through-cavity in which the shaft is mounted.

[0013] These rollers can rotate freely relative to the shafts they are associated with.

[0014] The cylindrical inner surface of the roller and the outer surface of the shaft define a sealing cavity filled with lubricating fluid.

[0015] Each shaft is rotatably locked together with at least one of the associated links by a rotational locking device.

[0016] Since each shaft is rotationally locked to at least one associated link, the rotational motion occurs primarily between the roller and its shaft (rather than between the shaft and the link).

[0017] This minimizes friction between the shaft and the chain links, thus reducing heat generation in the chain links. This reduction in heat generation limits the risk of thermal degradation and premature wear.

[0018] By avoiding excessive stress at the chain links, this invention prevents breakage associated with repetitive motion and mechanical wear. This improves the lifespan of the chain in harsh environments such as offshore applications.

[0019] The reduced risk of link breakage leads to lower maintenance interventions and associated costs, especially in hard-to-reach environments such as offshore applications.

[0020] By promoting rotational movement at the lubricated surfaces between the rollers and the shaft, the present invention provides better resistance to dynamic loads, which is crucial for high-speed repetitive operations.

[0021] Moreover, the integrated design of a sealed cavity filled with lubricating fluid greatly reduces the friction between the cylindrical inner surface of the roller and the outer surface of the shaft, thereby extending the service life of the entire chain.

[0022] Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the product of the present invention are as follows, which may be applied individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0023] - The roller and its associated shaft are coupled by a rotary assembly, which is advantageously selected from a sliding bearing or a rolling bearing, and is advantageously disposed between the cylindrical inner surface of the roller and the outer surface of the shaft;

[0024] - The rotary assembly device includes two bearings, for example: two flanged sliding bearings, which are advantageously made of bronze and connected to the cylindrical inner surface; or two rolling bearings, such as ball bearings, roller bearings or needle bearings;

[0025] - The sealing cavity is laterally sealed by two annular seals, each annular seal extending between the cylindrical inner surface of the roller and the outer surface of the shaft; preferably, each annular seal is arranged between a segment of the cylindrical inner surface of the roller and a segment of the outer surface of the shaft, these segments being external to the bearing where applicable; also preferably, the annular seals are selected from: metal seals, which, for example, comprise two sealing rings, wherein a first sealing ring is rotatably locked to the cylindrical inner surface of the roller and a second sealing ring is rotatably locked to the outer surface of the shaft; or, lip seals, which comprise, for example, a lip seal rotatably locked to the cylindrical inner surface of the roller and a sealing ring rotatably locked to the outer surface of the shaft;

[0026] - The shaft includes two end sections that mate with complementary through-holes in the link, wherein the rotation locking device comprises an assembly of: a non-circular lateral portion of the end sections, such as a portion including a flat portion; and a link including complementary through-holes;

[0027] - The roller and / or its associated shaft includes a translation locking device adapted to retain the shaft in its through cavity, for example, a stop carried by the end of the shaft;

[0028] - Each of the shafts includes at least one conduit for filling the sealing cavity with the lubricating fluid, the conduit having two holes: an outer hole advantageously leading to one end of the shaft, and an inner hole leading to the sealing cavity.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a rolling module for offshore applications, comprising:

[0030] -The roller chain according to the present invention,

[0031] -A guide body that houses the roller chain

[0032] The roller chain forms a circulating roller chain, which includes:

[0033] -Active (active) section, which is used to cooperate with the supplementary raceway, and

[0034] - Return to section.

[0035] The present invention also relates to offshore equipment comprising at least one rolling module according to the invention, which is suitable for, for example, a foundation pile for a pole of an offshore crane or a facility for an active surge compensation system.

[0036] Of course, the various features, variations and embodiments of the present invention can be related to each other in various combinations, as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Furthermore, various other features of the invention will become apparent from the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a rolling module equipped with a roller chain according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the rolling module;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of a roller chain according to the present invention, showing a roller mounted on a shaft connected to a link, with a partial enlargement of the end section of the shaft that mates with two links;

[0041] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Side view of the module shown;

[0042] Figure 5 It is a general and partial sectional view of a roller assembled on a shaft, wherein the annular seal has a first embodiment;

[0043] Figure 6 It is a general and partial sectional view of a roller assembled on a shaft, wherein the annular seal has a second embodiment;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a side view of two component links of the roller chain according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a first example of offshore equipment, which includes a rolling module that engages with a rotating ring for holding the foundation piles for a wind turbine.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a second example of an offshore device including a rolling module according to the invention, which is an active surge compensation system for installing an offshore wind turbine.

[0047] It should be noted that in these figures, structural and / or functional elements common to different variations may have the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0048] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to a roller chain 10 for use in a circulating rolling module 20, which is intended for offshore applications.

[0049] "Offshore application" should be understood favorably as use in environments located near the coast—typically in marine environments.

[0050] These applications are characterized by their exposure to specific environmental conditions, such as:

[0051] - Marine constraints: exposure to saltwater, moisture, corrosion and temperature variations;

[0052] - Dynamic conditions: the presence of waves, and especially surges (long waves);

[0053] -High load: High mechanical stress generated by heavy equipment such as offshore wind turbines or offshore cranes.

[0054] These applications include, but are not limited to:

[0055] - Installation and maintenance of offshore wind turbines;

[0056] - Active surge compensation system for offshore operations;

[0057] - Equipment for transporting and handling packaging at sea.

[0058] Scrolling Module

[0059] The present invention also relates to a circulating rolling module 20 for offshore applications.

[0060] The cyclic rolling module 20 advantageously includes:

[0061] -According to the roller chain 10 of the present invention,

[0062] -The guide body 21 that houses the roller chain 10.

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the roller chain 10 forms a circulating roller chain 10, which includes:

[0064] -Active section 101, which is used to mate with complementary raceway C, and

[0065] - Return to section 102.

[0066] The “guide” should be understood advantageously as a workpiece constructed to ensure precise and stable guidance of the roller chain in a circulating rolling module.

[0067] This guide plays a role in defining and separating the two segments that make up the chain, namely the active segment and the return segment, while ensuring their proper functioning.

[0068] It geometrically defines the positions of the active and return sections, thus contributing to the stability and efficiency of the rolling module.

[0069] The guide body divides the roller chain into two sections:

[0070] - The active section directly engages with complementary raceways to transmit force or bear load;

[0071] - The return section returns to its initial position without interacting with the raceway.

[0072] The guide body 21 is advantageously made of a material suitable for offshore environments and wear-resistant, such as a metal alloy, a reinforced composite material, or a technical polymer.

[0073] Roller chain

[0074] Generally speaking and as Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the roller chain 10 includes a plurality of rollers 11, each of which is mounted on a shaft 12.

[0075] Each shaft 12 is connected to the adjacent shaft 12 via two (lateral) links 13.

[0076] In other words, 12 for each axis:

[0077] - Connected to the adjacent first shaft 12 via the first part of link 13, and

[0078] - Connected to the adjacent second shaft 12 via the second part of link 13.

[0079] Therefore, each link 13 ensures the connection between two adjacent shafts 12, enabling a continuous mechanical connection to be formed along the roller chain.

[0080] Advantageously, each link 13 is made of a metal plate including two holes (through holes) 131, which are used to mate with a shaft 12 respectively.

[0081] More precisely, roller 11 is in the form of a tube, and each roller includes:

[0082] - Cylindrical outer surface 111, which is used to mate with raceway C; and

[0083] - A cylindrical inner surface 112 defines a through cavity 113 in which the shaft 12 is assembled.

[0084] Each shaft 12 includes an outer surface 121 facing the cylindrical inner surface 112 of the corresponding roller 11.

[0085] According to the invention, roller 11 can rotate freely relative to its associated shaft 12.

[0086] This feature allows each roller and its corresponding shaft to rotate independently. This configuration helps reduce friction at the shaft / link assembly and improves the mechanical properties of the roller chain.

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment, the roller 11 and its associated shaft 12 are engaged by means of a rotary assembly device 17.

[0088] The rotary assembly device 17 is advantageously selected from:

[0089] - Sliding bearing, or

[0090] - Rolling bearings.

[0091] The term "sliding bearing" can be advantageously understood as a mechanical element that ensures the rotational movement of the guide and support roller 11 relative to its associated shaft 12 without the use of rolling components. These sliding bearings typically consist of contact surfaces that allow sliding between components while reducing friction.

[0092] The term "rolling bearing" can be advantageously understood as a mechanical device for supporting and guiding the rotational movement of roller 11 relative to its associated shaft 12, which uses rolling components such as balls, rollers or needles to minimize friction.

[0093] Advantageously, the rotary assembly device 17 is mounted between the cylindrical inner surface 112 of the roller 11 and the outer surface 121 of the shaft 12.

[0094] More preferably, the rotary assembly device 17 includes two bearings 17, for example:

[0095] - Two flanged sliding bearings (especially see Figure 3 They are advantageously made of copper and are here connected to the inner cylindrical surface 112; or

[0096] - Two rolling bearings (not shown), such as ball bearings, roller bearings or needle bearings.

[0097] In addition, each shaft 12 also has two end segments 122 that engage with complementary through holes 131 of the link 13.

[0098] These end segments 122 protrude from the associated roller 11 on both sides of the associated roller 11.

[0099] More precisely, each end segment 122 can be inserted through the through-hole 131 of two juxtaposed links 13, thereby enabling:

[0100] - The first link 13 will mate with the shaft 12 on one side and with an adjacent first shaft 12 on the other side, and

[0101] - The second link 13 will engage with the shaft 12 on one side and with the adjacent second shaft 12 on the other side.

[0102] Also according to the invention, the cylindrical inner surface 112 of the roller 11 and the outer surface 121 of the shaft 12 define a sealed cavity 15 for filling with lubricating fluid.

[0103] The fluid fills the sealed cavity 15 formed between the cylindrical inner surface of the roller and the outer surface of the shaft. In particular, this lubricating fluid reduces the friction between the roller and the shaft, thereby facilitating fluid movement and reducing mechanical wear.

[0104] For example, in a conventional manner known per se, the lubricating fluid is selected from lubricating fluids suitable for offshore applications, such as grease or lubricating oil.

[0105] Preferably, the sealing cavity 15 is laterally closed by two annular seals 151, each annular seal extending between the cylindrical inner surface 112 of the roller 11 and the outer surface 121 of the shaft 12.

[0106] Each annular seal 151 is preferably disposed between a portion 112a of the cylindrical inner surface 112 of the roller 11 and a portion 121a of the outer surface 121 of the shaft 12.

[0107] These two sections 112a and 121a are opposite each other, and they are preferably located outside the bearing 17 if necessary.

[0108] In other words, the bearing 17 is advantageously positioned between the annular seals 151 of the sealing cavity 15.

[0109] In other words, the end segment 122 extends from the annular seal 151.

[0110] according to Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the annular seal 151 is composed of a lip seal 152, the lip seal comprising, for example:

[0111] - Lip seal 152a, which is locked together with the cylindrical inner surface 112 of roller 11 in rotation (and in a sealing manner);

[0112] - A sealing ring 152b is locked together with the outer surface 121 of the shaft 12 in a rotational (and sealing) manner.

[0113] according to Figure 6 In the described embodiment, the annular seal 151 is composed of a metal seal 153 (also referred to as a "glass seal"), which includes, for example, two sealing rings, wherein:

[0114] - The first sealing ring 153a is rotationally locked to the cylindrical inner surface 112 of the roller 11; and

[0115] - The second sealing ring 153b is rotatedly locked together with the outer surface 121 of the shaft 12.

[0116] Preferably, these sealing rings 153a, 153b comprise identical metal friction rings mounted abutting each other and centered in position by two elastomeric elements 153c that apply uniform axial pressure.

[0117] As the roller 11 and its shaft 12 rotate relative to each other, the sealing rings 153a, 153b rotate relative to each other.

[0118] The seal between these sealing rings 153a and 153b is ensured by friction between the two contacting elements.

[0119] Preferably, each shaft 12 typically has at least one conduit 125 for filling the sealing cavity 15 with lubricating fluid.

[0120] like Figure 5 As shown, the pipe 125 includes the following two holes:

[0121] - An outer bore 1251, which advantageously leads to one end of the shaft 12 and is intended to be sealed (e.g., by at least one plug); and

[0122] - Inner hole 1252, which leads to sealing cavity 15.

[0123] Pipe 125 is, for example, L-shaped and has:

[0124] - A first section, which extends coaxially with shaft 12; and

[0125] - The second section extends perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 12.

[0126] Still according to the invention, each shaft 12 is rotatably locked together with at least one associated link 13 by a rotation locking device 16.

[0127] Preferably, one link 13 is rotationally locked to the two adjacent shafts 12. The other links 13 are free to rotate relative to the two adjacent shafts 12.

[0128] Preferably, the shaft moves linearly along the two sections (the moving section and the returning section) without rotating about their axis. This movement is possible because the shaft is mechanically locked to specific chain links to prevent them from rotating. Furthermore, rollers mounted on the shaft can pivot freely about it. This configuration ensures that it is the rollers—not the shaft—that ensure the rotation necessary for system operation.

[0129] Therefore, friction is concentrated at the interface between the roller and the shaft, where friction is reduced due to the presence of lubricating fluid in the sealed cavity.

[0130] By avoiding rotation of the shaft, friction between the shaft and the chain links is minimized, which limits heat generation and mechanical wear of the components.

[0131] Therefore, advantageously, the rotary locking device 16 comprises a combination of the following parts:

[0132] -The non-circular lateral portion 122a of the first end segment 1221 ( Figure 3 (the left part of a partial view), which is, for example, a cylindrical portion including a flat section; and

[0133] - First link 13a, which includes a non-circular complementary through-hole 1311 ( Figure 7 A).

[0134] Advantageously, the first end segment 1221 also includes a circular lateral portion 122b. Figure 3 (The right part of the partial view), which can connect with the second link 13b ( Figure 7 B) The complementary circular through-hole 1312 fits. This combination allows rotation between shaft 12 and second link 13b.

[0135] Preferably, the second end segment 1222 includes a circular lateral portion that can connect with the third link 13c and the fourth link 13d. Figure 7 B) is matched with the complementary, circular through-hole 1312.

[0136] This combination allows rotation between the second end segment 1222 of shaft 12 and the associated two links 13c, 13d.

[0137] According to a preferred embodiment, the first link 13a is rotationally locked to the two adjacent shafts 12. The other links 13 are free to rotate relative to the two adjacent shafts 12.

[0138] In this case, the first link 13a advantageously includes two non-circular through holes 1311 ( Figure 7 A). Other links 13b, 13c, and 13d advantageously include two circular through-holes 1312 (see A). Figure 7 B).

[0139] In addition, roller 11 and / or its associated shaft 12 typically include a translation locking device 18 adapted to retain the shaft 12 in its through cavity 113.

[0140] The translation locking device 18 includes, for example, a stop (abutment) carried by the end of the shaft 12.

[0141] These stops 18 are, for example, made of an additional disc whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the end portion 122 of the shaft 12.

[0142] Preferably, link 13 is thus advantageously held laterally on end segment 122 by means of the following:

[0143] - Passing through stop 18 on the outside, and

[0144] - Through seal 151 on the inside.

[0145] Offshore equipment

[0146] The rolling module 20 according to the invention is suitable for being equipped on offshore equipment, such as... Figure 8 and 9 As shown.

[0147] According to Figure 8 The first embodiment shown in the figure and described in document FR3135098A1 shows that the rolling module according to the invention can be equipped to a temporary holding system to temporarily hold the foundation pile for receiving the offshore wind turbine during tamping operations.

[0148] The temporary holding system S includes a sleeve S1 and a bearing frame (chassis) S2, the sleeve being used to surround a portion of the foundation pile, and the bearing frame including an interface module S3.

[0149] The interface module S3 and the sleeve S1 are assembled by a support including a rolling module according to the invention for giving the sleeve S1 rotational freedom relative to the support frame S2.

[0150] According to Figure 9 The second embodiment shown in the figure and described in document FR3135098A1 may include a sliding device S51 and an operating device (not shown) for inducing displacement of the sleeve S1 in the translational degree of freedom.

[0151] The sliding device S51 includes at least one rolling element, which is advantageously constituted by the circulating rolling module 20 according to the invention.

[0152] Function of roller chain

[0153] According to the invention, certain links 13 are specifically locked together with the adjacent shaft 12 to which they are connected by a dedicated locking device 16 in a rotational manner.

[0154] This locking is achieved, for example, through a non-circular portion 122a, such as a flat portion, of the end section 1221 of the shaft 12, which is inserted into a complementary through-hole 1311 of the associated link 13. This configuration prevents any relative rotation between the shaft and the associated link.

[0155] The advantage of this structural arrangement is that it defines a preferred rotational ratio between the roller and its shaft. In other words, the movement of the chain is concentrated at the interface between the roller and the shaft, while the shaft remains rotationally fixed relative to the locked link 13a. This feature minimizes the mechanical stress applied to the link 13.

[0156] The movement of the chain within its guide body primarily results in relative rotation between the rollers and the shaft. Therefore, the rotation of the chain links relative to the shaft is limited to the strictly necessary movements of the chain within the recirculating rolling module.

[0157] This configuration also helps protect the chain links by reducing wear caused by repetitive motion. By limiting localized mechanical stress at critical connection points, especially in dynamic and harsh environments such as offshore applications, the device ensures a longer service life for the components.

Claims

1. A roller chain (10) for a circulating rolling module (20) designed for offshore applications. wherein The roller chain (10) includes multiple rollers (11), each mounted on a shaft (12). Each shaft (12) includes an outer surface (121) and is connected to the adjacent shaft (12) by two links (13). The rollers (11) are characterized in that they are tubular and each comprises: - Cylindrical outer surface (111), and - A cylindrical inner surface (112) defines a through cavity (113) in which the shaft (12) is mounted. These rollers (11) rotate freely relative to the shaft (12) to which they are associated. The cylindrical inner surface (112) of the roller (11) and the outer surface (121) of the shaft (12) define a sealing cavity (15) filled with lubricating fluid. In addition, each shaft (12) is rotatably locked together with at least one associated link (13) by a rotation locking device (16).

2. The roller chain (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The roller (11) and its associated shaft (12) are coupled together by a rotary assembly device (17).

3. The roller chain (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotary assembly device (17) includes two bearings, for example: - Two flanged sliding bearings connected to the cylindrical inner surface (112); or - Two rolling bearings, such as ball bearings, roller bearings, or needle bearings.

4. The roller chain (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing cavity (15) is laterally sealed by two annular seals (151), each annular seal extending between the cylindrical inner surface (112) of the roller (11) and the outer surface (121) of the shaft (12).

5. The roller chain (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each annular seal (151) is arranged between a segment (112a) of the cylindrical inner surface (112) of the roller (11) and a segment (121a) of the outer surface (121) of the shaft (12). These sections (112a; 121a), if applicable, are located outside the bearing (17).

6. The roller chain (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The annular seal (151) is selected from: - A metal seal (153), which, for example, comprises two sealing rings, wherein a first sealing ring (153a) is rotatably locked to the cylindrical inner surface (112) of the roller (11), and a second sealing ring (153b) is rotatably locked to the outer surface (121) of the shaft (12), or - A lip seal (152), which includes, for example, a lip seal (152a) that is rotatably locked to the cylindrical inner surface (112) of the roller (11) and a sealing ring (152b) that is rotatably locked to the outer surface (121) of the shaft (12).

7. The roller chain (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shaft (12) includes two end segments (122) that mate with complementary through holes (131; 1311; 1312) of the link (13). The rotary locking device (16) includes the following components: - The non-circular lateral portion (122a) of the end segment (122), for example, including a portion with a flat portion, and - Links (13) including complementary through holes (1311).

8. The roller chain (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller (11) and / or its associated shaft (12) include a translation locking device (18) adapted to hold the shaft (12) in its through cavity (113) and, for example, a stop carried by the end of the shaft (12).

9. The roller chain (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the shafts (12) includes at least one conduit (125) for filling the sealed cavity (15) with the lubricating fluid. The pipe (125) includes two holes, namely: -Outer hole (1251), and - An inner hole (1252) is inserted into the sealing cavity (15).

10. A rolling module for offshore applications, comprising: - The roller chain (10) according to claim 1. -A guide (21) that accommodates the roller chain (10). The chain (10) forms a circulating roller chain (10), which includes: -Active section (101), which is used to cooperate with complementary raceways (C), and - Return to section (102).

11. Offshore equipment comprising at least one rolling module as claimed in claim 10, and suitable for facilities such as piling or active surge compensation systems.

12. The roller chain (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The roller (11) and its associated shaft (12) cooperate with each other by a rotary assembly (17) selected from sliding bearings or rolling bearings.

13. The roller chain (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The roller (11) and its associated shaft (12) cooperate with each other by a rotary assembly (17) selected from sliding bearings or rolling bearings and mounted between the cylindrical inner surface (112) of the roller (11) and the outer surface (121) of the shaft (12).

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