Constant force flexible support structure for a GIL

Abstract

This invention discloses a constant-force flexible support structure for gas-insulated pipes (GILs), comprising: a base plate with dampers fixed on both its left and right sides; a base slidably connected horizontally to the top of the base plate, with two dampers contacting each side of the base to accommodate horizontal dislocation deformation of the GIL tube; a vertical constant-force compensation support assembly disposed inside the base, with a support plate extending outward from the top of the base; and a GIL tube support fixed to the GIL tube, with the bottom end of the support fixedly connected to the top of the support plate to accommodate vertical dislocation deformation of the GIL tube. The horizontal sliding base, the vertical compensation assembly, and the ball joint clamp work together to enable this invention to simultaneously accommodate the horizontal lateral displacement, vertical displacement, and angular deformation of the GIL tube, achieving three-dimensional omnidirectional flexible support and significantly improving the operational reliability of the GIL under complex geological conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipeline support technology, and more specifically to a constant-force flexible support structure for GIL (Gas Injection Line). Background Technology

[0002] GIL (Gas-Insulated Linear Transmission) power utility tunnels typically use continuous GIL pipes connected to the tunnel via supports. During long-term service, localized settlement may occur within the tunnel, leading to uneven stress on the pipelines and potentially causing deformation or even damage to the GIL pipes. Furthermore, GIL pipes are highly sensitive to vibration; if there are long-term stable vibration sources such as train tracks or roads near the tunnel, the pipe supports must have vibration damping capabilities. In addition, in complex geological environments such as those crossing fault zones, traditional support structures are prone to failure when pipelines and equipment shift or displace, seriously threatening equipment safety.

[0003] Existing GIL (Gas Inertial Irrigation) pipes are connected using corrugated pipes. These corrugated pipes can only expand and contract along the pipe section's axial direction to accommodate deformation caused by temperature changes. They remain rigidly fixed in the horizontal and vertical directions, unable to accommodate displacement deformation in these directions. Therefore, a flexible support structure with multi-directional dislocation compensation capabilities is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and propose a constant force flexible support structure for GIL, which solves the problem that existing GIL pipe supports cannot cope with the horizontal lateral deformation and vertical deformation perpendicular to the axial direction of the GIL pipe section.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A constant-force flexible support structure for GIL, comprising: A base plate, on both its left and right sides, is fixed with dampers; The base is horizontally slidably connected to the top of the base plate, and the two sides of the base are respectively in contact with the two dampers to accommodate the horizontal dislocation deformation of the GIL tube. A vertical constant force compensation support assembly is provided inside the base, and a support plate on the vertical constant force compensation support assembly extends outward from the top of the base. GIL tube support, on which GIL tubes are fixed, with the bottom end of the GIL tube support fixedly connected to the top end of the support plate, for the GIL tubes to adapt to vertical dislocation deformation.

[0007] Furthermore, the support plate is a T-shaped plate, and the vertical constant force compensation support assembly includes: The main support springs are multiple springs arranged vertically, and their lower ends are all fixed to the inner bottom surface of the base. The movable support base is fixedly connected to the upper ends of the plurality of main support springs, the top of the movable support base is fixedly connected to the vertical plate of the support plate, and a positioning shaft is fixed on the movable support base; Auxiliary support springs, wherein there are two auxiliary support springs arranged laterally, one end of which is fixedly connected to the two opposite inner sidewalls of the base; The positioning cam plates are two in number, each hinged to the rear side wall of the base, and the two positioning cam plates are located on both sides of the positioning shaft. The inner support surfaces of the two positioning cam plates are in contact with the positioning shaft, and the other ends of the two auxiliary support springs are respectively hinged to the two positioning cam plates.

[0008] Furthermore, the GIL pipe support is provided with multiple support beams along its vertical direction, and each support beam is fixed with a ball joint, the ball head of which is fixed with a clamp for fixing the GIL pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, the damper is a spring, a gas spring rod, or a hydraulic rod.

[0010] The working principle and technical effects of this invention are as follows: When the GIL tube undergoes horizontal displacement, the base slides horizontally relative to the base plate, and the dampers on both sides play a buffering and energy absorption role, so that the support structure as a whole adapts to the horizontal dislocation.

[0011] When the GIL tube undergoes vertical displacement, the GIL tube support drives the support plate and movable support seat to move up and down. During the movement of the movable support seat, the positioning shaft interacts with the support surfaces of the positioning cam plates on both sides, causing the positioning cam plates to swing around the hinge point, thereby compressing or stretching the auxiliary support spring. Through the torque balance design of the cam plates and auxiliary springs, the main support spring outputs an approximately constant support force within its vertical stroke range, avoiding additional stress on the GIL tube due to vertical displacement.

[0012] Meanwhile, the ball joint structure on the GIL tube support allows the clamp to deflect at an angle with the GIL tube, further releasing bending moment and rotation constraints, and achieving multi-degree-of-freedom self-adaptation.

[0013] In summary, this invention achieves three-dimensional dislocation compensation for GIL pipelines in the horizontal, vertical, and angular directions through the synergistic effect of the horizontal sliding base, vertical compensation components, and ball joint clamps. It has the advantages of compact structure, pure mechanical control, high reliability, and strong adaptability, effectively ensuring the safe operation of GIL pipelines under complex geological conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of a constant force flexible support structure for GIL provided by the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of the structure of part A in the middle.

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A side view structural diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and 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 this invention.

[0020] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] To address the challenges of uneven stress on power utility tunnels caused by localized settlement, as well as creep deformation and seismic activity faced by the GIL (Gas Infrared Lever) when crossing fault zones, a flexible support structure is proposed to adapt to the deformation of the GIL across fault zones, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the equipment.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention discloses a constant-force flexible support structure for GIL, comprising: The base plate 1 has dampers 2 fixed on both the left and right sides. The dampers 2 are springs, gas spring rods or hydraulic rods. When the GIL tube undergoes horizontal lateral displacement, the base 3 slides on the base plate 1. The dampers 2 play a buffering and limiting role, absorbing the horizontal impact energy. The base 3 is horizontally slidably connected to the top of the base plate 1. The two sides of the base 3 are respectively in contact with two dampers 2, which are used to adapt the GIL tube to the horizontal dislocation deformation. Vertical constant force compensation support component 4 is installed inside the base 3, and the support plate 43 on the vertical constant force compensation support component 4 extends outward from the top of the base 3. GIL tube support 5, on which GIL tubes are fixed, and the bottom end of GIL tube support 5 is fixedly connected to the top end of support plate 43, so that GIL tubes can adapt to vertical dislocation deformation.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, the support plate 43 is a T-shaped plate, and the vertical constant force compensation support assembly 4 includes: The main support spring 41 consists of multiple main support springs arranged vertically, and their lower ends are all fixed to the inner bottom surface of the base 3. The movable support base 42 is fixedly connected to the upper ends of multiple main support springs 41. The top of the movable support base 42 is fixedly connected to the vertical plate 431 of the support plate 43. A positioning shaft 44 is fixed on the movable support base 42. Auxiliary support spring 45, there are two auxiliary support springs arranged horizontally, one end of which is fixedly connected to the two opposite inner sidewalls of the base 3 respectively; The positioning cam plates 46 are two that are hinged to the rear side wall of the base 3, and the two positioning cam plates 46 are located on both sides of the positioning shaft 44. The inner support surfaces 461 of the two positioning cam plates 46 are in contact with the positioning shaft 44. The other ends of the two auxiliary support springs 45 are respectively hinged to the two positioning cam plates 46.

[0025] When the GIL tube undergoes vertical displacement, the GIL tube bracket 5 drives the support plate 43 and the movable support seat 42 to move up and down. The positioning shaft 44 moves with the movable support seat 42, pushing the positioning cam plate 46 to swing around the hinge point, thereby compressing or stretching the auxiliary support spring 45. Through the torque balance design of the positioning cam plate 46 and the auxiliary support spring 45, the supporting force output by the main support spring 41 to the movable support seat 42 remains constant within its vertical stroke, thus ensuring that the GIL tube does not bear additional stress during vertical dislocation.

[0026] Specifically, (i) the initial state (no vertical dislocation has occurred): The main support spring 41 is in a preset compression state, and its elastic force supports the movable support seat 42 upward, bearing the gravity load of the GIL pipe and GIL pipe support 5. The positioning shaft 44 is fixed on the movable support base 42 and is located between the two positioning cam plates 46. Its two sides are in contact with the inner support surfaces 461 of the two positioning cam plates 46 respectively. Under the preload of the auxiliary support spring 45, the inner support surface 461 of the positioning cam plate 46 is in close contact with the positioning shaft 44, forming a stable torque balance state. The auxiliary support spring 45 is in a preset compression or tension state, and applies a lateral force to the positioning shaft 44 through the positioning cam plate 46.

[0027] At this point, the supporting force of the main support spring 41 is equal to the total weight of the GIL pipe, and the system maintains static balance.

[0028] (II) Vertical downward displacement process (GIL pipe sinking): When geological subsidence or pipe gallery deformation causes the GIL pipeline to shift downwards, the working process is as follows: Stage 1, Displacement Input: The GIL pipe drives the GIL pipe support 5 to move downwards; The support plate 43 moves downwards, which in turn drives the movable support base 42 to move downwards via the vertical plate 431; The movable support base 42 compresses the main support spring 41, increasing the compression of the main support spring 41 and its elastic force accordingly.

[0029] Stage 2: Cam plate oscillation and torque balance: As the movable support 42 moves downward, the positioning shaft 44 moves downward accordingly; The positioning shaft 44 presses downward against the inner support surface 461 of the two positioning cam plates 46. Since the inner support surface 461 is a sloping structure, the downward movement of the positioning shaft 44 forces the two positioning cam plates 46 to swing outward around their respective hinge points. The outward swing of the positioning cam plate 46 causes the auxiliary support spring 45, which is hinged to it, to deform, that is, the auxiliary support spring 45 is further compressed or stretched (depending on the installation preload method), and its spring force changes accordingly.

[0030] Stage 3, Constant Force Output Mechanism: When the positioning shaft 44 moves down, the swing angle of the positioning cam plate 46 increases, and the length of the lever arm changes, so that the spring force generated by the auxiliary support spring 45 on the positioning shaft 44 changes according to a predetermined law. The horizontal component of this change acts on the positioning shaft 44 through the positioning cam plate 46, and is then transmitted to the movable support 42, forming a compensating force that is opposite to the compression of the main support spring 41. Through the principle of torque balance, the compensating force precisely offsets the increased elastic force of the main support spring 41 due to the increased compression, so that the resultant force output by the movable support seat 42 (i.e. the upward supporting force of the support plate 43) remains constant within the vertical stroke range.

[0031] Stage 4, constant force effect: Throughout the entire vertical downward displacement, regardless of the magnitude of the displacement, the upward supporting force on the GIL pipe remains constant. The GIL pipe shell does not bear additional compressive stress caused by displacement, and the internal insulators are not subjected to additional loads.

[0032] (III) Vertical upward displacement process (GIL pipe floating): When geological uplift or other factors cause the GIL pipeline to shift upwards, the working process is symmetrical to that of downward shifting: As the movable support 42 moves upward, the main support spring 41 extends, and its elastic force decreases. The positioning shaft 44 moves upward, and the positioning cam plate 46 swings inward under the elastic force of the auxiliary support spring 45; The oscillation of the positioning cam plate 46 reduces the compensating force generated by the auxiliary support spring 45 through the torque balance principle, thus compensating for the reduced support force of the main support spring 41. Ultimately, the output support force remains constant throughout the upward displacement stroke.

[0033] In some embodiments, the GIL tube support 5 is provided with a plurality of support beams 6 along its vertical direction, and each support beam 6 is fixed with a ball joint 7, the ball head of the ball joint 7 being fixed with a clamp 8 for fixing the GIL tube.

[0034] When the GIL tube deflects at an angle, the ball joint 7 can rotate freely, releasing the bending moment and avoiding local stress concentration caused by rigid constraints.

[0035] Specifically, (i) Normal working condition (no angular deflection): When the GIL pipeline is in a normal straight state: The central axes of the clamps 8 on each layer are collinear, and the GIL pipes are arranged in a straight line; The ball joint 7 is in a neutral position, and there is no relative rotation between the ball head and the ball seat; The gravity load of the GIL pipeline is transferred to the GIL pipe support 5 through the clamp 8, ball joint 7, and support beam 6, and then to the vertical constant force compensation support assembly 4 through the support plate 43. Each layer of ball joint 7 only bears axial load and has no bending moment.

[0036] (II) Angular deflection process (when dislocation occurs): When the angle of the GIL pipeline deflects due to geological activity, thermal expansion and contraction, or pipeline settlement, the following steps are taken to achieve self-adaptation: Phase 1, Deflection Input: GIL pipes may experience angular deflection (such as bending or tilting), causing the pipe axis to form an angle with the original installation axis. Because clamp 8 is rigidly fixed to the GIL pipe, clamp 8 deflects at the same angle as the pipe.

[0037] Stage 2, ball joint response: The angle deflection of clamp 8 causes the ball head of ball joint 7 to rotate spherically relative to ball seat; The spherical kinematic pair of ball joint 7 allows the ball head to rotate in any direction (horizontal, vertical, or combined directions). A low-friction sliding liner (if present) between the ball head and the ball seat ensures smooth rotation with minimal frictional resistance.

[0038] Stage 3, moment release: During the rotation of ball joint 7, the bending moment generated by the GIL pipe is released by the rotational motion of ball joint 7. The torque transmission path is cut off: the bending moment cannot be transmitted to the support beam 6 and GIL tube support 5 through the ball joint 7; GIL tube support 5 only bears gravity load and horizontal lateral load (borne by the sliding base), and does not bear bending moment.

[0039] Phase 4, Multi-level Collaboration: When the GIL pipe undergoes overall bending deformation, the angular deflection varies at different locations; Each layer of ball joint 7 independently responds to local angular changes at its respective position; Each layer of ball joint 7 rotates independently according to the actual deflection angle of the pipe at that location, achieving "follow-up" support; The combined effect of multiple ball joints ensures that the GIL pipe does not experience additional bending stress along its entire length.

[0040] Stage 5, displacement decoupling: When the GIL pipe undergoes axial expansion and contraction (such as thermal expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes), the clamp 8 and the GIL pipe can be designed to allow a small amount of axial sliding (or be absorbed by the small displacement of the ball joint). The spherical kinematic pair of ball joint 7 can also adapt to axial displacement to a certain extent, further releasing axial constraints.

[0041] (III) Dynamic operating conditions (vibration or shock): When GIL pipelines are subjected to vibration or impact loads: The pipe experiences a momentary angular oscillation; The ball joint 7 responds quickly within the ball seat, absorbing vibrational energy through minute rotation; High-frequency vibrations are dissipated by the friction damping of the ball joint 7, reducing their transmission to the supporting structure; Combined with damper 2, a multi-stage vibration reduction system is formed.

[0042] In summary, the horizontal sliding base, vertical compensation component, and ball joint clamp work together to enable the present invention to simultaneously adapt to the horizontal displacement, vertical displacement, and angular deformation of the GIL pipe, achieving three-dimensional omnidirectional flexible support and significantly improving the operational reliability of the GIL under complex geological conditions.

[0043] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0044] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A constant-force flexible support structure for GIL, characterized in that, include: The base plate (1) has dampers (2) fixed on both the left and right sides. The base (3) is horizontally slidably connected to the top of the base plate (1). The two sides of the base (3) are respectively in contact with the two dampers (2) for the GIL tube to adapt to the horizontal dislocation deformation. A vertical constant force compensation support assembly (4) is provided inside the base (3), and a support plate (43) on the vertical constant force compensation support assembly (4) extends outward from the top of the base (3); GIL tube support (5), on which GIL tube is fixed, and the bottom end of GIL tube support (5) is fixedly connected to the top end of support plate (43) for GIL tube to adapt to vertical dislocation deformation.

2. The constant-force flexible support structure for GIL according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support plate (43) is a T-shaped plate, and the vertical constant force compensation support assembly (4) includes: The main support spring (41) consists of multiple springs arranged vertically, and their lower ends are all fixed to the inner bottom surface of the base (3). The movable support base (42) is fixedly connected to the upper ends of the plurality of main support springs (41). The top of the movable support base (42) is fixedly connected to the vertical plate (431) of the support plate (43). A positioning shaft (44) is fixed on the movable support base (42). Auxiliary support springs (45), there are two auxiliary support springs (45) arranged laterally, one end of which is fixedly connected to the two opposite inner sidewalls of the base (3); Positioning cam plates (46) are two that are hinged to the rear side wall of the base (3), and the two positioning cam plates (46) are located on both sides of the positioning shaft (44). The inner support surfaces (461) of the two positioning cam plates (46) are in contact with the positioning shaft (44), and the other ends of the two auxiliary support springs (45) are respectively hinged to the two positioning cam plates (46).

3. A constant-force flexible support structure for GIL according to claim 1, characterized in that, The GIL tube support (5) is provided with multiple support beams (6) along its vertical direction. Each support beam (6) is fixed with a ball joint (7), and the ball head of the ball joint (7) is fixed with a clamp (8) for fixing the GIL tube.

4. A constant-force flexible support structure for GIL according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damper (2) is a spring, a gas spring rod, or a hydraulic rod.

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