A device for locking a rotating shaft and its method of use.

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of concentrated solar power (CSP) technology, and discloses a device and method for locking a rotating shaft. The device includes a limiting pin, an electric push rod, and a limiting sensor, all mounted on a bearing of a reflector shaft. The limiting pin slidably passes through a first limiting pin hole on the bearing of the reflector shaft, and one end of the limiting pin can be inserted into a second limiting pin hole on the reflector shaft. The output end of the electric push rod is connected to the other end of the limiting pin, used to push and pull one end of the limiting pin into and out of the second limiting pin hole. The limiting sensor includes a contact-type conductive switch. A limiting plate is mounted on the shaft of the limiting pin, and the contact-type conductive switch is located along the movement path of the limiting plate. This invention improves the wind resistance of the solar collector and reduces steel costs by controlling the load transmission path. The limiting sensor can send the status of the limiting pin to the control unit and monitoring system in real time, solving the problem of misjudgment of status.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of concentrated solar power plant technology, specifically to a device and method for locking a rotating shaft. Background Technology

[0002] In a parabolic trough solar thermal power plant, the parabolic trough collector is the core component, responsible for converting solar energy into thermal energy to provide the heat source for the entire plant. However, in actual operation, the collector often faces severe challenges from wind loads. Wind loads generate significant torque on the collector, which starts at the ends and accumulates as it extends towards the center. Simultaneously, with the continuous increase in the opening size and mirror field length of the parabolic trough collector, the torque value induced by wind loads further rises, becoming a key load factor that must be considered in the structural design of the collector. This cumulative torque effect not only directly increases the amount of steel used in the structure but also significantly increases the project cost, thus, to some extent, restricting the large-scale promotion and development of parabolic trough solar thermal power plants.

[0003] To address the aforementioned problem of torque accumulation caused by wind loads, currently operational parabolic trough solar collectors generally lack effective countermeasures. Existing technologies mainly focus on improving the optical efficiency of the collector, optimizing the heat transfer medium, and cleaning the mirror surface, without fully considering using mechanical locking or similar rigid constraint methods to suppress the continuous transmission and accumulation of torque along the collector's axial direction. Existing designs mostly rely on strengthening the structure itself to passively resist wind loads, without actively intervening in the load transmission path. Especially under high wind conditions, due to the lack of windproof mechanisms that can segmentally cut off or partially lock the torque, the connections between different sections of the collector cannot form a rigid anti-torsional whole, causing the torque to accumulate gradually at the intermediate connection points, further exacerbating the burden on the steel structure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address existing problems, this invention provides a device and method for locking a rotating shaft. By distributing the accumulated torque from multiple units to each unit, the overall torque accumulation of the solar collector is effectively reduced, thereby decreasing the amount of steel used. Limit sensors installed in the device transmit the status of the limit pins to the control unit and monitoring system in real time, resolving the problem of misjudgment and ensuring the normal operation of the solar collector. Furthermore, this device is simple to operate and requires only minor modifications to the existing solar collector bearing base for installation, significantly improving the convenience and applicability of retrofitting.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution.

[0006] This invention provides a device for locking a rotating shaft, comprising a limiting pin, an electric push rod, and a limiting sensor disposed on a bearing seat of a reflector rotating shaft; the limiting pin slidably passes through a first limiting pin hole disposed on the bearing seat of the reflector rotating shaft, and one end of the limiting pin can be inserted into a second limiting pin hole disposed on the reflector rotating shaft; the output end of the electric push rod is connected to the other end of the limiting pin, for pushing one end of the limiting pin into and pulling out of the second limiting pin hole; the limiting sensor includes a contact conductive switch; a limiting plate is disposed on the shaft of the limiting pin, and the contact conductive switch is on the movement path of the limiting plate; when the contact conductive switch engages with the limiting plate, the limiting sensor sends a release signal; when the contact conductive switch separates from the limiting plate, the limiting sensor sends a loading locking signal.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the virtual extension line of the sliding direction of the limiting pin passes through the axis of the reflector shaft.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the distance between the limiting plate and the limiting pin at one end of the reflector shaft is the sum of the hole depths of the first limiting pin hole and the second limiting pin hole.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the travel of the limiting pin in the sliding direction is greater than the hole depth of the second limiting pin hole.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the setting direction of the electric push rod is parallel to the sliding direction of the limiting pin.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, it also includes a control unit; the control unit is electrically connected to the electric push rod and the limit sensor respectively.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, a wind speed sensor is also included; the wind speed sensor is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, a mirror axis position sensor is also included, which is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, a torque sensor is also included; the torque sensor is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0015] The present invention also discloses a method of using a device for locking a rotating shaft, characterized by comprising the following steps: When the limit pin is inserted into place, the limit plate on the limit pin triggers the contact conductive switch of the limit sensor to separate, and the limit sensor sends a loading locking signal to confirm that the reflector shaft is in the locked state. The electric push rod is controlled to drive the limit pin in the reverse direction, pulling the limit pin out of the second limit pin hole. The limit plate connects with the contact conductive switch of the limit sensor, and the limit sensor sends a release signal, so the reflector shaft returns to its free rotation state.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This device, through the cooperation of limit pins, electric push rods, and limit sensors, achieves automatic mechanical locking and unlocking of the reflector shaft, effectively preventing collector damage caused by torque accumulation under high wind conditions, and significantly improving the wind resistance safety and operational reliability of the parabolic trough solar thermal power plant's collector field. This device can distribute the torque accumulated in the original multi-unit parabolic trough collector across various units, reducing the torque accumulation and the amount of steel used in the collector structure. The limit sensors can send the status of the limit pins to the control unit or monitoring system, such as the LOC cabinet, to avoid misjudgments affecting the normal operation of the collector. The device is simple to use and requires only minor modifications to the existing collector bearing base for installation and use.

[0017] Preferably, this design ensures that there is no eccentric load between the pin and the shaft when locking, avoiding pin jamming or shaft deformation due to radial force, thereby improving the mechanical stability and service life of the locking mechanism.

[0018] Preferably, when the limit pin is fully inserted, the limit plate triggers the sensor state switch, which realizes accurate feedback of the locking signal and prevents damage to the structure due to insufficient insertion or over-insertion.

[0019] Preferably, the travel design ensures that the pin is completely withdrawn from the shaft hole in the unlocked state, while it can be reliably inserted to the bottom when locked, avoiding locking failure or unlocking jamming due to insufficient travel.

[0020] Preferably, the angle between the push rod output force and the pin movement direction is eliminated, so that the driving force is used entirely for axial movement, which improves transmission efficiency and reduces lateral wear, ensuring the reliability of long-term operation.

[0021] Preferably, the system achieves automated control of locking and unlocking, and can determine the locking status in real time based on sensor feedback and execute corresponding actions, thereby improving the system's intelligence level and ease of operation.

[0022] Preferably, the system can automatically trigger locking or unlocking based on real-time wind speed, actively locking the shaft to prevent wind load damage when strong winds arrive, and automatically resuming rotation after the wind stops, thus achieving fully automatic wind protection.

[0023] Preferably, it can ensure that the rotating shaft can only lock when it reaches the preset locking angle, avoiding accidental locking at non-permitted angles that could damage the rotating shaft or locking mechanism, thus enhancing the safety of the equipment.

[0024] Preferably, the shaft torque value can be monitored in real time, and when an abnormal torque change is detected, the lock-up protection is automatically executed to prevent damage to the collector structure caused by accidental impact or mechanical failure.

[0025] Preferably, by connecting and separating the limit plate and the contact conductive switch, precise switching signal output for both locked and unlocked states is achieved. The control unit automatically drives the electric push rod to move according to the signal state, forming a closed-loop control process of "position feedback - automatic execution". Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely schematic to aid in understanding the invention and are not intended to specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the extended state of a device for locking a rotating shaft in Embodiment 1; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pushed-in state of a device for locking a rotating shaft in Embodiment 1; Figure 3 This is a circuit connection diagram of a device for locking a rotating shaft in Embodiment 2; Figure 4 This is a circuit connection diagram of a device for locking a rotating shaft in Embodiment 3; Figure 5 This is a circuit connection diagram of a device for locking a rotating shaft in Embodiment 4.

[0027] The components include: 1. Limiting pin; 2. Electric push rod; 3. Limiting sensor; 4. First limiting pin hole; 5. Second limiting pin hole; 6. Limiting plate; 7. Contact conductive switch; 8. Control unit; 9. Wind speed sensor; 10. Reflector shaft position sensor; 11. Torque sensor; 12. Shaft seat; 13. Shaft seat cover; 14. Reflector shaft; 15. Bearing limiting plate; and 17. Fiber winding pad. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0029] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] Example 1 like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a device for locking a rotating shaft, including a limiting pin 1, an electric push rod 2, and a limiting sensor 3 disposed on a bearing seat 12 of a reflector rotating shaft 14. A bearing seat cover 13 is disposed on the bearing seat 12 of the reflector rotating shaft 14, and the bearing seat cover 13 is connected to the bearing seat 12 via a bearing bush limiting plate 15. A limiting winding pad 17 is disposed between the reflector rotating shaft 14 and the bearing seat 12.

[0032] The limiting pin 1 is slidably inserted through the first limiting pin hole 4 on the bearing seat 12 of the reflector shaft 14, and one end of the limiting pin 1 can be inserted into the second limiting pin hole 5 on the reflector shaft 14.

[0033] The output end of the electric push rod 2 is connected to the other end of the limit pin 1, and is used to push one end of the limit pin 1 into and pull out the second limit pin hole 5.

[0034] The limit sensor 3 includes a contact conductive switch 7.

[0035] A limit plate 6 is provided on the shaft of the limit pin 1. A contact conductive switch 7 is on the movement path of the limit plate 6. When the contact conductive switch 7 is in contact with the limit plate 6, the limit sensor 3 sends a release signal. When the contact conductive switch 7 is separated from the limit plate 6, the limit sensor 3 sends a loading locking signal.

[0036] Preferably, the virtual extension line of the sliding direction of the limiting pin 1 passes through the axis of the reflector shaft 14. This design ensures that there is no eccentric load between the limiting pin 1 and the reflector shaft 14 when locked, avoiding pin jamming or shaft seat 12 deformation due to radial force, thereby improving the mechanical stability and service life of the locking mechanism.

[0037] Preferably, the distance between the limiting plate 6 and the limiting pin 1 inserted at one end of the reflector shaft 14 is the sum of the hole depths of the first limiting pin hole 4 and the second limiting pin hole 5. When the limiting pin 1 is fully inserted, the limiting plate 6 triggers the sensor state switch, realizing accurate feedback of the locking signal and preventing damage to the structure due to insufficient insertion or over-insertion.

[0038] Preferably, the travel of the limiting pin 1 in the sliding direction is greater than the depth of the second limiting pin hole 5. This travel design ensures that the limiting pin 1 is completely withdrawn from the pivot hole in the unlocked state, while being reliably inserted to the bottom in the locked state, avoiding locking failure or unlocking jamming due to insufficient travel.

[0039] Preferably, the electric actuator 2 is positioned parallel to the sliding direction of the limiting pin 1. This eliminates the angle between the output force of the electric actuator 2 and the movement direction of the limiting pin 1, allowing all driving force to be used for axial movement, improving transmission efficiency, reducing lateral wear, and ensuring long-term operational reliability.

[0040] Example 2 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that: 1) It also includes a control unit 8; the control unit 8 is electrically connected to the electric push rod 2 and the limit sensor 3 respectively.

[0041] 2) It also includes a wind speed sensor 9; the wind speed sensor 9 is electrically connected to the control unit 8.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 8 is electrically connected to the electric push rod 2, the limit sensor 3, and the wind speed sensor 9, respectively; the wind speed sensor 9 is located next to the collector of the parabolic trough solar thermal power plant.

[0043] This embodiment also discloses a method of using a device for locking a rotating shaft, including the following steps: When the wind speed sensor 9 continuously detects that the wind speed is greater than or equal to the predetermined wind speed, the control unit 8 controls the reflector shaft 14 to rotate to the wind-avoiding posture, the first limit pin hole 4 and the second limit pin hole 5 are aligned, and when the limit pin 1 is inserted into place, the limit plate 6 on the limit pin 1 triggers the contact conductive switch 7 of the limit sensor 3 to separate, and the limit sensor 3 sends a loading locking signal to confirm that the reflector shaft 14 is in the locked state. When the wind speed sensor 9 continuously detects that the wind speed is less than the predetermined wind speed, the electric push rod 2 drives the limit pin 1 in the reverse direction, pulling the limit pin 1 out of the second limit pin hole 5. The limit plate 6 connects with the contact conductive switch 7 of the limit sensor 3, and the limit sensor 3 sends a release signal. The reflector shaft 14 returns to a free rotation state, and the control unit 8 controls the reflector shaft 14 to rotate to the light-collecting posture.

[0044] The predetermined wind speed can be determined based on the region's annual climate and the number of windy days. For example, for areas with relatively mild annual wind speeds and few windy days, the predetermined wind speed is set to level 7 (13.9-17.1 m / s); for areas with strong annual winds and frequent winds, the predetermined wind speed is set to level 5 (8.0-10.7 m / s).

[0045] Example 3 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that: 1) It also includes a control unit 8; the control unit 8 is electrically connected to the electric push rod 2 and the limit sensor 3 respectively.

[0046] 2) It also includes a wind speed sensor 9; the wind speed sensor 9 is electrically connected to the control unit 8.

[0047] 3) It also includes a reflector shaft position sensor 10, which is electrically connected to the control unit 8.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 8 is electrically connected to the electric push rod 2, the limit sensor 3, the wind speed sensor 9, and the reflector shaft position sensor 10. The reflector shaft position sensor 10 is matched with the alignment mark of the limit pin 1 set on the reflector shaft. When the reflector shaft rotates to the alignment mark position of the limit pin 1, the reflector shaft position sensor 10 is triggered and sends an alignment accuracy signal to the control unit 8 to start the pushing action of the limit pin 1.

[0049] This embodiment also discloses a method of using a device for locking a rotating shaft, including the following steps: When the wind speed sensor 9 continuously detects that the wind speed is greater than or equal to the predetermined wind speed, the control unit 8 controls the reflector shaft 14 to rotate to the wind-avoiding posture. When the reflector shaft position sensor 10 detects that the first limit pin hole 4 and the second limit pin hole 5 are aligned and the limit pin 1 is inserted into place, the limit plate 6 on the limit pin 1 triggers the contact conductive switch 7 of the limit sensor 3 to separate, and the limit sensor 3 sends a loading locking signal to confirm that the reflector shaft 14 is in the locked state. When the wind speed sensor 9 continuously detects that the wind speed is less than the predetermined wind speed, the electric push rod 2 drives the limit pin 1 in the reverse direction, pulling the limit pin 1 out of the second limit pin hole 5. The limit plate 6 connects with the contact conductive switch 7 of the limit sensor 3, and the limit sensor 3 sends a release signal. The reflector shaft 14 returns to a free rotation state, and the control unit 8 controls the reflector shaft 14 to rotate to the light-collecting posture.

[0050] Example 4 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that: 1) It also includes a control unit 8; the control unit 8 is electrically connected to the electric push rod 2 and the limit sensor 3 respectively.

[0051] 2) It also includes a torque sensor 11; the torque sensor 11 is electrically connected to the control unit 8.

[0052] 3) It also includes a reflector shaft position sensor 10, which is electrically connected to the control unit 8.

[0053] like Figure 5 As shown, the control unit 8 is electrically connected to the electric push rod 2, the limit sensor 3, the reflector shaft position sensor 10, and the torque sensor 11, respectively. The torque sensor 11 is mounted on the reflector shaft.

[0054] This embodiment also discloses a method of using a device for locking a rotating shaft, including the following steps: When the torque sensor 11 continuously detects that the torque is greater than or equal to the predetermined torque, the control unit 8 controls the reflector shaft 14 to rotate to the windproof posture. When the reflector shaft position sensor 10 detects that the first limit pin hole 4 and the second limit pin hole 5 are aligned and the limit pin 1 is inserted into place, the limit plate 6 on the limit pin 1 triggers the contact conductive switch 7 of the limit sensor 3 to separate, and the limit sensor 3 sends a loading locking signal to confirm that the reflector shaft 14 is in the locked state. When the torque sensor 11 continuously detects that the torque is less than the predetermined torque, it controls the electric push rod 2 to drive the limit pin 1 in the opposite direction, pulling the limit pin 1 out of the second limit pin hole 5. The limit plate 6 connects with the contact conductive switch 7 of the limit sensor 3, the limit sensor 3 sends a release signal, the reflector shaft 14 returns to the free rotation state, and the control unit 8 controls the reflector shaft 14 to rotate to the light-collecting posture.

[0055] The predetermined torque can be determined based on the region's annual climate, number of windy days, and national standards. For example, for a trough collector with an opening of 5.77 meters and a length of 150 meters, the design specification is that the unbalance deviation during the balance torque test should not exceed 200 Nm, so the predetermined torque can be set to 200 Nm.

[0056] The above embodiments are merely one of the implementation methods for achieving the technical solution of the present invention. The scope of protection claimed by the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, but also includes any variations, substitutions and other implementation methods that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for locking a rotating shaft, characterized in that, The system includes a limiting pin (1), an electric push rod (2), and a limiting sensor (3) disposed on a bearing seat (12) of the reflector shaft (14); the limiting pin (1) is slidably inserted through a first limiting pin hole (4) disposed on the bearing seat (12) of the reflector shaft (14), and one end of the limiting pin (1) can be inserted into a second limiting pin hole (5) disposed on the reflector shaft (14); the output end of the electric push rod (2) is connected to the other end of the limiting pin (1) for using the limiting pin (1) to... 1) One end is pushed into and pulled out of the second limiting pin hole (5); the limiting sensor (3) includes a contact conductive switch (7); a limiting plate (6) is provided on the shaft of the limiting pin (1), and the contact conductive switch (7) is on the movement path of the limiting plate (6). When the contact conductive switch (7) overlaps with the limiting plate (6), the limiting sensor (3) sends a release signal. When the contact conductive switch (7) separates from the limiting plate (6), the limiting sensor (3) sends a loading locking signal.

2. The device for locking a rotating shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The virtual extension line of the sliding direction of the limiting pin (1) passes through the axis of the reflector shaft (14).

3. The device for locking a rotating shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the limiting plate (6) and the limiting pin (1) inserted at one end of the reflector shaft (14) is the sum of the hole depths of the first limiting pin hole (4) and the second limiting pin hole (5).

4. The device for locking a rotating shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The travel of the limiting pin (1) in the sliding direction is greater than the hole depth of the second limiting pin hole (5).

5. The device for locking a rotating shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric push rod (2) is set in a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the limiting pin (1).

6. The device for locking a rotating shaft according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control unit (8); the control unit (8) is electrically connected to the electric push rod (2) and the limit sensor (3) respectively.

7. The device for locking a rotating shaft according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a wind speed sensor (9); the wind speed sensor (9) is electrically connected to the control unit (8).

8. The device for locking a rotating shaft according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a mirror shaft position sensor (10), which is electrically connected to the control unit (8).

9. A device for locking a rotating shaft according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a torque sensor (11); the torque sensor (11) is electrically connected to the control unit (8).

10. A method of using the device for locking a rotating shaft as described in any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: When the limit pin (1) is inserted into place, the limit plate (6) on the limit pin (1) triggers the contact conductive switch (7) of the limit sensor (3) to separate, and the limit sensor (3) sends a loading locking signal to confirm that the reflector shaft (14) is in the locked state. The control electric push rod (2) drives the limit pin (1) in the reverse direction, pulling the limit pin (1) out of the second limit pin hole (5). The limit plate (6) connects with the contact conductive switch (7) of the limit sensor (3). The limit sensor (3) sends a release signal, and the reflector shaft (14) returns to free rotation.

Images