A deep sea mining flexible pipe quick disconnect connector

Abstract

The application discloses a deep-sea mining flexible pipe quick release joint connector, and relates to the technical field of deep-sea mining equipment. The deep-sea mining flexible pipe quick release joint connector comprises a connector, two joint flanges and a plurality of clamping blocks, the joint flanges are fixed at the ends of two flexible pipes, the connector is in a rotary structure, comprises a plurality of circumferentially distributed and buckled split bodies, the outer walls of each split body are provided with protrusions at both ends, the protrusions of adjacent split bodies are matched, the inner cavity of the connector is wrapped around and tightly holds the two joint flanges, U-shaped grooves are formed in the clamping blocks and are buckled on the matched protrusions, the split bodies and the clamping blocks are made of shape memory alloy, the clamping blocks are expanded and fall off from the protrusions after being heated by electricity, and the plurality of split bodies are expanded and separated from each other after being heated by electricity, so as to fall off from the joint flanges. The device does not need to be connected by bolts, is simple to assemble, and can realize quick separation in an emergency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of deep-sea mining equipment technology, and in particular to a quick-release connector for flexible pipes used in deep-sea mining. Background Technology

[0002] In deep-sea mining hydraulic lifting systems, flexible mixed-transport pipes are used to connect mining vehicles and relay bins, with multiple flexible pipe sections connected by joints. Existing flexible pipe joints generally use bolted flange connections. To ensure connection reliability in harsh marine environments, a large number of bolts are required, leading to cumbersome and time-consuming installation and disassembly operations. Especially in ultra-deepwater environments (6000m), rapid separation between two pipe sections is impossible in emergencies, posing a safety hazard.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, some existing technologies have proposed flexible pipe joint solutions that do not require bolt connections. For example, the utility model patent with application number CN201720071212.8 adopts a structure of "double internal and external constraints + deformable compression locking," but its sealing ring and double elastic sealing ring are assembled with an interference fit and positioning, requiring precise alignment of multiple inclined surfaces and the bottom surface during installation, making assembly difficult; at the same time, it does not have a quick separation function in emergency situations.

[0004] The invention patent with application number CN202210735226.0 adopts a "clamp + snap-fit" composite structure, which consists of multiple parts such as flange inner core, inner locking clamp, split inner lining, and locking outer sleeve. During assembly, multiple wedge-shaped mating surfaces need to be installed and aligned in sequence, which is cumbersome and does not have the function of quick separation in emergency situations.

[0005] In summary, existing flexible mixed-transport pipe joints for deep-sea mining still suffer from cumbersome connection and separation operations, and cannot achieve rapid emergency separation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a quick-release connector for flexible pipes used in deep-sea mining, aiming to solve the problem of cumbersome connection and separation operations for flexible mixed-transport pipe joints, which makes it impossible to achieve emergency and rapid separation.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a quick-release connector for flexible pipes used in deep-sea mining, comprising a connector, two connector flanges, and multiple clamping blocks;

[0008] The joint flanges are respectively fixed to the ends of the two flexible pipes to be connected;

[0009] The connector has a rotary structure and includes multiple parts that are evenly distributed and fastened together around their circumference. Each part has two protruding edges on its outer wall, which are distributed at both ends of the part along the circumferential direction of the connector. The protruding edges on two adjacent parts are engaged. The connector has an inner cavity, and two connector flanges are wrapped in the inner cavity and held tightly by the multiple parts.

[0010] The clamping block has a U-shaped groove, which engages with the two mating protrusions, and the clamping block presses the two protrusions together.

[0011] Both the split body and the clamping block are made of shape memory alloy. Both the split body and the clamping block are provided with electrical interfaces, through which electricity can be applied to heat the split body and the clamping block. After being heated, the clamping block expands and detaches from the two protruding edges. After being heated, multiple split bodies expand and separate from each other, causing multiple split bodies to detach from the joint flange.

[0012] The entire connection device of this application does not require bolt connection. During installation, the split part is simply put on the joint flange, and then the clamping block presses the convex edge to constrain the split part in a circumferential direction to complete the locking. There is no need to tighten multiple bolts on site, which reduces the difficulty of underwater assembly and the preparation time.

[0013] Moreover, by using shape memory alloy to make the clamping block and the split body, this application only needs to heat the clamping block and the split body to above the reverse phase transformation temperature. The clamping block will automatically expand to release the circumferential constraint on the split-type claw, allowing multiple split bodies to expand radially and detach from the joint flange. In an emergency, it can quickly contact the connection of the flexible pipe.

[0014] Preferably, the outer wall of the joint flange has a first positioning surface, a first sealing surface, and a first fastening surface; the inner cavity includes two semi-cavities, and the inner wall of each semi-cavity has a second positioning surface, a second sealing surface, and a second fastening surface.

[0015] The two connector flanges are respectively placed in the two half cavities. When the two connector flanges are located in the inner cavity, the first positioning surfaces of the two connector flanges are opposite to each other. The first positioning surface and the second positioning surface are fitted together to axially position the two connector flanges. The first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are fitted together to form a seal between the connector flange and the inner cavity. The first fastening surface and the second fastening surface are fitted together to make the connector hold the connector flange tightly.

[0016] Axial positioning is achieved by setting the first and second positioning surfaces that fit together, thus limiting the axial displacement of the two joint flanges; a reliable seal is formed by the fit of the first and second sealing surfaces to prevent leakage of external seawater or internal media; the fit of the first and second fastening surfaces allows the connector to grip the joint flange, ensuring that the connector can effectively transmit radial clamping force.

[0017] Preferably, in the circumferential direction of the connector, the first end of the split body has a positioning groove, and the second end has a positioning tongue. When multiple split bodies are fastened together, the positioning tongue on the split body extends into the positioning groove on the adjacent split body.

[0018] When multiple parts are fastened together, the positioning tongue extends into the positioning groove of the adjacent parts, which can ensure accurate alignment when the parts are fastened together.

[0019] Preferably, each of the positioning slots is equipped with an elastic element that can apply force to the positioning tongue to push the positioning tongue out of the positioning slot.

[0020] The elastic element can apply force to the positioning tongue to push the positioning tongue out of the positioning groove, thereby actively releasing the fastening between adjacent parts and ensuring that multiple parts can be quickly and completely separated in an emergency.

[0021] Preferably, the elastic element is made of shape memory alloy, and the elastic element deforms when heated to push the positioning tongue out of the positioning groove.

[0022] By utilizing the property of shape memory alloys to deform when heated, the positioning tongue can be disengaged, avoiding the risk of unlocking failure caused by fatigue, corrosion or jamming of ordinary springs. This method is suitable for the requirements of high reliability and remote control in deep-sea mining environments.

[0023] Preferably, each of the half-cavities of the connector has a plurality of deformation grooves on its sidewall. The deformation grooves are formed on the split body, and the length direction of the deformation grooves is parallel to the axis of the connector. The plurality of deformation grooves are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the connector.

[0024] On the one hand, during locking, the deformation groove reduces the bending stiffness of the split body in the radial direction, allowing it to undergo more uniform and compliant elastic contraction deformation, thus better gripping the joint flange. On the other hand, during unlocking, the deformation groove effectively reduces the radial deformation resistance of the split body when it expands due to heat, guiding it to deform uniformly outward in the radial direction. This avoids deformation twisting or local jamming caused by uneven wall thickness or concentrated thermal stress, ensuring the smoothness and consistency of the split body's detachment from the joint flange and improving the stability of the unlocking action.

[0025] Preferably, it also includes a transition joint, one end of which is connected to the flexible pipe and the other end of which is connected to the joint flange.

[0026] The transition joint can be designed to fit the specific structure and material of the flexible pipe, which reduces the difficulty of connecting the joint flange with flexible pipes of different specifications and materials, and improves the versatility of the connection device and the convenience of on-site assembly.

[0027] Preferably, each of the components has a reinforcing rib on its outer wall, the reinforcing rib extending along the circumference of the component, and the protruding edge is provided at both ends of the reinforcing rib.

[0028] Reinforcing ribs can improve the stiffness of non-deformation areas of the structure and evenly distribute the clamping force applied by the hoop to the entire structure through the reinforcing ribs, thus avoiding stress concentration.

[0029] Preferably, the end of the connector flange that is not connected to the flexible tube has a circular groove, and the inner lining of the flexible tube passes through the connector flange and folds outward to form a flange, and the groove is used to accommodate the flange; when the connector flange is located in the inner cavity of the connector, the flanges of the two flexible tubes are aligned.

[0030] When the connector is clamped, the two flanges press together to form a surface contact seal, which significantly improves the sealing reliability at the interface.

[0031] Preferably, the shape memory alloy is a NiTi alloy.

[0032] NiTi alloys possess excellent shape memory effect and elasticity, with a wide adjustable range of reverse phase transformation temperature. They also generate large restoring force and large deformation during the phase transformation process, which can meet the requirements of large deformation and high driving force for the expansion and detachment of clamping blocks and the separation of parts under high pressure in the deep sea. At the same time, NiTi alloys have excellent resistance to seawater corrosion and high reliability in long-term service. Attached Figure Description

[0033] 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.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a front half-sectional view of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the split structure Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the split structure Figure 2 ;

[0037] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of connector structure Figure 1 The image contains a hidden component;

[0038] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of connector structure Figure 2 The image contains a hidden component;

[0039] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A magnified view of position A in the middle;

[0040] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the hoop block structure Figure 1 ;

[0041] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the hoop block structure Figure 2 ;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic element.

[0043] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the joint flange Figure 1 ;

[0044] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the joint flange Figure 2 ;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a sectional view of the connector flange.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0047] Connector 1, Connector flange 2, Fastening block 3, Split body 4, Raised edge 5, U-groove 6, Electrical interface 7, First positioning surface 8, First sealing surface 9, First fastening surface 10, Second positioning surface 11, Second sealing surface 12, Second fastening surface 13, Positioning groove 14, Positioning tongue 15, Elastic element 16, Deformation groove 17, Transition joint 18, Reinforcing rib 19, Groove 20, Flexible tube 21, Inner liner 22, Flanged edge 23. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0050] refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the quick-release connector for a deep-sea mining flexible pipe includes a connector 1, two connector flanges 2, and multiple clamping blocks 3. Exemplarily, the flexible pipe is a non-metallic flexible composite pipe, whose typical structure typically includes an inner liner, a reinforcing layer, and an outer protective layer. The innermost liner is in direct contact with the medium transported inside the pipe, and the outermost protective layer is in direct contact with the external environment, providing protection for the flexible pipe.

[0051] The connector flange 2 is fixed to the ends of the two flexible pipes to be connected. It should be noted that the connector flange 2 can be directly connected to the flexible pipe, for example, by crimping, bonding or threading. It can also be indirectly connected to the end of the flexible pipe through the transition joint 18 or adapter. The connector flange 2 has a channel for media transportation. After the connector flange 2 is connected to the end of the flexible pipe, the channel of the connector flange 2 is connected to the flexible pipe.

[0052] refer to Figures 1 to 5 The connector 1 has a rotary structure and includes multiple parts 4. The multiple parts 4 are evenly distributed around the circumference and fastened together. Exemplarily, the number of parts 4 can be three, four, five, or six, preferably four parts 4 to achieve good processing economy and assembly convenience. After fastening, the connector 1 has an inner cavity, and the two connector flanges 2 are wrapped in the inner cavity and held tightly by the multiple parts 4, thereby realizing the docking and fixing of the two connector flanges 2, and thus realizing the docking of the two flexible pipes.

[0053] refer to Figures 2 to 5 Each component 4 has two protruding edges 5 on its outer wall. These two protruding edges 5 are distributed along the circumference of the connector 1 at both ends of the component 4. The protruding edges 5 on two adjacent components 4 align, forming a complete boss protruding from the outer wall of the component 4. The number of clamping blocks 3 is the same as the number of bosses. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 The clamping block 3 has a U-shaped groove 6, which is matched one-to-one with the boss. The two side walls of the U-shaped groove 6 of the clamping block 3 press against the side walls of the boss. Through the elastic deformation or interference fit of the clamping block 3, the two protruding edges 5 are pressed, thereby pressing the multiple parts 4 together, so that the connector 1 hugs the joint flange 2.

[0054] Preferably, the two sidewalls of the U-shaped groove 6 have rounded or chamfered corners at the ends near the groove opening to form a guiding structure, which facilitates the fastening block 3 to be fastened to the boss. More preferably, an elongated groove is formed at the intersection of the sidewall and bottom wall of the U-shaped groove 6. This elongated groove serves as a stress relief groove and a deformation guiding groove, used to reduce the stiffness of the sidewall of the U-shaped groove 6 when it bends outward, reduce the stress concentration at the root of the U-shaped groove 6 when the fastening block 3 expands due to heat, and guide the opening of the U-shaped groove 6 to expand uniformly in a predetermined direction, thereby ensuring that the fastening block 3 can reliably detach from the protrusion 5.

[0055] Both the split body 4 and the clamping block 3 are made of shape memory alloy. In the locked state, the connector 1 clamps the connector flange 2 with an interference fit, and the clamping block 3 clamps the mating flange 5 with an interference fit. During assembly, multiple split bodies 4 are first fastened to the outside of the connector flange 2, so that the inner wall of each split body 4 contacts the outer wall of the connector flange 2. Since the connector 1 has a split structure, it can be appropriately opened to accommodate the connector flange 2. Then, the clamping block 3 is fastened to the flange 5, and the pressure of the clamping block 3 causes the split bodies 4 to elastically contract, thereby clamping the connector flange 2. Alternatively, before assembly, the split bodies 4 are electrically heated to slightly expand them, so that multiple split bodies 4 can easily fasten to the outside of the connector flange 2. After fastening, the split bodies 4 are allowed to cool and shrink back, and the connector 1 formed by the multiple split bodies 4 clamps the connector flange 2.

[0056] Both the connecting split body 4 and the clamping block 3 are provided with electrical interfaces 7, which are connected to cables. For example, the electrical interface 7 is a waterproof socket. When emergency unlocking is required, the split body 4 and the clamping block 3 are heated by electricity through the electrical interface 7. After being heated, the clamping block 3 expands and falls off from the two protruding edges 5. After being heated, the multiple split bodies 4 expand and separate from each other, so that the multiple split bodies 4 fall off from the joint flange 2.

[0057] It should be noted that the process can also be carried out in stages: first, heating the clamping block 3 to dislodge it and release the locking between the split parts 4, and then heating the split parts 4 to separate them. Alternatively, the heating of the split parts 4 and the clamping block 3 can be carried out simultaneously to shorten the heating time and achieve faster unlocking. The reverse phase transition temperature of the clamping block 3 and the split parts 4 can be designed to be the same or the clamping block 3 lower than the split parts 4 to ensure that the dislodgement of the clamping block 3 is no later than the expansion of the split parts 4, avoiding mechanical interference. Alternatively, the clamping block 3 can be heated first, but the heating of the split parts 4 can begin before the clamping block 3 dislodges. This ensures that the clamping block 3 dislodges the split parts 4 while saving heating time.

[0058] refer to Figures 10 to 12In some embodiments, the outer wall of the joint flange 2 has a first positioning surface 8, a first sealing surface 9, and a first fastening surface 10. Exemplarily, the joint flange 2 is provided with a shoulder, the first positioning surface 8 is formed by the end face of the shoulder near the flexible tube, the first sealing surface 9 and the first fastening surface 10 are both located on the side of the first positioning surface 8 near the flexible tube, the first sealing surface 9 is located between the first positioning surface 8 and the first fastening surface 10, and the first positioning surface 8 and the first sealing surface 9, as well as the first sealing surface 9 and the first fastening surface 10, are connected by smooth curved surfaces.

[0059] The inner cavity comprises two semi-cavities, which are symmetrically distributed along the axial direction of connector 1 and are connected; Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Each semi-cavity has a second positioning surface 11, a second sealing surface 12, and a second fastening surface 13 on its inner wall. The second positioning surface 11, the second sealing surface 12, and the second fastening surface 13 are respectively adapted to fit the first positioning surface 8, the first sealing surface 9, and the first fastening surface 10.

[0060] In the locked state, the two connector flanges 2 are respectively placed in the two half-cavities. When the two connector flanges 2 are in the inner cavity, the first positioning surfaces 8 of the two connector flanges 2 are opposite to each other, and the first positioning surfaces 8 and the second positioning surfaces 11 are fitted together to axially position the two connector flanges 2, preventing the connector flanges 2 from moving under axial tension or pressure. The first sealing surface 9 and the second sealing surface 12 are fitted together to form a seal between the connector flange 2 and the inner cavity. Preferably, a sealing ring is added between the first sealing surface 9 and the second sealing surface 12 to further improve the sealing effect. The first fastening surface 10 and the second fastening surface 13 are fitted together. Under the radial pressure of the clamping block 3, the connector 1 split body 4 transmits the clamping force through the contact of the first fastening surface 10 and the second fastening surface 13, so that the connector flange 2 is firmly clamped.

[0061] It should be noted that the three functional surfaces can be combined or their order adjusted. For example, in a simplified design, the sealing surface and the fastening surface can share the same cylindrical surface, but this cylindrical surface is divided into sections: the area near the positioning surface is used for sealing (high finish), and the area away from the positioning surface is used for fastening (slightly roughened to increase friction).

[0062] refer to Figures 2 to 6 In some embodiments, in the circumferential direction of connector 1, the first end of the split body 4 has a positioning groove 14 and the second end has a positioning tongue 15. The positioning groove 14 extends from the first end of the split body 4 toward the second end, and the positioning tongue 15 extends from the second end of the split body 4 away from the first end. When multiple split bodies 4 are fastened together, the positioning tongue 15 on the split body 4 extends into the positioning groove 14 on the adjacent split body 4 to guide and position the split bodies 4 when they are fastened together, so as to quickly assemble the split bodies 4.

[0063] refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, an elastic element 16 is installed in each positioning groove 14. The elastic element 16 can apply force to the positioning tongue 15 to push the positioning tongue 15 out of the positioning groove 14. The elastic element, as an active separation mechanism, can significantly improve the unlocking reliability. For example, the elastic element 16 is a corrugated stainless steel spring sheet, with one end fixed to the bottom of the positioning groove 14 and the other end free. In the locked state, when the positioning tongue 15 is inserted into the positioning groove 14, the spring sheet is compressed, and the spring sheet stores elastic potential energy. When unlocking, when the clamping block 3 falls off, the spring sheet releases potential energy, pushing the positioning tongue 15 outward, thereby pushing the separation of the two parts 4. Alternatively, the elastic element 16 is a helical compression spring, with a small hole in the bottom of the positioning groove 14 for installing the spring. When the positioning tongue 15 is inserted into the positioning groove 14, the spring is compressed.

[0064] refer to Figure 9 In some embodiments, the elastic element 16 is made of shape memory alloy. When the split body 4 is heated by electricity, the elastic element 16 is heated by the split body 4, and the elastic element 16 deforms when heated to push the positioning tongue 15 out of the positioning groove 14. Compared with ordinary springs, shape memory alloy elastic sheets do not have fatigue relaxation problems and have stable performance. Preferably, the reverse phase transition temperature of the elastic sheet is designed to be lower than the reverse phase transition temperature of the clamping block 3 and the split body 4. After being heated by electricity, the elastic sheet first deforms and accumulates elastic potential energy. After the clamping block 3 expands and falls off and the split body 4 expands, it can immediately cause the split body 4 to expand and separate.

[0065] refer to Figures 2 to 5 In some embodiments, each half-cavity of the connector 1 has a plurality of deformation grooves 17 on its sidewall. The deformation grooves 17 are formed on the split body 4, and the length direction of the deformation grooves 17 is parallel to the axis of the connector 1. The plurality of deformation grooves 17 are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the connector 1. It should be noted that, in the axial length of the connector 1, the deformation grooves 17 do not extend to the second sealing surface 12, or only extend to a part of the second sealing surface 12, and do not penetrate the second sealing surface 12, so as to avoid the deformation grooves 17 from damaging the seal between the second sealing surface 12 and the first sealing surface 9.

[0066] refer to Figure 1In some embodiments, a transition joint 18 is provided between the connector flange 2 and the flexible pipe. One end of the transition joint 18 is connected to the flexible pipe, and the other end is connected to the connector flange 2. The transition joint 18 is mainly used to solve the compatibility problem between flexible pipes of different materials and specifications and the connector flange 2. Exemplarily, the transition joint 18 and the flexible pipe are connected by resin injection. Specifically, an annular cavity is formed between the inner wall of the transition joint 18 and the outer wall of the flexible pipe. During assembly, the functional layers of the flexible pipe are peeled off to a preset length and then inserted into the transition joint 18 to the predetermined position. Subsequently, liquid epoxy resin is injected into the annular cavity through the grease injection hole provided on the transition joint 18. The epoxy resin fills the gaps between the layers of the flexible pipe and the interface between the transition joint 18 and the flexible pipe. After the epoxy resin is completely cured, the transition joint 18, the layers of the flexible pipe, and the inner wall of the transition joint 18 form an integrated high-strength, high-sealing connection structure. The transition joint 18 is connected to the connector flange 2 by bolts or screws, or by threads. In some alternative embodiments, the transition joint 18 and the joint flange 2 can be integrated.

[0067] refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments, each component 4 has a reinforcing rib 19 on its outer wall. The reinforcing rib 19 is located between the deformation grooves 17 on the two half-cavities and extends along the circumferential direction of the component 4. The protruding edge 5 is provided at both ends of the reinforcing rib 19. The reinforcing rib 19 can improve the rigidity of the non-deformation area of ​​the component 4 and evenly transmit the clamping force applied by the clamping block 3 to the entire component 4 through the reinforcing rib 19, avoiding stress concentration.

[0068] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 12 In some embodiments, the end of the connector flange 2 not connected to the flexible tube has a circular groove 20. The inner lining of the flexible tube passes through the connector flange 2 and folds outward to form a flange. The groove 20 is used to accommodate the flange. When the connector flange 2 is located in the inner cavity of the connector 1, the flanges of the two flexible tubes are aligned. It should be noted that the depth of the groove 20 is less than the thickness of the inner lining of the flexible tube, so that the flange protrudes from the groove 20. When the two connector flanges 2 are aligned, the parts of the two flanges protruding from the groove 20 contact and are squeezed to form a seal. The groove 20 provides space for the flange to be accommodated, preventing the flange from being damaged by excessive compression.

[0069] In some embodiments, the shape memory alloy of the split element 4, the clamping block 3, and the elastic element 16 is a NiTi alloy. By adjusting the Ni / Ti ratio and heat treatment process, its phase transformation temperature can be precisely controlled over a wide range, and it exhibits excellent superelasticity and seawater corrosion resistance, making it suitable for long-term deep-sea service. It should be noted that other shape memory alloys, such as copper-based or iron-based shape memory alloys, can also be used. Furthermore, the split element 4, the clamping block 3, and the elastic element 16 can be made of the same or different shape memory alloys.

[0070] It should be noted that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity from several other entities, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities.

[0071] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A quick-release connector for flexible pipes used in deep-sea mining, characterized in that, Includes connector (1), two joint flanges (2) and multiple clamping blocks (3); The joint flange (2) is fixed to the ends of the two flexible pipes to be connected; The connector (1) has a rotary structure and includes multiple parts (4). The multiple parts (4) are evenly distributed and fastened around the circumference. Each part (4) has two protruding edges (5) on its outer wall. The two protruding edges (5) are distributed at both ends of the part (4) along the circumferential direction of the connector (1). The protruding edges (5) on two adjacent parts (4) are engaged. The connector (1) has an inner cavity. The two connector flanges (2) are wrapped in the inner cavity and held tightly by the multiple parts (4). The clamping block (3) has a U-shaped groove (6) which engages with the two mating protrusions (5), and the clamping block (3) presses the two protrusions (5) together. The material of the split body (4) and the clamping block (3) is a shape memory alloy. Both the split body (4) and the clamping block (3) are provided with electrical interfaces (7). The split body (4) and the clamping block (3) can be heated by electricity through the electrical interfaces (7). After being heated, the clamping block (3) expands and falls off from the two protruding edges (5). After being heated, multiple split bodies (4) expand and separate from each other, so that multiple split bodies (4) fall off from the joint flange (2).

2. The quick-release connector for flexible pipes in deep-sea mining according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the joint flange (2) has a first positioning surface (8), a first sealing surface (9) and a first fastening surface (10); the inner cavity includes two half cavities, and the inner wall of each half cavity has a second positioning surface (11), a second sealing surface (12) and a second fastening surface (13). The two connector flanges (2) are respectively placed in the two half cavities. When the two connector flanges (2) are located in the inner cavity, the first positioning surfaces (8) of the two connector flanges (2) are opposite to each other. The first positioning surface (8) and the second positioning surface (11) are fitted together to axially position the two connector flanges (2). The first sealing surface (9) and the second sealing surface (12) are fitted together to form a seal between the connector flange (2) and the inner cavity. The first fastening surface (10) and the second fastening surface (13) are fitted together to make the connector (1) hold the connector flange (2).

3. The quick-release connector for flexible pipes in deep-sea mining according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the circumferential direction of the connector (1), the first end of the split body (4) has a positioning groove (14) and the second end has a positioning tongue (15). When multiple split bodies (4) are fastened together, the positioning tongue (15) on the split body (4) extends into the positioning groove (14) on the adjacent split body (4).

4. The quick-release connector for flexible pipes in deep-sea mining according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the positioning grooves (14) is equipped with an elastic element (16) that can apply force to the positioning tongue (15) to push the positioning tongue (15) out of the positioning groove (14).

5. The quick-release connector for flexible pipes in deep-sea mining according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic element (16) is made of shape memory alloy. When heated, the elastic element (16) deforms to push the positioning tongue (15) out of the positioning groove (14).

6. The quick-release connector for flexible pipes in deep-sea mining according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector (1) has a plurality of deformation grooves (17) on the side wall of each half cavity. The deformation grooves (17) are formed on the split body (4). The length direction of the deformation grooves (17) is parallel to the axis of the connector (1). The plurality of deformation grooves (17) are distributed at intervals along the circumferential direction of the connector (1).

7. The quick-release connector for flexible pipes in deep-sea mining according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, It also includes a transition joint (18), one end of which is connected to the flexible pipe and the other end is connected to the joint flange (2).

8. The quick-release connector for flexible pipes in deep-sea mining according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Each of the sub-sections (4) has a reinforcing rib (19) on its outer wall. The reinforcing rib (19) extends along the circumferential direction of the sub-section (4), and the protruding edge (5) is provided at both ends of the reinforcing rib (19).

9. The quick-release connector for flexible pipes in deep-sea mining according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The end of the connector flange (2) that is not connected to the flexible tube is provided with a circular groove (20). The inner lining of the flexible tube passes through the connector flange (2) and then folds outward to form a flange. The groove (20) is used to accommodate the flange. When the connector flange (2) is located in the inner cavity of the connector (1), the flanges of the two flexible tubes are aligned.

10. The quick-release connector for flexible pipes in deep-sea mining according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The shape memory alloy is a NiTi alloy.

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