Automatic locking and controlling iron chain equipment for navigation mark construction ship

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic locking chain device for a navigation aid construction vessel, comprising an automatic locking chain device mechanical structure installed on the hull of the vessel, and an electrical control system and a hydraulic drive system located in the hull. The automatic locking chain device mechanical structure includes a locking buoy chain assembly and a locking boulder chain assembly. The electrical control system controls the hydraulic drive system to drive the automatic locking chain device mechanical structure, thereby automatically clamping and releasing the chains of the locking buoy chain assembly and the locking boulder chain assembly. This invention, by setting up the locking buoy chain assembly and the locking boulder chain assembly, controls the pushing and retracting of the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder to control the pushing column, thereby completing multiple clamping and releasing of the chains. It can stably achieve segmented dragging of the boulder chain and deck chain arrangement, with a smooth operation process, high degree of automation, and can effectively improve the efficiency of navigation aid repositioning operations, enhance safety, and reduce labor intensity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of chain stoppers, specifically to an automatic locking and control chain device for navigation mark construction vessels. Background Technology

[0002] Inland waterway navigation aids are visual, acoustic, and radio navigation aids installed to assist vessels in safe and convenient navigation. By rationally distributing these aids, the direction, boundaries, and obstructions of inland waterways can be indicated, relevant waterway information can be revealed, and vessels can be directed to safe and economical routes.

[0003] The navigational aid consists of a buoy and a 3-ton weight (sinking stone) connected by an iron chain, which is 50-100 meters long. The chain is divided into two sections: the upper section is the chain connecting the buoy (called the buoy chain, 5-10 meters long), and the lower section is the chain connecting the sinking stone (called the sinking stone chain, 50-100 meters long). The buoy chain and the sinking stone chain are connected by shackles. During use, sudden rises in water level, storms, fluctuating water levels, and ship collisions can cause the navigational aid to deviate from its position, requiring a vessel to reposition it. Repositioning involves hauling a heavy object to the ship's side. First, the chain below the buoy is retrieved to the ship's deck, and the shackle between the buoy chain and the sinker chain is opened. Next, the buoy chain is secured using a locking device. Then, the sinker chain is towed using a winch, with the locking device holding it in place, arranging the chain neatly on the deck. The locking device is then reopened, and the winch is used to pull the chain again, repeating this process multiple times until the chain is neatly arranged on the deck. Finally, the automatic locking device opens and loosens the chain, allowing the sinker and buoy to sink into the inland river. During the chain-hauling process, the automatic locking device needs to be used to repeatedly tighten and loosen the chain.

[0004] Currently, automatic chain locking devices (or chain stoppers) are available on the market, but they can only be installed on ships under construction and cannot be installed on ships in operation. Furthermore, many navigation mark construction vessels use manual chain stoppers, which are manually operated, resulting in high labor intensity and significant construction safety hazards.

[0005] Based on the above process, this application proposes an automatic locking chain device for navigation mark construction vessels, which can be easily installed on operating navigation mark construction vessels, achieving remote control with good safety and low labor intensity. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Purpose of the invention: To provide an automatic locking chain device for navigation mark construction vessels to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0007] Technical solution: An automatic locking chain device for a navigation mark construction vessel, including an automatic locking chain device mechanical structure installed on the side of the navigation mark construction vessel, and an electrical control system and a hydraulic drive system installed in the cabin; The mechanical structure of the automatic locking chain equipment includes a locking buoy chain assembly and a locking sinking stone chain assembly. The electrical control system is used to control the hydraulic drive system to drive the mechanical structure of the automatic locking chain equipment, and to drive the locking buoy chain assembly and the locking sinking stone chain assembly to automatically clamp and release the chains.

[0008] Preferably, the locking buoy chain assembly includes a base plate fixedly mounted on the deck, a pressure plate mounted on the base plate, a hydraulic cylinder support plate mounted on the side of the base plate, a buoy hydraulic cylinder mounted on the side of the hydraulic cylinder support plate, a movable pressure column fixedly connected to the piston rod of the buoy hydraulic cylinder and slidably connected to the pressure plate, a pressure column positioning block fixedly mounted on the side of the pressure plate and coaxial with the movable pressure column, and a fixed pressure column fixedly mounted on the pressure column positioning block.

[0009] Preferably, the locking and controlling sinking stone chain assembly includes a positioning plate disposed on the deck, a connecting plate fixedly disposed on the positioning plate, a hydraulic cylinder support plate disposed on the side of the positioning plate, a sinking stone hydraulic cylinder disposed on the side of the hydraulic cylinder support plate, a movable pressure column fixedly connected to the piston rod of the sinking stone hydraulic cylinder and slidably connected to the connecting plate, a pressure column connecting block fixedly disposed on the connecting plate and coaxial with the movable pressure column, a lifting pressure column slidably connected to the pressure column connecting block, a lifting hydraulic cylinder disposed at the bottom end of the positioning plate and fixedly connected to the bottom end of the lifting pressure column, and a bracket disposed between the lifting hydraulic cylinder and the positioning plate.

[0010] Preferably, the hydraulic drive system includes a main oil supply circuit, a return oil circuit, and three hydraulic cylinder control circuits. The three hydraulic cylinder control circuits are arranged in parallel, with the input end of each circuit connected to the main oil supply circuit and the output end connected to the outlet oil circuit.

[0011] Preferably, the main oil supply circuit includes an oil tank, a gear pump, a motor, an inlet oil filter, and a check valve. The gear pump, driven by the motor, draws pressurized oil from the oil tank. The pressurized oil enters the gear pump through the inlet oil filter and then enters the three-way hydraulic cylinder control oil circuit through the check valve.

[0012] Preferably, the return oil line is equipped with a return oil filter and a differential pressure gauge connected in parallel, and the return oil from the hydraulic drive system flows through the return oil line and the return oil filter back to the oil tank.

[0013] Preferably, the three hydraulic cylinder control circuits correspond to the buoy hydraulic cylinder, the sinking hydraulic cylinder, and the lifting hydraulic cylinder, respectively. The three hydraulic cylinder control circuits have the same structure, each including an electromagnetic directional valve, a stacked hydraulic lock, and an explosion-proof valve. The pressurized oil flows sequentially through the electromagnetic directional valve, the stacked hydraulic lock, and the explosion-proof valve into the hydraulic cylinder, pushing the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder to move. When returning oil, the pressurized oil flows sequentially through the stacked hydraulic lock and the electromagnetic directional valve before converging into the return oil circuit.

[0014] Preferably, the electrical control system is connected to a winch chain release switch, a winch chain take-up switch, a tension sensor, a limit switch, a hydraulic cylinder forward solenoid valve, and a hydraulic cylinder reverse solenoid valve.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: The present invention has a simple overall structure and can be directly installed on navigation mark construction vessels that are already in operation, without the need for large-scale modification of the original structure of the vessel, thus having stronger adaptability; This invention, by setting up a locking buoy chain assembly and a locking sinking stone chain assembly, controls the pushing and pressing column by controlling the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder to complete multiple clamping and releasing of the chain. It can stably realize the segmented dragging of the sinking stone chain and the chain arrangement on the deck. The operation process is smooth and highly automated, which can effectively improve the efficiency of navigation mark resetting operations, improve safety, reduce labor intensity, and meet the actual use needs of inland waterway navigation mark maintenance operations. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the locking buoy chain assembly in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the locking buoy chain assembly from another angle in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the locking and sinking stone chain assembly in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the locking and sinking stone chain assembly from another angle in this invention; Figure 7 This is a control principle diagram of the hydraulic drive system in this invention; Figure 8 This is the electrical control schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the process of the present invention.

[0017] The attached diagrams are labeled as follows: 1. Deck; 2. Turntable; 3. Locking buoy chain assembly; 4. Locking boulder chain assembly; 5. Main oil supply circuit; 6. Return oil circuit; 7. Three-way hydraulic cylinder control oil circuit; 31. Bottom plate; 32. Pressure plate; 33. Hydraulic cylinder support plate; 34. Buoy hydraulic cylinder; 35. Movable pressure column; 36. Pressure column positioning block; 37. Fixed pressure column; 41. Positioning plate; 42. Connecting plate; 43. Hydraulic cylinder support plate; 44. Boulder hydraulic cylinder; 45. 46. ​​Moving pressure column; 47. Pressure column connecting block; 48. Lifting pressure column; 49. Lifting hydraulic cylinder; 50. Bracket; 51. Oil tank; 52. Gear pump; 53. Motor; 54. Inlet oil filter; 55. Check valve; 56. Filler port air filter; 57. Liquid level thermometer; 58. Electromagnetic relief valve; 59. Shock-resistant pressure gauge; 61. Return oil filter; 62. Differential pressure gauge; 71. Electromagnetic directional valve; 72. Stacked hydraulic lock; 73. Explosion-proof valve; 74. Pressure gauge. Detailed Implementation

[0018] 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. Specific Implementation

[0019] As attached Figure 1-9 As shown in this embodiment, an automatic locking chain device for a navigation mark construction vessel includes an automatic locking chain device mechanical structure installed on the hull side of the navigation mark construction vessel, as well as an electrical control system and a hydraulic drive system installed in the cabin. The mechanical structure of the automatic locking chain equipment includes a locking buoy chain assembly 3 and a locking sinking stone chain assembly 4. The electrical control system is used to control the hydraulic drive system to drive the mechanical structure of the automatic locking chain equipment, and to drive the locking buoy chain assembly 3 and the locking sinking stone chain assembly 4 to automatically clamp and release the chains.

[0020] The navigation mark construction vessel is equipped with two sets of turntables 2 at its hull. On the sides of the two sets of turntables 2, there are buoy chain assemblies 3 and locking stone sinking chain assemblies 4, respectively.

[0021] The locking buoy chain assembly 3 includes a base plate 31 fixedly mounted on the deck 1, a cover plate 32 mounted on the base plate 31, a hydraulic cylinder support plate 33 mounted on the side of the base plate 31, a buoy hydraulic cylinder 34 mounted on the side of the hydraulic cylinder support plate 33, a movable pressure column 35 fixedly connected to the piston rod of the buoy hydraulic cylinder 34 and slidably connected to the cover plate 32, a pressure column positioning block 36 fixedly mounted on the side of the cover plate 32 and coaxial with the movable pressure column 35, and a fixed pressure column 37 fixedly mounted on the pressure column positioning block 36.

[0022] In use, the buoy chain passes between the movable pressure column 35 and the fixed pressure column 37. When it is necessary to lock the chain, the piston rod of the buoy hydraulic cylinder 34 extends, pushing the movable pressure column 35 towards the fixed pressure column 37, clamping and locking the chain between the two pressure columns, thus restricting the chain's movement. When it is necessary to loosen the chain to lower the buoy or sinker, the piston rod of the buoy hydraulic cylinder 34 retracts, causing the movable pressure column 35 to move backward, releasing the pressure on the chain, allowing the chain to move smoothly, thus completing the fixing and lowering operations of the buoy chain. The pressure plate 32 is provided with a groove that matches the movable pressure column 35, and the lower end of the movable pressure column 35 slides within the groove.

[0023] The locking and controlling sinking chain assembly 4 includes a positioning plate 41 mounted on the deck 1, a connecting plate 42 fixedly mounted on the positioning plate 41, a hydraulic cylinder support plate 43 mounted on the side of the positioning plate 41, a sinking hydraulic cylinder 44 mounted on the side of the hydraulic cylinder support plate 43, a movable pressure column 45 fixedly connected to the piston rod of the sinking hydraulic cylinder 44 and slidably connected to the connecting plate 42, a pressure column connecting block 46 fixedly mounted on the connecting plate 42 and coaxial with the movable pressure column 45, a lifting pressure column 47 slidably connected to the pressure column connecting block 46, a lifting hydraulic cylinder 48 mounted at the bottom end of the positioning plate 41 and fixedly connected to the bottom end of the lifting pressure column 47, and a bracket 49 mounted between the lifting hydraulic cylinder 48 and the positioning plate 41.

[0024] In use, the sinking stone chain passes between the movable pressure column 45 and the lifting pressure column 47. When it is necessary to lock the sinking stone chain, the piston rod of the sinking stone hydraulic cylinder 44 extends, pushing the movable pressure column 45 towards the lifting pressure column 47 to clamp and lock the chain, restricting its movement. When it is necessary to lower the sinking stone, the piston rod of the sinking stone hydraulic cylinder 44 retracts, causing the movable pressure column 45 to move backward, releasing the restriction on the chain, allowing it to move smoothly and completing the locking and lowering operations. In use, the lifting hydraulic cylinder 48 moves the lifting pressure column 47 up and down, adjusting it to a position corresponding to the movable pressure column 45 for clamping, working together to clamp and lock the chain, restricting its movement. The connecting plate 42 also has a groove matching the movable pressure column 45, and the lower end of the movable pressure column 45 moves within the groove.

[0025] The hydraulic drive system includes a main oil supply circuit 5, a return oil circuit 6, and three hydraulic cylinder control oil circuits 7. The three hydraulic cylinder control oil circuits 7 are arranged in parallel. The input end of the three hydraulic cylinder control oil circuits 7 is connected to the main oil supply circuit 5, and the output end of the three hydraulic cylinder control oil circuits 7 is connected to the oil outlet circuit.

[0026] The main oil supply circuit 5 includes an oil tank 51, a gear pump 52, a motor 53, an oil inlet filter 54, and a check valve 55. Driven by the motor 53, the gear pump 52 draws pressurized oil from the oil tank 51. The pressurized oil passes through the oil inlet filter 54 into the gear pump 52, and then through the check valve 55 into the three-way hydraulic cylinder control oil circuit 7. The oil tank 51 has an air filter 56 at its inlet, and a level thermometer 57 is also installed inside the oil tank 51 to monitor the liquid level in real time.

[0027] The main oil supply line 5 is also equipped with an electromagnetic relief valve 58, which is used to regulate the system pressure and prevent system oil pressure overload. The shock-resistant pressure gauge 59 can intuitively display the current oil pressure value of the main oil supply line, so that the operators can intuitively grasp the system operating status. When the electromagnetic relief valve coil is not energized, the system is depressurized and the shock-resistant pressure gauge 59 has no pressure.

[0028] The return oil circuit 6 is equipped with a return oil filter 61 and a differential pressure gauge 62 connected in parallel. The return oil from the hydraulic drive system flows through the return oil pipeline, passes through the return oil filter 61, and returns to the oil tank 51. The return oil filter 61 is equipped with a differential pressure gauge 62. When the differential pressure gauge indicates the red zone, it means that the filter element is clogged and needs to be replaced immediately.

[0029] The three hydraulic cylinder control circuits 7 correspond to the buoy hydraulic cylinder, the sinking hydraulic cylinder, and the lifting hydraulic cylinder, respectively. The three hydraulic cylinder control circuits 7 have identical structures, each including an electromagnetic directional valve 71, a stacked hydraulic lock 72, and an explosion-proof valve 73. The pressurized oil flows sequentially through the electromagnetic directional valve 71, the stacked hydraulic lock 72, and the explosion-proof valve 73 into the hydraulic cylinder, pushing the piston rod. During return oil flow, the pressurized oil flows sequentially through the stacked hydraulic lock 72 and the electromagnetic directional valve 71 before converging into the return oil circuit 6. Each electromagnetic directional valve 71 controls the corresponding hydraulic cylinder to extend or retract, thereby controlling the chain stopper to clamp or release. The stacked hydraulic lock 72 helps maintain the clamping force. Each oil circuit is equipped with a pressure gauge 74 to display the actual clamping pressure. Each hydraulic cylinder's A port is equipped with an explosion-proof valve to ensure that even if the hydraulic oil pipe ruptures, the pressure inside the cylinder can still be maintained, thus ensuring safety.

[0030] The electrical control system is connected to the winch chain release switch, the winch chain take-up switch, the tension sensor, the limit switch, the hydraulic cylinder forward solenoid valve, and the hydraulic cylinder reverse solenoid valve.

[0031] Working principle explanation: During operation, the control system initializes upon power-up. At this time, both the forward and reverse solenoid valves of the hydraulic cylinder are open, and the winch is in a braked state. The control system continuously monitors the chain release button signal. If the chain release button is in the open state, the system receives no commands or actions and continues to wait for the chain release button signal. When it is necessary to submerge the chain to the bottom, the chain release button is manually pressed and kept closed. The control system detects that the chain release button is closed, releases the winch brake, and simultaneously rotates forward to release the chain. At the same time, it monitors the anchor chain tension. If the tension value is below a threshold, it indicates that the anchor chain is still being released and has not yet touched the riverbed or seabed bottom. When the tension value is below the threshold, it indicates that the anchor chain has "touched the bottom." At this point, the control system issues a command, the winch brake tightens, the forward solenoid valve of the hydraulic cylinder opens, and the reverse solenoid valve is locked. The piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder extends, causing the movable pressure column of the chain stopper to move towards the fixed pressure column until the chain is fully clamped and the clamping force is maintained. Simultaneously, the control system begins detecting the chain retraction button signal. If the retraction button is in the off state, the control system does not change its command, the forward solenoid valve of the hydraulic cylinder remains open, and the chain continues to be clamped. It continues to wait for the chain retraction button signal. When chain retraction is needed, the manual retraction button is pressed and held closed. The control system issues a command, the reverse solenoid valve of the hydraulic cylinder opens, and the forward solenoid valve is locked. The movable clamping block moves in the reverse direction (away from the direction of the fixed clamping block), while simultaneously detecting the limit switch signal. Upon reaching the limit, the control system automatically closes the reverse solenoid valve. Otherwise, the movable clamping block continues to move in the reverse direction until the limit switch signal is triggered. After the movable clamping block reaches the limit position in the reverse direction, the winch releases the brake and simultaneously reverses, the system begins chain retraction, and detects the encoder pulse count. If the encoder pulse count is less than the set threshold, it indicates that the chain retraction length is insufficient, and the chain retraction process is not complete. If the encoder pulse count reaches the set threshold, it indicates that the chain retraction length has been reached, the chain retraction process is complete, the winch reverses and stops, the brake is engaged, and the chain retraction process ends.

[0032] The preferred embodiments have been shown and described, but should not be construed as limiting the invention itself. Various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic locking chain device for a navigation mark construction vessel, characterized in that: This includes the mechanical structure of the automatic locking chain equipment installed on the hull of the navigation mark construction vessel, as well as the electrical control system and hydraulic drive system installed in the cabin; The mechanical structure of the automatic locking chain equipment includes a locking buoy chain assembly and a locking sinking stone chain assembly. The electrical control system is used to control the hydraulic drive system to drive the mechanical structure of the automatic locking chain equipment, and to drive the locking buoy chain assembly and the locking sinking stone chain assembly to automatically clamp and release the chains.

2. The automatic locking chain device for navigation mark construction vessels according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking buoy chain assembly includes a base plate fixedly mounted on the deck, a pressure plate mounted on the base plate, a hydraulic cylinder support plate mounted on the side of the base plate, a buoy hydraulic cylinder mounted on the side of the hydraulic cylinder support plate, a movable pressure column fixedly connected to the piston rod of the buoy hydraulic cylinder and slidably connected to the pressure plate, a pressure column positioning block fixedly mounted on the side of the pressure plate and coaxial with the movable pressure column, and a fixed pressure column fixedly mounted on the pressure column positioning block.

3. The automatic locking chain device for navigation mark construction vessels according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking and controlling sinking chain assembly includes a positioning plate on the deck, a connecting plate fixedly mounted on the positioning plate, a hydraulic cylinder support plate on the side of the positioning plate, a sinking hydraulic cylinder on the side of the hydraulic cylinder support plate, a movable pressure column fixedly connected to the piston rod of the sinking hydraulic cylinder and slidably connected to the connecting plate, a pressure column connecting block fixedly mounted on the connecting plate and coaxial with the movable pressure column, a lifting pressure column slidably connected to the pressure column connecting block, a lifting hydraulic cylinder mounted at the bottom of the positioning plate and fixedly connected to the bottom of the lifting pressure column, and a bracket mounted between the lifting hydraulic cylinder and the positioning plate.

4. The automatic locking chain device for navigation mark construction vessels according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hydraulic drive system includes a main oil supply circuit, a return oil circuit, and three hydraulic cylinder control circuits. The three hydraulic cylinder control circuits are connected in parallel. The input ends of the three hydraulic cylinder control circuits are connected to the main oil supply circuit, and the output ends of the three hydraulic cylinder control circuits are connected to the outlet oil circuit.

5. The automatic locking chain device for navigation mark construction vessels according to claim 4, characterized in that: The main oil supply circuit includes an oil tank, a gear pump, a motor, an inlet oil filter, and a check valve. The gear pump, driven by the motor, draws pressurized oil from the oil tank. The pressurized oil enters the gear pump through the inlet oil filter and then enters the three-way hydraulic cylinder control oil circuit through the check valve.

6. The automatic locking chain device for navigation mark construction vessels according to claim 5, characterized in that: The return oil line is equipped with a return oil filter and a differential pressure gauge connected in parallel. The return oil from the hydraulic drive system flows through the return oil line, passes through the return oil filter, and returns to the oil tank.

7. The automatic locking chain device for navigation mark construction vessels according to claim 6, characterized in that: The three hydraulic cylinder control circuits correspond to the buoy hydraulic cylinder, the sinking hydraulic cylinder, and the lifting hydraulic cylinder, respectively. The three hydraulic cylinder control circuits have the same structure, each including an electromagnetic directional valve, a stacked hydraulic lock, and an explosion-proof valve. The pressurized oil flows sequentially through the electromagnetic directional valve, the stacked hydraulic lock, and the explosion-proof valve into the hydraulic cylinder, pushing the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder to move. When returning oil, the pressurized oil flows sequentially through the stacked hydraulic lock and the electromagnetic directional valve before flowing into the return oil circuit.

8. The automatic locking chain device for navigation mark construction vessels according to claim 7, characterized in that: The electrical control system is connected to the winch chain release switch, the winch chain take-up switch, the tension sensor, the limit switch, the hydraulic cylinder forward solenoid valve, and the hydraulic cylinder reverse solenoid valve.

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