Protective devices for long components entering the facility

Abstract

This application relates to a device for protecting an elongated member (244) in the area where it enters a facility (116) through a hole (248). The device has a support (510, 5904) for mounting in the hole (248), the support (510, 5904) having a through channel (515) to receive the elongated member (244), and an external abutment (658, 5936) for restricting movement of the support into the hole (248). At least one locking body is mounted in the support (510, 5904), the locking body being pivotally mounted to the support (510, 5904) to rotate between a retracted position and an extended position, in which the abutment surface of the locking body protrudes into the through channel, and in the extended position, the locking body protrudes outward from the support (510, 5904). The drive components (840, 6008, 6604) are releasably fixed at predetermined positions in the through channel. In use, with the locking body in the retracted position, the support body (510, 5904) can be pulled into the hole (248) by the traction ropes (264, 2412, 6212, 2720) acting on the drive members (840, 6008, 6604) until the outer abutment (658, 5936) prevents the support body from moving further into the hole (248). Then, the action of the traction ropes (264, 2412, 6212, 2720) on the drive members (840, 6008, 6604) can release the drive members to move along the through channel, so that the drive members (840, 6008, 6604) act on the abutment surface of the locking body, rotating the locking body to the unfolded state, so that the locking body prevents the support body (510, 5904) from being pulled out of the hole (248) later.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a device for protecting long components at the point where they enter a facility through an opening. Devices used for this purpose are sometimes referred to as cable protection systems. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible, long components such as cables, flexible conduits, and umbilical cables sometimes need to pass through the rigid, fixed walls of an facility, for example, to transmit or receive power or utilities from or to the facility. Therefore, the rigid wall typically has openings for the flexible, long components to pass through. The flexible, long component then needs to be positioned relative to these openings. The wall and the flexible, long component may need to maintain a predetermined spatial relationship for an extended period. This predetermined spatial relationship can accommodate a degree of movement of the long component relative to the wall due to stretching or slippage, or the clearance required for installing protective systems.

[0003] An example of a system for this purpose is a cable protection system (“CPS”), which protects power cables when they pass through structures such as single-leg wind turbine generators (“WTG”). Adaptations may also be needed for situations where cables move due to environmental influences such as ocean currents outside the facility in subsea environments, or where cables remain relatively stationary due to wind loads and vibrations on floating wind turbine structures.

[0004] Other examples of facilities requiring flexible, elongated components to pass through wall-like structures include: concrete wind turbine foundations, gravity-fed wind turbine foundations, floating solar array foundations, tidal wave power generation structures, telecommunications system-related structures, hydraulic system-related structures, pipeline fluid transport system-related structures, underwater mining operations-related structures, underwater oil and gas extraction-related structures, fracturing operations-related structures, offshore power generation-related structures, onshore power generation-related structures, power distribution network-related structures (e.g., substations and transformers), portable power technology-related structures, and gas emission-related structures (e.g., hydrogen emissions from the hydrolysis of offshore wind turbines or solar panels). The walls of such facilities can be made of different materials and have various dimensions, such as thickness. For example, the walls can be flat or round metal pieces, or flat or round concrete pieces.

[0005] Wind turbines can be installed in a variety of locations. For example, known onshore wind turbines include those installed on dry land and those installed in inland waters such as lakes. Offshore wind turbines are also known, typically arranged such that a monopile section of the turbine installation is submerged in seawater. Typically, for offshore wind turbines, the borehole on the monopile leg is permanently or repeatedly below the water level. The monopile consists of a section driven into the ground and an upper portion projecting upwards for mounting other components of the wind turbine. In such cases, the dynamic characteristics of the surrounding aquatic environment (due to tides, wave circulation, ocean currents, storms, etc.) can cause cable movement. When the cable is located within the borehole in the monopile wall, such cable movement can cause significant damage due to excessive bending, mechanical failure under high loads through elastic and plastic deformation, or mechanical fatigue failure under extremely low cyclic loads (more than 10 million cycles within a 40-year design life), and the cable may abut and rub against the inner surface / edge of the borehole it passes through. Therefore, it is desirable to arrange the cable protection system (CPS) radially around the portion of the cable, including the part through which it passes.

[0006] The cable protection system is a multi-component assembly that helps position the cable relative to the monopile wall and controls cable bending both inside and outside the monopile wall. It also protects the cable's outer surface and helps reduce any damage caused by contact with the borehole surface. By providing a minimum bending radius for specified bending moment loads, the system protects the cable from abrasion and / or excessive bending during installation and operation. The borehole in the cable protection system can be made as small as possible, as it directly affects the fatigue life of the supporting structure (monopile wall).

[0007] Cable protection systems typically include a support that surrounds the cable at the point where it passes through the hole. A retaining mechanism holds the support of the cable protection system in a predetermined position relative to the hole. The retaining mechanism generally prevents improper / accidental removal of the support and the cable protection system from the hole. However, some conventional retaining mechanisms are prone to failure due to the mechanical point load generated by a single retaining component abutting against a single pile wall. Some known retaining mechanisms may not deploy or activate correctly when the cable protection system deviates from its preferred orientation. Some known retaining mechanisms do not provide reliable deployment of the components capable of retaining the support. Some retaining mechanisms do not provide controlled release activation of the components retaining the support when it needs to be removed. Such desired removal may occur after cable or cable protection system failure (e.g., cable overheating), in which case a replacement can be installed in the same hole, or during the decommissioning phase, during which reusable or salvageable components can be recovered.

[0008] Currently, failures of cables and cable protection systems for both offshore and onshore wind turbines are frequent and costly. Wind turbines can generate up to £50,000 worth of electricity daily. Failure of such mechanisms can have significant financial consequences. Furthermore, if such mechanisms fail, are deployed incorrectly, or damage the wind turbine mandrel or cables, the cable protection system is often difficult to remove from the mandrel for maintenance or decommissioning.

[0009] For some retaining mechanisms, it is unknown at what tension (e.g., through the winch rope) is applied to the cable protection system for the retaining components to deploy. This may result in the inability to determine whether one or more retaining components have been successfully deployed, and whether the cable protection system is held within the hole.

[0010] Sometimes, components designed to slide axially along a through-channel in a cable protection system (such as a support) may become misaligned, tilted, out of center, or similar, which can affect the component's function and / or its ability to pass through the through-channel. This can cause the component to twist and become stuck within the through-channel. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of certain embodiments of this application is to at least partially alleviate one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0012] The purpose of certain embodiments of this application is to provide an improved device for protecting long components at the entry point of long components.

[0013] The purpose of certain embodiments of this application is to provide a retaining mechanism for holding a support relative to a hole in a facility wall, so as to activate when a specific predetermined tensile force is applied to the support. This can help control the activation of the retaining mechanism.

[0014] According to this application, an apparatus and method are provided according to the appended independent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The following description will use only examples and the accompanying drawings to illustrate certain embodiments of this application, in which: Figure 1 It illustrates a feasible environment including offshore structures; Figure 2A Showing the top of the wind turbine; Figure 2B The lower part of the wind turbine is shown; Figure 3 The installation of the cable protection system at the facility is shown; Figure 4 The cable protection system in the facility is shown in more detail; Figure 5 Showing a multi-component support structure; Figure 6The image shows a support member with its housing removed to expose internal components. Figure 7 This is a side view of the supporting component; Figure 8 A longitudinal sectional view of the supporting member is shown; Figure 9 This is an end view of the supporting component; Figure 10 This is another end view of the supporting component from another angle; Figure 11 The supporting member is shown when the locking body portion of the corresponding locking element is unfolded. Figure 12 Corresponding to Figure 11 It simply omits the outer shell; Figure 13 A side view of the supporting member as part of the latch body unfolded; Figure 14 A longitudinal sectional view of the support member unfolded for the locking body portion; Figure 15 An end view of the supporting member as part of the latch body unfolded; Figure 16 Another angled end view of the support member with the latch section unfolded; Figure 17 The supporting components are shown when the latch body is deployed; Figure 18 The supporting member is shown with the housing removed and the latch body deployed; Figure 19 A side view of the supporting member of the latch body when it is unfolded; Figure 20 A longitudinal sectional view of the supporting member of the latch body when unfolded; Figure 21 An end view of the supporting member of the latch body when it is unfolded; Figure 22 Another angled end view of the support member for the unfolded locking body; Figure 23 A partial cross-sectional end view of the supporting member for the unfolded locking body; Figure 24 This shows a cable protection system with the locking mechanism retracted. Figure 25 This shows a cable protection system with the locking mechanism in an intermediate state. Figure 26 The cable protection system is shown with the locking mechanism deployed. Figure 27 The diagram shows a phase in the pull-in operation where the support member is positioned through a hole in the facility wall. Figure 28 This demonstrates another phase of the pull-in operation; Figure 29 This indicates another stage of the pull-in operation; Figure 30 The support body is shown partially held through the hole; Figure 31 This illustrates the stage of releasing the support from the hole; Figure 32 This illustrates another stage of releasing the support from the hole; Figure 33 This illustrates another stage in releasing the support from the hole; Figure 34 This demonstrates how to use a release tool to release at least one of the latches from the deployed state; Figure 35 Further demonstration of the use of the release tool; Figure 36 This illustrates a cable protection system arranged in a J-tube. Figure 37 This illustrates a cable protection system arranged through a Caisson Aperture. Figure 38 A support member is shown positioned through a hole inclined relative to the facility wall; Figure 39 Another view shows the support member positioned through the inclined hole; Figure 40 Showing the inclined hole; Figure 41 The support body is shown with the latch body unfolded and positioned through the inclined hole; Figure 42 Show Figure 41 Another view of the arrangement; Figure 43 Another arrangement is shown where the support is positioned through holes inclined relative to the facility wall and the latches are in the deployed state; Figure 44 Further show Figure 43 The arrangement; Figure 45 The latch body is shown, including an isolation bushing located within the through-hole of the latch body; Figures 46 to 52 Different views of the locking body and the isolation bushing are shown respectively; Figure 53 Different cross-sectional views of the latch body and the isolation bushing are shown; Figure 54 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the supporting component; Figure 55 The locking body is shown arranged relative to the through hole of the support member housing; Figure 56 A locking body is shown that is pivotally mounted relative to a support body via a corresponding pin element; Figure 57 The support structure is shown in more detail; Figure 58 The biasing element of the support member is shown in more detail; Figure 59 Another supporting member is shown as part of the protective assembly; Figure 60 for Figure 59 A longitudinal sectional view of the supporting components and protective assemblies shown; Figure 61 Show in more detail Figure 59 and Figure 60 A longitudinal sectional view of the supporting component; Figure 62 for Figures 59 to 61 A longitudinal sectional view of the supporting components in the retracted state; Figure 63 for Figures 59 to 62 A longitudinal sectional view of the supporting components in their unfolded state; Figure 64 Show in more detail Figures 60 to 62 A three-dimensional view of the driving components; Figure 65 Showing what can be used Figures 59 to 65 A perspective view of the alternative drive component in the support structure; Figure 66 Show in more detail Figure 65 The portion of the driving component shown; Figure 67 Show Figure 68 How the shear pin, as shown in Figure 69, is configured to break at its brittle section during use; Figure 68 This shows the shackles used to connect the support member to the traction rope and cable during use. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Figure 1 An environment 100 including marine structures is shown. Environment 100 includes a marine area 104 and a land area 108. Marine area 104 includes a fluid environment 106. Figure 1 The fluid in the environment is seawater. Onshore area 108 includes a sea / land transition station 112 for transmitting electrical energy from wind turbines (WTGs) 116 in offshore area 104 to onshore area 108, and for transmitting electrical energy from onshore area 108 to offshore area 104 via wind turbines (WTGs) 116. Wind turbine 116 is an example of a facility. Wind turbine 116 is an example of an offshore structure. Wind turbine 116 is arranged vertically and is substantially perpendicular to the base 120 of the offshore area. Figure 1The base 120 in the illustrated environment is the seabed. Alternatively, the base 120 can be a lake basin, riverbed, estuary, etc. The wind turbine 116 includes a monopile 124, a transition section 128, and a turbine section 132. A portion 126 of the monopile 124 is inserted into the base 120. Figure 1 As shown, the turbine section includes three turbine blades 134. The turbine blades 134 are capable of rotating in response to wind rotation, thereby causing the rotor 140 to rotate. A generator housed inside the turbine section 132 and connected to the rotor 140 is capable of generating electrical energy in response to the rotation of the rotor 140.

[0017] The offshore area 104 shown includes an offshore substation 144 for collecting and distributing electrical energy supplied by wind turbine 116. A submarine cable 148 connects the wind turbine 116 to the substation 144. Another submarine cable 152 connects the substation to a transition station 112 in the onshore area 108. Cables 148 and 152 may be located on or within the seabed 120, or may float above the seabed 120. Cables 148 and 152 may include one or more hydraulic lines. Cables 148 and 152 may include one or more fiber optic lines. Cables 148 and 152 may be covered with a waterproof or water-resistant layer, such as a polymer layer. Cable 148 connecting the wind turbine 116 to the substation 144 is an example of an array cable. The array cable 148 can connect the wind turbine 116 to other wind turbines in the offshore wind farm. Cable 152 connecting the substation 144 to the onshore area 108 is an example of an output cable. Other output cables can be connected to substation 144. Alternatively, one or more output cables can be connected to wind turbine 116. Figure 1 As shown, cable segment 156 of array cable 148 is inserted into wind turbine 116 at monopile 124.

[0018] although Figure 1 The invention relates to an offshore wind turbine 116 located in an environment including seawater, but it should be understood that the wind turbine can be located in other locations. For example, the wind turbine can be located in a lake and can be arranged in an environment including freshwater. The wind turbine 116 can be located in a river estuary and can be arranged in an environment including both fresh and brackish water. It should also be understood that, such as Figure 1The infrastructure may include other types of facilities, including floating structures, floating power generation structures, floating wind turbines, tidal power generation structures, solar power generation structures, data generation structures, monitoring structures, underwater structures, maintenance structures, etc. Other examples of facilities that may require flexible, long components to pass through the wall-like components include: concrete wind turbine foundations, gravity wind turbine foundations, floating solar array foundations, tidal wave power generation structures, telecommunications system-related structures, hydraulic system-related structures, pipeline fluid transport system-related structures, underwater mining operation-related structures, underwater oil and gas extraction-related structures, fracturing operation-related structures, offshore power generation-related structures, onshore power generation-related structures, power distribution network-related structures (e.g., substations and transformers), portable power technology-related structures, and gas emission-related structures (e.g., hydrogen emissions from the hydrolysis of offshore wind turbines or solar panels). The walls of such facilities may be made of different materials and have various dimensions, such as thickness. For example, the walls may be flat or round metal pieces, or flat or round concrete pieces, etc. It should be understood that the facilities may include J-tubes, etc., for accommodating cables, etc.

[0019] Figure 2A The upper part 200 of the wind turbine 116 is shown in more detail. The lowest part of the wind turbine 116 shown is the monopile 124. The upper part of the wind turbine is the turbine section 132. The nacelle 218 arranged on the tower 219 of the turbine section 132 houses the power generation components of the wind turbine 116. A transition section 128 is arranged between the monopile and the turbine section at an interval.

[0020] Figure 2B The lower part 224 of the wind turbine is shown in more detail. The lowest region of the wind turbine is the monopile 124. The turbine section includes turbine blades and a rotor hub. The monopile 124 is a support structure that supports the transition section 128 and the turbine section 132. The monopile includes a cylindrical wall 228 surrounding a cavity region 232. The monopile 124 is a generally hollow structure. The cable 244 passes upward through the cavity region 232 of the monopile and enters the transition section 128.

[0021] The submarine cable 244 is shown as a hole 248 extending through the wall 228 of the monopile 124. The hole shown is a generally circular through-hole extending through the monopile wall. Optionally, the hole is formed by drilling, cutting, reaming, etc. Optionally, the hole extends along an axis angled relative to an axis perpendicular to the main axis of the monopile 124. Optionally, this angle is between 0 and 90 degrees. Optionally, this angle is approximately 45 degrees. Optionally, this angle is approximately 30 degrees. Optionally, this angle is approximately 15 degrees. The monopile wall is a generally cylindrical body. Optionally, the monopile wall is made of a metallic material or a concrete material, etc.

[0022] The facility may alternatively support an external I-tube or J-tube, and cable 244 may extend into the I-tube or J-tube. Therefore, the hole may be an opening in the J-tube and / or I-tube, or a hole extending through the tubular body (i.e., wall) of the J-tube and / or I-tube. In these cases, the hole can be considered to be located within and / or through the facility wall.

[0023] The shape of the hole 248 can be roughly circular or elliptical. The hole can be positioned above the seabed, such as... Figure 2B As shown. Alternatively, the hole can be located below the seabed. That is, the hole can be installed through an area of ​​a wall located below the seabed or below a rock / stone / rubble backfill area. The thickness of the monopile wall 228 can be between 40 mm and 100 mm.

[0024] The cable protection system (CPS) 249, including the support member 250, is arranged through the hole 248 and surrounds a portion of the cable 244. Figure 2B A single cable 244 is shown extending through a monopile 124; however, it should be understood that one, two, three, or more cables may be arranged extending through the interior region 232 of the monopile. It should be understood that multiple cables or other long flexible components may be bundled together and threaded through holes into a cable protection system. From an installation perspective, such bundled cable arrangements may behave as a single cable. It should be understood that bundled flexible long component arrangements may include submarine cables and / or hydraulic cables and / or fiber optic cables, etc. Cable 244 extends upward to a platform 252 located within a transition section and facing the upper end of the transition section. Platform 252 extends across the width of the transition section 128 and includes a suspension clamp 256 for securing cable 244 to the wind turbine generator 116. In this manner, portions of the cable may optionally be close to the end of cable 244, suspended through the transition section 128 and the monopile 124. The transition section may include a winch 260 and a winch rope 264. One end of the winch rope 264 is connected to the winch 260. The other end of the winch rope 264 can be connected to one end of the cable 244 for winching the cable 244 upward toward the suspension clamp 256 or lowering the cable 244.

[0025] Figure 2B The borehole 248 shown may optionally have a diameter of approximately 340 mm, be inclined at approximately 45 degrees relative to the seabed, have a wall thickness of 40 mm to 100 mm, and have a monopile diameter that may optionally be between 4 m and 12 m. The monopile diameter, borehole size, and associated inclination angle and wall thickness may alternatively be larger or smaller than these dimensions. Any suitable borehole diameter, inclination angle, monopile wall thickness, and monopile diameter may be used.

[0026] At least a portion of the inner surface of the wall 228 of the monopile may include a protective layer to reduce damage and / or abrasion, which may optionally be corrosion-resistant. Such a protective layer can reduce damage to the wall caused by retaining techniques used to hold the supports of the cable protection system in a predetermined position.

[0027] Figure 3 The image shows the mounting 300 of the support member 250 of the cable protection system (CPS) 249 relative to a hole 248 in the wall 228 of the monopile 124. The cable protection system 249 is arranged around a submersible cable 244, exemplified as a flexible elongated member. A through hole extends from one end of the support member through the support member 250 to the other end of the support member, and the cable 244 passes through this through hole. The support member 250 of the cable protection system 249 is initially positioned at a first location outside the monopile 124. Figure 3 (Not shown). To pull this arrangement into the monop 124, a first winch rope 264 is connected to a first terminal 340 of the cable 244. This connection may be achieved using a "Chinese finger" type cable clamp. The other end of the first winch rope 264 is connected to a first winch 260 located in the upper region of the wind turbine, optionally in the upper region of the transition section 128. Optionally, when the cable protection system is in the first position or before the cable protection system is in the first position, a second winch rope 348 is connected to another terminal 352 of the cable 244. The second winch rope 348 is connected to another winch 356. The second winch 356 is directly connected to the other terminal 352 of the cable 244. The second winch 356 is located on surface 360, for example on a ship / vessel 364 or other such vessel. Typically, the first tension applied to the cable 244 by the first winch 260 is set to be substantially balanced with another tension applied to the cable by the second winch 356, which is opposite to the first tension, to help limit any potentially destructive free movement of the cable.

[0028] The first winch 260 and / or the other winch 365 may alternatively be a cable traction machine or similar device. Such a cable traction machine may optionally include a series of rollers / tires, etc., which constrain and resist tension. These rollers, etc., may clamp the cable 244 and / or the cable protection system 249. The cable 244 may be conveyed from the turntable to the loading chute, etc.

[0029] By increasing the initial tension, cable 244 is pulled into the monopile 124 of wind turbine 116. Support member 250 is pulled along with cable 244 and thus pulled into the hole of support member 250 to another position 332, where a portion of support member 250 is located inside monopile 124.

[0030] The cable protection system may additionally include a bend reinforcement member 364 and one or more bend limiting elements 372. Optionally, the cable may be secured to a suspension clamp 256.

[0031] Figure 4 The support member 250 of the cable protection system 249 is shown in more detail positioned relative to the hole 248 in the monopile wall 228. The first end 340 of the cable 244 is secured to a first winch rope 264 via a connecting device 410, which includes a pull-in head 414 and an intermediate traction rope 418, optionally a portion of a Chinese finger device 422 that surrounds and secures the first end 340 of the cable 244. It should be understood that the Chinese finger device 422 includes a mesh-like sleeve structure capable of retracting around the cable by axially pulling the clamping member to secure the cable within the clamping member.

[0032] The first portion 450 of the support member 250 carries one or more locking elements 460, each locking element having a locking body capable of holding the support member 250 relative to the hole, such that the first portion of the support member is held in the single pile cavity 232.

[0033] Figure 5 The support member 250 is shown in more detail. The support member includes a generally cylindrical support body 510. A cylindrical through hole 515 extends through the support body 510 to accommodate the submarine cable 244. Figure 5 The support body is made of a metallic material, such as steel or other alloy materials. The support body includes a first end 524 and a second end 528, and a cylindrical through hole extending from the first end 524 to the second end 528.

[0034] A bend limiter and / or reinforcing element may be connected to the first end 524, for example, via a bolt connection, etc., to limit the curvature of the cable passing through the support body as it exits the first end of the support body. A bend limiting element, which limits the curvature of the cable passing through the support body as it exits the other end of the support body, may be connected to the other end 528 of the support body 510.

[0035] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates how the protruding region 532 is arranged closer to the first end 524 of the support 510 than the other end 528 of the support 528. In this region, two generally arcuate members 5361, 5362 are secured around opposite sides of the support 510 by fasteners 538 such as bolts. The protruding region 532 may optionally include one or more anodes, which help reduce corrosion of the support (and other metal components of the support structure) through cathodic protection.

[0036] A cylindrical housing 542 is fixed to a portion of the support 510. The cylindrical housing 542 is fixed to the support 510 at a first housing fixing region 546, which is near the first end 524 of the support 510. Although a cylindrical housing is shown, it should be understood that any other housing shape may be used. The cylindrical housing 542 is also fixed to the support 510 at a second housing fixing region 550, which is closer to the other end 528. Thus, the cylindrical housing 542 extends (and radially surrounds) a portion of the support between the first housing fixing region 546 and the second housing fixing region 550. Figure 5 As shown, the cylindrical outer shell 542 is fixed to the first shell fixing area 546 and the other shell fixing area by fasteners such as bolts spaced along the circumference.

[0037] The housing 542 includes a plurality of through holes 558 arranged circumferentially around the housing 542. For each through hole 558, there is a corresponding latching element 562 aligned with the through hole 558. Each of the latching elements includes a latching body 564. Figure 5 Each latch body 564 is shown in a retracted (unexpanded) state, where the latch body 564 does not protrude from the cylindrical housing 542. However, when unfolded, the latch body 564 protrudes through the corresponding through-hole 558 of the cylindrical housing 542 to hold the support member 250 in position within the hole 248. Figure 5 The support member 250 has six locking elements 562, but this number may be different in other embodiments.

[0038] The locking body 564 can be made of cast steel, super duplex steel or ductile iron, etc.

[0039] Figure 6 The support member 250 is shown, wherein the cylindrical housing 542 has been removed to expose other features located inside the housing 542. The support body 510 includes a protruding region 604 arranged in the area covered by the cylindrical housing 542 when the support member 250 is assembled. The protruding region 604 includes a plurality of cutout regions 608, in which corresponding locking bodies 564 are located. Figure 6 The latch body 564 shown is in its retracted position. Each latch body 564 has a through-hole that receives a corresponding pin, the through-hole providing a pivot axis about which the latch body pivots. The pin is in... Figure 6 Not visible in the center. Alternatively, the locking element may include axially aligned corresponding shaft portions on opposite sides of the locking body, providing a pivot axis about which the locking body of the locking element can pivot. A pin element or corresponding shaft portion extends into a pivot axis support member 612 located on opposite sides of each cutout region 608. Thus, each locking body 564 is pivotally mounted relative to the support body 510.

[0040] A retaining ring 620 is arranged around the support 510 and between the housing fixing region 550 at the other end and a corresponding locking body 564. The retaining ring 620 includes a plurality of retaining rods 624 extending toward the locking body 562. Each locking body 564 in the retaining ring 620 includes a corresponding retaining rod 624, and each retaining rod 624 is circumferentially arranged to align with a corresponding locking body 654. A ring spring 628, a wave spring and an example of a biasing element, is arranged around the portion of the support 512 located between the retaining ring 620 and the housing fixing region 550 at the other end. The spring 628 is a compressible element that biases the retaining ring 620 toward the locking element 652. The spring 628 includes a plurality of protrusions that contact the retaining ring 620 at each circumferential position where the retaining rod 624 protrudes from opposite edges of the retaining ring 620. It should be understood that when the cylindrical housing 542 is fixed to the support 510, the remaining contact surfaces of the spring 628 (extending away from the retaining ring) will abut against the housing flange region of the cylindrical housing 542, which is fixed to the flange fixing region 550 at the other end of the support 510. Axially pushing the retaining ring 620 towards the other end 528 of the support 510 compresses the spring 628 against the housing flange region. Figure 6 (not shown), such that the spring 628 acts to apply a restoring force to push the retaining ring axially toward the first end 524 of the support 510.

[0041] Figure 6 An intermediate housing 632 is also shown, arranged around the portion of the support 512 located between the protruding region 604 and the first housing fixing region 546. The intermediate housing 632 may include a plurality of intermediate housing elements arranged radially around this portion of the support 510. Alternatively, the intermediate housing 632 may be a one-piece molded element or a separate element, etc. The intermediate housing 632 may be made of a metallic material, such as steel, or a polymeric material, or any suitable material. Figure 6 As shown, the intermediate housing 632 has a plurality of axially extending channel regions 636. The channel regions 636 of the housing are axially corresponding to or axially aligned with the recessed regions 640 extending through the protruding regions 604 of the support body 512. The channel regions 636 (and the recessed regions 640) are also axially aligned with the channel regions 644 extending through the first housing fixing region 546. Figure 6 The recessed areas are shown in any arrangement such that recessed areas are provided between each latch body (approximately equidistant from each latch body) such that the recessed areas do not interfere with the function of each latch body.

[0042] A corresponding rod member 650 extends through each channel region 636. The same rod member 650 further extends through a corresponding recess region 640 and a channel region 644 axially aligned with the channel region 636. The rod member 650 is made of a rigid or substantially rigid material. Figure 6 The rod members are made of carbon fiber, but any other suitable material may be used. The terminal region of each rod member 620 is connected to a release disc 654. The release disc 654 is an example of a release element and is axially movable relative to the support body 510. The release disc 654 is positioned around a region of the support body 510 located between the first housing fixing region 546 and the protruding region 532. The remaining terminal regions of each rod member 650 are connected to a retaining ring 620. Therefore, it should be understood that the retaining ring 620 moves together with the release disc 654, and the release disc 654 moves together with the retaining ring 620.

[0043] The first housing fixing region 546 of the support 510 includes a flange region 658 that projects radially outward relative to the remainder of the support 510. The flange region 658 includes a stop surface 662 for abutting against the outer surface of the facility wall when the support 510 is pulled into the facility 116 through the hole 248. Thus, the flange region 658 prevents the support 510 from being pulled into the facility 116 beyond a predetermined point. The flange region 658 includes a circumferentially recessed region 666 in which the end region of the cylindrical housing 542 is received to secure the cylindrical housing to the support 510.

[0044] Figure 8 Show Figures 5 to 7 The longitudinal section of the support member 250 shown. Figure 8 This illustrates how each latch body 564 extends into the cylindrical through hole 515 of the support body 510 in the retracted state. Figure 8 This illustrates how each latch body 564 is pivotally connected to the support body 510 via a corresponding pin 804, which provides a pivot axis 808 about which the latch body pivots relative to the support body 510.

[0045] Spring 628 biases retaining ring 620 toward locking element 562 such that retaining rods 624 extend into recessed regions 812 of their respective locking bodies. Each locking body includes a first straight edge region 816 and another straight edge region 820 substantially orthogonal (substantially perpendicular) to the first straight edge region 816. Pivot axis 808 is located near the intersection of the first straight edge region 816 and the other straight edge region 820. The first straight edge region and the other straight edge region of each locking body are abutted by a substantially arcuate intermediate edge region 824. Recessed regions 812 are located in the intermediate edge region 824 near the end region of the other straight edge region 820. When the locking body 564 is in the retracted state, the recessed region 812 of each locking body 564 is axially aligned with the corresponding retaining rod 624 of the retaining element 620, so that the corresponding retaining rod 624 can extend into the recessed region 812 of the corresponding locking body 564 to hold the locking body 564 in the retracted state.

[0046] When the latch body 564 of each latching element 562 is in the retracted position, the release disc 654 is located near the flange region 658. However, it should be understood that a gap exists between the flange region 658 and the release disc 654 to allow the retaining ring 620 to move axially toward the other end 528 of the support body 510 (and thus also allow the release disc 654 to move axially toward the other end 528 of the support body), so that each latch body 564 can be released from the retracted state, as described below.

[0047] The drive member 840 is located in the cylindrical through hole 515 of the support body 510. The drive member includes a generally annular body 844 with a first opening 848 at a first end 852 of the annular body and another opening 856 at the other end 860 of the annular body. An open through channel 864 extends from the first opening 848 through the annular body 844 to the other opening 856. Figure 8 This illustrates how the first opening and the other opening each include corresponding flared surfaces 868 and 872. The drive member 840 may be made of a polymer material.

[0048] The drive member 840 includes one or more sealing elements 876 arranged circumferentially around the annular body 864. Optionally, the sealing element 876 is made of a polymer material. Optionally, the sealing element 876 is an O-ring seal or a V-lip seal, etc. The seal provides frictional resistance to the movement of the drive member 840, thus helping to keep the drive member 840 in place. Figure 8 The position shown is maintained until the desired drive component moves relative to the support.

[0049] Figures 11 to 15The support member 250 is shown with the latch body 564 partially extended. Compared to the previous figures, each latch body 564 is pivoted relative to the support body 510 to extend radially outward, protruding through its corresponding through-hole 558 in the cylindrical housing 542. Consequently, the recessed area 812 is exposed and located outside the cylindrical housing 542. Consequently, the retaining rod 624 is no longer located in the recessed area 812, thus no longer holding the latch body 564 in its retracted state.

[0050] Figure 12 This shows that due to each latch body 564 from Figures 5 to 10 Rotate to the collapsed state shown. Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the intermediate state shown, the retaining rod 624 is not located in the recessed area 812 of the corresponding latch body 564. Instead, the retaining rod 624 is pushed against the intermediate edge region 824 of each latch body 564 by a biasing force provided by a spring 628 that is at least partially compressed.

[0051] It should be understood that, optionally, the arcuate shape of the middle edge region 824 makes the latch body 564 appear to be in the retracted state when it is in the folded-up state. Figures 5 to 10 Pivot to intermediate state ( Figure 11 and Figure 12 When the retaining ring is pushed toward the other end 528 of the support 510 to the maximum axial displacement, the release disc 654 abuts against the abutting surface of the flange region 658, which is opposite to the surface 662 of the abutting facility wall in use.

[0052] See details Figure 14 The latch body 564 has been pivoted toward its unfolded state by the action of the drive member 840, thereby moving to the left in the figure, such that its other end 860 contacts the first straight edge region 816 of each latch body 564. The first straight edge region 816 includes a drive member abutment surface 1404, which contacts the drive member 840, thereby applying a clockwise torque (e.g., ...) to each latch body 564. Figure 14 As shown), this causes the latch body 564 to rotate toward the other end 520 of the support body 512. Under sufficient torque, the lip region 1408 defining the boundary between the recessed region 812 and the intermediate edge region 824 pushes the retaining ring 620 axially toward the other end 528 of the support body 510, overcoming the biasing force provided by the spring 628, thereby pushing the retaining rod 424 out of the recessed region 812 of each corresponding latch body 564 and allowing each latch body 812 to pivot or rotate about the pivot axis 808 (in Figure 14 (In the clockwise direction shown in the viewpoint).

[0053] Figures 17 to 23 The support member 250 is shown when the latch body 564 is deployed. Each latch body 564 is relative to... Figures 5 to 10The retracted state shown indicates that the locking body has been rotated by an angle. Figure 17 In the arrangement shown, the locking body rotates at approximately 90 degrees. Alternatively, the rotation angle of the locking body can be between 20 and 180 degrees. For example, the rotation angle of the locking body could be approximately 45 degrees or 60 degrees or any other suitable rotation angle. Consequently, another straight edge region 820 of each locking body 564 now extends radially outward and is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the support body 510.

[0054] Figure 18 This illustrates how each latch body 564 automatically remains in the deployed position when moved to the deployed position. When each latch body 564 moves to the deployed position, the recessed area 1804 of each latch body is axially aligned with the corresponding retaining rod 624 of the retaining ring 620. The recessed area 1804 is located near the first straight edge region of the middle edge 824. Therefore, the spring 628 pushes the retaining ring 620 toward the first end 524 of the support body 510, thereby pushing each retaining rod 624 into the recessed area 1804 of the corresponding latch body 564. Positioning the retaining rod 624 in the recessed area 1804 of the latch body 564 prevents the latch body 564 from pivoting back to the retracted position, thus holding the latch body 564 in place. Figure 17 and Figure 18 The unfolded state shown.

[0055] Figure 18 It is also shown how the axial movement of the retaining ring 420 toward the first end 524 of the support 510 (to hold each locking body 564 in the deployed state) also acts as a means of engaging the retaining ring 620 with the release disc 654 via the rod member 650, pushing the release disc 654 toward the first end 524 of the support 510. Thus, when each locking body 564 is pushed into the deployed state, the release disc 654 is axially further away from the flange region 658 than when each locking body 564 is arranged in the retracted state. Figure 18 As shown, when each latch body 5641 remains in the unfolded state, there is still a gap between the release disc 654 and the protruding area 532.

[0056] although Figure 18 (as well as Figure 12 and Figure 6 The diagram shows the spring and retaining ring located on opposite sides of the locking body relative to the release element, but alternatively, an alternative locking ring and associated spring can be positioned between the locking body 564 and the release element (close to the locking body). In this case, the spring will act to bias the retaining ring in a direction opposite to the direction shown relative to the support member (thus biasing the retaining ring toward the other end of the support body). That is, although in Figure 18In the arrangement shown, the spring acts to bias the retaining ring toward the first end of the support, but the spring and retaining ring can also be arranged such that the retaining ring biases both toward each latch body 564 and toward the other end of the support. As another alternative, Figure 18 Both the spring and retaining ring arrangement shown, as well as the aforementioned reverse option, can be used, such that each locking body is held from both sides. This may be useful, for example, in environments where large local forces are expected.

[0057] Figure 19 The diagram further illustrates how the release disc 654 can be axially moved along at least a portion of the uncovered region 1904 of the support 510 (in response to the ability of the retaining ring 620 to move axially relative to the support), the region being disposed between the flange region 658 and the protruding region 532. It should be understood that the release disc 654 may optionally be slidable along at least a portion of the radially outer surface of the uncovered region 1904.

[0058] like Figure 20 As shown, the drive member 840 has moved toward the other end 528 of the support 510. The drive member (relative to the support 510) moves axially along the cylindrical through hole 515 to... Figure 20 At the indicated position, push each latch body 564 to the unfolded state. Figure 20 The diagram further illustrates how each latch body 564 is held in the deployed state by each retaining rod 624 extending into the corresponding recessed area 1804 of the corresponding latch body 564. Figure 20 This shows how the recessed region 1804 is arranged in the middle edge region 824 near the first straight edge region 816. Figure 18 Not shown, but for example in Figure 8 (As shown in the diagram). The retaining rod 824 is biased into the recessed area 1804 by the spring 628. The recessed area 1804 of each latch body 564 is an example of a mating engagement area.

[0059] Figure 21 This helps to illustrate how, when each latching body 564 is in the deployed state, no part of the latching body 564 remains in the cylindrical through-hole 515, and how each of the latching bodies 564 is radially located on the outermost side of the stop ring (which is an example of the flange 658), due to the reduced contact area and the decreased likelihood of wear and deformation (indentation) of the facility wall (near the hole) under extreme load conditions during its 25 to 40-year design life. However, alternatively, each latching body (in the deployed state) may not protrude further radially relative to the flange 658.

[0060] Figure 24A support member 250 is shown incorporated in a cable protection system arrangement 249. The cable protection system 249 includes a first bend reinforcement member 2404 connected to a first end 524 of a support body 510 of the support member 250. The cable protection system 249 includes another bend reinforcement member 2408 connected or coupled to the other end 528 of the support body 510. The first bend reinforcement member 2404 and the other bend reinforcement member 2408 help reduce abnormal bending in cable areas (and help keep the radius of curvature of the cable areas within acceptable limits / above acceptable limits) adjacent to the first end 524 and the other end 528 of the support body 510, respectively. A winch rope 2412 extends into the other bend reinforcement member 2408, and a pull-in head assembly 2416 is arranged at the free end of the other bend reinforcement member 2408 to help protect the cable protection system 249 and guide the cable protection system 249 into the facility's opening during pull-in operations. It should be understood that the winch rope 2412 can be connected to the winch to pull a portion of the cable protection system 249 into the hole in the wall 228 of the facility 116 during a pull-in operation. The direction in which the cable protection system 249 is pulled is such that another bending reinforcement 2408 and the other end 528 of the support are positioned inside the facility, while the first bending reinforcement 2404 and the first end of the support are positioned outside the facility.

[0061] Figure 25 Show Figure 24 The cable protection system 249, however, each latch body 564 has been released from the retracted state and pivoted relative to the support body 510 to Figures 11 to 16 The aforementioned intermediate state.

[0062] Figure 26 Show Figure 23 and Figure 24 The cable protection system 249, however, each locking body 564 remains in place. Figures 17 to 23 The aforementioned unfolded state.

[0063] Figure 27 Showing the pull-in operation Figure 24 , Figure 25 and Figure 26 Part of the cable protection system 249. Part of the cable protection system 249 has been pulled into the hole 248 in the wall 228 of the facility 116. As Figure 8 As shown, the flange 658 is sized to be radially larger than the hole 248, so that the stop surface 662 (which is the wall abutment surface of the flange 658) abuts against the wall 228 near the outer surface 2704 of the hole 248. Therefore, the cable protection system 249 cannot be pulled further into the facility 116. It should be understood that the flange 658 shown forms a stop ring, but any other flange geometry may be used.

[0064] Figure 27 This illustrates how the winch rope 2412 is connected to the front end 2708 of the pull-in head 2712. The winch rope extends through a hole 2716 in another curved reinforcing member 2408. The traction rope 2720 is connected to the rear end 2724 of the pull-in head 2712. Figure 27 The pull-in head 2712 includes a rod member extending through a hole in the body of the pull-in head 2712, which extends from a front end 2708 to a rear end 2724. The rod member 2728 includes corresponding connecting elements (e.g., eyelets) for connecting the winch rope and traction rope to the respective ends of the pull-in head 2712. It should be understood that any other suitable method may alternatively be used to connect the winch rope 2412 and traction rope 2724 to the pull-in head. The pull-in head 2712 includes a plurality of outwardly extending engagement elements 2732. The engagement elements engage with engagement element mating regions 2736 (e.g., may include one or more grooves, etc.) in the pull-in head adapter 2740 of the cable protection system 249, which is connected between a first end 528 of the support 510 and another bending reinforcement member 2408. The engagement of the engagement elements 2732 of the pull-in head 2712 with the engagement element mating regions allows the cable protection system 249 to move together with the pull-in head 2712. Therefore, the cable protection system can be pulled in by pulling the pull-in head 2712 via the winch rope 2412. Figure 27 The location shown.

[0065] A traction rope 2720 extends from the rear end 2724 of the pull-in head 2712 to a cable 244 disposed within a portion of the cable protection system 249. The terminal region 2744 of the cable 244 is located within a portion of the support body 510 and within a portion of the cylindrical through-hole 515. The other end of the traction rope is secured to the cable via a Chinese finger-type cable clamp assembly 2748. A drive member 840 is disposed between the terminal region 2744 of the cable 244 and a locking element 562. The locking element 564 is retracted. The cable 244 extends into a first end 524 of the support body 510 and terminates between the first end 534 and the drive member 840, which itself is disposed within the support body 510. The traction rope 2720 extends axially in the space and passes through the space and through the open through channel 864 of the drive member 840, which is radially arranged between the inward protrusions of the locking bodies (which protrude radially inward into the cylindrical through hole 515 when each locking body 564 is in the retracted state).

[0066] Figure 28 Show Figure 27A portion of the cable protection system 249 is in another stage of the pull-in operation. Due to the abutment between the flange region 658 and the facility wall 228, the cable protection system 249 cannot be moved further into the facility 116, and the tension applied to the pull-in head 2712 has increased. Once a threshold tension is applied to the pull-in head 2712, the engagement element 2732 disengages from the corresponding engagement element mating region 2736. This can be caused by the deformability or fragility of the corresponding engagement element 2732 and / or the engagement element mating region 2736. Therefore, the tension applied to the pull-in head by the winch rope 2412 acts to pull the pull-in head further into the facility 116 relative to the cable protection system 249. Since the cable 244 is connected to the pull-in head 2712 by the traction rope 2720, the cable 244 is also pulled into the facility relative to the cable protection system 249. This causes the cable 244 to be further pulled through the cylindrical through-hole 515 of the support 510 toward the other end 528 of the support 510. Consequently, the terminal region 2744 of the cable 244 is pushed against the drive end 852 of the annular body 844 of the drive member. If the cable is too large to pass through the open through-channel of the drive member 840, the terminal region 2744 of the cable 244 abuts against the flared surface 868 of the drive end 852 of the drive member 840. Therefore, the movement of the cable 244 pushes the drive member toward and into contact with each latching body 564, thereby pushing each latching body 564 away from the retracted position and into the reference position. Figures 11 to 16 The aforementioned intermediate position.

[0067] Figure 29 Show Figure 27 and Figure 28 The portion of the cable protection system 249 shown is in another stage of the pull-in operation. The pull-in head 2712 has been further pulled into the facility 116 relative to the cable protection system 249. Consequently, the cable 244 has moved the drive member 840 further toward the other end 528 of the support 510, thereby moving each locking body 564 to the deployed state.

[0068] It should be understood that when the support member 250 is positioned near the facility wall 228 (e.g., by gravity), each latch body 564 is positioned in an deployed state, and the wall contact abutment surface 2904 of the other straight edge region 820 of each respective latch body 564 is oriented to abut the inner surface 2908 of the wall 228 near the hole 248, thereby holding the support body 510 partially through the hole 248. That is, the deployed state of the latch body 564 helps prevent the support body 510 from being removed from the hole.

[0069] Figure 30 The holding position of the support member 250 relative to the wall 228 of the facility 116 is shown, wherein the respective wall contact abutment surface of each latch body 564 in the deployed state abuts against the wall 228.

[0070] Figure 31 This illustrates the stage of removing support 510. (As shown) Figure 31 As shown, when each latch body 564 is in the deployed state, the release disc 654 and the flange region 658 are axially spaced apart by a gap 3104. By pushing the release disc axially toward the flange region, the retaining ring 620 is axially pushed toward the first end of the support body due to the connection between the retaining ring 620 and the release disc 654. By applying a release force to the retaining ring 654 that overcomes the biasing force provided by the spring 628, the retaining ring 620 can be axially pushed away from each latch body 564 (thus compressing the spring 628), causing the retaining rod 624 to exit from the recessed region 812 of each corresponding latch body 564.

[0071] The locking mechanism disengages from the corresponding recessed area. This disengagement allows the locking body 564 to pivot and move out of the deployed state.

[0072] exist Figure 32 In the middle, each latch has pivoted away from the unfolded state and is moving toward the retracted state.

[0073] exist Figure 33 In this state, each latch body 564 has pivoted back to the retracted position, allowing the support body 510 to be removed from the hole 248.

[0074] Figure 34 This demonstrates how to use removal tool 3404 to push each latch body 564 out of the unfolded state. Figure 34 As shown, each latch body 564 remains in the unfolded state as described above. Figure 34 This illustrates how a removal tool can be arranged circumferentially around a portion of the support 510 located between the release disc 654 and the protruding region 532. Optionally, the protruding region 532 can be removed, and the removal tool can be positioned between the release disc 654 and a stepped region 5408 of the support 510 near the first end 524. By axially extending the removal tool 3404, the actuating surface 3412 of the removal tool 3404 abuts against the release disc 654 and applies a release force. Consequently, the release disc 654 is pushed toward the flange region 658, thereby releasing each locking body 564. The release tool can be a separate tool that can be fixed around the support 512 and may optionally include one or more hydraulic elements to facilitate the axial extension of the release tool.

[0075] Figure 35 Show Figure 34 The release tool 3404 extends axially to push the release disc 654 toward the flange region 658, thereby releasing each latch body 564 from the unfolded state.

[0076] A torque spring can be installed to return the locking body 564 to the retracted position. This may be useful for larger cable protection system layouts and output cables, etc.

[0077] Figure 36 A support member 250 is shown arranged in a J-tube 3604. A locking body 564 in the deployed state can hold the support member 250 (and thus the support body 510) in the J-tube 3604 by abutting against the flange 3608 of the J-tube 3604.

[0078] Figure 37 This illustrates how the locking body 564 of the support member engages with... Figures 3 to 34 The support member 250 is held in the caisson hole 3704 in a substantially similar manner.

[0079] Figure 38 and Figure 39 The arrangement of the support member 250 through the non-vertical hole 248 in the wall 228 is shown.

[0080] Figure 40 A frontal perspective view of the non-vertical hole 248 is shown in partial cross-section. The first opening 4004 of the non-linear hole 248 (arranged on the outer surface region of the facility wall) is arranged below the other opening 4008 of the hole 248 arranged on the inner surface region of the facility wall. The hole 248 is inclined relative to the facility wall. Figure 40 The cross section 4020 of the support 510 is shown when it is horizontal and pulled into the single pile hole 248.

[0081] exist Figure 41 , Figure 42 , Figure 43 and Figure 44 In the diagram, the latch body 564 is shown unfolded to hold the support member 250 in place. Due to the tilt of the support member 250, not all latch bodies 564 engage the wall 228.

[0082] Figure 45 This illustration shows how each latch body 564 may optionally include one or more isolation elements 4504 to facilitate electrical isolation of each latch body from the cable protection system 249 (including support member 250) and / or facility 116 during use. Each latch body 564 includes a through-hole 4508 at its pivot axis 808. This through-hole receives a pin about which the latch body 564 pivots. The through-hole 4508 is located near the intersection of a first straight side region 816 and another straight side region 820. The isolation element 4504 may be in the form of an annular bushing located within the through-hole 4508. It should be understood that any other suitable isolation element may be used.

[0083] Figure 45The isolation bushing 4504 shown is made of a polymer material, but it should be understood that any other suitable material may be used. The isolation bushing 4504 helps to electrically isolate the locking body 564 from the pin (which can be electrically connected to various parts of the support member, such as support body 510) passing through the through-hole 4508. Calcium deposits can form on underwater metal equipment due to the electrochemical reactions of cathodic protection devices (which can be located at various locations on the support member and other areas of the cable protection system to help reduce or prevent corrosion) and biocalcifying bacteria. Additionally, biofilms and marine biological growth resulting from the accumulation of large fouling bacteria can form on the locking body 564. Such calcium deposits and / or marine biological growth can interfere with, inhibit, or prevent the movement of the retaining ring of support body 510 relative to the locking body, which can interfere with the deployment of the locking body. This can be addressed by optionally electrically isolating the locking body from the pin (e.g., using...). Figure 45 The isolation bushing 4504 shown can reduce such interference.

[0084] It should be understood that each latch body 564 (and optionally, each corresponding latch body 564 in the support body 510 through which an associated opening / through-hole may extend) can be optionally coated with a material that helps prevent marine fouling. Such a coating can be a non-toxic, environmentally friendly material, such as C.TAG, which has low surface energy and helps prevent fouling.

[0085] Figure 45 This illustrates how the recessed region 812 is located between another straight edge region 820 and the middle edge region 824. As shown, the apex is located between the other straight edge region 820 and the recessed region 812. The recessed region further includes an optional tapered edge 4520, which helps to keep the ring pushed away from the pivot point 808 when the latch body 564 is pushed pivoting away from the retracted state.

[0086] Figures 46 to 53 The latch body 564 is shown, which includes two isolation elements 4504 in the form of isolation bushings 4520. The isolation bushings are arranged at both ends of the through hole 4508 and are each in the shape of a high-top cap.

[0087] Figure 54 The diagram illustrates the position of the drive member 840 within the support member 250 when each latching body 564 is in the retracted state. As shown, the drive member is located near but not in contact with the latching bodies 564. The drive member 840 is axially held in this position by an O-ring seal 876. Any other suitable method may be used to hold the drive member 840 in this axial position relative to the support member. For example, the inner surface of the support member 510 may include a stepped surface region 5404 near the desired location of the drive member 840. The stepped surface region 5404 may be narrower than the drive member 840, thereby preventing the drive member from moving away from each latching body 564.

[0088] Figure 55 The through-hole 558 is shown in more detail. A retaining rod 624 is located in the recessed area of ​​the locking body 564 to hold the locking body 564 in the retracted position. Only a small gap 5504 exists between the locking body 564 and the housing 542 (at the edge of the through-hole 558). The gap 5504 allows flowing sediment to pass through, but is insufficient to allow marine life to inhabit and / or fouling 5524 to pass through.

[0089] Figure 56 Pin element 5604 is shown arranged in support member 250. Housing 546 is omitted. The corresponding pin element 5604 extends through a corresponding through hole in the protruding area 604 of support member 510 and a through hole in the corresponding latch body 564, thereby forming its pivotal mounting.

[0090] Figure 57 The support body 510 is shown in more detail. The support body may be integrally formed as a single unit. Alternatively, the support body itself may be made of multiple parts. The support body 510 may be made of a metallic material, such as steel or iron. Alternatively, the support body 510 may be made of a composite material or polymer material.

[0091] Figure 58 The spring 628 of the support member is shown in more detail. It should be understood that the spring 628 is an example of a biasing element. Figure 58 The spring shown is coiled (ring-shaped) and in the form of a wave spring. It should be understood that the wave spring includes multiple abutment surfaces 5804 on both sides, which can respectively abut against the housing / support body 510 of the support member and the retaining element (retaining ring). Additionally, the wave spring includes multiple compressible portions 5808, which can be compressed when the retaining element is pushed towards the spring 628, thereby biasing the retaining element away from the spring 628.

[0092] Figure 59 A perspective view of another support member 5900 is shown, which is similar in many respects to the already described support member 250. Support member 5900 includes a support body 5904. An opening 5912 is provided at an end 5916 of the support body 5904. A through channel 5920 extends from this end 5916 of the support body 5904 to the opposite end 5924. Support member 5900 includes a housing 5928, which is circumferentially positioned around a portion of the support body 5904. A plurality of holes 5932 are arranged circumferentially around and through the housing 5928. The housing 5928 shown includes six holes 5932 (…). Figure 59 (Three are shown in the diagram), but it should be understood that any other number of openings / holes 5932 may be included. The support member 5900 includes a flange portion 5936 that projects radially outward.

[0093] Support member 5900 is part of protection assembly 5938. Protection assembly 5938 is a cable protection system or part of a cable protection system. Protection assembly 5938 includes a bend control member 5940, which is connected to support body 5904 at one of its ends 5924. Suitably, the bend control member may alternatively or additionally be connected to the other end 5916 of support body 5904. Support body 5904 and bend control member 5940 are connected end-to-end. Bend control member 5940 includes a through channel 5944 extending from a first end 5948 of bend control member 5940 to the other end 5952 of bend control member 5940. It should be understood that the corresponding through channels 5944, 5920 of support body 5904 and bend control member 5940 are axially aligned such that the combined through channel extends through protection assembly 5938. Cables may be arranged to pass through protection assembly 5938. Other long components, such as winch ropes, can be similarly arranged to pass through the support 5904 and the bending control member 5940. Suitablely, the bending control member 5940 is a bending limiter. Figure 59 The bending control member 5940 shown is a bending reinforcement member, but it should be understood that any other type of bending control member may be used. For example, the bending control member may include one or more bending limiting elements, etc.

[0094] Figure 60 A longitudinal section of the protective assembly 5938 is shown, illustrating a through channel 5920 extending along the longitudinal central axis 6012 of the support 5904. A drive member 6008 is located within the through channel 5920 inside the support 5904. The drive member 6008 may be referred to as a shuttle or bobbin, etc. The drive member may form part of a pull-in tool (PIT) for pulling the support member into a desired position relative to a hole in the facility wall.

[0095] Figure 61A longitudinal section of the support member 5900 is shown. The support body 5904 is made of stainless steel, but it should be understood that the support body 5904 may alternatively be made of any suitable material. The drive member 6008 includes a through channel 6102 extending through the body 6104 of the drive member 6008. The support body 5904 is aligned along its extending longitudinal central axis 6012 with the drive member 6008 along its extending longitudinal central axis 6006. That is, the drive member 6008 is coaxial with the support body 5904. The drive member 6008 includes an insertion region or a recessed region, an example of a first fixing element 6108. The first fixing element 6108 includes a recess 6110 or a blind hole extending radially into the drive member 6008 from its radially outer surface 6109. The recessed region 6108 includes the recess 6110. The recessed region 6108 is inserted into the insert 6112 of the drive member 6008, and the insert 6112 is inserted into the drive member body 6104 of the drive member 6008. It should be understood that the drive member 6008 may include a first fixing element of other examples, such as a pin, latch, or magnet, rather than the recessed region 6108.

[0096] exist Figure 61 In this configuration, a pin member 6114 passes through the support body 5904 and extends into the recess 6110. The pin member 6114 radially passes through the support body 5904 and extends into the drive member 6008 arranged in the through channel 5920. The pin member 6114 extends into the corresponding recess 6110 of the drive member 6008 (forming or belonging to the first fixing element 6108). Therefore, the drive member 6008 is held or fixed within the support body 5904 and in the through channel 5920 of the support body 5904 by one or more first fixing elements 6108 and other fixing elements 6114. Thus, the drive member 6008 is fixed at a predetermined axial position in the through channel 5920.

[0097] Figure 61 The support member 5900 shown is arranged in a retracted state. The support member 5900 includes a plurality of locking elements 6120 supported on a support body 5904. Each locking element 6120 includes a locking body 6122, which is pivotally mounted relative to the support body 5904. Each locking body 6122 is rotatable about a pivot point 6124. Each locking element 6120 includes two boss members 6126 extending from corresponding adjacent sides of each locking body 6122.

[0098] Each locking element 6120 is at least partially disposed in a corresponding hole 6128 (opening or through hole) in the support body 5904. The support body 5904 includes a hole 6128 for each locking element 6120. The holes 6128 are arranged circumferentially around the support body 5904. The holes 6128 in the support body 5904 are axially and radially aligned with the holes 5932 in the housing 5928.

[0099] The pivot point 6124 is not centrally located relative to each latch body 6122, such that the distance between one terminal region of each latch body 6122 and the pivot point 2124 is greater than the distance between the opposite terminal region of the latch body 6122 and the pivot point 6124. Therefore, at certain rotational positions of each latch body, the corresponding portion of the latch body 6122 protrudes radially outward away from the support body 5904, extending through holes 5924 and 6132 in the support body 5904 and the housing 5928.

[0100] Locking element 6120 is similar to Figures 45 to 53 The locking elements are shown. Each locking body 6122 of each locking element 6120 includes a first straight edge region 6180, another straight edge region 6182, and a generally arcuate or curved intermediate edge region 6186. The intermediate edge region 6186 extends between a concave region 6188 and a recessed region 6190. The concave region 6188 is located between the other straight edge region 6182 and the intermediate edge region 6186. A vertex 6192 is located between the other straight edge region 6182 and the concave region 6188.

[0101] exist Figure 61 In the retracted state, the farthest edge region 6130 of the latch body from the pivot point 6124 is axially positioned relative to the pivot point 6124. That is, the farthest end / edge region 6130 of the latch body 6122 from the pivot point 6124 does not protrude radially outward relative to the pivot point 2124 (relative to the support body 5904).

[0102] The support member 5900 includes a tubular sleeve 6140 (an example of a sleeve member), which is radially arranged on the exterior of a portion of the support body 5904 and on the interior of a portion of the housing 5928. The sleeve 6140 is axially movable relative to the housing 5928 and the support body 5904. A spring 6142 (an example of a biasing element) is arranged between the other end 5916 of the support body 5904 and the sleeve 6140 for biasing the sleeve 6140 toward the first end 5924 of the support body and thus toward the locking element 6120. Figure 61 The spring shown is a circular wave spring, similar to... Figure 58The wave spring shown. A rod 6144 (example of an elongated connecting member 6144) extends axially along a portion of the support member 5900. The rod 6144 is located radially between the support body 5904 and the housing 5928, and extends between the sleeve 6140 and the release element 6146 located near the first end 5924 of the support body 5904. Each rod 6144 extends through and is secured in (or on) the sleeve 6140 and the release element 6148. That is, the first end 6148 of each rod 6144 is connected to (or located at or on) the release element, while the other end 6150 of each rod 6144 is connected to (or located at or on) the sleeve 6140. Because the sleeve 6140 and the release element 6146 are connected by the rod 6144, the release element 6146 (… Figure 61 The arrangement shown (the release disc) can move axially together with the sleeve 6140.

[0103] The support member 5900 includes a radially projecting abutment disc 5936, which is an example of a flange 5936. The disc 5936 is formed by a radially outwardly extending portion of a support body 5904 and a radially outwardly extending portion of a housing 5928. The housing 5928 is fixed to the support body at the disc 5936 and terminates at the disc 5936. The housing 5928 is further fixed to the support body 5904 near a first end 5916 of the support body 5904.

[0104] Figure 62 It shows Figure 59 The support member 5900 shown is arranged to pass through holes 6204 in the wall 6206 of the facility 6208 (or its components, such as a wind turbine or a monopile of a wind turbine) during use. Figure 62 The hole 6204 shown extends at an angle inclined relative to the wall 6206 of the monopile 6208. A guide rope 6212 (e.g., a winch rope) passes through opening 5916 into the through channel 5920 of the support 5904. The traction rope 6212 extends through hole 6106 in the drive member 6008 and connects to the end of the submarine cable 6216. The submarine cable 6216 passes through opening 6220 at the first end 5924 of the support 5904 into the support 5904.

[0105] The traction rope 6212 is connected to the terminal area 6224 of the cable 6216 via a Chinese finger clamp 6228. By twisting or pulling the traction rope from inside the facility 6208, the cable 6216 is pulled through the support 5904 until it reaches the first end 6232 of the drive member 5912. The width of the cable 6216 is greater than the width of the hole 6106 in the drive member 6008. Therefore, the cable 6216 is driven to abut against the first end 6232 of the drive member 6008.

[0106] Since the drive member 6008 is fixed in the support 5904 (due to the engagement between the first fixing element 6108 and the other fixing element 6114), any further pulling force or winch force applied to the cable 6216 (to pull the cable 6216 toward the other end 5916 of the support 5904) causes movement of the support 5904 (and the support member 5900 and the protective assembly 5938). This is because when the drive member 6008 is fixed in a predetermined position in the through channel 5920 of the support 5904, and when the cable 6216 is driven to form an abutment relationship with the drive member 6008, any force applied to the cable 6216 that pulls the cable 6216 toward the other end 5916 of the support 5904 transmits that force to the drive member, which in turn transmits that force to the support 5904 (of the protective assembly 5938), allowing the support 5904 to move freely. Therefore, the support body 5904 is pulled into the hole 6204 by twisting or pulling the traction rope 6212 from inside the single pile 6208 until the radially extending flange portion 5936 (or abutment plate) of the support member 5900 is driven to abut against the outer surface of the single pile wall 6206.

[0107] Continuing to pull the traction rope 6212 into the monopile 6208, it becomes impossible to pull the support body 5904 further into the hole 6204. The cable 6212 is pulled against the drive member 6008 with increased force. Consequently, the force applied to the elongated pin member 6114 also increases, leading to the breakage of the elongated pin member 6114. The elongated pin member 6114 is designed to shear under a given force. A breakable portion of the pin member 6114 can be introduced by introducing a thinner area, making it from a brittle material, or by making it hollow. Appropriately, the elongated pin member 2114 is configured to break at a predetermined location. For example, this can be at the portion of the elongated pin member located outside the recess 2110.

[0108] The long pin component 6114 has broken, and the drive component 6008 is able to slide along the through channel 5920. The lead rope 6212 pulls the cable 6216 further into the support body 5904, and the drive component 6008 slides toward the first end 5924 in the through channel 5920.

[0109] Figure 62This diagram illustrates how each latch body 6122 extends inward into the through channel 5920 when in the retracted state. Each latch body 6122 includes a surface portion 6252 located on a first edge region 6180, extending radially into the through channel 5920 and facing the drive member 6008. The surface portion 6252 is the abutment surface of the drive member. As the drive member 6008 slides through the through channel 5920, it abuts against the corresponding drive member abutment surface 6252 of each latch body 6122, thereby pushing each latch body 6122 to rotate about a pivot point 6126. Consequently, the drive member 6008 pushes each latch element 6120 out of the retracted state and toward the extended state.

[0110] like Figure 62 As shown, the drive member 6008 includes two lips 6260 protruding from the radially outer surface 6109 of the drive member body 6104. The lips 6260 may be integrally formed with the drive member body 6104. Alternatively, the lips 6260 may be fixed to the drive member body 6104. The lips 6260 comprise an elastic material. The lips 6260 are elastic. Suitablely, the lips 6260 are deformable. Suitablely, the lips 6260 are flexible. The lips 6260 shown are arranged near each end of the drive member 6008. Each of the lips 6260 extends circumferentially around the drive member 6008. As the drive member 6008 moves within the through channel 5920, the lips 6260 remain in contact with the radially inner surface 6268 of the support 5904, thereby facilitating the centering of the drive member 6008 within the through channel 5920. The contact between the lip 6260 and the support 5904 helps prevent the drive member 6008 from tilting or getting stuck when pushed through the through channel 5920 by the cable 6216. This helps prevent the drive member from being accidentally released prematurely. The elastic material forming each lip 6260 also helps to accommodate variations in the length of the through channel 5920 of the support 5904, for example, due to manufacturing defects.

[0111] When each latch body 6120 is positioned in the retracted position, the spring 6142 pushes the sleeve 6140 toward the latch element 5920, causing the corresponding latch finger element 6280 to extend into the recessed area 6188 of each latch body 6122, thereby holding each latch element 6120 in the retracted state until the drive member 6008 pushes each latch element 6120 out of the retracted state. This is in accordance with... Figures 5 to 58 It is implemented in roughly the same way.

[0112] Figure 63 The image shows the support member 5900 with the locking element 6120 deployed. The terminal region 6224 of the cable 6216 has been fully pulled through and away from the support member 5904. The drive member 6008 has been pulled out of the support member 5904. The drive member 6008 is... Figure 63 It is not visible in the middle, but it remains screwed into the traction rope 6212, so it can be recycled and reused.

[0113] Each locking element 6120 extends through a corresponding hole 5932 in the housing 5928, such that the terminal edge 6130 of each locking body 6122 is located radially outward and away from the support body 5904 than the corresponding pivot point 6124. Each locking body includes a wall abutment surface region 6310 located at the edge region facing the first end 5924 of the support body when the corresponding locking element 6120 is in the deployed position. The wall abutment surface region of at least one of the locking elements 6120 abuts against the monopile wall 6206, thereby holding the support member 5900 (and the support body 5904) in the position through the hole 6204.

[0114] Figure 63 This illustrates how the locking finger element 6280 extends into the recessed region 6190 located in each latch body 6122, thereby locking or holding the latch element 5920 in the deployed position. Figure 63 (As shown). The release element 6146 can be used to release the locking element 6120 from the unfolded position, as described with reference to the previous embodiment.

[0115] because Figures 59 to 63 The driving component 6008 is releasably fixed in the support body 5904 via a first fixing element 6108 and another fixing element 6114. Figures 59 to 63 The layout shown does not require the use of a separate pull-in head.

[0116] Figure 64 It shows Figures 60 to 63 A perspective view of a drive member 6008, the drive member having a generally tubular or annular body 6104, wherein a through hole 6106 extends fully along a longitudinal central axis 6412 from a first end 6404 of the body 6104 to the other end 6408 of the body 6104. Each end of the drive member includes a tapered portion 6416 that flares out from a radially inner surface 6420 of the drive member body 6104 toward a radially outer surface 6109 of the body 6104. A recess 6110 is disposed in the outer surface 6109 of the drive member 6008.

[0117] Figure 65 and Figure 66An alternative drive member 6604 is shown that can be used in support member 5900. Drive member 6604 includes a generally annular or cylindrical body 6608, with a through channel 6612 extending from a first end 6616 of body 6608 to the other end 6620. The through channel 6612 is sized such that a guide rope 6212 can pass through, but a cable 6216 cannot. A shear pin 6624 (an example of other fixing elements, and similar to those mentioned above) is also included. Figures 59 to 64 The pin member 6114 is arranged to extend into the drive member 6604. Figure 65 The arrangement includes three shear pins 6624, and these three shear pins 6624 are arranged circumferentially around the drive member 6604. (See also: Regarding...) Figures 61 to 64 The shear pin 6624 extends through a corresponding hole or opening in the support 5904 during use and also extends into the drive member 6604, thereby releasably securing the drive member 6604 in a predetermined axial position. Similarly, as per [the previous sentence, the last sentence appears to be incomplete and requires further context.] Figures 61 to 64 The shear pin 6624 is arranged to extend into a corresponding recess 6628 arranged circumferentially around the drive member 6604. Each recess 6628 is disposed in a corresponding insert 6632 inserted into the drive member body 6608. The insert 6632 is made of metal and is inserted into a cutout or recess region in the body 6608. Although Figure 65 Not shown, but each shear pin 6624 includes a threaded end that extends into a corresponding recess 6628. Each recess 6628 is a blind hole that extends into a corresponding insert 6632 and thus radially inward into the drive member 6604.

[0118] Spring washers 6636 are also arranged around each shear pin 6624, and are thus held by the flared head 6640 of each respective shear pin 6624. The flared head 6640, due to its size, cannot pass radially through the support 5904 during use, thus facilitating the securing of the drive member 6604 to the support 5904 during use.

[0119] The drive member 6604 includes two circumferentially extending fins 6644, each fin projecting radially outward from the drive member body 6608. Figures 59 to 64Similar to the drive member 6008, when the drive member 6604 slides axially along the support body through channel 5920, the fins 6644 remain in contact with the inner surface of the support member 5904. Each fin 6644 has circumferential grooves 6648 on both sides. The fins 6644 can deform in response to any uneven surface area on the radial inner surface of the support body 5904. For example, if any portion of the radial inner surface of the support body 5904 protrudes inward, for example due to a manufacturing defect, the fins 6644 can deform, thereby helping to maintain the alignment of the drive member 6604 within the support body through channel 5920. The grooves 6648 further reduce the thickness of the fins 6644.

[0120] Figure 67 It shows Figure 65 The drive member 6604 is fixed in the support body 5904, wherein the shear pin 6624 extends through a hole 6804 in the support body, such that a tip 6808 extends into a recess 6628 in the drive member 6604. The tip 6808 has a threaded outer surface that cooperates with a mating threaded surface of the drive member 6604. The pin 6624 includes a narrowing region 6816 that is located just outside the recess 6628 of the drive member. The pin 6624 breaks in this region to release the drive member 6604, as... Figure 68 As shown. Due to the position of the narrowed portion of the pin, the tip portion 6808 remaining in the drive member 6604 will not obstruct or interfere with the movement of the drive member 6604 after the pin breaks. After breakage, the spring washer 6636 causes the head of the pin 6624 to move radially outward, thereby disengaging the head end of the pin from the through channel 5920. Therefore, the (now broken) pin 6624 will not interfere with the movement of the drive member 6404.

[0121] Figure 70 shows the shackle 7204 in the support member 5900. The arrangement shown in Figure 72 operates in a substantially the same manner as previously described, except that the shackle 7204 is pulled into contact with the drive member 6604 instead of the cable 6216. A guide rope 7304, such as a winch rope, is connected to the shackle 7204. Pulling the guide rope 7304 brings the shackle 7204 into contact with the drive member 6404. The cable 6216 is secured to the shackle 7204 by a connecting rope 7308. Thus, the cable is secured to the shackle 7308 but spaced apart from it. When the shackle abuts against the drive member (when the drive member is fixed in a predetermined position in the support), the cable does not need to be located in the support.

Claims

1. A device for protecting an elongated member in the area where it enters a facility through an opening, the device comprising: A support body, for installation in the hole, the support body having a through channel for accommodating the elongated member, and the external abutment for restricting the movement of the support body into the hole. At least one locking body, the locking body being pivotally mounted to the support body to rotate between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the retracted position the abutting surface of the locking body protrudes into the through channel, and in the extended position the locking body protrudes outward from the support body. A driving component is releasably fixed at a predetermined position within the through channel. With the latch body in the retracted position, the support body can be pulled into the hole by the traction rope acting on the drive member until the outer abutment prevents the support body from moving further into the hole. Then, the traction rope acting on the drive member can release the drive member to move along the through channel, thereby causing the drive member to act on the abutment surface of the latch body and rotate the latch body to the unfolded state to prevent the support body from being pulled out of the hole later.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The external abutment portion is the flange on the support body.

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2 further includes a releasable locking mechanism for locking the latch body in the unfolded position.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The releasable locking mechanism is configured to automatically engage when the latch body moves to the unfolded position.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The latch body includes a recess, and the releasable locking mechanism includes a locking member biased toward the recess and aligned with the recess when the latch body is in the extended position, such that when the latch body moves to the extended position, the locking member engages in the recess to lock the latch body in the extended position.

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The drive body is releasably fixed at a predetermined position in the through channel by a breakable member, and the breaking of the breakable member releases the drive body to move along the through channel.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The fractured member is a shear pin extending from the support to the drive member.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, At least one spring acts on the fractured member, and the spring is used to move one of the multiple parts away from the through channel after the fractured member breaks into multiple parts.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The fractured member is a shear pin with an enlarged head, and the spring is held below the enlarged head.

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The through channel is circular, and the driving component includes a cylindrical body.

11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The driving component includes a through channel.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The drive member includes at least one circumferentially extending lip or flange for engaging the wall of the through channel of the support, and is flexible.

13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of locking bodies arranged circumferentially spaced around the support, each locking body configured to be moved by the drive member from the retracted position to the unfolded position.

14. A method for installing an elongated member and the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in a facility, the method comprising: Pass the traction rope through the drive component. Secure the traction rope to the long component. The support is pulled into the hole in the facility using the traction rope until the outer abutment engages with the periphery of the hole to prevent the support from entering the hole further. Continue pulling the traction rope to release the drive member and move it along the through channel, so that the drive member acts on the abutting surface of the locking body, and rotate the locking body to the unfolded state to prevent the subsequent pulling of the support body out of the hole and the pulling of the long member through the support body into the facility.

15. A device for protecting an elongated member in the area where it enters a facility through an opening, the device comprising: A support body for mounting in the hole, the support body having a through channel for accommodating the elongated member, and the external abutment for restricting the movement of the support body into the hole. At least one locking body is pivotally mounted to the support body to rotate between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the abutting surface of the locking body protrudes into the through channel, and in the extended position, the locking body protrudes outward from the support body. The driving component is arranged in the through channel, and A locking mechanism is used to lock the latch body in the unfolded position. When the support is arranged in the hole, the drive body is pulled along the through channel so that the drive member acts on the abutting surface of the latch body, rotating the latch body to the unfolded state to prevent the support body from being pulled out of the hole, and the engagement of the locking mechanism locks the latch body in the unfolded position.

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