Quick release kent coupling shackle

Abstract

The application discloses a detachable Kent connecting shackle, and relates to the technical field of chain connection. The detachable Kent connecting shackle comprises a shackle body and a crosspiece, the crosspiece is arranged between two half rings of the shackle body, the shackle body is provided with a recess, and the crosspiece is provided with a telescopic movable locking pin. The crosspiece is internally provided with a sliding groove extending along the thickness direction, the sliding groove is internally provided with a sliding block, the sliding block has a thick cross-section area and a thin cross-section area, and the two sides of the sliding block are provided with guiding surfaces in sliding fit with the side walls of the sliding groove. The crosspiece is provided with a fastening screw penetratingly arranged thereon, the inner end of the fastening screw is in transmission fit with the sliding block. The crosspiece is further provided with a locking pin channel extending along the length direction, the movable locking pin is slidingly arranged in the locking pin channel, and the inner end of the movable locking pin is in abutting fit with the thick cross-section area, the thin cross-section area and the first and second inclined guiding surfaces of the sliding block. The fastening screw is rotated to drive the sliding block to slide, the movable locking pin is pushed to extend and embed into the recess, the extension and retraction of the movable locking pin are realized, and the quick locking and unlocking of the crosspiece are completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of chain connection technology, such as anchor chains, mooring chains, and industrial chains, and specifically to a Kent connection shackle that can be quickly disassembled. Background Technology

[0002] Kent shackles are a commonly used chain connection device. Their advantages include detachability, compatibility with anchor machines, and direct connection to ordinary stopped chain links. Heat-treated Kent shackles possess high strength and high toughness, achieving the same breaking strength as the chain itself. However, the traditional installation process for Kent shackles is cumbersome. Installation requires first fastening two half-rings, then inserting a tapered pin and hammering it in place. Finally, molten lead is sealed to both ends of the tapered pin hole and allowed to solidify before securing the pin. This entire installation process lacks convenience.

[0003] Chinese patent CN112722154A discloses a quick-release Kent shackle. By screwing a fastening bolt into a pre-drilled hole on the crossbar, a movable locking pin inside the crossbar is directly ejected, embedding into a recess in the half-ring of the main body, thus connecting the crossbar and the half-ring. However, this structure has significant drawbacks: the ejection stroke of the movable locking pin is entirely determined by the size of the fastening bolt. When the bolt diameter is small, the ejection stroke is small, reducing the size of the locking pin embedded in the main body and affecting the stability of the crossbar. If a larger fastening bolt is used to ensure stability, the required preload torque increases. Since offshore operations are mostly manual, it is difficult to provide a large preload torque, easily leading to bolt loosening and failure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing connecting shackles, such as the limitation of the movable locking pin's extension stroke by the size of the fastening screw, the high pre-tightening torque requirement leading to difficulties in manual installation, and the easy failure of the mechanism. The invention provides a quick-disassembly connecting shackle that can reliably extend and retract the movable locking pin with only a small torque operation and has good anti-loosening performance.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above technical objectives and meet the above technical requirements, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a Kent connection shackle that can be quickly disassembled, comprising a shackle body and a crossbar; the crossbar is disposed between two half-rings of the shackle body, the shackle body is provided with a recess, and the crossbar is provided with a retractable movable locking pin, which is inserted into the recess when extended to lock the crossbar. The crossbar has a slide rail extending along its thickness direction inside. A slider is slidably disposed in the slide rail. The slider has a thick cross-section region and a thin cross-section region. The thick cross-section region and the thin cross-section region are connected by a first inclined guide surface and a second inclined guide surface. Guide surfaces are provided on both sides of the slider. The two guide surfaces slide in cooperation with the side wall of the slide rail. The crossbar is also provided with mounting holes extending along the thickness direction of the crossbar, and fastening screws are inserted into the mounting holes. The inner end of the fastening screws is engaged with the slider to drive the slider to slide along the slide rail. The crossbar is also provided with a locking pin channel extending along the length of the crossbar and communicating with the slide rail. The movable locking pin is slidably disposed in the locking pin channel. The inner end of the movable locking pin abuts against the thick section area, the thin section area, the first inclined guide surface, and the second inclined guide surface of the slider. The first inclined guide surface and the second inclined guide surface are used to push the movable locking pin out when the slider slides, and to release the pressure on the movable locking pin when the slider moves to the position of the thin section area.

[0006] Furthermore, the cross-section of the movable locking pin is pear-shaped, having an arc surface and a trapezoidal surface. The arc surface is used to contact the shackle body, and the trapezoidal surface is used to abut against the thick section area, the thin section area, the first inclined guide surface, and the second inclined guide surface of the slider.

[0007] Furthermore, an elastic element is provided between the movable locking pin and the crossbar, and the elastic element applies a preload force to the movable locking pin toward the inside of the crossbar.

[0008] Furthermore, a closure is provided on the crossbar, which closes the end opening of the slide and / or the locking pin channel, thereby forming a closed inner cavity inside the crossbar.

[0009] Furthermore, the closure includes a first crossbar cover and a second crossbar cover disposed at both ends of the crossbar in the length direction, and a third crossbar cover disposed at one end of the crossbar in the thickness direction, with the fastening screw passing through the third crossbar cover.

[0010] Furthermore, the enclosed inner cavity is filled with grease or rust inhibitor.

[0011] Furthermore, there are two movable locking pins, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the crossbar. The slider is located between the two movable locking pins, and the first inclined guide surface and the second inclined guide surface respectively abut against the inner ends of the two movable locking pins.

[0012] Compared with the traditional structure, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. This invention achieves the conversion from the rotational drive of the fastening screw to the telescopic movement of the movable locking pin through the mating structure of the thick and thin cross-section regions of the slider and the first and second inclined guide surfaces. The fastening screw only needs to provide the driving force to overcome the sliding friction of the slider, without bearing the load of ejecting the locking pin. Therefore, a smaller diameter fastening screw can be used, significantly reducing the required preload torque. Operators can complete installation and disassembly with only conventional tools, without the need for auxiliary operations such as hammering or lead sealing, making it particularly suitable for offshore operating environments.

[0013] 2. In this invention, the extension amount of the movable locking pin is determined by the size of the thick cross-section area of ​​the slider. By rationally designing the relative dimensions of the thick and thin cross-section areas on the slider, it can be ensured that the movable locking pin is sufficiently embedded in the body recess, ensuring the stability of the crossbar fixed to the shackle body. Simultaneously, guide surfaces are provided on both sides of the slider, and these two guide surfaces slide in cooperation with the sidewall of the slide rail, ensuring that the slider does not skew or jam during sliding, guaranteeing reliable and accurate operation each time.

[0014] 3. In this invention, the movable locking pin adopts a pear-shaped cross-section design, with the arc surface contacting the shackle body, which can reduce wear caused by the contact between the two; the trapezoidal surface contacts the slider, which effectively improves the load transmission capacity, increases the moving efficiency of the movable locking pin, avoids jamming and deformation after long-term stress, and improves the service life and working stability of the connecting shackle.

[0015] 4. The crossbar has a closed cavity formed by the sealing component, which can be filled with grease or rust inhibitor. This effectively prevents seawater from corroding the locking mechanism, prevents key components from rusting and jamming, and significantly improves the reliability of the shackle in marine operating environments. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a rear view diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the crossbar of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the slider of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the movable locking pin of the present invention; In the diagram: 1. Shackle body, 2. Crossbar, 21. Mounting hole, 22. First crossbar cover, 23. Second crossbar cover, 24. Third crossbar cover, 3. Movable locking pin, 31. Arc surface, 32. Trapezoidal surface, 4. Slider, 41. Thick section area, 42. Thin section area, 43. First inclined guide surface, 44. Guide surface, 45. Second inclined guide surface, 5. Fastening screw. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will be further described below.

[0018] Example 1: As Figures 1-7 As shown, a quick-release shackle includes a shackle body 1 and a crossbar 2. The shackle body 1 consists of two semi-rings, and the crossbar 2 is disposed between the two semi-rings of the shackle body 1. The two semi-rings of the shackle body 1 are respectively machined with recesses for a movable locking pin 3 to be inserted to secure the crossbar 2.

[0019] The crossbar 2 has a sliding track extending along its thickness direction formed inside by machining. A slider 4 is slidably mounted within the track. The slider 4 has a thick cross-section region 41 and a thin cross-section region 42, which are connected by a first inclined guide surface 43 and a second inclined guide surface 45, respectively. Guide surfaces 44 are provided on both sides of the slider 4. The two guide surfaces 44 slide in cooperation with the sidewalls of the track to ensure that the slider 4 slides smoothly within the track without deviation or jamming.

[0020] The crossbar 2 is also provided with a mounting hole 21 extending along the thickness direction of the crossbar 2, and a fastening screw 5 passes through the mounting hole 21. The inner end of the fastening screw 5 is engaged with the slider 4 through threaded transmission. The crossbar 2 is also provided with a locking pin channel extending along the length direction of the crossbar 2 and communicating with the slide rail, and the movable locking pin 3 is slidably disposed in the locking pin channel. The inner end of the movable locking pin 3 abuts against the thick section area 41, the thin section area 42, the first inclined guide surface 43, and the second inclined guide surface 45 of the slider 4.

[0021] In this invention, the fastening screw 5, the slider 4, and the movable locking pin 3 together constitute the locking mechanism of the crossbar 2.

[0022] In use, the fastening screw 5 is rotated using a tool, and the fastening screw 5 drives the slider 4 to slide along the slide rail via its thread. When the thick section area 41 of the slider 4 moves to be opposite the movable locking pin 3, the thick section area 41 pushes the movable locking pin 3 outward along the length direction of the crossbar 2 through the first inclined guide surface 43 or the second inclined guide surface 45 connected to it, so that the movable locking pin 3 is embedded in the recess of the shackle body 1, thus completing the locking of the crossbar 2 and the shackle body 1. When the thin section area 42 of the slider 4 moves to be opposite the movable locking pin 3, the abutment pressure between the movable locking pin 3 and the slider 4 is released, and the movable locking pin 3 can retract into the crossbar 2, thus releasing the locking.

[0023] like Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, preferably, the movable locking pin 3 has a pear-shaped cross-section, with an arc surface 31 and a trapezoidal surface 32. The arc surface 31 faces the shackle body 1 and is used to contact the recess of the shackle body 1. Since the arc surface 31 and the shackle body 1 have surface contact, the wear caused by their contact can be effectively reduced, extending the service life. The trapezoidal surface 32 faces the slider 4 and is used to abut against the thick cross-section area 41, the thin cross-section area 42, and the first inclined guide surface 43 and the second inclined guide surface 45 of the slider 4. The inclined surface design of the trapezoidal surface 32 can transmit the thrust of the slider to the movable locking pin 3 more evenly, improve the load transmission efficiency, improve the smoothness of movement of the movable locking pin 3, and avoid jamming and deformation after long-term stress.

[0024] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the crossbar 2 is provided with a sealing element that closes the end openings of the slide rail and / or the locking pin channel, forming a closed inner cavity inside the crossbar 2. The sealing element includes a first crossbar cover 22 and a second crossbar cover 23 located at both ends along the length of the crossbar 2, and a third crossbar cover 24 located at one end along the thickness of the crossbar 2. Fastening screws 5 pass through the third crossbar cover 24. The third crossbar cover 24 can be detachably connected to the crossbar 2 by means of threaded connection, snap-fit, or bolt fixation, facilitating the installation and maintenance of the internal mechanism. As a further preferred embodiment, the closed inner cavity is filled with grease or rust inhibitor to effectively prevent seawater from corroding the locking mechanism inside the crossbar, improving the reliability of the shackle in marine operating environments.

[0025] Example 2: In another embodiment of the present invention, an elastic element is provided between the movable locking pin 3 and the crossbar 2. When disassembling the crossbar, the operator unscrews the fastening screw 5 in the opposite direction, causing the sliding block 4 to retract. When the thin cross-sectional area 42 of the sliding block 4 moves to be opposite the movable locking pin 3, the contact pressure between the movable locking pin 3 and the sliding block 4 is released. The elastic element, relying on its own elastic restoring force, drives the movable locking pin 3 to retract into the crossbar 2, causing the movable locking pin 3 to exit the recess on the shackle body 1, thereby releasing the lock between the crossbar 2 and the shackle body 1.

[0026] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elastic element can also be a disc spring, a rubber elastomer, or other elastic reset element with equivalent function, as long as it can apply an elastic restoring force between the movable locking pin 3 and the slider 4.

[0027] Example 3: As another embodiment of the present invention, there are two movable locking pins 3, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the crossbar 2. The slider 4 is located between the two movable locking pins 3. The slider 4 has a thick cross-section region 41 and a thin cross-section region 42 at both ends along its sliding direction. The thick cross-section region 41 and the thin cross-section region 42 are respectively connected by a first inclined guide surface 43 and a second inclined guide surface 45. The first inclined guide surface 43 and the second inclined guide surface 45 respectively abut against the inner ends of the two movable locking pins 3.

[0028] In use, rotating the fastening screw 5 causes the slider 4 to slide along the track. During the sliding process, the first inclined guide surface 43 and the second inclined guide surface 45 at both ends of the slider 4 simultaneously press against the two movable locking pins 3, pushing the two movable locking pins 3 outwards at both ends of the crossbar 2, so that the two movable locking pins 3 are synchronously embedded into the recesses on the two semi-rings on both sides of the shackle body 1, thus completing the synchronous locking of the crossbar 2 on both sides. Rotating the fastening screw 5 in the opposite direction causes the slider 4 to retract in the opposite direction, and the two movable locking pins 3 retract synchronously under the drive of their respective elastic elements or under the action of external force, thus realizing the synchronous unlocking of the crossbar 2 on both sides.

[0029] The quick-release shackle provided by this invention features a compact structure, simple operation, and reliable locking, making it particularly suitable for large chain connections such as marine anchor chains and mooring chains. Installation and removal can be completed simply by manually turning the fastening screw 5, eliminating the need for hammering or lead sealing, significantly reducing the difficulty and labor intensity of offshore operations. Furthermore, its excellent sealing and corrosion-resistant design gives it superior resistance to seawater erosion, making it suitable for long-term use in marine environments and possessing broad industrial application prospects.

[0030] The above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples to clearly illustrate the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent technical solutions also fall within the scope of the present invention, and the patent protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A quick-release Kent connection shackle, comprising a shackle body (1) and a crossbar (2); the crossbar (2) is disposed between two semi-rings of the shackle body (1), the shackle body (1) has a recess, and the crossbar (2) has a retractable movable locking pin (3), the movable locking pin (3) being inserted into the recess when extended to lock the crossbar (2), characterized in that: The crossbar (2) is provided with a slide rail extending along the thickness direction of the crossbar (2). A slider (4) is slidably arranged in the slide rail. The slider (4) has a thick cross-section region (41) and a thin cross-section region (42). The thick cross-section region (41) and the thin cross-section region (42) are respectively connected by a first inclined guide surface (43) and a second inclined guide surface (45). Guide surfaces (44) are provided on both sides of the slider (4). The two guide surfaces (44) slide in cooperation with the side wall of the slide rail. The crossbar (2) is also provided with a mounting hole (21) extending along the thickness direction of the crossbar (2). A fastening screw (5) is inserted in the mounting hole (21). The inner end of the fastening screw (5) is in transmission cooperation with the slider (4) to drive the slider (4) to slide along the slide. The crossbar (2) is also provided with a locking pin channel that extends along the length of the crossbar (2) and communicates with the slide rail. The movable locking pin (3) is slidably disposed in the locking pin channel. The inner end of the movable locking pin (3) abuts against the thick section area (41), the thin section area (42), the first inclined guide surface (43), and the second inclined guide surface (45) of the slider (4). The first inclined guide surface (43) and the second inclined guide surface (45) are used to push the movable locking pin (3) out when the slider (4) slides, and release the pressure on the movable locking pin (3) when the slider (4) moves to the position of the thin section area (42).

2. The Kent connection shackle with quick disassembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable locking pin (3) has a pear-shaped cross section with an arc surface (31) and a trapezoidal surface (32). The arc surface (31) is used to contact the shackle body (1), and the trapezoidal surface (32) is used to abut against the thick cross section area (41), the thin cross section area (42), the first inclined guide surface (43), and the second inclined guide surface (45) of the slider (4).

3. The Kent connection shackle with quick disassembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, An elastic element is provided between the movable locking pin (3) and the crossbar (2), and the elastic element applies a preload force to the movable locking pin (3) toward the inside of the crossbar.

4. The Kent connection shackle with quick disassembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The crossbar (2) is provided with a sealing member, which closes the end opening of the slide and / or the locking pin channel, so that a closed inner cavity is formed inside the crossbar (2).

5. A quick-release Kent connection shackle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The closure includes a first crossbar cover (22) and a second crossbar cover (23) disposed at both ends of the crossbar (2) in the length direction, and a third crossbar cover (24) disposed at one end of the crossbar (2) in the thickness direction, and the fastening screw (5) passes through the third crossbar cover (24).

6. A quick-release Kent connection shackle according to claim 4, characterized in that, The enclosed inner cavity is filled with grease or rust inhibitor.

7. A quick-release Kent connection shackle according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two movable locking pins (3), which are respectively set at both ends of the crossbar (2). The slider (4) is located between the two movable locking pins (3). The first inclined guide surface (43) and the second inclined guide surface (45) respectively abut against the inner ends of the two movable locking pins (3).

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