Driving device and equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a driving device and equipment comprising the driving device. The driving device comprises an actuating mechanism and an output piece installed on the actuating mechanism. Wherein the output part can be axially moved through manual operation, and can also be axially moved by being actuated by the actuating mechanism. According to the driving device disclosed by the invention, two driving modes are provided, so that the working intensity of field operators can be reduced, the operation precision of the driving device can be improved, and the running reliability of the driving device can also be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a drive device and an apparatus using the drive device. Background Technology

[0002] Existing drive systems employ a single driving mode. For example, in marine operations, divers manually operate bolts on a limiting device, either by themselves or using an underwater robot (ROV), to apply force to the mechanical limiting lever of the limiting device, thereby clamping or releasing the riser and limiting its position. Operating the ROV by divers is not only difficult but also prevents remote operation of the bolts on the limiting device. Furthermore, if the ROV malfunctions or the bolts become inoperable for various reasons, it is impossible to manually operate the bolts on the limiting device to clamp or release the riser. Similar problems stemming from this single-mode approach also exist in many other applications, such as drive systems used to apply force to loads in equipment used for jacking or lifting.

[0003] Therefore, improvements to the existing drive unit are necessary. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art described above and to provide a driving device and an apparatus using the driving device.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a driving device is provided, comprising:

[0006] Actuation mechanism; and

[0007] An output component disposed along the central axis of the actuation mechanism;

[0008] The output component can be moved axially by manual operation or by being actuated by the actuation mechanism.

[0009] In some embodiments, the drive device further includes a transmission component engaged between the actuation mechanism and the output member;

[0010] The actuation mechanism causes the output component to move axially via the transmission assembly;

[0011] The output component is capable of axial movement relative to the transmission assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism includes a body and a movable component capable of moving relative to the body;

[0013] The output component includes an output rod having external threads; and

[0014] The transmission component includes an axial sleeve fixedly mounted on the movable part of the actuation mechanism. The axial sleeve is hollow and has internal threads. The output rod is located inside the axial sleeve, and the external thread of the output rod engages with the internal thread of the axial sleeve. The output rod can be axially moved relative to the body of the actuation mechanism by manual rotation, and can also be axially moved relative to the body together with the axial sleeve by the movement of the movable part.

[0015] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism is a fluid actuation mechanism.

[0016] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism is an electrically actuated mechanism.

[0017] In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism includes:

[0018] The main body is a cylinder that defines the internal space;

[0019] An inner sleeve, which is hollow and disposed in the internal space, is fixedly connected to the cylinder body at the first end of the cylinder body.

[0020] A piston component movably disposed within the internal space and located between the inner surface of the cylinder and the outer surface of the inner sleeve, the piston component being the movable component and forming close contact with both the inner surface of the cylinder and the outer surface of the inner sleeve; and

[0021] An end cap disposed at the second end of the cylinder body and located between the inner surface of the cylinder body and the outer surface of the piston component;

[0022] The cylinder body, the inner sleeve, and the piston assembly define a first chamber within the cylinder body, and the cylinder body, the piston assembly, and the end cap define a second chamber within the cylinder body. The output rod passes through the inner sleeve and is mounted on the axial sleeve. The first chamber is connected to an external pressurized fluid source via a first fluid interface on the cylinder body, and the second chamber is connected to an external pressurized fluid source via a second fluid interface on the cylinder body.

[0023] In some embodiments, the inner sleeve includes a first flange portion and a first tubular portion extending from the first flange portion, the first flange portion being fixedly connected to the cylinder body at a first end of the cylinder body, and the piston component being sleeved on the first tubular portion.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first flange portion has a stepped portion formed on the side opposite to the first tubular portion, the stepped portion matching the inner flange of the first end of the cylinder.

[0025] In some embodiments, the piston component includes a second flange portion and a second tubular portion extending from the second flange portion, wherein when the piston component is fitted onto the first tubular portion of the inner sleeve, the second flange portion faces the first flange portion and forms close contact with the inner surface of the cylinder.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first flange portion has an outer conical surface formed on the side facing the first tubular portion, and the second flange portion has an inner conical surface formed facing the first flange portion. The inner conical surface and the outer conical surface cooperate with each other to limit the position of the piston component.

[0027] In some embodiments, the piston component includes a tubular portion, an outer flange portion disposed on the tubular portion of the piston component facing away from the end cap, and an inner flange portion; the outer flange portion of the piston component forms close contact with the inner surface of the cylinder body, and the inner flange portion of the piston component forms close contact with the outer surface of the inner sleeve.

[0028] The end cap includes a first end cap and a second end cap; the first end cap is installed between the outer surface of the tubular portion of the piston component and the inner surface of the cylinder; the second end cap is installed between the inner surface of the tubular portion of the piston component and the outer surface of the inner sleeve.

[0029] In some embodiments, the axial sleeve includes a third flange portion and a third tubular portion extending from the third flange portion, the third flange portion being fixedly connected to the piston component so that the axial sleeve can move with the piston component, and the third tubular portion being movably inserted into the first tubular portion.

[0030] In some embodiments, a limiting structure is provided on the inner surface of the first tubular portion and a limiting structure is provided on the outer surface of the third tubular portion; the limiting structure of the first tubular portion cooperates with the limiting structure of the axial sleeve to enable the axial sleeve to move axially and restrict the axial sleeve from rotating around the axis.

[0031] In some embodiments, the limiting structure of the first tubular portion includes at least one first protrusion and at least one first groove, the first protrusion extending axially, the first groove extending axially, and the first protrusion and the first groove being alternately distributed on the inner surface of the first tubular portion.

[0032] The limiting structure of the third tubular portion includes at least one second protrusion and at least one second groove, the second protrusion extending axially, the second groove extending axially, and the second protrusion and the second groove being alternately distributed on the outer surface of the third tubular portion.

[0033] The first protrusion matches the second groove, and the first groove matches the second protrusion, so that the axial sleeve can move axially and restrict the axial sleeve from rotating around the axis.

[0034] In some embodiments, the output rod includes at least a threaded portion with external threads, an operating portion extending from one end of the threaded portion, and an actuating portion extending from the other end of the threaded portion, wherein the external threads on the threaded portion engage with the internal threads on the hollow inner surface of the axial sleeve to mount the output rod in place.

[0035] In some embodiments, the drive device further includes a sensing element disposed inside the cylinder body for sensing axial movement of the piston component and / or the axial sleeve relative to the cylinder body.

[0036] In some embodiments, the drive device further includes a locking mechanism for locking the output rod.

[0037] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a locking plate, a locking bolt, and a locking nut; the locking plate includes a sheet-like body, a receiving hole formed at the center of the sheet-like body, and arc-shaped locking holes disposed on both sides of the receiving hole, the shape and size of the receiving hole being selected to match the size and shape of the operating part of the output rod, so that the operating part can be received in the receiving hole in a close fit, and the locking bolt is screwed into the body through the locking hole.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising the drive device and the driven mechanism as described above, wherein the output member of the drive device is axially moved by manual operation or by actuation by an actuation mechanism, thereby driving the driven mechanism to move.

[0039] In some embodiments, the driven mechanism includes any one of a locking mechanism, a pushing mechanism, and a lifting mechanism.

[0040] According to the drive device disclosed herein, and the equipment using the drive device, the output rod can be moved axially both manually and by an actuation mechanism, and the actuation mechanism can also be remotely controlled. This helps reduce the workload of on-site operators and improves operational accuracy. Furthermore, the redundant design of manual and automatic operation provides mutual backup, thereby improving the reliability of the drive device's operation. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a side view of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the upper half is cut open to show the internal structure;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a left view of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a locking mechanism;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the inner sleeve of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Left view of the inner sleeve shown;

[0045] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the inner sleeve shown;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the axial sleeve of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Top view of the axial sleeve shown;

[0048] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Left view of the axial sleeve shown;

[0049] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the axial sleeve shown;

[0050] Figure 10 This is a front view of the output rod of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Left view of the output rod shown;

[0052] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the output rod shown;

[0053] Figure 13 This is a front view of the locking plate of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Left view of the locking plate shown;

[0055] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A three-dimensional view of the locking plate shown;

[0056] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of a drive device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0057] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this disclosure, the technical solutions of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Exemplary embodiments will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, these exemplary embodiments may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of this disclosure.

[0059] Where there is no conflict, the various embodiments of this disclosure and the features thereof in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0060] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated entries.

[0061] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “made of” are used in this specification, the presence of the stated feature, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component is specified, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof is not excluded.

[0062] The embodiments described herein can be described with reference to plan views and / or cross-sectional views using the ideal schematic diagrams of this disclosure. Therefore, the example illustrations can be modified according to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to those shown in the drawings, but include modifications to configurations formed based on manufacturing processes. Therefore, the areas illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature, and the shapes of the areas shown in the figures illustrate specific shapes of areas of an element, but are not intended to be limiting.

[0063] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will also be understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and this disclosure, and will not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning, unless expressly so defined herein.

[0064] In the following description, some directional words, such as "up", "down", "left", and "right", will also be used. This is only for convenience and does not limit the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0065] Figure 1 This is a side view of a drive device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the upper half is cut open to show the internal structure. Figure 1 As shown, the drive device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body, the structure of which can be a cylinder 5 defining an internal space 3. In one embodiment, the cylinder 5 can be a cylindrical cylinder defining a cylindrical internal space 3.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the drive device 1 further includes an inner sleeve 7 disposed in the internal space 3 of the cylinder body 5. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the inner sleeve 7 of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The left view of the inner sleeve is shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the inner sleeve is shown. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the inner sleeve 7 is hollow and includes a first flange portion 7a and a first tubular portion 7b extending from the first flange portion 7a. In some embodiments, the first flange portion 7a and the first tubular portion 7b are cylindrical. The first flange portion 7a of the inner sleeve 7 is fixedly mounted to the first end of the cylinder body 5 within the internal space 3 of the cylinder body 5. Figure 1 (Left end of the cylinder). To facilitate the assembly between the inner sleeve 7 and the cylinder body 5, a stepped portion 7d is formed on the side opposite to the first tubular portion 7b of the first flange portion 7a of the inner sleeve 7, so as to match the inner flange 5a of the first end of the cylinder body 5. It should be understood that it is also feasible for the inner sleeve 7 to not have the first flange portion 7a and be formed entirely of the first tubular portion 7b.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuation mechanism of the drive device 1 further includes a movable component that can move relative to the cylinder 5. This movable component may be a piston component 9, which is movably disposed within the internal space 3 of the cylinder 5 and located between the inner surface of the cylinder 5 and the outer surface of the first tubular portion 7b of the inner sleeve 7. The piston component 9 forms close contact with both the inner surface of the cylinder 5 and the outer surface of the first tubular portion 7b of the inner sleeve 7.

[0068] In some embodiments, the piston component 9 includes a second flange portion 9a and a second tubular portion 9b extending from the second flange portion 9a. The piston component 9 is sleeved on the inner sleeve 7 such that the second flange portion 9a of the piston component 9 faces the first flange portion 7a of the inner sleeve 7 and forms close contact with the inner surface of the cylinder 5. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the drive device 1 further includes an end cap 11 disposed at a second end of the cylinder 5 and located between the inner surface of the cylinder 5 and the outer surface of the second tubular portion 9b of the piston component 9. In some embodiments, the end cap 11 and the cylinder 5 are connected by an external thread on the end cap 11 engaging with an internal thread on the cylinder 5, thereby sealing the internal space 3 of the cylinder 5 and restricting the movement of the piston component 9. Thus, the cylinder 5, the inner sleeve 7, and the piston component 9 define a first chamber located within the cylinder 5. Figure 1 (Left side of the piston assembly 9), and the second chamber located within the cylinder body 5 is defined by the cylinder body 5, the piston assembly 9, and the end cap 11. Figure 1 (Right side of the piston assembly 9). The first chamber is connected to an external fluid source (e.g., a hydraulic oil source or a pneumatic source) via a first fluid interface 17 on the cylinder body 5, and the second chamber is connected to an external fluid source via a second fluid interface 19 on the cylinder body 5.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the drive device 1 further includes a transmission component engaged between an actuation mechanism and the output member; the actuation mechanism causes the output member to move axially via the transmission component; the output member is axially movable relative to the transmission component.

[0070] In this embodiment, the output component of the drive device 1 can be an actuator, such as a push rod or push rod; or it can be a drive component for driving a driven component, such as a drive bolt, for driving a locking mechanism. This embodiment does not impose any special limitations on this.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the drive device 1 includes a transmission assembly comprising an axial sleeve 21 fixedly connected to a second tubular portion 9b of a piston component 9, and an output rod 23 disposed along the central axis of the drive device 1 and threadedly connected to the inner surface of the hollow axial sleeve 21. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the axial sleeve 21 of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The top view of the axial sleeve 21 shown. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 The left view of the axial sleeve 21 shown, and Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the axial sleeve 21 shown. Figures 6 to 9As shown, the axial sleeve 21 includes a third flange portion 21a and a third tubular portion 21b extending from the third flange portion 21a. In some embodiments, the third flange portion 21a and the third tubular portion 21b are cylindrical.

[0072] In some embodiments, a limiting structure is provided on the inner surface of the first tubular portion 7b and a limiting structure is provided on the outer surface of the third tubular portion 21b; the limiting structure of the first tubular portion 7b cooperates with the limiting structure of the axial sleeve 21, so that the axial sleeve 21 can move axially and restrict the axial sleeve (21) from rotating around the axis.

[0073] In some embodiments, the limiting structure of the first tubular portion 7b includes at least one first protrusion and at least one first groove, the first protrusion extending axially and the first groove extending axially, the first protrusion and the first groove being alternately distributed on the inner surface of the first tubular portion 7b; the limiting structure of the third tubular portion 21b includes at least one second protrusion and at least one second groove, the second protrusion extending axially and the second groove extending axially, the second protrusion and the second groove being alternately distributed on the outer surface of the third tubular portion 21b; the first protrusion matches the second groove and the first groove matches the second protrusion, enabling the axial sleeve 21 to move axially and restricting the axial sleeve 21 to rotate about the axis.

[0074] In some embodiments, the limiting structure of the inner sleeve 7 is a straight keyway 7c provided on the inner surface of the inner sleeve 7. In one embodiment, the number of straight keyways is 10, but it should be understood that the number of straight keyways may be less than or more than 10. The limiting structure of the axial sleeve 21 is a straight spline 21c provided on the outer surface of the third tubular portion 21b, corresponding to the straight keyway 7c on the inner surface of the inner sleeve 7. The size of the third tubular portion 21b of the axial sleeve 21 is selected such that the third tubular portion 21b can be inserted into the first tubular portion 7b of the inner sleeve 7, and the straight spline 21c on the outer surface of the third tubular portion 21b is axially movable and engaged in the straight keyway 7c on the inner surface of the inner sleeve 7. Of course, it is also feasible for the spline to be formed on the inner surface of the inner sleeve 7 and the keyway to be formed on the outer surface of the third tubular portion 21b. In this way, the axial sleeve 21 can move axially relative to the inner sleeve 7, but cannot rotate relative to the inner sleeve 7. The third flange portion 21a of the axial sleeve 21 is sized such that it can be fixedly connected to the second tubular portion 9b of the piston component 9 by screws 25 or other fixing methods. An internal thread is formed on the inner surface of the axial sleeve 21 for engaging with the external thread of the output rod 23.

[0075] Figure 10 This is a front view of the output component of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 yes Figure 10The left view of the output component shown. Figure 12 yes Figure 10 The output component is shown in cross-sectional view. Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the output component is an output rod 23, which includes at least a threaded portion 23a with external threads, an operating portion 23b extending from one end of the threaded portion 23a for manual operation, and an actuating portion 23c extending from the other end of the threaded portion 23a for applying force to a load. The external thread on the threaded portion 23a of the output rod 23 engages with the internal thread on the hollow inner surface of the axial sleeve 21 to install the output rod 23 in place. At this time, the operating portion 23b of the output rod 23 protrudes from the first end of the cylinder body 5 so that it can be manually operated, while the actuating portion 23c of the output rod 23 protrudes from the second end of the cylinder body 5 so that it can apply force to a load.

[0076] Thus, according to this disclosure, when the piston component 9 is under hydraulic pressure relative to the cylinder 5 along the axial direction ( Figure 1 When the piston moves (left and right), the axial sleeve 21, which is fixedly connected to the piston component 9, drives the output rod 23, which is threadedly fitted onto the axial sleeve 21, to move axially relative to the inner sleeve 7. This causes the working part 23c of the output rod 23 to contact the load or increase the force applied to the load by the working part 23c, or to disengage the working part 23c from the load or decrease the force applied to the load by the working part 23c. This working mode can be called the automatic mode of the drive device 1, that is, the output rod 23 of the drive device 1 moves axially under the drive of the fluid actuation mechanism formed by the cylinder 5, the inner sleeve 7, the piston component 9, and the end cap 11. As needed, the operating part 23b of the output rod 23 can also be manually operated to rotate the output rod 23 around the axis. Since the inner sleeve 7 restricts the axial rotation of the axial sleeve 21, the threaded part 23a of the output rod 23 engages with the internal thread of the axial sleeve. Therefore, the rotation of the output rod 23 around the axis is converted into axial movement relative to the inner sleeve 7 and the axial sleeve 21, thereby causing the acting part 23c of the output rod 23 to contact the load or increase the force applied to the load by the acting part 23c, or to disengage the acting part 23c of the output rod 23 from the load or decrease the force applied to the load by the acting part 23c. This working mode can be called the manual mode of the drive device 1, that is, the output rod 23 of the drive device 1 moves axially under manual rotation operation. It should be understood that manual operation here includes direct operation by the operator and operation by the operator with the aid of a robot. Therefore, the drive device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can operate in both automatic and manual modes. Furthermore, it should be understood that the load mentioned in this article can be either a mechanism on which the action part 23c acts directly for locking, pushing or lifting an object, or an object on which the action part 23c acts through such a mechanism.

[0077] A sealing cap 26 may also be provided between the first flange portion 7a of the inner sleeve 7 and the output rod 23. In one embodiment, a cavity 7e is formed on the first flange portion 7a of the inner sleeve 7. The sealing cap 26 is fitted onto the output rod 23 and received in the cavity 7e on the first flange portion 7a of the inner sleeve 7, and forms a tight contact with the outer surface of the output rod 23 and the inner circumferential surface of the cavity 7e. The sealing cap 26 can be fastened to the inner sleeve 7 by screws or by the engagement of the external thread on the sealing cap 26 with the internal thread on the inner circumferential surface of the cavity 7e. To ensure that the sealing cap 26 forms a tight contact with the outer surface of the output rod 23, the output rod 23 further includes a support portion 23d with a smooth outer surface disposed between the threaded portion 23a and the operating portion 23b, for supporting the sealing cap 26. When the drive device 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is used underwater or in an atmosphere containing corrosive gases, sealing rings can be provided between the mating surfaces of the components of the drive device 1 to achieve waterproofing or corrosion resistance. For example, sealing rings can be provided between the mating surfaces of the inner sleeve 7 and the cylinder body 5 and the sealing cover 26, and between the piston component 9 and the end cover 11 and the inner sleeve 7, to meet the usage requirements in specific environments and reduce the waterproofing and corrosion resistance requirements of core components. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can provide fewer or more sealing rings as needed. To facilitate the installation of the sealing rings, grooves for receiving the sealing rings can be provided on the surface of the corresponding components as needed.

[0078] When the output rod 23 is moved to a predetermined position in automatic or manual mode, it may be necessary to lock the output rod 23 in place in certain situations to prevent undesirable axial and circumferential movement of the output rod 23 due to unexpected circumstances. Therefore, the drive device 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure may further include, for example, Figure 2 The locking mechanism 27 shown is used to lock the output lever 23. The locking mechanism 27 includes a locking plate 29, a headless locking bolt 31, and a locking nut 33. Figure 13 This is a front view of the locking plate of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The left view of the locking plate shown, and Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A perspective view of the locking plate shown. Figures 13 to 15As shown, the locking plate 29 includes a sheet-like plate 29a, a receiving hole 29b formed at the center of the sheet-like plate 29a, and locking holes 29c provided on both sides of the receiving hole 29b. The shape and size of the receiving hole 29b are selected to match the size and shape of the operating portion 23b of the output rod 23, so that the operating portion 23b of the output rod 23 can be received in the receiving hole 29b in a close fit (i.e., received in the receiving hole 29b without relative rotation), and the output rod 23 can rotate together with the sheet-like plate 29a when the sheet-like plate 29a is rotated. In one embodiment, the operating portion 23b of the output rod 23 has a hexagonal shape (i.e., an external hexagonal head-shaped outer end), and the receiving hole 29b is also formed as a hexagonal receiving hole. It should be understood that the operating part 23b of the output rod 23 can have a triangular, quadrilateral, other polygonal, elliptical, or any other suitable shape, and the receiving hole 29b is also correspondingly shaped as a triangular, quadrilateral, other polygonal, elliptical, or any other suitable shape. Although the locking hole 29c can be multiple dispersed holes or straight elongated holes, in one embodiment, the locking hole 29c consists of two opposing arc-shaped holes corresponding to the position of the headless locking bolt 31 screwed into the cylinder body. In this way, the arc-shaped holes can serve as a tolerance space to match the angle of the operating part 23b of the output rod 23, ensuring that after the operating part 23b of the output rod 23 is received in the receiving hole 29b, the headless locking bolt 31 can still be installed on the cylinder body 5; on the other hand, when the plate 29a rotates, the headless locking bolt 31 can always be located in the arc-shaped locking hole 29c without having to unscrew the headless locking bolt 31. To facilitate operation of the plate 29a, the locking plate 29 may also include an operating handle 29d provided on the plate 29a. After the output rod 23 is moved to the desired position relative to the cylinder, the headless locking bolt 31 is screwed into the cylinder through the locking hole 29c, and the locking nut 33 is tightened onto the headless locking bolt 31 and pressed against the plate 29a, thus fixing the plate 29a relative to the cylinder, i.e., preventing it from rotating or moving axially relative to the cylinder. Since the operating portion 23b of the output rod 23 is received in the receiving hole 29b, the output rod 23 cannot rotate relative to the cylinder when the plate 29a cannot rotate relative to the cylinder, thereby locking the output rod 23 relative to the cylinder at the desired axial position. Moreover, the stepped portion formed by the polygonal operating portion 23b of the output rod 23 also prevents the output rod 23 from moving axially to the left. It should be understood that a headed locking bolt can also be used instead of a headless locking bolt and a locking nut.

[0079] A sensing element (not shown) can also be provided inside the cylinder 5 to sense the axial movement of the piston component 9 and / or the axial sleeve 21 relative to the cylinder 5. By sensing the movement of the piston component 9 and / or the axial sleeve 21 relative to the cylinder 5 through the sensing element, it can be determined whether the output rod 23 has moved unexpectedly due to a fault or misoperation, thereby enabling remote automatic monitoring of whether the drive device 1 is in normal working condition.

[0080] The operation of the drive device according to this disclosure will be described in detail below. First, refer to... Figure 1 Describe in detail the non-manual operation mode of the drive unit.

[0081] exist Figure 1 As shown in the initial position, the piston component 9 is located near the first end of the cylinder 5. The piston component 9 drives the axial sleeve 21, which in turn drives the output rod 23 to a retracted position relative to the cylinder 5. Figure 1 (Positioned near the left side). In some embodiments, the first flange portion 7a of the inner sleeve 7 is formed at the corner between the first flange portion 7a and the first tubular portion 7b on the side facing the first tubular portion 7b. Figure 3 The outer conical surface 7f shown is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the second flange portion 9a of the piston component 9 has an inner conical surface 9c that faces the first flange portion 7a of the inner sleeve 7. When the piston component 9 moves axially towards... Figure 1 When the piston moves to the left, the inner conical surface 9c of the piston component 9 and the outer conical surface 7f of the inner sleeve 7 cooperate with each other to restrict the movement position of the piston component 9.

[0082] In the embodiments disclosed herein, the structure of the inner sleeve 7 is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art can modify its structure according to specific applications, and such structure and its variations also fall within the protection scope of this disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, a concave arc-shaped rounded portion can be formed at the corner between the first flange portion 7a and the first tubular portion 7b. Correspondingly, an arc-shaped rounded corner portion is formed on the inner hole of the piston component 9 at the end that contacts the first flange portion 7a of the inner sleeve 7. In the initial position, the rounded corner portion fits against the rounded portion of the inner sleeve 7. In another embodiment, the corner between the first flange portion 7a and the first tubular portion 7b is a right-angle transition. Correspondingly, the edge of the inner hole of the piston component 9 at the end that contacts the first flange portion 7a of the inner sleeve 7 is a right-angle transition.

[0083] When external hydraulic oil flows into the first chamber through the first fluid interface 17, and hydraulic oil in the second chamber flows out through the second fluid interface 19, the piston component 9, under the action of the hydraulic oil, drives the axial sleeve 21 to move axially, thereby driving the output rod 23 relative to the cylinder body 5. Figure 1The piston moves to the right, causing the output rod 23 to extend relative to the cylinder 5, thereby applying a force to the load through the action part 23c of the output rod 23. When it is necessary to reduce the force applied to the load by the action part 23c of the output rod 23, external hydraulic oil is controlled to flow into the second chamber through the second fluid interface 19, while the hydraulic oil in the first chamber flows out through the first fluid interface 17. Under the action of the hydraulic oil, the piston component 9 drives the axial sleeve 21 to move axially, thereby causing the output rod 23 to move relative to the cylinder 5. Figure 1 The piston moves to the left. By remotely controlling the flow of hydraulic oil, the movement distance of the piston component 9 can be controlled, allowing precise control of the force applied to the load by the actuating part 23c of the output rod 23. In one embodiment, the piston component 9 can drive the actuating part 23c of the output rod 23 to apply a force of up to approximately 1200 kN to the load.

[0084] Although in one embodiment of this disclosure, the piston component 9 is driven by hydraulic oil, it should be understood that other fluid media, such as pressurized water or pressurized gas, can also be used to drive the piston component 9. Furthermore, depending on the specific application environment, one of the first and second chambers can be connected to an external pressurized fluid source, while a reset mechanism, such as a return spring, is provided in the other of the first and second chambers. The reset mechanism can move the piston component 9 to one side, and by inputting pressurized fluid into the chamber connected to the external pressurized fluid source, the piston component 9 can be moved to the opposite side. Furthermore, it should be understood that the fluid actuation mechanism can be replaced by an electric actuation mechanism to drive the axial sleeve 21 to move axially, thereby driving the output rod 23 to move axially. The electric actuation mechanism can employ linear actuation mechanisms known in the art, such as stepper motors, linear motors, or electric linear actuators. An electric linear actuator, also known as an electric linear drive or electric linear push rod, is an electric drive device that converts the rotational motion of an electric motor into linear motion. It is understood that prior art, such as hydraulic and electric drive devices, is incorporated herein by reference and is considered part of this disclosure.

[0085] In manual mode, the operator or a robot controls the output rod 23 to rotate its operating part 23b in one direction around the axis. Since the inner sleeve 7 restricts the axial rotation of the axial sleeve 21, the threaded part 23a of the output rod 23 engages with the internal thread of the axial sleeve. Therefore, the rotation of the output rod 23 around the axis is converted into axial movement relative to the inner sleeve 7 and the axial sleeve 21, causing the output rod 23 to be in an extended position relative to the cylinder 5, so that the acting part 23c of the output rod 23 can apply force to the load. When the output rod 23 is rotated in another direction relative to the axial sleeve 21, the output rod 23 moves relative to the cylinder 5... Figure 1The output rod 23 moves to the left side, causing it to be in a retracted position relative to the cylinder 5, thus reducing the force applied to the load by the action part 23c of the output rod 23.

[0086] After the output rod 23 is moved to the predetermined position in automatic or manual mode, the locking plate 29 is installed on the operating part 23b of the output rod 23 as needed. Since the operating part 23b of the output rod 23 is received in the receiving hole 29b, the output rod 23 is locked in place by screwing the headless locking bolt 31 into the threaded hole on the cylinder 5, and then screwing the locking nut 33 onto the headless locking bolt 31 and pressing the plate 29a of the locking plate 29. This prevents the output rod 23 from moving unintended due to accidental circumstances and avoids the force exerted on the load by the operating part 23c of the output rod 23 from decreasing or disappearing.

[0087] When a small-range manual adjustment of the force applied to the load by the actuating part 23c of the output rod 23 is required, after loosening the locking nut 33, the operating handle 29d on the locking plate 29 is grasped to apply a rotational torque. The arc-shaped locking hole 29c allows the locking plate 29 to rotate a certain range without removing the locking nut 33, thereby adjusting the force applied to the load by the actuating part 23c of the output rod 23 with fewer operating steps. Therefore, the locking plate 29 of this disclosure not only locks the output rod 23 but also functions as a wrench for operating the output rod 23. When a large-range manual adjustment of the force applied to the load by the actuating part 23c of the output rod 23 is required, it is generally necessary to remove the locking nut 33 and the headless locking bolt 31. When the force applied to the load by the actuating part 23c of the output rod 23 is not manually adjusted, the locking nut 33 may be loosened or removed as needed.

[0088] After adjusting the force applied to the load by the actuating part 23c of the output rod 23, the locking nut 33 and / or the headless locking bolt 31 can be reinstalled as needed to lock the output rod 23 again.

[0089] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of a drive device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Compared with the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the second embodiment differs in the structure of the piston component 9 and the end cap.

[0090] like Figure 16As shown, the piston component 9 includes a tubular portion, an outer flange portion and an inner flange portion disposed on the tubular portion of the piston component 9 opposite to the end cap 11; the outer flange portion of the piston component 9 forms a tight contact with the inner surface of the cylinder body 5, and the inner flange portion of the piston component 9 forms a tight contact with the outer surface of the inner sleeve 7; the end cap 11 includes a first end cap 111 and a second end cap 112; the first end cap 111 is installed between the outer surface of the tubular portion of the piston component 9 and the inner surface of the cylinder body 5; the second end cap 112 is installed between the inner surface of the tubular portion of the piston component 9 and the outer surface of the inner sleeve 7.

[0091] A third embodiment of this disclosure provides an apparatus including a drive device and a driven mechanism as described above, wherein the output of the drive device is axially moved by manual operation or by actuation by an actuation mechanism, thereby driving the driven mechanism to move.

[0092] In some embodiments, the driven mechanism includes any one of a locking mechanism, a pushing mechanism, and a lifting mechanism.

[0093] In some embodiments, the driven mechanism is a locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism and the drive device constitute a limit actuator. The limit actuator is used to limit and lock the load. For example, the limit actuator is applied to the underwater support pipe of a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) to limit and lock the load such as the riser supported by the support pipe.

[0094] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and while specific terminology has been used, it is for illustrative purposes only and should be construed as such, and is not intended to be limiting. In some instances, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone, or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A driving device, characterized in that: include: Actuating mechanism; as well as an output member disposed along a central axis of the actuating mechanism; The output member can be axially moved by manual operation or by being actuated by the actuating mechanism.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive device further includes a transmission assembly, the transmission assembly being engaged between the actuating mechanism and the output member; The actuating mechanism causes the output member to move axially through the transmission assembly; The output member is axially movable relative to the transmission assembly.

3. The driving device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The actuating mechanism comprises a body and a movable component capable of moving relative to the body; The output member comprises an output rod (23), wherein the output rod (23) has an external thread; and The transmission assembly comprises an axial sleeve (21) fixedly mounted on the movable component of the actuating mechanism, wherein the axial sleeve (21) is hollow and has an internal thread; the output rod (23) is located in the axial sleeve (21), and the external thread of the output rod (23) cooperates with the internal thread of the axial sleeve (21); The output rod (23) can be axially moved relative to the body of the actuating mechanism by manual rotation, and can also be axially moved relative to the body together with the axial sleeve (21) by movement of the movable component.

4. The driving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The actuation mechanism is a fluid actuation mechanism.

5. The driving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The actuation mechanism is an electric actuation mechanism.

6. The driving device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The actuating mechanism comprises: The main body is a cylinder (5) defining an internal space (3); An inner sleeve (7) which is arranged in the inner space (3) and is hollow, and the inner sleeve (7) is fixedly connected to the cylinder body (5) at a first end of the cylinder body (5); a piston member (9) movably disposed in the internal space (3) and located between the inner surface of the cylinder (5) and the outer surface of the inner sleeve (7), the piston member (9) being the movable member and forming close contact with the inner surface of the cylinder (5) and the outer surface of the inner sleeve (7), respectively; and an end cover (11) disposed at the second end of the cylinder body (5) and located between the inner surface of the cylinder body (5) and the outer surface of the piston component (9); The cylinder body (5), the inner sleeve (7) and the piston component (9) define a first chamber located in the cylinder body (5); the cylinder body (5), the piston component (9) and the end cover (11) define a second chamber located in the cylinder body (5); and the output rod (23) passes through the inner sleeve (7) and is installed on the axial sleeve (21); the first chamber is connected to an external pressurized fluid source through a first fluid interface (17) provided on the cylinder body, and the second chamber is connected to an external pressurized fluid source through a second fluid interface (19) provided on the cylinder body.

7. The driving device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner sleeve (7) comprises a first flange portion (7a) and a first tubular portion (7b) extending from the first flange portion (7a); the first flange portion (7a) is fixedly connected to the cylinder body (5) at a first end of the cylinder body (5); and the piston component (9) is sleeved on the first tubular portion (7b).

8. The driving device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first flange portion (7a) is formed with a step portion (7d) on the side opposite to the first tubular portion (7b), and the step portion (7d) matches the inner flange (5a) of the first end of the cylinder body (5).

9. The driving device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The piston component (9) comprises a second flange portion (9a) and a second tubular portion (9b) extending from the second flange portion (9a). When the piston component (9) is sleeved on the first tubular portion (7b) of the inner sleeve (7), the second flange portion (9a) faces the first flange portion (7a) and the second flange portion (9a) forms a close contact with the inner surface of the cylinder body (5).

10. The driving device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first flange portion (7a) is formed with an outer conical surface (7f) on the side facing the first tubular portion (7b), and the second flange portion (9a) is formed with an inner conical surface (9c) facing the first flange portion (7a), and the inner conical surface (9c) cooperates with the outer conical surface (7f) to limit the position of the piston component (9).

11. The driving device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The piston component (9) comprises a tubular portion, an outer flange portion and an inner flange portion which are arranged on the tubular portion of the piston component (9) away from the end cover (11); the outer flange portion of the piston component (9) forms a close contact with the inner surface of the cylinder body (5), and the inner flange portion of the piston component (9) forms a close contact with the outer surface of the inner sleeve (7); The end cover (11) comprises a first end cover (111) and a second end cover (112); the first end cover (111) is installed between the outer surface of the tubular portion of the piston component (9) and the inner surface of the cylinder body (5); the second end cover (112) is installed between the inner surface of the tubular portion of the piston component (9) and the outer surface of the inner sleeve (7).

12. The driving device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The axial sleeve (21) includes a third flange portion (21a) and a third tubular portion (21b) extending from the third flange portion (21a), wherein the third flange portion (21a) is fixedly connected to the piston member (9) so that the axial sleeve (21) can move together with the piston member (9), and the third tubular portion (21b) is movably inserted into the first tubular portion (7b).

13. The driving device according to claim 12, characterized in that: A limiting structure is provided on the inner surface of the first tubular portion (7b), and a limiting structure is provided on the outer surface of the third tubular portion (21b); the limiting structure of the first tubular portion (7b) cooperates with the limiting structure of the axial sleeve (21) to enable the axial sleeve (21) to move axially and to limit the rotation of the axial sleeve (21) around the axis.

14. The driving device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The limiting structure of the first tubular portion (7b) comprises at least one first protruding portion and at least one first groove portion, the first protruding portion extends in the axial direction, the first groove portion extends in the axial direction, and the first protruding portion and the first groove portion are alternately distributed on the inner surface of the first tubular portion (7b); The limiting structure of the third tubular portion (21b) comprises at least one second protruding portion and at least one second groove portion, the second protruding portion extends in the axial direction, the second groove portion extends in the axial direction, and the second protruding portion and the second groove portion are alternately distributed on the outer surface of the third tubular portion (21b); The first protrusion matches the second groove, and the first groove matches the second protrusion, so that the axial sleeve (21) can move axially and limit the rotation of the axial sleeve (21) around the axis.

15. The driving device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The output rod (23) comprises at least a threaded portion (23a) formed with an external thread, an operating portion (23b) extending from one end of the threaded portion (23a), and an action portion (23c) extending from the other end of the threaded portion (23a), wherein the external thread on the threaded portion (23a) engages with the internal thread on the hollow inner surface of the axial sleeve (21) so that the output rod (23) is installed in place.

16. The driving device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The drive device further comprises a sensing element which is arranged inside the cylinder body (5) and is used to sense the axial movement of the piston component (9) and / or the axial sleeve (21) relative to the cylinder body (5).

17. The driving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The driving device further comprises a locking mechanism (27) for locking the output rod (23).

18. The driving device according to claim 17, characterized in that: The locking mechanism (27) comprises a locking plate (29), a locking bolt (31) and a locking nut (33); the locking plate (29) comprises a sheet-like plate body (29a), a receiving hole (29b) formed at the center of the sheet-like plate body (29a), and arc-shaped locking holes (29c) arranged on both sides of the receiving hole (29b); the shape and size of the receiving hole (29b) are selected to match the size and shape of the operating part (23b) of the output rod (23), so that the operating part (23b) can be snugly received in the receiving hole (29b); the locking bolt (31) passes through the locking hole (29c) and is screwed into the body.

19. A device, characterized in that It comprises a driving device and a driven mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the output member of the driving device is axially moved by manual operation or by actuation of an actuating mechanism to move the driven mechanism.

20. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that The driven mechanism includes any one of a locking mechanism, a pushing mechanism, and a lifting mechanism.

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