Automatic connecting device with passive separation function

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of connecting devices, and particularly discloses an automatic connecting device with a passive separation function. The problems that in the prior art, a connection mode is troublesome in operation, time-consuming and labor-consuming are solved. The device is designed for tank car interface flanges for media such as methane and ethane, is arranged at the tail end of a loading arm, and replaces a loose flange to be in butt joint with the tank car interface flanges. When the automatic connection device is in butt joint with an LNG tank car interface flange, the electric servo driving mechanism drives the driving gear and the driven gear to rotate through the speed reducing mechanism, the universal joint and the driving shaft, then the external threaded sleeve is driven to rotate, the external threaded sleeve drives the tensioning rod to tighten inwards through the internal threaded sleeve and then translates and presses the tensioning rod, and automatic connection is achieved. And the workload of workers is reduced, and the labor intensity is reduced. Compared with other flange connecting devices, the flange connecting device has the advantages of being high in compatibility, low in requirement for installation accuracy of an electric drive mechanism and convenient to machine and manufacture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of connection device technology, and in particular relates to a supporting tool for land-based fluid loading, specifically an automatic connection device with a passive disconnection function. Background Technology

[0002] As a key piece of equipment connecting on-site storage tanks and liquefied natural gas (LNG) tank trucks, land-based fluid loading arms typically use loose flanges to connect to the LNG tank truck interface flanges. To ensure the safety of the LNG filling process, operators need to disassemble and install eight bolts and tighten sixteen nuts each time they connect, which is cumbersome, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic connection device with a passive disconnection function, which effectively solves the problems of cumbersome operation, time and labor costs associated with the connection methods described in the background art.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0005] An automatic connection device with passive disconnection function includes a pull-off valve, a docking pipe, and a universal joint. The right end of the pull-off valve is connected to the left end of the docking pipe. A docking plate is fixed to the right end of the docking pipe. Multiple guide rods are evenly fixed on the docking plate along the circumference. Sealing gaskets are fitted on the guide rods.

[0006] The docking pipe is fixed with a first fixing ring and a second fixing ring. A first support ring and a second support ring are fixedly sleeved in the area between the first fixing ring and the second fixing ring on the docking pipe. The first support ring is set tightly against the first fixing ring, and the second support ring is set tightly against the second fixing ring. An external threaded sleeve for rotating around the axis of the docking pipe but not moving along the axial direction of the docking pipe is sleeved on the first support ring and the second support ring. An internal threaded sleeve for cooperating with the external threaded sleeve is sleeved on the external threaded sleeve. Multiple supports are evenly fixed on the internal threaded sleeve along the circumference.

[0007] Each of the supports is hinged with a tension rod via a pin. Multiple guide blocks are evenly welded circumferentially onto the connecting pipe. The number of guide blocks is the same as the number of supports. The right end of each guide block is close to the left end of the first fixing ring. Each guide block is provided with a guide groove for guiding the tension rod and restricting its rotation around the axis of the connecting pipe. The left end of the tension rod is engaged with the guide groove via a pin. A clamping block is installed on the right end of the tension rod.

[0008] The breakaway valve is provided with a drive mechanism mounting plate, and the drive mechanism mounting plate is provided with a reduction mechanism, which is connected to an electric servo drive mechanism.

[0009] The universal joint includes a first section consisting of a first bushing and a retractable spline shaft, and a second section consisting of a spline sleeve and a second bushing. The first bushing is connected to the output shaft of the reduction mechanism, and the second bushing is connected to a drive shaft for rotating about its own axis. The drive shaft is connected to a drive gear, and a driven gear is keyed to the external threaded sleeve. The driven gear meshes with the drive gear.

[0010] Furthermore, the shape of the guide block is equivalent to the shape after the upper right angle of the rectangle is obliquely cut. The direction of the guide groove is the same as the direction of the upper edge of the guide block. That is, the guide groove is composed of a horizontal section and a ramp section. The ramp section slopes downward to the right. The top of the ramp section is connected to the right end of the horizontal section. The angle between the horizontal section and the ramp section is an obtuse angle.

[0011] Furthermore, the docking pipe is provided with a drive gear mounting plate, and the drive shaft is mounted on the drive gear mounting plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the maximum permissible deflection angle of the first and second sections of the universal joint is 45°.

[0013] Furthermore, the length direction of the guide rod is parallel to the axis of the connecting pipe, and the inner side of the guide rod has a warp.

[0014] Furthermore, the drive mechanism mounting plate is located on the left side of the breakaway valve.

[0015] Furthermore, the support is hinged to the middle of the tension rod.

[0016] Furthermore, the pull-off valve is threadedly connected to the connecting pipe.

[0017] Furthermore, the number of supports and guide blocks is four.

[0018] Furthermore, the number of guide rods is four.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of this utility model are:

[0020] (1) This utility model is designed for the interface flange of tank trucks carrying media such as methane and ethane. It is installed at the end of the loading arm and replaces the loose flange to connect with the interface flange of the tank truck. When this utility model is connected with the interface flange of the LNG tank truck, the electric servo drive mechanism drives the drive gear and driven gear to rotate through the reduction mechanism, universal joint and drive shaft, which in turn drives the external threaded sleeve to rotate. The external threaded sleeve drives the tensioning rod to tighten inward through the internal threaded sleeve and then moves horizontally to press, realizing automatic connection, reducing manual workload and labor intensity.

[0021] (2) Compared with other flange connection devices, this utility model has greater compatibility. When the gap between the docking plate and the LNG tanker interface flange is as large as 15mm, this utility model can still complete the automatic connection smoothly. When greater compatibility is required, it is only necessary to simply increase the length of the right side of the tension rod.

[0022] (3) This utility model provides a low installation accuracy requirement for the electric drive mechanism, and deviations in any direction within 5mm are acceptable, which is convenient for processing and manufacturing. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a universal joint.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: Breakaway valve - 1; Connecting pipe - 2; Universal joint - 3; Pipe of loading arm - 4; Connecting plate - 5; Guide rod - 6; First fixing ring - 7; Second fixing ring - 8; First support ring - 9; Second support ring - 10; External threaded sleeve - 11; Internal threaded sleeve - 12; Support - 13; Guide block - 14; Guide groove - 15; Pin - 16; Tensioning rod - 17; Clamping block - 18; LNG tanker interface flange - 19; Drive mechanism mounting plate - 20; Reduction mechanism - 21; Electric servo drive mechanism - 22; Drive gear mounting plate - 23; Drive shaft - 24; Drive gear - 25; Driven gear - 26; First bushing - 27; Telescopic splined shaft - 28; Splined sleeve - 29; Second bushing - 30. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Example 1: An automatic connection device with passive disconnection function, such as Figure 1 As shown, the assembly includes a breakaway valve 1, a docking pipe 2, and a universal joint 3. The left end of the breakaway valve 1 is connected to the pipe 4 of the loading arm, and the right end of the breakaway valve 1 is threadedly connected to the left end of the docking pipe 2. A docking plate 5 is fixed to the right end of the docking pipe 2. Four guide rods 6 are evenly fixed circumferentially on the docking plate 5, and each guide rod 6 is fitted with a sealing gasket. In this embodiment, the length direction of the guide rod 6 is parallel to the axis of the docking pipe 2, and the inner side of the guide rod 6 has a certain degree of warping.

[0027] A first fixing ring 7 and a second fixing ring 8 are fixed on the docking pipe 2. A first support ring 9 and a second support ring 10 are fixedly sleeved on the docking pipe 2 in the area between the first fixing ring 7 and the second fixing ring 8. The first support ring 9 is set tightly against the first fixing ring 7, and the second support ring 10 is set tightly against the second fixing ring 8. An externally threaded sleeve 11 for rotating around the axis of the docking pipe 2 but not moving along the axial direction of the docking pipe 2 is sleeved on the first support ring 9 and the second support ring 10. An internally threaded sleeve 12 for cooperating with the externally threaded sleeve 11 is sleeved on the externally threaded sleeve 11. Four supports 13 are evenly fixed along the circumference of the internally threaded sleeve 12.

[0028] Four guide blocks 14 are evenly welded around the circumference of the connecting pipe 2. The right end of the guide block 14 is close to the left end of the first fixing ring 7, and the guide block 14 is provided with a guide groove 15. Each support 13 is hinged to a tension rod 17 by a pin 16. In this embodiment, the support 13 is hinged to the middle of the tension rod 17. The left end of the tension rod 17 cooperates with the guide groove 15 by the pin 16, and a clamping block 18 is installed on the right end of the tension rod 17. The guide groove 15 on the guide block 14 guides the left end of the tension rod 17 and restricts the tension rod 17 from rotating around the axis of the connecting pipe 2, indirectly making the internal threaded sleeve 12 only move along the axial direction of the connecting pipe 2 and unable to rotate around the axis of the connecting pipe 2.

[0029] In this embodiment, the shape of the guide block 14 is equivalent to the shape after the upper right corner of the rectangle is obliquely cut. The direction of the guide groove 15 is the same as the direction of the upper edge of the guide block 14. That is, the guide groove 15 is composed of a horizontal section and a ramp section. The ramp section is inclined to the lower right. The top of the ramp section is connected to the right end of the horizontal section. The angle between the horizontal section and the ramp section is an obtuse angle. When the tension rod 17 moves to the right, its left end moves downward along the guide groove 15, causing it to rotate around the pin 16 while moving to the right, and the right end of the tension rod 17 opens outward. When the tension rod 17 moves to the left, its left end rises along the guide groove 15, causing it to rotate around the pin 16 while moving to the left, and the right end of the tension rod 17 tightens inward. When the left end of the tension rod 17 is raised to its highest point, it continues to move horizontally to the left along the guide groove 15. At this point, the right end of the tension rod 17 no longer tightens but moves horizontally to the left, finally pressing against the back of the LNG tanker interface flange 19, completing the docking.

[0030] A drive mechanism mounting plate 20 is located on the left side of the breakaway valve 1. A reduction mechanism 21 is mounted on the drive mechanism mounting plate 20, and the reduction mechanism 21 is connected to an electric servo drive mechanism 22. A drive gear mounting plate 23 is fixed on the docking pipe 2. A drive shaft 24 capable of rotating around its own axis is mounted on the drive gear mounting plate 23, and the drive shaft 24 is connected to a drive gear 25. A driven gear 26 is keyed to the external threaded sleeve 11, and the driven gear 26 meshes with the drive gear 25.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the universal joint 3 comprises two sections: a first section consisting of a first bushing 27 and a telescopic spline shaft 28, and a second section consisting of a spline sleeve 29 and a second bushing 30. The first bushing 27 is connected to the output shaft of the reduction mechanism 21, and the second bushing 30 is connected to the drive shaft 24. In this embodiment, the maximum allowable deflection angle of both the first and second sections of the universal joint 3 is 45°. The telescopic spline shaft 28 can move axially relative to the spline sleeve 29 and can disengage from the spline sleeve 29. Therefore, the universal joint 3 allows for a larger installation error in the reduction mechanism 21, reducing manufacturing difficulty.

[0032] Furthermore, because the retractable spline shaft 28 can move axially relative to the spline sleeve 29 and can disengage from the spline sleeve 29, and the drive mechanism mounting plate 20 is installed on the left side of the breakaway valve 1, the automatic connection device has a passive disengagement function. When the breakaway valve 1 is disconnected from the middle, the automatic connection device is disconnected from the middle, preventing the power cord of the electric servo drive mechanism 22 from being pulled by the right side, thus ensuring the safety of the system.

[0033] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: the electric servo drive mechanism 22 drives the drive gear 25 to rotate through the reduction mechanism 21, the universal joint 3 and the drive shaft 24. The drive gear 25 drives the external threaded sleeve 11 to rotate through the driven gear 26. The external threaded sleeve 11 drives the internal threaded sleeve 12 to move left and right. The internal threaded sleeve 12 drives the tension rod 17 to move left and right. When the tension rod 17 moves to the right, its left end moves downward along the guide groove 15. Simultaneously, the tension rod 17 rotates around the pin 16 while moving to the right, and its right end opens outward. When the automatic connection device, driven by the loading arm, aligns with the LNG tanker interface flange 19 via the guide rod 6, the electric servo drive mechanism 22 rotates in the opposite direction, causing the tension rod 17 to move to the left. The left end of the tension rod 17 rises upward along the guide groove 15. Simultaneously, the tension rod 17 rotates around the pin 16 while moving to the left, and its right end tightens inward. When the left end of the tension rod 17 reaches its highest point, it continues to move horizontally to the left along the guide groove 15. At this point, the right end of the tension rod 17 no longer tightens but instead moves horizontally to the left, finally pressing against the back of the LNG tanker interface flange 19, completing the docking.

[0034] This utility model is designed for the interface flange of tank trucks carrying media such as methane and ethane. It is installed at the end of the loading arm and replaces the loose flange for docking with the tank truck interface flange. When this utility model docks with the LNG tank truck interface flange 19, the electric servo drive mechanism 22 drives the drive gear 25 and the driven gear 26 to rotate through the reduction mechanism 21, the universal joint 3 and the drive shaft 24. This, in turn, drives the external threaded sleeve 11 to rotate. The external threaded sleeve 11 drives the tensioning rod 17 to tighten inward through the internal threaded sleeve 12 and then moves horizontally to press it in place, achieving automatic connection, reducing manual workload and labor intensity.

[0035] Compared with other flange connection devices, this utility model has greater compatibility. When the gap between the docking plate 5 and the LNG tanker interface flange 19 is as large as 15mm, this utility model can still complete the automatic connection smoothly. When greater compatibility is required, it is only necessary to simply increase the length of the right side of the tension rod 17.

[0036] This invention provides a low installation accuracy requirement for the electric drive mechanism, with deviations in any direction within 5mm being acceptable, making it easy to process and manufacture.

[0037] The parts not mentioned in this utility model can be achieved by adopting or drawing on existing technologies.

[0038] Of course, the above description is not intended to limit the present utility model, and the present utility model is not limited to the examples given above. Any changes, modifications, additions or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present utility model should also fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic connection device with a passive disconnection function, characterized in that, It includes a breakaway valve, a connecting pipe, and a universal joint. The right end of the breakaway valve is connected to the left end of the connecting pipe. A connecting plate is fixed to the right end of the connecting pipe. Multiple guide rods are evenly fixed to the connecting plate along the circumference. Sealing gaskets are fitted on the guide rods. The docking pipe is fixed with a first fixing ring and a second fixing ring. A first support ring and a second support ring are fixedly sleeved in the area between the first fixing ring and the second fixing ring on the docking pipe. The first support ring is set close to the first fixing ring, and the second support ring is set close to the second fixing ring. An external threaded sleeve for rotating around the axis of the docking pipe but not moving along the axial direction of the docking pipe is sleeved on the first support ring and the second support ring. An internal threaded sleeve for cooperating with the external threaded sleeve is sleeved on the external threaded sleeve. Multiple supports are evenly fixed along the circumference of the internal threaded sleeve. Each of the supports is hinged with a tension rod via a pin. Multiple guide blocks are evenly welded around the docking pipe. The number of guide blocks is the same as the number of supports. The right end of each guide block is close to the left end of the first fixing ring. Each guide block is provided with a guide groove for guiding the tension rod and restricting its rotation around the axis of the docking pipe. The left end of the tension rod is engaged with the guide groove via a pin. A clamping block is installed on the right end of the tension rod. The pull-off valve is provided with a drive mechanism mounting plate, and the drive mechanism mounting plate is provided with a reduction mechanism, which is connected to an electric servo drive mechanism. The universal joint includes a first section consisting of a first bushing and a retractable spline shaft, and a second section consisting of a spline sleeve and a second bushing. The first bushing is connected to the output shaft of the reduction mechanism, and the second bushing is connected to a drive shaft for rotating about its own axis. The drive shaft is connected to a drive gear, and a driven gear is keyed to the external threaded sleeve. The driven gear meshes with the drive gear.

2. The automatic connection device with passive disconnection function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the guide block is equivalent to the shape after the upper right corner of the rectangle is obliquely cut. The direction of the guide groove is the same as the direction of the upper edge of the guide block. That is, the guide groove is composed of a horizontal section and a ramp section. The ramp section slopes downward to the right. The top of the ramp section is connected to the right end of the horizontal section. The angle between the horizontal section and the ramp section is an obtuse angle.

3. An automatic connection device with passive disconnection function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The docking pipe is provided with a drive gear mounting plate, and the drive shaft is mounted on the drive gear mounting plate.

4. An automatic connection device with passive disconnection function according to claim 3, characterized in that, The maximum permissible deflection angle for both the first and second sections of the universal joint is 45°.

5. An automatic connection device with passive disconnection function according to claim 4, characterized in that, The length of the guide rod is parallel to the axis of the connecting pipe, and the inner side of the guide rod has a warp.

6. An automatic connection device with passive disconnection function according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drive mechanism mounting plate is located on the left side of the breakaway valve.

7. An automatic connection device with passive disconnection function according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support is hinged to the middle of the tension rod.

8. An automatic connection device with passive disconnection function according to claim 7, characterized in that, The breakaway valve is threadedly connected to the connecting pipe.

9. An automatic connection device with a passive disconnection function according to claim 8, characterized in that, The number of supports and guide blocks is four each.

10. An automatic connection device with a passive disconnection function according to claim 9, characterized in that, The number of guide rods is four.

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