Turntable for storing submarine cables and vessel for laying submarine cables

By designing a working chamber and perforations on the turntable hub housing and equipping it with intersecting bending guides, the problems of difficult access to the ends and insufficient bending radius during cable winding are solved, improving the safety and efficiency of cable storage and laying.

CN223866113UActive Publication Date: 2026-02-03YANG DENO CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422715624.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-07-24
Filing Date
2024-11-07
Publication Date
2026-02-03
Estimated Expiration
2034-11-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

During the winding process, existing submarine cable turntables make it difficult to reach the cable ends and cannot guarantee the minimum bending radius, which increases the risk of cable damage, especially when multiple cables coexist.

Method used

A turntable hub housing is designed, comprising a working chamber and a perforation. The perforation is equipped with intersecting bend guides to ensure that the cable is not less than the minimum bending radius when wound, and guides the cable through the perforated tube and intersecting bend guide channels, providing accessibility to the cable ends and testing opportunities.

Benefits of technology

It enables accessibility of cable ends and monitoring of cable quality, reduces the risk of damage during the winding process, and improves the operational efficiency and space utilization of cable laying vessels.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a turntable for storing a submarine cable and a ship for laying the submarine cable, the submarine cable has a submarine cable minimum bending radius and a submarine cable diameter, the turntable comprises a turntable hub, and the turntable is characterized in that the turntable hub comprises a working chamber.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a turntable for storing submarine cables and a vessel for laying submarine cables. Background Technology

[0002] The deployment of submarine cables in marine environments involves laying submarine cables on the seabed or a base in another body of water. These cables can be long-distance communication cables (e.g., fiber optic cables), power cables, and seismic survey cables. The aforementioned field also involves deploying umbilical cables, risers, and flowlines onto the seabed or in the water. These types of submarine cables connect subsea wells, production facilities, and other processing equipment to surface facilities or to each other.

[0003] This field plays a vital role in connecting marine resources to onshore facilities and in promoting various industries, including telecommunications, offshore energy production, and the development of other subsea infrastructure.

[0004] Specialized vessels, such as cable-laying ships, are used to deploy these submarine cables. The submarine cables are stored on large turntables on the cable-laying ships, each turntable having the capacity to store up to 10,000 metric tons of cable.

[0005] For example, patent publication EP2862828 discloses a cable-laying vessel with a turntable, the turntable including a turntable hub.

[0006] Due to the weight of the submarine cables stored on the slewing, the slewing hub typically needs to be able to withstand large radial forces when the cables are wound onto and unwound from the slewing.

[0007] The disadvantage of this type of turntable is that during the loading of submarine cables, the cable ends initially placed on the turntable are buried under the cable winding body during the winding process. The cable ends are no longer accessible during the winding process. This disadvantage affects multiple submarine cables when they are stored on the same turntable.

[0008] Other drawbacks are that the turntable hub housing is not configured to allow a submarine cable with a minimum bending radius to intersect with it, and not to ensure that the submarine cable will not bend beyond that minimum bending radius when it intersects with the turntable hub housing. Therefore, the cable cannot reliably intersect with the turntable hub housing without the risk of cable damage.

[0009] Another drawback of this turntable is that when multiple submarine cables are stored on the same turntable, the turntable hub is not configured to allow multiple submarine cables with minimum bending radii to intersect the turntable hub at different turntable heights, and to ensure that when these submarine cables intersect the turntable hub, they do not bend beyond the minimum bending radius. Utility Model Content

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of existing solutions. Therefore, this invention provides: a turntable for storing submarine cables having a minimum bending radius and diameter; and a vessel for laying submarine cables, the vessel including the turntable according to this invention.

[0011] Cables include long-distance communication cables (e.g., fiber optic cables), power cables, and seismic survey cables. Additionally, submarine cables include umbilical cables, risers, and flow lines. These submarine cables connect subsea wells, production facilities, and other processing equipment to surface facilities or to each other.

[0012] The minimum bending radius of a submarine cable is such that its structural integrity is guaranteed above this radius. If a submarine cable bends beyond its minimum bending radius and subsequently bends with even smaller radii, its performance may deteriorate or it may break.

[0013] The turntable according to this invention includes a turntable hub, which includes a working chamber. The working chamber is a space accessible to an operator, in which the operator can perform activities related to cable storage operations, cable laying operations, and / or operations on cable laying vessels. Preferably, the working chamber rotates together with the turntable.

[0014] The advantage of this invention is that it makes more efficient use of available space. In particular, optimizing the space occupied by the turntable is highly beneficial when the turntable according to this invention is located on a cable-laying vessel or in other space-constrained environments. The increased efficiency is related to the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable.

[0015] Preferably, the turntable hub further includes a turntable hub housing surrounding the working chamber, and the turntable hub housing includes a perforation configured to allow a submarine cable to intersect the turntable hub housing to enter the working chamber. The perforation includes an intersecting bend guide configured to bend the submarine cable according to an intersecting bend radius, which is greater than or equal to a minimum bending radius of the submarine cable, when the submarine cable intersects the turntable hub housing through the perforation.

[0016] An added advantage of this invention is that the cable can be stored on a turntable, with the cable end protruding through the turntable hub housing into a working chamber, which can be used to contact the cable end. Testing can be performed from the working chamber while the cable is being wound onto or removed from the turntable. Therefore, the winding operation can be monitored and optimized. Events of cable deterioration or damage can be detected early when the cable is wound onto the turntable, before other costly operations are performed on the cable. An additional advantage is that work can be performed on the cable end while the cable is stored on the turntable to optimize cable-laying vessel operations (e.g., cable-laying operations).

[0017] More preferably, the turntable hub housing includes at least two perforations.

[0018] The added advantage of this invention is that multiple submarine cables can be stored on the turntable, with the cable ends of these cables protruding through the turntable hub housing to enter the working chamber. The working chamber can be used to work on multiple cables that have been successively wound onto the turntable and stored on it simultaneously. The efficiency of cable-laying vessel operations can be further improved.

[0019] Optionally, the turntable includes a hub axis configured as the rotation axis of the turntable hub, extending in the direction of the hub axis, preferably in an upright direction (more preferably generally vertical, and most preferably vertical), and the turntable hub housing extends between a first end and a second end of the turntable hub housing in the direction of the hub axis. Preferably, the at least two perforations in the turntable hub housing are aligned along a perforation alignment axis, which is set according to the direction of the turntable hub axis, and preferably, the perforation alignment axis is generally parallel to, and most preferably, parallel to, the hub axis.

[0020] An additional advantage of this invention is that the cable protrudes from the turntable hub housing at a single radial location. Therefore, the equipment can be efficiently installed in the working chamber without requiring frequent relocation.

[0021] The at least two perforations can be different, either having different components or allowing cables of different diameters to intersect the turntable hub housing. Preferably, substantially all (more preferably all) of the at least two perforations are substantially the same (more preferably identical). Two perforations being identical means that the two perforations have the same shape, features, components, and dimensions. For example, if all other features and components are identical, the perforation closest to the end of the first turntable hub housing may have a different perforation shape or may lack a single feature.

[0022] Preferably, the at least two perforations are evenly distributed between the ends of the first and second turntable hub housings. More preferably, the perforations may intersect the turntable hub housing approximately at intervals (more preferably at every distance) between the ends of the first and second turntable hub housings along the alignment axis of the perforations.

[0023] The addition of a turntable has the advantage of allowing submarine cables of varying lengths to be stored on the turntable while keeping all cable ends available for testing or other operations. This facilitates the logistics of winding cables onto the turntable when it is desirable for all cable ends to be available, making operational planning easier.

[0024] Preferably, the turntable hub housing is cylindrically arranged around the turntable hub axis and includes a working chamber wall surface and a turntable inner wall surface. Cylindrical arrangement around the axis means forming a cylinder or cylindrical arc. The working chamber wall surface is cylindrically arranged around the turntable hub axis with a working chamber wall radius greater than the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable, and preferably at least greater than the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable diameter. The working chamber wall surface is adjacent to the working chamber. The turntable inner wall surface is cylindrically arranged around the turntable hub axis with a turntable inner wall radius greater than the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable and preferably greater than or equal to the working chamber wall radius. A perforation includes a perforation inlet surface connected to the turntable inner wall surface. The perforation inlet surface includes a perforation inlet hole. In an embodiment, the perforation inlet surface coincides with the turntable inner wall surface. The perforation also includes a perforation outlet surface connected to the working chamber wall surface. The perforation outlet surface includes a perforation outlet hole. In an embodiment, the perforation outlet surface coincides with the working chamber wall surface. The perforation has a perforation axis that is substantially parallel (preferably parallel) to the axis of the turntable hub. Preferably, the perforation includes a perforated tube extending between a perforated tube inlet opening and a perforated tube outlet opening. The perforated tube is arranged cylindrically around the perforation axis with respect to the perforation radius. The perforated tube is donut-shaped, preferably donut-segment shaped. The perforation radius is less than or equal to the radius of the turntable inner wall, greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable, and preferably equal to the intersecting bending radius. The perforated tube inlet opening coincides with the perforation inlet hole, and the perforated tube outlet opening coincides with the perforation outlet hole.

[0025] An additional advantage of this invention is that the cable is guided through the turntable hub housing by a perforated tube. This facilitates the passage of the cable end through the turntable hub housing. A further advantage is that the perforated tube provides strength to the turntable hub housing, thereby resisting radial forces exerted on the turntable hub housing by the submarine cable, particularly when the submarine cable is wound onto or removed from the turntable. This is especially important when the multiple perforations are aligned along the perforation alignment axis and when they intersect the turntable hub housing approximately at intervals (or every other interval) along the perforation alignment axis between the first and second ends of the turntable hub housing.

[0026] Preferably, the perforation inlet surface is located in the perforation inlet plane including the turntable hub axis. Optionally, the perforation outlet surface is located in the perforation outlet plane including the turntable hub axis.

[0027] An additional advantage of this invention is that the inlet surface provides further strength to withstand the radial forces exerted on the turntable hub housing by the submarine cable when it is wound onto or removed from the turntable.

[0028] Preferably, the intersecting bend guide includes an intersecting bend guide channel configured to guide the submarine cable toward the perforation inlet surface and to bend the submarine cable according to the intersecting bend radius as the submarine cable extends along the inner wall surface of the turntable and the intersecting bend guide channel toward the perforation inlet surface.

[0029] An additional advantage of this invention is that it avoids the formation of radial and / or axial protrusions in the wound submarine cable near the intersection of the submarine cable and the turntable hub housing. This contributes to the uniform filling of the turntable.

[0030] Preferably, the intersecting curved guide channel includes an intersecting curved guide channel surface that extends between an end of a first intersecting curved guide channel surface and an end of a second intersecting curved guide channel surface in the intersecting curved guide direction. The intersecting curved guide channel surface is arranged cylindrically around a perforation axis with an intersection radius, preferably a perforation radius, which is preferably equal to the intersection radius. The end of the first intersecting curved guide channel surface is connected to the inner wall surface of the turntable, and the end of the second intersecting curved guide channel surface is connected to the perforation inlet surface.

[0031] Preferably, the intersecting bend guide channel also extends in a support direction transverse to (preferably substantially perpendicular to, more preferably perpendicular to) the intersecting bend guide direction between the end points of the third and fourth intersecting bend guide channels, and the intersecting bend guide channel further includes two intersecting bend guide channel sides referred to as a pair of intersecting bend guide channel sides. The intersecting bend guide channel sides protrude from the intersecting bend guide channel surface at the end points of the third and fourth intersecting bend guide channels, respectively. The intersecting bend guide channel sides extend along the intersecting bend guide channel surface in the intersecting bend guide direction between the end points of the first and second intersecting bend guide channels.

[0032] Preferably, each intersecting curved guide channel side includes an intersecting curved guide channel side plane and an intersecting curved guide channel side peak. The intersecting curved guide channel side plane is laterally (preferably substantially vertical, more preferably vertical) connected to the surface of the intersecting curved guide channel. The intersecting curved guide channel side peak is a surface laterally (preferably substantially vertical, more preferably vertical) connected to the corresponding intersecting curved guide channel side plane. The intersecting curved guide channel side peaks are preferably arranged cylindrically around the axis of the turntable hub with respect to the inner wall radius of the turntable.

[0033] Preferably, the intersecting bend guide channel further includes at least one spacer. This at least one spacer is configured (optionally, if multiple spacers are present, they are collectively configured) to allow the submarine cable to bypass the perforation, and to bend the submarine cable according to the bypass bend radius as it bypasses the perforation. The bypass bend radius is greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable.

[0034] Optionally, each spacer is configured to be detachably connected to the intersecting curved guide channel side peaks of a pair of guide channel sides.

[0035] The advantage of this invention is that it avoids radial and / or axial protrusions in the wound submarine cable near the intersection of the submarine cable and the turntable hub housing. This contributes to uniform filling of the turntable. An additional advantage of this invention is that the radial force exerted on the turntable hub by the submarine cable is evenly distributed around the periphery of the hub housing, even where the submarine cable intersects with the turntable hub housing. Therefore, no additional measures are needed to prevent plastic deformation of the turntable hub housing, and the turntable can be made with less material and is lighter.

[0036] Preferably, each spacer is configured to be carried by an operator. Alternatively, the operator may climb up or down the inner wall of the turntable while holding the spacer to reach the correct mounting point or to remove the spacer from its mounting point.

[0037] The advantage of this invention is that it eliminates the need for heavy machinery to reconfigure the spacers of the intersecting bend guide channels and / or this can be performed by a single operator. This simplifies the installation process, reduces the need for multiple operators to collaborate, and speeds up the reconfiguration of the intersecting bend guide channels when multiple cables of varying lengths are wound around the turntable.

[0038] Preferably, the perforation also includes a high-bending guide configured to guide the submarine cable between the intersecting bend guide channels and to bend the submarine cable according to a high-bending radius as it extends along the inner wall surface of the turntable and the high-bending guide between the intersecting bend guide channels. The high-bending radius is greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable. Preferably, the high-bending guide is configured to be detachably mounted on the turntable hub housing.

[0039] The advantage of this invention is that it guides the cable into the bending guide channel while maintaining a minimum bending radius. This will reduce or avoid kinking (the unintentional bending of the cable when pushing it into or through a hole).

[0040] Preferably, the high-bend guide includes a high-bend guide mounting device and a high-bend guide support. The high-bend guide mounting device is configured to detachably mount the high-bend guide to the turntable hub housing. The high-bend guide support is configured to protrude from the inner wall of the turntable when the high-bend guide is mounted on the turntable hub housing and to support the submarine cable as it extends along the inner wall of the turntable and the high-bend guide between the intersecting bend guide channels. For example, the high-bend guide mounting device includes a high-bend guide mounting pin and a high-bend guide blind hole. The high-bend guide blind hole is located within the inner wall of the turntable and is configured to receive the high-bend guide mounting pin when the high-bend guide is detachably mounted on the turntable hub housing. Optionally, the high-bend guide blind hole includes a bayonet fitting.

[0041] The advantage of this invention is that it avoids the formation of radial and / or axial protrusions in the wound submarine cable near the point where the submarine cable enters the bend guide channel. An additional advantage is that the installation and removal of the highly bend guide is simple and quick.

[0042] Optionally, the high-bend guide support is a guide roller that is rotatably connected to the high-bend guide mounting device.

[0043] The advantage of this invention is that it reduces friction between the submarine cable and the highly curved guide support. Therefore, it further reduces the risk of the submarine cable becoming kinked.

[0044] Preferably, the work area includes cable testing equipment.

[0045] Optionally, the work area also includes at least one mounting location (particularly multiple mounting locations, preferably located within the work area wall surface), a winch, winch rope, cable guide, winch rope height adjuster, submarine cable support, working area, working platform, suspension components, top plate, hatch, and ladder. The mounting locations are configured to allow equipment such as those described in this paragraph to be detachably mounted to these locations, enabling reconfiguration of the work area. The winch, winch rope, cable guide, and winch rope height adjuster are configured to apply tension to the submarine cable when it intersects with the turntable hub housing. The submarine cable support is configured to receive and support the submarine cable end when the operator is working on the cable end. The working area is configured to provide standing space for the operator when working on the cable end. The working platform (preferably with railings) is configured to provide standing space for the operator when working on the cable end at a height inaccessible from the working area. The suspension components and top plate are configured to protect the mounting locations, the installed equipment, the operator in operation, and the intersecting submarine cable from weather conditions such as rain. The hatch (preferably included by the top plate) and ladder are configured to provide access from the top to the workshop.

[0046] The vessel for laying submarine cables according to the present invention includes a turntable according to the present invention.

[0047] The advantages of this invention are that it allows for more efficient equipment for laying submarine cables, thus requiring less deck space. Other advantages include the ability to perform cable loading and laying operations more efficiently using this vessel. An added advantage is that the quality of the submarine cable can be determined after it has been wound onto the same turntable, even when multiple submarine cables are wound onto the same turntable.

[0048] The turntable according to this invention, or the vessel according to this invention, for loading submarine cables onto and / or releasing submarine cables from the turntable, may optionally include testing the submarine cables. Preferably, this includes simultaneously performing the testing of the submarine cables and loading the submarine cables onto the turntable. Alternatively, this includes simultaneously performing the testing of the submarine cables and releasing the submarine cables from the turntable.

[0049] The advantage of this invention is that the turntable is used more efficiently, thus enabling multiple activities to be performed simultaneously. Attached Figure Description

[0050] This utility model will be further explained through the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 An isometric view of the turntable hub housing according to the present invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 2a A vertical cross-section of the turntable hub according to the present invention is shown.

[0053] Figure 2b A horizontal cross-section of the turntable hub according to the present invention is shown.

[0054] Figure 3a A vertical cross-section of the turntable according to the present invention is shown.

[0055] Figure 3b A top view of the turntable according to the present invention is shown.

[0056] Figure 4 A side view of a vessel according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0057] This invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments and certain accompanying drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto, but only to the claims. The described drawings are illustrative only and not restrictive. In the drawings, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may not be drawn to scale. Dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions in practice of this invention.

[0058] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe an order or sequence. These terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and embodiments of the present invention may operate in any order other than that described or shown herein.

[0059] Furthermore, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc., used in the specification and claims are for descriptive purposes and are not necessarily used to describe relative positions. Such terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and embodiments of the present invention described herein may operate in orientations other than those described or shown herein.

[0060] The term "comprising" as used in the claims should not be construed as limited to the components listed thereafter; the term does not exclude other elements or steps. The term should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the mentioned feature, integer, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Therefore, the scope of the expression "device comprising components A and B" should not be limited to a device consisting solely of components A and B. This expression means that, for the purposes of this invention, A and B are merely the relevant components of the device.

[0061] Figure 1An isometric view of the turntable hub housing 101 of the turntable according to the present invention is shown. The turntable has a turntable hub axis a, which is the axis of rotation of the turntable hub. The turntable hub axis a extends in the turntable hub axis direction d (particularly the vertical direction).

[0062] A turntable hub housing 101 extends along the turntable hub axis direction d between a first turntable hub housing end 102 and a second turntable hub housing end 103. The turntable hub housing 101 is cylindrically arranged around the turntable hub axis a. The turntable hub housing 101 includes a working chamber wall surface 104 and a turntable inner wall surface 105. The working chamber wall surface 104 is cylindrically arranged around the turntable hub axis a with a working chamber wall radius w, which is greater than the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable and exceeds the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable by at least the diameter of the submarine cable. The turntable inner wall surface 105 is cylindrically arranged around the turntable hub axis a with a turntable inner wall radius c. The turntable inner wall radius c is greater than the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable and greater than the working chamber wall radius w.

[0063] The turntable hub housing 101 includes at least one perforation 106 (specifically, 10 perforations) configured to allow submarine cables to intersect with the turntable hub housing 101. These perforations are aligned along a perforation alignment axis p, which is set relative to the turntable hub axis direction d. These perforations are evenly distributed between the first turntable hub housing end 102 and the second turntable hub housing end 103. They may intersect the turntable hub housing 101 at approximately intervals along the perforation alignment axis p between the first and second turntable hub housing ends 102 and 103. These perforations have a perforation axis q parallel to the turntable hub axis a.

[0064] Each perforation includes an intersecting bend guide 107 configured to bend the submarine cable according to an intersecting bend radius s when the submarine cable intersects the turntable hub housing 101 through the corresponding perforation 106. The intersecting bend radius s is equal to the perforation radius r. The intersecting bend radius s is greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable and less than or equal to the inner wall radius c of the turntable.

[0065] Each perforation includes a perforation inlet surface 108 connected to the inner wall surface 105 of the turntable, the perforation inlet surface including a perforation inlet hole 109. Each perforation inlet surface 108 is located in a perforation inlet plane v containing the turntable hub axis a. Each perforation includes a perforation outlet surface 110 connected to the chamber wall surface 104, the perforation outlet surface including a perforation outlet hole. Each perforation includes a perforated tube 111 extending between a perforated tube inlet opening 112 and a perforated tube outlet opening, and is cylindrically arranged about the perforation axis q with a perforation radius r. Each tube is in the shape of a donut segment. Each perforated tube inlet opening 112 coincides with a corresponding perforation inlet hole 109, and each perforated tube outlet opening coincides with a corresponding perforation outlet hole.

[0066] Each intersecting bend guide 107 includes an intersecting bend guide channel 113 configured to guide the submarine cable toward the perforation inlet surface 108 and to bend the submarine cable according to the intersecting bend radius s as the submarine cable extends along the inner wall surface of the turntable and the intersecting bend guide channel toward the perforation inlet surface 108.

[0067] Each intersecting curved guide channel 113 includes an intersecting curved guide channel surface 114 extending in the intersecting curved guide direction i between a first intersecting curved guide channel surface end 115 and a second intersecting curved guide channel surface end 116, and in the support direction j transverse to the intersecting curved guide direction i between a third intersecting curved guide channel surface end 117 and a fourth intersecting curved guide channel surface end 118. Each first intersecting curved guide channel surface end 115 is connected to the inner wall surface 105 of the turntable, and each second intersecting curved guide channel surface end 116 is connected to a corresponding perforation inlet surface 108. Each curved guide channel surface is cylindrically arranged around the perforation axis q with a perforation radius r. Each intersecting curved guide channel 113 also includes two intersecting curved guide channel sides 119, referred to as a pair of intersecting curved guide channel sides, which protrude from the corresponding intersecting curved guide channel surface 114 at the corresponding third intersecting curved guide channel surface end 117 and the corresponding fourth intersecting curved guide channel surface end 118, respectively. The intersecting bend guide channel side 119 extends along the corresponding intersecting bend guide channel surface 114 in the intersecting bend guide direction i between the corresponding first intersecting bend guide channel surface end 115 and the corresponding second intersecting bend guide channel surface end 116.

[0068] Each intersecting curved guide channel side 119 includes an intersecting curved guide channel side plane 120 and an intersecting curved guide channel side peak 121. The intersecting curved guide channel side plane is laterally (preferably vertically) connected to the corresponding intersecting curved guide channel surface 114, and the intersecting curved guide channel side peak is a surface laterally (preferably vertically) connected to the corresponding intersecting curved guide channel side plane 120. Each intersecting curved guide channel side peak 121 is arranged cylindrically around the turntable hub axis a with a turntable inner wall radius c.

[0069] The guide channel also includes a plurality of spacers 122, which are collectively configured to allow the submarine cable to bypass the perforation 106 and to bend the submarine cable according to a bend radius as it bypasses the perforation 106. This bend radius is greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable. Each spacer 122 is detachably connected to an intersecting bend guide channel side peak 121 on a pair of guide channel sides. Each spacer 122 is configured to be carried by a human operator.

[0070] The perforation 106 also includes a high-bending guide 123 configured to guide the submarine cable between corresponding intersecting bend guide channel sides 119 and to bend the submarine cable according to a high-bending radius as it extends along the inner wall surface of the turntable and the high-bending guide 123 between the intersecting bend guide channel sides 119. This high-bending radius is greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable. The high-bending guide 123 is detachably mounted on the turntable hub housing 101 and includes a high-bending guide mounting device 124 and a high-bending guide support 125. The high-bending guide mounting device 124 is configured to detachably mount the high-bending guide 123 on the turntable hub housing 101, and the high-bending guide support protrudes from the inner wall of the turntable and is configured to support the submarine cable as it extends along the inner wall of the turntable and the high-bending guide 123 between the intersecting bend guide channel sides 119. The high-bend guide mounting device 124 includes a high-bend guide mounting pin and a high-bend guide blind hole 126 located in the inner wall of the turntable, the high-bend guide blind hole 126 being configured to receive the high-bend guide mounting pin when the high-bend guide 123 is detachably mounted on the turntable hub housing 101. The high-bend guide support 125 is a guide roller rotatably connected to the high-bend guide mounting device 124.

[0071] All perforations in the at least one perforation 106 are approximately equal. In one of these perforations, no corresponding spacer 122 is installed. In eight of these perforations, no corresponding height-bending guide support 125 is installed. One of these perforations lacks a height-bending guide 123. The intersecting bend guide channel 113 closest to the end 103 of the second turntable hub housing has an intersecting bend guide channel side 119 that appears different from the intersecting bend guide channel sides of the other channels.

[0072] Figure 2a and Figure 2b A turntable hub 201 according to the present invention is shown. The turntable hub 201 includes a working chamber 202. The turntable hub 201 also includes, as shown in the figure below. Figure 1 The turntable hub housing 101 is shown. More information about the turntable hub housing 101 can be found at [link to relevant information]. Figure 1 This is obtained from the description. For clarity, Figure 2a and Figure 2b The text is repeated. Figure 1 Some reference numerals are shown in the accompanying drawings. A turntable hub housing 101 surrounds the chamber 202 and includes at least one perforation 106 configured to allow a submarine cable to intersect the turntable hub housing 101 to enter the chamber 202. A chamber wall surface 104 abuts the chamber 202.

[0073] The work chamber 202 includes cable testing equipment, multiple mounting positions 203 (preferably located within the work chamber wall surface 104), a winch 211, a winch rope, a cable guide 204, a winch rope height adjuster, a submarine cable support 205, a work area 206, a work platform 207, a railing 208, a suspension member 209, and a ladder 210. The mounting positions 203 are configured to allow detachable installation of equipment such as those described in this paragraph, enabling reconfiguration of the work chamber 202. The winch 211, winch rope, cable guide 204, and winch rope height adjuster are configured to apply tension to the submarine cable when it intersects with the turntable hub housing 101. The submarine cable support 205 is configured to receive and support the submarine cable end when an operator is working on it. The work area 206 is configured to provide space for the operator to move when working on the cable end. The work platform 207 is configured to provide walking space for the operator while working on the cable end at a height inaccessible from the work area 206. The overhang 209 and top plate are configured to protect the installation location 203, the installed equipment, the operator in operation, and intersecting submarine cables from weather conditions such as rain. The hatch and ladder 210 are configured to provide access from the top to the working chamber 202.

[0074] Figure 2aA vertical cross-section of the turntable hub 201 of the turntable according to the present invention is shown.

[0075] Figure 2b A horizontal cross-section of the turntable hub 201 according to the present invention is shown.

[0076] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A turntable hub 201 according to the present invention is shown. The turntable 301 includes, as shown in the diagram... Figure 2a and Figure 2b The turntable hub 201 is shown. More information about the turntable hub 201 can be found from [link to information]. Figure 2a and Figure 2b This is obtained from the description. For clarity, Figure 3a and Figure 3b The text is repeated. Figure 2a and Figure 2b Some of the attached labels.

[0077] Figure 3a A vertical cross-section of the turntable 301 according to the present invention is shown.

[0078] Figure 3b A top view of the turntable 301 according to the present invention is shown.

[0079] Figure 4 A side view of a vessel 401 according to the present utility model is shown. Vessel 401 includes, as follows: Figure 3a and Figure 3b The turntable 301 is shown. More information about turntable 301 can be found at [link to information]. Figure 3a and Figure 3b It is obtained from the description.

Claims

1. A turntable (301) for storing submarine cables, the submarine cables having a minimum bending radius and a diameter, the turntable comprising a turntable hub (201), characterized in that, The turntable hub includes a working chamber (202).

2. The turntable according to claim 1, characterized in that, - The turntable hub also includes a turntable hub housing (101) that surrounds the working chamber. - The turntable hub housing includes a perforation (106) configured to allow the submarine cable to intersect the turntable hub housing to enter the working chamber. - The perforation includes an intersecting bend guide (107) configured to bend the submarine cable according to the intersecting bend radius when the submarine cable intersects the turntable hub housing through the perforation. - The intersecting bending radius is greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable.

3. The turntable according to claim 2, characterized in that, The turntable hub housing includes at least two of the aforementioned perforations.

4. The turntable according to claim 3, characterized in that, - The turntable also includes a turntable hub axis (a), which is configured as the rotation axis of the turntable hub and extends in the turntable hub axis direction (d). - The turntable hub housing extends between the first turntable hub housing end (102) and the second turntable hub housing end (103) in the direction of the turntable hub axis. - The at least two perforations are aligned along the perforation alignment axis (p), which is set according to the direction of the turntable hub axis.

5. The turntable according to claim 4, characterized in that, - The turntable hub housing is arranged cylindrically around the turntable hub axis. - The turntable hub housing also includes - Studio wall surface (104). - The wall surface of the work chamber is adjacent to the work chamber. - The surface of the working chamber wall is arranged cylindrically around the axis of the turntable hub with a working chamber wall radius (w). The working chamber wall radius is larger than the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable, and preferably at least equal to the diameter of the submarine cable exceeding the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable. - The inner wall surface of the turntable (105) is cylindrically arranged around the hub axis of the turntable with a turntable inner wall radius (c). The turntable inner wall radius is greater than the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable and greater than or equal to the radius of the working chamber wall. - The perforation includes - A perforated inlet surface (108) connected to the inner wall surface of the turntable, the perforated inlet surface including a perforated inlet hole (109). - A perforated outlet surface (110) connected to the wall surface of the chamber, the perforated outlet surface including a perforated outlet hole. - The perforated axis (q) is parallel to the axis of the turntable hub. - Perforated tube (111). - The perforated tube extends between the perforated tube inlet opening (112) and the perforated tube outlet opening. - The perforated tube is arranged cylindrically around the perforation axis with a perforation radius (r), the perforation radius... - Less than or equal to the radius of the inner wall of the turntable, and - Greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable. - The perforated pipe inlet opening coincides with the perforated inlet hole, and - The opening of the perforated tube outlet coincides with the perforated outlet hole.

6. The turntable according to claim 5, characterized in that, The perforated inlet surface is located in the perforated inlet plane (v) that includes the axis of the turntable hub.

7. The turntable according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The intersecting bend guide includes an intersecting bend guide channel (113), which is configured to... - Guide the submarine cable toward the surface of the perforation entrance, and - As the submarine cable extends along the inner wall surface of the turntable and the intersecting bend guide channel toward the perforation entrance surface, the submarine cable is bent according to the intersecting bend radius.

8. The turntable according to claim 7, characterized in that, - The intersecting curved guide channel further includes a spacer (122), the spacer being configured to - Allows submarine cables to bypass the perforation, and - When the submarine cable passes around the perforation, the submarine cable is bent according to the bending radius, and - The bending radius of the bypass is greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable.

9. The turntable according to claim 7, characterized in that, - The intersecting curved guide channel includes - Intersecting curved guide channel surface (114). - The intersecting curved guide channel surface extends in the intersecting curved guide direction (i) between the end point (115) of the first intersecting curved guide channel surface and the end point (116) of the second intersecting curved guide channel surface. - The surfaces of the intersecting curved guide channels are arranged cylindrically around the perforation axis with the perforation radius. - Two intersecting curved guide channel sides (119) protruding from the surface of the intersecting curved guide channel, the two intersecting curved guide channel sides extending along the surface of the intersecting curved guide channel in the intersecting curved guide direction between the end of the first intersecting curved guide channel surface and the end of the second intersecting curved guide channel surface. - The first intersecting curved guide channel surface end is connected to the inner wall surface of the turntable, and the second intersecting curved guide channel surface end is connected to the perforation inlet surface. - The perforation includes a highly flexible guide (123) configured to... - Guide the submarine cable between the sides of the intersecting bend guide channel, and - As the submarine cable extends along the inner wall surface of the turntable and the high-bend guide between the intersecting bend guide channels, the submarine cable is bent according to the high-bend radius, and - The bending radius of the height is greater than or equal to the minimum bending radius of the submarine cable.

10. The turntable according to claim 9, characterized in that, The highly curved guide is configured to be detachably mounted on the turntable hub housing.

11. The turntable according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The workshop includes cable testing equipment.

12. The turntable according to claim 4, characterized in that, The axis of the turntable hub is vertical.

13. A vessel (401) for laying submarine cables, characterized in that, The vessel includes a turntable according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • A device for winding up and unwinding a cable and method for winding up a cable

    EP2862828A1