Offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device

Abstract

The utility model relates to flange coupling technical field discloses a kind of offshore wind power tower drum flange protection devices, it includes first half circular ring shell, second half circular ring shell and locking structure, first half circular ring shell is detachably connected with second half circular ring shell and forms the accommodation cavity for accommodating tower drum flange, the inside of first half circular ring shell, second half circular ring shell is each equipped with sealing element;The end face of first half circular ring shell is equipped with pin shaft, locking structure includes swing arm and check piece, swing arm is hingedly installed in the end face of second half circular ring shell;Swing arm's one side is equipped with sliding slot and bayonet, the opening direction of bayonet is perpendicular to the length direction of sliding slot, and bayonet is communicated with sliding slot, check piece is slidably installed in sliding slot;Bayonet and pin shaft are connected with each other, check piece avoids bayonet in unlocking state, to make pin shaft be inserted into or removed from bayonet;Pin shaft is inserted into bayonet in locking state, and check piece and pin shaft are blocked with each other, satisfy the requirement of quick opening and flexible disassembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flange connection technology, and in particular to a protective device for offshore wind turbine tower flanges. Background Technology

[0002] In the machinery industry, a flange typically refers to a detachable, disc-shaped part used for connecting pipes or equipment. Bolt holes are distributed around the circumference of the flange, and a gasket is placed between the two flange faces. The flange is then fastened with bolts to achieve a sealing and detachable connection.

[0003] The gasket is pressed between two flanges and comes into contact with the outdoor environment through the gap between the flanges. It is prone to aging and failure due to long-term exposure to wind and sun. This is especially true for offshore wind turbine towers, which operate in a marine environment. The tower sections are connected by flanges and bolts, and under the influence of high salinity and high humidity, they are subjected to long-term erosion from seawater and waves. This leads to more pronounced aging and failure of the gaskets, and severe corrosion of the flanges, bolts, and nuts.

[0004] In summary, the flanges, bolts, and nuts of offshore wind turbine towers are susceptible to corrosion from sea waves, have short service life, poor reliability of bolt fastening connections, and are difficult to disassemble and maintain later. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem this utility model aims to solve is that the flanges, bolts, and nuts of offshore wind turbine towers are easily corroded by sea waves, have short service life, poor reliability of bolt fastening connections, and are difficult to disassemble and maintain later.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a technical solution for a flange protection device for offshore wind turbine towers: The offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device includes a first semi-circular shell, a second semi-circular shell, and a locking structure. The first semi-circular shell and the second semi-circular shell are detachably connected to form a receiving cavity for accommodating the tower flange. The inner sides of the first semi-circular shell and the second semi-circular shell are provided with sealing elements. The end face of the first semi-circular ring housing is provided with a pin, which protrudes along the axial direction of the first semi-circular ring housing; the locking structure includes a swing arm and a locking member, and the swing arm is hinged to the end face of the second semi-circular ring housing. The swing arm has a sliding groove and a locking slot. The sliding groove extends along the length of the swing arm, and the opening direction of the locking slot is perpendicular to the length direction of the sliding groove. The locking slot is connected to the sliding groove, and the locking member is slidably installed in the sliding groove. The bayonet engages with the pin. In the unlocked state, the locking member avoids the bayonet, allowing the pin to engage or disengage from the bayonet. In the locked state, the pin engages with the bayonet, and the locking member and the pin engage in a blocking engagement.

[0007] Furthermore, the locking structure also includes an elastic element, which is disposed in the slide groove and connected to the locking element. Along the direction away from the hinge end of the swing arm, the elastic element and the locking element are press-fitted together.

[0008] Furthermore, a slot is provided on the side of the swing arm away from the hinge end, the slot extends along the length direction of the slide groove and communicates with the slide groove, and the locking member is inserted into the slot.

[0009] Furthermore, a baffle is provided on the side of the swing arm near the opening of the slide groove. The baffle is spaced apart from the bottom of the slide groove, and the baffle and the locking member are guided and engaged along the length direction of the slide groove.

[0010] Furthermore, a handle is provided on the side of the locking member away from the swing arm. The handle protrudes along the length direction perpendicular to the slide groove, and an operating space is provided between the handle and the baffle.

[0011] Furthermore, there are two pins, which are symmetrically arranged on the end face of the first semi-circular shell. There are also two locking structures, which are symmetrically arranged on the end face of the second semi-circular shell, and each locking structure corresponds to one of the two pins.

[0012] Furthermore, the first semi-circular shell has the same structure as the second semi-circular shell. The first semi-circular shell includes an arc-shaped side plate and two semi-circular end plates. The arc-shaped side plate is fixedly connected to the two semi-circular end plates respectively. The sealing element is provided on the straight side of the arc-shaped side plate, the straight side of the two semi-circular end plates, and the semi-circular edge.

[0013] Furthermore, each of the two semi-circular end plates has a positioning groove in the middle, which is used to engage with the positioning blocks of the tower section.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device of this utility model has the following advantages: This device adopts a design consisting of a first semi-circular shell, a second semi-circular shell, and a locking structure. The first and second semi-circular shells are detachably connected and form a cavity when closed, completely enclosing the tower flange, bolts, and nuts within the cavity, thus isolating them from the corrosive effects of sea waves, salt spray, and humid air. Both the first and second semi-circular shells have sealing elements on their inner sides, effectively eliminating gaps between the two semi-circular shells and between the shell and the tower section. This prevents corrosive moisture from entering the cavity, providing a fully sealed physical isolation barrier and effectively extending the service life of the tower flange and bolts.

[0015] The first semi-circular housing has a pin on its end face. The swing arm of the locking structure is hinged to the end face of the second semi-circular housing. A locking element is slidably installed in the slide groove of the swing arm. The opening direction of the locking slot is perpendicular to the length direction of the slide groove and communicates with the slide groove. The locking slot engages with the pin. The reliable locking between the two semi-circular housings is achieved through the locking engagement between the pin and the swing arm. Unlocking is completed by operating the locking element and separating the swing arm from the pin, thus meeting the requirements of quick opening and closing and flexible disassembly.

[0016] In use, rotate the swing arm towards the pin, and the locking component slides to the position of the clearance slot, allowing the pin to freely enter the slot. As the swing arm rotates further, the pin gradually engages. Then, slide the locking component to the position of stopping the pin, preventing it from accidentally dislodging from the slot. Ultimately, the swing arm generates opposing restraint forces on the end faces of the two semi-circular ring housings, ensuring the sealing performance after the housings are closed. For disassembly, first slide the locking component to the position of the clearance slot, allowing the pin to move freely out of the slot. Simultaneously, rotate the swing arm away from the pin, causing the pin to completely disengage from the swing arm's slot. This allows for easy unlocking and disassembly of the two semi-circular ring housings, making subsequent disassembly and maintenance more convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 2 This is a radial cross-sectional view of the offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 3 This is an axial cross-sectional view of the offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device in this embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the locking structure in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the tower flange in an embodiment of this utility model; In the diagram: 1. First semi-circular ring shell; 10. Accommodating cavity; 11. Pin; 12. Arc-shaped side plate; 13. Semi-circular ring end plate; 14. Positioning groove; 2. Second semi-circular ring shell; 20. Seal; 3. Locking structure; 31. Swing arm; 311. Slide groove; 312. Bayonet; 313. Slot; 32. Locking element; 33. Elastic element; 34. Baffle; 35. Handle; 36. Hinge shaft; 4. Tower flange; 40. Tower section; 41. Bolt; 42. Positioning block. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0020] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0021] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 5As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a protective device for a wind turbine tower flange, comprising a first semi-circular housing 1, a second semi-circular housing 2, and a locking structure 3. The first semi-circular housing 1 and the second semi-circular housing 2 are detachably connected to form a receiving cavity 10 for accommodating a tower flange 4. Both the first semi-circular housing 1 and the second semi-circular housing 2 are provided with sealing elements 20 on their inner sides. The end face of the first semi-circular housing 1 is provided with a pin 11, which protrudes along the axial direction of the first semi-circular housing 1. The locking structure 3 includes a swing arm 31 and a locking element 32. The swing arm 31 is hingedly mounted on the end face of the second semi-circular housing 2, and the axis of the hinge shaft 36 of the swing arm 31 is arranged along the axial direction of the second semi-circular housing 2. The hinge shaft 36 constitutes the hinge end of the swing arm 31.

[0023] A sliding groove 311 and a bayonet 312 are provided on one side of the swing arm 31. The sliding groove 311 extends along the length of the swing arm 31, and the opening direction of the bayonet 312 is perpendicular to the length direction of the sliding groove 311. The bayonet 312 is connected to the sliding groove 311, and the locking member 32 is slidably installed in the sliding groove 311. The bayonet 312 engages with the pin 11. In the unlocked state, the locking member 32 avoids the bayonet 312 so that the pin 11 can be engaged or disengaged from the bayonet 312. In the locked state, the pin 11 is engaged in the bayonet 312, and the locking member 32 is engaged with the pin 11 to stop it.

[0024] This offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device adopts a design consisting of a first semi-circular shell 1, a second semi-circular shell 2, and a locking structure 3. The first semi-circular shell 1 and the second semi-circular shell 2 are detachably connected and form a receiving cavity 10 when closed. This cavity completely encloses the tower flange 4, bolts, and nuts, isolating them from the corrosive effects of sea waves, salt spray, and humid air. Both the first semi-circular shell 1 and the second semi-circular shell 2 have sealing elements 20 on their inner sides, effectively eliminating gaps between the two semi-circular shells and between the shell and the tower section 40. This prevents corrosive moisture from entering the receiving cavity 10, providing a fully sealed physical isolation barrier and effectively extending the service life of components such as the tower flange 4 and bolts 41.

[0025] The first semi-circular housing 1 has a pin 11 on its end face. The swing arm 31 of the locking structure 3 is hinged to the end face of the second semi-circular housing 2. The locking member 32 is slidably installed in the slide groove 311 of the swing arm 31. The opening direction of the latch 312 is perpendicular to the length direction of the slide groove 311 and communicates with the slide groove 311. The latch 312 engages with the pin 11. The reliable locking between the two semi-circular housings is achieved through the engagement of the pin 11 and the swing arm 31. Unlocking is completed by operating the locking member 32 and separating the swing arm 31 from the pin 11, thus meeting the requirements of quick opening and closing and flexible disassembly.

[0026] In use, the swing arm 31 is rotated towards the pin 11, and the locking member 32 slides to the position of avoiding the bayonet 312, allowing the pin 11 to freely enter the bayonet 312. As the swing arm 31 rotates further, the pin 11 is gradually locked into place. Then, the locking member 32 is slid to the position of stopping the pin 11 to prevent the pin 11 from accidentally coming out of the bayonet 312. Finally, the swing arm 31 generates opposing restraint forces on the end faces of the two semi-circular housings, ensuring the sealing performance after the housing is closed. During disassembly, the locking member 32 is first slid to the position of avoiding the bayonet 312, allowing the pin 11 to move freely out of the bayonet 312. At the same time, the swing arm 31 is rotated away from the pin 11, so that the pin 11 is completely disengaged from the bayonet 312 of the swing arm 31. This allows for easy unlocking and disassembly of the two semi-circular housings, making subsequent disassembly and maintenance more convenient.

[0027] In this embodiment, the locking structure 3 further includes an elastic element 33, which is disposed in the slide groove 311 and connected to the locking element 32. Along the direction away from the hinge end of the swing arm 31, the elastic element 33 and the locking element 32 are press-fitted together. The elastic element 33 generates an elastic force to lock and reset the locking element 32. Releasing the locking element 32 can drive it to move to the position of the stop slot 312, which improves the stability after the two semi-circular shells are closed.

[0028] As a further preferred embodiment, a slot 313 is provided on the side of the swing arm 31 away from the hinge end. The slot 313 extends along the length of the slide groove 311 and communicates with the slide groove 311. The locking member 32 is inserted into the slot 313. Furthermore, a baffle 34 is provided on the side of the swing arm 31 near the opening of the slide groove 311. The baffle 34 is spaced apart from the bottom of the slide groove 311, and the baffle 34 guides and cooperates with the locking member 32 along the length of the slide groove 311. The slot 313 ensures that the locking member 32 completely blocks the latch 312 and provides a reliable limiting effect on the locking member 32 towards the latch 312. At the same time, the baffle 34 can prevent the locking member 32 from accidentally coming out of the slide groove 311.

[0029] It should be noted that a handle 35 is provided on the side of the locking member 32 away from the swing arm 31. The handle 35 protrudes along the length direction perpendicular to the slide groove 311, and there is an operating space between the handle 35 and the baffle 34. The handle 35 facilitates the worker to slide smoothly to flexibly adjust the locking member 32 to the unlocking or locking state.

[0030] The system includes two pins 11 symmetrically arranged on the end face of the first semi-circular shell 1, and two locking structures 3 symmetrically arranged on the end face of the second semi-circular shell 2, with each locking structure 3 corresponding to one of the two pins 11. The symmetrical arrangement of the two pins 11 and the two locking structures 3 on the end faces of the semi-circular shells allows for the generation of balanced counter-tightening forces, ensuring structural stability when the two semi-circular shells are closed.

[0031] Furthermore, the first semi-circular shell 1 and the second semi-circular shell 2 have the same structure. The first semi-circular shell 1 includes an arc-shaped side plate 12 and two semi-circular end plates 13. The arc-shaped side plate 12 is fixedly connected to the two semi-circular end plates 13 respectively. Sealing elements 20 are provided on the straight sides of the arc-shaped side plate 12, the straight sides of the two semi-circular end plates 13, and the semi-circular edges. Sealing elements 20 are provided on each straight side and semi-circular edge to ensure comprehensive sealing protection for the tower flange 4. A positioning groove 14 is provided in the middle of each of the two semi-circular end plates 13. The positioning groove 14 is used to engage with the positioning block 42 of the tower section 40, improving the accuracy of the installation position of the two semi-circular shells.

[0032] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A flange protection device for offshore wind turbine towers, characterized in that, It includes a first semi-circular housing (1), a second semi-circular housing (2) and a locking structure (3). The first semi-circular housing (1) and the second semi-circular housing (2) are detachably connected to form a receiving cavity (10) for accommodating the tower flange (4). The inner sides of the first semi-circular housing (1) and the second semi-circular housing (2) are provided with sealing elements (20). The first semi-circular housing (1) has a pin (11) on its end face, and the pin (11) protrudes along the axial direction of the first semi-circular housing (1); the locking structure (3) includes a swing arm (31) and a locking member (32), and the swing arm (31) is hinged to the end face of the second semi-circular housing (2). The swing arm (31) is provided with a sliding groove (311) and a latch (312). The sliding groove (311) extends along the length direction of the swing arm (31), and the opening direction of the latch (312) is perpendicular to the length direction of the sliding groove (311). The latch (312) is connected to the sliding groove (311), and the locking member (32) is slidably installed in the sliding groove (311). The bayonet (312) engages with the pin (11). In the unlocked state, the locking member (32) avoids the bayonet (312) so that the pin (11) can be engaged or disengaged from the bayonet (312). In the locked state, the pin (11) engages with the bayonet (312), and the locking member (32) engages with the pin (11) to prevent it from moving out.

2. The offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking structure (3) further includes an elastic element (33), which is disposed in the slide groove (311) and connected to the locking element (32). Along the direction away from the hinge end of the swing arm (31), the elastic element (33) and the locking element (32) press against each other.

3. The offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The swing arm (31) has a slot (313) on the side away from the hinge end. The slot (313) extends along the length of the slide (311) and communicates with the slide (311). The locking member (32) is inserted into the slot (313).

4. The offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A baffle (34) is provided on the side of the swing arm (31) near the opening of the slide groove (311). The baffle (34) is arranged at intervals with the bottom of the slide groove (311). The baffle (34) and the locking member (32) are guided and cooperated along the length direction of the slide groove (311).

5. The offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking member (32) has a handle (35) on the side away from the swing arm (31). The handle (35) protrudes along the length direction perpendicular to the slide groove (311), and there is an operating space between the handle (35) and the baffle (34).

6. The offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two pins (11), which are symmetrically arranged on the end face of the first semi-circular housing (1). There are two locking structures (3), which are symmetrically arranged on the end face of the second semi-circular housing (2). The two locking structures (3) correspond one-to-one with the two pins (11).

7. The offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first semi-circular shell (1) has the same structure as the second semi-circular shell (2). The first semi-circular shell (1) includes an arc-shaped side plate (12) and two semi-circular end plates (13). The arc-shaped side plate (12) is fixedly connected to the two semi-circular end plates (13) respectively. The straight side of the arc-shaped side plate (12), the straight side of the two semi-circular end plates (13) and the semi-circular edge are provided with the sealing element (20).

8. The offshore wind turbine tower flange protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The two semi-circular end plates (13) are provided with positioning grooves (14) in the middle, and the positioning grooves (14) are used to cooperate with the positioning blocks (42) of the tower section (40).

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