PROTECTIVE CAP

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective cap for a fastening screw, in particular a fastening screw in an underwater application, according to the preamble of claim 1. Technical background

[0002] In various technical fields, such as offshore installations, it is necessary to anchor components to the seabed or platforms. Fastening bolts are typically used for this purpose, for example, a dynamically loaded push-fit connection. In this type of connection, a bolt is screwed into the seabed or platform, and the component to be fastened is placed onto this bolt. To connect the component to the seabed or platform, the bolt is tightened, and a nut is screwed on. With such bolted connections, part of the thread protrudes and is exposed to environmental conditions, i.e., water, wind, etc. Particularly in underwater applications, this means that the protruding thread is exposed to seawater, which is a corrosive and aggressive environment.The protruding threaded screw is subject to surface corrosion and contamination, for example, by becoming covered with shells or similar debris. However, to be able to retighten the screw connection after a certain period of time or to loosen the screw connection, a clean and undamaged surface of the screw thread is required.

[0003] Up to now, special coatings have been used for fastening screws. However, these coatings do not protect the surfaces from growth by underwater plants and organisms, and they can be easily damaged during the tightening process (either during initial tightening or subsequent tightening). If such a coating is damaged, the fastening screw is no longer protected. While the coating can be repaired, this is not possible in underwater applications with the same level of quality as the original coating. This means that the fastening element or screw must be replaced.

[0004] While protective caps exist for such mounting screws, they are not suitable for underwater use and do not provide sufficient sealing against the elements encountered in underwater environments. Furthermore, a secure fit of the protective cap to the mounting screw cannot be guaranteed. A reliable connection between the protective cap and the mounting screw is essential in underwater applications because the challenging conditions, such as tides, currents, and corrosive and aggressive environments, place increased demands on the connection between the protective cap and the mounting screw.

[0005] A protective cap is known from the JPH0614530U.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a protective cap for such a fastening screw, in particular a fastening screw for underwater applications, which makes it possible to keep a protruding thread of the fastening screw clean and undamaged. Summary of the invention

[0007] This problem is solved by a protective cap for a fastening screw, in particular a fastening screw in underwater use, according to claim 1.

[0008] The protective cap has a cylindrical body with an inner and an outer surface. The cylindrical body is closed at one end and can be slid onto the mounting screw at the other, open end. The inner surface forms a recess into which the mounting screw is received. To ensure a secure connection between the protective cap and the mounting screw, unlike previous protective caps that were simply slid onto the screw, a through-hole is provided at the closed end of the protective cap. This screw is designed to engage in a corresponding hole in the mounting screw, thus connecting the protective cap to the mounting screw.This means that the protective cap is first placed onto the mounting screw, and then a screw is inserted from the outside through the through-hole in the protective cap into the corresponding hole in the mounting screw. This ensures a more secure connection between the protective cap and the mounting screw compared to previous protective caps.

[0009] If the fastening screw needs to be loosened or tightened, the protective cap can simply be removed by loosening the screw. The protective cap safeguards the fastening screw, ensuring that after its removal, the exposed threads remain undamaged, allowing for easy tightening, removal, or loosening of the screw.

[0010] To further seal the fastening screw, one embodiment allows a seal to be positioned between the screw and the closed end. This means that the closed end of the protective cap is sealed by this seal. The screw firmly connects the seal to the protective cap. This ensures that no contaminants or water can penetrate the protective cap from the outside through the screw's through-hole.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the interior of the protective cap is filled with lubricant and / or corrosion inhibitor. Where a lubricant is used or mentioned below, a corrosion inhibitor can also be used as an alternative or additional measure. Preferably, the protective cap can be filled with lubricant before being placed on the fastening screw. Excess lubricant can then escape through the through-hole for the screw when the protective cap is placed on the fastening screw. In this way, the interior of the protective cap is completely filled with lubricant and can thus additionally protect the fastening screw from contamination and contact with water.

[0012] According to the invention, a seal is provided at the open end of the cylindrical body of the protective cap, which is designed to seal the protective cap against the fastening screw. In addition to or as an alternative to a seal at the closed end or the through-hole at the closed end, the open end of the cylindrical body is thus also sealed. The seal is preferably in contact with the fastening screw or the nut used to secure the fastening screw, and thus seals the interior of the protective cap against contamination and water ingress.

[0013] According to the invention, the seal is arranged on the inner surface of the protective cap and is provided with at least one sealing lip extending radially inwards from the inner surface. Preferably, the seal extends from the inner surface over the edge of the open end to the outer surface. This means that the seal can cover the open end of the protective cap. Furthermore, it is possible for the seal to be provided with several sealing lips extending radially inwards from the inner surface. These sealing lips have the advantage that they can contact the fastening nut at different positions. Particularly when using multiple sealing lips, this is advantageous because if the outermost sealing lip is damaged or the water pressure is too high and can overcome the outermost sealing lip, the subsequent sealing lips provide further sealing.This improves the overall sealing effect of the seal or protective cap.

[0014] The seal can comprise several axially stacked sealing rings. These sealing rings can also extend beyond the area of ​​the protective cap or its open outer end, sealing the protective cap against the fastening screw. The sealing rings can thus extend the protective cap along its length, i.e., in the axial direction of the fastening screw. In this way, the protective cap with such sealing rings can be adapted to different lengths of fastening screws and reliably seal them. If the protective cap rests directly on the base surface, when it is screwed in place with the fastening screw, it can exert additional axial pressure on the sealing rings, pressing them against the base surface. This secures the sealing rings in their position. Furthermore, the sealing rings can be compressed in this way, ensuring their sealing effect.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the protective cap is covered with the seal at least on its outer surface. Preferably, the entire protective cap can also be covered with the seal, which can further improve the sealing effect of the protective cap. In particular, this can be provided in combination with several axially stacked sealing rings and / or several sealing lips.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the seal has a flange that extends radially outwards over the cylindrical body. This flange can be located on the base or a mounting plate or platform through which the fastening screw extends. Thus, in addition to a seal between the fastening screw and the protective cap, a seal against the base or floor can also be achieved. This also improves the sealing of the fastening screw against the environment.

[0017] The protective cap is preferably made of plastic, in particular PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PP (polypropylene), and / or PE (polyethylene). PBT, in particular, offers the advantage of being a robust, temperature-resistant, and water-resistant plastic, which provides good durability for the protective cap, especially in underwater applications. Alternatively, the protective cap can also be made of metal, in particular aluminum or steel.

[0018] The protective cap described here provides good protection for a fastening screw, such as those used in underwater applications, for example in the fastening of water turbines or similar to platforms.

[0019] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments are specified in the description, the drawings, and the claims. In particular, the combinations of features specified in the description and the drawings are purely exemplary, so that the features may also exist individually or in different combinations. Brief character description

[0020] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. These exemplary embodiments and the combinations shown in them are purely illustrative and do not define the scope of protection of the invention. The scope of protection is defined solely by the appended claims.

[0021] They show: Fig. 1: A schematic sectional view of a protective cap on a fastening screw; Fig. 2: A schematic sectional view of the protective cap and the fastening screw of Fig. 1in a second arrangement; Fig. 3: a perspective view of the protective cap of the Figures 1 and 2 Fig. 4: a view of the protective cap of Fig. 3 from below; Fig. 5: a schematic sectional view of a protective cap and a fastening screw according to a further embodiment; Fig. 6: a schematic sectional view of a detail section of Fig. 5 ; Fig. 7: a schematic sectional view of the protective cap and the fastening screw according to Figures 5 and 6 in a second arrangement; Fig. 8: a schematic sectional view of a detail section of Fig. 7 Fig. 9: a perspective view of an exemplary seal for a protective cap; Fig. 10: a schematic sectional view of the seal of Fig. 9 ; Fig. 11: another embodiment of the seal of Figures 9 and 10 ; Fig. 12: a perspective view of an assembly tool for mounting the sealing elements; and Fig. 13: a perspective view of a disassembly tool for the protective cap. Detailed description of the invention

[0022] In the following, identical or functionally equivalent elements are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0023] Figures 1 and 2 show a protective cap 1 for a fastening screw 2, wherein the fastening screw 2 is in Fig. 1 protrudes to the maximum extent (by a distance X) and the fastening screw is in Fig. 2 protrudes minimally.

[0024] The fastening screw 2 is screwed into a base surface 6, for example, a platform of an underwater turbine or similar structure. The base surface 6 can consist of two separate elements that are to be connected by the fastening screw 2. The fastening screw 2 is secured in the base surface 6 by a nut 4. This is achieved, in particular, by stretching the fastening screw 2 and then tightening the nut 4. To protect the fastening screw 2, especially the exposed thread 8, from contamination and wear, the protective cap 1 is placed onto the fastening screw 2. Specifically, the protective cap 1 serves to permanently protect the exposed thread 8 of the fastening screw 2 in an underwater application from the underwater environment, which can damage the thread 8 of the fastening screw 2 through saltwater, pressure, dirt, marine growth, etc.

[0025] The protective cap 1 is secured to the mounting screw 2 by a screw 10. The screw 10 is inserted through a through-hole 12 in the protective cap 1 into a bore 14 in the mounting screw 2. The screw 10 ensures a secure connection between the protective cap 1 and the screw 2. Furthermore, this ensures easy assembly and disassembly of the protective cap 1, as only the screw 10 needs to be accessed and can be easily replaced if damaged during disassembly.

[0026] Preferably, a seal 16 is provided between the protective cap 1 and the screw 10 to seal the protective cap 1 against the screw 10. The protective cap 1 has a seal 18, which can be in the form of one or more sealing rings. The seal 18 is arranged at the open end of the protective cap 1 and seals this open end against the fastening screw 2 or the nut 4.

[0027] As in the comparison between Figures 1 and 2 As can be seen, the seal 18 ensures in any case that the protective cap 1 is sealed and thus protects the screw 2 from the environment. This is independent of a distance X between the base 6 and the protective cap 1. As already explained above, in Fig. 1 The protective cap 1 is spaced from the base surface 6 by a distance X, with the seal 18 sealing the opening of the protective cap 1. Fig. 2In contrast, the protective cap 1 rests directly on the base surface 6 and the distance X is not present. In this case, the protective cap 1 can seal directly against the base surface 6, with the seal 18 ensuring an improved sealing effect.

[0028] Additionally, the protective cap 1 can be filled with lubricant 20. This lubricant 20 can be pre-filled into the protective cap. When the protective cap 1 is placed on the fastening screw 2, any excess lubricant 20 displaced by the fastening screw 2 can be forced out through the opening 12, if necessary. The lubricant 20 also serves to protect the fastening screw 2 and / or the thread 8.

[0029] The lubricant 20, which can be provided in the protective cap 1, provides additional protection for the fastening screw 2 against damage, corrosion, or other wear, in particular corrosion protection, even if water or similar substances should enter the protective cap 1. If one of the provided seals 16, 18 fails, the pressure inside the protective cap 1 will equalize with the surrounding seawater. The seawater that has entered can then combine with the lubricant in the protective cap 1 to form an emulsion. Such a water-lubricant emulsion does not impair the protective environment of the protective cap 1 and thus continues to ensure protection against wear. Preferably, a biodegradable lubricant can be used to avoid harming the environment.

[0030] The protective cap 1 is preferably made of PBT or a similar material, as this is robust, temperature-resistant, and water-resistant, thus providing ideal conditions for underwater applications. Preferably, the outer surface 23 of the protective cap 1 is smooth, which reduces the risk of objects such as fishing nets or other items becoming entangled on the protective cap 1. The connection of the protective cap 1 to the fastening screw 2 via the screw 10 provides a robust connection that can withstand continuous water currents and foreign objects such as driftwood, ice, and other elements.

[0031] As in Figures 3 and 4As can be seen, a split contact surface 22 is provided between the protective cap 1 and the fastening screw 2. The contact surface 22 serves as the primary bearing between the flat surface of the fastening screw 2 and the protective cap 1 to ensure a direct force transmission between the locking screw 10, the protective cap 1, and the fastening screw 2, thereby reducing or preventing settling of the protective cap 1 and the seals due to stress. This enables a rigid screw connection and simultaneously provides pathways for the outlet of excess lubricant 20 within the interior of the protective cap 1 during assembly.

[0032] To further improve the seal between the screw 10 and the protective cap 1, a collar 24 can be provided in addition to the seal 16. This collar 24 serves to improve the seal compression and thus the sealing capacity of the seal 16. The threaded interface between the thread 8 and the nut 4 can be sealed by a liquid sealant or a separate seal between the nut and the threaded structure 8.

[0033] The seal 18 at the open end of the protective cap 1 seals between the outer surface of the nut and the protective cap 1. A cylindrical shape of the nut 4 is advantageous, but not strictly necessary. A radial design or compression of the seal 18 allows for tolerance flexibility in the axial direction for the thread projection X. If the thread projection X varies, as in relation to Figures 1 and 2As described, the protective cap 1 can still be firmly attached to the fastening screw 2 and the seal 18 seals the interface between the nut 4 and the protective cap 1 at a different axial position.

[0034] The outer surface 23 of the protective cap 1 can have indentations 25 in at least a portion of its circumference. These indentations can be used to grip the protective cap 1 with a tool or manually and to place it onto the fastening screw 2. Additionally, the indentations 25 guide the protective cap along the thread 8 of the fastening screw 2, thus providing extra robustness. Protrusions 26 are formed between the indentations 25, which can serve as pockets for receiving lubricant. The indentations 25 can be axial or in the form of a helical groove.

[0035] Preferably, the protective cap 1 can be designed without exposed ribs, thus minimizing internal manufacturing stresses. This can prevent or reduce cracking caused by temperature fluctuations, settling, etc., over time. This design also has the advantage of avoiding a weld line (the connection of at least two melt fronts), which could contribute to potential cracking due to internal and external influences.

[0036] The seal 18 is provided with at least one sealing lip and can consist of an element having several radial sealing lips 27, as shown in Figures 5 and 6As shown in the figure. These sealing lips 27 provide additional sealing against the nut 4. In its lower region, the seal 18 can have a chamfer 28 for axial sealing, which serves both to seal against the nut 4 and to provide a seal between the nut 4 and the base surface 6. Furthermore, in its lower region, the seal 18 can have a flange 30, which provides additional sealing against the base surface 6. The flange 30 thus extends the protected area, which is protected by the protective cap 1, not only to the threaded section 8 of the fastening screw 2, but also to the entire nut 4 and part of the base surface 6. In this way, it can be ensured that not only the exposed thread 8 is protected from environmental influences, but also that the nut 4 remains undamaged over time and can therefore be retightened if necessary.Additionally, this provides a clean contact surface for the clamping tool of the fastening screw 2 on the base surface 6.

[0037] As in the comparison between the Figures 5, 6 or 7, 8 can be seen, the seal 18 serves both for sealing in the case where there is a distance X between the protective cap 1 and the base surface 6 ( Figures 5 and 6 ) and in the case where the protective cap 1 is in direct contact with the seal 18 and thus the base surface 6 ( Figures 7 and 8 The height difference X between the protective cap 1 and the base surface 6 can thus be compensated for via the seal 18, whereby a secure seal between the protective cap 1 and the base surface 6 or between the protective cap 1 and the nut 4 and thus the fastening screw 2 can be ensured in any case.

[0038] The seal 18 can consist of several O-rings arranged one on top of the other (not shown). Alternatively, the seal can be a complete sealing element, as described in the Figures 9 to 11 is described in detail. As in Fig. 9 As can be seen, the seal 18 is a cylindrical seal with several sealing lips 27 on its inner surface, as previously described. The upper sealing lips 27 seal the protective cap 1 against the nut 4 and can either be designed as radially obliquely extending sealing lips 27, as shown in Figures 5 to 8 are shown, or may be designed as purely radially extending sealing lips 27, as shown in Fig. 10as can be seen. Additionally, the seal 18 has a chamfer 28, which forms a radially obliquely extending sealing lip 28. This sealing lip 28 serves, as previously described, to seal between the protective cap 1, the nut 4, and the base 6. The seal 18 can also have a flange 30, as previously described. This flange 30 can either be designed as a radial ring, as shown in Figures 9 and 10 can be seen, or alternatively may have a larger radial extent, as in Fig. 11 As shown. In this case, the flange 30 can provide complete coverage of the base 6 in the area of ​​the fastening screw 2. This provides an additional seal between the protective cap 1, the nut 4 and the base 6.

[0039] The seal 18, particularly if it consists of several sealing rings, can be applied to the fastening screw 2 using an assembly tool 32 before the protective cap 1 is mounted. The assembly tool 32 can consist of a cylindrical body 34 on which the seal 18, particularly several sealing rings, or even several seals 18, can be arranged. Retaining elements 36 can be formed at one end of the assembly tool 32. The retaining elements 36 are designed to accommodate the fastening screw 2 and nut 4 between them. To mount the seal 18, the assembly tool 32 is placed onto the nut 4. The seal 18 can then be moved along the cylindrical or conical body 34 to the nut 4 and off the assembly tool 32.When the seal 18 is no longer on the mounting tool 32, but is arranged around the nut 4, the mounting tool 32 can be removed and then the protective cap 1 can be placed on the fastening screw 2.

[0040] A disassembly tool 38, as described in [reference to relevant document], can be used to remove the protective cap 1. Fig. 13The disassembly tool 38 has a recess 40 that can grip the nut 4 like a wrench. The disassembly tool 38 may have a tapered section in the area of ​​the recess 40 to allow easy insertion under the protective cap 1, or between the protective cap 1 and the base 6. To remove the protective cap 1, the disassembly tool 38 is inserted between the protective cap 1 and the base 6, with the recess 40 gripping the nut 4. Using a handle 44, the protective cap 1 can be levered upwards and away from the base 4, thus removing it. Beforehand, the screw 10 is loosened to disconnect the screw connection between the protective cap 1 and the fastening screw 2.

[0041] The protective cap 1 described here ensures reliable and lasting protection of a fastening screw, such as those used in underwater applications. In particular, it prevents corrosion or other contamination of an exposed thread of the fastening screw. Reference symbol list

[0042] 1 Protective cap 2 Fastening screw 4 Nut 6 Base surface 8 Exposed threads 10 Screw 12 Through hole 14 Hole 16 Gasket 18 Gasket 20 Lubricant 22 Contact surface 23 Outer surface 24 Collar 25 Notches 26 Bulges 27 Sealing lips 28 Chamfer 30 Flange 32 Mounting tool 34 Cylindrical body 36 Retaining elements 38 Disassembly tool 40 Recess 42 Tapered 44 Handle X Spacing

Claims

1. Protective cap (1) for a fastening screw (2), wherein the protective cap (1) has a cylindrical body with an inner and an outer casing surface (23), wherein the cylindrical body is closed at one end and by way of the other open end can be pushed onto the fastening screw (2), wherein the inner casing surface forms an inner receptacle in which the fastening screw (2) can be received, wherein provided at the closed end is a through bore (12) through which a screw (10) can be passed, wherein the screw (10) is designed to engage in a corresponding bore (14) in the fastening screw (2) in order to connect the protective cap (1) to the fastening screw (2), characterized in that provided on the open end of the cylindrical body is a seal (18) which is designed to seal the protective cap (1) in relation to the fastening screw (2), wherein the seal (18) is disposed on the inner casing surface of the protective cap (1), wherein the seal (18) is provided with at least one sealing lip (27, 28) which extends radially inwards from the inner casing surface.

2. Protective cap according to Claim 1, wherein a further seal (16) is disposed between the screw (10) and the closed end.

3. Protective cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an interior of the protective cap (1) is filled with lubricant and / or corrosion inhibitor (20).

4. Protective cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal (18) extends from the inner casing surface over the periphery of the open end to the outer casing surface (23).

5. Protective cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal (18) is provided with a plurality of sealing lips (27, 28) which extend radially inwards from the inner casing surface.

6. Protective cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal (18) comprises a plurality of seal rings which are disposed axially on top of one another.

7. Protective cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cap (1) is at least on the outer casing surface (23) covered by the seal (18).

8. Protective cap according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seal (18) comprises a flange (30) which extends in the radial direction outwards over the cylindrical body.