Actuator for a tool for subsea use and holding of a tool

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator (1) for a tool for submarine use, comprising a connecting region (2) configured for positive connection to a receptacle (11) of a tool, the connecting region (2) comprising a connecting element (27) with a conical region (3) and a cylindrical region (4), wherein at least one torque support (5) projects from a lateral surface (29) of the cylindrical region (4) and is configured to engage positively in at least one cutout (28) of the receptacle (11). The actuator (1) can enable a simplified connection to a receptacle (11) of a tool, free of play and angular offset.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuator for submarine (deep sea) use, particularly in great water depths, comprising a tool. The tool can be, for example, a fitting of a hydraulic device, such as a valve in a submarine facility for oil and gas production. The actuator can thus be used and configured in particular to actuate underwater fittings.

[0002] Due to their use in great water depths, often several thousand meters, such actuators and associated tools are subject to high reliability requirements, as the tools often perform safety-relevant functions in a conveyor system and inspection or maintenance work is associated with considerable effort due to the water depth.

[0003] For this purpose, the actuator is connected to the tool in such a way that a driving force, often a torque, can be transmitted. A connecting region of the actuator can be brought into operative connection with a tool holder. Numerous actuators are known from the prior art. An example of an actuator for submarine use and its connection to a valve is shown in US 2016 / 0003001 A1.

[0004] A disadvantage of conventional actuators is that establishing a connection with a tool is complex. Tolerances in the connection area between the actuator and the tool holder can lead to an angular misalignment of the actuator and tool axes, as well as to significant play in the rotational adjustment angle. This reduces the energy efficiency of the connection and increases wear. Furthermore, they often do not offer any means of securing the actuator and the possibility of removing it from the tool holder.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to at least partially alleviate the problems described with reference to the prior art and, in particular, to propose an actuator and a holder for a tool which enable the actuator to be easily connected and released from the holder of the tool and to improve the energy efficiency and durability of the connection between the actuator and the holder compared to the prior art.

[0006] These objects are achieved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the solution proposed here are specified in the independent patent claims. It should be noted that the features listed in the dependent patent claims can be combined with one another in any technologically expedient manner and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the patent claims are further specified and explained in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

[0007] An actuator for a tool for submarine use contributes to this. The actuator has a connecting region configured to form a positive connection with a tool holder. The connecting region comprises a connecting element with a conical and a cylindrical region, with at least one torque support projecting from the lateral surface of the cylindrical region and configured to engage positively in at least one section of the holder.

[0008] The actuator and tool can be used, for example, in subsea oil and gas production facilities. Accordingly, these facilities are designed to operate at depths of more than 1,000 meters. The tool could, for example, be a valve in a pipeline or system that is operated by the actuator, i.e., opened or closed, or a predetermined opening width can be set. The actuator can also be used in areas such as carbon capture, i.e., subsea storage of carbon dioxide, or hydrogen storage. The actuator is suitable for adjusting most mechanical components.

[0009] In particular, the actuator can provide a torque as a driving force or cause a rotary movement to actuate the tool, which can be transmitted via a shaft connection formed by the connecting element of the actuator and the tool holder. The axis of the shaft can be understood as the main axis of the actuator and the tool holder. The main axis can also correspond to a connection direction between the actuator and the tool holder, i.e., the direction of movement to establish a connection between the actuator and the holder.

[0010] The actuator can be electrically driven by an electric motor or hydraulically driven by a hydraulic motor. An electric drive with hydraulic transmission is also conceivable. Alternatively, purely mechanical drives can also be used.

[0011] The actuator can be part of an underwater vehicle, for example in the form of a so-called Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV), Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) or Subsea Crawler (e.g. mining or cable laying).

[0012] The connecting area of ​​the actuator is configured for a positive connection with a receiving area of ​​the tool holder. The connecting area comprises a connecting element with a conical area. This can be designed as a truncated cone of a right circular cone, whereby a height axis (i.e., a normal to the base of the circular cone through its center) can correspond to the main axis of the actuator. The conical area can be arranged on the connecting element in such a way that, when connected to a tool holder, it first engages the holder, i.e., it can be arranged at the end of the connecting element facing away from the actuator. The conical area of ​​the connecting element advantageously enables simplified insertion or "threading" into the tool holder.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the conical region can form an angle with the main axis in a range of 0 degrees [°] to 45°. An angle in this range can enable easy insertion of the connecting element into the receptacle while simultaneously ensuring good transmission of the drive torque.

[0014] The cylindrical region is thus arranged between the conical region and the actuator. The cylindrical region is, in particular, a right circular cylinder, but can also be a cylinder with a different geometric base shape, such as oval, square, or star-shaped. The cylindrical region can include an outer surface.

[0015] The torque support can project from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the connecting element and, when connected to the receptacle, engage in a cutout in the receptacle in such a way that a rotational movement of the connecting element relative to the receptacle is prevented.

[0016] According to one embodiment, two, three, or four torque supports can be provided, enabling symmetrical load introduction into the receptacle or connecting element. Furthermore, the number of torque supports advantageously increases the number of circumferential positions in which the connecting element can be inserted into the receptacle.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the torque support can have at least a partially cuboid shape. In particular, the larger side surface can be aligned parallel to the main axis, thereby providing a large surface area for absorbing the torque.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the torque arm can have a rounded area. This can help facilitate insertion into the tool holder and reduce the risk of injury from the tool holder.

[0019] According to one embodiment, to avoid play between the cutout of the mount and the torque support, the torque support can be configured to expand within the cutout of the mount and thus secure itself in the cutout without play. For this expansion, pressure elements can be provided that can protrude from the surface of the torque support and exert a contact force on the cutout or wedge the pressure elements in the cutout. This advantageously prevents an offset of the angle of rotation or rotation of the connecting element relative to the mount.

[0020] According to one embodiment, two first pressure elements can be connected by a hinge, and a spring-loaded wedge can be pressed between the two first pressure elements, thus causing the two first pressure elements to spread apart. The spring-loaded wedge can move between the first pressure elements, particularly in the connecting direction (the direction of movement for connecting the connecting element and the receptacle). The wedge can be subjected to a spring force, particularly by a coil spring.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the lateral surface of the cylindrical connecting region can comprise at least two spreaders as a projecting second pressure element, designed to exert a contact force on the holder of the tool.

[0022] In a resting position, the spreader can thus form part of the outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the connecting element. In particular, spring force can push the spreader radially outward and move it until it rests against the receptacle or the cylindrical receptacle portion. This advantageously centers the connecting element in the receptacle and further reduces or minimizes any play between the connecting element and the receptacle portion.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the spreader can be moved by the spring force in the axial direction (the main axis) on guide elements, which cause a projection from the outer surface of the cylindrical region during the axial movement. The movement occurs in particular in the connecting direction. The spring force can be applied in particular by means of a spiral spring arranged between the spreader and the connecting region. For this purpose, the spiral spring can be aligned in a direction largely parallel to the main axis.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the torque support can comprise a locking mechanism configured to engage in a locking region of the cutout in the receptacle, thus preventing the actuator from being released from the receptacle. The engagement of the torque support's locking mechanism in the locking region of the cutout in the receptacle can prevent movement of the connecting element relative to the receptacle region counter to the connection direction, thus preventing the connection between the actuator and the tool or the tool receptacle from being released.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism can engage the locking area by means of a spring force. The locking area can be a recess in a surface of the cutout that is aligned parallel to the main axis. Upon movement of the torque support into the cutout in the connection direction, the locking mechanism can engage the locking area initiated by the spring force as soon as it is reached. The spring force can be applied by any spring, in particular a spiral spring, or a spiral spring can be part of the locking mechanism.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the actuator may comprise a release mechanism which is configured to release the spreading of the at least two spreaders (second pressure elements) and / or the at least one first pressure element of the at least one torque support and / or the locking.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the release mechanism can be configured to release the at least one first pressure element of the at least one torque support and the at least two spreaders (second pressure elements) and the locking mechanism. This advantageously enables a particularly simple release of the connection between the actuator and the tool holder.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the release mechanism can comprise an operating device that enables simplified operation at a suitable position. For example, the operating device can enable actuation of the release mechanism on a side of the actuator facing away from the connection area or on a side of the actuator that is aligned largely parallel to the main axis. For example, the operating device can cause a release movement of the release device in the direction of the main axis.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the release mechanism can be a ring enclosing the connecting region or the connecting element, which, through rotational and / or, in particular, axial movement (in the direction of the main axis), can release the spreading of the at least one first pressure element of the at least one torque support and / or the spreaders (second pressure elements) and / or the locking mechanism. For this purpose, the ring can be operatively connected to a wedge of the spreading of the torque support, to the spreader, and to the locking mechanism.

[0030] For example, the ring can comprise a linkage as an operating device which enables operation of the ring, for example axial displacement counter to the connection direction, from the side of the actuator facing away from the connection area or from another position of the actuator which is easily accessible for operation.

[0031] According to a further aspect, a receptacle for a tool for submarine use is also proposed, comprising a receptacle region for receiving a connecting element of an actuator proposed here. The receptacle region can, in particular, comprise a cylindrical region that corresponds to a cylindrical region of the connecting element such that the connecting element can be received in the receptacle in a form-fitting manner. The receptacle can also comprise a conical region for the form-fitting reception of the conical region of the connecting element.

[0032] According to one embodiment, measures can be provided that provide electrical insulation between the actuator and the tool or the tool holder. For this purpose, areas of the tool holder that come into contact with the actuator, i.e., the holder and / or the holder area, can have an electrically insulating layer that can potentially provide separation between the holder and the actuator.

[0033] Alternatively or cumulatively, the connecting area and / or the connecting element as well as the torque support, the spreaders and the locking device may also have an electrically insulating layer.

[0034] According to a further aspect, a method for connecting an actuator proposed here to a tool holder proposed here is also proposed, in which the release mechanism is actuated until the connecting element is inserted in the holder and then the actuation of the release mechanism is terminated, whereby a spreading out of the spreader and the torque support(s) as well as the locking can be initiated.

[0035] The explanations of the actuator can also be used to further characterize the tool holder, and vice versa.

[0036] As a precaution, it should be noted that the numerals used here ("first", "second", ...) primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, quantities, or processes, and therefore do not necessarily specify any interdependence and / or sequence of these objects, quantities, or processes. Should a dependence and / or sequence be required, this is explicitly stated here or will be obvious to the person skilled in the art upon studying the specifically described embodiment. To the extent that a component can occur multiple times ("at least one"), the description of one of these components may apply equally to all or part of the majority of these components, but this is not mandatory.

[0037] Thus, an actuator and a tool holder for an actuator are provided that at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, the actuator and the holder at least contribute to ensuring simple connection, in particular simple threading of the actuator or a torque-transmitting connecting element into the holder. Furthermore, the invention secures the connecting element in the holder without play, thereby improving energy efficiency and wear of the connection.

[0038] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments cited. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description. In particular, it should be noted that the figures and, in particular, the illustrated proportions are only schematic. They show: Fig. 1 : a connection area of ​​an actuator proposed here, Fig. 2 : a release mechanism, Fig. 3 : a spreader, Fig. 4 : a sectional view of a connecting element in a tool holder, Fig. 5 : another sectional view of the connecting element in the holder of a tool, Fig. 6: a torque support, Fig. 7 : a locking device on a torque support, and a Fig. 8 : a tool holder suggested here.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows, by way of example and schematically, an actuator 1 with a connecting region 2 comprising a connecting element 27. The connecting element 27 can comprise a conical region 3 and a cylindrical region 4. A torque support 5 can project from a circumferential surface 29 of the cylindrical region 4. In addition, spreaders 7 can be provided in the cylindrical region 4, which can project from the circumferential surface 29. A release mechanism 6 can be configured to release the connecting element 27 from a receptacle 11 of a tool by means of a release movement 8 in the direction of a main axis 12 of the actuator 1. A connection direction 13 can indicate a direction in which the connecting element 27 is to be inserted into a receptacle 11 of a tool.

[0040] Fig. 2 1 also shows, by way of example and schematically, the release mechanism 6, designed as a ring surrounding the connecting element 27. The release mechanism 6 can comprise an operating device 9 that enables operation of the release mechanism 6. Advantageously, the release mechanism 6 can be operated at a position other than the poorly accessible connecting element 27.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a spreader 7, also referred to as a second pressure element 7, which can be arranged in the outer surface 29 of the connecting element 27. The spreader 7 can comprise spiral springs 10.

[0042] The Figs. 4 and 5show sectional views of the connecting element 27 in a receptacle 11. The spiral springs 10 can exert a force in a sliding direction 14, which can correspond to the connecting direction 13, on the spreaders 7, so that the latter move on a guide 15 and, in the process, project out of the outer surface 29 in an expanding direction 16 and can exert a contact pressure on the receptacle 11. The receptacle 11 can form a conical region 34 and a cylindrical region 33, wherein the contact pressure of the spreaders 7 can act in particular on the cylindrical region 33.

[0043] Fig. 5shows, by way of example and schematically, a sectional view of the connecting element 27 in the receptacle 11, viewed in a direction corresponding to the main axis 12. The torque supports 5 of the connecting element 27 can engage in cutouts 28 of the receptacle 11. By spreading the spreaders 7 in the spreading direction 16, the connecting element 27 can be centered in the receptacle 11.

[0044] Fig. 6shows, by way of example and schematically, a sectional view of a torque support 5 in a cutout 28 of the receptacle 11, which can absorb a force 18 and 19 resulting from the torque to be supported. The torque support 5 can comprise a rounded area 22 which engages positively in a corresponding area of ​​the cutout. The force 19 resulting from a torque to be transmitted can be absorbed in the rounded area 22. Two first pressure elements 31 of the torque support 5, which can be rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation of a hinge 30 by means of a hinge 30 and, upon a rotational movement, trigger a movement of the first pressure elements 31 in an expansion direction 17.For this purpose, a wedge 20, which is subjected to a force in the connecting direction 13 by means of a spiral spring 21, can move between the two first pressure elements 31 and move them in the spreading direction 17, so that a contact force of the first pressure elements 31 on the cutout 28 of the receptacle 11 results.

[0045] Fig. 7 also shows a sectional view of the torque support 5 in a cutout 28 of the receptacle 11. The torque support 5 can have a locking mechanism 23 which is pressed into a locking region 32 of the cutout 28 by means of a spiral spring 24 and thus blocks a movement of the torque support 5 and thus of the actuator 1 against the connection direction 13.

[0046] Fig. 8shows, by way of example and schematically, a holder 11 of a tool. The holder 11 can have an insulating layer 26 in the areas that come into contact with the connecting element 27, which electrically insulates the connecting element 27 and the holder 11. Threaded bushings 25 can be provided in the area of ​​the holder 11, which can also be electrically insulated. A potting compound, for example, can be used as the insulating layer 26. The threaded bushings 25 can serve to attach a locking mechanism to the actuator and, through the electrical insulation, prevent potential equalization from the holder 11 to the actuator 1.

[0047] The release mechanism 6 can be configured to release first pressure elements 31, second pressure elements 7, and the locking device 23. For this purpose, the release mechanism 6 (the ring) can be connected to the wedge 20, the spreaders / second pressure elements 7, and the first pressure elements 31. List of reference symbols

[0048] 1 Actuator 2 Connection area 3 Conical area 4 Cylindrical area 5 Torque support 6 Release mechanism 7 Spreader / second pressure element 8 Release movement 9 Operating device 10 Coil spring 11 Mounting element 12 Main axis 13 Connection direction 14 Sliding direction 15 Guide 16 Spreading direction 17 Spreading direction 18 Force 19 Force 20 Wedge 21 Coil spring Wedge 22 Rounded area 23 Locking mechanism 24 Bending spring Locking mechanism 25 Insulated threaded bushing 26 Insulating layer 27 Connecting element 28 Cutout 29 Shell surface 30 Hinge 31 First pressure element 32 Locking area 33 Cylindrical area Mounting element 34 Conical area Mounting element

Claims

1. Actuator (1) for a tool for submarine use, comprising a connecting region (2) configured for positive connection to a receptacle (11) of a tool, wherein the connecting region (2) comprises at least one connecting element (27) with a conical region (3) and a cylindrical region (4), wherein at least one torque support (5) projects from a lateral surface (29) of the cylindrical region (4), configured to engage positively in at least one cutout (28) of the receptacle (11).

2. Actuator (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface (29) of the cylindrical region (4) comprises at least two spreaders (7) as projecting second pressure elements (7) which are designed to exert a contact force on the holder (11) of the tool.

3. Actuator (1) according to claim 2, wherein the at least two spreaders (7) are configured to spread out by a movement in a direction of movement (14) in the direction of a main axis (12) of the actuator (1).

4. Actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one torque support (5) comprises at least one first pressure element (31) which is designed to spread out and fix itself in a cutout (28) of the receptacle (11).

5. Actuator (1) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the at least two spreaders (7) and the at least two first pressure elements (31) of the at least one torque support (5) spread out by means of a spring force.

6. Actuator (1) according to claim 5, wherein the torque support (5) comprises a spring-loaded wedge (20) which is designed to cause at least one first pressure element (31) of the torque support (5) to spread out.

7. Actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the torque support (5) comprises a locking mechanism (23) which is designed to engage in a locking region (32) of the cutout (28) of the receptacle (11) and thus prevent the actuator (1) from becoming detached from the receptacle (11).

8. Actuator (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein a release mechanism (6) is arranged in the connection region (2), configured to release the spreading of the at least two spreaders (7) and / or the at least one first pressure element (31) of the torque support (5) and / or the locking (23) by an axial and / or rotational release movement (8).

9. Holder (11) of a tool with a conical region (34) and a cylindrical region (33) for receiving a connecting element (27) of an actuator (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Receptacle (11) according to claim 9, comprising an electrically insulating layer (26) configured to effect a potential separation between the receptacle (11) and the actuator (1).

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