Line guidance device for suspension applications, especially as a service loop for drilling equipment

Abstract

To provide a line routing device which simplifies a final product including an assembly in desired lines (cables, hoses, or the like for hanging applications) even when the entire length is long, guarantees the excellent protective property, avoids entanglement of the plural lines, and realizes a compact and relatively lightweight structure.SOLUTION: A line routing device has a flexible carrying strand and a plurality of guide bodies 14 arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the carrying strand. According to the invention, adjacent guide bodies can be deflected spatially toward each other and each guide body has a central part 15A having a center axis A, which extends coaxially to the carrying strand, and an outer part 15B having at least one circumferential element. The outer part delimits a receiving region L, which is open in the axial direction, for the lines, radially to the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a line guide apparatus) for guiding supply lines, such as multiple cables, hoses, etc., particularly for suspension applications, the line guide apparatus comprising two suspension parts and a loop therebetween. [Background technology]

[0002] The invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a line guidance device suitable for drilling rigs, for example as a so-called "service loop", which is a bundle of lines used to supply a generally vertically movable consumable of the drilling rig, for example a rotating power head (called a top drive), and which forms a loop between two freely hanging parts to ensure freedom of movement.

[0003] Such a service loop is described, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,619,999 and is illustrated in attached FIG. 4 (state of the art) as part of a derrick 1, designated 6. In that configuration, hoses 5 and cables supply the top drive 3 electrically, hydraulically and / or pneumatically with energy, and possibly also transmit measurement and control signals by electrical and / or optical lines (not shown). The top drive 3 is supplied by the service loop 6 and is vertically displaced by the lifting device 2. To develop the service loop, US Pat. No. 6,619,999 proposes a structurally complex device intended to prevent the supply lines from entangling with each other when the top drive 3 moves up and down.

[0004] In conventional service loops, multiple lines are carried in combination by a large-diameter reinforced rubber hose. The hose is typically filled with a casting material to support the lines against the inside of the outer hose, as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,694. This construction makes subsequent repairs and maintenance, such as replacing lines, more difficult. To reduce downtime, the entire hose assembly, including all lines, must be replaced even if only one line fails. Another disadvantage, especially in drilling equipment, is the relatively large minimum radius of the loop, which is caused by the particularly large outer diameter.

[0005] As a further development, Patent Document 3 proposes a small diameter structure, in which a special internal plastic casting and a specific shielding are proposed, both of which have a high load-bearing capacity, making it possible to dispense with a load-bearing outer hose.

[0006] In contrast, US Pat. No. 6,299,649 discloses a different type of line guidance device, particularly suitable for supplying drill heads in offshore drilling equipment. The line guidance device has two flexible load strands of high tensile strength, which extend over the length of the line guidance device, and a number of guide bodies fixed thereto, arranged consecutively in the longitudinal direction of the load strands. The chain-like line guidance device is suitable for very high tension, suspension applications up to 200 meters in length, such as in deep-sea drilling equipment, and is particularly saltwater resistant. The configuration disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,299,649 allows for very large lengths and ensures good protection, i.e., a long operational life of the line, especially when being hoisted in and out, but is less suitable for use as a service loop, especially due to the required structural space, which is generally not available inside a derrick, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2105575 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 7,966,724 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 9,449,737 [Patent Document 4] European Patent No. 2986869 Summary of the Invention

[0008] In comparison with the above-mentioned current state of the art, a first objective of the present invention is to design a line guidance device in such a way that the final product, including the assembly of the desired line, is simplified, especially in the case of long lengths. Furthermore, the present invention seeks to realize a novel line guidance device that ensures good protection and avoids entanglement of multiple lines, while still being compact and relatively lightweight in construction.

[0009] According to a further aspect, subsequent maintenance work, particularly replacement of individual lines, is facilitated. Still further, a smaller minimum radius in a turnaround area or loop between two longitudinal sections is desirable compared to conventional service loops.

[0010] The proposed line guide device comprises a flexible carrier strand of high tensile strength, which extends over the length of the line guide device, with a number of guide bodies arranged consecutively or successively along the longitudinal direction of the device.

[0011] According to the core concept of the invention, to achieve the first object, adjacent guide bodies are each spatially deflectable relative to one another (i.e., they are each pivotable relative to one another about at least two axes), each guide body comprising a central part having a central axis extending coaxially with the carrying strands, and an outer part having at least one peripheral element, wherein the peripheral element is held by the central part and radially outwardly defines, or suitably defines, an axially open receiving area for one or more lines. Preferably, but not necessarily, each central part may be provided with an axial through-hole forming the central axis and through which the carrying strands extend.

[0012] The carrying strands, like the inner core of the cable, carry a substantial part of the weight and relieve the tension load on the line. Because the carrying strands are flexible, they do not adversely affect the deflection of the guide bodies relative to one another. The guide bodies hold the lines rigidly in the receiving area, i.e., at least radially relative to the central part and therefore relative to the carrying strands. This eliminates tangling and the need for a load-bearing outer hose. With proper dimensioning of the outer parts, the lines are held relatively free of play, which would require casting material in known service loops. With the appropriate configuration, the guide bodies also allow for the replacement of individual lines.

[0013] Relieving tension on the line is often advantageous. For this purpose, for example, respective end tensile strain relief means of appropriate design, for example so-called tensile strain relief socks, can be provided on both sides of the line guide device, possibly without tensile strain relief for the line in the line guide device. Alternatively or additionally, tensile strain relief means can be provided in the line guide device at multiple points in its longitudinal direction, but this reduces the mobility of the line. For tensile strain relief in the line guide device, for example, the peripheral elements at each point can be fixedly tied together and held in a tensile strain-resistant manner at the respective central part or carrying strand.

[0014] The present invention offers particular advantages when relatively heavy line bundles have to be arranged in a substantially vertically suspended position over considerable lengths. The present invention is therefore particularly suitable for use in land, onshore, marine or offshore drilling equipment, in particular as service loops, but is not limited to these areas. Further applications in offshore operations are, for example, supply cables (umbilical cables) between platforms and supply vessels or onshore power sources for ships. The inventive solution is also particularly well suited for onshore applications, in particular suspension applications, for example in drill or deep sea drilling systems or in mining.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the invention, it may be provided that in each guide body the outer part can be released and / or that at least some of the guide bodies, in particular all of the guide bodies each, have a fixing device in their central part for fixing the central part in position on the carrier strand at least in the axial direction, in particular in a positively locking relationship and / or a positively locking relationship.

[0016] The releasable outer part may in particular be provided by at least one peripheral element being movably or pivotally connected to the central part, respectively. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one peripheral element may be releasably fitted to the guide body, for example by means of a screw connection, a plug-in connection, etc., preferably by means of a drop-proof fastening.

[0017] In particular, in the case of drilling equipment, such as land, onshore, marine or offshore drilling equipment, essentially all releasable elements of the guide body should be drop-proof, in particular at least doubly fixed and secured to the guide body, for example by threaded engagement with a pin fixing structure or a similar fixing thread structure. Thus, the central parts are in any case each secured in position axially to the carrying strand, preferably drop-proof, so that the guide body cannot fall in the event of a break in the carrying strand. For example, openable outer parts with pivotable peripheral elements allow lateral access to the receiving area, which facilitates manufacturing and maintenance, since lines can be inserted and removed laterally, i.e., they do not have to be "threaded in" or passed through axially, as, for example, for carrying hoses in conventional service loops. The peripheral elements may, for example, be flexible or pivotally open by means of a separate hinge. In that case, the axial position is fixed by the fastening to the carrying strand, which is perhaps only partially necessary, for example, if the guide bodies are axially opposed to each other. In that configuration, the pivotable peripheral element can be held particularly captively in the guide body so that subsequent maintenance is simplified and parts are reliably prevented from falling out.

[0018] In a further aspect of the invention, it may be provided that at least some, particularly all, of the guide bodies of at least one peripheral element have an external elastic buffer for shock absorption, particularly in relation to radial shocks. The buffer preferably extends circumferentially, preferably over the entire circumference, around the central axis. The buffer damps lateral shocks of the guide bodies during horizontal oscillations caused by vertical movements during operation. Furthermore, the buffer can simultaneously act as an angled abutment between the individual guide bodies to limit their relative deflection relative to one another through a damping effect. This therefore allows the loop to have a small diameter while still providing good protection despite a simple structure. The radius can be selected to be virtually any value, depending on the dimensioning of the peripheral elements and buffers, on the one hand, and the axial spacing between consecutive peripheral elements, on the other hand, but should not be less than the smallest permissible minimum radius of the line.

[0019] The number of guide bodies is selected so that they run along the main length of the carrier strand but have both ends exposed. The guide bodies may in particular be directly adjacent to one another or without a space between them, or they may be arranged with an intermediate space. The guide bodies are preferably not clamped relative to one another but are fixed to the carrier strand without prestress or with play to move around. In a preferred embodiment, the central part as its fixing device has a clamping and / or locking device for fixing the carrier strand in a forcibly locked relationship with the inner surface of the through-hole of the central part. This allows, among other things, simplified manufacturing.

[0020] In principle, all suitable approaches can be considered as anchoring devices and do not put unnecessary stress on the carrier strands.

[0021] In particular, if each central part is provided with an axial through-hole through which the carrying strands extend, the arrangement can have, for example, a screw clamping device with a clamping screw. It can in particular take the form of a clamping clip, in particular a hinged clamping clip with a hinge-like joint. In that case, it is preferable to have two shell-shaped areas on the central part, which can be connected by a hinge so that a clamping screw is only required on one side. If there are clamping screws that can clamp the shell-shaped areas relative to each other, as opposed to a hinge, then in this embodiment, a rigid fixation can be achieved, just as in the case of a clamping clip.

[0022] Alternatively, it is possible to at least partially reduce the free diameter of the through hole or to fix the central part to the carrying strand in a force-locking and / or positive-locking relationship, for example by providing a quick-clamping quick-release clamp, latch clamp or similar device.

[0023] Other means for fixing the guide body in place are also in accordance with the invention. In a further embodiment, the carrying strand may be in the form of a link chain, for example a circular link chain, with each central part forming a type of special chain link as a load-bearing component of the carrying strand. In this configuration, to reduce the weight in relation to the length, preferably two consecutive central parts may be spatially offset and connected by one or more actual chain links provided as intermediate members (without outer parts). The intermediate members may then be, for example, conventional metal links of a circular link chain joined together by oppositely arranged retaining eyelets of the central parts.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the carrier strand may be in the form of a "pearl necklace" having a carrier body which has a fixed or stationary position when viewed longitudinally of the carrier strand and to which a central part is secured in a forcibly locking relationship by a respective suitable securing device.

[0025] Regardless of the type of fixation employed, the central part is preferably fixedly and non-rotatably fixed to the carrier strand in a particularly torsion-resistant manner, which can be easily achieved in particular by a positive locking clamp to the carrier strand.

[0026] In the operable state, the outer parts preferably form a boundary closed in the circumferential direction or extending completely around the central axis of the guide body so that all lines are held rigidly in a plane perpendicular to the carrying strand in the respective receiving area. In a preferred development, the outer part of each guide body has two peripheral elements movably or pivotally connected to the central part by means of rotary joints, hinge joints, hinge bands or the like in order to insert and extract the lines in and from the receiving area. On the other hand, the peripheral elements may be adapted to be opened in a different manner, for example, they may be removable. The latter is considered in particular when the service loop in the event of a line damage can be replaced with all lines completely or in packets, and no line replacement may be performed in the mining equipment.

[0027] The peripheral elements are preferably in the form of half a ring. Furthermore, the peripheral elements may preferably be identical parts, i.e. both parts may be identical, to reduce the number of parts.

[0028] All or the essential components of the central and outer parts, in particular the peripheral elements, may consist of plastic, in particular as injection moulded parts.

[0029] The elastic buffer preferably consists of an elastomer, such as synthetic rubber, and may be in the form of a rubber buffer, for example. The buffer is more elastic than the other components of the guide body. Preferably, the buffer is ring-shaped or toroidal in configuration. The buffer should encompass the major part of the periphery. In particular, the buffer preferably surrounds one or more peripheral elements over the entire circumference, for example in the form of a closed or closable ring. The buffer can simultaneously represent a fixation or closure of one or more movable peripheral elements, for example acting as a retaining ring that can be pressed axially. The buffer may also be in the form of a break-open ring that is closed together with the peripheral element.

[0030] Preferably, all guide bodies have buffers, each of which preferably projects axially relative to one or more peripheral elements so as to limit the maximum angle of spatial deflection of the guide bodies relative to one another and act as an abutment, or is axially flush with one or more peripheral elements so that buffers of adjacent guide bodies abut against one another. The buffers as deflection limiting structures reduce wear, in particular noise generation. The buffers can be held at their exterior by, for example, each peripheral element having a circumferentially extending retaining groove into which the ring-shaped buffer engages in a positive locking relationship to provide axial retention, or vice versa.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the carrying strand has respective connection devices at both ends for releasably fastening the line guidance device to equipment that is supplied to the drilling rig, for example, which facilitates replacement of the line guidance device. In the case of using cables as carrying strands, all existing cable end connectors or cable end connection devices may be considered, such as splices or pressed eyelets, pressed or spliced ​​thimbles, pressed clamps, or cast thread fittings, etc. In the case of link chains as carrying strands, all existing releasable end connections, shackles, hooks, screw connections, clamps, eyelets, etc. may also be considered.

[0032] In particular, a fixing device for tensile strain relief on the line is preferably provided on each connecting device, in particular by a so-called cable strain relief sock (referred to as mesh cable support grips), preferably by means of a loop / thimble or a retaining eye. For this purpose, each connecting device is preferably provided with at least two horizontally opposed retaining arms which are fixed to the connecting device in a load-bearing relationship, to which the line to be guided for tensile strain relief can be fixed, for example by means of a shackle, each of which releasably holds a mesh cable support grip. With such an arrangement, complete replacement of the line guidance arrangement including the line is simplified, since it is only necessary to release the two connecting devices.

[0033] The outer part may have a large perimeter, in particular an angular extent of 300 degrees or more, with exactly one peripheral element. However, preferably, the outer part is a multi-component part with several peripheral elements. In cross section, the outer part may define an approximately circular shape, i.e., the peripheral element is preferably arc-shaped, and the outer part may in particular be designed with two respective semicircular elements. Other shapes, for example polygonal cross sections, are also possible.

[0034] The outer part should preferably have a sufficient internal diameter, i.e., a receiving area diameter for receiving the appropriate line, which should be appreciably larger than 100 mm, in particular at least 125 mm, so as to be able to guide the supply line in the intended application.

[0035] In an embodiment, the central component may have two hinge regions that protrude axially relative to the peripheral elements and are in axially opposed relationship. In this configuration, the hinge regions are conjugated so that one hinge region of a first guide body can be axially releasably introduced into the other conjugated hinge region of an adjacent second guide body, i.e., the guide bodies can be axially fitted together. The axially releasable configuration of the hinge regions greatly simplifies assembly, since the guide body only needs to be fitted onto the carrier strand, or the carrier strand only needs to be passed through the central component, and they can be "plugged" into each other. Therefore, the selective hinge connection of such consecutive guide bodies is preferably axially loose, but at least can be easily axially loosened or plugged.

[0036] Providing tensile strength for the selective hinge connection between guide bodies, especially adjacent hinge regions, is not required in principle due to the presence of the support strand in suspension applications. In a preferred development, the hinge region may form a ball-hinge-like hinge connection for spatial deflection of adjacent guide bodies. Push-in hinge connections can be realized with part-spherical hinge heads and approximately hemispherical hinge sockets and / or hinge heads / sockets that can be axially fitted together by socket expansion and / or head compression. In other embodiments, the guide bodies are fixed to the support strands in an axially spaced relationship by their fixing devices, thereby reducing the amount and weight of material involved.

[0037] The through holes in the central piece may preferably have mutually opposing axial inlet areas that widen radially outward to reduce wear on the central piece and / or the carrier strands.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the central part of each guide body has two one-piece carrying arms, each with an internal clamping shell and a radial bar. In this configuration, the clamping shells can be connected together to form a through-hole for the carrying strand between them, in particular as a clamping device. The central part can essentially consist of these two carrying arms. The bar of the carrying arm preferably has an outer part, in particular an outer end region to which both peripheral elements are connected. The bar thus holds one or more peripheral elements, thereby (radially) fixing the line to the carrying strand to which the clamping shell is fixed. The or each peripheral element may possibly be connected to the bar integrally or, for example, flexibly pivotable. Preferably, each peripheral element, as a separate part, is connected to the bar by a hinge.

[0039] Additionally, within the through hole, the central piece may have clamping tooth arrangements extending transversely to the central axis for axial fixation to the carrier strands.

[0040] The carrying strands may in particular be carrying cables of, for example, reinforced plastic, with good tensile strength. In this case, tensile strength means that the carrying strands or cables have sufficient tensile strength to support the total weight of the line guidance device including all lines, i.e. a notional end weight corresponding to the total weight of the line guidance device with all lines. The required static load-bearing capacity of the carrying strands depends on the application involved, but should typically be well above 1000 kg.

[0041] Wire cables with individual cable wires also preferably have a strength of 900 N / mm 2The carrying strands are considered to have a standard strength of the wire material higher than that of the plastic cable wire. In addition to or instead of the plastic cable wire, steel cable wire, possibly with a plastic core, is also considered. The carrying strands or cables should have as low an elongation as possible. As an alternative to the carrying cable, for example, a link chain with steel links can also be used as the carrying strand.

[0042] On the other hand, preferably, a carrying cable made of highly stretchable plastic is used in conjunction with a guide body made at least mainly of plastic. In this way, even with a relatively large bearing capacity or large inner diameter for the guide body, e.g., more than 200 mm, and a corresponding load-bearing capacity, a relatively low weight can be achieved for the line guiding device itself (without the guided line) in relation to a length of less than 40 kg / m. The noise emission level is also significantly lower compared to link chains.

[0043] For the intended applications, in particular in drilling equipment, the carrier strand is preferably at least 5 m long, in particular at least 10 m long, in which case it is preferably completely continuous and has a higher level of tear strength and tensile strength than the line it guides.

[0044] In a suspended application, the line guidance device comprises in particular a first length suspended and having a first end connected to a consumable, a second length suspended and having a second end connected to a supply plant / machine component, and a loop connecting the two suspended lengths, in which the suspended length extends in a first approximation in a substantially vertical direction in a first zone starting from its two ends and according to the respective horizontal spacing of its two ends along a catenary surface (called a catenary) that corresponds in a strict mathematical sense, i.e. to a cable or chain curve, i.e. to a hyperbolic cosine function (i.e. cosh).

[0045] In that case, the carrying strand or carrying cable extends beyond both ends, i.e., extends beyond the desired overall length of the line guide device and protrudes at the ends beyond the guide body, in order to facilitate weight-bearing fixation of the carrying strand or carrying cable.

[0046] As an independent aspect of the invention, an individual guide body for a line guiding device according to one of the above embodiments is also claimed.

[0047] According to the core concept, the guide body has a central part with an axial through-hole forming the central axis and through which the carrying strand is threaded, and an outer part with at least one peripheral element which defines an axially outwardly opening receiving area for the line and is held by the central part for that purpose.

[0048] According to an aspect of the invention, the peripheral element is connected to the central part so that it can move or pivot open.

[0049] According to another aspect of the invention, the central piece is provided with a fixing device for fixing the central piece in position relative to the carrier strands.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the invention, elastic buffers are provided on the peripheral elements at their outer sides for shock absorption, especially for damping against radial shocks, and / or for acting as abutments for the guide bodies relative to one another.

[0051] Advantageously, the guide body may have one or more of the further features described hereinafter as advantageous, optionally in combination with one of the above aspects.

[0052] The invention also relates to a drilling rig having a top drive including a suspended line guidance device according to one of the above embodiments for supplying the top drive.

[0053] The line guidance device is particularly suitable for use in onshore or offshore drilling equipment as a replacement for conventional service loops, in original equipment or as a replacement. Depending on the respective relevant requirements, a thin flexible protective housing without a carrying function may additionally be provided, which should be designed to be openable.

[0054] Further details, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0055] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a first embodiment of a line guide device in a suspended configuration for feeding vertically movable consumables in a side view; [Figure 1B] A first embodiment of a line guide device in a suspended configuration for supplying vertically movable consumables is shown as an enlarged perspective view of the lower region or redirecting loop (FIG. 1B). [Figure 2A] 1A and 1B show an axial / longitudinal section of the guide body of the line guide device; [Figure 2B] 1A and 1B show radial / transverse sections of the guide body of the line guide device; [Figure 2C] 1A and 1B show perspective views of a guide body of the line guide device. [Figure 3] 1 shows a radial section / cross section of a second embodiment of a guide body. [Figure 4] As an example of the application of the invention, a drilling rig is shown which has a top drive supplied with a service loop known per se (state of the art) which is replaced by a line guidance device. [Figure 5A] 2A to 2C show a third preferred embodiment of a guide body in a modified configuration. [Figure 5B] 2A to 2C show a third preferred embodiment of a guide body in a modified configuration. [Figure 6]1 shows a further embodiment of the line guiding device, in which the carrying strand is in the nature of a link chain. [Figure 7] 1 shows a further embodiment of the line guide device, in which the carrier strand has a carrier body for positively locking fixation of the guide body. [Figure 8] 1 shows a schematic cross section through a connecting device that secures the end of a carrying cable to a cable sleeve and holds arms for tensile strain relief of the line. [Figure 9] 10 shows a line with meshed cable support grips for strain relief and fixation to a connecting device such as that shown in FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] 1A and 1B show a first example of a line guidance device 10 according to the present invention in a suspended configuration having a first vertical length 12A having a first end 12C and a second vertical length 12B having a second end 12D. The first end 12C is connected to a machine component M, which in this example moves up and down, e.g., a derrick top drive 3 (see FIG. 4). Similarly, the second length 12B is fixed by its end 12D to a frame structure, i.e., a stationary machine part F. A loop 13 forms a direction change region connecting the two substantially vertically suspended lengths 12A and 12B.

[0057] The line guidance device 10 comprises a flexible carrying cable 11 made of reinforced plastic fibre, for example of high-modulus polyethylene or high-modulus polyamide, which carries the weight load of the line guidance device 10 as a carrying strand. For this purpose, the free end regions 11A and 11B protruding on both sides of the carrying cable 11 are suitably fixed to a movable mechanical part M and a fixed mechanical part F (schematically shown in FIG. 1A). As a second basic component, the line guidance device 10 comprises a plurality of closed loop guide bodies 14 arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the carrying cable 11 (FIG. 1B). The guide bodies 14 are arranged in a row on the carrying cable 11 and are supported and held by it. The carrying cable 11 thereby carries at least the entire weight of all the guide bodies 14.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1B, the loop 13 between the lengths 12A and 12B may form a relatively small radius, i.e., the lengths 12A and 12B may extend slightly horizontally spaced apart from one another. The small radius is made possible, inter alia, by the fact that adjacent guide bodies 14 may be angled significantly relative to one another. The guide bodies 14 may each be spatially movable relative to one another, as shown in FIG. 1B. However, the spacing between the lengths 12A and 12B may be significantly increased depending on the application, and they may not even be suspended vertically. Depending on the application, the line guide device 10 may extend, for example, similar to a suspension bridge.

[0059] 2A and 2B show a first embodiment of a guide body 14 for a line guiding device 10. Each guide body 14 has an inner central part 15A having a central axis A and a through hole 16 coaxial therewith for passing the carrying strand 11 (FIG. 1A) therethrough, and an outer part 15B having two peripheral elements 17 in the shape of an arc, here with an arc length of about 160-180 degrees, for holding the line. Each peripheral element 17 defines a receiving area L radially outward, which is open axially for the line (not shown).

[0060] The central part 15 includes a fixing device 18 for fixing the guide body 14 in position axially on the carrying cable 11. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, this is in the form of a screw clamping device 18 in the manner of a hinged clamping shell or cable clamp. To this end, the central part 15A is made integrally from plastic and has two integral carrying arms 20A and 20B, each with an internal clamping shell 21A and 21B. Due to their conjugated configuration, the clamping shells 21A and 21B form on one side a hinge-like joint 24 (see FIG. 3 ) that pivotally connects the clamping shells 21A and 21B. On the opposite side, the clamping shells 21A and 21B have threaded holes for clamping screws 25 that fasten the U-shaped clamping shells 21A and 21B to each other. Alternatively, quick-release clamping devices or the like may also be considered. The clamping shells 21A and 21B further define two generally semi-cylindrical inner surfaces of the through bore 16. By fastening the clamping shells 21A and 21B together, the central part 15A, i.e. the guide body 14, is fixed to the carrying cable 11 against the inner surface of the through bore 16 and fixed in a force-locking relationship to the carrying strand 11. Clamping tooth arrangements 28 extending transversely to the central axis A are provided on the inner surfaces of the two clamping shells 21A and 21B to provide better axial fixation.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 2B, each carrier arm 20A, 20B includes, integrally with the respective clamping shell 21A, 21B, radial bars 22A, 22B, to whose outer end regions the outer part 15B, i.e., two peripheral elements 17, are flexibly connected here by means of rotary hinges. The two peripheral elements 17 are thus pivotally connected to one bar 22A of the central part 15A by associated rotary joints 23, e.g., hinges, so as to be pivotable between a closed position in FIG. 2B and an open position (not shown). This facilitates the insertion and removal of lines into one of the receiving areas L. The peripheral elements 17 are here identical, e.g., in the form of a two-part ring manufactured from a plastic part or sheet metal. The peripheral elements 17 form releasable eyelets for the hinges 23, which are rotatably mounted on a mounting pin or spindle on one bar 22A, as in the case of pipe clamps. At their opposite ends, the peripheral element 17 and the other bar 22B have threaded holes therethrough for fastening screws 29 with fastening nuts or the like. In this way, the peripheral element 17 is fixed to the other bar 22B in the closed position (FIG. 2B). The inner diameter of the receiving area L thus defined, measured radially between the peripheral elements 17, is generally in the range of at least 150 mm to 300 mm or more. The receiving capacity is predetermined by appropriate dimensioning of the peripheral element 17 and optionally the bars 22A and 22B.

[0062] 2A further illustrates two central, axially projecting hinge regions 26A and 26B of central piece 15A, which function to provide a defined, low-wear relative movement of adjacent guide bodies 14 without lateral shift relative to one another from an extended position at lengths 12A and 12B to a fully angled position at the apex of loop 13 (lower in FIG. 1B ). To that end, each central piece 15A has two hinge regions 26A and 26B in opposing relationship at opposite ends coaxially with central axis 16. The opposing hinge regions 26A and 26B are conjugated or paired such that one hinge region 26A can be releasably inserted axially coaxially into the other conjugated hinge region 26B of each of the adjacent hinge bodies, particularly without the need for tools and with little or no force. The hinge regions 26A and 26B can form a ball-joint-like hinge connection for spatial deflection of adjacent guide bodies 14 about any two axes. To that end, one hinge region 26A is in the form of a joint head 27A with a ball-ring (see FIG. 2C) (partial sphere) outer surface, and the corresponding conjugated hinge region 26B is in the form of a joint socket 27B with a substantially hemispherical inner surface (see FIG. 2A).

[0063] 2A-2C further show an annular elastic buffer 19 made of elastomer, which surrounds the peripheral element 17 substantially over the entire circumference. The buffer may be rounded at the transition between the axial end and the peripheral surface, which on the one hand acts as an angled abutment limiting the minimum turning radius of the loop 13 (bottom in FIG. 1B) and on the other hand acts to dampen radial shocks, for example during impacts on the installation / machine or during transportation.

[0064] Each buffer 19 is in the form of an open ring with a gap for mounting on the outer part 15B and is closed by a fixing screw 29. In the example shown, the buffers 19 do not protrude axially beyond the peripheral element 17 but are axially flush with the axial end of the peripheral element 17, although a protruding configuration is also possible. For the purpose of axial fixation, the buffers 19 radially engage in peripheral retaining grooves or receiving means on the exterior of the peripheral element 17. Alternatively, it is also possible to fit the circumferentially closed buffers 19 in place (without a gap) with an interference fit, for example, of a wheel, in order to further fix the peripheral element 17. The elastic shock-absorbing buffers 19 may be solid or hollow, depending on the structural dimensions involved in reducing weight.

[0065] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of a guide body 34 for the line guidance device 10. The guide body 34 differs from those shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in particular, in that it does not have any specified joint regions 26A and 26B. The guide bodies 34 are intended to be mounted in line on the carrying cable 11 with an axial spacing between adjacent guide bodies 34. The guide body 34 shown in FIG. 3 has mirror-symmetrical, trumpet-shaped entrance regions 36 facing each other. The entrance regions 36 expand, or flare, axially outward to reduce friction with the carrying cable 11 when in an angled position. Therefore, if necessary, a smaller diameter for the loop 13 (FIG. 1B) can be realized. Otherwise, the same reference numerals in FIG. 3 indicate the same parts as in FIGS. 2A-2C. However, a larger expansion of the through-hole 16 may be provided in FIGS. 2A-2C.

[0066] 4 shows an example of the application of the line guidance device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 in a derrick 1. In this case, the line guidance device 10 can act as a replacement for a conventional service loop 6 supplying a top drive 3.

[0067] 5A and 5B show a variant of the guide body 54 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. One difference is that the carrying arms have material thickenings 52C and 52D on both bars 52A and 52B in the area around the clamping screw 25 to protect the lines. Furthermore, the bar 52A, which is provided with a rotary joint 53 for pivoting and opening the peripheral element 57, forms additional material thickenings 52E and 52F to protect the lines in relation to the rotary joint 53 and to mechanically reinforce the joint 53. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a hinge pin is provided on the peripheral element 57 and pivotally attached to the bar 52A. The guide body is identical in other basic features to the guide body shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, in particular, the central and outer parts may also consist, at least primarily, of plastic injection molding.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a short length of an alternative embodiment in which the carrier strand 11 (see FIG. 1A) is in the form of a link chain rather than a carrier cable. To this end, each individual guide body 64 has two axially opposed retaining eyelets, which are longitudinally connectable and deflectable relative to one another by an intermediate member 62, e.g., the structure of standard chain links of a round-link chain. Thus, the central part 65A in FIG. 6 is an integral, load-bearing component of the chain-like carrier strand. In this case, each central part 65A of each guide body 64 also has two diametrically opposed carrier arms 60A and 60B, to which outer parts 65B are fixed. A further difference in relation to FIGS. 2A-2C and 5A-5B is that the outer parts 65B here have two fixed, non-releasable peripheral elements 67A of arcuate shape, which are manufactured, for example, integrally with the carrier arms 60A and 60B. Two arc-shaped releasable peripheral elements 67B are removably fixed to the non-releasable peripheral elements 67A of the outer part 65B, for example by means of a threaded connection, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 6 in relation to the upper guide body 64.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a longitudinal section of a further alternative embodiment in which the carrier strands are in the form of a carrier cable 71. Block-shaped carrier bodies 72 are statically fitted onto the carrier cable 71 at equal intervals. The carrier bodies 72 can be pressed into place and / or fixed longitudinally to the carrier cable by adhesive. This structure allows a positively locking connection to the central part 75A for fixing the carrier cable 71 in place. For this purpose, each of the central parts 75A in FIG. 7 has receiving means 77 formed on the carrying arms 76A and 76B, respectively, and suitably designed for positively locking engagement with the carrier body 72. The receiving means 77, like the holding means, are fitted onto the carrier body 72 in a positively locking relationship and are fixedly connected together, for example by a screw connection. The outer parts (not shown in FIG. 7 for the sake of simplicity) can in this case also be of a structure corresponding to FIG. 5A, 5B or 6. In the example in FIG. 7, the central part 75A, in particular the carrying arms 76A and 76B and the receiving means, may be manufactured in one piece from plastic in the form of an injection moulded part.

[0070] 8 and 9 show a connecting device 80, by which the end regions 11A and 11B of the carrying cable 11 (FIG. 1) can be releasably fastened to a connection point of an installation. The connecting device 80 of FIG. 8 comprises a main body, for example manufactured by machining in the form of a metal component, having a cable sleeve in a lower region including coaxial bearing means 83, in which the respective end regions 11A and 11B of the carrying cable 11 (FIG. 1) are received and fastened in a tension-resistant manner by casting (glued joint) and pressing and / or casting. Preferably, threaded projections 84, having male or female threads, are provided at the opposite ends for easy assembly / disassembly, allowing for easy assembly / disassembly, and into which shackles, load eyelets, load hooks, etc. (not shown) can be threaded. Furthermore, the connecting device 80 comprises at least two oppositely arranged radial retaining arms 85A and 85B, each having a transverse bore 86 for fastening each individual line 93 directly to the connecting device 80 and, therefore, to the carrying cable 11. The bore 86 allows the mesh cable support grip 90 (FIG. 9) to be suspended in a tensile strain relief relationship by the loop / thimble 92 through the shackles of the retaining arms 85A and 85B. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] Figures 1A and 1B 10 Line guide device 11 Carrying cable (carrying strand) 11A, 11B End region (carrier strand) 12A, 12B Suspension length part 12C, 12D End (Line Guide Device) 13 Loop 14 Guide body M Movable mechanical parts F Fixed mechanical parts Figures 2A to 2C 14 Guide body 15A (guide body) central part 15B Outer part (of guide body) 16 through holes 17 Peripheral Elements 18 Fixation Devices 19 buffers 20A, 20B (at the center part) carrying arms 21A, 21B Clamping shell (in the central part) 22A, 22B (at the center part) Bar 23 Rotational joint (between peripheral element and carrying arm) 24 Hinge joint (in clamp shell) 25 Clamping screw 26A, 26B (at the central part 15A) hinge area 27A Joint Head 27B Joint Socket 28 clamping teeth configuration 29 Fixing screws A center axis L receiving area Figure 3 34 Guide body 15A (guide body) central part 15B Outer part (of guide body) 17 Peripheral Elements 19 buffers 21A, 21B Clamping shell (in the central part) 36 (in the central part 15A) inlet region Figure 4 (current technology) 1 Derrick 2 Lifting device 3 Top Drive 5 lines 6 Service Loop (Current Technology) Figures 5A and 5B 19 buffers 25 Clamping screw 29 Fixing screws 52A, 52B (at the center part) Bar 52C, 52D, 52E, 52F Material Thickening Section 53 Rotational joint (between peripheral element and carrying arm) 54 Guide body 57 Peripheral Elements Figure 6 60A, 60B (at the center part) carrying arms 62 Intermediate member 63 Holding hole 64 Guide body 65A (guide body) central part 65B Outer part (of guide body) 66 Through hole 67A (fixed) peripheral elements 67B (Releasable) Peripheral Elements 69 buffers Figure 7 71 Carrying Cable 72 Carrier body 75A central part 76A, 76B (at the central part) carrying arms 77 Receiving means Figure 8 80 Connecting Devices 82 Cable Sleeve 83 Receiving means 84 Threaded protrusion 85A, 85B holding arms 86 lateral bore Figure 9 90 Mesh Cable Support Grips 92 Loops / Thimbles 93 Line (Cable)

Claims

1. A line guidance device (10) for guiding a plurality of lines such as cables, hoses, etc., in particular for suspension applications supplying a vertically moving top drive (3) of, for example, a drilling rig (1), a flexible carrier strand (11) having tensile strength and extending the length of the line guide device; a number of guide bodies (14) arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the carrier strand; Adjacent guide bodies (14) are spatially deflectable relative to one another, each guide body having a central part (15A) with a central axis (A) extending coaxially with the carrying strand (11) and an outer part (15B) with at least one peripheral element (17) that defines outwardly an axially open receiving area (L) for the line and is held by the central part (15A); At least some of the guide bodies (14) have, on at least one of their outer peripheral elements, elastic buffers (19) for shock absorption; The line guide device (10) is characterized in that the elastic buffer (19) is in the form of an open ring having a gap for attachment to the outer part (15B) and is closed by a fixing screw (29).

2. 2. The line guidance device according to claim 1, characterized in that the central part (15A) has an axial through-hole (16) forming the central axis (A) and through which the carrying strand (11) extends, and has as fixing device a clamping and / or locking device (18) for fixing the central part to the carrying strand in a forcibly locking relationship with the inner surface of the through-hole.

3. At least some of the guide bodies (14) have, in their central part (15A), respective fixing devices (18) for fixing said central part (15A) to said carrier strand (11), 3. The line guidance device according to claim 2, characterized in that the central part (15A) preferably comprises as the fastening device a clamping device (18) in the form of a joint clamping shell having a hinge-like joint (24) connecting two shell-shaped areas (21A, 21B) that can be fastened to the carrying strand, and / or threaded holes for clamping screws (25) on opposite sides of the shell-shaped areas (21A, 21B) to fasten the shell-shaped areas (21A, 21B) to each other.

4. 2. The line guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer part of each guide body has two peripheral elements (17) pivotally connected to the central part by rotary joints (23), respectively, for inserting or removing a line into or from the receiving area.

5. 5. Line guidance device according to claim 4, characterized in that the peripheral element (17) is in the shape of a two-part ring and / or in the form of one and the same part.

6. 6. A line guide device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic buffer (19) is made of an elastomer.

7. 6. A line guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the elastic buffer (19) has a substantially ring-shaped configuration and surrounds one or more of the peripheral elements (17), preferably over the entire circumference.

8. 8. The line guide device according to claim 7, characterized in that all guide bodies (14) have buffers (19), each buffer being arranged so that the buffers of adjacent guide bodies act as abutments to limit the maximum angle of spatial deflection of the guide bodies (14) relative to each other.

9. 9. A line guidance device according to claim 8, characterized in that each buffer (19) projects axially relative to one or more of the peripheral elements (17) or is axially flush with the peripheral element (17).

10. 2. The line guide apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carrier strand has a first end (11A) and a second end (11B), each end having a connecting device (80) for releasably securing (84) the line guide apparatus.

11. 11. The line guidance apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each connecting device (80) has at least two oppositely arranged holding arms (85A, 85B) fixed to said connecting device for tensile strain relief of the line.

12. 12. The line guidance device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the central part (15A) has two axially projecting, mutually opposing joint areas (26A, 26B) of a conjugate configuration such that one of the joint areas (26A) can be releasably introduced in the axial direction into the other conjugate joint area (26B) of an adjacent guide body, the joint areas preferably forming a ball-joint-like joint connection (27A, 27B) for spatial deflection between adjacent guide bodies.

13. 5. The line guiding device according to claim 4, characterized in that the central part (15A) of each guide body (14) comprises two integral carrying arms (20A, 20B) each having an inner clamping shell (21A, 21B) and a radial bar (22A, 22B), the clamping shells being connectable to form a through-hole (16) therebetween for the carrying strand (11), the bars (22A, 22B) having outer end regions to which the outer part (15B), in particular both peripheral elements, are connected (23).

14. 2. The line guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the central part (15A) has an axial through-hole (16) which defines the central axis (A) and through which the carrying strand (11) extends, and the central part (15A) inside the through-hole (16) has clamping tooth arrangements (28) extending transversely to the central axis (A) for axially fixing to the carrying strand (11).

15. 2. Line guidance device according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier strand is in the form of a plastic carrier cable (11) and / or that the carrier strand is at least 10 m long.

16. 2. A line guidance device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first generally vertically downwardly-suspended length (12A) having a first end (12C) connected to a supply of consumables (M), a second generally vertically downwardly-suspended length (12B) having a second end (12D), and a loop (13) connecting the two downwardly-suspended lengths, the carrier strand (11) extending beyond both ends (12C, 12D).

17. It comprises a central part (15A) having an axial through-hole (16) forming a central axis (A) and through which the carrier strand (11) can pass, and an outer part (15B) having at least one peripheral element (17), said peripheral elements defining outwardly said axially open receiving areas (L) for said lines and being held in said central part (15A); said peripheral element (17) being pivotally and releasably connected to said central part (15A); At least one outer peripheral element (17) has an elastic buffer (19) for damping radial shocks; 17. A guide body for a line guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the elastic buffer (19) is in the form of an open ring with a gap for mounting on the outer part (15B) and is closed by a fixing screw (29).

18. 18. Guide body according to claim 17, wherein the elastic buffer (19) consists of an elastomer.

19. The elastic buffer (19) has a generally ring-shaped configuration; A guide body as described in claim 17, characterized in that the elastic buffer (19) surrounds one or more of the peripheral elements (17), preferably over the entire circumference, and / or the diameter of the receiving area formed by the peripheral elements (17) is at least 125 mm.

20. A rotary power head (3) or drilling rig (1) having a top drive, comprising a line guiding device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 for supplying said top drive.

21. 18. Use of a line guidance device (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 as a service loop in an onshore or offshore drilling rig (1), such as in a deep sea drilling installation, comprising two substantially vertically downwardly suspended lengths (12A, 12B) connected by a loop (13).

22. A line guidance device (10) for guiding a plurality of lines such as cables, hoses, etc., in particular for suspension applications supplying a vertically moving top drive (3) of, for example, a drilling rig (1), a flexible carrier strand (11) having tensile strength and extending the length of the line guide device; a number of guide bodies (14) arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the carrier strand; Adjacent guide bodies (14) are spatially deflectable relative to one another, each guide body having a central part (15A) with a central axis (A) extending coaxially with the carrying strand (11) and an outer part (15B) with at least one peripheral element (17) that defines outwardly an axially open receiving area (L) for the line and is held by the central part (15A); At least some of the guide bodies (14) have, in their central part (15A), respective fixing devices (18) for fixing said central part (15A) to said carrier strand (11), the central part (15A) having an axial through-hole (16) forming the central axis (A) and through which the carrier strand (11) extends, and the central part (15A) as the fixing device has a clamping and / or locking device (18) for fixing the central part to the carrier strand in a forcibly locking relationship with the inner surface of the through-hole, The fastening device is characterized in that it comprises a clamping device (18) in the form of a joint clamping shell having a hinge-like joint (24) connecting two shell-shaped regions (21A, 21B) that can be fastened to the carrying strand, and / or a threaded hole for a clamping screw (25) on the opposite side of the shell-shaped regions (21A, 21B) that fastens the shell-shaped regions (21A, 21B) to each other.

23. 23. The line guide device according to claim 22, characterized in that in each guide body (14), the outer part (15B) is openable and at least one peripheral element (17) is releasably, movably and / or pivotally connected to the central part (15A).

24. 23. The line guiding device according to claim 22, characterized in that the outer part of each guide body has two peripheral elements (17) pivotally connected to the central part by rotary joints (23), respectively, for inserting or removing a line into or from the receiving area.

25. 25. Line guidance device according to claim 24, characterized in that the peripheral element (17) is in the shape of a two-part ring and / or in the form of one and the same part.

26. 23. The line guidance device of claim 22, wherein the carrier strand has a first end (11A) and a second end (11B), each end having a connecting device (80) for releasably securing (84) the line guidance device.

27. 27. A line guidance apparatus according to claim 26, wherein each connecting device (80) has at least two oppositely arranged retaining arms (85A, 85B) fixed thereto for tensile strain relief of the line.

28. 23. The line guidance device according to claim 22, characterized in that the central part (15A) of each guide body (14) comprises two integral carrying arms (20A, 20B) each having an inner clamping shell (21A, 21B) and a radial bar (22A, 22B), the clamping shells being connectable to form the through-hole (16) for the carrying strand (11) therebetween, the bars (22A, 22B) having outer end regions to which the outer part (15B), in particular both peripheral elements, are connected.

29. 23. The line guide device according to claim 22, characterized in that the central part (15A) inside the through hole (16) has a clamping tooth arrangement (28) extending transversely to the central axis (A) for axially fixing to the carrier strand (11).

30. 23. Line guidance device according to claim 22, characterized in that the carrier strand is in the form of a plastic carrier cable (11) and / or that the carrier strand is at least 10 m long.

31. 23. A line guidance device according to claim 22, comprising a first generally vertically downwardly-suspended length (12A) having a first end (12C) connected to the consumable product (M) to be supplied, a second generally vertically downwardly-suspended length (12B) having a second end (12D), and a loop (13) connecting the two downwardly-suspended lengths, the carrier strand (11) extending beyond both ends (12C, 12D).

32. It comprises a central part (15A) having an axial through-hole (16) forming a central axis (A) and through which the carrier strand (11) can pass, and an outer part (15B) having at least one peripheral element (17), said peripheral elements defining outwardly said axially open receiving areas (L) for said lines and being held in said central part (15A); said peripheral element (17) being pivotally and releasably connected to said central part (15A); a fixing device (18) is provided on the central part (15A) for fixing the central part (15A) in position on the carrier strand (11); 32. A guide body for a line guiding apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 31, characterized in that the fastening device comprises a clamping device (18) in the form of a joint clamping shell having a hinge-like joint (24) connecting two shell-shaped regions (21A, 21B) that can be fastened to the carrying strand, and / or a threaded hole for a clamping screw (25) on the opposite side of the shell-shaped regions (21A, 21B) to fasten the shell-shaped regions (21A, 21B) to each other.

33. 33. The guide body according to claim 32, characterized in that the central part (15A) as the fixing device has a clamping and / or locking device (18) for fixing the central part to the carrier strand in a forcibly locking relationship with the inner surface of the through hole.

34. A guide body as described in claim 32, characterized in that in each guide body (14), the outer part (15B) is releasable and at least one peripheral element (17) is releasably, movably and / or pivotally connected to the central part (15A).

35. 33. A guide body according to claim 32, characterized in that the outer part of each guide body has two peripheral elements (17) pivotally connected to the central part by rotary joints (23), respectively, for inserting or removing a line into or from the receiving area.

36. 33. A guide body according to claim 32, characterized in that the peripheral element (17) is in the shape of a two-part ring and / or in the form of a single piece, and / or the diameter of the receiving area formed by the peripheral element (17) is at least 125 mm.

37. 33. A guide body according to claim 32, characterized in that the central part (15A) of each guide body (14) comprises two integral carrying arms (20A, 20B) each having an inner clamping shell (21A, 21B) and a radial bar (22A, 22B), the clamping shells being connectable to form the through-hole (16) for the carrying strand (11) therebetween, the bars (22A, 22B) having outer end regions to which the outer part (15B), in particular both peripheral elements, are connected.

38. 33. The guide body according to claim 32, characterized in that the central part (15A) inside the through hole (16) has a clamping tooth arrangement (28) extending transversely to the central axis (A) for axially fixing to the carrier strand (11).

39. 32. A drilling rig (1) having a rotary power head (3) or top drive including a line guiding device (10) according to any one of claims 22 to 31 for supplying said top drive.

40. 32. Use of a line guidance device (11) according to any one of claims 22 to 31 as a service loop in an onshore or offshore drilling rig (1), such as in a deep sea drilling installation, comprising two substantially vertically downwardly suspended lengths (12A, 12B) connected by a loop (13).

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