Latching mechanism of an anchor cable length adjusting arrangement and method for adjusting an anchor cable length adjusting arrangement

Abstract

A latching mechanism (1) of an anchor cable length adjusting arrangement (12), having a clamping rod (2) and a suspension means (3), wherein, by means of at least one clamping jaw (5), the clamping rod (2) can be fixed in the longitudinal direction relative to the suspension means (3) in a plurality of latching positions which are separated from one another and (incrementally) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. In particular - in a closed state, the latching mechanism (1) is configured to engage in a first clamping toothing (4) by a second clamping toothing (6), and thus prevent a relative movement between the clamping rod (2) and clamping jaws (5) in the longitudinal direction, and - in an open state, the latching mechanism (1) is configured not to engage in the first clamping toothing (4) by the second clamping toothing (6) and to permit a relative movement between the clamping rod (2) and clamping jaws (5) in the longitudinal direction, and - in an automatically securing state, the latching mechanism (1) is configured to enable a relative movement of the clamping rod (2) in the direction of the suspension means (3) and to block it in the opposite direction, or to block a relative movement of the clamping rod (2) in the direction of the suspension means (3) and to enable it in the opposite direction.

Description

[0001] Locking mechanism of an anchor rope length adjustment arrangement and method for adjusting an anchor rope length adjustment arrangement

[0002] The invention relates to a locking clamping mechanism for adjusting a clamping or holding length, specifically tensioning or shortening an anchor connection by changing the position of a clamping rod in the longitudinal direction relative to a suspension, wherein the clamping rod can be connected, for example, to a rope, a chain, or the like. The invention enables expanded adjustments of the tensile force on ropes, chains, or cables, particularly for use in offshore infrastructure. The invention also relates to an associated method for determining the pretension of a rope, wherein the terms rope, cable, and chain are also used hereinafter as synonyms for one another or for similar load elements.

[0003] Ever-increasing offshore infrastructure such as wind turbines, pontoons, houseboats, buoys, and other floating objects require permanent anchoring or fixation underwater. Offshore infrastructure is therefore typically connected underwater to weights or bottom-mounted anchors using ropes, cables, or chains. Since the weights or anchors often cannot be precisely positioned or the lengths of the anchor ropes or chains cannot be optimally adjusted, adjustable components must be provided to optimally align the floating objects, for example, with regard to diving depth, horizontal alignment, and load distribution between anchor points.

[0004] In the current state of the art, tensioning cables, such as anchor cables, are often adjusted or shortened / lengthened using a mechanical thread, which allows for numerous adjustment options. However, adequate load distribution between parallel anchor connections is difficult to achieve because the load is difficult to measure or adjust with sufficient accuracy. Further disadvantages of the current state of the art include the heavy stress placed on the screw or bolt connections.

[0005] Threaded connection and / or difficult-to-adjust and complex manufacturing of the screw connection. Increased mechanical stress on the permanently installed components during initial adjustment can also lead to wear. Furthermore, there is the possibility of the screw connection slowly loosening due to vibration and stress during a typically long period of use.

[0006] The split pin connections, which are also frequently used in the state of the art, are simple and inexpensive to manufacture, but only allow large adjustment steps and no precise load distribution between parallel anchor connections.

[0007] At the same time, the anchor cables and all elements in the load chain must secure the infrastructure even in strong waves and wind, which leads to high mechanical stress on all components permanently located in the anchor chain.

[0008] Based on this, the object of the invention is to at least partially alleviate the problems described with reference to the prior art and, in particular, to improve existing locking or clamping mechanisms for adjusting the length of anchor connections and / or to allow increased safety and improved adjustment options.

[0009] These objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred developments can be found in the subclaims. The features specified in the claims can be combined with each other and / or with features of the description in any technologically expedient manner. The description, particularly in conjunction with the figures, explains the invention and provides further embodiments.

[0010] This is achieved by a locking mechanism of an anchor rope length adjustment assembly, which has at least one clamping rod and a suspension, wherein the clamping rod can be fixed longitudinally relative to the suspension by means of at least one clamping jaw in a plurality of spaced-apart locking positions separated from one another in the longitudinal direction. The anchor rope length adjustment assembly is, in particular, part of an offshore infrastructure, as described above, or can be provided and configured for adjusting, lengthening, and / or shortening (tensioned) ropes of a wind turbine, a pontoon, a houseboat, a buoy, or similar buoyant objects, particularly with regard to the load situations encountered.

[0011] The clamping rod serves, in particular, to accommodate a tool for adjusting the relative position of the clamping rod and the suspension when the anchor rope length adjustment assembly is connected to the rope (under tension). The clamping rod can be connected directly or indirectly to the rope. The extension of the clamping rod can define the longitudinal direction.

[0012] The clamping jaw and clamping rod are designed so that they can be fixed together in a plurality of spaced-apart locking positions separated from one another in the longitudinal direction. The number of locking positions is in particular at least 10, at least 30, or even at least 50. The locking positions are spaced apart from one another, i.e., they do not merge into one another (as with a thread, for example). The distance between the locking positions in the longitudinal direction can be the same (preferred) or different (possibly only partially or occasionally). This distance is preferably in the range of 6 to 40 mm [millimeters]. Such separated locking positions can be referred to as incremental locking positions.

[0013] The locking mechanism for changing the position of the clamping rod in the longitudinal direction relative to the suspension can have at least the following:

[0014] - a first clamping toothing, which is arranged along the clamping rod,

[0015] - one or more clamping jaws, wherein the clamping jaws surround the clamping rod at least in sections, have a second clamping toothing and are held by the suspension,

[0016] - a clamping ring which surrounds the clamping jaws and / or the clamping rod at least in sections and is held by the suspension, wherein - in a closed state, the locking mechanism is configured to engage with the second clamping toothing in the first clamping toothing and to prevent a relative movement of the clamping rod and the clamping jaws in the longitudinal direction, and

[0017] - in an open state, the locking mechanism is configured so that the second clamping toothing does not engage the first clamping toothing and allows a relative movement of the clamping rod and clamping jaws in the longitudinal direction,

[0018] - in a self-locking state, the locking mechanism is configured to release a relative movement of the clamping rod in the direction of the suspension and to lock it in the opposite direction, or to lock a relative movement of the clamping rod in the direction of the suspension and to release it in the opposite direction, wherein the respective state can be preset via the clamping ring.

[0019] The locking mechanism, particularly the clamping ring with its clamping jaws as a locking mechanism with a non-return valve and its adjustable coupling mechanism, allows for significantly more efficient use of a locking or clamping mechanism, even under difficult conditions and high or changing loads, particularly due to the ability to easily release the locking connection and adjust it precisely or in small incremental steps. Finely adjustable, cost-effective, and reliable adjustment options for the clamping or holding length represent particular advantages of the invention.

[0020] The invention enables the load distribution between several parallel anchor cables to be precisely adjusted, particularly through possible small adjustment steps. It also offers the possibility of correctly and easily measuring the load on an anchor connection. Furthermore, the invention allows for secure adjustment of the clamping or holding length, in particular for tensioning or shortening an anchor connection using a locking clamp connection. The particularly high resulting clamping force and secure clamping, even under strong mechanical stress, are achieved in particular by the device according to the invention with its self-clamping clamping jaws and also by means of the clamping ring. The longitudinal direction refers to a direction that runs essentially parallel to the clamping rod and can also be defined by the main axis of symmetry of the device.Clamping jaws refer, in particular, to at least two components that are essentially flat and are adapted to another surface or are essentially complementary to an opposite surface, preferably resulting in a large contact area. A clamping ring comprises, in particular, a component in the form of a cylindrical sleeve, which can reduce the freedom of movement of other components, which—like clamping jaws—may be located inside the hollow cylinder, to essentially axial movements and preferably slight radial movements.

[0021] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism can have clamping jaws that can automatically tighten upon a backward movement of the clamping rod. This can be achieved, for example, with a clamping ring that is at least partially funnel-shaped, in which the clamping jaws can automatically retract into a gap—similar to a wedge or with additional support from a mechanical spring. By means of a spring-loaded clamping jaw holder, a groove pattern of the clamping jaws can quickly and repeatedly engage with a similar pattern upon relative movement of the clamping rod and the locking mechanism.

[0022] It can be provided that the respective state of the locking mechanism can be preset via the angular position of the clamping ring. The preselection of one of the three states already explained can be achieved, for example, by actuating the clamping ring; in special designs, this can be done by direct actuation or by means of a worm drive or another direct or indirect drive. This allows for cost-effective and compact implementations. In addition, the current state can be made easily readable for the user - particularly by means of labels and viewing windows. A drive for the clamping ring can also be installed in a housing, which can also have a gear. In a further embodiment, the clamping jaws are movable in the longitudinal direction, i.e., in the axial direction to the clamping rod, and are preferably spring-mounted.The clamping ring initially allows a reduction in the amplitude of movement in a radial, preferably unilateral, direction, since typically only a small translational path is required to release and engage the locking structures. A clamping ring that is at least substantially open upwards, on the other hand, allows a degree of freedom in the axial direction, allowing the clamping jaws to partially deflect upwards if the clamping ring, depending on the setting, does not hold the clamping jaws in place and the clamping rod is pulled from above or pushed from below to shorten a cable or anchor connection.

[0023] In particular, the locking mechanism is designed such that, in the automatically locking state, the second clamping toothing—after a predefined incremental relative movement of the clamping rod and the suspension—locks or engages with the first clamping toothing of the clamping rod. This prevents the clamping rod from retracting. An incremental relative movement refers to a step size that is predefined, in particular, by the structure, in particular by a possible groove pattern on the clamping jaws and / or the clamping rod. In the case of a groove pattern, the incremental relative movement is typically specified by the increment of a groove spacing.

[0024] Preferably, the first clamping toothing and the second clamping toothing are complementary to one another. This results in good toothing and consequently also high (static) friction for achieving high maximum holding forces. It is also possible for the first clamping toothing and the second clamping toothing to have the same shape or surface structure. Even then, good toothing can typically be achieved, with the respective surface structures interlocking. In typical embodiments of the invention, the surface structure can have a triangular shape, particularly with regard to its cross-section. This can be easily achieved with concentric rings on the clamping rod or on the clamping jaws.

[0025] In practice, concentric rings often prove to be a more suitable structure, also because a conventional thread can potentially be loosened or adjusted more easily due to vibrations and other load changes.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first clamping toothing and / or the second clamping toothing have a grooved shape. This is realized in particular in the form of concentric rings or grooves, in the case of the clamping rod, typically around the longitudinal axis of the clamping rod.

[0027] The groove spacing of the first clamping toothing and the groove spacing of the second clamping toothing can be designed to be the same size, i.e., in particular, have an identical groove spacing. This achieves the best possible fit between the two surface structures and, consequently, a good interlocking of the two components for particularly high holding forces.

[0028] In another embodiment, the clamping jaws are in the form of a screw nut with an internal thread, which is divided into at least two segments. Segmentation into three parts is preferred, more preferably into four parts, and most preferably into five parts. A larger number of segments is also possible. The clamping jaws can be particularly easily realized from a split nut with four or more segments.

[0029] Preferably, the side of the clamping rod facing the suspension has a fall-through protection device in the form of a nut and / or a cap and / or an extension. A widening of the clamping rod prevents the device from falling through the ring-like locking mechanism and / or a passage on the suspension of the device and can also be easily achieved with a component attached to the clamping rod, which expands the (effective) diameter of the clamping rod at least in sections or at one point.

[0030] According to a further aspect, a method for adjusting a clamping or holding length of an anchor rope length adjustment arrangement is proposed, wherein a locking mechanism with clamping jaws attached to a suspension holds a clamping rod, comprising at least the following steps: - attaching a hydraulic pulling or pushing tool (cylinder) to the clamping rod,

[0031] - Pre-selection of an open or closed or self-locking state of the locking mechanism, in particular with a clamping ring,

[0032] - in the open state: releasing the connection between the clamping jaws and the clamping rod; in the self-locking state: pulling the clamping rod and incremental engagement of a first clamping toothing along the clamping rod with a second clamping toothing on one or more adjacent clamping jaws.

[0033] It is also possible to press the clamping rod longitudinally relative to the suspension. This method allows for efficient and, above all, quick adjustment or shortening of the clamping or mounting length.

[0034] The method preferably also includes determining the pretension of a rope, whereby the rope length can be adjusted in increments of the clamping teeth. As previously described, a rope can also comprise any cable and even rigid connections.

[0035] The method may further comprise adjusting the cable length in increments and / or steps of 6 mm to 40 mm. This is typically achieved by a pulling movement exerted by a drive or, more specifically, by a pulling and / or pushing tool, such as a hydraulic system.

[0036] Preferably, the method also comprises the steps

[0037] - Selecting the closed state using a clamping ring

[0038] - Removing the pulling or pushing tool.

[0039] The method can preferably be carried out with an anchor rope length adjustment arrangement which comprises an anchor rope and a locking mechanism of the type specified here coupled thereto.

[0040] The method can be carried out in particular in the context of a process of adjusting a length of an anchor cable in order to align floating objects, for example with regard to diving depth, horizontal orientation and / or load distribution between anchor points.

[0041] An anchor rope length adjustment arrangement comprising an anchor rope and a locking mechanism of the type specified here coupled thereto can be used in particular to align floating objects precisely and / or easily and / or safely, for example with regard to diving depth, horizontal alignment and / or load distribution between anchor points.

[0042] The advantages, explanations and configurations of the locking mechanism, the anchor rope length adjustment arrangement, the method or the process mentioned above are each applicable, so that they can be used for the more detailed characterization.

[0043] The invention and the technical environment will now be explained in more detail with reference to figures, without limiting the invention itself. Unless explicitly excluded below, partial aspects or individual features shown in the figures may also be combined with each other and / or with the features of the claims or the preceding description. Where components in different figures are provided with the same reference numerals, their descriptions apply mutatis mutandis to all these components, unless explicitly stated otherwise. The figures schematically show:

[0044] Fig. 1 is a representation of a device for adjusting a clamping or holding length according to the prior art,

[0045] Fig. 2 a 2D representation for adjusting a clamp or holder length,

[0046] Fig. 3 is a further view of the 2D representation of the device for adjusting a clamping or holding length with a drive inserted from above,

[0047] Fig. 4 a 3D representation of a variant of the locking mechanism,

[0048] Fig. 5 is a view of a device with a coupling mechanism, Fig. 6 is a view of a device with a coupling mechanism, Fig. 7 is a flow chart relating to the proposed method with steps S1 to S5.

[0049] Fig. 1 shows a 2D representation of a device for adjusting a clamping or holding length according to the prior art, with a rod 2 in the form of a threaded rod, with which the holding length can be shortened with respect to the suspension 3 by turning.

[0050] Fig. 2 shows a 2D representation of the device according to the invention for adjusting a clamping or holding length, comprising a locking mechanism 1, a suspension 3, a clamping rod 2, and a horizontally circumferential clamping toothing 4 mounted on the clamping rod 2 (concealed by the locking mechanism 1). This is part of an anchor rope length adjustment arrangement 12. The suspension 3 is fastened with bolts and, in particular, has four parallel rods, in the center of which is the clamping rod 2. A rope, a cable, or any other rigid or non-rigid connection can be attached to the lower end, the length of which is to be adjusted.

[0051] Figure 3 shows a further view of the 2D representation of the device according to the invention for adjusting a clamping or holding length, with a drive in the form of a hydraulic cylinder inserted from above, which can be attached to the clamping rod 2 and the suspension 3 by means of bolts. The drive can, in particular, be used only for adjustment work and subsequently removed again.

[0052] Figure 4 shows a 3D representation of the locking mechanism 1 of the device according to the invention. A rectangular housing is visible, with a viewing window within it, showing the adjustable clamping ring 11 including an integrated display for the setting status (II for "unlock," L for "lock," O for "open"). Also visible on the side is the shaft end of a worm drive 9, which can adjust the clamping ring 11 by turning.

[0053] Fig. 5 shows a 3D representation of the locking mechanism 1 of the device according to the invention without a housing. The worm drive 9, which can adjust the clamping ring 11 by turning, can be seen more clearly. The clamping ring 11 has recesses on its inside that allow the clearance or degrees of freedom for the movement of the clamping jaws to be changed by turning the clamping ring 11. Raised areas allow less freedom of movement, even leading to a fixation. This occurs in interaction with the structures on the back of the clamping jaws 5, which can also have raised areas and recesses.

[0054] Also visible are recesses at the upper ends of the clamping jaws 5, to which springs can be attached or which provide movement space for mechanical springs. Furthermore, a horizontally circumferential second clamping toothing 6 can be seen on the inside of the clamping jaws 5, which can engage with the first clamping toothing 4 arranged along the clamping rod 2 (see Fig. 2).

[0055] Figure 6 shows a 3D representation of two clamping jaws 5 of the locking mechanism 1 of the device according to the invention. These jaws have regular clamping teeth in the form of concentric ring structures. Overall, the clamping jaws 5 have a shape similar to segments of a cylindrical sleeve. Grooves 10 of the second clamping teeth 6 can be seen in the clamping jaws 5.

[0056] Metals which allow high forces and / or service life and / or low corrosion are preferred for the components of the device according to the invention.

[0057] Fig. 6 shows a flow chart relating to a variant of the method according to the invention with the steps S1 to S6, wherein the steps S3, S5 and S6 may not be absolutely necessary.

[0058] S1: Attaching a pulling or pushing tool 7 to the clamping rod 2, S2: Preselecting an open or closed or self-locking state of the locking mechanism 1 with a clamping ring 11, - in the open state: releasing the connection between clamping jaws 5 and clamping rod 2; - in the self-locking state: pulling the clamping rod 2 and incrementally engaging a first clamping toothing 4 along the clamping rod 2 with a second clamping toothing 6 on one or more adjacent clamping jaws 5.

[0059] S3: Determination of the pre-tension of a rope, whereby the rope length is adjusted in increments of the clamping teeth.

[0060] S4: Adjustment of the rope length in increments and / or steps from 6 mm to 40 mm.

[0061] S5: Selecting the closed state using clamping ring 11.

[0062] S6: Removing the pulling or pushing tool 7.

[0063] In the U ("unlock") position, the clamping rod 2 can be pulled upward. The spring-loaded clamping jaws 5 always allow for secure force transfer, even in the event of a sudden hydraulic malfunction.

[0064] In mode O ("open"), the clamping rod 2 can be lowered through the tool. In the event of a fault, the mechanical interface to the tool (see above in Fig. 3) prevents the clamping rod 2 from "falling through." Using the hydraulic system, specifically a hydraulic cylinder, the tension on the clamping rod 2 can be finely adjusted and adjusted.

[0065] After successfully adjusting the clamping rod 2, the clamping ring 11 is typically moved to position L ("lock"), after which movement of the clamping rod 2 is no longer possible. The tool can then be safely removed and reused for the next clamping rod 2.

[0066] This provides, in particular, a very advantageous locking mechanism and a simple method for the quick adjustment of tensioning cables during the installation and operation of offshore infrastructure.

Claims

Claims 1. Locking mechanism (1) of an anchor rope length adjustment arrangement (12), comprising a clamping rod (2) and a suspension (3), wherein the clamping rod (2) can be fixed in the longitudinal direction relative to the suspension (3) by means of at least one clamping jaw (5) in a plurality of spaced-apart locking positions separated from one another in the longitudinal direction.

2. Latching mechanism (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a first clamping toothing (4) which is mounted along the clamping rod (2), at least one clamping jaw (5), wherein the at least one clamping jaw (5) surrounds the clamping rod (2) at least in sections, has a second clamping toothing (6) and is held by the suspension (3), a clamping ring (11) which surrounds the at least one clamping jaw (5) and / or the clamping rod (2) at least in sections and is held by the suspension (3), wherein in a closed state the latching mechanism (1) is configured to engage with the second clamping toothing (6) in the first clamping toothing (4) and to prevent a relative movement of the clamping rod (2) and the clamping jaw(s) (5) in the longitudinal direction, and in an open state the latching mechanism (1) is configured towith the second clamping toothing (6) not to engage in the first clamping toothing (4) and to allow a relative movement of the clamping rod (2) and clamping jaw(s) (5) in the longitudinal direction, in a self-locking state the locking mechanism (1) is configured to release a relative movement of the clamping rod (2) in the direction of the suspension (3) and to block it in the opposite direction, or to block a relative movement of the clamping rod (2) in the direction of the suspension (3) and to release it in the opposite direction, whereby the respective state can be preset via the clamping ring (11).

3. Locking mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the respective state of the locking mechanism (1) can be preset via the angular position of the clamping ring (11).

4. Locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clamping jaw (5) is mounted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction.

5. Locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein in the automatically securing state the second clamping toothing (6) automatically locks or engages into the first clamping toothing (4) of the clamping rod (2) after a predefined incremental relative movement of the clamping rod (2) and suspension (3).

6. Locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, wherein the first clamping teeth (4) and the second clamping teeth (6) are complementary to one another or have the same shape and / or have a triangular shape.

7. Locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 6, wherein the first clamping toothing (4) and / or the second clamping toothing (6) has a groove shape.

8. Locking mechanism according to the preceding claim, wherein the groove spacing of the first clamping teeth (4) and the second clamping teeth (6) are the same.

9. Locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clamping jaw (5) has the shape of a screw nut with an internal thread, which is divided into at least 2 segments.

10. Locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side of the clamping rod (2) facing the suspension (3) has a Fall prevention device in the form of a nut and / or a cap and / or an extension (8).

11. A method for adjusting a clamping or holding length of an anchor rope length adjustment arrangement (12), wherein a locking mechanism (1) with clamping jaws (5) attached to a suspension (3) holds the clamping rod (2), comprising the steps - Attaching a pulling or pushing tool (7) to the clamping rod (2), preselecting an open or closed or automatically locking state of the locking mechanism (1), in the open state: releasing the connection between the clamping jaws (5) and the clamping rod (2); in the automatically locking state: pulling the clamping rod (2) and incrementally locking a first clamping toothing (4) along the clamping rod (2) with a second clamping toothing (6) on one or more adjacent clamping jaws (5).

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising Determination of the pre-tension of a rope, whereby the rope length is adjusted in increments of the clamping teeth (4, 6).

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising adjusting the cable length in increments and / or step sizes of 6 mm to 40 mm steps.

14. The method according to claim 11 to 13, further comprising - Selecting the closed state by means of a clamping ring (11) - Removing the pulling or pushing tool (7).

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