EP2013441B1 - Device for vertically holding pipes - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a catch with a tiltable locking device, which in a locked condition engaged behind a locking bolt with a catch section. A safety bolt and a securing plate are arranged in the area of the tilting locking device. The securing plate releases or closes a recess for the safety bolt depending on the position.

Description

The invention relates to a device for the vertical support of pipes, which has a cylinder-segment-like base member and a door pivotally connected by at least one pivot joint to the base element and a closure arranged opposite the pivot joint.

Such devices (see, for example, the documents US 1,856,636 and GB 249,807 ) are used, for example, to assist the handling of drill pipes in the area of offshore drilling platforms. The drill pipes surround the drill and are lowered from the drilling platform. The drill pipes are typically made of a plurality of successively arranged and interconnected pipe segments. The individual pipe segments are connected in series with the drill pipe already supported by the drilling platform and lowered after the connection process has been carried out. To carry out the holding and lowering operations special devices are required to prevent slippage of the pipe and a resulting sinking of the drill pipe in the sea.

In a typical use, the device is typically pushed laterally over the tube to be held after opening the door element. Subsequently, a closing of the door element and a closing of the closure, to ensure a secure mounting of the tube.

In the event that the operator concludes that the shutter is reliably closed and initiates support of the tube using the device, although in fact the shutter is not closed, slippage of the drill pipe occurs and, in the worst case, loss of the entire drill pipe on.

To avoid such processes, the use of display elements is already known for the identification of a proper closing, which, however, do not have the required reliability due to the large number of possible operating states.

The object of the present invention is to construct a device of the initially mentioned type such that a reliable signaling of a proper closing of the device is provided.

This object is achieved in that the closure has a pivotable locking, which engages behind a locking bolt in a locked state with a locking profile, that in the region of the pivotable locking a safety pin and a locking plate are arranged and that the locking plate position dependent at least one recess for the Locking pin releases or closes.

By combining the functional components according to the invention, a multiplicity of conceivable error states can be taken into account when using the device. Signaling of proper closing of the device is signaled by the securing bolt. The safety bolt can only be arranged in the intended closure position, if all components of the device have taken the necessary positioning for a proper closing.

In the event of the occurrence of a fault condition, the securing bolt protrudes out of the device and can easily be visually recognized or manually probed. Even in the most unfavorable weather conditions or poor visibility, the positioning of the securing bolt is thus recognizable to an operator and the assumption of a proper closure condition can be checked.

A typical application is that the base member and the door member are provided with the closure for use on oil rig platforms.

In particular, it is envisaged that the base member and the door member is formed with the closure for holding drill pipes.

A high mechanical stability is achieved in that the locking pin is supported by the base member.

Easy handling is supported by the fact that the safety pin and the locking plate are supported by the door element.

To a compact design, it also helps that both the Riegelprof il and the backup plate are arranged pivotable relative to a secondary axis.

A first guide for the safety bolt is provided by the fact that one of the recesses for the safety pin is arranged in a rigidly connected to the door element support plate for supporting the closure.

A second variable position guide for the safety pin is formed by a coupled to the bolt profile and a handle-holding support plate provided with a recess for the safety pin and is mounted rotatably relative to a central axis.

A typical operation is assisted by the fact that the support plate is positioned differently depending on a respective closure state.

The detection of a plurality of faulty closure positions is supported by the fact that the locking plate is positioned in response to a relative positioning between the base member and the door member positionable.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the securing plate is arranged pivotably.

In addition, it is also thought that the backup plate is slidably disposed.

For detecting a closed state of the door element is proposed that the locking plate can be positioned by a stop block of the base element.
A manual operation is assisted by the fact that the handle is coupled by a fastened by the support plates connecting profile with the latch profile.

An operation under harsh operating conditions is supported by the fact that the handle is designed as a pivot lever.

In addition, it is also thought that the handle is designed as a pull handle.

The number of required manual operations can be reduced by the fact that the safety pin is automatically positioned by a supported pipe.

A positioning of the entire holding device is supported by the fact that the base element is provided on the outside with at least one retaining element.

In particular, it proves to be possible to allow tiltability as advantageous that the base member has two oppositely arranged holding elements.

A positive contact with a positioning is supported by the fact that the holding elements are realized as web-like and spaced apart projections.

The introduction of torsional forces in the implementation of a positioning process is assisted by the fact that in each case two holding elements are arranged one above the other in a longitudinal direction.

The implementation of rotational or tilting movements is also facilitated by the fact that the holding elements have at least partially a rounded outer contour.

An effective introduction of force in the implementation of positioning movements is facilitated by the fact that the holding elements are at least partially provided with contact surfaces for connection to a positioning element.

A secure contact with the positioning is supported by the fact that the holding elements are provided with at least one recess.

A proper insertion of the locking bolt exclusively in a correctly locked state of the device is achieved in that in a proper state closure the recess in the region of the support plate and the recess in the region of the support plate are arranged coaxially and one above the other and that the recesses in this operating state of the backup plate are released.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung bei einem Blick auf das Grundelement,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Seitendarstellung der Vorrichtung bei einem Blick auf das teilweise geöffnete Türelement,

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Grundelements mit zugeordnetem Verschluß, jedoch ohne Darstellung des Türelementes,

Fig. 4

eine vergrößerte teilweise Darstellung der Vorrichtung im Bereich des Verschlusses,

Fig. 5

eine Darstellung ähnlich zu Fig. 4 bei einer anderen Positionierung der Bauelemente,

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Draufsicht auf den Verschluß,

Fig. 7

eine weitere perspektivische Darstellung der vorrichtung bei einem seitlichen Blick auf das Türelement,

Fig. 8

eine vergrößerte Darstellung im Bereich eines seitlichen Halteelementes des Grundelementes,

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische teilweise Darstellung des Grundelementes mit zwei vorstehenden Haltelementen sowie ebenfalls dargestelltem Verschluß,

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Darstellung von zwei seitlichen Halteelementen des Grundelementes mit zugeordnetem Sicherungsbügel,

Fig. 11

eine Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung im Bereich des Verschlusses zur Veranschaulichung einer Positionierung des Sicherungsbolzens bei einer ordnungsgemäßen Positionierung aller Verschlußelemente,

Fig. 12

die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 11 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 13

die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 11 in einem fehlerhaften Betriebszustand, in dem zwar das Türelement geschlossen ist, das Riegelprofil jedoch nicht die Verschlußpositionierung einnimmt,

Fig. 14

die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 13 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 15

die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 11 in einem Betriebszustand, in dem sich das Riegelprofil im Verschlußzustand befindet, das Türelement jedoch nicht geschlossen ist,

Fig. 16

die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 15 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 17

die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 11 in einem fehlerhaften Betriebszustand, in dem weder das Türelement geschlossen ist noch das Riegelprofil seine Verschlußstellung einnimmt und

Fig. 18

die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 17 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung.

In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are shown. Show it:

Fig. 1

a side view of the device when looking at the primitive,

Fig. 2

a perspective side view of the device when looking at the partially open door element,

Fig. 3

a perspective view of the basic element with associated closure, but without representation of the door element,

Fig. 4

an enlarged partial view of the device in the region of the closure,

Fig. 5

a representation similar to Fig. 4 in a different positioning of the components,

Fig. 6

a perspective top view of the closure,

Fig. 7

a further perspective view of the device in a side view of the door element,

Fig. 8

an enlarged view in the region of a lateral holding element of the base element,

Fig. 9

a perspective partial view of the base element with two protruding holding elements and also shown Verschlussem,

Fig. 10

a perspective view of two lateral holding elements of the base element with associated securing bracket,

Fig. 11

a top view of the device in the region of the closure to illustrate a positioning of the securing bolt in a proper positioning of all closure elements,

Fig. 12

the arrangement according to Fig. 11 in a perspective view,

Fig. 13

the arrangement according to Fig. 11 in a faulty operating state, in which, although the door element is closed, the latch profile does not assume the closure positioning,

Fig. 14

the arrangement according to Fig. 13 in a perspective view,

Fig. 15

the arrangement according to Fig. 11 in an operating state in which the latch profile is in the closed state, but the door element is not closed,

Fig. 16

the arrangement according to Fig. 15 in a perspective view,

Fig. 17

the arrangement according to Fig. 11 in a faulty operating state, in which neither the door element is closed nor the latch profile assumes its closed position and

Fig. 18

the arrangement according to Fig. 17 in a perspective view.

Fig. 1 shows the device for vertical support of pipes in a lateral perspective view. Evident is a cylinder segment-like basic element (1) which is provided in the region of opposite sides each with two holding elements (2, 3). The holding elements (2, 3) are formed like a projection and provided with a rounded outer contour. In a longitudinal direction (4) of the base element (1), the holding elements (2, 3) extend at a distance (5).

The holding elements (2, 3) each have substantially planar contact surfaces (6, 7), which are incorporated in the rounded outer contour. In the region of the contact surfaces (6, 7) recesses (8, 9) are arranged. To provide a required rigidity, the base element (1) on the outside stiffening ribs (10).

Fig. 2 shows a further perspective view of the device, as opposed to Fig. 2 however, when looking at a door element (11). It can be seen that the door element (11) by a pivot joint (12) is rotatably connected to the base element (1). Opposite the pivot joint (12), the door element (12) has a closure (13). The closure (13) is provided with a handle (14) and a bolt profile (15). The closure (13) is arranged on the door element (11). In a closed state, the locking profile (15) engages behind a locking bolt (16) which is arranged on the base element (1).

The handle (14) and the bolt profile (15) are connected to one another by support plates (17, 18) and subsequently further components explained in greater detail. The support plates (17, 18) are arranged pivotable relative to a central axis (19) of the closure (13).

Fig. 3 shows in a perspective view of the basic element (1) with associated closure (13), but without showing the door element (11). In particular, it can be seen how the locking profile (15) engages behind the closure bolt (15) over a large area. Thereby, a large contact area is provided which is suitable for transmitting high closure forces. The bolt profile (15) in this case has a cylinder-segment-like design and extends along a substantial part of the longitudinal extent of the closure bolt (16). Evident is also a secondary axis (20), whose function will be explained later in more detail. The locking profile (15) is arranged pivotable relative to the secondary axis (20). When the handle (14) pivots relative to the primary axis (19), a coupling profile held by the support plate (17, 18) engages in a counter-profile of the locking profile (15) and causes the pivotal movement of the locking profile (15). The coupling profile is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a round bolt which engages in a groove-shaped mating profile of the locking bar (15).

Fig. 4 shows in a perspective view of the structural design of the closure (13) with more details. In the background of the basic element (1) held closure bolt (16) can be seen. In the foreground, a part of the door element (11) can be seen, the the central axis (19) and the secondary axis (20) holds. Also visible is the handle (14) supported by the support plate (17, 18). The bolt profile (15) engages in the illustrated positioning the locking pin (16). The locking profile (15) is mounted pivotably relative to the secondary axis (20).

It can be seen in particular that in the region of the secondary axis (20), a main spring (21) and a secondary spring (22) are arranged. The main spring (21) ensures that the closure (13) is pressed into the locking position without the action of actuating forces. The secondary spring (22) pushes a locking plate (23) in a basic position.

Out Fig. 4 It can also be seen that a securing bolt (24) occupies a lowered position and does not protrude from a recess (25) of a carrier plate (26). Such positioning indicates proper positioning of the closure (13) in a closure position.

Fig. 5 shows the arrangement according to Fig. 4 with a securing bolt (24) which protrudes from the recess (25) of the carrier plate (26). This positioning characterizes an operating state of the closure (13) in which at least one component does not occupy exactly the intended locking position. If necessary, the in Fig. 5 shown operating state also during insertion of the securing bolt (24) taken in the space provided for recesses and guides.

Fig. 6 shows the closure (13) in a plan view. The safety pin (24) projects out of the recess (25) in the illustrated operating state. However, the recess (25) is released from the locking plate (23), which signals a positioning of the door element (11) in a closed state.

The base element (1) has a stop block (27) for positioning the securing plate (23). In a transfer of the door element (11), the closure positioning the locking plate (23) with a guide edge (28) against the stop block (27) and the locking plate (23) is thereby pivoted so that the recess (25) is released. Before closing the door element (11), the securing plate (23) covers the recess (25) and the securing bolt (24) can thus not be inserted into the recess (25).

Fig. 7 shows again a perspective view of the device in a side view of the door element (11). It can be seen in this representation that in each case a securing bracket (29) is arranged in the region of the holding elements (2, 3). In the region of the lower holding elements (3), two recesses (9) are also provided. An unillustrated positioning element, which is inserted between the holding elements (2, 3) and is used in particular for positioning and rotating the device, can be fixed by the securing straps (29).

According to the embodiment in FIG Fig. 7 the device is equipped with a self-locking device (30). This can be used to ensure that the required locking is carried out by the tube held by the device itself.

Fig. 8 shows in an enlarged view, the lower holding element (3) with the two juxtaposed recesses (9).

Fig. 9 shows in a further perspective view of the arrangement of the closure (13) and Fig. 10 illustrates again the rounded formation of the holding elements (2, 3) to assist the initiation of rotational movements using the positioning element in the holding device.

Fig. 11 shows the closure (13) again in a position with recessed in the recess (25) securing bolt (24). This signals that both the door element (11) is closed and the locking profile (15) is arranged in the locking position.
Fig. 12 shows the arrangement according to Fig. 11 in a perspective view. Again, it can be seen that all guides for the safety pin (24) are arranged such that an introduction and countersinking of the locking bolt (24) is possible.

Fig. 13 shows a faulty operating state, in which although the door element (11) is closed, the bolt profile (5) but not the locking pin (16) engages behind. Fig. 14 shows the arrangement according to Fig. 13 in the vicinity of the closure (13) in an enlarged Presentation. Due to the coupling of the handle (14) and the locking profile (15) and the support plate (17) does not take that positioning, which is associated with a correct closure positioning. As a result, the recess (25) in the support plate (26) and a recess (31) in the support plate (17) are not exactly one above the other, so that the securing bolt (24) can not be inserted.

Fig. 15 shows an operating state in which, although the handle (14) and the locking bar (15) in a relative to the door element (11) proper final positioning are, the door element (11) itself is not closed. Fig. 16 shows the operating state according to Fig. 15 in an enlarged view in an environment of the closure (13). It can be seen in particular that the stop block (27) has no contact with the locking plate (23) and thereby the locking plate (23) relative to the secondary axis (20) is pivoted such that at least one of the recesses (25, 31) at least partially is covered. As a result, the safety pin (24) can not be fully inserted and stands out of the support plate (26).

Fig. 17 shows an operating condition in which neither the door member (11) is closed, nor the closure (13) relative to the door member (11) takes a shutter positioning. Fig. 18 shows the operating state according to Fig. 17 in an enlarged view in an environment of the closure (13). It can be seen that neither the recesses (25, 31) are arranged one above the other nor the recess (25) of the locking plate (23) is released. Also in this operating state Thus, an insertion of the locking bolt (24) is not possible.

Claims (25)

1. Device for vertically holding pipes, which has a cylinder-segment-like base element and also a door element which is connected to said base element in a pivotable manner by at least one swivel joint, and a closing mechanism which is arranged opposite said swivel joint, characterised in that the closing mechanism (13) has a pivotable locking system which, in a locked condition, engages behind a closing pin (16) with a bolting profile (15), and that a locking pin (24) and a locking plate (23) are arranged in the region of the pivotable locking system, and that said locking plate (23) unblocks or closes, depending upon its position, at least one clearance (25, 31) for the locking pin (24).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the base element (1) and the door element (11) with the closing mechanism (13) are intended for use on oil drilling platforms.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the base element (1) and the door element (11) with the closing mechanism (13) are constructed for holding drilling pipes.
4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the closing pin (16) is held by the base element (1).
5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the locking pin (24) and the locking plate (23) are held by the door element (11).
6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that both the bolting profile and the locking plate (23) are arranged so as to be pivotable relative to a secondary shaft (20).
7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that one of the clearances (25, 31) for the locking pin (24) is arranged in a carrier plate (26) for mounting the closing mechanism (13), which carrier plate is connected rigidly to the door element (11).
8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a carrying plate (17, 18), which is coupled to the bolting profile (15) and holds a handle (14), is provided with a clearance (31) for the locking pin (24) and is mounted so as to be rotationally movable relative to a central shaft (9).
9. Device according to claim 8, characterised in that the carrying plate (17, 18) can be positioned differently in dependence upon a particular condition of the closing mechanism.
10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the locking plate (23) is arranged so that it can be positioned in dependence upon relative positioning between the base element (1) and the door element (11).
11. Device according to claim 10, characterised in that the locking plate (23) is arranged in a pivotable manner.
12. Device according to claim 10, characterised in that the locking plate (23) is arranged in a displaceable manner.
13. Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the locking plate (23) can be positioned by a stop block (27) on the base element (1).
14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the handle (14) is coupled to the bolting profile (15) by a connecting profile which is held by the carrying plates (17, 18).
15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the handle (14) is constructed as a swivelling handle.
16. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the handle (14) is constructed as a pull handle.
17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the locking pin (24) can be positioned automatically by a pipe which is held.
18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the base element (1) is provided, on the outside, with at least one retaining element (2, 3).
19. Device according to claim 18, characterised in that the base element (1) has at least two retaining elements (2, 3) which are arranged opposite one another.
20. Device according to claim 18 or 19, characterised in that the retaining elements (2, 3) are realised as projections which are constructed in a web-like manner and are arranged at a distance from one another.
21. Device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterised in that two retaining elements (2, 3) in each case are arranged one above the other in a longitudinal direction (4).
22. Device according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that the retaining elements (2, 3) have a rounded outer contour, at least in certain regions.
23. Device according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterised in that the retaining elements (2, 3) are provided, at least in certain regions, with contact faces (6, 7) for connection to a positioning element.
24. Device according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterised in that the retaining elements (2, 3) are provided with at least one clearance (8, 9).
25. Device according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterised in that, when the closing mechanism is in the correct condition, the clearance (25) in the region of the carrier plate (26) and the clearance (31) in the region of the carrying plate (17) are arranged coaxially, relative to one another, and one above the other, and that, in this operating condition, the clearances (25, 31) are unblocked by the locking plate (23).

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