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BR-102024017749-A2 - ROV quick-release handler

BR102024017749A2BR 102024017749 A2BR102024017749 A2BR 102024017749A2BR-102024017749-A2

Abstract

This invention patent discloses a handle (100) with quick coupling for ROV, comprising: a handle (20) fixed to an upper part of a base (30), and wherein the base (30) comprises a male coupling (31) in a lower part thereof; a spacer (40) comprising a female coupling (41) in an upper part and a slot (42), wherein the slot (42) is for locking the male coupling (31) inside the spacer (40); a stop disc (50), disposed inside the spacer (40) and being pressed against an inner surface of the spacer (40) by at least one cushion (60), and wherein the at least one cushion (60) is disposed between the stop disc (50) and a top fitting (70); and wherein the top fitting (70) is fixed to a lower part of the spacer (40).

Inventors

  • Samuell Costa de Souza
  • JOAO PAULO URBANO

Assignees

  • Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras

Dates

Publication Date
20260310
Application Date
20240829

Claims (14)

  1. 1. ROV quick coupler handler (100), characterized in that it comprises: a HANDLE (20) fixed to an upper part of a base (30), and wherein the base (30) comprises a male coupler (31) in a lower part thereof; a spacer (40) comprising a female coupler (41) in an upper part and a slot (42), wherein the slot (42) is for locking the male coupler (31) inside the spacer (40); a stop disc (50), disposed inside the spacer (40) and being pressed against an inner surface of the spacer (40) by at least one cushion (60), and wherein the at least one cushion (60) is disposed between the stop disc (50) and a top fitting (70); and wherein the top fitting (70) is fixed to a lower part of the spacer (40).
  2. 2. Handler (100) with quick coupler for ROV, according to claim 1, characterized in that the HANDLE (20) comprises an upper D-HANDLE section (21) and a lower FISHTAIL section (22).
  3. 3. Handler (100) with quick coupler for ROV, according to claim 1, characterized in that the HANDLE (20) comprises at least five gripping or handling points.
  4. 4. Handler (100) with quick coupler for ROV, according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (30) further comprises a position indicator (32) on one side thereof.
  5. 5. Handler (100) with quick coupler for ROV, according to claim 1, characterized in that the male coupler (31) comprises a “T” shape projecting from the bottom of the base (30).
  6. 6. Handler (100) with quick coupler for ROV, according to claim 1, characterized in that the spacer (40) further comprises a position indicator (43) on one side thereof.
  7. 7. Handler (100) with quick coupler for ROV, according to claim 1, characterized in that the female coupler (41) is an opening in an upper part of the spacer (40), with a shape corresponding to a lower orthogonal projection of the male coupler (31).
  8. 8. Handler (100) with quick coupling for ROV, according to claim 1, characterized in that the slot (42) of the spacer (40) is preferably arranged in an orientation that is perpendicular to an orientation of the female coupling (41).
  9. 9. Handler (100) with quick coupling for ROV, according to claim 1, characterized in that the spacer (40) comprises a plurality of threaded blind holes (44) on an edge of its lower part for fixing the top fitting (70) by means of respective screws (80).
  10. 10. Handler (100) with quick coupler for ROV, according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop disc (50) comprises a smooth upper part and a lower part comprising at least one receptacle (51) for partially housing a first end (61) of the respective cushions (60).
  11. 11. Handler (100) with quick coupling for ROV, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one cushion (60) is made of polymeric materials.
  12. 12. Handler (100) with quick coupling for ROV, according to claim 1, characterized in that the top fitting (70) comprises at least one receptacle (71) in an upper part thereof for partial housing of a second end (62) of the respective cushions (60).
  13. 13. Handler (100) with quick coupling for ROV, according to claim 1, characterized in that the top fitting (70) comprises a plurality of through holes (72) for the insertion of respective screws (80), and in that the through holes (72) are arranged to be aligned with the threaded blind holes (44) of the spacer (40).
  14. 14. Handle (100) with quick coupling for ROV, according to claim 1, characterized in that the top fitting (70) comprises a fixing surface (73), in a lower part thereof, for fixing a tool.

Description

Field of invention [001] This invention patent falls within the technical field of underwater maintenance and inspection, and more specifically, within the technical field of maintenance and inspection activities associated with diverless operations performed with ROVs, and discloses a quick-release handle for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Fundamentals of the invention [002] For underwater maintenance and inspection activities associated with diverless operations performed with ROVs, there is difficulty in obtaining quick and practical coupling between different tools/devices and the ROV handle while using the same vehicle. [003] In current handler models, the manipulators are permanently fixed to the actuating tool chosen for a given operation. Thus, each handler is adapted to a specific type of tool, so it is not possible to use a given handler with other types of tools. Furthermore, when the need arises to replace a handler or tool (due to failure, for example) in a handler-tool assembly, this replacement must be done on the surface, with the assistance of at least one operator. [004] These limitations have direct impacts on the operation to be performed by the ROV. For example, if it is necessary to change an ROV handler for some tool, it is necessary to return the ROV to the deck so that the crew can perform such a change, directly impacting the operation time. [005] Furthermore, since current handlers are not designed to be interchangeable with different types of tools, the ROV needs to carry a large number of tools attached to handlers in its drawer, as several tool changes may be necessary for the same operation. This results in greater weight for the ROV to carry and less free space in its drawer. [006] Furthermore, there are limitations related to the state-of-the-art handlers with respect to the types of ROV grippers that can be used on them, i.e., depending on the type of gripper attached to the ROV manipulator (3-finger grippers, 4-finger grippers or parallel grippers, for example) the ROV's grip on the tool handler so that it can perform the submerged tool replacement is made difficult. [007] Therefore, an innovative solution is needed for a handler with interchangeability features with different types of tools, avoiding the need for an ROV to transport a large number of tools attached to handlers, and enabling gains in flexibility and productivity for an operation, thus saving time and money. State of the art [008] In the state of the art, there are some handles, devices or tools with interchangeability and/or quick coupling features. [009] Document US20130025419 discloses a tool for handling by an ROV a protective device designed to protect a submarine electrical or optical fiber connector. The device consists of a handle portion and a hollow tapered portion, which is inserted over the connector. After a slight turn of the handle, the connector protrusion slides through a groove 14 in the tapered portion until it is locked. Unlike the present invention, the handle and the tapered portion are not disconnectable from each other. Furthermore, the document does not suggest an interchangeable application with different tools. [010] Document US20150328766 discloses an interchangeable tool device having a handle with an externally threaded portion and at least three locking members, a tool head with an internally threaded portion, and at least three locking openings. The locking members are movable between a locked position and a free position. The locking openings receive the locking members when the locking members are in the locked position and cooperate to limit the rotation of the tool head relative to the handle. [011] Therefore, in order for the handle to be connected to another tool variety, a user needs to apply pressure so that the handle is slid until the latches engage with a retaining opening. [012] Document US10913144 discloses a multi-tool incorporating a spring-loaded extendable handle that accommodates interchangeable tool heads using a quick-connect sliding coupling. The spring-loaded handle is capable of securing a selected length of the multi-tool in a locked position. However, for the handle to be connected to or disconnected from a tool head, the user must press two spring-loaded levers to rotate the rotary coupling system. [013] Nevertheless, deficiencies in the state of the art clearly still persist. Therefore, the characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the detailed description that follows. Brief description of the invention [014] The present invention patent discloses a handle (100) with quick coupling for ROV, comprising: a handle (20) fixed to an upper part of a base (30), and wherein the base (30) comprises a male coupling (31) in a lower part thereof; a spacer (40) comprising a female coupling (41) in an upper part and a slot (42), wherein the slot (42) is for locking the male coupling (31) inside the spacer (40); a stop dis