Abstract:
The invention relates to a connection device for a supply line with a jacket pipe and at least two inner lines arranged therein, wherein a housing with a first connection region for the jacket pipe and a second connection region for the inner lines is provided. According to the invention the first connection region comprises at least one holding element which is mounted, for the purpose of holding or releasing the jacket pipe, so that it can be radially fed thereto or returned therefrom. The second connection region is arranged axially spaced apart from the first connection region and comprises axially actuated plug connection elements for the inner lines.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a connection device for a supply line with a jacket pipe and at least two inner lines arranged therein, wherein a housing with a first connection region for the jacket pipe and a second connection region for the inner lines is provided. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Such supply lines serve for example for the connection of underwater units to supply vessels. By means of the supply line in particular energy, data and various fluids are fed to the underwater unit so that it can work in the desired way for example at the bottom of the sea or a lake. Such a supply line comprises various lines within a jacket pipe corresponding to the supply to be provided. 
     Precisely at sea, however, it is repeatedly necessary to cut off the supply line in the short term, for example if made necessary by high waves or a storm. If this does not take place or does not take place punctually there is the risk of undesirable forces being transferred via the supply line to the underwater unit, through which the security and functioning capacity thereof can be impaired. There is also a risk of an uncontrolled tearing away of the supply line, meaning that restoration of the connection is not possible or is only possible with considerable expense. 
     A generic connection device is known for example from U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,848. At the end of a supply pipe a sleeve-form plug and socket device is provided, through which an outer sleeve can be axially inserted into a corresponding receiving socket. Axial connections are mounted so that they can be moved in the axial direction within the sleeve in order to allow for the purpose of connection initially the connection of the inner lines before the outer jacket pipe can be fixed. 
     In this known connection device there is thus a connection of the inner lines at a time at which the outer jacket pipe has not yet been mechanically fixed. In case of rough seas the connected inner lines can tear away, for example due to uncontrolled movements of the supply vessel, if the jacket pipe has not yet been fixed. In addition a release of the supply line in certain emergency situations is not possible very quickly as initially the connection of the surrounding jacket pipe must be released and only then is a release of the axial plug connections of the inner lines possible. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the invention to provide a connection device for a supply line which allows on the one hand a reliable and secure connection and nonetheless rapid release. 
     The object is achieved according to the invention through a connection device having the features of claim  1 . Preferred embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims. 
     The connection device according to the invention is characterised in that the first connection region comprises at least one holding element which is mounted, for the purpose of holding or releasing the jacket pipe, so that it can be radially fed thereto or returned therefrom and in that the second connection region is arranged axially spaced apart from the first connection region and comprises axially actuated plug connection elements for the inner lines. 
     According to a first aspect of the invention a radially adjustable holding element is provided to connect the jacket pipe. The jacket pipe absorbs the essential mechanical forces of the supply line. While in case of an axial connection with possible high mechanical transverse forces jamming could arise, a radially adjustable holding element can be easily fed or returned even in case of high mechanical stresses being present on the jacket pipe. This allows in particular in emergencies a rapid and reliable mechanical release of the jacket pipe of the supply line. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention the first connection region for connecting the jacket pipe is arranged axially spaced apart from the second connection region for the axial plug connection elements of the inner lines. In this way it is possible for initially the outer jacket pipe to be connected. If this mechanically stable connection has been produced, in the spaced apart second connection region the inner lines projecting from the jacket pipe can be securely connected or released. In this way it is ensured that vigorous movements of a supply vessel do not lead to tearing away of inner hydraulic lines and hydraulic fluid thus leaking out uncontrollably. In addition through the inventive arrangement there is adequate space for arranging the plug connection elements so that these can be easily and reliably operated by users. 
     Through the inventive connection device a secure connection and release of a maritime supply line is thus possible in particular with rough high sea conditions. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the invention two plate-form holding elements are provided which are mounted so that they can be displaced on opposing sides of the jacket pipe. With such plate-form holding elements the jacket pipe can be clamped reliably on the first connection region. By simply moving back the holding elements a rapid and secure release of the connection is possible even in the presence of great tension. 
     In principle the displacement of the plate-form holding elements can take place by hand. It is particularly advantageous according to the invention that the at least one holding element can be actuated by means of an operating cylinder. The operating cylinder is thereby preferably a hydraulic cylinder which is controlled by means of a corresponding control means. 
     It is further preferred according to the invention for a reliable connection that the plug connection elements are arranged on a connecting plate one beside the other in at least one row. The arrangement can also comprise in particular two or more rows. This allows a space saving compact arrangement, but wherein good accessibility continues to be ensured for operators. 
     The individual plug connection elements for the inner lines are inserted in principle by hand into corresponding counter elements on the second connection region. Release can take place in the same way by hand. However, it is advantageous for a particularly rapid release according to the invention that a release means is provided for the joint release of the inner lines from the plug connection elements. This release means can for example actively pull the corresponding plugs of the inner lines out of the plug connection elements. For certain rapid hydraulic couplings the release movement can also consist in that the plugs of the inner lines are moved in the direction towards the plug elements, whereby the plugs then disengage from the plug connection elements and are released. The release means can carry out the corresponding release movement according to the type of the plug connection element. Through a simultaneous joint release of the plug connection elements a rapid and controlled cutting off of the supply line is achieved in particular in emergency situations. 
     It is thereby particularly preferable according to the invention that the release means comprises at least a release plate with actuating cams which in part include plug elements of the inner lines for an axial actuation. Radial projections or collars can be provided for this purpose on the plug elements which come into contact with the release plate for application of an axial release movement. The release plate can be formed for example like a comb, wherein the teeth of the comb form the actuating cams. 
     A release according to the invention can be achieved particularly reliably in that the release means can be actuated by means of an operating cylinder. This operating cylinder is preferably likewise a hydraulic cylinder. 
     For controlled cutting off it is advantageous according to the invention that a control means is provided, through which the at least one holding element for the jacket pipe and the release means for the inner lines can be actuated orientated to each other. It is thereby preferable that the release of the inner lines takes place before or at least simultaneously with the release of the jacket pipe. In this way excessive mechanical loads are prevented from being transferred to the sensitive electric, electronic or hydraulic plug elements or couplings. 
     In principle the most varied lines can be provided for the inner lines. It is preferable according to the invention that the inner lines comprise power cables, data cables and/or fluid pipes. The fluid pipes can be hydraulic or pneumatic pipes. Supply pipes for water, air or other liquids and gases are also possible. 
     According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention the housing comprises an outer plate, on which the first connection region for the jacket pipe is provided, the outer plate comprises a passage opening, through which the inner lines can be fed into the housing to the second connection region and a guide funnel is arranged between the outer plate and the second connection region, said guide funnel tapering towards the passage opening. 
     With this arrangement the inner lines can be arranged very compactly within the jacket pipe which can for example be a feed pipe which is known in construction machines and in particular slotted wall milling cutters. In order to actuate the individual plug connections the inner lines can branch out after leaving the jacket pipe so that there is sufficient space for use on the second connection region. In order to ensure in case of controlled cutting a secure passage of the plug connectors through the passage opening of the connection plate a guide funnel is provided. This guide funnel is arranged at the passage opening and widens towards the second connection region. 
     It is furthermore preferred according to the invention that guide bars are arranged between the connection plate and a connecting plate of the second connection region. These guide bars serve in the same way as the guide funnel for controlled channelling of the inner lines through the passage opening in case of controlled cutting off of the supply line. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The invention is explained in further detail by reference to example embodiments which are shown schematically in the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective partially sectional view of an inventive connection device; 
         FIG. 2  a detailed view of the first connection region in the closed state; 
         FIG. 3  a detailed view of the first connection region in the open state; 
         FIG. 4  a detailed view of the second connection region in the closed state; 
         FIG. 5  a detailed view of the second connection region in the open state; 
         FIG. 6  a schematic cross-sectional view of the second connection region in the open state. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An embodiment of an inventive connection device  10  is shown in an overview in the partially sectional, perspective view of  FIG. 1 . The connection device  10  comprises a box-form housing  12  which is fixed on a base frame  14  consisting of steel supports. The base frame  14  can be fixedly connected to a supply vessel. 
     The connection device  10  serves for the releasable connection of a supply line  60  with an outer jacket pipe  62  and inner lines  64  arranged therein which are to be releasably connected to corresponding stationary lines. In this way by means of the stationary lines  16  a connection can be carried out from the supply vessel via the supply line  60  for example to an underwater unit. 
     The connection device  10  thereby comprises on its front side a first connection region  20  for the outer jacket pipe  62 . In this connection the housing  12  comprises a front outer plate  24 , on which guide rails  26  are provided at the top and bottom for the linear guidance of two opposing plate-form holding elements  22 . The holding elements  22  can be linearly displaced via operating cylinders  28  between the open position (as shown) and a closed position for holding the jacket pipe  62 . The structure and functioning are described in greater detail below by reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     The inner lines  64  which can be data cables, electric cables, lines for hydraulic liquid, air or other fluids extend beyond the end of the jacket pipe  62  through a passage opening  30  in the outer plate  24  into the housing  12  of the connection device  10 . The inner lines  64  which are shown partially sectionally in  FIG. 1  extend as far as a rear-side second connection region  40 , onto which the stationary lines  16  run. Plug elements  66  are arranged at the ends of the inner lines  64  which are formed in a fitting manner to corresponding plug connection elements on the second connection region  40  for production of a line connection. 
     For rapid release of these line connections a release means  50  is provided which comprises according to the embodiment shown two pivotably arranged comb-like release plates  52 . The structure and functioning of the release means  50  are explained in greater detail below in connection with  FIGS. 4 to 6 . 
     In the released or open position shown in  FIG. 1  of the connection device  10  the connecting line  60  can be easily removed from the housing  12 . In order to prevent snagging of the inner lines  64  within the housing  12  plate-form guide bars  34  and a guide funnel  32  are arranged in the housing  12 , whereby said guide funnel  32  tapers from the inner space of the housing  12  towards the passage opening  30  in the outer plate  25 . 
     The structure and functioning of the first connection region  20  for connection of the outer jacket pipe  62  can be derived in greater detail from  FIGS. 2 and 3 . At the end of the jacket pipe  62  a pipe connector  70  is arranged. The flexible pipe region is fixedly connected to a sleeve-form shaft  76 , to which a centring ring  72  connects. On the outer side of the centring ring  72  two opposing centring pins  74  are arranged which project radially. 
     In the closed position of the connection region  20  shown in  FIG. 2  the centring pin  74  projects into a plate-form centring mount  21  which projects perpendicularly from a front side of the plate-form holding element  22 . In this way the centring pin  74  engaging in the centring mount  21  forms an anti-rotation means for the jacket pipe  62 . 
     An end sleeve  77  of the pipe connector  70  connects to the front to the centring ring  72 , whereby an annular collar  78  projects radially outwards at the free end of the end sleeve  77 , as follows from the open position according to  FIG. 3 . In this position according to  FIG. 3  the jacket pipe  62  can be pushed axially as far as a stop (not shown) onto the first connection region  20 . 
     By moving in the operating cylinders  28  the two plate-form holding elements  22  are moved axially relative to each other. The holding elements  22  are thereby linearly guided on their upper side and lower side in guide bars  26  which are fixed in turn on the outer plate  24  of the housing  12 . 
     Through this axial pushing together of the holding elements  22  the annular collar  78  of the pipe connector  70  engages in an annular groove  23  on the arcuate inner sides of the holding elements  22 . This results in a shape locking axial position securing of the jacket pipe  62  in the connection device  10 . At the same time the plate-form centring mounts  21  are pushed with their U-like recess over the radially outwardly projecting centring pins  74  in order to thus guarantee an anti-rotation measure for the jacket pipe  62 . 
     All in all a reliable, mechanically stable connection of the jacket pipe  62  on the connection device  10  is guaranteed through the first connection region  20 . 
     The design of the second connection region  40  is explained below in connection with  FIGS. 4 to 6 . The second connection region  40  comprises a connecting plate  44  forming the rear side of the housing  12 . The stationary lines  16  run onto said connecting plate  44  in plug connection elements  42  which project into the inner space of the housing  12 . At the ends of the inner lines  64  corresponding plug elements  66  are formed in order to produce a corresponding line connection through axial insertion. 
       FIG. 4  shows the second connection region  40  in the closed position, thus with connected inner lines  64 . The plug connection elements  42  are thereby arranged in two rows one over the other on the connecting plate  44 . In order to hold the plug elements  66  in the plug connection elements  42  two comb-like release plates  52  of a release means  40  are pivoted about their respective pivot axis  53  into their locked position, in which the release plates  52  are arranged approximately parallel to the connecting plate  44 . 
     According to  FIG. 4  the two release plates  52  are locked in their closed position by means of a locking bar  46 . The locking bar  46  is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable on the connecting plate  44  parallel thereto and transversely relative to the plug connection elements  42 . For linear displacement an operating cylinder  56  is arranged on the rear side of the connecting plate  44  which is connected by means of a bearing block  49  to the locking bar  46 . 
     As can be seen particularly clearly from  FIG. 5 , the locking bar  46  comprises holding surfaces  47  lying at the top and bottom which go like a saw tooth into release recesses  48 . In the closed position according to  FIG. 4  the holding surfaces  47  of the locking bar  46  are arranged so that the release plates  52  are prevented from pivoting forwards about their pivot axes  53 . In this locked position the plug elements  66  on the inner lines  64  are held in a shape locking way in the associated plug connection elements  42  so that a line connection is reliably guaranteed. 
     By moving out the operating cylinder  56  the locking bar  46  is displaced so that the comb-like actuating cams  54  of the release plate  52  can pivot freely upwardly and downwardly through the release recesses  48 . The pivot movement of the release plates  52  can be achieved through a separate operating cylinder, a separate tension spring or through spring tension elements in the plug connection elements  42  and/or the plug elements  66  themselves. 
     As can be seen more closely in particular from  FIG. 6 , through the free pivoting of the release plates  52  about the pivot axis  53  the shape locking axial position fixing of the plug elements  66  with their radially outwardly projecting projections  67  is released so that the inner lines  64  can be axially removed. For stable mounting of the pivot plate  52  a plurality of bearing sockets  45  are arranged spaced apart from each other on the connecting plate  44 , through which bearing sockets  45  the pivot axis  53  of the release means  50  projects.