A rapid release device and release method for gas cylinders

Abstract

The present invention discloses a rapid gas cylinder release device and a release method. The device includes a gas cylinder and a gas nozzle, and is characterized in that: the gas nozzle has a first channel connecting the gas cylinder and a second channel connecting an airbag. When the rotary valve core is in the first position, the channels are disconnected, and when it rotates to the second position, the channels are connected; a puncturing needle for puncturing the sealing film of the gas cylinder when connecting the gas cylinder is provided in the first channel; a rocker arm is fixed on the valve rod, and a torsion spring and an electromagnet are provided. When the iron core of the electromagnet is in the extended state, it limits the rocker arm to keep the rotary valve core in the first position and the rocker arm compresses the torsion spring to make the torsion spring in a pre-tightened state. When the iron core of the electromagnet is in the retracted state, it releases the rocker arm, and under the action of the torsion spring, the rocker arm drives the valve rod to rotate the rotary valve core to the second position. The present invention first punctures the gas cylinder to form a high-pressure sealed area. When the gas needs to be released, the valve core is quickly driven to open the gas channel through the release of the torsion spring. It can effectively improve the gas release speed and meet the requirements of human fall protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas cylinder release structure, and particularly to a rapid gas cylinder release device for an inflatable human fall protection equipment. Background Art

[0002] Falling is a common accidental event for the elderly. The elderly often suffer various injuries due to falling, such as hip fractures, neck injuries, brain injuries, and various soft tissue injuries and fractures in other parts. In the prior art, in order to achieve effective protection in accidental events such as human falls, various human fall protection detection and protection devices have emerged. Human fall detection is realized through sensors and specific algorithms. At the same time, a protective airbag and a gas source are configured on the human body. When it is judged that a human fall is about to occur, the gas source is controlled to inflate the protective airbag to achieve the protection of the human body.

[0003] The methods for inflating the protective airbag usually include explosive inflation and compressed gas cylinder inflation. Among them, the explosive inflation method has been basically abandoned due to safety issues. Currently, compressed gas cylinders are usually used to inflate the protective airbag. The opening of the compressed gas cylinder requires a certain amount of time. Currently, when detecting a human fall, the lead time can generally reach 200 ms to 300 ms. In order to achieve effective protection, the time for airbag inflation needs to be reserved. Therefore, a higher requirement is imposed on the opening speed of the compressed gas cylinder. The solenoid valve has a fast opening speed. However, small solenoid valves cannot meet the requirements of long-term sealing and will have gas leakage, affecting the storage and service life of the product. Another method is to use a servo motor or other mechanisms to cooperate with a thorn needle to pierce the sealing film for opening. For example, Chinese Utility Model Patent CN201132602Y discloses an inflation valve for inflating an inflatable life jacket manually and automatically. A torsion spring is used to drive an automatic cam to drive a punching needle to move, piercing the film opening of the gas cylinder to release compressed gas. Its automatic opening time is about 2 seconds. Although it is suitable for the inflation of a life jacket when falling into water, it cannot be used for the inflation of a fall protection airbag. Through corresponding structural improvements, the opening speed can be increased. However, the opening time of these methods after improvement is generally 50 to 100 ms, still difficult to meet the requirements for protection during a human fall.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the opening device of the gas cylinder to achieve the rapid release of the gas in the gas cylinder. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The invention object of the present invention is to provide a rapid gas cylinder release device, which realizes the rapid release of the gas in the gas cylinder through structural improvement to meet the rapid inflation requirement of the human protection airbag. Another invention object of the present invention is to provide a rapid gas cylinder release method.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned invention purposes, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A rapid gas cylinder release device includes a gas cylinder and a gas nozzle. A rotary valve core is provided inside the gas nozzle. The gas nozzle has a first channel connecting the gas cylinder and a second channel connecting the airbag. When the rotary valve core is in the first position, the first channel and the second channel are disconnected. When the rotary valve core rotates to the second position, the first channel and the second channel are communicated; A puncturing needle for puncturing the sealing film of the gas cylinder when connecting to the gas cylinder is provided in the first channel; A rocker arm is fixed on the valve stem of the rotary valve core, and a torsion spring and an electromagnet are provided. When the iron core of the electromagnet is in the extended state, it limits the rocker arm to make the rotary valve core in the first position and the rocker arm compresses the torsion spring to make the torsion spring in a pre-tightened state. When the iron core of the electromagnet is in the retracted state, it releases the rocker arm. Under the action of the torsion spring, the rocker arm drives the valve stem to make the rotary valve core rotate to the second position.

[0007] In a preferred technical solution, the first channel and the second channel are vertically arranged. The rotary valve core has a first hole and a second hole that are vertically arranged and communicated. The second hole is always communicated with the second channel. The first hole is communicated with the first channel in the second position, thereby realizing the communication between the first channel and the second channel.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the puncturing needle in the first channel is a hollow puncturing needle.

[0009] In the above technical solution, the torsion spring is sleeved on the valve stem. One end of the torsion spring is fixed to the limiting plate on the gas nozzle, and the other end is pressed tightly on the rocker arm.

[0010] To achieve another invention purpose of the present invention, the present invention provides a rapid gas cylinder release method, which is realized by using the above device. First, rotate the rocker arm to drive the rotary valve core to close, so that the torsion spring obtains a pre-tightening force, and extend the iron core of the electromagnet to limit the movement of the rocker arm to keep the rotary valve core in the first position; Subsequently, screw the gas nozzle into the gas cylinder, and the sealing film on the gas cylinder is punctured by the hollow puncturing needle in the gas nozzle, forming a high-pressure sealed space by the gas cylinder, the first channel of the gas nozzle, and the rotary valve core. At this time, the gas cylinder is in a release preparation state; When a release signal is received, control the electromagnet circuit to be turned on, adsorb the iron core to retract, release the restraint on the rocker arm, and the rocker arm drives the rotary valve core to rotate to the second position under the action of the pre-tightening force of the torsion spring, making the gas cylinder communicate with the airbag and completing the inflation of the airbag.

[0011] Due to the application of the above technical solution, the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0012] 1. The present invention creatively provides a rotating valve core in the nozzle and a puncturing needle in the first channel of the nozzle. Thus, when the nozzle is installed on the gas cylinder, the puncturing needle pierces the sealing film of the gas cylinder to form a high-pressure sealing area. Therefore, when it is necessary to release gas, only the valve core needs to be rotated to open the gas channel. Compared with the prior art in which the sealing film is punctured after receiving an instruction, the gas release speed can be effectively increased. Tests show that the opening time can be shortened to 10 - 25 ms.

[0013] 2. The present invention drives the rotating valve core through a torsion spring to drive the rocker arm. The rocker arm is limited by the iron core of the electromagnet. Therefore, when releasing, only the electromagnet needs to be energized to retract the iron core to release the rocker arm, and the rocker arm rotates relying on the elastic force of the torsion spring. The action speed is fast, there is no mechanical delay, and the action time is much shorter than that of the existing opening system. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the right view of

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the control circuit of the inflation mechanism.

[0017] Wherein: 1. Gas cylinder; 2. Nozzle; 3. Rotating valve core; 4. First channel; 5. Second channel; 6. First hole; 7. Second hole; 8. Valve rod; 9. Rocker arm; 10. Torsion spring; 11. Electromagnet; 12. Iron core; 13. Limiting plate. Detailed Embodiments

[0018] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments:

[0019] Embodiment 1: Referring to Figure 1 as shown, a rapid gas cylinder release device includes a gas cylinder 1 and a nozzle 2. A rotating valve core 3 is provided inside the nozzle 2. The nozzle 2 has a first channel 4 connecting to the gas cylinder and a second channel 5 connecting to the airbag. The first channel 4 and the second channel 5 are vertically arranged. The rotating valve core 3 has a first hole 6 and a second hole 7 which are vertically arranged and communicated. The second hole 7 is always communicated with the second channel 5. When the rotating valve core 3 is in the first position (as shown in the figure), the first hole 6 faces the outside of the paper. Thus, the first channel 4 and the second channel 5 are disconnected. When the rotating valve core 3 rotates to the second position (the valve rod rotates clockwise by 90°), the first hole 6 rotates to the position communicated with the first channel 4. At this time, the first channel 4 and the second channel 5 are communicated.

[0020] A hollow puncturing needle for puncturing the sealing film of the gas cylinder when connecting to the gas cylinder is provided in the first channel 4.

[0021] A rocker arm 9 is fixed on the valve stem 8 of the rotary valve core 3. A torsion spring 10 and an electromagnet 11 are provided. The torsion spring 10 is sleeved on the valve stem 8. One end of the torsion spring 10 is fixed to the limit plate 13 on the air nozzle, and the other end is pressed against the rocker arm 9. As Figure 2 shown, when the iron core 12 of the electromagnet 11 is in the extended state, it limits the rocker arm 9 so that the rotary valve core 3 is in the first position and the rocker arm 9 compresses the torsion spring 10 to make the torsion spring 10 in a pre-tightened state. When the iron core 12 of the electromagnet is in the retracted state, the rocker arm 9 is released. Under the action of the torsion spring 10, the rocker arm 9 drives the valve stem 8 to rotate the rotary valve core 3 to the second position to release the gas.

[0022] When the device of this embodiment is in use, first rotate the rocker arm to drive the rotary valve core to close, so that the torsion spring obtains a pre-tightening force, and extend the iron core of the electromagnet to limit the movement of the rocker arm, so that the rotary valve core remains in the first position; then screw the air nozzle into the gas cylinder, and the sealing film on the gas cylinder is punctured by the hollow puncture needle in the air nozzle, forming a high-pressure sealed space by the gas cylinder, the first channel of the air nozzle, and the rotary valve core. At this time, the gas cylinder is in a release preparation state; when a release signal is received, control the electromagnet circuit to be turned on, the adsorbed iron core retracts, the constraint on the rocker arm is released, and the rocker arm drives the rotary valve core to rotate to the second position under the action of the pre-tightening force of the torsion spring, so that the gas cylinder is communicated with the airbag to complete the inflation of the airbag.

[0023] When constructing the control system, a relay is set to realize the control of a large current loop by a small signal current. As Figure 3 shown, one end of the electromagnet is connected to the negative pole of the battery, the positive pole of the battery is connected to the normally open end NO of the relay, and the other end of the electromagnet is connected to the COM end of the electromagnet. When a high-level signal is received, the normally open end of the relay closes, connecting the electromagnet circuit.

[0024] In actual use, considering the safety of the gas, a CO2 gas cylinder is used as the gas source. When used as a human protection device, for example, a gas cylinder with a mass of 8 g, a pressure of 6 - 9 Mpa, a bottle body diameter of 18 mm, and a height of 55 mm can be used. After complete release, the volume is about 4.07 L. Thus, it is both convenient to carry and can provide sufficient gas buffering.

[0025] In this embodiment, the selected torsion spring has a mean diameter D of 12.8 mm, is wound 6 turns, can meet the use requirement of a rotation angle of 0.75π, and has a torque of 199.5 N•mm.

[0026] Using the device of this embodiment for the airbag inflation test, the test data is shown in the following table.

[0027]

[0028] It can be seen that the starting release time of the gas cylinder is about 20 ms, and the inflation time is about 230 ms, which can meet the requirements of human fall protection.

Claims

1. A rapid release device for gas cylinders, comprising a gas cylinder and a gas nozzle, characterized in that: The air nozzle is provided with a rotating valve core. The air nozzle has a first channel connecting the gas cylinder and a second channel connecting the airbag. When the rotating valve core is in the first position, the first channel and the second channel are disconnected. When the rotating valve core rotates to the second position, the first channel and the second channel are communicated; a puncturing needle for puncturing the sealing film of the gas cylinder when connecting the gas cylinder is provided in the first channel; a rocker arm is fixed on the valve stem of the rotating valve core, and a torsion spring and an electromagnet are provided. When the iron core of the electromagnet is in the extended state, it limits the rocker arm to make the rotating valve core in the first position and the rocker arm compresses the torsion spring to make the torsion spring in a pre-tightened state. When the iron core of the electromagnet is in the retracted state, it releases the rocker arm. Under the action of the torsion spring, the rocker arm drives the valve stem to make the rotating valve core rotate to the second position; a relay is provided in the control system. One end of the control coil of the electromagnet is connected to the negative pole of the battery, the positive pole of the battery is connected to the normally open end NO of the relay, and the other end of the control coil of the electromagnet is connected to the COM end of the relay; Wherein, the torsion spring is sleeved on the valve stem. One end of the torsion spring is fixed to the limiting plate on the air nozzle, and the other end is pressed tightly on the rocker arm; the mean diameter D of the torsion spring is 12.8 mm, it is wound 6 turns, and the rotation angle is 0.75π.

2. The quick release device for gas cylinders according to claim 1, wherein: The first channel and the second channel are arranged vertically. The rotating valve core has a first hole and a second hole which are vertically arranged and communicated. The second hole is always communicated with the second channel. The first hole is communicated with the first channel in the second position, thereby realizing the communication between the first channel and the second channel.

3. The quick release device for gas cylinders according to claim 1, characterized in that: The puncturing needle in the first channel is a hollow puncturing needle.

4. A method for rapid release of a gas cylinder, characterized in that: It is realized by using the device of claim 1. First, rotate the rocker arm to drive the rotating valve core to close, so that the torsion spring obtains a pre-tightening force, and extend the iron core of the electromagnet to limit the movement of the rocker arm and keep the rotating valve core in the first position; then screw the air nozzle into the gas cylinder, and the sealing film on the gas cylinder is punctured by the hollow puncturing needle in the air nozzle, forming a high-pressure sealed space by the gas cylinder, the first channel of the air nozzle and the rotating valve core. At this time, the gas cylinder is in a release preparation state; when a release signal is received, control the electromagnet circuit to be turned on, adsorb the iron core to retract, release the restraint on the rocker arm, and the rocker arm drives the rotating valve core to rotate to the second position under the action of the pre-tightening force of the torsion spring, so that the gas cylinder is communicated with the airbag to complete the inflation of the airbag; the method of controlling the electromagnet circuit to be turned on is that when constructing the control system, a relay is set. One end of the control coil of the electromagnet is connected to the negative pole of the battery, the positive pole of the battery is connected to the normally open end NO of the relay, and the other end of the control coil of the electromagnet is connected to the COM end of the relay. When a high-level signal is received, the normally open end NO of the relay closes to connect the electromagnet circuit.

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