Automatic inflation device for spherical tanks

Abstract

The application relates to an automatic inflation equipment for spherical tanks, which comprises a supporting base, a gas cylinder arrangement mechanism, a gas nozzle moving device and a nozzle moving mechanism. The application has the effect of weakening the safety hazards in the gas cylinder inflation process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of inflation devices, and more particularly to an automated inflation device for spherical tanks. Background Technology

[0002] A high-pressure spherical gas cylinder is a spherical gas cylinder with a nominal working pressure equal to or greater than 8 MPa. When the high-pressure spherical gas cylinder is inflated outwards, the gas temperature inside the spherical gas cylinder decreases and its internal energy decreases. Conversely, when it is inflated inwards, its internal energy increases and the gas temperature inside the spherical gas cylinder also rises.

[0003] Currently, before inflating a high-pressure spherical air tank, it is necessary to manually connect the gas cylinder nozzle on the spherical air tank to the inflation nozzle of the inflation equipment, and then start inflation. The air pressure during inflation is 75-78 MPa. After inflation is completed, the gas cylinder nozzle is manually separated from the inflation nozzle.

[0004] Regarding the aforementioned prior art, the inventor believes that there is a possibility of the spherical gas cylinder rupturing or even exploding during the inflation process, and that manually installing the gas cylinder poses a significant safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to mitigate the safety hazards that may exist during the inflation process, this application provides an automated inflation device for spherical tanks.

[0006] This application provides an automated inflation device for spherical tanks, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An automated inflation device for a spherical canister includes a support base, a gas cylinder placement mechanism, a nozzle moving device, and a nozzle moving mechanism. The gas cylinder placement mechanism includes a gas cylinder housing assembly connected to and capable of sliding relative to the support base, which houses and supports the spherical inflation canister and drives it to rotate around a fixed axis. The nozzle moving mechanism includes a nozzle rotating assembly located on the support base and capable of rotating around a fixed axis relative to the support base. The nozzle rotating assembly engages circumferentially with the gas cylinder housing assembly and drives it to rotate around a fixed axis. The nozzle moving mechanism also includes components located on the support base... The device includes a nozzle sliding assembly that is located on the support base and can slide relative to the support base. The nozzle sliding assembly is used to fix and connect the nozzle rotating assembly and drive the nozzle rotating assembly to slide relative to the support base. The air nozzle moving device includes an air nozzle rotating mechanism located on the support base and capable of sliding relative to the support base. The air nozzle rotating mechanism is used to engage with the air nozzle circumferentially and drive the air nozzle to rotate on a fixed axis. The air nozzle moving device also includes an air nozzle sliding assembly located on the support base and capable of sliding relative to the support base. The air nozzle sliding assembly is used to fix and connect the air nozzle rotating mechanism and drive the air nozzle rotating mechanism to slide relative to the support base.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, when it is necessary to inflate the spherical gas tank, the spherical gas tank is placed inside the gas cylinder housing assembly, and the gas cylinder housing assembly is slid to the inflation position corresponding to the inflation nozzle. The nozzle sliding assembly is activated, causing it to drive the nozzle rotating mechanism to move towards the spherical gas tank, i.e., the inflation nozzle moves towards the spherical gas tank. Simultaneously, the bottle mouth sliding assembly is activated, causing it to drive the bottle mouth rotating assembly to move towards the gas cylinder housing assembly. The rotation of the bottle mouth rotating assembly adjusts its posture, allowing it to be fitted and connected to the gas cylinder housing assembly under the lifting action of the bottle mouth sliding assembly, achieving circumferential engagement. The bottle mouth sliding assembly then continues to drive the gas cylinder housing assembly towards the inflation nozzle. When the spherical gas canister approaches the inflation nozzle and the two are nearly in contact, the inflation nozzle rotation mechanism drives the nozzle to rotate on its fixed axis. This rotation, in turn, drives the cylinder housing assembly to rotate on its fixed axis via the nozzle rotation component. As the spherical gas canister and inflation nozzle approach and eventually come to a stop, a connection is established between them. After connection is complete, inflation begins on the spherical gas canister. Once inflation is complete, the nozzle rotation component drives the cylinder housing assembly to rotate on its fixed axis, and the inflation nozzle rotation component, in turn, drives the inflation nozzle to rotate on its fixed axis, separating the inflation nozzle from the spherical gas canister. The nozzle sliding component and the inflation nozzle sliding component then reset the nozzle, allowing for the replacement of the new spherical gas canister.

[0009] Optionally, the valve rotation mechanism includes a valve rotation assembly and a valve stroke compensation assembly. The valve rotation assembly is used to fixably connect the valve sliding assembly and the valve stroke compensation assembly. The valve stroke compensation assembly is used to fixably connect to the inflation valve and drive the inflation valve to slide relative to the valve sliding assembly.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, after the inflation nozzle approaches and abuts the spherical air tank, the presence of the air nozzle stroke compensation component enables the inflation nozzle to displace relative to the air nozzle sliding component. That is, during the connection process between the spherical air tank and the inflation nozzle, the air nozzle stroke compensation component can compensate for the required stroke when the inflation nozzle and the spherical air tank are threaded together by driving the inflation nozzle to slide relative to the air nozzle sliding component. This allows the inflation nozzle and the spherical air tank to be stably and effectively threaded together. The same principle applies when the spherical air tank and the inflation nozzle are disconnected.

[0011] Optionally, the air nozzle stroke compensation assembly includes a connecting base fixedly connected to the air nozzle rotating assembly, a receiving base slidably connected to the connecting base, and an elastic element. The connecting base and the receiving base are engaged circumferentially, and the elastic element is used to connect the receiving base and the connecting base. The air nozzle is fixedly connected to the receiving base.

[0012] By employing the above technical solution, the compressibility and elongation (restoration) of the elastic element allows the valve sliding assembly to continue moving after the spherical inflation canister comes into contact with the inflation nozzle, thereby compressing the elastic element. After the elastic element is compressed, when the inflation nozzle is connected to the spherical inflation canister by rotation, the elastic element presses the inflation nozzle and the spherical inflation canister together. Simultaneously, as the threaded connection between the inflation nozzle and the spherical inflation canister strengthens, the spring begins to elongate (restoration), providing travel for the threaded connection between the inflation nozzle and the spherical inflation canister. Therefore, the elastic element not only ensures a stable connection between the inflation nozzle and the spherical inflation canister but also reduces the possibility of damaging the inflation nozzle or spherical inflation canister due to the high precision required when manually operating the bottle nozzle sliding assembly and the inflation nozzle sliding assembly. The same principle applies during the separation process of the spherical inflation canister and the inflation nozzle.

[0013] Optionally, the receiving base is provided with a limiting component for marking the position of the inflation nozzle, the limiting component including at least an indicator protruding outside the receiving base for indicating the horizontal height of the inflation nozzle.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the actual position of the inflation nozzle during its movement can be confirmed through the indicator, i.e., the amount of compression of the elastic element can be determined. This transforms the change in the contact force between the inflation nozzle and the spherical inflation tank into a directly observable change in the position of the indicator. This facilitates the operator in stopping the bottle neck sliding assembly and the air nozzle sliding assembly, reducing the possibility of damage caused by excessive displacement of the spherical inflation tank and / or the inflation nozzle.

[0015] Optionally, the indicator includes a reflector fixedly connected to the air nozzle rotation mechanism, and the limiting component further includes an infrared ranging probe fixed to the support base and positioned towards the reflector.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the laser emitted by the infrared ranging probe is reflected by the reflector and received by the infrared ranging probe to obtain the shortest straight distance between the reflector and the infrared ranging probe. This can more clearly and directly reflect the amount of compression of the elastic element, improve the accuracy of controlling the contact degree between the inflation nozzle and the spherical inflation tank, and further reduce the possibility of damage to the inflation nozzle and / or the spherical inflation tank.

[0017] Optionally, the gas cylinder housing assembly includes at least one connecting end for adapting and connecting with the nozzle rotating assembly, and the nozzle rotating assembly includes at least one mating end for circumferentially engaging with the connecting end, with the connecting end and the mating end being sleeved together.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the connecting end and the mating end are sleeved together, so that the bottle nozzle rotating component can select the mating end and the connecting end to fit by rotating. The bottle nozzle sliding component can lift the mating end into the connecting end (or sleeve it on the connecting end) at an angle. After the mating end is inserted into the connecting end (or sleeved on the connecting end), the mating end and the connecting end are circumferentially engaged, so that the bottle nozzle rotating component can drive the gas cylinder containing component to rotate on a fixed axis, thereby realizing the connection between the spherical gas cylinder and the gas nozzle.

[0019] Optionally, the bottle nipple sliding assembly includes at least one output end for connection to the bottle nipple rotating assembly, the output end having a transition platform hinged thereon, the bottle nipple rotating assembly being fixedly connected to the transition platform, and a guide rod being slidably connected to the transition platform for fixed connection to the supporting foundation and for guiding the transition platform.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the movement of the transition platform is limited by the guide rod. Since the bottle nipple sliding assembly is hinged to the transition platform, most of the force on the output end is axial, which can protect the output end of the bottle nipple sliding assembly, reduce the radial and other non-axial external forces on the output end, and reduce the possibility of damage to the bottle nipple sliding assembly.

[0021] Optionally, the valve movement device further includes an elastic release member for connecting the valve sliding assembly and the valve rotating mechanism, the elastic release member being used to drive the valve rotating mechanism to slide relative to the valve sliding assembly.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the function of the elastic slow-release component is to reduce the possibility of damage to the inflation nozzle and / or spherical inflation canister due to misoperation or other errors causing the nozzle sliding assembly and / or air nozzle sliding assembly to continue working after the inflation nozzle and spherical inflation canister have already abutted or even been stably connected. The elastic slow-release component not only connects the air nozzle sliding assembly to the air nozzle rotating mechanism but also reduces the possibility of damage to components caused by excessive interaction force between the inflation nozzle and the spherical inflation canister.

[0023] Optionally, the support base is provided with a protective cover for covering the inflation position of the spherical air tank. The protective cover is provided with a replacement window for replacing the spherical air tank, and the protective cover is provided with a protective door at the replacement window for opening the replacement window.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solutions, the protective cover can reduce the possibility of gas cylinder explosion causing injury to personnel or other equipment during the gas cylinder filling process; the protective door ensures that the replacement of the gas cylinder is not affected without reducing the protective effect of the protective cover.

[0025] Optionally, the gas cylinder placement mechanism further includes a slide platform located on a support base and capable of sliding relative to the support base, wherein the gas cylinder receiving assembly is slidably connected to the slide platform and capable of rotating relative to the slide platform on a fixed axis.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, multiple gas cylinder holding components can be placed on the slide, and the gas cylinder holding components can be transported to the inflation position by moving the slide, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0027] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0028] 1. When inflating the spherical gas canister, place the canister inside the cylinder housing assembly and slide the assembly to the inflation position corresponding to the inflation nozzle. Activate the nozzle sliding assembly, causing it to move the nozzle rotation mechanism towards the spherical gas canister, i.e., the inflation nozzle moves towards the spherical gas canister. Simultaneously, activate the spout sliding assembly, causing it to move the spout rotation assembly towards the cylinder housing assembly. The rotation of the spout rotation assembly engages with the cylinder housing assembly, achieving circumferential locking. Continue moving the cylinder housing assembly towards the inflation nozzle via the spout sliding assembly. When the spherical gas canister approaches the inflation nozzle and is nearly touching it, the nozzle rotation mechanism drives the inflation nozzle to rotate on a fixed axis, which in turn drives the cylinder housing assembly to rotate on a fixed axis. As the spherical gas canister and inflation nozzle approach and eventually touch, a connection is established. After connection is complete, inflation of the spherical gas canister begins. After the spherical air tank is inflated, the cylinder housing component is rotated on a fixed axis by the nozzle rotating component, and the inflation nozzle is separated from the spherical air tank by the inflation nozzle rotating component. The cylinder housing component is then reset by the nozzle sliding component and the inflation nozzle sliding component, and a new spherical air tank is then installed.

[0029] 2. Utilizing the compressible and elongating (restoring) properties of the elastic element, the spherical air canister and the air nozzle continue to move closer together after contact, thereby compressing the elastic element. After the elastic element is compressed, when the air nozzle and the spherical air canister are connected by rotation, the elastic element will press the air nozzle and the spherical air canister together. At the same time, as the threaded connection between the air nozzle and the spherical air canister strengthens, the spring begins to elongate (restoring), providing travel for the threaded connection between the air nozzle and the spherical air canister. This not only ensures a stable connection between the air nozzle and the spherical air canister but also reduces the possibility of damaging the air nozzle or the spherical air canister due to the high precision required when manually operating the bottle mouth sliding assembly and the air nozzle sliding assembly. The same principle applies during the separation process of the spherical air canister and the air nozzle. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the slide structure in the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the gas cylinder housing assembly in the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the bottle spout movement mechanism in the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the air nozzle movement device in the embodiment.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the position of the air nozzle sliding assembly in the embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the air nozzle sliding assembly in the embodiment.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the air nozzle rotation assembly in the embodiment.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the nozzle stroke compensation component in the embodiment.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the connecting base and the receiving base in the embodiment.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the changing of the window position in the embodiment.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Supporting foundation; 11. Infrared positioning component; 12. Cooling component; 13. Roller; 14. Protective cover; 15. Replacement window; 16. Protective door; 17. Lifting cylinder; 2. Nozzle movement device; 21. Elastic release element; 3. Nozzle sliding component; 31. Lead screw; 32. Telescopic rod; 33. Sliding connection platform; 34. Sliding connecting cylinder; 35. Hinge coupling; 36. Nozzle sliding motor; 4. Nozzle rotation mechanism; 41. Nozzle rotation component; 411. Nozzle rotation motor; 412. Rotating connecting cylinder; 413. Gear set; 414. Rotating connection platform; 415. Telescopic tube; 42. Nozzle stroke compensation component; 421. Connecting foundation; 42 11. Track; 422. Elastic element; 423. Receiving base; 4231. Slide groove; 4232. Settling groove; 424. Limiting rod; 43. Connecting shaft; 44. Limiting assembly; 441. Infrared ranging probe; 442. Indicator; 5. Gas cylinder placement mechanism; 6. Gas cylinder receiving assembly; 61. Positioning cylinder; 62. Positioning rod; 63. Connecting end; 64. Positioning cavity; 7. Slide table; 71. Moving table; 72. Slide rail; 73. Positioning cylinder; 74. Buffer spring; 8. Bottle nozzle movement mechanism; 81. Bottle nozzle sliding assembly; 811. Output end; 812. Bottle nozzle sliding cylinder; 82. Bottle nozzle rotation assembly; 83. Docking end; 84. Guide rod; 85. Transition platform; 9. Inflating nozzle. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art under the premise of understanding the inventive concept of the present invention are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0043] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0044] To facilitate understanding of the automated spherical tank filling device provided in this application embodiment, its application scenario is first described. The automated spherical tank filling device described in this application embodiment is used for filling spherical gas tanks (gas cylinders). It aims to provide a highly automated filling device that, through a controllable mechanical structure, enables the connection or separation of the filling nozzle (hereinafter referred to as the filling nozzle) on the filling device from the gas cylinder nozzle (hereinafter referred to as the gas cylinder nozzle) on the spherical gas tank during the filling process. This reduces manual interference during the filling process of the spherical gas tank and minimizes the safety hazards to workers caused by the potential for the spherical gas tank to burst or even explode during filling.

[0045] This application discloses an automated inflation device for spherical tanks, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment. The automated inflation device for spherical tanks includes a support base 1, a gas cylinder placement mechanism 5, a nozzle movement device 2, and a nozzle movement mechanism 8.

[0046] The supporting foundation 1 provides an installation location for the aforementioned components.

[0047] The gas cylinder placement mechanism 5 includes a gas cylinder receiving assembly 6 that is connected to the support base 1 and can slide relative to the support base 1. The gas cylinder receiving assembly 6 is used to receive and support the gas cylinder and drive the gas cylinder to rotate on a fixed axis.

[0048] The gas cylinder placement mechanism 5 also includes a slide 7 located on the support base 1 and capable of sliding relative to the support base 1, and a gas cylinder receiving assembly 6 slidably connected to the slide 7 and capable of rotating relative to the slide 7 on a fixed axis.

[0049] The air nozzle moving device 2 includes an air nozzle rotating mechanism 4 located on the supporting base 1 and capable of sliding relative to the supporting base 1. The air nozzle rotating mechanism 4 is used to engage with the air nozzle circumferentially and drive the air nozzle to rotate on a fixed axis.

[0050] The air nozzle moving device 2 also includes an air nozzle sliding assembly 3 located on the support base 1 and capable of sliding relative to the support base 1. The air nozzle sliding assembly 3 is used to fix the air nozzle rotating mechanism 4 and drive the air nozzle rotating mechanism 4 to slide relative to the support base 1.

[0051] In the specific assembly of the above structure, the support base 1 in this embodiment is a multi-layer frame structure, and for easy movement, rollers 13 are installed at the support feet of the support base 1. With the support base 1 as a reference, the spatial positions from top to bottom are: air nozzle sliding assembly 3, air nozzle rotating mechanism 4, gas cylinder receiving assembly 6, and bottle nozzle moving mechanism 8. The air nozzle sliding assembly 3 drives the air nozzle rotating mechanism 4 to move vertically, allowing the air nozzle to move closer to or away from the gas cylinder nozzle. The air nozzle rotating mechanism 4 drives the air nozzle to rotate on a fixed axis, enabling threaded connection or separation between the air nozzle and the gas cylinder nozzle. The gas cylinder receiving assembly 6 is used to fix the spherical air tank in its current position, thus fixing the position of the gas cylinder nozzle and facilitating docking or separation between the air nozzle and the gas cylinder nozzle. The slide table 7 drives the gas cylinder placement assembly to move horizontally, changing the position of the gas cylinder, allowing the gas cylinder after inflation to leave the inflation position and moving the gas cylinder to be inflated to the inflation position. The nozzle movement mechanism 8 moves the gas cylinder nozzle closer to or away from the air nozzle by vertically moving the gas cylinder receiving assembly 6, and adjusts the attitude of the gas cylinder nozzle by driving the fixed axis rotation of the gas cylinder receiving assembly 6, enabling docking or separation between the air nozzle and the gas cylinder nozzle.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An infrared positioning component 11 for determining whether the gas cylinder housing assembly 6 has reached the inflation position is also fixedly connected to the supporting base 1. For example, the infrared positioning component 11 is an infrared ranging sensor fixedly connected to the supporting base 1. In this embodiment, the infrared positioning sensor is installed at the inflation position and is set towards the gas cylinder housing assembly 6 on the slide table 7. It determines whether the gas cylinder housing assembly 6 has left the inflation position or whether a new gas cylinder housing assembly 6 has entered the inflation position by receiving the reflected infrared signal.

[0053] It should be understood that in addition to the above-mentioned method of using an infrared ranging sensor to detect the replacement of the gas cylinder containing component 6, there can be other implementation methods, such as using an image recognition algorithm to determine whether there is a target change at the inflation position to determine the replacement of the gas cylinder containing component 6.

[0054] Continue to refer to Figure 2 A cooling assembly 12 for cooling the spherical gas cylinder is fixedly connected to the supporting base 1. Exemplarily, in this embodiment, the cooling assembly 12 is a cooling medium spray gun fixedly connected to the supporting base 1, which sprays air towards the filling position. When the spherical gas cylinder in the gas cylinder housing assembly 6 begins to fill, the gas temperature inside the spherical gas cylinder also rises due to the increase in internal energy. Cooling the spherical gas cylinder or the gas cylinder housing assembly 6 by spraying water (or coolant or other media) through the cooling medium spray gun can reduce the possibility of the spherical gas cylinder bursting or even exploding.

[0055] In other embodiments, a lifting linear module is fixedly connected to the support base 1, and a cold medium spray gun is fixedly connected to the linear module. The cold medium spray gun is also set towards the spherical air tank on the slide table 7. The linear module drives the cold medium spray gun to move, so that more areas on the spherical air tank can be sprayed, further improving the explosion-proof effect.

[0056] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the slide table 7 in the embodiment. The slide table 7 includes a slide rail 72 fixedly connected to the supporting base 1, a movable platform 71 slidably connected to the slide rail 72, and a positioning cylinder 73 fixedly connected to the slide rail 72. Specifically, multiple sets of guide wheels are fixedly connected to the movable platform 71. Each set of guide wheels includes a pulley with a vertically arranged axis and a horizontally arranged pivot. The guide wheels are evenly distributed on both sides of the sliding direction of the movable platform 71 and are simultaneously embedded in the slide rail 72. The cylinder body of the positioning cylinder 73 is fixedly connected to the slide rail 72, and the piston rod is fixedly connected to the movable platform 71. The vertically arranged guide wheel realizes the connection between the movable platform 71 and the slide rail 72 and reduces the friction force on the movable platform 71 during movement. The horizontally arranged guide wheel reduces the shaking perpendicular to the sliding direction generated by the movable platform 71 and the slide rail 72 during movement, that is, the movement trajectory of the movable platform 71 tends to be fixed, and the gas cylinder receiving assembly 6 located on the movable platform 71 can be moved to the inflation position more accurately.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail is a rectangular frame structure surrounding the movable stage 71. Both ends of the guide rail are fixedly connected with buffer springs 74 facing the movable stage 71, which are used to reduce the impact caused by inertia when the movable stage 71 moves to the end of the guide rail, thereby improving the service life of the slide table 7.

[0058] It should be understood that the combination of the above-mentioned moving table 71, guide rail and positioning cylinder 73 is only one implementation of the slide table 7. In the embodiments of this application, other forms such as conveyor belt and linear module can also be used to install the gas cylinder receiving component 6 and drive the gas cylinder receiving component 6 to move.

[0059] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the gas cylinder housing assembly 6 in the embodiment; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the nozzle movement mechanism 8 in the embodiment. The gas cylinder receiving assembly 6 includes at least one connecting end 63 for being adapted and connected to the nozzle rotating assembly 82, and the nozzle rotating assembly 82 includes at least one mating end 83 for circumferentially engaging with the connecting end 63. The connecting end 63 and the mating end 83 are sleeved together.

[0060] The bottle nozzle movement mechanism 8 includes a bottle nozzle rotating assembly 82 located on the support base 1 and capable of rotating relative to the support base 1 on a fixed axis. The bottle nozzle rotating assembly 82 includes at least one mating end 83 for circumferentially engaging with the connecting end 63. The connecting end 63 and the mating end 83 are sleeved together. The bottle nozzle rotating assembly 82 is used to engage with the gas cylinder containing assembly 6 circumferentially and drive the gas cylinder containing assembly 6 to rotate on a fixed axis. The bottle nozzle movement mechanism 8 also includes a bottle nozzle sliding assembly 81 located on the support base 1 and capable of sliding relative to the support base 1. The bottle nozzle sliding assembly 81 is used to fixally connect the bottle nozzle rotating assembly 82 and drive the bottle nozzle rotating assembly 82 to slide relative to the support base 1.

[0061] For example, the gas cylinder housing assembly 6 includes a cylindrical positioning cylinder 61, a positioning rod 62 coaxially fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the positioning cylinder 61, and a connecting end 63. The positioning rod 62 passes vertically through the moving platform 71 and is rotatably connected to the moving platform 71. The bottle nozzle sliding assembly 81 includes a bottle nozzle sliding cylinder 812. The bottle nozzle rotating assembly 82 includes a bottle nozzle rotating motor fixedly connected to the bottle nozzle connecting platform. The cylinder body of the bottle nozzle sliding cylinder 812 is fixedly connected to the supporting base 1. The output end 811 of the piston rod of the bottle nozzle sliding cylinder 812 is fixedly connected to the housing of the bottle nozzle rotating motor. The output shaft of the bottle nozzle rotating motor extends upward and has a mating end 83 adapted to the connecting end 63 at its end.

[0062] Specifically, the positioning rod 62 is a cylindrical rod, and the connecting end 63 is located at the bottom of the positioning rod 62. A positioning cavity 64 is formed at the bottom of the connecting end 63. The inner wall of the positioning cavity 64 consists of six continuous vertical planes, and the outer wall of the docking end 83 consists of six continuous vertical planes. The bottle nozzle sliding cylinder 812 drives the bottle nozzle rotation motor to move vertically, and the bottle nozzle rotation motor drives the docking end 83 to rotate on a fixed axis, so that the docking end 83 can be inserted into the positioning cavity 64 of the connecting end 63. Since the inner wall of the positioning cavity 64 and the outer wall of the docking end 83 are both matching vertical planes, when the docking end 83 is inserted into the positioning cavity 64, the docking end 83 and the connecting end 63 are circumferentially engaged. At this time, the bottle nozzle rotation motor drives the docking end 83 to rotate, which in turn drives the gas cylinder receiving assembly 6 to rotate on a fixed axis. In conjunction with the bottle nozzle sliding motor, the gas cylinder receiving assembly 6 is lifted or lowered, which can be used for docking or separating the filling nozzle and the gas cylinder nozzle.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the bottle nipple sliding assembly 81 includes at least an output end 811 for connection with the bottle nipple rotating assembly 82, a transition platform 85 is hinged to the output end 811, the bottle nipple rotating assembly 82 is fixedly connected to the transition platform 85, and a guide rod 84 is slidably connected to the transition platform 85 for fixed connection with the support base 1 and for guiding the transition platform 85.

[0064] Specifically, the bottle nipple sliding assembly 81 also includes an output end 811. The piston rod end of the bottle nipple sliding cylinder 812 is the output end 811, and a transition platform 85 is hinged on the output end 811. The axis of the transition platform 85 is perpendicular to the moving direction of the piston rod of the bottle nipple sliding cylinder 812. The cylinder body of the bottle nipple rotating motor is fixedly connected to the transition platform 85. A guide rod 84 fixedly connected to the support base 1 is inserted into the transition platform 85. In this embodiment, there are two guide rods 84, which are respectively located on both sides of the bottle nipple rotating motor.

[0065] The vertical movement of the transition platform 85 is limited and guided by the guide rod 84. Since the bottle nipple sliding cylinder 812 is hinged to the transition platform 85, most of the force on the piston rod of the bottle nipple sliding cylinder 812 is axial. This protects the piston rod of the bottle nipple sliding cylinder 812, reduces the radial or other non-axial external forces on the piston rod of the bottle nipple sliding cylinder 812, and reduces the possibility of bending damage to the piston rod of the bottle nipple sliding cylinder 812.

[0066] See Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the air nozzle movement device 2 in the embodiment; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the position of the valve sliding assembly 3 in the embodiment. The valve operating mechanism includes a valve rotating assembly 41 and a valve stroke compensation assembly 42. The valve rotating assembly 41 is used to fixably connect the valve sliding assembly 3 and the valve stroke compensation assembly 42. The valve moving device 2 also includes an elastic release member 21 for connecting the valve sliding assembly 3 and the valve rotating mechanism 4. The elastic release member 21 is used to drive the valve rotating mechanism 4 to slide relative to the valve sliding assembly 3.

[0067] See Figure 5 and Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the air nozzle sliding assembly 3 in this embodiment. Specifically, the air nozzle sliding assembly 3 includes a lead screw 31, a sliding connecting platform 33, a sliding connecting cylinder 34, and a telescopic rod 32. The lead screw 31 is vertically arranged and threadedly connected to the support base 1, and an air nozzle sliding motor 36 that drives the lead screw 31 to rotate on a fixed axis is fixedly connected to the support base 1. The bottom end of the lead screw 31 is fixedly connected to the sliding connecting platform 33, the sliding connecting cylinder 34 is rotatably connected to the sliding connecting platform 33, and the elastic release element 21 is fixedly connected to the sliding connecting cylinder 34. In this embodiment, the elastic release element 21 is a release spring sleeved and fixedly connected to the sliding connecting cylinder 34.

[0068] The telescopic rod 32 connects the sliding connecting platform 33 to the supporting base 1, allowing the sliding connecting platform 33 to move vertically relative to the supporting base 1 while the lead screw 31 rotates on a fixed axis. This, in turn, causes the sliding connecting platform 33 to drive the air nozzle rotating assembly 41 to move vertically via the elastic release element 21, thus achieving vertical movement of the inflation nozzle. Even after the inflation nozzle and the spherical inflation tank have reached contact and are stably connected, if misoperation or other errors cause the lead screw 31 to continue working, i.e., the sliding connecting platform 33 moves towards the spherical inflation tank, the elastic release element 21 provides a margin of movement for the sliding connecting platform 33. Compared to a rigid connection between the sliding connecting platform 33 and the air nozzle rotating assembly 41, the mutual contact force between the inflation nozzle and the spherical inflation tank is smaller, reducing the possibility of damage due to excessive contact between the inflation nozzle and the spherical inflation tank.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the sliding connecting cylinder 34 is rotatably connected to the sliding connecting platform 33 via a bearing. Since the valve rotating assembly 41 needs to apply torque to the inflation valve to drive the inflation valve to thread a connection with the gas cylinder nozzle on the spherical inflation tank, the valve rotating assembly 41 will be subjected to torque, meaning it may experience circumferential displacement. Connecting the sliding connecting cylinder 34 to the sliding connecting platform 33 via the bearing reduces the torque transmitted from the valve rotating assembly 41 to the valve sliding assembly 3 through the sliding connecting cylinder 34. This reduces the impact of the interaction force generated when the inflation valve and gas cylinder nozzle align on the attitude of the lead screw 31, and reduces the possibility that the rotation of the lead screw 31 under force will cause the valve sliding assembly 3 to drive the valve rotating assembly 41 to move vertically, ultimately affecting the connection effect between the inflation valve and the gas cylinder nozzle.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, a hinge coupling 35 is hinged to the bottom end of the lead screw 31. In this embodiment, the hinge coupling 35 is a hinge joint consisting of two hinged parts. Both ends of the hinge coupling 35 are fixedly connected to the lead screw 31 and the sliding connection platform 33, respectively. Since the sliding connection platform 33 is connected to the support base 1 via a telescopic rod 32 for guidance, and the telescopic rod 32 has an assembly gap, the sliding connection platform 33 may still experience horizontal displacement during movement. (Hinge coupling)

[0071] Device 35 reduces the possibility of force being transmitted to lead screw 31 when horizontal offset occurs during the movement of sliding connection platform 33, and reduces the possibility of lead screw 31 bending due to radial force, so that after lead screw 31 rotates the same number of times, sliding connection platform 33 cannot drive air nozzle rotating assembly 41 to move to the target position, resulting in low connection degree or even no connection between air nozzle and air cylinder nozzle.

[0072] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 , Figure 8This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the air nozzle rotating assembly 41 in the embodiment. The air nozzle rotating assembly 41 includes a telescopic tube 415, a rotating connecting platform 414, a gear set 413, a rotating connecting cylinder 412, and an air nozzle rotating motor 411. Specifically, the bottom end of the telescopic tube 415 is fixedly connected to the supporting base 1, and the top end of the telescopic tube 415 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the rotating connecting platform 414. The air nozzle rotating motor 411 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the rotating connecting platform 414, and the output shaft of the air nozzle rotating motor 411 is adapted and connected to the gear set 413. The rotating connecting cylinder 412 is coaxially fixedly connected to one of the gears in the gear set 413, and rotates along a fixed axis as the air nozzle rotating motor 411 drives the gear set 413 to rotate. The rotating shaft of the rotating connecting cylinder 412 passes vertically through the rotating connecting platform 414 and is fixedly connected to the air nozzle 9. By using the elastic release member 21 ( Figure 5 The bottom end of the valve is coaxially sleeved and fixedly connected to the rotating connecting cylinder 412, which can realize the connection between the valve rotating assembly 41 and the valve sliding assembly 3. That is, the valve sliding assembly 3 can drive the valve rotating assembly 41 and the inflation nozzle 9 to move vertically, and drive the rotating connecting cylinder 412 through the valve rotating motor 411 to realize the fixed axis rotation of the inflation nozzle 9, and finally realize the connection or disconnection of the inflation nozzle 9 from the gas cylinder nozzle.

[0073] It should be understood that the above-described method of using a motor and gear set 413 to drive the rotating connecting cylinder 412 to rotate on a fixed axis is only one embodiment of this application. Other driving methods such as crank connecting rod, worm gear, etc. are all within the protection scope of this application.

[0074] See Figure 8 and Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the nozzle stroke compensation component 42 in the embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the rotating shaft of the rotating connecting cylinder 412 is a connecting shaft 43 that runs vertically through the rotating connecting platform 414, and the bottom end of the connecting shaft 43 is fixedly connected to the nozzle stroke compensation component 42. The nozzle stroke compensation component 42 is used to be fixedly connected to the inflation nozzle and drive the inflation nozzle to slide relative to the nozzle sliding component 3. Specifically, the connecting shaft 43 is rotatably connected to the rotating connecting platform 414 through a bearing. The nozzle stroke compensation component 42 includes a connecting base 421 fixedly connected to the rotating component 41 of the inflation nozzle 9, a receiving base 423 slidably connected to the connecting base 421, and an elastic element 422. The connecting base 421 and the receiving base 423 are engaged circumferentially, and the elastic element 422 is used to connect the receiving base 423 and the connecting base 421. The inflation nozzle 9 is fixedly connected to the receiving base 423.

[0075] See Figure 9 and Figure 10 , Figure 10This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the connecting base 421 and the receiving base 423 in this embodiment. In assembling the above components, the connecting base 421 is a sleeve bolted to the bottom end of the connecting shaft 43, and the receiving base 423 is a cylinder inserted into the connecting base 421. The connecting base 421 seals the internal cavity of the receiving base 423. An elastic element 422 is placed inside the cavity of the receiving base 423, and both ends of the elastic element 422 are fixedly connected to the connecting base 421 and the receiving base 423, respectively. In this embodiment, the elastic element 422 is a compensating spring, and the inflation nozzle 9 is coaxially fixedly connected to the bottom end of the receiving base 423.

[0076] After the inflation nozzle 9 approaches and abuts against the spherical air tank, the presence of the air nozzle stroke compensation component 42 enables the inflation nozzle 9 to generate displacement relative to the air nozzle sliding component 3. That is, through the compressible and elongated (recovering) characteristics of the elastic element 422, the elastic element 422 can be compressed after the spherical air tank abuts against the inflation nozzle 9. After the elastic element 422 is compressed, the inflation nozzle 9 and the spherical air tank are connected by rotation. At this time, the elastic element 422 will press the inflation nozzle 9 and the spherical air tank together. At the same time, as the threaded connection between the inflation nozzle 9 and the spherical air tank is strengthened, the spring begins to elongate (recover), providing stroke for the threaded connection between the inflation nozzle 9 and the spherical air tank. The elastic element 422 can not only ensure a stable connection between the inflation nozzle 9 and the spherical inflation tank, but also reduce the possibility of damage to the inflation nozzle 9 or the spherical inflation tank caused by excessive mutual clamping force between the inflation nozzle 9 and the gas cylinder nozzle when manually operating the bottle nozzle sliding assembly 81 and the air nozzle sliding assembly 3. The same principle applies during the separation process of the spherical inflation tank and the inflation nozzle 9.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, multiple rails 4211 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connecting base 421, and the rails 4211 are vertically arranged. Multiple grooves 4231 adapted to the rails 4211 are formed on the outer wall of the receiving base 423. The rails 4211 are inserted into the grooves 4231 to achieve circumferential engagement between the connecting base 421 and the receiving base 423, reducing the possibility of torque being transmitted to the elastic element 422 during the threaded connection between the inflation nozzle 9 and the gas cylinder nozzle, which could damage or even cause failure of the elastic element 422.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, a recess 4232 is formed at the bottom end of the receiving base 423, and a limiting rod 424 is coaxially fixedly connected to the connecting base 421. The bottom end of the limiting rod 424 extends into the recess 4232 and is in the shape of an enlarged boss. The depth of the recess 4232 is greater than the height of the boss at the bottom end of the limiting rod 424, so that when the elastic element 422 fails, the boss and the recess 4232 can be locked together, reducing the possibility that the receiving base 423 will fall downward under its own weight and detach from the connecting base 421.

[0079] Continue to refer to Figure 9The valve rotating mechanism 4 is provided with a limiting component 44 for marking the position of the air nozzle 9. The limiting component 44 includes at least an indicator 442 that protrudes from the valve rotating mechanism 4 and is used to indicate the horizontal height of the air nozzle 9. The indicator 442 includes a reflector fixedly connected to the valve rotating mechanism 4. The limiting component 44 also includes an infrared ranging probe 441 fixed on the support base 1 and facing the reflector.

[0080] Specifically, a reflector is coaxially mounted and fixedly connected to the receiving base 423. Two infrared ranging probes 441 are fixedly connected to the supporting base 1 via a bracket. The reflector is located between the two infrared ranging probes 441. The reflector reflects the laser emitted by the infrared ranging probes 441, and the distance between the reflector and the two infrared ranging probes 441 is obtained after being received by the sensor on the infrared ranging probes 441. This allows the determination of the specific position of the inflation nozzle 9, and thus whether the inflation nozzle has reached the target position, reducing the possibility of excessive displacement of the inflation nozzle affecting inflation.

[0081] See Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the position of the replacement window 15 in the embodiment. A protective cover 14 is provided on the supporting base 1 to cover the inflation position of the spherical air tank. The protective cover 14 is provided with a replacement window 15 for replacing the spherical air tank. The protective cover 14 is provided with a protective door 16 at the replacement window 15 for opening the replacement window 15.

[0082] Specifically, the protective cover 14 is fixedly connected to and covers the support base 1. Both ends of the slide 7 extend beyond the protective cover 14. The replacement window 15 is located on the path of the gas cylinder receiving assembly 6 moving towards the inflation position inside the protective cover 14. A lifting cylinder 17 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the protective cover 14 at the replacement window 15. The cylinder body of the lifting cylinder 17 is fixedly connected to the protective cover 14, and the piston rod of the lifting cylinder 17 is fixedly connected to the protective door 16. When it is necessary to move the gas cylinder receiving assembly 6 to the inflation position inside the protective cover 14 via the slide 7, the lifting cylinder 17 drives the protective door 16 to move vertically relative to the protective cover, thus opening the replacement window 15. Conversely, the lifting cylinder 17 can close the replacement window 15 by driving the protective door 16.

[0083] In summary, the preferred, but not the only, explanation of the principle of a preferred embodiment of this application is as follows: When a spherical inflatable canister needs to be inflated, the spherical inflatable canister to be inflated is placed inside the positioning cylinder 61. Since multiple positioning cylinders 61 are provided on the moving platform 71, the replacement window 15 can be opened by opening the protective door 16, and the moving platform 71 can be moved outside the protective cover 14 by the positioning cylinder 73, so that all the positioning cylinders 61 contain the spherical inflatable canisters. After the spherical inflatable canisters are placed, the positioning cylinder 61 containing the spherical inflatable canisters is moved to the inflation position inside the protective cover 14 by the moving platform 71. During this process, the infrared positioning component 11 can determine whether the positioning cylinder 61 has entered the designated position, and after the spherical inflatable canister to be inflated enters the inflation position, the lifting cylinder 17 lowers the protective door 16, closing the replacement window 15. The bottle nozzle sliding assembly 81 and bottle nozzle rotating assembly 82 are driven to bring the docking end 83 closer to the connecting end 63. Under the action of the bottle nozzle rotating assembly 82, the docking end 83 is adjusted to a posture that matches the positioning cavity 64 and inserted into the positioning cavity 64, achieving circumferential engagement between the docking end 83 and the connecting end 63. Then, the air nozzle sliding assembly 3 is activated, causing the inflation nozzle 9 connected to the air nozzle rotating assembly 41 to move towards the spherical inflation tank. The bottle nozzle sliding assembly 81 then drives the positioning cylinder 61 containing the spherical inflation tank to move towards the inflation nozzle 9. After the gas cylinder nozzle and the inflation nozzle 9 come into contact, the interaction force between the inflation nozzle 9 and the gas cylinder nozzle is further increased by the air nozzle sliding assembly 3. At this time, the elastic element 422 in the air nozzle stroke compensation assembly 42 is compressed. During this process, the amount of compression of the elastic element 422 can be determined by the laser light reflected from the reflector plate received by the infrared ranging probe 441, ensuring that the amount of compression of the elastic element 422 remains within the calibrated range. After the elastic element 422 is compressed, it stops the valve sliding assembly 3 and the bottle mouth sliding assembly 81. Then, the valve rotating assembly 41 drives the inflation valve 9 to rotate, and the bottle mouth rotating assembly 82 drives the bottle mouth to rotate, thus connecting the two threadedly. During the threaded connection between the inflation valve 9 and the bottle mouth, the inflation valve 9 moves downward relative to the bottle mouth. The elastic element 422 recovers from its compressed state to its natural state and provides stroke for the threaded connection process, ensuring a stable threaded connection between the inflation valve 9 and the bottle mouth. After the inflation valve 9 is threadedly connected to the bottle mouth, inflation begins. During inflation, the cooling assembly 12 sprays cool water or other cooling media into the positioning cylinder 61 or onto the outer wall of the spherical inflation tank to cool the spherical inflation tank and reduce the possibility of the spherical inflation tank cracking due to heat. After inflation is completed, the separation between the inflation nozzle 9 and the gas cylinder nozzle is achieved by the rotation of the air nozzle rotating assembly 41 and the bottle nozzle rotating assembly 82, as well as the movement of the air nozzle sliding assembly 3 and the bottle nozzle sliding assembly 81, and the inflation position is moved out under the action of the slide table 7.

[0084] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An automated air filling apparatus for spherical tanks, characterized by: The device comprises a support base (1), a gas cylinder arrangement mechanism (5), a gas nozzle movement device (2) and a nozzle movement mechanism (8); the gas cylinder arrangement mechanism (5) comprises a cylinder containing assembly (6) connected with the support base (1) and capable of sliding relative to the support base (1), which is used to contain and drive the spherical inflatable can to rotate along an axis; the nozzle movement mechanism (8) comprises a nozzle rotating assembly (82) located on the support base (1) and capable of rotating along an axis relative to the support base (1), which is used to be peripherally connected with the cylinder containing assembly (6) and drive the cylinder containing assembly (6) to rotate along an axis; the nozzle movement mechanism (8) further comprises a nozzle sliding assembly (81) located on the support base (1) and capable of sliding relative to the support base (1), which is fixedly connected with the nozzle rotating assembly (82) and drives the nozzle rotating assembly to slide relative to the support base (1); the gas nozzle movement device (2) comprises a nozzle rotating mechanism (4) located on the support base (1) and capable of sliding relative to the support base (1), which is peripherally connected with the inflation nozzle (9) and drives the inflation nozzle (9) to rotate along an axis; the gas nozzle movement device (2) further comprises a nozzle sliding assembly (3) located on the support base (1) and capable of sliding relative to the support base (1), which is fixedly connected with the nozzle rotating mechanism (4) and drives the nozzle rotating mechanism (4) to slide relative to the support base (1); The nozzle rotating mechanism (4) comprises a nozzle rotating assembly (41) and a nozzle stroke compensation assembly (42), the nozzle rotating assembly (41) is used to fixedly connect the nozzle sliding assembly (3) and the nozzle stroke compensation assembly (42), and the nozzle stroke compensation assembly (42) is used to fixedly connect with the inflation nozzle (9) and drive the inflation nozzle (9) to slide relative to the nozzle sliding assembly (3); The nozzle stroke compensation assembly (42) comprises a connecting base (421) fixedly connected with the nozzle rotating assembly (41), a containing base (423) slidingly connected with the connecting base (421), and an elastic member (422), the connecting base (421) is peripherally connected with the containing base (423), and the elastic member (422) is used to connect the containing base (423) and the connecting base (421), and the inflation nozzle is fixedly connected with the containing base (423); The containing base (423) is provided with a limiting assembly (44) used to mark the position of the inflation nozzle, and the limiting assembly (44) at least comprises an indicating member (442) exposed outside the containing base (423) and used to indicate the horizontal height of the inflation nozzle; The indicating member (442) comprises a reflecting plate fixedly connected with the nozzle rotating mechanism (4), and the limiting assembly (44) further comprises an infrared distance measuring probe (441) fixedly arranged on the support base (1) and facing the reflecting plate.

2. The automated inflator apparatus for a spherical tank according to claim 1, characterized by: The gas cylinder containing assembly (6) comprises at least one connecting end (63) for connecting with the nozzle rotating assembly (82), the nozzle rotating assembly (82) comprises at least one counter end (83) for circumferentially clamping the connecting end (63), and the connecting end (63) is sleeved with the counter end (83).

3. The automated inflator apparatus for spherical tanks according to claim 1, characterized by: The nozzle sliding assembly (81) comprises at least one output end (811) for connecting with the nozzle rotating assembly, the output end (811) is hinged with a transition platform (85), the nozzle rotating assembly (82) is fixedly connected with the transition platform (85), and the transition platform (85) is slidingly connected with a guide rod (84) fixedly connected with the support base (1).

4. The automated inflator apparatus for spherical tanks according to claim 3, characterized by: The gas nozzle moving device (2) further comprises an elastic release member (21) for connecting the gas nozzle sliding assembly (3) and the gas nozzle rotating mechanism (4), the elastic release member (21) is used for driving the gas nozzle rotating mechanism (4) to slide relative to the gas nozzle sliding assembly (3).

5. The automated inflator apparatus for spherical tanks according to claim 1, wherein The support base (1) is provided with a protective cover (14) for covering the inflation position of the spherical inflatable tank, the protective cover (14) is provided with a replacement window (15) for replacing the spherical inflatable tank, and the protective cover (14) is provided with a protective door (16) for opening the replacement window (15) at the replacement window (15).

6. The spherical tank automated aeration apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by: The gas cylinder containing mechanism (5) further comprises a sliding table (7) located on the support base (1) and capable of sliding relative to the support base (1), and the gas cylinder containing assembly (6) is slidingly connected to the sliding table (7) and capable of rotating relative to the sliding table (7).

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