LPG tank monitoring device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of gas safety monitoring equipment technology, and more particularly to a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank monitoring device, which includes a connecting valve, a drive component, a pressure sensor, a pressure reducing valve, a metering module, and a monitoring module. The gas discharged from the LPG tank is first reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing valve, and then passes through the metering module. The pressure sensor is located at the connection section between the connecting valve and the pressure reducing valve, and can detect the pressure value between the connecting valve and the pressure reducing valve when the connecting valve is open or closed. When the connecting valve is closed, the drive component can directly close the outlet of the LPG tank, cutting off the discharge from the high-pressure point, preventing high pressure from forming inside the pressure reducing valve, reducing the probability of gas leakage, and improving gas safety. The monitoring module can receive data collected by the pressure sensor and the metering module and send it to a terminal or other devices. The monitoring module can also control the drive component to open or close the connecting valve, achieving intelligent monitoring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of gas safety monitoring equipment, and more particularly to a liquefied gas tank monitoring device. Background Technology

[0002] With societal development, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders are widely used in both residential and commercial sectors, serving as a crucial appliance for gas usage. However, natural gas is inherently flammable and explosive, making gas safety paramount. Existing technologies include numerous intelligent monitoring solutions to ensure gas safety, such as the gas safety monitoring system and method disclosed in patent CN115681814A. This solution controls the opening and closing of the LPG cylinder via an automatic gas shut-off valve. Specifically, a pressure-reducing valve is sealed at the inlet of the shut-off valve body, and a built-in motor valve within the shut-off valve body opens or closes the output interface of the pressure-reducing valve. In practice, when the automatic gas shut-off valve is open, the gas in the LPG cylinder first passes through the pressure-reducing valve and then through the automatic gas shut-off valve. When the automatic gas shut-off valve is closed, the gas in the LPG cylinder continuously discharges towards the pressure-reducing valve, creating high pressure and increasing the probability of gas leakage. Conversely, when the automatic gas shut-off valve reopens, the high-pressure gas formed in the pressure-reducing valve is directly discharged, potentially impacting the safety of the LPG cylinder to some extent.

[0003] Based on this, the applicant is considering designing a liquefied gas tank monitoring device that can improve the safety of gas use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is: how to provide a liquefied gas tank monitoring device that can improve the safety of gas use.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A liquefied gas tank monitoring device includes a connecting valve, a drive component, a pressure sensor, a pressure reducing valve, a metering module, and a monitoring module.

[0007] The connecting valve is used to connect to the gas outlet of the liquefied gas tank and is connected in sequence to the pressure reducing valve and the metering module;

[0008] The pressure reducing valve is used to reduce the pressure of the gas discharged from the connected valve;

[0009] The metering module is equipped with a gas outlet structure and collects the value of the discharged gas.

[0010] A pressure sensor for collecting gas pressure values ​​is installed in the connection section between the connecting valve and the pressure reducing valve.

[0011] The drive component is used to open or close the connection valve;

[0012] The monitoring module is used to receive and send signals, and it is communicatively connected to the pressure sensor, the metering module, and the drive component.

[0013] The working principle and advantages of the LPG tank monitoring device in this technical solution are as follows:

[0014] In this solution, the connecting valve is directly connected to the outlet of the LPG tank. When the drive unit controls the connecting valve to close, it directly shuts off the exhaust from the LPG tank outlet. When the drive unit controls the connecting valve to open, since the connecting valve is connected to the pressure reducing valve and the metering module in sequence, the gas discharged from the LPG tank is first reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing valve. The reduced-pressure gas then passes through the metering module and is discharged to the gas-using equipment through the outlet structure. The pressure sensor is located at the connection section between the connecting valve and the pressure reducing valve, which can detect the pressure value between the connecting valve and the pressure reducing valve when the connecting valve is open or closed. When the drive unit closes the connecting valve, it can directly close the outlet of the LPG tank, cutting off the discharge from the LPG tank at the high pressure point, preventing the formation of high pressure inside the pressure reducing valve, reducing the probability of gas leakage, and improving gas safety. The monitoring module can receive data collected by the pressure sensor and the metering module and send it to the terminal or other devices. The monitoring module can also control the drive unit to open or close the connecting valve, achieving intelligent monitoring.

[0015] Furthermore, the connecting valve includes a female connecting valve and a male connecting valve arranged vertically. The male connecting valve is detachably connected to the gas outlet of the liquefied gas tank. The female connecting valve is detachably connected to the male connecting valve. The male connecting valve and the female connecting valve are respectively provided with a first gas outlet channel and a second gas outlet channel. The second gas outlet channel and the first gas outlet channel are respectively provided with corresponding valve cores arranged vertically.

[0016] Furthermore, the valve core includes an outer cylinder and an inner rod movably disposed therein; the inner sidewall of the outer cylinder is provided with a first protrusion, and the outer sidewall of the inner rod is provided with a second protrusion located above the first protrusion, and an elastic element is provided between the first protrusion and the second protrusion; the bottom end of the inner rod is an opening head corresponding to the bottom opening of the outer cylinder, the inner rod is provided with a first release channel, and the outer sidewall of the inner rod is provided with a second release channel communicating with the first release channel.

[0017] Furthermore, the second protrusion is a convex ring corresponding to the opening at the top of the outer cylinder.

[0018] Furthermore, a sealing ring is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the opening and closing head.

[0019] Furthermore, the top side of the valve core inner rod in the first air outlet channel abuts against the bottom side of the valve core inner rod in the second air outlet channel.

[0020] Furthermore, the driving component includes a rotating rod and a driving mechanism for driving the rotating rod to rotate. The rotating rod extends into the second air outlet channel, and the outer wall of the rotating rod abuts against the top side of the inner rod of the valve core in the second air outlet channel. The outer wall of the rotating rod that abuts against the inner rod of the valve core is provided with a recess.

[0021] Furthermore, the external thread of the connecting male valve is an external thread that connects to the gas outlet of the liquefied gas tank.

[0022] Furthermore, a first housing and a second housing are fixedly connected to the left and right sides of the connecting mother valve, respectively. The driving component is fixedly installed in the first housing, and the monitoring module and the metering module are fixedly installed in the second housing. A first connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the top of the connecting mother valve and communicates with it. One side of the top of the first connecting pipe is connected to the pressure sensor and the other side is connected to the pressure reducing valve. A second connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the bottom of the pressure reducing valve and communicates with it. The bottom of the second connecting pipe is connected to the second housing and communicates with the metering module.

[0023] Furthermore, the connecting valve, the driving component, the pressure sensor, the pressure reducing valve, the metering module, and the monitoring module are all fixedly installed in the same integrated housing. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the split-type liquefied gas tank monitoring device installed on the liquefied gas tank according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the split-type liquefied gas tank monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the split-type liquefied gas tank monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a front view structural diagram of the split-type liquefied gas tank monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a front cross-sectional view of the split-type liquefied gas tank monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rotating rod and valve core according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve core according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a front cross-sectional view of the valve core according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve core without the outer cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the integrated liquefied gas tank monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 12 This is a front cross-sectional view of the integrated liquefied gas tank monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] In the above attached diagram: 10, liquefied gas tank; 20, monitoring device;

[0037] 110. Connecting male valve; 120. Connecting female valve; 130. First housing; 131. Drive mechanism; 132. Rotating rod; 1321. Recess; 140. First connecting pipe; 150. Pressure sensor; 160. Pressure reducing valve; 170. Second connecting pipe; 180. Second housing; 181. Monitoring module; 182. Metering module; 190. Gas outlet adapter;

[0038] 21. First air outlet channel; 22. Second air outlet channel;

[0039] 200, Valve core; 210, Outer cylinder; 211, First protrusion; 220, Inner rod; 221, First release channel; 222, Second release channel; 223, Second protrusion; 224, Opening / closing head; 225, Sealing ring; 230, Spring;

[0040] 300. Integrated housing; 310. First connection channel; 320. Second connection channel.

[0041] 400. Sealed tube. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0043] Refer to together Figures 1-12 This embodiment provides a liquefied gas tank monitoring device, which includes a connecting valve, a drive component, a pressure sensor 150, a pressure reducing valve 160, a metering module 182, and a monitoring module 181.

[0044] The connecting valve is used to connect to the gas outlet of the liquefied gas tank 10, and is connected in sequence to the pressure reducing valve 160 and the metering module 182;

[0045] Pressure reducing valve 160 is used to reduce the pressure of gas discharged from the connected valve;

[0046] The metering module 182 is equipped with a gas outlet structure and collects the value of the discharged gas.

[0047] A pressure sensor 150 for collecting gas pressure values ​​is installed in the connection section between the connecting valve and the pressure reducing valve 160.

[0048] The drive unit is used to open or close the connected valve;

[0049] The monitoring module 181 is used to receive and send signals, and the monitoring module 181 is communicatively connected to the pressure sensor 150, the metering module 182, and the drive component.

[0050] In this design, the connecting valve is directly connected to the outlet of the liquefied gas tank 10. When the drive unit controls the connecting valve to close, it directly shuts off the exhaust from the outlet of the liquefied gas tank 10. When the drive unit controls the connecting valve to open, since the connecting valve is connected to the pressure reducing valve 160 and the metering module 182 in sequence, the gas discharged from the liquefied gas tank 10 is first reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing valve 160. The reduced-pressure gas then passes through the metering module 182 and is discharged to the gas-using equipment through the outlet structure. Furthermore, the pressure sensor 150 is located at the connection section between the connecting valve and the pressure reducing valve 160, enabling it to detect... The pressure value between the connecting valve and the pressure reducing valve 160 when the connecting valve is opened or closed; when the connecting valve is closed, the drive component of this solution can directly close the gas outlet of the liquefied gas tank 10, cut off the discharge of the liquefied gas tank 10 from the high pressure point, avoid the formation of high pressure inside the pressure reducing valve 160, reduce the probability of gas leakage, and improve gas safety; the monitoring module 181 can receive the data collected by the pressure sensor 150 and the metering module 182 and send it to the terminal or other devices, and the monitoring module 181 can control the drive component to open or close the connecting valve to achieve the effect of intelligent monitoring.

[0051] Preferably, such as Figures 2-6 As shown, the connecting valve includes a female connecting valve 120 and a male connecting valve 110 arranged vertically. The male connecting valve 110 is detachably connected to the gas outlet of the liquefied gas tank 10, and the female connecting valve 120 is detachably connected to the male connecting valve 110. The male connecting valve 110 and the female connecting valve 120 are respectively provided with a first gas outlet channel 21 and a second gas outlet channel 22. The second gas outlet channel 22 and the first gas outlet channel 21 are respectively provided with corresponding valve cores 200 arranged vertically. The connecting valve includes a male connecting valve 110 and a female connecting valve 120 arranged separately, which can facilitate installation and maintenance. During installation, the male connecting valve 110 is first connected to the gas outlet of the liquefied gas tank 10, and then the female connecting valve 120 is installed with the male connecting valve 110. The male connecting valve 110 and the female connecting valve 120 realize gas flow through the first gas outlet channel 21 and the second gas outlet channel 22, and the valve core 200 can control the opening and closing of the first gas outlet channel 21 and the second gas outlet channel 22.

[0052] Preferably, such as Figures 5-10As shown, the valve core 200 includes an outer cylinder 210 and an inner rod 220 movably disposed therein; a first protrusion 211 is provided on the inner side wall of the outer cylinder 210, and a second protrusion 223 is provided on the outer side wall of the inner rod 220 above the first protrusion 211; an elastic element is provided between the first protrusion 211 and the second protrusion 223; the bottom end of the inner rod 220 is an opening head 224 corresponding to the bottom opening of the outer cylinder 210, a first release channel 221 is provided inside the inner rod 220, and a second release channel 222 communicating with the first release channel 221 is provided on the outer side wall of the inner rod 220; in the natural state, the elastic element located between the first protrusion 211 and the second protrusion 223 unfolds, allowing the opening head 224 at the bottom end of the inner rod 220 to close the bottom opening of the outer cylinder 210, closing the first air outlet channel 21 or the second air outlet channel 22; the inner rod... When a downward force is applied to the inner rod 220, the opening head 224 at the bottom of the inner rod 220 extends out of the opening at the bottom of the outer cylinder 210, so that the second release channel 222 on the outer side wall of the inner rod 220 is connected to the outside, allowing gas to pass through the second release channel 222 and the first release channel 221 connected to it in sequence, thereby opening the first gas outlet channel 21 or the second gas outlet channel 22. When the force applied to the inner rod 220 is released, the inner rod 220 automatically returns to its natural state. Specifically, the second protrusion 223 is a convex ring corresponding to the top opening of the outer cylinder 210. The convex ring can seal the top of the outer cylinder 210 to prevent gas from escaping from the top of the outer cylinder 210. More specifically, a sealing ring 225 is fixedly connected to the outer side wall of the opening head 224, which increases the sealing between the opening head 224 and the outer cylinder 210. The sealing ring 225 is made of rubber.

[0053] Preferably, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the top side of the inner rod 220 of the valve core 200 in the first air outlet channel 21 abuts against the bottom side of the inner rod 220 of the valve core 200 in the second air outlet channel 22. When a downward force is applied to the inner rod 220 of the valve core 200 in the first air outlet channel 21, a downward force can also be applied to the inner rod 220 of the valve core 200 in the second air outlet channel 22, achieving a linkage effect.

[0054] Preferably, such as Figures 5-7As shown, the driving component includes a rotating rod 132 and a driving mechanism 131 for rotating the rotating rod 132. The rotating rod 132 extends into the second air outlet channel 22. The outer wall of the rotating rod 132 abuts against the top side of the inner rod 220 of the valve core 200 in the second air outlet channel 22. A recess 1321 is provided on the outer wall of the rotating rod 132 that abuts against the inner rod 220 of the valve core 200. When the driving mechanism 131 drives the rotating rod 132 to rotate, the recess 1321 or other parts on the outer side of the rotating rod 132 can contact the top side of the inner rod 220 of the valve core 200 in the second air outlet channel 22. The driving mechanism 131 drives the rotating rod 132 to rotate to the inner rod of the valve core 200 in the second air outlet channel 22. When the top side of 220 contacts the recess 1321 on the outer wall of the rotating rod 132, the valve core 200 in the second channel is in a natural state, thereby closing the second channel. When the top side of the inner rod 220 of the valve core 200 in the second air outlet channel 22 contacts other parts of the outer wall of the rotating rod 132, the rotating rod 132 continuously applies a downward force to the valve core 200 in the second channel, opening the second channel. Specifically, according to the above-mentioned linkage arrangement of the valve core 200 in the first air outlet channel 21 and the valve core 200 in the second air outlet channel 22, the rotating rod 132 can simultaneously drive the valve cores 200 in the first air outlet channel 21 and the second air outlet channel 22.

[0055] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, the recessed portion 1321 of the rotating rod 132 and the rest of the portion are provided with an arc-shaped transition structure to avoid jamming between the rotating rod 132 and the inner rod 220 of the valve core 200 when the rotating rod 132 rotates; and the other parts outside the recessed portion 1321 of the rotating rod 132 are set with an arc shape to avoid forming a blockage at the top of the first release channel 221 of the inner rod 220 of the valve core 200.

[0056] Specifically, the external thread of the aforementioned male connecting valve 110 is for threaded connection with the outlet of the liquefied gas tank 10. The male connecting valve 110 is connected to the outlet of the liquefied gas tank 10 via its external thread, making installation and disassembly convenient. The female connecting valve 120 and the male connecting valve 110 can be connected using existing technologies such as snap-fit ​​structures or bolt structures. More specifically, for example... Figure 6 As shown, a rubber sealing tube 400 is provided between the male valve 110 and the female valve 120 to ensure the sealing of the connection between the two.

[0057] Preferably, such as Figures 2-6As shown, the split-type liquefied gas tank monitoring device has a first housing 130 and a second housing 180 fixedly connected to the left and right sides of the connecting main valve 120, respectively. The drive component is fixedly installed in the first housing 130, and the monitoring module 181 and the metering module 182 are fixedly installed in the second housing 180. The top of the connecting main valve 120 is fixedly connected to a first connecting pipe 140, which communicates with it. One side of the top of the first connecting pipe 140 is connected to a pressure sensor 150, and the other side is connected to a pressure reducing valve 160. The bottom of the pressure reducing valve 160 is fixedly connected to a second connecting pipe 170, which communicates with it. The bottom of the second connecting pipe 170 is connected to the second housing 180 and also communicates with the metering module 182. Each component is set up relatively independently, which facilitates the maintenance of each component.

[0058] Preferably, such as Figures 11-12 As shown, the integrated liquefied gas tank monitoring device, with the connecting main valve 120, drive component, pressure sensor 150, pressure reducing valve 160, metering module 182, and monitoring module 181 all fixedly installed in the same integrated housing 300, has better integrity and compactness, and a smaller size. Specifically, the integrated housing 300 is provided with a first connection channel 310 and a second connection channel 320. The first connection channel 310 connects the connecting main valve 120, pressure sensor 150, and pressure reducing valve 160, and the second connection channel 320 connects the pressure reducing valve 160 and metering module 182.

[0059] Specifically, the aforementioned elastic element is spring 230.

[0060] Specifically, the gas outlet structure of the metering module 182 is a gas outlet adapter 190, and the metering module 182 uses an ultrasonic metering device from the prior art.

[0061] Specifically, the monitoring module 181 can directly adopt the existing PLC technology. The monitoring module 181 is connected to the pressure sensor 150, the metering module 182 and the drive component through wireless communication technology or power line communication technology.

[0062] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank monitoring device, characterized in that, The system includes a connecting valve, a drive component, a pressure sensor, a pressure reducing valve, a metering module, and a monitoring module. The connecting valve is connected to the outlet of the liquefied gas tank and sequentially communicates with the pressure reducing valve and the metering module. The pressure reducing valve reduces the pressure of the gas discharged from the connecting valve. The metering module has an outlet structure and collects the value of the discharged gas. A pressure sensor is installed at the connection section between the connecting valve and the pressure reducing valve to collect the gas pressure value. The drive component is used to open or close the connecting valve. The monitoring module is used to receive and send signals and is communicatively connected to the pressure sensor, the metering module, and the drive component. The connecting valve includes a female connecting valve and a male connecting valve arranged vertically. The male connecting valve is detachably connected to the gas outlet of the liquefied gas tank. The female connecting valve is detachably connected to the male connecting valve. The male connecting valve and the female connecting valve are respectively provided with a first gas outlet channel and a second gas outlet channel. The second gas outlet channel and the first gas outlet channel are respectively provided with corresponding valve cores arranged vertically. The valve core includes an outer cylinder and an inner rod movably disposed therein; the inner sidewall of the outer cylinder is provided with a first protrusion, and the outer sidewall of the inner rod is provided with a second protrusion located above the first protrusion; an elastic element is disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion; the bottom end of the inner rod is an opening head corresponding to the bottom opening of the outer cylinder; a first release channel is provided inside the inner rod; and a second release channel communicating with the first release channel is provided on the outer sidewall of the inner rod. The top side of the valve core inner rod in the first air outlet channel abuts against the bottom side of the valve core inner rod in the second air outlet channel; The driving component includes a rotating rod and a driving mechanism for driving the rotating rod to rotate. The rotating rod extends into the second air outlet channel, and the outer wall of the rotating rod abuts against the top side of the inner rod of the valve core in the second air outlet channel. The outer wall of the rotating rod that abuts against the inner rod of the valve core is provided with a recess.

2. The liquefied gas tank monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second protrusion is a convex ring corresponding to the opening at the top of the outer cylinder.

3. The liquefied gas tank monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing ring is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the opening and closing head.

4. The liquefied gas tank monitoring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The external thread of the connecting male valve is for connection with the gas outlet of the liquefied gas tank.

5. The liquefied gas tank monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first housing and the second housing are fixedly connected to the left and right sides of the connecting mother valve, respectively. The driving component is fixedly installed in the first housing. The monitoring module and the metering module are fixedly installed in the second housing. A first connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the top of the connecting mother valve and communicates with it. One side of the top of the first connecting pipe is connected to the pressure sensor and the other side is connected to the pressure reducing valve. A second connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the bottom of the pressure reducing valve and communicates with it. The bottom of the second connecting pipe is connected to the second housing and communicates with the metering module.

6. The liquefied gas tank monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The connecting valve, the driving component, the pressure sensor, the pressure reducing valve, the metering module, and the monitoring module are all fixedly installed in the same integrated housing.

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