A hydraulic cylinder inner wall corrosion monitoring probe and a monitoring method

Abstract

This invention discloses a probe and method for monitoring corrosion on the inner wall of a hydraulic cylinder, relating to the field of hydraulic cylinder corrosion detection equipment. The probe includes: a three-way pipe, with its first end connected to a fluid inlet and its second end connected to hydraulic fluid; a base positioned at and connected to the third end of the three-way pipe; a fiber optic hose with one end connected to the base and the other end extending into the hydraulic cylinder from the second end; a ball joint and a traction wire installed inside the fiber optic hose; the traction wire extending along the length of the fiber optic hose through a traction hole in the ball joint; one end of the traction wire connected to an electric winch; and a fixed end positioned near the other end of the fiber optic hose; and a probe assembly fixedly mounted at the other end of the fiber optic hose. The probe assembly, base, and fiber optic hose are connected to the hydraulic cylinder via the three-way pipe. The probe assembly enters the hydraulic cylinder along the three-way pipe, enabling real-time detection of corrosion on the inner wall of the hydraulic cylinder while it is in operation, without requiring the hydraulic cylinder to be stopped for inspection, thus not affecting normal production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hydraulic cylinder corrosion detection equipment, and in particular to a hydraulic cylinder inner wall corrosion monitoring probe and monitoring method. Background Technology

[0002] Corrosion is one of the main failure modes of hydraulic cylinders, seriously affecting their service life. However, current methods for detecting corrosion in hydraulic cylinders still rely on periodic shutdowns for inspection, which is time-consuming, inefficient, and significantly impacts production efficiency. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a method for real-time monitoring of hydraulic cylinder corrosion.

[0003] Existing patent number CN2.2223219437.3 discloses an ultrasonic testing probe section for internal inspection of long-distance pipelines, belonging to the field of ultrasonic internal pipeline inspection technology. It includes a probe chamber and a phased array probe mounted externally. The phased array probe comprises multiple ultrasonic probes evenly distributed in an array along the circumference of the pipeline within the probe chamber. Each ultrasonic probe covers a certain circumferential detection area, and adjacent ultrasonic probes are staggered along the circumference of the pipeline to achieve full circumferential coverage of the pipeline. It features high integration, short length, small size, and strong throughput, achieving high detection resolution within a small volume, reducing requirements on the length of the launching tube and the working space, facilitating on-site implementation. However, the above-mentioned equipment has limitations in dealing with the high-hydraulic working environment faced by the inside of hydraulic cylinders during operation. Furthermore, its mobility is somewhat restricted when dealing with geometric changes in the inner wall of the hydraulic cylinder, making flexible movement and accurate positioning difficult, thus failing to meet the need for real-time monitoring of the inner wall condition of the hydraulic cylinder. This problem is particularly prominent when the internal pipe diameter of the hydraulic cylinder is inconsistent or there is bending.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide an ultrasonic probe capable of monitoring corrosion on the inner wall of hydraulic cylinders is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those in the field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a corrosion monitoring probe for the inner wall of a hydraulic cylinder to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: The present invention provides a corrosion monitoring probe for the inner wall of a hydraulic cylinder, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is connected to hydraulic fluid through an inlet, comprising:

[0007] A three-way pipe, wherein the first end of the three-way pipe is connected to the liquid inlet and the second end is connected to the hydraulic fluid;

[0008] A base is provided at and connected to the third end of the three-way pipe. A gas regulating mechanism and a controller are provided inside the base. The controller is electrically connected to the electric winch unit.

[0009] A fiber hose, one end of which is connected to the base, and the other end of which extends into the hydraulic cylinder from the second end. A ball joint and multiple traction lines are fixedly installed inside the fiber hose. There are multiple ball joints arranged along the length of the fiber hose. The ball joints are provided with traction holes through the front and rear surfaces. The traction lines pass through the multiple traction holes in sequence, with one end extending into the base and connected to the electric winch unit. The fixed end of the traction line is located near the other end of the fiber hose.

[0010] A probe assembly is fixedly mounted at the other end of the fiber hose and is communicatively connected to the controller.

[0011] Furthermore, the probe assembly includes:

[0012] The probe housing is fixedly connected to the other end of the fiber optic tubing via a connector.

[0013] A phased array ultrasonic probe, wherein multiple phased array ultrasonic probes are arranged circumferentially inside the probe housing;

[0014] A data transmission line, one end of which is electrically connected to the phased array ultrasonic probe, and the other end passes through the hollow shaft in the middle of the plurality of ball hinges and is electrically connected to the controller.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes: an ultrasonic positioning probe and a water pressure sensor, wherein the ultrasonic positioning probe and the water pressure sensor are disposed on the head of the probe housing and electrically connected to the data transmission line.

[0016] Furthermore, the phased array ultrasonic probe is positioned away from the connector.

[0017] Furthermore, the connector is a rotary type.

[0018] Furthermore, the fiber hose is made of polyester fiber.

[0019] Furthermore, O-rings are provided at the connection between the base and the third end, and at the connection between the first end and the liquid inlet, and pressure-resistant filler is used.

[0020] Furthermore, dustproof rings are provided at the connection between the base and the third end, as well as at the connection between the first end and the liquid inlet.

[0021] This invention also provides a method for monitoring corrosion on the inner wall of a hydraulic cylinder, using the aforementioned hydraulic cylinder inner wall corrosion monitoring probe, comprising the following steps:

[0022] By adjusting the tension of the multiple traction lines by adjusting the electric winch unit, the fiber hose is bent and the probe assembly is driven into the preset monitoring position in the hydraulic cylinder;

[0023] The ultrasonic positioning probe is used to confirm whether the preset monitoring position has been reached.

[0024] The hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic cylinder is monitored by a water pressure sensor, and the tension of the multiple traction cables is adjusted according to the monitored hydraulic pressure.

[0025] The circumferential thickness of the inner wall of the hydraulic cylinder is detected by a phased array ultrasonic probe, and the detected thickness data is transmitted to the controller in the base through a data transmission line. The controller then uploads the thickness data to a computer terminal for recording and analysis.

[0026] The present invention discloses the following technical effects:

[0027] 1. It can detect the corrosion of the inner wall of the hydraulic cylinder in real time. The probe assembly, base, and fiber hose are connected to the hydraulic cylinder through a three-way pipe. The probe assembly enters the hydraulic cylinder through the three-way pipe and can detect the corrosion of the inner wall of the hydraulic cylinder in real time while the hydraulic cylinder is working. There is no need to stop the hydraulic cylinder for inspection, so it does not affect normal production. It can also play a role in early warning of hydraulic cylinder corrosion failure. It can take corresponding measures to maintain the hydraulic cylinder before the corrosion develops further, thereby indirectly improving the service life of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0028] 2. This application has excellent adaptability. For different types and models of hydraulic cylinders, only the dimensions of the T-pipe and the base need to be changed, and other equipment structures do not need to be adjusted.

[0029] 3. By adjusting the tension of the traction wire inside the fiber hose, the bending direction and degree of the fiber hose can be adjusted, enabling the fiber hose to cope with the geometric changes of the hydraulic cylinder inner wall, improving the movement flexibility and accuracy of the probe assembly, and allowing the probe assembly to be accurately moved to the preset detection position to monitor the corrosion of the hydraulic cylinder inner wall.

[0030] 4. Dustproof rings and O-rings are installed at the connection between the base and the third end of the tee pipe, as well as at the connection between the first end of the tee pipe and the hydraulic cylinder inlet, and pressure-resistant filler is used. This can greatly improve the structural strength and pressure resistance of the connection, prevent hydraulic fluid leakage when the hydraulic cylinder is working, and prevent external impurities and dust from entering the hydraulic system.

[0031] 5. The fiber cartilage is made of polyester fiber to ensure the strength and corrosion resistance of the fiber hose when used inside the hydraulic cylinder. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 : Installation diagram of the working state of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 : A structural diagram of the device of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 : Internal structure diagram of the fiber hose of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 Top view of the electric winch unit installed in the base of this invention;

[0037] Figure 5 : Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the probe assembly;

[0038] The components include: 1. Base; 2. T-joint; 3. Fiber hose; 4. Connector; 5. Probe assembly; 6. Piston rod; 1.1 Electric winch unit; 1.2 DC brushless motor; 3.1 Data transmission line; 3.2 Traction line; 3.3 Ball joint; 3.4 Traction hole; 5.1 Ultrasonic positioning probe; 5.2 Water pressure sensor; 5.3 Data transmission line; 5.4 Probe housing; 5.5 Phased array ultrasonic probe; 5.6 Sealing screw. Detailed Implementation

[0039] 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 some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0041] Reference Figures 1-5This invention provides a corrosion monitoring probe for the inner wall of a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is connected to hydraulic fluid through an inlet and includes: a three-way pipe 2, with its first end connected to the inlet and its second end connected to the hydraulic fluid; a base 1, which is located at and connected to the third end of the three-way pipe 2, and houses an electric winch unit 1.1 and a controller. The electric winch unit 1.1 is driven by a DC brushless motor 1.2, and the controller is electrically connected to the DC brushless motor 1.2; and a fiber hose 3, with one end connected to the base 1 and the other end extending into the hydraulic cylinder from the second end. The fiber hose 3 is fixedly equipped with a ball joint 3.3 and multiple traction lines 3.2. There are multiple ball joints 3.3 arranged along the length of the fiber hose 3. The ball joints 3.3 are provided with traction holes 3.4 through the front and rear surfaces. The traction lines 3.2 pass through multiple traction holes 3.4 in sequence, and one end of the traction line 3.2 extends into the base 1 and is connected to the electric winch unit 1.1. The fixed end of the traction line 3.2 is located near the other end of the fiber hose 3. The probe assembly 5 is fixedly installed at the other end of the fiber hose 3 and is communicatively connected to the controller.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, the probe assembly 5 includes: a probe housing 5.4, which is fixedly connected to the other end of the fiber hose 3 via a connector 4 and sealed at the end by a sealing screw 5.6; the connector 4 is rotary, which on the one hand prevents hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinder from seeping into the probe housing 5.4, improving sealing performance, and on the other hand allows the probe housing 5.4 to be connected and disconnected by rotation, facilitating subsequent maintenance and replacement of the probe assembly 5. Multiple phased array ultrasonic probes 5.5 are arranged circumferentially within the probe housing 5.4, positioned away from the connector 4. Each phased array ultrasonic probe 5.5 can cover a portion of the inner wall of the hydraulic cylinder. The circumferential distribution of multiple phased array ultrasonic probes 5.5 allows them to jointly monitor the entire inner wall of the hydraulic cylinder. Simultaneously, the positioning of the phased array ultrasonic probes 5.5 away from the connector 4 reduces the monitoring blind spot range of the phased array ultrasonic probes 5.5. Data transmission line 3.1 is electrically connected at one end to the phased array ultrasonic probe 5.5, and at the other end, it passes through the hollow shaft in the middle of multiple ball hinges 3.3 and is electrically connected to the controller. In this embodiment, data transmission line 3.1 is located in the middle, and four traction lines 3.2 are arranged parallel to each other along the length of the fiber hose 3 through traction holes 3.4 on the ball hinges 3.3. The tension of different traction lines 3.2 can make the fiber hose 3 bend in different directions. The traction probe assembly 5 is precisely positioned within a hydraulic cylinder, so that the phased array ultrasonic probe 5.5 reaches the preset detection position.

[0043] like Figure 5As shown, this embodiment also includes an ultrasonic positioning probe 5.1 and a water pressure sensor 5.2. The ultrasonic positioning probe 5.1 and the water pressure sensor 5.2 are located at the sealing screw 5.6 with an opening on the head of the probe assembly 5 and are electrically connected to the data transmission line 3.1. Since the probe assembly 5 is monitored while the hydraulic cylinder is in operation, it is necessary to use the ultrasonic positioning probe 5.1 and the water pressure sensor 5.2 to measure the hydraulic pressure at the detection location and adjust the frequency, power, pulse width, and other parameters of the phased array ultrasonic probe 5.5 according to the measured hydraulic pressure to ensure that the phased array ultrasonic probe 5.5 can emit and receive signals in the hydraulic fluid, ensuring the accuracy of the detected hydraulic cylinder inner wall thickness data and improving the detection effect of hydraulic cylinder inner wall corrosion. In addition, the ultrasonic positioning probe 5.1 can also confirm the position of the piston rod 6 of the hydraulic cylinder to avoid collision between the probe assembly 5 and the piston rod 6.

[0044] In this embodiment, O-rings are provided at the connection between the base 1 and the third end, and at the connection between the first end and the liquid inlet, and pressure-resistant packing is used. Dustproof rings are also provided at the connection between the base 1 and the third end, and at the connection between the first end and the liquid inlet.

[0045] The following describes the method for monitoring corrosion on the inner wall of a hydraulic cylinder, using the aforementioned hydraulic cylinder inner wall corrosion monitoring probe as an example. The method includes the following steps:

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the controller controls the DC brushless motor 1.2 to adjust the electric winch unit 1.1, thereby adjusting the tension of multiple traction lines 3.2, so that the fiber hose 3 bends and drives the probe assembly 5 into the preset monitoring position in the hydraulic cylinder;

[0047] Confirm whether the preset monitoring position has been reached using the ultrasonic positioning probe 5.1;

[0048] The hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic cylinder is monitored by the water pressure sensor 5.2, and the tension of multiple traction cables 3.2 is adjusted according to the monitored hydraulic pressure.

[0049] The circumferential thickness of the inner wall of the hydraulic cylinder is detected by a phased array ultrasonic probe 5.5, and the detected thickness data is transmitted to the controller in the base 1 via data transmission line 3.1. The controller then uploads the thickness data to a computer terminal for recording and analysis. Specifically, image analysis software on the computer terminal can be used to image the inner wall of the hydraulic cylinder in conjunction with the thickness data, allowing for a direct analysis and assessment of the corrosion status of the inner wall.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0051] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A corrosion monitoring probe for the inner wall of a hydraulic cylinder, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is connected to hydraulic fluid through an inlet, characterized in that, include: A three-way pipe (2), the first end of which is connected to the liquid inlet and the second end of which is connected to the hydraulic fluid; The base (1) is located at the third end of the three-way pipe (2) and connected to the third end. An electric winch unit (1.1) and a controller are provided inside the base (1). The controller is electrically connected to the electric winch unit (1.1). A fiber hose (3) is connected at one end to the base (1) and at the other end extends into the hydraulic cylinder from the second end. A ball hinge (3.3) and multiple traction lines (3.2) are fixedly installed inside the fiber hose (3). There are multiple ball hinges (3.3) arranged along the length of the fiber hose (3). The ball hinges (3.3) have traction holes (3.4) through the front and rear surfaces. The traction lines (3.2) pass through multiple traction holes (3.4) in sequence. One end of the traction line extends into the base (1) and is connected to the electric winch unit (1.1). The fixed end of the traction line (3.2) is located near the other end of the fiber hose (3). The probe assembly (5) is fixedly disposed at the other end of the fiber hose (3) and is communicatively connected to the controller.

2. The hydraulic cylinder inner wall corrosion monitoring probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The probe assembly (5) includes: The probe housing (5.4) is fixedly connected to the other end of the fiber optic hose (3) via a connector (4); A phased array ultrasonic probe (5.5), wherein multiple phased array ultrasonic probes (5.5) are arranged circumferentially inside the probe housing (5.4); The data transmission line (3.1) is electrically connected at one end to the phased array ultrasonic probe (5.5) and at the other end passes through the hollow shaft in the middle of the plurality of ball hinges (3.3) and is electrically connected to the controller.

3. The hydraulic cylinder inner wall corrosion monitoring probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: An ultrasonic positioning probe (5.1) and a water pressure sensor (5.2) are disposed on the head of the probe housing (5.4) and electrically connected to the data transmission line (3.1).

4. The hydraulic cylinder inner wall corrosion monitoring probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The phased array ultrasonic probe (5.5) is positioned away from the connector (4).

5. A hydraulic cylinder inner wall corrosion monitoring probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connector (4) is a rotary type.

6. The hydraulic cylinder inner wall corrosion monitoring probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fiber hose (3) is made of polyester fiber.

7. A hydraulic cylinder inner wall corrosion monitoring probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection between the base (1) and the third end, as well as the connection between the first end and the liquid inlet, are provided with O-rings and filled with pressure-resistant fillers.

8. A hydraulic cylinder inner wall corrosion monitoring probe according to claim 7, characterized in that, Dustproof rings are provided at the connection between the base (1) and the third end, as well as at the connection between the first end and the liquid inlet.

9. A method for monitoring corrosion on the inner wall of a hydraulic cylinder, characterized in that, The application of the hydraulic cylinder inner wall corrosion monitoring probe according to any one of claims 1-8 includes the following steps: By adjusting the tension of the multiple traction lines (3.2) by adjusting the electric winch unit (1.1), the fiber hose (3) is bent and the probe assembly (5) is driven into the preset monitoring position in the hydraulic cylinder; Confirm whether the preset monitoring position has been reached using an ultrasonic positioning probe (5.1); The hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic cylinder is monitored by a water pressure sensor (5.2), and the tension of the multiple traction cables (3.2) is adjusted according to the monitored hydraulic pressure. The circumferential thickness of the inner wall of the hydraulic cylinder is detected by a phased array ultrasonic probe (5.5), and the detected thickness data is transmitted to the controller in the base (1) via a data transmission line (3.1). The controller then uploads the thickness data to a computer terminal for recording and analysis.

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