Explosion-proof charging station

Abstract

An anti-explosion charging station comprises a charging cabin, a cabin door and an automatic sealing device. The charging cabin comprises a transition chamber and a charging chamber, two ends of the transition chamber are open, and one end of the transition chamber is correspondingly communicated with one end of the charging chamber; a charging interface is formed in the charging chamber, and the transition chamber and the charging chamber communicate with pipeline interfaces; cabin doors are connected to one end, deviating from the charging chamber, of the transition chamber and the corresponding connection position of the transition chamber and the charging chamber in a drawing mode, sealing covers capable of wrapping the cabin doors are arranged at the positions, corresponding to the cabin doors, of the charging chamber, and telescopic rods used for driving the cabin doors to be opened or closed are arranged outside the sealing covers; the two ends of the transition chamber and the end, connected with the transition chamber, of the charging chamber are provided with automatic sealing devices which are automatically attached to the corresponding cabin doors to achieve sealing when the cabin doors are closed. The automatic sealing devices automatically retreat and reset when the cabin doors are opened so that the cabin doors can be opened without friction. The structure is compact, the occupied space is small, it can be guaranteed that no combustible gas exists in the charging chamber, and the charging safety is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of charging station technology, and in particular to an explosion-proof charging station. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, equipment inspection is an indispensable part of the daily work of chemical plants. Some plants may experience flammable gas leaks or excessive levels of flammable gas in the air, requiring inspection personnel to carry out regular or continuous inspections with detection equipment. With the continuous development and advancement of technology, this type of inspection work has been gradually replaced by inspection robots. Inspection robots can better complete the inspection work and reduce the labor intensity of inspection personnel. However, the inspection area is usually large, and inspection robots are mostly carried by a power source for wireless inspection, requiring regular charging. Some inspection robots can also automatically run to the charging station for automatic charging. However, there is a possibility of accidental sparking when the inspection robot's charging base connects to the charging interface of the charging station. If the flammable gas in the environment is excessive at this time, it can cause an explosion, posing a significant safety hazard. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design an explosion-proof charging station to solve the above-mentioned safety hazards. Chinese Patent (Announcement No.: CN108501744A) discloses an explosion-proof charging system and charging method for an explosion-proof wheeled inspection robot. The patent includes an explosion-proof wheeled inspection robot, a charging device, an explosion-proof positive pressure cabinet, a first position sensor, a second position sensor, an explosion-proof positive pressure cabinet door, a host computer, a PLC control box for the explosion-proof positive pressure cabinet, a pneumatic door opener, and sensors inside the explosion-proof positive pressure cabinet. This allows the explosion-proof wheeled inspection robot to safely charge inside the explosion-proof positive pressure cabinet by passing through the door. The patent's design of the positive pressure cabinet door prevents the accumulation of flammable gases inside the cabinet, thus achieving an explosion-proof effect. However, due to the structural limitations of the positive pressure cabinet door, this structure occupies a large amount of space. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention discloses an explosion-proof charging station.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An explosion-proof charging station includes a charging compartment, a door, and an automatic sealing device. The charging compartment includes a transition chamber and a charging chamber. The transition chamber is open at both ends, and one end of the transition chamber is connected to one end of the charging chamber. The charging chamber is equipped with a charging interface, and both the transition chamber and the charging chamber are connected to pipe interfaces. A door is retractably connected to the end of the transition chamber away from the charging chamber and at the corresponding connection point between the transition chamber and the charging chamber. A sealing cover is provided at the position of the door in the charging compartment to cover the door. A telescopic rod for driving the door to open or close is provided outside the sealing cover. Automatic sealing devices are provided at both ends of the transition chamber and at the end of the charging chamber connected to the transition chamber. When the door is closed, the automatic sealing device automatically retracts and resets to allow the door to open without friction.

[0005] Preferably, the automatic sealing device includes a ring sleeve, a flexible sleeve, and a swing arm. The transition chamber and the charging chamber are each provided with annular grooves at the ends of the automatic sealing device. The ring sleeve is movably fitted with the corresponding annular groove, and a flexible sleeve is provided between the ring sleeve and the bottom of the corresponding annular groove. The two ends of the flexible sleeve are respectively sealed and connected to the ring sleeve and the corresponding annular groove. Both sides of the ring sleeve are provided with swing arms for driving the ring sleeve to fit tightly against the hatch when the hatch is closed. One end of the swing arm is provided with a bent part that can abut against the bottom of the hatch, and the position where the swing arm and the bent part are connected is hinged to the charging chamber. The other end of the swing arm is provided with a strip hole, and a sliding shaft with one end fastened to the ring sleeve is slidably fitted in the strip hole.

[0006] Preferably, a torsion spring is provided at the position where the swing arm is hinged to the charging compartment to drive the bent part to tilt up.

[0007] Preferably, a sealing ring gasket is provided on the side of the ring sleeve corresponding to the hatch.

[0008] Preferably, the two bent portions of the automatic sealing device are connected to a synchronizing rod.

[0009] Preferably, the charging chamber is provided with a fixed track, the transition chamber is provided with a movable track that can move along the longitudinal axis of the transition chamber, and the transition chamber is provided with a drive device for driving the movable track to move.

[0010] Preferably, the driving device is a telescopic cylinder or a screw and nut mechanism driven by a motor.

[0011] Preferably, both sides of the charging chamber are provided with guide rods for aligning the device to be charged with the charging interface.

[0012] Preferably, guide posts are slidably fitted on both sides of the charging interface, one end of the guide post is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the charging chamber, and the guide post body is fitted with a spring.

[0013] Preferably, the charging chamber is equipped with a combustible gas detection sensor.

[0014] By employing the technical solution described above, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention discloses an explosion-proof charging station with high safety, compact structure, and small footprint. During charging, the telescopic rod can be controlled to first open the door on the side of the transition chamber away from the charging chamber, allowing the inspection robot to enter the transition chamber. After closing this door, the vacuum equipment is activated to draw negative pressure from both the transition chamber and the charging chamber. Then, the door between the transition chamber and the charging chamber is opened, allowing the inspection robot to enter the charging chamber. Finally, the door between the transition chamber and the charging chamber is closed, maintaining a negative pressure state inside the charging chamber. This allows the inspection robot's charging base to be plugged into the charging interface, thus charging the inspection robot. This effectively ensures that there is no flammable gas in the charging chamber during the plugging process, preventing accidental sparks at the charging interface that could cause an explosion. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the charging compartment; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic sealing device; Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the charging compartment.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Charging chamber; 1-1. Transition chamber; 1-2. Charging chamber; 2. Door; 3. Automatic sealing device; 3-1. Ring sleeve; 3-2. Flexible sleeve; 3-3. Swing arm; 3-4. Bending part; 3-5. Strip hole; 3-6. Sliding shaft; 3-7. Sealing ring gasket; 3-8. Synchronizing rod; 4. Charging interface; 5. Pipe interface; 6. Sealing cover; 7. Telescopic rod; 8. Fixed track; 9. Movable track; 10. Drive device; 11. Guide rod; 12. Guide column; 13. Combustible gas detection sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention can be explained in detail through the following embodiments. The purpose of disclosing the present invention is to protect all technical improvements within the scope of the present invention. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that if there are terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right" indicating the orientation or positional relationship, they are only corresponding to the drawings of this application for the convenience of describing the present invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation.

[0018] Example 1, in conjunction with Appendix Figures 1-2An explosion-proof charging station is used to charge an inspection robot that works in an environment where flammable gas may be present. It includes a charging chamber 1, a door 2, and an automatic sealing device 3. The charging chamber 1 includes a transition chamber 1-1 and a charging chamber 1-2. The transition chamber 1-1 is open at both ends, and one end of the transition chamber 1-1 is connected to one end of the charging chamber 1-2. When charging, the inspection robot can first enter the transition chamber 1-1 and then enter the charging chamber 1-2. The charging chamber 1-2 is equipped with a charging interface 4. Both the transition chamber 1-1 and the charging chamber 1-2 are connected to a pipe interface 5, which means that the air extraction equipment can be connected through the pipe interface 5 to create negative pressure in the transition chamber 1-1 and the charging chamber 1-2, thereby preventing combustible gas from accumulating in the transition chamber 1-1 and the charging chamber 1-2. Doors 2 are pull-out connected to the end of transition chamber 1-1 away from charging chamber 1-2 and at the corresponding connection points between transition chamber 1-1 and charging chamber 1-2. A sealing cover 6 is provided on charging chamber 1 at the position corresponding to door 2 to cover door 2, preventing communication between transition chamber 1-1 and charging chamber 1-2 and the outside world through the gap in door 2 when door 2 is open. A telescopic rod 7 is provided outside the sealing cover 6 to drive the door 2 to open or close. That is, during charging, the telescopic rod 7 can be controlled to first open the door 2 on the side of transition chamber 1-1 away from charging chamber 1-2, allowing the inspection robot to enter transition chamber 1-1. Then, the door 2 is closed, and the vacuum equipment is activated to draw negative pressure from both transition chamber 1-1 and charging chamber 1-2. Finally, the door 2 between transition chamber 1-1 and charging chamber 1-2 is opened, allowing the inspection robot to enter charging chamber 1-2. After closing the hatch 2 between the transition chamber 1-1 and the charging chamber 1-2, maintain a negative pressure state inside the charging chamber 1-2, and connect the charging base of the inspection robot to the charging interface 4 to charge the inspection robot. This effectively ensures that there is no flammable gas in the charging chamber 1-2 during the connection process, preventing accidental ignition and explosion at the charging interface 4. After charging is completed, first disconnect the charging base of the inspection robot from the charging interface 4, then turn off the exhaust equipment, open the hatch 2 between the transition chamber 1-1 and the charging chamber 1-2 to allow the inspection robot to enter the transition chamber 1-1, and then close the hatch 2 between the transition chamber 1-1 and the charging chamber 1-2. After the hatch 2 is closed, open the other hatch 2 to allow the inspection robot to exit the transition chamber 1-1. Both ends of the transition chamber 1-1 and the end of the charging chamber 1-2 connected to the transition chamber 1-1 are equipped with automatic sealing devices 3 that automatically seal against the corresponding doors 2 when the doors 2 are closed. This ensures the sealing performance of the charging chamber 1-2 and the transition chamber 1-1, making it easier to create a negative pressure environment in the charging chamber 1-2 and the transition chamber 1-1 through the air extraction equipment. When the doors 2 are opened, the automatic sealing devices 3 automatically retract and reset, eliminating friction between the doors 2 and the automatic sealing devices 3, avoiding wear on the automatic sealing devices 3, and effectively improving their service life.

[0019] Example 2, in conjunction with Appendix Figures 1-3 An explosion-proof charging station, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that, based on Embodiment 1, the automatic sealing device 3 includes a ring sleeve 3-1, a flexible sleeve 3-2, and a swing arm 3-3. The transition chamber 1-1 and the charging chamber 1-2 are provided with annular grooves at their respective ends of the automatic sealing device 3. The ring sleeve 3-1 is movably fitted with the corresponding annular groove, and a flexible sleeve 3-2 is provided between the ring sleeve 3-1 and the bottom of the corresponding annular groove. The two ends of the flexible sleeve 3-2 are respectively sealed to the ring sleeve 3-1 and the corresponding annular groove, that is, the ring sleeve 3-1 can move along the corresponding annular groove, and the flexible sleeve 3-2 will not interfere with the movement of the ring sleeve 3-1, while ensuring the sealing performance between the ring sleeve 3-1 and the transition chamber 1-1 or between the ring sleeve 3-1 and the charging chamber 1-2. Both sides of the ring 3-1 are provided with swing arms 3-3 for driving the ring 3-1 to fit tightly against the hatch 2 when the hatch 2 is closed. One end of the swing arm 3-3 is provided with a bent part 3-4 that can abut against the bottom of the hatch 2, and the position where the swing arm 3-3 and the bent part 3-4 are connected is hinged to the charging compartment 1. The other end of the swing arm 3-3 is provided with a strip hole 3-5, and a sliding shaft 3-6 is slidably fitted in the strip hole 3-5, one end of which is fastened to the ring 3-1. That is, when the hatch 2 is closed... The bottom of the hatch 2 can abut against the bend 3-4. The bend 3-4 drives the swing arm 3-3 to swing close to the hatch 2, while simultaneously driving the ring sleeve 3-1 to move close to the hatch 2 until the ring sleeve 3-1 is tightly pressed against the hatch 2 to achieve a seal. When the hatch 2 is opened, the bottom of the hatch 2 disengages from the bend 3-4, the swing arm 3-3 loses its driving force, and the ring sleeve 3-1 loses its abutment against the hatch 2, avoiding friction between the ring sleeve 3-1 and the hatch 2, thereby effectively improving the service life of the ring sleeve 3-1.

[0020] Example 3, in conjunction with Appendix Figures 1-3 An explosion-proof charging station differs from Embodiment 2 in that, based on Embodiment 2, the swing arm 3-3 is provided with a torsion spring at the hinge position corresponding to the charging compartment 1, which is used to drive the bending part 3-4 to tilt upwards. That is, when the compartment door 2 is opened, the bottom of the compartment door 2 disengages from the bending part 3-4, and the swing arm 3-3 can automatically retract and reset under the action of the torsion spring, thereby allowing the ring sleeve 3-1 to quickly disengage from the compartment door 2. The ring sleeve 3-1 is provided with a sealing ring gasket 3-7 on the side corresponding to the compartment door 2. That is, when the compartment door 2 is closed, the ring sleeve 3-1 presses the sealing ring gasket 3-7 tightly onto the compartment door 2, which can further improve the sealing performance. The two bending parts 3-4 of the automatic sealing device 3 are connected to a synchronizing rod 3-8, which can ensure that the two swing arms 3-3 move synchronously, thereby ensuring that the ring sleeve 3-1 can be tightly sealed to the compartment door 2 on all four sides.

[0021] Example 4, in conjunction with Appendix Figures 1-4An explosion-proof charging station for a track-driven inspection robot, based on any of the embodiments one to three, includes a fixed track 8 in the charging chamber 1-2 and a movable track 9 in the transition chamber 1-1 that can move along the longitudinal axis of the transition chamber 1-1. A drive device 10 is provided in the transition chamber 1-1 to move the movable track 9. Specifically, when the inspection robot moves along the inspection track to the vicinity of the charging chamber 1, the hatch 2 on the side of the transition chamber 1-1 opposite to the charging chamber 1-2 is opened. The drive device 10 drives the movable track 9 to extend out of the transition chamber 1-1 until it connects with the inspection robot's track, allowing the inspection robot to move onto the movable track 9. The drive device 10 is then controlled to cause the movable track 9 to carry the inspection robot into the transition chamber 1-1. The hatch 2 is then closed, and an air extraction device is activated to ventilate the transition chamber 1-1. Negative pressure is drawn from both the transition chamber 1-1 and the charging chamber 1-2. Then, the hatch 2 between the transition chamber 1-1 and the charging chamber 1-2 is opened. The drive device 10 is controlled to make the movable track 9 carry the inspection robot into the charging chamber 1-2. After the movable track 9 docks with the fixed track 8, the inspection robot is controlled to move onto the fixed track 8. The drive device 10 drives the movable track 9 to reset and enter the transition chamber 1-1. Then, the hatch 2 between the transition chamber 1-1 and the charging chamber 1-2 is closed, and the charging chamber 1-2 is kept under negative pressure. The charging base of the inspection robot is then plugged into the charging interface 4 to charge the inspection robot. After charging is completed, the charging base of the inspection robot is first disconnected from the charging interface 4, and then the vacuuming equipment is turned off. Then, the reverse steps of the above operation sequence are performed to make the inspection robot drive out of the charging chamber 1 and onto the inspection track. As needed, the drive device 10 is a telescopic cylinder or a screw and nut mechanism driven by a motor, and the motor of the screw and nut mechanism is an explosion-proof motor, which has a simple structure and low operating cost.

[0022] Example 5, in conjunction with Appendix Figures 1-4 An explosion-proof charging station, based on any one of the embodiments one to four, includes guide rods 11 on both sides of the charging chamber 1-2 for aligning the device to be charged with the charging interface 4, facilitating accurate docking of the charging base of the inspection robot with the charging interface 4; guide posts 12 are slidably fitted on both sides of the charging interface 4, one end of the guide post 12 is firmly connected to the inner wall of the charging chamber 1-2, and the guide post 12 is fitted with a spring, which acts as a buffer to prevent the charging base of the inspection robot from violently colliding with the charging interface 4; in addition, a combustible gas detection sensor 13 is installed in the charging chamber 1-2, which can monitor the gas environment in the charging chamber 1-2 in real time, and can issue an alarm when combustible gas is present in the charging chamber 1-2, facilitating timely troubleshooting by operators and further improving safety performance.

[0023] The parts of this invention not described in detail are prior art. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and are intended to encompass all changes falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents within this invention.

Claims

1. An explosion-proof charging station, characterized in that: It includes a charging compartment (1), a door (2), and an automatic sealing device (3); the charging compartment (1) includes a transition chamber (1-1) and a charging chamber (1-2), the transition chamber (1-1) is open at both ends, and one end of the transition chamber (1-1) is connected to one end of the charging chamber (1-2); the charging chamber (1-2) is provided with a charging interface (4), and both the transition chamber (1-1) and the charging chamber (1-2) are connected to a pipe interface (5); the end of the transition chamber (1-1) away from the charging chamber (1-2) and the corresponding connection points of the transition chamber (1-1) and the charging chamber (1-2) are also included. The charging chamber (1) is equipped with a pull-out door (2). The charging chamber (1) is equipped with a sealing cover (6) that can cover the door (2) at the position corresponding to the door (2). The sealing cover (6) is equipped with a telescopic rod (7) for driving the door (2) to open or close. Both ends of the transition chamber (1-1) and the end of the charging chamber (1-2) connected to the transition chamber (1-1) are equipped with an automatic sealing device (3) that automatically seals the door (2) when it is closed. When the door (2) is opened, the automatic sealing device (3) automatically retracts and resets so that the door (2) can be opened without friction.

2. The explosion-proof charging station as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The automatic sealing device (3) includes a ring sleeve (3-1), a flexible sleeve (3-2), and a swing arm (3-3). The transition chamber (1-1) and the charging chamber (1-2) are each provided with annular grooves at their respective ends. The ring sleeve (3-1) is movably fitted into the corresponding annular groove, and a flexible sleeve (3-2) is provided between the ring sleeve (3-1) and the bottom of the corresponding annular groove. Both ends of the flexible sleeve (3-2) are respectively sealed to the ring sleeve (3-1) and the corresponding annular groove. Both sides of the ring sleeve (3-1) are provided with... The swing arm (3-3) of the drive ring sleeve (3-1) is in close contact with the door (2) when the door (2) is closed. One end of the swing arm (3-3) is provided with a bent part (3-4) that can abut against the bottom of the door (2), and the position where the swing arm (3-3) and the bent part (3-4) are connected is hinged to the charging compartment (1). The other end of the swing arm (3-3) is provided with a strip hole (3-5), and a sliding shaft (3-6) with one end being fastened to the ring sleeve (3-1) is slidably fitted in the strip hole (3-5).

3. The explosion-proof charging station as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The swing arm (3-3) is provided with a torsion spring at the position where it is hinged to the charging compartment (1) to drive the bending part (3-4) to tilt up.

4. The explosion-proof charging station as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The ring sleeve (3-1) is provided with a sealing ring gasket (3-7) on one side of the hatch (2).

5. The explosion-proof charging station as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The two bends (3-4) of the automatic sealing device (3) are connected to a synchronizing rod (3-8).

6. The explosion-proof charging station as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The charging chamber (1-2) is provided with a fixed track (8), the transition chamber (1-1) is provided with a movable track (9) that can move along the axis of the length direction of the transition chamber (1-1), and the transition chamber (1-1) is provided with a drive device (10) for driving the movable track (9) to move.

7. The explosion-proof charging station as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The drive device (10) is a telescopic cylinder or a screw and nut mechanism driven by a motor.

8. The explosion-proof charging station as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: Both sides of the charging chamber (1-2) are provided with guide rods (11) for aligning the device to be charged with the charging interface (4).

9. The explosion-proof charging station as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The charging interface (4) has guide posts (12) slidably fitted on both sides. One end of the guide post (12) is tightly connected to the inner wall of the charging chamber (1-2), and the guide post (12) is fitted with a spring.

10. The explosion-proof charging station as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The charging chamber (1-2) is equipped with a combustible gas detection sensor (13).

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