A pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generation device

Abstract

The application discloses a pressure swing adsorption nitrogen making device, which comprises a base, an air inlet pipeline, a nitrogen making machine body and a drying box. A main filter cartridge and a secondary filter cartridge are arranged between the air inlet pipeline and an air chamber. An air supplement adjusting valve is arranged between the secondary filter cartridge and the air inlet pipeline. The air inlet pipeline is connected with an air supplement assembly. The air supplement assembly comprises a hollow tube, an iron block, an adjusting spring and a sensing adjusting mechanism. The iron block is arranged in the hollow tube and can move along the axial direction of the hollow tube. The adjusting spring is connected between the iron block and the inner wall of the front end. The sensing adjusting mechanism is connected between the hollow tube and the air supplement adjusting valve to sense the displacement of the iron block and adjust the opening degree of the air supplement adjusting valve. The air supplement assembly is arranged to avoid the performance attenuation and failure of the molecular sieve caused by insufficient air inlet and pressure fluctuation, and to improve the safety, reliability and service life of the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of nitrogen generation equipment technology, and more particularly to a pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generation device. Background Technology

[0002] Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generators primarily use air as feedstock. Nitrogen separation is achieved through the selective adsorption of oxygen and nitrogen by carbon molecular sieves. The pre-filter structure removes impurities from the compressed air, ensuring stable operation of the nitrogen generator and the molecular sieve. Existing PSA nitrogen generators typically consist of two filter cartridges—one active and one standby—for redundancy. However, when unattended, if the screen in the main filter cartridge becomes clogged, the device cannot automatically activate the standby cartridge. This directly leads to a continuous decrease in air intake, causing insufficient air intake, reduced molecular sieve adsorption efficiency, and decreased nitrogen purity. If the screen remains clogged for an extended period, it can also overload the compressor or vacuum pump, cause molecular sieve failure, and severely impact equipment safety and lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator that can automatically replace filter cartridges and replenish gas, thereby extending the service life of the device.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generator, comprising a base, an inlet pipe, a nitrogen generator body, and a drying chamber. The base is provided with a gas chamber. The inlet pipe, the gas chamber, the nitrogen generator body, and the drying chamber are sequentially connected. A main filter cartridge and a secondary filter cartridge are provided between the inlet pipe and the gas chamber. A gas replenishment regulating valve is provided between the secondary filter cartridge and the inlet pipe. A gas replenishment assembly is connected to the inlet pipe. The gas replenishment assembly includes a hollow tube, an iron block, an adjusting spring, and a sensing regulating mechanism. The hollow tube is fixed to the inlet pipe. The pipe is located on the side opposite to the main filter cylinder. The hollow tube has a front end and a rear end. The front end is connected to the inlet pipe of the air inlet pipe, and the rear end is connected to the bottom pipe of the main filter cylinder. The iron block is located inside the hollow tube and can move along the axial direction of the hollow tube. The cross-sectional shape of the iron block matches the cross-sectional shape of the hollow tube. The adjusting spring is connected between the iron block and the inner wall of the front end. The sensing adjustment mechanism is connected between the hollow tube and the air replenishment regulating valve to sense the displacement of the iron block and adjust the opening of the air replenishment regulating valve.

[0005] Preferably, the air supply regulating valve is provided with a first regulating gear for adjusting the opening degree, and the inductive regulating mechanism includes a first magnetic block and a first rack. The first magnetic block is slidably connected to the outer wall of the hollow tube along the axial direction of the hollow tube and magnetically attracted to the iron block. The first rack is connected to the first magnetic block through a connecting rod and meshes with the first regulating gear.

[0006] Preferably, the main filter cartridge and the air intake pipe are provided with a main regulating valve with a second regulating gear, the rear end is provided with a second magnetic block, and a first linkage mechanism is connected between the inductive regulating mechanism and the main regulating valve. The first linkage mechanism is configured such that when the magnetic attraction between the second magnetic block and the iron block is greater than the tension of the regulating spring, the second regulating gear and the first regulating gear are linked to close the main regulating valve and fully open the air replenishment regulating valve.

[0007] Preferably, the first linkage mechanism includes a bracket and a second rack, with the two ends of the bracket connected to the first rack and the second rack respectively, and the second rack meshing with the second adjusting gear.

[0008] Preferably, the air chamber is connected to a liftable limiting assembly, which includes a first stop and a second stop. The side wall of the main filter cylinder has two through holes spaced vertically. The main filter cylinder is connected to two filter components corresponding to the positions of the through holes. Each filter component includes a mesh plate, a frame, and a support frame. The support frame is fixed to the outer wall of the main filter cylinder and has an upward-facing receiving groove communicating with the through holes. The inner wall of the receiving groove opposite to the through holes has a spring connected to the frame. The frame is slidably connected to the main filter cylinder and can move in and out of the support frame through the through holes. The mesh plate is detachably connected to the frame. In one of the filter components, the changing spring is in a compressed state, the plate frame is located in the receiving groove and has a downward-facing limiting groove, the limiting groove being inserted into the first stop rod; in the other filter component, the changing spring is in a stretched state, the plate frame is located in the main filter cylinder and abuts against the second stop rod; a second linkage mechanism is provided between the limiting component and the iron block, the second linkage mechanism being configured such that when the magnetic attraction between the second magnetic block and the iron block is greater than the tension of the adjusting spring, the limiting component and the iron block are linked to drive the first stop rod and the second stop rod to move down synchronously and separate from the corresponding plate frame.

[0009] Preferably, the same filter assembly has multiple leaf springs.

[0010] Preferably, the second linkage mechanism includes a push rod and a wedge block. The wedge block is positioned opposite to the iron block and is slidably connected to the outer wall of the hollow tube along the axial direction of the hollow tube. The wedge block has an inclined wedge surface. One end of the push rod abuts against the wedge surface, and the other end is fixedly connected to the limiting component.

[0011] Preferably, the hollow tube has a guide rail on its side wall, and the wedge block and the first magnetic block have guide grooves on their side walls that slide in cooperation with the guide rail.

[0012] Preferably, the filter assembly further includes a cover plate, which is detachably connected to the plate frame to cover the receiving groove.

[0013] Preferably, the air chamber is provided with a prompting element, which is used to indicate that the plate frames of the two filter assemblies have shifted.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: During normal filtration, the air pressure on both sides of the iron block is equal, and the iron block remains stationary. When the main filter cylinder becomes clogged, the amount of gas reaching the bottom of the main filter cylinder decreases, resulting in a decrease in gas volume and pressure at the rear end of the hollow tube, while the amount of gas volume and pressure at the front end increases. Under the pressure difference on both sides, the iron block overcomes the spring force and moves backward. The sensing and adjusting mechanism simultaneously senses the movement of the iron block and adjusts the opening of the regulating valve according to the displacement distance of the iron block. This dynamically balances the amount of gas entering the secondary filter cylinder with the amount of gas reduced in the main filter cylinder. At this time, regardless of whether the main filter cylinder is clogged, the amount of gas entering the gas chamber remains constant, thus ensuring that the amount entering the nitrogen generator body remains constant. By setting up a gas replenishment component, the nitrogen generator body is ensured to always be under rated operating conditions, effectively maintaining the molecular sieve adsorption efficiency and nitrogen output purity, avoiding performance degradation and failure of the molecular sieve due to insufficient gas intake and pressure fluctuations, and preventing overload damage to the compressor or vacuum pump. This enables continuous and stable operation of the device when unattended, significantly improving equipment safety, reliability, and service life. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator from another angle according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the air intake pipe and the air replenishment component according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the air intake pipe according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sensing adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sensing adjustment mechanism in its initial position according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the contact between the sensing adjustment mechanism and the second linkage mechanism in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the filter assembly and the main filter cartridge in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 These are schematic diagrams and partial enlarged views of the filtering component according to embodiments of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the main filter cylinder according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting component according to an embodiment of this application.

[0016] In the picture: 1. Base; 11. Air chamber; 111. Support column; 112. Mounting slot; 113. Guide rod; 12. Indicator; 121. Cotton cloth; 122. Hollow box; 1221. Insert; 123. Water bag; 2. Intake pipe; 21. Main filter cartridge; 211. First connecting pipe; 212. Second adjusting gear; 213. Through hole; 22. Secondary filter cartridge; 221. Second connecting pipe; 222. First adjusting gear; 23. Filter assembly; 231. New screen plate; 232. Old screen plate; 233. Plate frame; 2331. Limiting groove; 234. Bearing frame; 2341. Receiving groove; 235. Changing plate spring; 236. Cover plate; 3. Nitrogen generator body; 4. Drying oven; 5. Air supply assembly; 51. Hollow tube; 511. Second magnetic block; 512. Identification strip; 513. Guide rail; 52. Iron block; 53. Adjusting spring; 54. Inductive adjustment mechanism; 541. First magnetic block; 542. First rack; 543. Connecting rod; 6. First linkage mechanism; 61. Bracket; 62. Second rack; 7. Limiting component; 71. First stop bar; 72. Second stop bar; 73. Insert pin; 74. Guide hole; 8. Second linkage mechanism; 81. Top rod; 82. Wedge block. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0018] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0019] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0020] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0021] Reference Figures 1 to 11 As shown, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generator according to an embodiment of this application includes a base 1, an inlet pipe 2, a nitrogen generator body 3, and a drying chamber 4. The base 1 has a gas chamber 11, and the inlet pipe 2 is located above the gas chamber 11 and connected to the gas chamber 11 via a support column 111. The inlet pipe 2, gas chamber 11, nitrogen generator body 3, and drying chamber 4 are sequentially connected. The inlet pipe 2 is connected to an external compressed air source (such as an air compressor). The nitrogen generator body 3 consists of two vertical pressure vessels (tower A / tower B), filled with carbon molecular sieves. When one tower produces nitrogen through high-pressure adsorption, the other tower undergoes low-pressure desorption and regeneration. Compressed air enters through the inlet pipe 2 and passes through the gas chamber 11 and the nitrogen generator body 3 in sequence for nitrogen separation. Finally, after drying in the drying chamber 4, high-purity nitrogen is output. The main functional components of the PSA nitrogen generator are technologically mature and structurally diverse, and are not the focus of this application. Therefore, no specific limitations are made here, and users can select and configure them according to their actual needs.

[0022] A detachable main filter cartridge 21 and a detachable secondary filter cartridge 22 are provided between the air intake pipe 2 and the air chamber 11. The secondary filter cartridge 22 and the main filter cartridge 21 are arranged back and forth along the axial direction of the air intake pipe 2 and are both connected to the air chamber 11. The main filter cartridge 21 is connected to the air intake pipe 2 through the first connecting pipe 211, and the secondary filter cartridge 22 is connected to the air intake pipe 2 through the second connecting pipe 221. A supplementary air regulating valve is provided on the second connecting pipe 221. The air intake pipe 2 is connected to the air replenishment component 5, which includes a hollow tube 51, an iron block 52, an adjusting spring 53, and a sensing adjustment mechanism 54. The hollow tube 51 is parallel to the air intake pipe 2 and is fixed to the side of the air intake pipe 2 away from the main filter cylinder 21. The hollow tube 51 has a front end and a rear end. The front end is connected to the inlet pipe of the air intake pipe 2, and the rear end is connected to the bottom pipe of the main filter cylinder 21. The iron block 52 is located inside the hollow tube 51 and can move along the axial direction of the hollow tube 51. The cross-sectional shape of the iron block 52 matches the cross-sectional shape of the hollow tube 51 to ensure that the iron block 52 divides the internal space of the hollow tube 51 into a front chamber and a rear chamber, preventing gas from flowing between the two sides of the iron block 52. An adjusting spring 53 is connected between the iron block 52 and the inner wall of the front end. A sensing adjusting mechanism 54 is connected between the hollow tube 51 and the air supply regulating valve. The sensing adjusting mechanism 54 is used to sense the displacement of the iron block 52 and adjust the opening of the air supply regulating valve according to the displacement of the iron block 52. Optionally, the outer surface of the iron block 52 and the inner surface of the hollow tube 51 are smoothed to reduce the friction on the iron block 52. The iron block 52 can be set as other magnetic metal blocks, such as copper blocks. The sensing adjusting mechanism 54 can be set as a displacement sensor and actuator controlled by a controller. The displacement sensor is connected to the iron block 52, and the actuator is connected to the second adjusting gear 212. The controller detects the displacement of the iron block 52 and controls the angle of the actuator to control the opening of the air supply regulating valve. The sensing adjusting mechanism 54 can also be set with a mechanical structure driven by a magnet, which links the iron block 52, the magnet and the air supply regulating valve through components such as connecting rods and gears. Further details are omitted here.

[0023] Understandably, when the main filter cartridge 21 is filtering normally, the air pressure on both sides of the iron block 52 is equal, and the iron block 52 remains stationary. When the main filter cartridge 21 experiences mild to moderate blockage, the amount of gas reaching the bottom of the main filter cartridge 21 decreases, resulting in a decrease in the amount of gas and air pressure at the rear end of the hollow tube 51, while the amount of gas and air pressure at the front end increase. Under the action of the air pressure difference on both sides, the iron block 52 overcomes the elastic force of the adjusting spring 53 and moves backward. The more severe the blockage of the screen, the greater the air pressure difference, and the farther the iron block 52 moves. The sensing and adjusting mechanism 54 synchronously senses the movement of the iron block 52, and adjusts the opening of the air supply regulating valve according to the displacement distance of the iron block 52, so that the amount of gas entering the auxiliary filter cartridge 22 is dynamically balanced with the amount of gas reduced in the main filter cartridge 21. At this time, regardless of whether the main filter cartridge 21 is blocked, the amount of gas entering the gas chamber 11 is constant, thereby ensuring that the amount entering the nitrogen generator body 3 always remains constant. It should be noted that by setting the adjusting spring 53, the adjusting spring 53 can restrict the movement of the iron block 52, prevent air pressure fluctuations from directly pushing the iron block 52 to the rear end, and ensure that the sensing adjustment mechanism 54 can steplessly adjust the opening of the air supply regulating valve according to the degree of blockage of the main filter cartridge 21.

[0024] By setting up the gas replenishment component 5, the gas replenishment regulating valve will automatically open to replenish gas when the main filter cartridge 21 is slightly or moderately blocked, ensuring that the nitrogen generator body 3 is always in rated operating condition, effectively maintaining the molecular sieve adsorption efficiency and nitrogen output purity, avoiding the performance degradation and failure of the molecular sieve due to insufficient gas intake and pressure fluctuations, and preventing overload damage to the compressor or vacuum pump. This enables the device to operate continuously and stably without human intervention, significantly improving equipment safety, reliability and extending service life.

[0025] Reference Figures 3 to 5 As shown, it can be understood that the air supply regulating valve is provided with a first regulating gear 222 for adjusting the opening degree. The sensing regulating mechanism 54 includes a first magnetic block 541 and a first rack 542. The first magnetic block 541 is slidably connected to the outer wall of the hollow tube 51 along the axial direction of the hollow tube 51 and magnetically engaged with the iron block 52. The first rack 542 is connected to the first magnetic block 541 through a connecting rod 543 and meshes with the first regulating gear 222.

[0026] When the main filter cartridge 21 is slightly or moderately clogged, the iron block 52 moves backward. Under the action of this force, the first magnetic block 541 moves backward with the iron block 52 and drives the first rack 542 to move. The first rack 542 drives the first adjusting gear 222 to rotate, thereby adjusting the opening of the air supply regulating valve. The inductive adjustment mechanism 54 is configured with a first magnetic block 541 and a first rack 542. On the one hand, since the first magnetic block 541 and the iron block 52 form a non-contact linkage through magnetic attraction, the first magnetic block 541 can move synchronously with the iron block 52 without mechanical contact, avoiding the risk of gas leakage caused by opening holes in the hollow tube 51 for the transmission components to pass through, thus ensuring the integrity of the airtightness inside the hollow tube 51. On the other hand, the first rack 542 meshes with the first adjusting gear 222 to drive the air replenishment regulating valve to rotate and adjust its opening. A precise linear transmission relationship is formed between the moving distance of the iron block 52 and the rotation angle of the air replenishment regulating valve, ensuring a precise match between the air replenishment volume of the secondary filter cartridge 22 and the degree of blockage of the main filter cartridge 21, and ensuring that the air replenishment assembly 5 achieves precise dynamic balance control. In addition, the inductive adjustment mechanism 54 achieves automatic control entirely through mechanical transmission, without the need for additional electrical components such as sensors, controllers, and actuators, and is unaffected by electromagnetic interference, resulting in high reliability and low cost.

[0027] Reference Figures 4 to 7 As shown, it can be understood that the main filter cartridge 21 and the first connecting pipe 211 of the air intake pipe 2 are equipped with a main regulating valve. A second regulating gear 212 is fixed on the valve stem of the main regulating valve, and a second magnetic block 511 is provided at the rear end. The center of the second magnetic block 511 has an air hole structure for gas flow. A first linkage mechanism 6 is connected between the sensing regulating mechanism 54 and the main regulating valve. The first linkage mechanism 6 is configured such that when the magnetic attraction between the second magnetic block 511 and the iron block 52 is greater than the tension of the regulating spring 53, the second regulating gear 212 and the first regulating gear 222 are linked to close the main regulating valve and fully open the supplementary air regulating valve. Optionally, the first linkage mechanism 6 can be set as a displacement sensor and an actuator controlled by a controller. The displacement sensor is connected to the iron block 52, and the actuator is connected to the second regulating gear 212. The controller detects the displacement of the iron block 52 and controls the angle of the actuator to control the opening of the supplementary air regulating valve.

[0028] When severe blockage occurs inside the main filter cartridge 21, the iron block 52 is pushed by the air pressure difference to a position near the rear end of the filter cartridge (e.g., ...). Figure 7As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, this position is defined as the plate-changing position. The length of the hollow tube 51 and the position of the second magnetic block 511 are specially designed so that when the iron block 52 reaches the plate-changing position, the magnetic attraction between the second magnetic block 511 and the iron block 52 can just overcome the tension of the adjusting spring 53. When the iron block 52 is attracted and moved by the second magnetic block 511, the first magnetic block 541 and the first rack 542 follow the movement of the iron block 52 to drive the first adjusting gear 222 to rotate, further increasing the opening of the air supply regulating valve. At the same time, the second adjusting gear 212 rotates synchronously with the first adjusting gear 222 under the drive of the first linkage mechanism 6, thereby reducing the opening of the main regulating valve. The sensing regulating mechanism 54 and the first linkage mechanism 6 are specially designed so that when the iron block 52 contacts the second magnetic block 511, the opening of the air supply regulating valve is at its maximum and the main regulating valve is closed.

[0029] By setting up a main regulating valve and a first linkage mechanism 6, the main regulating valve is automatically closed when the main filter cartridge 21 is severely clogged, cutting off the filtration path of the main filter cartridge 21. This prevents the severely clogged screen from breaking under the impact of high-pressure gas, which would allow impurities to pass through the filter layer and enter subsequent equipment. It also prevents unfiltered gas from bypassing the clogged screen and directly entering the gas chamber 11, thus avoiding contamination of the nitrogen generator body 3. This protects the precision structure inside the molecular sieve, effectively extending the service life of the nitrogen generator and providing conditions for subsequent replacement of the filter components 23 inside the main filter cartridge 21. Furthermore, the judgment and switching action of the severe clogging of the main filter cartridge 21 are completely automated by the mechanical structure, requiring no electrical control components or manual intervention. This results in a fast response speed and high reliability, making it particularly suitable for unattended nighttime operation scenarios. It avoids a series of chain problems caused by delayed detection of clogging, such as decreased molecular sieve efficiency, reduced nitrogen purity, and equipment overload.

[0030] It should be added that designers can install an indicator strip 512 at the plate replacement position. When users inspect through the transparent window or by disassembling the hollow tube 51, if they see the iron block 52 stopped in front of the indicator strip 512, it indicates that the main filter cartridge 21 is only lightly to moderately clogged and the equipment is automatically replenishing air. If they see the iron block 52 pressing on or passing the indicator strip 512, it indicates that the main filter cartridge 21 is severely clogged and the equipment needs to replace the internal filter structure of the main filter cartridge 21. After replacing the internal filter structure of the main filter cartridge 21, the user can manually push the iron block 52 back to its initial position. The indicator strip 512 can serve as a clear reference point for pushing back, helping to confirm whether the magnetic attraction mechanism has been completely disengaged.

[0031] Reference Figure 5As shown, it can be understood that the first linkage mechanism 6 includes a bracket 61 and a second rack 62. The two ends of the bracket 61 are connected to the first rack 542 and the second rack 62 respectively, and the second rack 62 meshes with the second adjusting gear 212. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the first adjusting gear 222 is larger than that of the second adjusting gear 212. This results in the second adjusting gear 212 rotating at a larger angle than the first adjusting gear 222 when the two gears move synchronously. When the iron block 52 moves from the initial position to the plate changing position, the first rack 542 moves and causes the first adjusting gear 222 to rotate 100° first. When the iron block 52 moves from the plate changing position to the second magnetic block 511, the first rack 542 moves and causes the first adjusting gear 222 to rotate another 80°. This results in the first adjusting gear 222 rotating a total of 180° to fully open the gas supply regulating valve, ensuring that the amount of gas entering the gas chamber 11 does not change when the main filter cartridge 21 is closed. Since the outer diameter of the second adjusting gear 212 is smaller, when the iron block 52 moves from the plate changing position to the second magnetic block 511, the second rack 62 causes the smaller second adjusting gear 212 to rotate 180° at once, thus completely closing the main regulating valve at the input end of the main filter cartridge 21.

[0032] The first linkage mechanism 6 is designed as a bracket 61 and a second rack 62, simplifying its design and reducing manufacturing costs. This ensures that there is no elastic deformation or backlash error during transmission, and that the displacement ratio between the first rack 542 and the second rack 62 remains constant, guaranteeing precise synchronization of the opening changes of the main regulating valve and the supplementary air regulating valve. By rationally designing the ratio of the number of teeth and diameter of the first regulating gear 222 and the second regulating gear 212, the main regulating valve and the supplementary air regulating valve can have different opening change rates at different displacement stages of the iron block 52. Specifically, when the main filter cartridge 21 is lightly to moderately clogged, only the supplementary air regulating valve operates while the main regulating valve remains fully open; when severely clogged, the supplementary air regulating valve continues to increase its opening to full open while the main regulating valve begins to close until it is fully closed. This simple gear tooth ratio design achieves staged control logic without the need for complex control programs and components, resulting in high control accuracy, fast response, and good reliability.

[0033] Reference Figures 8 to 11As shown, it can be understood that the air chamber 11 is connected to a liftable limiting component 7, which has a first stop 71 and a second stop 72. Specifically, the limiting component 7 is a rod structure that projects in a U-shape on the horizontal plane. The first stop 71 and the second stop 72 are respectively vertically upward on the two sides of the rod of the U-shaped limiting component 7, and the rod on one side of the limiting component 7 is higher than the rod on the other side. The crossbar of the U-shaped limiting component 7 has a guide hole 74, which matches the guide rod 113 that is vertically protruding from the top of the air chamber 11. The first stop 71 and the second stop 72 can be provided in one or more, which will not be described in detail here.

[0034] The main filter cylinder 21 has two through holes 213 spaced vertically on its side wall. The main filter cylinder 21 is connected to two filter components 23 corresponding to the positions of the through holes 213. The height difference between the two filter components 23 corresponds to the height difference between the two rods on the sides of the U-shaped limiting component 7. The filter component 23 includes a mesh plate, a plate frame 233, and a support frame 234. The support frame 234 is fixed to the outer wall of the main filter cylinder 21. The support frame 234 has an upward-facing receiving groove 2341 that communicates with the through holes 213. The inner wall of the receiving groove 2341 opposite to the through holes 213 is provided with a changing spring 235 connected to the plate frame 233. The plate frame 233 is slidably connected to the main filter cylinder 21 and can enter and exit the support frame 234 through the through holes 213. The outer peripheral wall of the plate frame 233 is provided with a sealing strip to ensure airtightness between it and the inner wall of the through holes 213. The bottom wall of the plate frame 233 is provided with an opening structure for the insertion of the first stop rod 71 or the second stop rod 72. The mesh panel and the frame 233 are detachably connected. Optionally, in this embodiment, the mesh panel and the frame 233 are snap-fitted together; in other embodiments, the mesh panel and the frame 233 are bolted together, which will not be described further here.

[0035] One filter assembly 23 has its changing spring 235 in a compressed state, with the plate frame 233 located in the receiving groove 2341. The side wall of the plate frame 233 connected to the changing spring 235 has a downward-facing limiting groove 2331, which engages with the first stop bar 71 (for ease of understanding, the mesh plate inside this plate frame 233 is defined as the new mesh plate 231). The other filter assembly 23 has its changing spring 235 in a stretched state, with the plate frame 233 located inside the main filter cylinder 21 and abutting against the second stop bar 72 (for ease of understanding, the mesh plate inside this plate frame 233 is defined as the old mesh plate 232). A second linkage mechanism 8 is provided between the limiting assembly 7 and the iron block 52. The second linkage mechanism 8 is configured such that when the magnetic attraction between the second magnetic block 511 and the iron block 52 is greater than the tension of the adjusting spring 53, the linkage mechanism 7 and the iron block 52 drive the first stop bar 71 and the second stop bar 72 to move downwards synchronously and separate from the corresponding plate frame 233. Optionally, the second linkage mechanism 8 may include two rack and pinion structures arranged horizontally and vertically and coaxially. One rack is connected to the first magnetic block 541 or magnetically engaged with the iron block 52, and the other rack abuts against the limiting component 7. Thus, when the iron block 52 moves and drives the horizontal rack to move, the vertical rack is controlled to move down and press the limiting component 7 through the linkage gear. The second linkage mechanism 8 may also be configured as a push rod driven by a controller. When the controller detects that the iron block 52 has moved to the plate changing position, it controls the push rod to press the limiting component 7.

[0036] When the iron block 52 is attracted by the second magnetic block 511 and moves further, the iron block 52 drives the limiting component 7 to descend through the second linkage mechanism 8. When the iron block 52 contacts the second magnetic block 511, the first stop rod 71 disengages from the limiting groove 2331 of the plate frame 233 (i.e., the upper plate frame 233) corresponding to the plate frame 235 in the compressed state. After the upper plate frame 233 loses its limit, it is pushed into the main filter cylinder 21 under the restoring force of the plate frame 235. The new screen plate 231 follows the upper plate frame 233 into the main filter cylinder 21 and is ready to perform the filtration function. At the same time, after the second stop rod 72 moves down, it separates from the lower plate frame 233. The lower plate frame 233 retracts into the receiving groove 2341 of the bearing frame 234 under the restoring force of the plate frame 235 in the stretched state. The corresponding old screen plate 232 exits from the main filter cylinder 21 and is recycled into the bearing frame 234. By setting the limit component 7 and the filter component 23, the changing springs 235 of the two filter components 23 are configured in opposite states of compression and tension, respectively, realizing the automatic linkage replacement of the new screen plate 231 and the old screen plate 232. The structure is simple and efficient, requiring no additional drive components and control systems, and avoiding the safety risks and downtime losses caused by manual replacement operations. In addition, the replacement of the new screen plate 231 and the old screen plate 232 is achieved by the displacement of the iron block 52 triggering the second linkage mechanism 8, which is fully automated and requires no manual intervention, making it more suitable for unattended operation scenarios and further improving the operational stability of the nitrogen generator.

[0037] Preferably, the same filter assembly 23 has multiple leaf springs 235.

[0038] By incorporating multiple replacement springs 235, which work together, forces can be applied simultaneously from different positions, creating a balanced thrust distribution on the filter frame 233. This effectively prevents the filter frame 233 from tilting or jamming, ensuring smooth sliding along the predetermined direction and improving the smoothness and stability of the replacement operation. Furthermore, the multiple springs constitute a redundant design; even if one spring fails due to fatigue or corrosion during long-term use, the remaining springs can still provide sufficient combined force to complete the filter replacement, enhancing the reliability of the filter assembly 23.

[0039] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 11 As shown, it can be understood that the second linkage mechanism 8 includes a push rod 81 and a wedge block 82. The wedge block 82 is positioned opposite to the iron block 52 and is slidably connected to the outer wall of the hollow tube 51 along the axial direction of the hollow tube 51. The bottom of the wedge block 82 has an inclined wedge surface (i.e., an inclined surface that slopes upwards towards the rear end along the axial direction of the hollow tube 51). One end of the push rod 81 abuts against the wedge surface, and the other end is fixedly connected to the limiting component 7.

[0040] When the iron block 52 is attracted by the second magnetic block 511 and moves further towards the rear end, the iron block 52 directly pushes the wedge block 82 to slide axially along the hollow tube 51. During the sliding process, the inclined wedge surface of the wedge block 82 slides relative to one end of the push rod 81. Due to the design of the inclined angle of the wedge surface, the axial movement of the wedge block 82 is converted into the vertical downward movement of the push rod 81. By setting the push rod 81 and the wedge block 82, on the one hand, the conversion of the movement direction can be realized without complex guiding and lubrication structures, simplifying the structure of the second linkage mechanism 8, reducing the number of parts of the second linkage mechanism 8, and thus reducing manufacturing costs; on the other hand, the wedge surface transmission has a self-locking characteristic. Without the action of axial external force, the wedge block 82 and the push rod 81 can maintain a stable relative position by relying on friction. Even if vibration occurs during the operation of the equipment, it will not cause the limiting component 7 to loosen unexpectedly, ensuring the reliability of the limiting of the new and old mesh plates 232.

[0041] Preferably, the sidewall of the hollow tube 51 is provided with a guide rail 513, and the sidewalls of the wedge block 82 and the first magnetic block 541 are respectively provided with guide grooves that slide in cooperation with the guide rail 513.

[0042] The guide rail 513 constrains the circumferential position of the wedge block 82 and the first magnetic block 541, preventing them from rotating around the axis of the hollow tube 51. This ensures the correct meshing position of the first rack 542 and the first adjusting gear 222, and the correct contact direction between the wedge-shaped surface of the wedge block 82 and the push rod 81, avoiding transmission failure caused by rotation. The wedge block 82 and the first magnetic block 541 share the same guide rail 513, simplifying the connection structure on the outside of the hollow tube 51 while ensuring the positioning accuracy of the first magnetic block 541 and the wedge block 82, and providing precise guidance and limiting for the sliding process of the wedge block 82 and the first magnetic block 541 along the axial direction of the hollow tube 51.

[0043] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, it can be understood that the filter assembly 23 also includes a cover plate 236, which is detachably connected to the plate frame 233 to cover the receiving groove 2341. Optionally, the cover plate 236 and the plate frame 233 can be connected by snap-fit, bolt, flange, or magnetic connection, or a combination of the above connection methods. Users can set it according to their actual needs, which will not be elaborated here.

[0044] By setting the cover plate 236, the cover plate 236 can physically isolate and protect the plate frame 233 and the changing spring 235 in the receiving groove 2341, effectively preventing external dust, impurities, oil and other pollutants from entering the receiving groove 2341, avoiding contamination of the plate frame 233 and the changing spring 235, and ensuring the elastic sensitivity of the changing spring 235 and the smooth sliding of the plate frame 233.

[0045] Reference Figure 3As shown, it can be understood that the air chamber 11 is equipped with a warning element 12, which is used to indicate that the plate frame 233 of the two filter components 23 has shifted. The warning element 12 can be set as a warning light of an integrated vision system or an alarm circuit triggered by the iron block 52 and the second magnetic block 511, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0046] By setting the prompting component 12, when the limiting component 7 descends and causes the first stop bar 71 and the second stop bar 72 to separate from the corresponding plate frame 233, and the old and new mesh plates 232 are automatically replaced, the prompting component 12 automatically sends a visual prompting signal that can be perceived by the operator, realizing the visual reminder function of mesh plate blockage and automatic replacement status.

[0047] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the top of the air chamber 11 is provided with a mounting groove 112 (the guide rod 113 is disposed in the mounting groove 112). The indicator 12 includes a cotton cloth 121 attached to the outer wall of the air chamber 11, a hollow box 122 installed in the mounting groove 112, and a water bag 123 containing red liquid (or other brightly colored liquid) located in the hollow box 122. The top of the hollow box 122 is provided with an insertion port 1221, and a pin 73 facing the insertion port 1221 is provided on one side of the limiting component 7. When the iron block 52 moves downward toward the second magnetic block 511, the pin 73 descends with the limiting component 7 and inserts into the hollow box 122 from the insertion port 1221, puncturing the water bag 123. The red liquid in the water bag 123 flows out and flows down the outer wall of the air chamber 11 and is absorbed by the cotton cloth 121. The cotton cloth 121 changes from white to red and expands, forming a conspicuous visual mark.

[0048] By incorporating cotton cloth 121 and water bag 123, operators can intuitively determine if the screen plate is severely clogged and has been automatically replaced simply by observing the color change of cotton cloth 121, without opening the equipment casing, stopping the machine for inspection, or relying on any electronic instruments. This transforms the clog status assessment from a passive, delayed judgment to an active, immediate feedback mechanism, effectively improving the visibility of the nitrogen generator. Furthermore, the indicator 12 and the limit assembly 7 are mechanically linked, requiring no additional sensors, controllers, power supplies, or signal transmission lines. They operate completely independently, unaffected by external factors such as power outages or electromagnetic interference, ensuring extremely high reliability. In addition, both cotton cloth 121 and hollow box 122 are low-cost, easily replaceable components, effectively reducing the later maintenance costs of the nitrogen generator.

[0049] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generator, comprising a base (1), an inlet pipe (2), a nitrogen generator body (3), and a drying chamber (4), wherein the base (1) is provided with a gas chamber (11), and the inlet pipe (2), the gas chamber (11), the nitrogen generator body (3), and the drying chamber (4) are sequentially connected, characterized in that, A main filter cylinder (21) and a secondary filter cylinder (22) are provided between the air intake pipe (2) and the air chamber (11), and a supplementary air regulating valve is provided between the secondary filter cylinder (22) and the air intake pipe (2); The air intake pipe (2) is connected to an air replenishment assembly (5), which includes a hollow tube (51), an iron block (52), an adjusting spring (53), and a sensing adjustment mechanism (54). The hollow tube (51) is fixed to the side of the air intake pipe (2) away from the main filter cylinder (21). The hollow tube (51) has a front end and a rear end. The front end is connected to the inlet pipe of the air intake pipe (2), and the rear end is connected to the bottom pipe of the main filter cylinder (21). The iron block (52) is located inside the hollow tube (51) and can move along the axial direction of the hollow tube (51). The cross-sectional shape of the iron block (52) matches the cross-sectional shape of the hollow tube (51). The adjusting spring (53) is connected between the iron block (52) and the inner wall of the front end. The sensing adjustment mechanism (54) is connected between the hollow tube (51) and the air supply regulating valve to sense the displacement of the iron block (52) and adjust the opening of the air supply regulating valve. The air supply regulating valve is provided with a first regulating gear (222) for adjusting the opening degree. The sensing regulating mechanism (54) includes a first magnetic block (541) and a first rack (542). The first magnetic block (541) is slidably connected to the outer wall of the hollow tube (51) along the axial direction of the hollow tube (51) and magnetically attracted to the iron block (52). The first rack (542) is connected to the first magnetic block (541) through a connecting rod (543) and meshes with the first regulating gear (222). A main regulating valve with a second adjusting gear (212) is provided between the main filter cylinder (21) and the air intake pipe (2). A second magnetic block (511) is provided at the rear end. A first linkage mechanism (6) is connected between the sensing regulating mechanism (54) and the main regulating valve. The first linkage mechanism (6) is configured such that when the magnetic attraction between the second magnetic block (511) and the iron block (52) is greater than the tension of the adjusting spring (53), the second adjusting gear (212) and the first adjusting gear (222) are linked to close the main regulating valve and fully open the air replenishment regulating valve. The first linkage mechanism (6) includes a bracket (61) and a second rack (62). The two ends of the bracket (61) are connected to the first rack (542) and the second rack (62) respectively. The second rack (62) meshes with the second adjusting gear (212).

2. The pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air chamber (11) is connected to a liftable limiting component (7), which has a first stop (71) and a second stop (72). The side wall of the main filter cylinder (21) has two through holes (213) spaced apart vertically. The main filter cylinder (21) is connected to two filter components (23) corresponding to the positions of the through holes (213). The filter component (23) includes a mesh plate, a frame (233), and a support frame (234). The support frame (234) is fixed to the air chamber (11). The outer wall of the main filter cylinder (21) has a receiving groove (2341) with an upward opening that communicates with the through hole (213). The inner wall of the receiving groove (2341) opposite to the through hole (213) has a changing spring (235) connected to the plate frame (233). The plate frame (233) is slidably connected to the main filter cylinder (21) and can enter and exit the carrying frame (234) through the through hole (213). The mesh plate and the plate frame (234)... 3) Detachable connection: In one of the filter components (23), the changing spring (235) is in a compressed state, the plate frame (233) is located in the receiving groove (2341) and has a downward-facing limiting groove (2331), the limiting groove (2331) is inserted into the first stop rod (71); In the other filter component (23), the changing spring (235) is in a stretched state, the plate frame (233) is located in the main filter cylinder (21) and is connected to the receiving groove (2341). The second stop (72) abuts against; a second linkage mechanism (8) is provided between the limiting component (7) and the iron block (52). The second linkage mechanism (8) is configured such that when the magnetic attraction between the second magnetic block (511) and the iron block (52) is greater than the tension of the adjusting spring (53), the limiting component (7) and the iron block (52) are linked to drive the first stop (71) and the second stop (72) to move down synchronously and separate from the corresponding plate frame (233).

3. The pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The same filter assembly (23) has multiple leaf springs (235).

4. The pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second linkage mechanism (8) includes a push rod (81) and a wedge block (82). The wedge block (82) is positioned opposite to the iron block (52) and is slidably connected to the outer wall of the hollow tube (51) along the axial direction of the hollow tube (51). The wedge block (82) has an inclined wedge surface. One end of the push rod (81) abuts against the wedge surface, and the other end is fixedly connected to the limiting component (7).

5. The pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The hollow tube (51) has a guide rail (513) on its side wall, and the wedge block (82) and the first magnetic block (541) have guide grooves on their side walls that slide in cooperation with the guide rail (513).

6. The pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filter assembly (23) also includes a cover plate (236) which is detachably connected to the plate frame (233) to cover the receiving groove (2341).

7. The pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air chamber (11) is provided with a prompting element (12) for indicating that the plate frame (233) of the two filter components (23) has been displaced.

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