Leakage detection device with collision detection function

By combining the design of elastic probes and piezoelectric thin film sensors, the comprehensive collision detection and rapid shutdown response of industrial robot leak detection devices are achieved, and equipment damage and production interruption caused by collisions in robot leak detection operations is solved, which improves safety and efficiency, while reducing structural complexity and cost.

CN222951913UActive Publication Date: 2025-06-06GUANGZHOU CHUANGZHILI INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422053080.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-22
Publication Date
2025-06-06
Estimated Expiration
2034-08-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When industrial robots perform leak detection operations on air conditioning and refrigerator refrigerant conveying pipelines, they are prone to damage the leak detection device or pipeline due to collisions. The existing devices with collision detection functions are complex in structure, large in size and high in cost.

Method used

A leak detection device with collision detection function is designed, and an elastic probe is combined with a piezoelectric thin film sensor. Through the elastic deformation of the elastic probe and the electrical signal transmission of the piezoelectric thin film sensor, all-round collision detection and rapid shutdown response are achieved.

Benefits of technology

The device can operate accurately in a narrow space, significantly enhancing the all-round collision detection function, avoiding direct contact between the leakage detection device and the refrigerant pipeline, improving the safety and efficiency of leakage detection operations, and reducing structural complexity and cost.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model is applicable to the field of leak detection equipment, and discloses a leak detection device with a collision detection function, which comprises a pneumatic joint, a leak detector and an elastic probe, the pneumatic joint is respectively connected with the leak detector and the elastic probe, and the pneumatic joint is provided with two nuts; a gasket and a collision sensing element are sequentially arranged between the two nuts from top to bottom. The design not only ensures the flexible application of the elastic probe in a narrow space in the leak detection process, but also greatly improves the collision detection capability of the device, and can rapidly trigger the collision sensing element to generate an electric signal through the deformation of the elastic probe and a pressure transmission mechanism when collision occurs in any direction, thereby instructing the industrial robot to stop moving in time, and improving the detection efficiency. Damage of the leakage detection device and the refrigerant conveying pipeline is effectively prevented, and safety of leakage detection operation is improved. Meanwhile, the device is simple in structure and small in size, elements are easy to purchase and can be quickly replaced after being damaged, and continuous and stable operation of a production line is ensured.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of leak detection equipment, in particular to a leak detection device with a collision detection function. Background Art

[0002] In the current manufacturing industry, air tightness testing of products such as air conditioners and refrigerators is an important part of ensuring product quality. The internal structure of these products includes a refrigerant delivery pipeline welded from multiple sections of copper pipes, and its air tightness directly determines the performance and service life of the product. Therefore, before the product leaves the factory, the refrigerant delivery pipeline must be strictly tested for gas leaks (referred to as leak detection). With the improvement of production efficiency, more and more manufacturers use industrial robots to replace manual leak detection operations to improve detection efficiency and accuracy.

[0003] However, due to the complex internal pipelines of air conditioners and refrigerators and limited detection space, when industrial robots are performing leak detection operations, even with the help of 3D cameras for navigation, collisions between the leak detection device at the end and the pipeline may still occur. Traditional industrial robots are not equipped with collision detection systems, so they cannot sense and automatically stop running after a collision occurs, resulting in the impact force generated by the collision possibly damaging the leak detection device or the refrigerant delivery pipeline, thus affecting product quality and production efficiency.

[0004] The devices with collision detection functions currently used in industrial robots on the market generally rely on multiple pressure sensors to detect collisions in multiple directions. Although this design can achieve multi-dimensional collision detection, each sensor can usually only detect collisions in a single direction, resulting in a complex structure and bulky volume of the overall device. In order to reduce the structural size, some solutions use a single multi-force sensor for detection, but this significantly increases the manufacturing cost and is not conducive to the widespread application of the product. Utility Model Content

[0005] The utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the utility model provides a leak detection device with a collision detection function.

[0006] A leak detection device with a collision detection function comprises a pneumatic joint, a leak detector and an elastic probe, wherein the elastic probe is used for the front end of the leak detection device, the pneumatic joint is connected to the leak detector and the elastic probe respectively, and the pneumatic joint is provided with two nuts; a gasket and a collision sensing element are sequentially arranged between the two nuts from top to bottom.

[0007] More specifically, in the above technical solution, a gasket is arranged above the gasket.

[0008] More specifically, in the above technical solution, the gasket is a rubber gasket.

[0009] More specifically, in the above technical solution, a mounting plate is provided below the collision sensing element.

[0010] More specifically, in the above technical solution, the collision sensing element is a piezoelectric film sensor.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0012] This design cleverly combines the flexibility of the elastic probe with the piezoelectric film sensor, which not only gives the leak detection device the ability to operate accurately in a small space, but also significantly enhances its all-round collision detection function. When encountering a collision in any direction, the elastic probe can respond quickly, effectively disperse the impact force through its unique deformation mechanism, and accurately convert this mechanical change into an electrical signal, which is immediately transmitted to the industrial robot control system to achieve a rapid shutdown response, thereby avoiding direct contact and potential damage between the leak detection device and the fragile refrigerant pipeline, greatly improving the safety factor of the leak detection operation.

[0013] In addition, the design of this device is also reflected in its high degree of integration and modularity. It has a compact structure and small size, which makes it easy to deploy and operate in various compact manufacturing environments. At the same time, most of the components used are standard parts or easily accessible components, which not only reduces procurement costs, but also simplifies the maintenance process. Even if the components are damaged, they can be quickly replaced to ensure seamless connection and efficient operation of the production process. In summary, this design not only improves the efficiency and safety of leak detection, but also takes into account economy and practicality, bringing a new solution to the field of industrial automation leak detection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0015] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the utility model leakage detection device;

[0016] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the utility model leakage detection device;

[0017] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the lateral collision between the elastic probe of the utility model and the pipeline;

[0018] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the forward collision between the elastic probe of the utility model and the pipeline.

[0019] In the figure: 1, pneumatic joint; 101, nut; 2, elastic probe; 3, washer; 4, collision sensing element; 5, gasket; 6, mounting plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the utility model to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0021] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that descriptions involving orientation, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0022] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as setting, installing, connecting, etc. should be understood in a broad sense, and technicians in the relevant technical field can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0023] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" etc. described in the specification of the utility model mean that one or more embodiments of the utility model include specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment. Therefore, the statements "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in some other embodiments", "in some other embodiments", etc. that appear in different places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but mean "one or more but not all embodiments", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways. The terms "including", "comprising", "having" and their variations all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways.

[0024] See also Figure 1-2 The present application proposes a leak detection device with a collision detection function, including a pneumatic connector 1, a leak detector (not shown) and an elastic probe 2, wherein the elastic probe 2 is used at the front end of the leak detection device, the pneumatic connector 1 is connected to the leak detector and the elastic probe 2 respectively, and the pneumatic connector 1 is provided with two nuts 101; a gasket 3 and a collision sensing element 4 are sequentially arranged between the two nuts 101 from top to bottom.

[0025] After all the components are installed, they are tightened by two nuts 101. When the industrial robot equipped with the leak detection device performs leak detection, the elastic probe 2 penetrates into the complex pipeline, and the small elastic probe 2 can meet the detection needs in a narrow space; when the probe collides with the pipeline, the elastic probe 2 will undergo elastic deformation to absorb part of the impact force caused by the collision. At the same time, the elastic probe 2 will also transfer part of the force to the lower component, and finally squeeze the gasket 3 to deform, so that the pressure collision sensing element 4 receives the pressure and generates an electrical signal to send to the industrial robot to stop moving.

[0026] The layout of the leak detection device highly integrates key components such as pneumatic joint 1, elastic probe 2, gasket 3 and collision sensing element 4 into a compact unit. This design makes the device compact and can easily adapt to the complex and narrow detection space inside home appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators, ensuring seamless leak detection operations. At the same time, its flexible installation method also facilitates rapid deployment on industrial robots of different models and specifications, enhancing the versatility and adaptability of the device.

[0027] When the elastic probe 2 collides with the refrigerant delivery pipeline during the leak detection process, its excellent elastic deformation ability can quickly absorb and disperse the impact force generated by the collision, effectively protecting the leak detection device and pipeline from damage. At the same time, through the precise pressure transmission path, the collision force is accurately transmitted to the piezoelectric film sensor, triggering it to generate an electrical signal and immediately transmit it to the industrial robot control system to achieve a rapid shutdown response. This sensitive and stable collision detection capability greatly improves the safety factor of leak detection operations and effectively avoids equipment damage and production line interruptions caused by collisions.

[0028] The components used in the leak detection device of the present application are mostly standard parts or easily available components, such as pneumatic joints 1, elastic probes 2, rubber washers 3 and piezoelectric film sensors, etc. These components are not only low in purchase cost, but also have sufficient market supply, ensuring the mass production capacity and cost-effectiveness of the device. In addition, the design of the device also fully considers the ease of maintenance. The components are tightly connected and easy to disassemble. Even if the components are damaged, they can be quickly replaced, which greatly reduces the maintenance cost and time cost and ensures the continuous and stable operation of the production line.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the elastic probe 2 collides with the pipeline sideways, and the gasket 3 on one side squeezes the collision sensing element 4, so that the collision sensing element 4 receives the pressure and generates an electrical signal which is sent to the industrial robot to stop the movement; Figure 4 As shown, the elastic probe 2 collides with the pipeline in a positive direction, and the gasket 3 presses down and squeezes the collision sensing element 4 as a whole, so that the collision sensing element 4 receives the pressure and generates an electrical signal which is sent to the industrial robot to stop the movement.

[0030] It is understandable that leak detectors are well-known in the art, and this application does not impose any specific restrictions thereon. A person skilled in the art can select a leak detector according to actual needs. Leak detection principle: The pipeline to be inspected will be filled with helium or other specific gases in advance, and then the operator will extend the leak detection gun connected to the leak detector to the leak detection point. The leak detection gun has a built-in suction function. If there is a leak in the pipeline, those specific gases will be sucked in and detected by the leak detector, and finally an alarm will be issued.

[0031] It should be noted that the pneumatic connector 1 is also a commonly used pneumatic component in industry, and the elastic probe 2 can be quickly plugged in and out. The specific principle of this application is not described in detail here. The circuit principle of the pressure collision sensing element 4 receiving the pressure to generate an electrical signal and sending it to the industrial robot to stop the movement is also a mature technology, and this application is not described in detail here.

[0032] See also Figure 1-2 In some embodiments, a gasket 5 is provided above the gasket 3 .

[0033] After all the components are installed, they are tightened by two nuts 101. When the industrial robot equipped with the leak detection device performs leak detection, the elastic probe 2 penetrates into the complex pipeline, and the small elastic probe 2 can meet the detection needs in a narrow space; when the probe collides with the pipeline, the elastic probe 2 will undergo elastic deformation to absorb part of the impact force caused by the collision. At the same time, the elastic probe 2 will also transfer part of the force to the lower components, eventually causing the gasket 5 to squeeze the washer 3 and deform, thereby causing the pressure collision sensing element 4 to receive the pressure and generate an electrical signal that is sent to the industrial robot to stop moving.

[0034] The gasket 5 is a rigid material and is incompressible as an intermediate layer between the elastic probe 2 and the washer 3. When the elastic probe 2 collides, the washer 3 is compressed and deformed, and the piezoelectric film sensor under the washer 3 is sensitively triggered.

[0035] In addition, the setting of the gasket 5 also optimizes the transmission path of the collision force from the elastic probe 2 to the collision sensing element 4. The force transmitted by the elastic probe 2 will act directly on the washer 3 through the nut 101, and the force distribution is uneven, and the pressure collision sensing element 4 is not triggered or is difficult to trigger; the addition of the gasket 5 can disperse the collision force more evenly, making the deformation of the gasket 3 more regular and controllable, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of the pressure signal received by the collision sensing element 4, and further improving the detection accuracy.

[0036] In some embodiments, the gasket 3 is a rubber gasket 3 .

[0037] Rubber materials have good elasticity and compressibility, and can deform and absorb energy when subjected to external forces.

[0038] See also Figure 1-2In some embodiments, a mounting plate 6 is provided below the collision sensing element 4 .

[0039] The mounting plate 6 provides a stable support platform for the collision sensing element 4, ensuring that when a collision occurs, the collision force can be accurately transmitted to the collision sensing element 4 through the gasket 3 and the gasket 5. This stable support structure reduces the error caused by the relative movement or displacement between the elements and improves the stability and accuracy of the detection signal.

[0040] In some embodiments, the collision sensing element 4 is a piezoelectric film sensor.

[0041] The piezoelectric film sensor has extremely high sensitivity and can quickly sense tiny pressure changes and convert them into electrical signals for output. In the leak detection device, when the elastic probe 2 collides with the refrigerant delivery pipeline, the resulting pressure changes can be immediately captured by the piezoelectric film sensor and converted into electrical signals, thereby triggering the industrial robot to stop moving in time. This rapid response mechanism effectively avoids damage caused by collisions and improves the safety of leak detection operations.

[0042] The embodiments described above are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments may still be modified, or some of the technical features may be replaced by equivalents. Such modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A leak detection device with collision detection function, characterized in that: It includes a pneumatic joint, a leak detector and an elastic probe, wherein the elastic probe is used for the front end of the leak detection device, the pneumatic joint is connected to the leak detector and the elastic probe respectively, and the pneumatic joint is provided with two nuts; A washer and a collision sensing element are arranged between the two nuts from top to bottom.

2. The leak detection device with collision detection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gasket is arranged above the gasket.

3. The leak detection device with collision detection function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The gasket is a rubber gasket.

4. The leak detection device with collision detection function according to claim 2, characterized in that: A mounting plate is arranged below the collision sensing element.

5. The leak detection device with collision detection function according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The collision sensing element is a piezoelectric film sensor.