Electrolytic hydrogen production device for laboratory
By improving the threaded connection and snap-fit assembly structure of the Hoffman electrolyzer, the problems of sealing reliability and leakage detection were solved, achieving efficient sealing and safety detection of the electrolysis device, and improving the safety and ease of operation of the laboratory electrolysis hydrogen production device.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHIMEDICAL UNIVERSITY
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Traditional Hoffman electrolyzers have insufficient sealing and connection reliability, posing a risk of electrolyte leakage and lacking a leakage detection mechanism, resulting in safety hazards.
The glass tube and electrode are reliably connected through threaded connection, snap-fit assembly and multi-stage sealing structure, and test paper is placed in the liquid storage space for leakage detection, thereby improving sealing performance and safety.
It significantly improves the sealing performance between the glass tube and the electrode, enables visual detection of electrolyte leakage, and avoids equipment corrosion and safety accidents.
Smart Images

Figure CN224227233U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen production technology through water electrolysis, specifically to a laboratory-use hydrogen electrolysis device. Background Technology
[0002] The Hoffmann electrolyzer is a classic apparatus for laboratory hydrogen production by electrolyzing water. Its traditional structure mainly consists of two vertical glass tubes, a bottom connecting tube, platinum electrodes, and rubber stoppers. The bottom of the glass tubes is sealed with rubber stoppers, and the electrodes are inserted into the glass tubes through the rubber stoppers and connected to a DC power supply via wires. However, this structure has the following significant drawbacks:
[0003] 1. Insufficient sealing and connection reliability: The rubber stopper and the glass tube opening rely on interference fit or simple plug connection. Long-term use is prone to electrolyte leakage due to rubber aging and electrode rod shaking, and may even cause gas mixing and explosion risk.
[0004] 2. Lack of leakage detection mechanism: Traditional devices do not have leakage buffers or detection structures, so electrolyte leakage cannot be detected in time, which may corrode equipment or cause safety hazards.
[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, there is an urgent need to propose a laboratory-grade electrolytic hydrogen production device. Utility Model Content
[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to propose a laboratory electrolytic hydrogen production device, which achieves reliable connection between the glass tube and the electrode, efficient sealing and leakage early warning through structural optimization, thereby improving experimental safety and ease of operation.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a laboratory electrolytic hydrogen production device for connecting the glass tube and electrodes of a Hoffman electrolyzer.
[0008] The hydrogen production device includes an outer cover and a rubber stopper disposed inside the outer cover;
[0009] The outer wall of the glass tube opening is provided with an external thread structure. The outer cover is cylindrical with an open top and a closed bottom. The inner wall of the outer cover is provided with an internal thread structure that is screwed to the glass tube opening. The rubber stopper is tightly pressed into the glass tube opening by rotation to form a sealed connection.
[0010] The hydrogen production device also includes electrodes, which extend into the glass tube through the bottom wall of the outer cover and the rubber stopper in sequence.
[0011] Preferably, the bottom end of the rubber stopper is provided with a convex ring structure, and the inner wall of the outer cover body is correspondingly formed with an annular groove. The convex ring at the bottom end of the rubber stopper is embedded in the annular groove of the outer cover body to form a snap-fit assembly.
[0012] Preferably, a gap is left between the bottom wall of the outer cover and the rubber stopper to form a liquid storage space, and a transparent panel corresponding to the liquid storage space is provided on the side wall of the outer cover.
[0013] Preferably, a test strip for detecting electrolyte leakage is provided in the liquid storage space.
[0014] Preferably, the electrode includes a metal electrode rod and terminals and an electrode head located at its two ends, the metal electrode rod passing through the bottom wall of the outer cover and the rubber stopper in sequence;
[0015] The metal electrode rod and the rubber stopper are connected by an interference fit, and the metal electrode rod and the bottom wall of the outer cover are connected by a sealing ring for sealing.
[0016] Preferably, the glass tube wall protrudes outward to form a retaining ring, and the retaining ring is located above the external thread structure of the glass tube;
[0017] The outer cover has a sliding groove on its side wall and a locking block that is slidably disposed in the sliding groove. The locking block is rectangular and has a sloping surface at the top. After the lower surface of the locking block contacts the upper surface of the retaining ring, it prevents the outer cover from descending along the glass tube axis. A first spring is provided in the sliding groove to push the locking block to contact the glass tube wall.
[0018] Preferably, the outer wall of the outer shell is provided with an annular plate, and the annular plate corresponds to the sliding groove;
[0019] A rotating rod is provided through the ring plate, and the rotating rod has an external thread structure; a sleeve is formed on the locking block, and the sleeve has an internal thread structure; the inner end of the rotating rod faces the sleeve and is arranged coaxially with it;
[0020] The outer end of the rotating rod is provided with a rotating cap, and a second spring is provided between the rotating cap and the ring plate. The two ends of the second spring are respectively connected to the ring plate and the rotating cap.
[0021] Preferably, the outer cover has anti-slip textures distributed along its circumference on its outer wall.
[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0023] 1. This utility model significantly improves the sealing performance of the glass tube and electrode interface through threaded connection, snap-fit assembly and multi-stage sealing structure.
[0024] 2. Visualized safety detection: The setting of the liquid storage space and test strip enables rapid identification of leaks, avoiding electrolyte corrosion of equipment or causing safety accidents. Attached Figure Description
[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only for this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0026] Figure 1 This is the front view of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A;
[0030] The numbers on the map are:
[0031] 1-Glass tube; 11-Retaining ring; 2-Rubber stopper; 21-Protruding ring; 3-Electrode; 31-Metal electrode rod; 32-Connecting terminal; 33-Electrode head; 4-Outer cover; 41-Liquid storage space; 42-Transparent panel; 5-Locking block; 51-First spring; 52-Sleeve; 6-Ring plate; 7-Swivel cap; 71-Second spring; 72-Swivel rod. Detailed Implementation
[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0033] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this utility model should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this utility model do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.
[0034] This invention proposes a laboratory-grade electrolytic hydrogen production device, such as... Figures 1 to 3As shown, the hydrogen production device includes a cylindrical outer cover 4 and an inner rubber stopper 2. The outer wall of the glass tube 1 has external threads, and the inner wall of the outer cover 4 has internal threads; the two are connected by screwing. When the outer cover 4 is rotated, the rubber stopper 2 moves axially with the outer cover 4 and is tightly pressed into the opening of the glass tube 1, forming a sealed connection. The electrode 3 penetrates the bottom wall of the outer cover 4 and the rubber stopper 2, with its terminal 32 exposed and connected to a power source, and its electrode head 33 extending into the glass tube 1 to contact the electrolyte.
[0035] The outer cover 4 has anti-slip textures distributed around its outer wall, which makes it easier for experimental personnel to apply force and rotate it, thus improving assembly efficiency.
[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the bottom end of the rubber stopper 2 is provided with a protruding ring 21, and the inner wall of the outer cover 4 is provided with a corresponding annular groove. The protruding ring 21 is embedded in the groove to form a locking structure, which prevents the rubber stopper 2 from shifting relative to the outer cover 4 and enhances the connection stability.
[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a gap is reserved between the bottom wall of the outer cover 4 and the rubber stopper 2 to form a liquid storage space 41. A transparent panel 42 is provided on the side wall of the outer cover 4, corresponding to the position of the liquid storage space 41. Test strips (such as phenolphthalein test strips or pH test strips) for detecting electrolyte leakage are placed in the liquid storage space 41 (not shown in the figure). When the interface between the rubber stopper 2 and the glass tube 1 leaks, the electrolyte flows into the liquid storage space 41, causing the test strips to change color, thus achieving a visual leak warning.
[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, electrode 3 includes a metal electrode rod 31, a terminal 32, and an electrode head 33. The metal electrode rod 31 and the rubber stopper 2 are interference-fitted. The outer diameter of the electrode rod 3 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the perforation of the rubber stopper 2. After being pressed in, it is tightly fitted by the elastic deformation of the rubber to achieve initial sealing and fixation. The metal electrode rod 31 is sealed to the bottom wall of the outer cover 4 by a sealing ring. The bottom wall of the outer cover 4 is provided with an annular mounting groove. The sealing ring is embedded in the groove. The electrode rod 3 passes through the sealing ring. The sealing ring elastically holds the electrode rod 3 tightly to prevent electrolyte leakage.
[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the wall of the glass tube 1 protrudes outward to form a retaining ring 11, which is located above the external thread; the side wall of the outer cover 4 is provided with a sliding groove, and a locking block 5 is slidably connected in the groove. The locking block 5 is rectangular, with a sloping upper surface and a horizontal lower surface; when the outer cover 4 is screwed, the sloping surface of the locking block 5 slides along the outside of the retaining ring 11. After passing the retaining ring 11, the first spring 51 pushes the locking block 5 to rebound, so that the lower surface of the locking block 5 contacts the upper surface of the retaining ring 11, preventing the outer cover 4 from descending axially, thus forming a mechanical limit;
[0040] A rotating rod 72 is provided through the ring plate 6, and the rotating rod 72 has an external thread structure; a sleeve 52 is formed on the locking block 5, and the sleeve 52 has an internal thread structure; the inner end of the rotating rod 72 faces the sleeve 52 and is coaxial with it; a rotating cap 7 is provided at the outer end of the rotating rod 72, and a second spring 71 is provided between the rotating cap 7 and the ring plate 6, and the two ends of the second spring 71 are respectively connected to the ring plate 6 and the rotating cap 7;
[0041] During disassembly, press the cap 7 on the outer wall of the outer cover 4, insert the screw rod 72 (with external thread) into the sleeve 52 (with internal thread) of the locking block 5, rotate the screw rod 72 to drive the locking block 5 back into the slide groove, release the limit, and then unscrew the outer cover 4.
[0042] The cooperation of the retaining ring 11, the locking block 5 and the first spring 51 achieves automatic limiting, preventing the outer cover 4 from loosening due to vibration or misoperation; the threaded transmission structure of the rotating cap 7 and the rotating rod 72 facilitates quick unlocking, taking into account both stability and ease of maintenance.
[0043] Installation process:
[0044] Align the external thread of the glass tube 1 opening with the internal thread of the outer cover 4, rotate the outer cover 4 clockwise, and the rubber stopper 2 will descend with the outer cover 4 and be pressed into the glass tube 1 opening.
[0045] When the outer cover 4 is screwed on, the slope of the upper surface of the locking block 5 contacts the outer side of the retaining ring 11, and the locking block 5 is squeezed into the groove and retracts. After passing the retaining ring 11, the first spring 51 pushes the locking block 5 to reset, and the lower surface of the locking block 5 tightly engages with the upper surface of the retaining ring 11, preventing the outer cover 4 from moving axially (such as falling or loosening), thus completing the sealing assembly.
[0046] Leakage detection mechanism:
[0047] If the interface between the rubber stopper 2 and the glass tube 1 leaks due to aging or improper installation, the electrolyte will flow into the storage space 41 along the gap and come into contact with the internal test paper (e.g., alkaline electrolyte will turn the phenolphthalein test paper red). The color change can be observed directly through the transparent panel 42, prompting timely maintenance.
[0048] Working principle of the anti-fall-off locking structure:
[0049] Locked state: When the outer cover 4 is screwed on, the slope of the upper surface of the locking block 5 contacts the outer side of the retaining ring 11, and the locking block 5 is squeezed into the slide groove to retract; after passing the retaining ring 11, the first spring 51 pushes the locking block 5 to reset, and the lower surface of the locking block 5 tightly engages with the upper surface of the retaining ring 11, preventing the outer cover 4 from moving axially (such as descending or loosening).
[0050] Unlocked state: Press the nut 7, compress the second spring 71, insert the inner end of the rotating rod 72 into the sleeve 52 of the locking block 5, rotate the rotating rod 72 to retract the locking block 5 into the slide groove through the threaded transmission, release the limit of the retaining ring 11, and then unscrew the outer cover 4 in the opposite direction.
[0051] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of the present invention (including the claims) is limited to these examples; within the framework of the present invention, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of the different aspects of the present invention as described above, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity.
[0052] This utility model is intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. Laboratory electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus, used to connect the glass tube and electrodes of a Hoffmann electrolyzer; Its features are, The hydrogen production device includes an outer cover and a rubber stopper disposed inside the outer cover; The outer wall of the glass tube opening is provided with an external thread structure. The outer cover is cylindrical with an open top and a closed bottom. The inner wall of the outer cover is provided with an internal thread structure that is screwed to the glass tube opening. The rubber stopper is tightly pressed into the glass tube opening by rotation to form a sealed connection. The hydrogen production device also includes electrodes, which extend into the glass tube through the bottom wall of the outer cover and the rubber stopper in sequence.
2. The laboratory electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom end of the rubber stopper is provided with a convex ring structure, and the inner wall of the outer cover body is correspondingly formed with an annular groove. The convex ring at the bottom end of the rubber stopper is embedded in the annular groove of the outer cover body to form a snap-fit assembly.
3. The laboratory electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gap is left between the bottom wall of the outer cover and the rubber stopper to form a liquid storage space, and a transparent panel corresponding to the liquid storage space is provided on the side wall of the outer cover.
4. The laboratory electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, Test strips for detecting electrolyte leakage are installed in the liquid storage space.
5. The laboratory electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electrode includes a metal electrode rod and terminals and an electrode head located at its two ends. The metal electrode rod passes through the bottom wall of the outer cover and the rubber stopper in sequence. The metal electrode rod and the rubber stopper are connected by an interference fit, and the metal electrode rod and the bottom wall of the outer cover are connected by a sealing ring for sealing.
6. The laboratory electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glass tube wall protrudes outward to form a retaining ring, and the retaining ring is located above the external thread structure of the glass tube; The outer cover has a sliding groove on its side wall and a locking block that is slidably disposed in the sliding groove. The locking block is rectangular and has a sloping surface at the top. After the lower surface of the locking block contacts the upper surface of the retaining ring, it prevents the outer cover from descending along the glass tube axis. A first spring is provided in the sliding groove to push the locking block to contact the glass tube wall.
7. The laboratory electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer wall of the outer shell is provided with a ring plate that rotates and corresponds to the sliding groove; A rotating rod is provided through the ring plate, and the rotating rod has an external thread structure; a sleeve is formed on the locking block, and the sleeve has an internal thread structure; the inner end of the rotating rod faces the sleeve and is arranged coaxially with it; The outer end of the rotating rod is provided with a rotating cap, and a second spring is provided between the rotating cap and the ring plate. The two ends of the second spring are respectively connected to the ring plate and the rotating cap.
8. The laboratory electrolytic hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer cover has anti-slip textures distributed along its circumference on its outer wall.