Air tightness detection device for solid hydrogen storage cylinder

Abstract

The utility model discloses an air tightness detection device for a solid hydrogen storage cylinder, and relates to the technical field of gas cylinder detection. The airtightness detection device for the solid hydrogen storage bottle comprises a rack used for providing a stable supporting structure; the water storage tank is arranged at the front end of the rack and is used for storing water required in the detection process and providing a liquid environment for air tightness detection; the detection table is mounted on the water storage tank in a sliding manner and is used for placing a hydrogen storage bottle to be detected; the inflating and exhausting assembly is mounted on the rack and used for inflating or exhausting the hydrogen storage bottle; the control assembly is mounted on the inspection table and used for controlling a bottle opening valve of the hydrogen storage bottle; through the arrangement of the air charging and discharging assembly and the control assembly, an operator can carry the hydrogen storage bottle in an uninflated state to the detection table or carry the hydrogen storage bottle down from the detection table, the personal injury risk caused by unforeseen circumstances such as leakage and explosion of the hydrogen storage bottle in the carrying process of the operator is greatly reduced, meanwhile, the carrying process is simplified, and the operation convenience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gas cylinder testing technology, specifically to a device for testing the airtightness of a solid hydrogen storage cylinder. Background Technology

[0002] Against the backdrop of a global push for a clean energy transition, hydrogen energy, with its numerous advantages such as cleanliness, efficiency, and sustainability, has become a highly promising future energy option, hailed as the "ultimate energy of the 21st century." Solid-state hydrogen storage, as an advanced hydrogen storage method, boasts significant characteristics such as high hydrogen storage density and good safety, occupying a crucial position in the hydrogen energy industry chain.

[0003] Publication No. CN220751489U discloses a gas cylinder airtightness testing device, including a water tank. A drain pipe is located on the lower left side of the water tank, and a screw cap is screwed onto the drain pipe. A support frame is fixedly mounted on the upper part of the water tank. Two sets of electric push rods are evenly arranged on the lower end face of the cross plate of the support frame. A telescopic arm is located below the electric push rod, and the other end of the telescopic arm is connected to a fixed plate. Two sets of fixed rods are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the fixed plate, and telescopic rods are inserted into the fixed rods. The limiting plate of this gas cylinder airtightness testing device is attached to the surface of the gas cylinder. The limiting plate, through the telescopic rod and the elastic limiting block within the limiting hole, forms an elastic locking and limiting structure with the fixed rod. This allows the limiting plate to compress and limit the gas cylinder, ensuring that the gas cylinder can be suspended in the water tank for airtightness testing. Furthermore, the device has two sets of limiting devices, which can be used alternately to avoid a single limiting device obstructing a certain part of the gas cylinder.

[0004] As shown in the above technical solution, although the device achieves the suspension and limiting of the gas cylinder through the elastic locking and limiting structure, which avoids the obstruction of the gas cylinder testing part to a certain extent, when the device is used to perform airtightness testing, the operator has to move the hydrogen storage cylinder filled with high-pressure hydrogen to the fixed plate before the airtightness test, which poses a great safety hazard. Hydrogen is flammable and explosive. If the hydrogen storage cylinder is collided or rubbed during the handling process, or if hydrogen leaks due to seal failure, it is very easy to cause an explosion and fire accident if it comes into contact with a source of ignition or static electricity, which seriously threatens the life safety of the operator. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an airtightness testing device for solid hydrogen storage cylinders, solving the problems of inconvenient and dangerous handling of hydrogen storage cylinders filled with high-pressure hydrogen.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a device for detecting the airtightness of a solid hydrogen storage cylinder, comprising:

[0007] The frame is used to provide a stable support structure;

[0008] A water storage tank is located at the front end of the frame. The water storage tank is used to store the water required during the testing process and to provide a liquid environment for the airtightness test.

[0009] A testing platform is slidably mounted on the water storage tank and is used to place the hydrogen storage cylinder to be tested.

[0010] A filling and evacuation assembly is mounted on the frame and is used to fill and evacuate the hydrogen storage cylinder to be tested.

[0011] A control component is mounted on the inspection table and is used to control the opening or closing of the hydrogen storage cylinder's nozzle.

[0012] Preferably, the inflation / vacuuming assembly includes an inflation main pipe, which is fixedly mounted on the frame. An inflation machine and a vacuum pump are fixedly mounted on the frame. The output end of the inflation machine is fixedly connected to one end of the inflation main pipe, and the output end of the vacuum pump is fixedly connected to the other end of the inflation main pipe. The inflation main pipe is fixedly connected to one end of a plurality of connecting pipes, and the other ends of the plurality of connecting pipes are movably connected to a hydrogen storage cylinder. The inflation main pipe is connected to the connecting pipes, and an inflation valve is fixedly mounted on the upper end of the connecting pipes.

[0013] Preferably, the control component includes a connector movably mounted at the end of the connecting pipe, the connecting pipe being connected to a hydrogen storage cylinder via the connector, a second groove being provided on the detection platform, an mounting plate being slidably mounted at the second groove, the connector being mounted on the mounting plate, the outer periphery of the connector being gear-shaped, a control gear being rotatably mounted on the bottom of the mounting plate and meshing with the connector, and a motor being fixedly mounted on the top of the mounting plate, the output end of the motor passing through the mounting plate and fixedly connected to the control gear.

[0014] Preferably, mounting blocks are fixedly installed at both ends of the water storage tank, and a first sliding groove is opened on the inner side of each of the two mounting blocks. The two ends of the testing platform are slidably installed in the first sliding groove, and a lifting machine is fixedly installed on the top of the mounting block. The output end of the lifting machine passes through the mounting block and is fixedly connected to the testing platform.

[0015] Preferably, the water storage tank is made of transparent material, and multiple cameras are evenly installed on the inner wall of the water storage tank.

[0016] Preferably, the detection platform is equipped with multiple limiting components for fixing the hydrogen storage cylinder, and the multiple limiting components correspond one-to-one with the multiple connecting pipes.

[0017] Preferably, an installation rod is fixedly installed on the testing platform, and multiple limiting components are slidably installed on the installation rod. Each of the multiple limiting components includes two symmetrical arc-shaped clamps. One end of each of the two arc-shaped clamps is slidably installed on the installation rod, and the other end of each of the two arc-shaped clamps is movably installed with the same limiting bolt. A limiting nut is movably installed on the limiting bolt.

[0018] Beneficial effects

[0019] This invention provides a device for detecting the airtightness of a solid hydrogen storage cylinder. Compared with the prior art, it has the following advantages:

[0020] 1. The airtightness testing device for this solid hydrogen storage cylinder, by setting up a filling and pumping component and a control component, allows operators to move the unfilled hydrogen storage cylinder to or off the testing platform, which greatly reduces the risk of personal injury caused by accidents such as hydrogen storage cylinder leakage or explosion during the handling process. At the same time, it simplifies the handling process and improves the convenience of operation.

[0021] 2. The airtightness testing device for this solid hydrogen storage cylinder, through its limiting components, allows operators to quickly install and disassemble the hydrogen storage cylinder, significantly reducing the time required for cylinder fixation, improving pre-test preparation efficiency, and accelerating the turnaround speed of the entire testing process. Simultaneously, the arc-shaped clamp can slide freely on the mounting rod, accommodating hydrogen storage cylinders of different diameters. Whether it's a small portable hydrogen storage cylinder or a large industrial hydrogen storage cylinder, a stable fixation can be achieved by adjusting the limiting components, enhancing the compatibility of the testing device with different types of hydrogen storage cylinders and reducing the limitations of equipment use. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled parts of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the detection platform and limiting components in this utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This utility model Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0026] Figure 5 This utility model Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Frame; 2. Water tank; 3. Testing platform; 4. Inflation / vacuum assembly; 41. Inflation main pipe; 42. Inflator; 43. Connecting pipe; 44. Inflation valve; 45. Vacuum pump; 5. Mounting block; 6. First slide rail; 7. Elevator; 8. Camera; 9. Limiting assembly; 91. Arc-shaped clamp; 92. Limiting bolt; 93. Limiting nut; 10. Mounting rod; 11. Control assembly; 1101. Connector; 1102. Second slide rail; 1103. Mounting plate; 1104. Control gear; 1105. Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0029] See Figures 1-5 This utility model provides the following two technical solutions:

[0030] First embodiment: A device for detecting the airtightness of a solid hydrogen storage cylinder, comprising:

[0031] Frame 1, which provides a stable support structure;

[0032] Water tank 2 is located at the front end of frame 1. Water tank 2 is used to store the water required during the testing process and to provide a liquid environment for airtightness testing.

[0033] The testing platform 3 is slidably installed on the water storage tank 2. Multiple hydrogen storage cylinders are movably installed on the testing platform 3. The testing platform 3 is used to place the hydrogen storage cylinders to be tested.

[0034] The filling and pumping assembly 4 is installed on the frame 1. The filling and pumping assembly 4 includes a filling main pipe 41, which is fixedly installed on the frame 1. A filling machine 42 and a vacuum pump 45 are fixedly installed on the frame 1. The output end of the filling machine 42 is fixedly connected to one end of the filling main pipe 41, and the output end of the vacuum pump 45 is fixedly connected to the other end of the filling main pipe 41. The filling main pipe 41 is fixedly connected to one end of a plurality of connecting pipes 43, and the other end of the plurality of connecting pipes 43 is movably connected to a hydrogen storage bottle. The filling main pipe 41 is connected to the connecting pipes 43. A filling valve 44 is fixedly installed at the upper end of the connecting pipe. The filling and pumping assembly 4 is used to fill the hydrogen storage bottle on the side to be tested with gas.

[0035] The control component 11 is mounted on the inspection table 3. The control component 11 includes a connector 1101, which is movably mounted at the end of the connecting pipe 43. The connecting pipe 43 is connected to the hydrogen storage bottle through the connector 1101. The inspection table 3 has a second slide groove 1102, and a mounting plate 1103 is slidably mounted at the second slide groove 1102. The connector 1101 is mounted on the mounting plate 1103, and the outer periphery of the connector 1101 is gear-shaped. A control gear 1104 that meshes with the connector 1101 is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the mounting plate 1103. A motor 1105 is fixedly mounted on the top of the mounting plate 1103. The output end of the motor 1105 passes through the mounting plate 1103 and is fixedly connected to the control gear 1104. The control component 11 is used to control the opening or closing of the hydrogen storage bottle.

[0036] Mounting blocks 5 are fixedly installed on both the left and right ends of the water storage tank 2. The inner ends of the two mounting blocks 5 are provided with first sliding grooves 6. The two ends of the testing platform 3 are slidably installed in the first sliding grooves 6 respectively. A lifting machine 7 is fixedly installed on the top of the mounting blocks 5. The output end of the lifting machine 7 passes through the mounting blocks 5 and is fixedly connected to the testing platform 3.

[0037] The water tank 2 is made of transparent material, and multiple cameras 8 are evenly installed on the inner wall of the water tank 2.

[0038] The operator first places the unfilled hydrogen storage cylinder on the testing platform 3. Connector 1101 is movably installed at the end of the connecting pipe 43 and on the mounting plate 1103. Different connectors 1101 can be replaced to connect to different valves. The connector 1101 is connected to the neck of the hydrogen storage cylinder by sliding the mounting plate 1103. Then, the elevator 7 drives the testing platform 3 down along the first sliding groove 6 on the mounting block 5, completely immersing the hydrogen storage cylinder in the water tank 2. The motor 1105 is then started, and the output shaft of the motor 1105 drives the control gear 11. 04. Rotation: The control gear 1104 meshes with the peripheral gear of the connector 1101, transmitting the rotational motion of the control gear 1104 to the connector 1101. The connector 1101 rotates, causing the hydrogen storage cylinder valve to rotate, thus opening or closing the valve. When the filling and pumping assembly 4 starts working, the vacuum pump 45 first extracts the air from multiple hydrogen storage cylinders, then the filling machine 42 pressurizes the hydrogen and inputs it into the filling main pipe 41. The hydrogen is then distributed to each hydrogen storage cylinder through multiple connecting pipes 43, gradually filling the hydrogen storage cylinders from a pressureless state. This method avoids the need to transport hydrogen storage cylinders already filled with high-pressure hydrogen, reducing operational risks and improving safety. Multiple cameras 8 installed on the inner wall of the water tank 2 collect real-time image information around the hydrogen storage cylinder and transmit the images to the control system. The control system uses image recognition algorithms to monitor and analyze bubbles in the images in real time. When bubbles are detected, the control system immediately sends a signal to the filling and pumping assembly 4. Upon receiving the signal, the filling machine 42 stops working, and the filling valve 44 closes the corresponding connecting pipe 43, stopping the filling of the hydrogen storage cylinder. This not only avoids unnecessary waste of hydrogen in a timely manner but also prevents the leakage from worsening due to continuous filling, which could affect the accuracy of the test or cause safety hazards. After the airtightness test of the hydrogen storage cylinder on the testing platform 3 is completed, the motor 1105 controls the connecting part 1101 to rotate, thereby controlling the opening of the cylinder valve and releasing the hydrogen inside the cylinder. This reduces the weight of the hydrogen storage cylinder, making it easier for operators to transport it and reducing the risk of personal injury to operators due to accidents such as leakage or explosion of the hydrogen storage cylinder during transport.

[0039] In this embodiment, the testing platform 3 can simultaneously hold multiple hydrogen storage cylinders. Combined with the multi-pipeline design of the filling and pumping assembly 4, it enables simultaneous filling and testing of multiple cylinders. Compared to the traditional single-cylinder testing method, this significantly improves testing efficiency and meets the testing needs of mass production. By filling the hydrogen storage cylinders with the filling and pumping assembly 4, and combining multi-angle image acquisition and image recognition technology with the camera 8, bubbles generated by tiny leaks can be accurately identified, improving the accuracy of airtightness testing, reducing the false judgment rate, and ensuring reliable test results. Operators can move unfilled hydrogen storage cylinders to or off the testing platform 3, significantly reducing the risk of personal injury due to hydrogen cylinder leaks, explosions, or other accidents during handling. This also simplifies the handling process and improves operational convenience. Furthermore, filling can be stopped upon detecting bubbles, effectively avoiding hydrogen waste and reducing hydrogen usage costs during the testing process. It also reduces the additional wear and tear on the hydrogen storage cylinders that may be caused by continuous filling, extending the equipment's lifespan and further saving maintenance costs.

[0040] The second implementation method differs from the first implementation method in that: the detection platform 3 is equipped with multiple limiting components 9 for fixing the hydrogen storage cylinder, and the multiple limiting components 9 correspond one-to-one with the multiple connecting pipes 43.

[0041] An installation rod 10 is fixedly installed on the testing table 3. Multiple limiting components 9 are slidably installed on the installation rod 10. Each of the multiple limiting components 9 includes two symmetrical arc-shaped clamps 91. One end of each arc-shaped clamp 91 is slidably installed on the installation rod 10. The other end of each arc-shaped clamp 91 is movably installed with the same limiting bolt 92. A limiting nut 93 is movably installed on the limiting bolt 92.

[0042] The limiting component 9 adopts a symmetrical structure design. One end of the two arc-shaped clamps 91 is slidably mounted on the mounting rod 10 of the testing platform 3, and can move freely along the axial direction of the mounting rod 10. After the hydrogen storage bottle is placed on the testing platform 3, the operator slides the two arc-shaped clamps 91 according to the outer diameter of the hydrogen storage bottle, so that they can fit tightly against the outer wall of the hydrogen storage bottle to form a preliminary limit. Then, the limiting bolt 92 is passed through the corresponding hole at the other end of the two arc-shaped clamps 91, and the limiting nut 93 is tightened. By tightening the limiting nut 93, the two arc-shaped clamps 91 are gradually tightened by the fastening action of the bolt and nut, applying a ring-shaped clamping force to the hydrogen storage bottle, thereby firmly fixing the hydrogen storage bottle on the testing platform 3. Since multiple limiting components 9 correspond one-to-one with multiple connecting pipes 43, while fixing the hydrogen storage bottle, the connecting pipe 43 and the gas filling interface of the hydrogen storage bottle can be accurately aligned to ensure a smooth and stable gas filling process.

[0043] In this embodiment, the limiting component 9 enables operators to quickly install and disassemble the hydrogen storage cylinder, significantly reducing the time required for fixing the hydrogen storage cylinder, improving the preparation efficiency before testing, and accelerating the turnaround speed of the entire testing process. At the same time, the arc-shaped clamp 91 can slide and adjust freely on the mounting rod 10, which can adapt to hydrogen storage cylinders of different diameters. Whether it is a small portable hydrogen storage cylinder or a large industrial hydrogen storage cylinder, it can be stably fixed by adjusting the limiting component 9, which enhances the compatibility of the testing device with different types of hydrogen storage cylinders and reduces the limitations of the equipment.

[0044] Furthermore, any content not described in detail in this specification is existing technology known to those skilled in the art.

[0045] In use, the unfilled hydrogen storage cylinder is transported to the testing platform 3. Based on the number and specifications of the hydrogen storage cylinders, they are placed in the corresponding positions on the testing platform 3. For the testing platform 3 equipped with the limiting component 9, the two arc-shaped clamps 91 of the limiting component 9 are slid according to the outer diameter of the hydrogen storage cylinder, ensuring they fit tightly against the outer wall of the hydrogen storage cylinder to form a preliminary limit. Then, the limiting bolts 92 are passed through the corresponding holes at the other end of the two arc-shaped clamps 91, and the limiting nuts 93 are tightened. The hydrogen storage cylinder is firmly fixed to the testing platform 3 through a ring-like clamping force. Simultaneously, the sliding mounting plate 1103 moves along the second slide groove 1102, tightly connecting the connector 1101 to the mouth of the hydrogen storage cylinder. Then, the motor 1105 is started, driving the connector 1101 to rotate via the control gear 1104, closing the hydrogen storage cylinder valve. The lifting platform 7 is started, controlling the testing platform 3 to descend smoothly along the first slide groove 6, completely immersing the placed hydrogen storage cylinder in the water tank 2. The filling and pumping component 4 is then activated, first... Vacuum pump 45 extracts air from multiple hydrogen storage cylinders, and then pressurizes hydrogen through filler 42 before inputting it into the filling main pipe 41. The hydrogen is then distributed to each hydrogen storage cylinder through multiple connecting pipes 43. According to the testing requirements, the hydrogen flow and flow rate of each connecting pipe 43 are independently controlled by filling valve 44 to gradually fill the hydrogen storage cylinder from a pressureless state. The camera 8 on the inner wall of the water tank 2 collects image information around the hydrogen storage cylinder in real time and transmits the image to the control system. The control system uses an image recognition algorithm to monitor and analyze bubbles in the image in real time. Once a bubble is detected, the control system immediately sends a signal to the filling and pumping assembly 4, which closes the connecting pipe 43 through the corresponding filling valve 44, stopping the filling of the hydrogen storage cylinder. After the test is completed, the motor 1105 is started, and the connecting piece 1101 is driven to rotate through the control gear 1104, opening the hydrogen storage cylinder valve and allowing the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage cylinder to leak out, making it easier for the operator to remove the hydrogen storage cylinder from the testing platform 3.

[0046] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for detecting the air tightness of a solid hydrogen storage bottle, characterized in that, include: The frame is used to provide a stable support structure; A water storage tank is located at the front end of the frame. The water storage tank is used to store the water required during the testing process and to provide a liquid environment for the airtightness test. A testing platform is slidably mounted on the water storage tank and is used to place the hydrogen storage cylinder to be tested. A filling and pumping assembly is mounted on the frame and is used to fill the hydrogen storage cylinder to be tested with gas. A control component is mounted on the inspection table and is used to control the opening or closing of the hydrogen storage cylinder's nozzle.

2. The device for detecting the air tightness of the solid hydrogen storage bottle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inflation / vacuuming assembly includes an inflation main pipe, which is fixedly mounted on the frame. An inflation machine and a vacuum pump are fixedly mounted on the frame. The output end of the inflation machine is fixedly connected to one end of the inflation main pipe, and the output end of the vacuum pump is fixedly connected to the other end of the inflation main pipe. The inflation main pipe is fixedly connected to one end of a plurality of connecting pipes, and the other ends of the plurality of connecting pipes are movably connected to a hydrogen storage cylinder. The inflation main pipe is connected to the connecting pipes, and an inflation valve is fixedly mounted on the upper end of the connecting pipes.

3. The apparatus for detecting the gas tightness of a solid hydrogen storage cylinder according to claim 2, wherein: The control component includes a connector movably mounted at the end of the connecting pipe, which is connected to a hydrogen storage cylinder via the connector. A second groove is provided on the detection platform, and a mounting plate is slidably mounted in the second groove. The connector is mounted on the mounting plate, and the periphery of the connector is gear-shaped. A control gear that meshes with the connector is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the mounting plate. A motor is fixedly mounted on the top of the mounting plate, and the output end of the motor passes through the mounting plate and is fixedly connected to the control gear.

4. The apparatus for detecting the gas tightness of a solid hydrogen storage cylinder according to claim 3, wherein: Mounting blocks are fixedly installed at both ends of the water storage tank. A first sliding groove is opened on the inner side of each of the two mounting blocks. The two ends of the testing platform are slidably installed in the first sliding groove. A lifting machine is fixedly installed on the top of the mounting block. The output end of the lifting machine passes through the mounting block and is fixedly connected to the testing platform.

5. The apparatus for detecting the gas tightness of a solid hydrogen storage cylinder according to claim 4, wherein: The water tank is made of transparent material, and multiple cameras are evenly installed on the inner wall of the water tank.

6. The apparatus for detecting the gas tightness of a solid hydrogen storage cylinder according to claim 5, wherein: The testing platform is equipped with multiple limiting components for fixing the hydrogen storage cylinder, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the multiple limiting components and the multiple connecting pipes.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: An installation rod is fixedly installed on the testing platform. Multiple limiting components are slidably installed on the installation rod. Each limiting component includes two symmetrical arc-shaped clamps. One end of each arc-shaped clamp is slidably installed on the installation rod. The other end of each arc-shaped clamp is movably installed with the same limiting bolt. A limiting nut is movably installed on the limiting bolt.

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