Water electrolytic cell fastening structure with compensation function

By replacing the disc spring with a pressure regulating bladder in the water electrolysis cell, the problems of reduced elasticity and uneven force distribution of the disc spring were solved, achieving uniform force distribution and improved sealing performance of the cell, reducing safety hazards and maintenance difficulties.

CN224299389UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-29HANDAN TENGDA PETROCHEMICAL MACHINERY CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HANDAN TENGDA PETROCHEMICAL MACHINERY CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-07-23
Publication Date
2026-05-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The disc springs in existing water electrolysis cells are prone to fatigue and reduced elasticity during long-term operation, leading to sealing failure and safety hazards. Furthermore, uneven stress on the structure can easily cause end cap deformation and pull rod breakage.

Method used

A pressure regulating bladder is used instead of a disc spring. The pressure on the tank is regulated by a compressible medium such as nitrogen to ensure uniform distribution and sealing performance. An end pressure plate and an insulating plate are used to form a closed space to protect the pressure regulating bladder and prevent damage.

Benefits of technology

This achieves uniform stress distribution in the tank, improves sealing quality, reduces the risk of tie rod breakage, extends equipment lifespan, and simplifies maintenance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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    Figure CN224299389U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model belongs to water electrolytic cell technical field discloses a water electrolytic cell fastening structure with compensation function, including two end covers respectively setting in the groove body both ends of water electrolytic cell, the pull bar being connected between two end covers and the nut respectively being screwed in the both ends of pull bar, the end cover all is connected with pull bar penetration sliding, and the pressure adjusting capsule is clamped between at least one end cover and main body, one end of pressure adjusting capsule is against the inboard of end cover, the other end is against the one side of groove body near end cover, the pressure adjusting capsule is filled with compressible medium. Pressure adjusting capsule sets up in the closed space, is not easy to damage, guarantees that pressure regulating can long -term reliable use, uses pressure adjusting capsule and will not fail because of long -term compression and release, and the elasticity of pressure adjusting capsule also will not reduce.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water electrolysis cell technology, and in particular to a fastening structure for a water electrolysis cell with compensation function. Background Technology

[0002] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the existing water electrolysis cell generally has a filter press structure, and its fastening structure and method are modeled after the filter press structure. The water electrolysis cell includes a tank body 3 and two end caps 1 symmetrically arranged at both ends of the tank body 3. Pull rods 2 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the tank body 3, and the two end caps 1 are slidably connected to the corresponding ends of the pull rods 2. Several disc springs 8 are stacked on the outside of each pull rod 2, and the tank body 3 is clamped between the two end caps 1 by nuts 7 screwed onto the ends of the pull rods 2.

[0003] Since the axial dimensions of the tank 3 differ between its working and cold states, the disc springs 8 can compensate for these dimensional changes, ensuring the sealing performance of the tank 3 under both working pressure and no-pressure conditions. Simultaneously, the deformation of each set of disc springs 8 is absorbed by the combined deformation of the water electrolysis tank due to thermal expansion and contraction during operation and shutdown, ensuring the preload of the water electrolysis tank and the sealing performance of the tank 3.

[0004] The fastening structure of this water electrolysis cell is designed based on the principle of flange fastening and sealing. Since the pull rods 2 on the end cover 1 are close to the edge of the end cover 1, the center distance between the pull rods 2 is relatively large. However, during operation, the stress surface of the end cover 1 is mainly in its center. Therefore, the end cover 1 needs to be designed to be very thick; otherwise, it will deform due to excessive stress in the center, leading to uneven stress on the electrode plates in the tank 3 and threatening the internal seal of the tank 3. Furthermore, the disc spring 8's elasticity decreases after long-term operation, making it prone to breakage and ineffectiveness. In addition, to meet the external seal requirements of the water electrolysis cell, the preload of the disc spring 8 may be excessive. Long-term operation could cause the sealing gasket to fail, affecting the seal, or cause the pull rod 2 to break. The broken pull rod 2 could then be ejected by the elastic force of the disc spring 8, causing a safety accident.

[0005] Patent CN222100166U discloses a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer anti-loosening sealing structure with adaptive load adjustment. It includes a base, a membrane electrode assembly at the top of the base, a fastening structure at the top of the membrane electrode assembly, and a bottom end of the fastening structure fixedly connected to the top of the base. An adjustment component is installed on the outer wall of the base, and the other end of the adjustment component communicates with the inner cavity of a hydrogen connector. Without relying on an external gas source, the high-pressure hydrogen generated by the electrolyzer itself provides additional pressing force, ensuring long-term stability of the electrolyzer's pressing force and thus preventing hydrogen leakage accidents. However, because its fastening structure uses disc springs to compensate for changes in the size of the membrane electrode assembly, there is a problem that the disc springs may easily lose elasticity due to fatigue during long-term operation. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a fastening structure for a water electrolysis cell with compensation function, which solves the problem that the disc springs of the current water electrolysis cell are prone to reduced elasticity and breakage due to fatigue during long-term operation, thus losing their function.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0008] A fastening structure for a water electrolyzer with compensation function includes two end caps respectively disposed at both ends of the water electrolyzer body, a pull rod connected between the two end caps, and nuts respectively screwed onto both ends of the pull rod. The end caps are slidably connected to the pull rods through each other. At least one end cap and the main body are sandwiched between them. One end of the pressure regulating bladder abuts against the inner side of the end cap, and the other end abuts against the side of the tank body near the end cap. The pressure regulating bladder is filled with a compressible medium.

[0009] Furthermore, an end pressure plate is provided between the pressure regulating bladder and the tank, the end pressure plate is slidably engaged with the end cover, the pressure regulating bladder is located in the closed space formed by the end pressure plate and the end cover, one side of the end pressure plate abuts against the pressure regulating bladder, and the other side abuts against the tank.

[0010] Furthermore, the pressure regulating bladder has an elliptical cross-section in the plane passing through the main body axis, and the shape of the contact area between the end cap and the pressure regulating bladder corresponds to the shape of the pressure regulating bladder near the end cap.

[0011] Furthermore, the pressure regulating bladder has an elliptical cross-section in the plane passing through the main body axis, and the shape of the contact area between the end pressure plate and the pressure regulating bladder corresponds to the shape of the side of the pressure regulating bladder closer to the end pressure plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the medium filled in the pressure regulating bladder is a gas or a gas-liquid mixture.

[0013] Furthermore, the end cap is provided with an inflation / deflation port, which communicates with the interior of the pressure regulating bladder.

[0014] Furthermore, a pressure gauge and / or a safety valve are connected to the charging / discharging port.

[0015] Furthermore, an insulating plate is provided between the end pressure plate and the groove, and the insulating plate is clamped between the end pressure plate and the groove.

[0016] The positive effects of this utility model are:

[0017] This invention replaces disc springs with a pressure regulating bladder, ensuring uniform force on all pull rods and reducing the risk of breakage due to uneven stress. Even if one pull rod breaks, the remaining rods will prevent it from flying out, thus enhancing safety. It also ensures uniform stress on the entire tank, improving its sealing quality, and the sealing pressure can be adjusted as needed. The pressure regulating bladder, located in a closed space, is less prone to damage, guaranteeing long-term reliable pressure regulation. It will not fail due to prolonged compression and release, and its elasticity will not decrease. Furthermore, eliminating the need for multiple disc springs simplifies subsequent maintenance and repair of the water electrolysis tank, reducing repair time and improving economic efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side views;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the external shape of an existing water electrolysis cell;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The left view;

[0022] In the picture:

[0023] 1. End cap; 2. Pull bar; 3. Tank body; 4. Pressure regulating bladder; 5. End pressure plate; 6. Insulating plate; 7. Nut; 8. Disc spring; 9. Filling / discharging port; 10. Safety valve; 11. Pressure gauge. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Example 1

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a water electrolyzer connection structure with compensation function has been improved based on the existing water electrolyzer, as detailed below:

[0026] The disc spring 8 is removed, and the nut 7 is pressed directly on the outer end face of the end cover 1. A pressure regulating bladder 4, an end pressure plate 5, and an insulating plate 6 are sequentially arranged between each end cover 1 and the main body. The end cover 1, the pressure regulating bladder 4, the end pressure plate 5, the insulating plate 6, and the groove 3 abut against each other in sequence.

[0027] The end pressure plate 5 is slidably fitted with the end cover 1. The pressure regulating bladder 4 is located within the enclosed space formed by the end pressure plate 5 and the end cover 1. The pressure regulating bladder 4 is made of rubber and is filled with a compressible medium. Specifically, the compressible medium is a gas (such as nitrogen).

[0028] Each end cap 1 has an upper filling / discharging port 9, which is connected to a pipe. A valve is installed at the end of the pipe. The filling / discharging port 9 is connected to the inside of the pressure regulating bladder 4. A pressure gauge 11 and a safety valve 10 are connected to the pipe.

[0029] The usage process of this utility model is as follows:

[0030] Tighten each nut 7 to pre-tighten the tank body 3 via the pull bar 2, then open the valve at the end of the pipe to fill the pressure regulating bladder 4 with nitrogen gas, observe the pressure gauge 11, and ensure that the force on the tank body 3 reaches the design value to guarantee the rigidity and sealing performance of the tank body 3.

[0031] When the tank 3 expands due to temperature changes during operation, its axial dimension increases. This causes the pressure regulating bladders 4 at both ends of the tank 3 to deform, compensating for the dimensional change in the tank 3. The nitrogen gas inside the pressure regulating bladder 4 expands due to heat and is simultaneously compressed by the end cap 1 and the end pressure plate 5, releasing a reaction force to the tank 3 to ensure the seal between the insulating plate 6 and the tank 3.

[0032] Due to the compressibility of nitrogen gas inside the pressure regulating bladder 4, its axial dimension is reduced, thus compensating for the length changes caused by the thermal expansion of the tank 3. It returns to its original shape when the temperature of the tank 3 drops. The space between the end pressure plate 5 and the end cap 1 ensures that the pressure regulating bladder 4 does not change length due to thermal expansion and contraction. Simultaneously, the side of the end pressure plate 5 closest to the pressure regulating bladder 4 and the side of the end cap 1 closest to the pressure regulating bladder 4 are machined smoothly to prevent the pressure regulating bladder from being punctured during expansion or contraction.

[0033] Since the pressure regulating bladder 4 is located in the closed space formed by the end pressure plate 5 and the end cover 1, and the end pressure plate 5 and the end cover 1 cover the pressure regulating bladder 4, the regulating bladder 4 will not burst under the action of its internal pressure.

[0034] When the preload of the insulating plate 6 decreases due to plastic deformation, it can be observed through the reading of the pressure gauge 11. At this time, nitrogen can be added to the pressure regulating bladder 4 to ensure the preload of the tank 3.

[0035] Furthermore, the pressure regulating bladder 4 will not fail due to prolonged compression and release, nor will its elasticity decrease. Since the force generated by the pressure regulating bladder 4 acts simultaneously on all the levers 2, even if one lever 2 breaks, the broken lever 2 will not fly out due to the force of the remaining levers 2, thus ensuring greater safety.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that:

[0038] The pressure regulating bladder 4 has an elliptical cross-section on the plane passing through the main axis. The shape of the contact part between the end cap 1 and the pressure regulating bladder 4 corresponds to the shape of the pressure regulating bladder 4 near the end cap 1. The shape of the contact part between the end pressure plate 5 and the pressure regulating bladder 4 corresponds to the shape of the pressure regulating bladder 4 near the end pressure plate 5.

[0039] Therefore, the outer side of the end cap 1 bulges outward, similar in shape to the elliptical head commonly found on pressure vessels. After the tank body 3 expands due to heat, it applies pressure to the pressure regulating bladder 4 through the end pressure plate 5. Since the pressure regulating bladder 4 is made of flexible material, it applies force evenly to the inside of the end cap 1 and the end pressure plate 5. Therefore, the thickness of the end cap 1 and the end pressure plate 5 can be designed to be thinner, and deformation of the end pressure plate 5 or the end cap 1 due to excessive local stress is avoided. The end pressure plate 5 and the end cap 1 are made of cast steel or stamped steel plate.

[0040] The above-described embodiments are detailed and specific, illustrating preferred embodiments of the present utility model. They are only used to illustrate the technical ideas and features of the present utility model, with the aim of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present utility model and implement it accordingly. However, they are not limited to the present utility model, and the patent scope of the present utility model cannot be limited by this embodiment alone. That is, any equivalent changes or modifications made to the spirit disclosed in the present utility model, without departing from the structure of the present utility model, such as local improvements within the system and modifications or transformations between subsystems, are still within the patent scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A fastening structure for a water electrolysis cell with compensation function, comprising two end caps (1) respectively disposed at both ends of the cell body (3) of the water electrolysis cell, a pull rod (2) connected between the two end caps (1), and nuts (7) respectively screwed onto both ends of the pull rod (2), wherein the end caps (1) are slidably connected to the pull rod (2) through the pull rod (2), characterized in that, At least one end cap (1) and the main body are sandwiched together with a pressure regulating bladder (4), one end of which rests against the inside of the end cap (1) and the other end rests against the side of the groove (3) near the end cap (1), and the pressure regulating bladder (4) is filled with a compressible medium.

2. The water electrolysis cell fastening structure with compensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that, An end pressure plate (5) is provided between the pressure regulating bladder (4) and the tank (3). The end pressure plate (5) is slidably engaged with the end cover (1). The pressure regulating bladder (4) is located in the closed space formed by the end pressure plate (5) and the end cover (1). One side of the end pressure plate (5) abuts against the pressure regulating bladder (4), and the other side abuts against the tank (3).

3. The water electrolysis cell fastening structure with compensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure regulating bladder (4) has an elliptical cross-section on the plane passing through the main axis, and the shape of the contact part between the end cap (1) and the pressure regulating bladder (4) corresponds to the shape of the pressure regulating bladder (4) on the side closer to the end cap (1).

4. The water electrolysis cell fastening structure with compensation function according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure regulating bladder (4) has an elliptical cross-section on the plane passing through the main axis, and the shape of the contact part between the end pressure plate (5) and the pressure regulating bladder (4) corresponds to the shape of the side of the pressure regulating bladder (4) near the end pressure plate (5).

5. The water electrolysis cell fastening structure with compensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medium inside the pressure regulating bladder (4) is a gas or a gas-liquid mixture.

6. The water electrolysis cell fastening structure with compensation function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap (1) is provided with a filling / discharging port (9), which is connected to the interior of the pressure regulating bladder (4).

7. The water electrolysis cell fastening structure with compensation function according to claim 6, characterized in that, A pressure gauge (11) and / or a safety valve (10) are connected to the charging / discharging port (9).

8. The water electrolysis cell fastening structure with compensation function according to claim 2, characterized in that, An insulating plate (6) is provided between the end pressure plate (5) and the groove (3), and the insulating plate (6) is clamped between the end pressure plate (5) and the groove (3).