Sealing connector for hydrogen delivery tubes
By combining clamps, anti-expansion plates, and wire rope lead seals, the problem of loosening of the double-ferrule sealed connector under vibration and human operation is solved, thereby improving the stability and safety of the hydrogen delivery system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SPECIAL EQUIP SAFETY SUPERVISION INSPECTION INST OF JIANGSU PROVINCE
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing double-ferrule sealing connectors are prone to loosening under long-term vibration and impact, and lack anti-tampering structure, posing a risk of hydrogen leakage and safety hazards.
The combination structure of clamping plate, anti-expansion plate and steel wire rope lead seal provides physical limit and protection for the nut. Combined with 30% glass fiber reinforced POM material and 316L stainless steel material, it enhances the structural rigidity and anti-tampering performance.
It effectively reduces nut loosening, improves connection safety and inspection convenience, reduces the risk of hydrogen leakage, and enhances the stability and safety of the hydrogen delivery system.
Smart Images

Figure CN224301542U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of hydrogen pipeline systems, specifically a sealing connector for hydrogen delivery pipes. Background Technology
[0002] Hydrogen delivery pipes are a core component of hydrogen storage, transportation, and application systems, primarily used to transport hydrogen from sources such as production facilities and storage equipment to end users such as fuel cells and industrial reaction units. Due to the small size of hydrogen molecules, their susceptibility to leakage, and their flammable and explosive properties, hydrogen delivery pipes must possess excellent sealing performance, pressure resistance, and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement to withstand high-pressure and specific temperature operating environments, ensuring the safety and stability of the hydrogen delivery process.
[0003] Double-ferrule sealing connectors are commonly used connecting components in hydrogen transmission pipeline systems. A typical structure includes a connector body, a nut, a front ferrule, and a rear ferrule. During assembly, tightening the nut causes plastic deformation of the ferrule, ensuring a tight fit between the ferrule and the inner wall of the connector body and the outer wall of the hydrogen transmission pipe. The front ferrule provides a seal, while the rear ferrule provides mechanical locking and auxiliary sealing, thus achieving a reliable connection between the two transmission pipes. Due to their excellent sealing performance and ease of installation, this type of connector is widely used in high-pressure gas transmission applications.
[0004] Existing double-ferrule sealing connectors have certain defects in practical applications: On the one hand, their nuts lack effective anti-loosening and anti-misoperation protection structures. Under long-term vibration, impact and other external forces, the nuts are prone to gradually loosening, leading to ferrule seal failure and increasing the risk of hydrogen leakage; on the other hand, due to the lack of physical shielding or limiting structures, unauthorized personnel can easily tighten the nuts with wrenches and other tools, causing the connection to loosen intentionally, which poses a safety hazard. Utility Model Content
[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a sealing connector for hydrogen transmission pipelines to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a sealing connector for a hydrogen delivery pipe, comprising a connector body and a hydrogen pipe, wherein a clamping plate is connected to the top of the hydrogen pipe, grooves are provided on both sides of the bottom of the clamping plate, an anti-expansion plate is connected to the outer surface of the clamping plate, and steel wire ropes are threaded through both sides of the clamping plate.
[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the synergistic effect of the clamp plate, the anti-expansion plate and the wire rope lead seal can physically limit and protect the nut of the double ferrule sealing connector, reduce the safety hazards caused by nut loosening due to vibration and human operation, and the groove structure facilitates the installation of the clamp plate. The overall design takes into account both safety and inspection convenience.
[0008] Furthermore, the longitudinal section of the clamping plate is in the shape of an "n".
[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the two sides of the n-shaped structure can correspond to the positions of two nuts respectively, forming a physical barrier, thereby reducing the loosening space of the nuts when subjected to external forces and enhancing the limiting effect on the nuts.
[0010] Furthermore, multiple reinforcing ribs are provided on both sides and the upper interior of the clamping plate.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solutions, the reinforcing ribs can improve the structural rigidity and bending resistance of the clamping plate, reduce the deformation of the clamping plate when subjected to the reverse force of the nut or external impact, and ensure its stability in limiting the nut.
[0012] Furthermore, two hydrogen pipes are provided, and the two hydrogen pipes are respectively connected to two grooves.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the groove and the two hydrogen tubes can be matched to achieve precise positioning of the clamp, ensuring that the two sides of the clamp can accurately correspond and block the two nuts after installation, and at the same time, it is convenient to quickly assemble the clamp onto the hydrogen tube from top to bottom.
[0014] Furthermore, the clamping plate is detachably connected to the anti-expansion plate, and the top of the anti-expansion plate is provided with multiple reinforcing ribs.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the disassembly and connection facilitate the installation and maintenance of the clamping plate and the anti-expansion plate; the reinforcing ribs of the anti-expansion plate can enhance its own structural strength, enabling it to more stably support both sides of the clamping plate and reduce the risk of the clamping plate bending outward.
[0016] Furthermore, four square holes are provided on each of the top two sides of the anti-expansion plate, and the bottom two sides of the clamp plate penetrate through the four square holes on the top two sides of the anti-expansion plate.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the cooperation between the square hole and the bottom of the clamping plate can realize a reliable connection between the anti-expansion plate and the clamping plate, ensuring that the anti-expansion plate can be stably fitted under the clamping plate, effectively playing a reinforcing role on the clamping plate, and avoiding the anti-expansion plate from shifting and affecting the limiting effect.
[0018] Furthermore, round holes are provided on the lower sides of both sides of the clamping plate, and the wire rope lead seal is connected to the two round holes on the lower sides of the clamping plate.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the round hole provides a channel for the wire rope lead seal to pass through, so that the lead seal can fit tightly against the clamp and form an axial limit on the anti-expansion plate, reducing the possibility of the anti-expansion plate falling off accidentally, while improving the anti-tampering performance of the structure.
[0020] Furthermore, both ends of the connector body are fitted with nuts, and each of the two nuts has a first ferrule and a second ferrule inside. The two hydrogen pipes are respectively connected to the first ferrule and the second ferrule of the two nuts.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the cooperation between the nut and the ferrule forms a basic sealing structure. When the nut is tightened, the first ferrule, the second ferrule and the hydrogen tube can be plastically deformed, so that they fit tightly with the joint body and the hydrogen tube, forming a double seal and mechanical locking, ensuring the sealing of the hydrogen tube connection.
[0022] Furthermore, both the clamping plate and the anti-expansion plate are made of 30% glass fiber reinforced POM material.
[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the 30% glass fiber reinforced POM material can improve the strength and rigidity of the clamping plate and the anti-expansion plate, and meet the limiting requirements of the nut; at the same time, it has good chemical stability, excellent hydrogen resistance, and low surface friction coefficient, which can reduce wear when in contact with hydrogen pipes and nuts, and adapt to the hydrogen transportation environment.
[0024] Furthermore, the wire rope seal is made of 316L stainless steel.
[0025] By adopting the above technical solutions, 316L stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance and hydrogen embrittlement resistance, and can be used stably in a hydrogen environment for a long time. This avoids the lead seal from failing due to material deterioration and ensures the durability of its limiting function and anti-tampering function for the anti-expansion plate.
[0026] In summary, the present invention has the following main advantages:
[0027] 1. This utility model, through the setting of the clamping plate, allows the clamping plate to be conveniently installed on the hydrogen pipe from top to bottom via the groove. The n-shaped structure of the clamping plate can physically block the two nuts, reducing the possibility of the nuts loosening due to vibration or other external forces, thereby better maintaining the sealing reliability of the joint. At the same time, the multiple reinforcing ribs on the upper and sides inside the clamping plate can enhance the structural rigidity and reduce the impact of bending deformation of the clamping plate on the limiting stability; effectively reducing the occurrence of nut loosening due to vibration.
[0028] 2. This utility model, through the setting of the anti-expansion plate, can reinforce the lower sides of the clamping plate, reducing the possibility of the clamping plate bending outward and weakening the limiting effect on the nut; and the anti-expansion plate and clamping plate together form a shielding between the joint body and the nut, reducing the possibility of tools such as wrenches coming into contact with the nut, thereby reducing the possibility of unscrupulous individuals causing leaks and safety hazards by loosening the nut; and the combination of clamping plate and anti-expansion plate is square-shaped, with the exposed structure at the front and back facilitating inspection by portable hydrogen detectors, ultrasonic leak detectors, and other equipment. Furthermore, the combination of clamping plate and anti-expansion plate can revolve around the joint body to flexibly adjust the exposed area, avoiding obstruction of the clamping plate and anti-expansion plate from affecting the inspection, thereby further improving the convenience of inspection; improving structural stability and safety, and reducing the impact on inspection work;
[0029] 3. This utility model, through the setting of the wire rope lead seal, can effectively limit the anti-expansion plate and reduce the possibility of the anti-expansion plate falling off; when unauthorized personnel attempt to operate the nut, they need to break the clamp, anti-expansion plate or wire rope lead seal, which makes it easier for maintenance personnel to detect joint abnormalities in time, thereby reducing the risk of hydrogen leakage and safety accidents caused by human tightening or accidental loosening; and improving the safety of the hydrogen delivery system. Attached Figure Description
[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0031] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the structure of this utility model;
[0032] Figure 3 This is a side sectional view of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector body of this utility model;
[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the clamping plate of this utility model.
[0035] In the diagram: 1. Connector body; 2. Nut; 3. First ferrule; 4. Second ferrule; 5. Hydrogen pipe; 6. Clamping plate; 7. Groove; 8. Anti-expansion plate; 9. Wire rope seal. Detailed Implementation
[0036] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0037] The embodiments of this utility model will be described below based on its overall structure.
[0038] Example 1:
[0039] A sealing connector for hydrogen delivery pipes, such as Figures 1-5 As shown, the device includes a connector body 1 and hydrogen pipes 5. Two hydrogen pipes 5 are provided, with a clamping plate 6 connected to the top of each pipe. The clamping plate 6 has an "n"-shaped longitudinal section. Multiple reinforcing ribs are provided on both sides and the upper interior of the clamping plate 6. Grooves 7 are provided on both sides of the bottom of the clamping plate 6, and the two hydrogen pipes 5 are connected to the two grooves respectively. Using the grooves 7 on both sides of the bottom of the clamping plate 6, the operator installs the "n"-shaped clamping plate 6 from top to bottom onto the two hydrogen pipes 5. At this time, the sides of the clamping plate 6 can physically block the two nuts 2, reducing the possibility of the nuts 2 loosening due to vibration or other external forces. Simultaneously, the multiple reinforcing ribs on the upper interior and sides of the clamping plate 6 enhance its structural rigidity, reducing bending deformation due to force and ensuring the stability of the nut 2's positioning. An anti-expansion plate 8 is connected to the outer surface of the clamping plate 6. Multiple reinforcing ribs are provided. The top two sides of the anti-expansion plate 8 are each provided with four square holes. The bottom two sides of the clamping plate 6 pass through the four square holes on the top two sides of the anti-expansion plate 8. The clamping plate 6 and the anti-expansion plate 8 are detached and connected. The workers connect the anti-expansion plate 8 and the clamping plate 6 from bottom to top, so that the bottom two sides of the clamping plate 6 pass through the square holes on the top two sides of the anti-expansion plate 8. The anti-expansion plate 8 can reinforce the lower sides of the clamping plate 6, reducing the possibility of the clamping plate 6 bending outward and weakening the limiting effect. Moreover, the multiple reinforcing ribs on the top of the anti-expansion plate 8 can further improve its own structural strength. The lower sides of the clamping plate 6 are provided with round holes and steel wire rope seals 9. The steel wire rope seals 9 are connected to the two round holes on the lower sides of the clamping plate 6. The workers pass the steel wire rope seals 9 through the round holes on the lower sides of the clamping plate 6 to limit the anti-expansion plate 8 and reduce the possibility of the anti-expansion plate 8 falling off.
[0040] See Figures 1-5 In the above embodiment, nuts 2 are fitted at both ends of the connector body 1. Each nut 2 has a first retaining sleeve 3 and a second retaining sleeve 4 inside. The two hydrogen pipes 5 are connected to the first retaining sleeve 3 and the second retaining sleeve 4 of the two nuts 2 respectively. The operator connects the two hydrogen pipes 5 to the nuts 2, the first retaining sleeve 3 and the second retaining sleeve 4 at both ends of the connector body 1 respectively. Then, the operator tightens the nuts 2 to push the first retaining sleeve 3 and the second retaining sleeve 4 to induce plastic deformation of the hydrogen pipes 5, so that the first retaining sleeve 3 and the second retaining sleeve 4 are tightly fitted to the inner wall of the connector body 1 and the outer wall of the hydrogen pipes 5, forming a seal and locking, thus completing the basic connection of the two hydrogen pipes 5.
[0041] Example 2:
[0042] Based on the above embodiment 1, in order to reduce the wear on the hydrogen pipe 5, the following settings are now implemented.
[0043] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5In the above embodiments, both the clamping plate 6 and the anti-expansion plate 8 are made of 30% glass fiber reinforced POM material. Since the clamping plate 6 and the anti-expansion plate 8 are made of 30% glass fiber reinforced POM material, they have both a certain strength and hydrogen resistance. When the subsequent inspection personnel rotate the clamping plate 6 and the anti-expansion plate 8, or when the clamping plate 6 and the anti-expansion plate 8 are rotated due to wind force or other reasons, the wear of the hydrogen pipe 5 is reduced due to the low coefficient of friction of the POM surface.
[0044] Example 3:
[0045] Based on the above embodiment one, in order to extend the service life of the wire rope lead seal 9, the following settings are now implemented.
[0046] See Figures 1-3 In the above embodiments, the wire rope lead seal 9 is made of 316L stainless steel. The wire rope lead seal 9 is made of 316L stainless steel, which has excellent corrosion resistance and hydrogen resistance and can be adapted to the hydrogen transportation environment.
[0047] The implementation principle of this utility model is as follows: First, the workers connect the two hydrogen tubes 5 to the nuts 2, the first ferrule 3 and the second ferrule 4 at both ends of the connector body 1 respectively. Then, the workers tighten the nuts 2 to push the first ferrule 3 and the second ferrule 4 to induce plastic deformation of the hydrogen tubes 5, so that the first ferrule 3 and the second ferrule 4 fit tightly against the inner wall of the connector body 1 and the outer wall of the hydrogen tubes 5, forming a seal and locking, thus completing the basic connection of the two hydrogen tubes 5.
[0048] Afterwards, the staff used the grooves 7 on both sides of the bottom of the clamp 6 to install the n-shaped clamp 6 from top to bottom on the two hydrogen pipes 5. At this time, the two sides of the clamp 6 can form a physical block for the two nuts 2, reducing the possibility of the nuts 2 loosening due to vibration and other external forces. At the same time, the multiple reinforcing ribs on the upper and sides of the inside of the clamp 6 can enhance its own structural rigidity, reduce bending deformation due to force, and ensure the stability of the limit of the nuts 2.
[0049] Next, the workers connect the anti-expansion plate 8 to the clamping plate 6 from bottom to top, so that the bottom sides of the clamping plate 6 pass through the square holes on the top sides of the anti-expansion plate 8. The anti-expansion plate 8 can reinforce the lower sides of the clamping plate 6, reducing the possibility of the clamping plate 6 bending outward and weakening the limiting effect. In addition, the multiple reinforcing ribs on the top of the anti-expansion plate 8 can further improve its own structural strength. At this time, the clamping plate 6 and the anti-expansion plate 8 are combined into a square frame shape, which shields the joint body 1 and the nut 2 from top to bottom, reducing the possibility of wrenches and other tools coming into contact with the nut 2. The exposed parts at the front and back are convenient for subsequent inspection.
[0050] Finally, the staff passed the wire rope seal 9 through the round holes on both sides of the clamp plate 6 to limit the anti-expansion plate 8 and reduce the possibility of the anti-expansion plate 8 falling off. Since the clamp plate 6 and the anti-expansion plate 8 are made of 30% glass fiber reinforced POM material, they have both strength and hydrogen resistance. When the staff rotates the clamp plate 6 and the anti-expansion plate 8 during subsequent inspections, and when the clamp plate 6 and the anti-expansion plate 8 are rotated due to wind force and other reasons, the low coefficient of friction of the POM surface reduces the wear of the hydrogen pipe 5. The wire rope seal 9 is made of 316L stainless steel, which has excellent corrosion resistance and hydrogen resistance and can adapt to the hydrogen transportation environment.
[0051] During the inspection, the combination of clamp 6 and anti-expansion plate 8 can revolve around the joint body 1 as the center, flexibly adjusting the front and rear exposed areas, which is convenient for inspection by portable hydrogen detectors, ultrasonic leak detectors and other equipment; if unauthorized personnel attempt to operate nut 2, clamp 6, anti-expansion plate 8 or wire rope lead seal 9 need to be damaged, so that maintenance personnel can detect abnormalities in time, thereby improving overall safety.
[0052] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, these specific embodiments are merely explanations of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. The specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make modifications, substitutions, and variations to the embodiments as needed without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, provided that such modifications, substitutions, and variations are within the scope of the claims of the present invention and are protected by patent law.
Claims
1. A sealing connector for a hydrogen delivery pipe, comprising a connector body (1) and a hydrogen pipe (5), characterized in that: The top of the hydrogen pipe (5) is connected to a clamp plate (6), and grooves (7) are provided on both sides of the bottom of the clamp plate (6). An anti-expansion plate (8) is connected to the outer surface of the clamp plate (6), and steel wire ropes and lead seals (9) pass through both sides of the clamp plate (6).
2. The sealing connector for hydrogen delivery pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that: The longitudinal section of the clamp (6) is shaped like the letter "n".
3. The sealing connector for hydrogen delivery pipeline according to claim 2, characterized in that: Multiple reinforcing ribs are provided on both sides and the upper interior of the clamp (6).
4. The sealing connector for hydrogen delivery pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two hydrogen pipes (5) are provided, and the two hydrogen pipes (5) are respectively connected to two grooves.
5. The sealing connector for hydrogen delivery pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clamping plate (6) is detachably connected to the anti-expansion plate (8), and the top of the anti-expansion plate (8) is provided with multiple reinforcing ribs.
6. The sealing connector for hydrogen delivery pipelines according to claim 5, characterized in that: The top two sides of the anti-expansion plate (8) are provided with four square holes respectively, and the bottom two sides of the clamping plate (6) penetrate through the four square holes on the top two sides of the anti-expansion plate (8).
7. The sealing connector for hydrogen delivery pipelines according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clamping plate (6) has round holes on both sides below, and the wire rope lead seal (9) is connected to the two round holes on both sides below the clamping plate (6).
8. The sealing connector for hydrogen delivery pipeline according to claim 4, characterized in that: Both ends of the connector body (1) are fitted with nuts (2), and both nuts (2) are provided with a first ferrule (3) and a second ferrule (4). The two hydrogen pipes (5) are respectively connected to the first ferrule (3) and the second ferrule (4) of the two nuts (2).
9. The sealing connector for hydrogen delivery pipeline according to claim 5, characterized in that: Both the clamping plate (6) and the anti-expansion plate (8) are made of POM material reinforced with 30% glass fiber.
10. The sealing connector for hydrogen delivery pipeline according to claim 7, characterized in that: The wire rope lead seal (9) is made of 316L stainless steel.