Cryogenic snorkel connection detector
By introducing nitrogen purging and an elastic structure into the detector connected to the loading arm, the freezing problem of the detector in ultra-low temperature environments was solved, and the detector was able to operate stably and perform efficient detection at extremely low temperatures.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUBEI HONGYI ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
The existing loading arm connection detector cannot function properly in ultra-low temperature environments, and the moving parts are prone to failure due to freezing of water vapor, posing a safety hazard.
A cryogenic loading arm connection detector was designed, which uses an inductive telescopic head, an insulating seat, a stainless steel contact, and a nitrogen purging nozzle inside a sealed sleeve. Nitrogen purging prevents water vapor condensation, and telescopic springs and buffer springs ensure flexible movement of the components, so as to achieve stable operation of the detector in the cryogenic environment.
It effectively prevents water vapor from condensing in the gaps between moving parts, ensuring that the detector works stably in ultra-low temperature environments, improving the accuracy and stability of the detection signal, and avoiding detection failure caused by freezing.
Smart Images
Figure CN224365764U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of loading arm safety detection, and more specifically, to an ultra-low temperature loading arm connection detector. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the instruments used in the safety interlock function of loading arms mostly employ sensors such as photoelectric sensors, magnetic switches, and limit switches. These sensors can work normally in loading arms for loading and unloading media at normal temperatures, but during the loading and unloading of LNG loading arms, they will face low-temperature conduction of more than -200 degrees Celsius.
[0003] Existing sensors typically operate normally only at temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius and cannot adapt to ultra-low temperature environments; furthermore, their moving parts can become inactive due to freezing of moisture, leading to detection failure and posing a safety hazard. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ultra-low temperature loading arm connection detector, which aims to solve the problems in the prior art where the sensors used for loading arm connection detection cannot adapt to ultra-low temperature environments and the moving parts are prone to freezing failure.
[0005] This utility model discloses an ultra-low temperature loading arm connection detector, comprising a sealed sleeve, an inductive telescopic head, an insulating seat, and a stainless steel contact inside the sealed sleeve. A telescopic spring for driving the telescopic head to extend and retract is provided between the inductive telescopic head and the sealed sleeve. The inductive telescopic head and the insulating seat are connected, and a sliding gap is formed between the insulating seat and the inner wall of the sealed sleeve. A stainless steel contact piece is provided on the insulating seat, which is connected to the stainless steel contact piece via a buffer spring. The stainless steel contact piece and the stainless steel contact are positioned opposite each other. The stainless steel contact is fixed inside the sealed sleeve by an insulating pad and an insulating screw. The stainless steel contact is led out of the sealed sleeve via a contact connecting cable. A nitrogen purging nozzle for introducing nitrogen gas is provided on the sealed sleeve, and the outlet of the nitrogen purging nozzle communicates with the interior of the sealed sleeve.
[0006] Furthermore, when the stainless steel contact plate and the stainless steel contact are in an electrically disconnected state, a gap area is formed between the stainless steel contact plate and the stainless steel contact, and the outlet of the nitrogen purging nozzle is arranged opposite to the gap area.
[0007] Furthermore, the front end of the sealing sleeve is provided with a spring sleeve, the inductive telescopic head is movably sleeved inside the spring sleeve, the interior of the spring sleeve is connected to the interior of the sealing sleeve, the telescopic spring is disposed between the inductive telescopic head and the spring sleeve, one end of the telescopic spring abuts against the inductive telescopic head, and the other end of the telescopic spring abuts against the bottom of the spring sleeve.
[0008] Furthermore, one end of the inductive telescopic head is connected to a spring core, which is inserted through the spring sleeve into the sealing sleeve and connected to the insulating base; the spring core is movably sleeved inside the telescopic spring.
[0009] Furthermore, the sealing sleeve is provided with a ring-shaped limiting ring, the bottom of the spring sleeve abuts against the front end of the limiting ring, and the front end of the insulating seat movably abuts against the rear end of the limiting ring; the spring core passes through the limiting ring and is connected to the insulating seat.
[0010] Furthermore, the insulating base has an internal cavity for the movable insertion of the buffer spring, and the stainless steel contact piece is exposed outside the internal cavity; a communication hole is provided on the front end of the insulating base for the internal cavity to communicate with the inside of the spring sleeve.
[0011] Furthermore, the stainless steel contact piece is connected to the buffer spring by a screw post, which is at least partially inserted into the internal cavity of the insulating base.
[0012] Furthermore, a contact connector is connected in the sealing sleeve, and two stainless steel contacts are respectively fixed to the front end of the contact connector by insulating pads and insulating screws. The two stainless steel contacts are spaced apart to form a screw gap for the screw post to pass through.
[0013] Furthermore, a stud is connected to the rear end of the contact connector for the lead-out of the contact connection cable, and the stud is connected to the metal protective tube through a metal flexible hose connector.
[0014] Furthermore, the nitrogen purging nozzle has a quick connector at its inlet end for connecting to an external nitrogen source.
[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the cryogenic loading arm connection detector provided by this utility model introduces nitrogen into the sealing sleeve through a nitrogen purging nozzle, maintaining a nitrogen flow state inside. This effectively prevents water vapor from condensing in the gaps between moving parts in cryogenic environments (below -200 degrees Celsius), solving the problem of existing sensors failing due to freezing and ensuring stable operation of the detector in cryogenic medium loading and unloading scenarios. The inductive telescopic head achieves telescopic movement through a telescopic spring, moving synchronously with the loading arm connection's docking status, thereby driving the movement of the insulating seat and stainless steel contact plate. By switching the on / off state of the stainless steel contact plate and stainless steel contact head, the docking status of the loading arm connection and pipeline is accurately reflected. The sliding gap between the insulating seat and the inner wall of the sealing sleeve provides smooth movement space for the insulating seat and smooth flow space for nitrogen. The buffer spring can buffer the impact force when the stainless steel contact plate and stainless steel contact head come into contact, avoiding damage to components caused by hard compression. The insulating pad and insulating screw insulate the stainless steel contact head from the sealing sleeve, preventing external interference from entering the circuit and ensuring stable detection signals. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cryogenic loading arm connection detector provided by this utility model;
[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded three-dimensional schematic diagram of the cryogenic loading arm connection detector provided by this utility model.
[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the cryogenic loading arm connection detector provided by this utility model.
[0019] In the diagram: 10 inductive telescopic head, 20 spring sleeve, 30 sealing sleeve, 40 nitrogen purging nozzle, 50 insulating base, 60 stainless steel contact plate, 70 stainless steel contact, 80 stud, 11 telescopic spring, 12 spring core, 31 limit ring, 32 contact connector, 33 insulating pad, 34 insulating screw, 35 contact connecting cable, 51 buffer spring, 61 screw stud, 81 metal flexible hose connector, 82 metal protective tube. Detailed Implementation
[0020] 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 the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.
[0021] The implementation of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.
[0022] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0023] Reference Figure 1-3 The image shown is a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] The cryogenic loading arm connection detector includes a sealing sleeve 30, inside which are a sensing telescopic head 10, an insulating seat 50, and a stainless steel contact 70. A telescopic spring 11 for driving the extension and retraction of the sensing telescopic head 10 is provided between the sensing telescopic head 10 and the sealing sleeve 30. The sensing telescopic head 10 and the insulating seat 50 are connected. The insulating seat 50 is spaced apart from the inner wall of the sealing sleeve 30 to form a sliding gap. A stainless steel contact piece 60 is provided on the insulating seat 50. The insulating seat 50 is connected to the stainless steel contact piece 60 through a buffer spring 51. The stainless steel contact piece 60 and the stainless steel contact 70 are arranged opposite each other. The stainless steel contact 70 is fixed inside the sealing sleeve 30 by an insulating pad 33 and an insulating screw 34. The stainless steel contact 70 is led out of the sealing sleeve 30 through a contact connection cable 35. A nitrogen purging nozzle 40 for introducing nitrogen gas is provided on the sealing sleeve 30. The outlet of the nitrogen purging nozzle 40 is connected to the inside of the sealing sleeve 30.
[0025] The aforementioned cryogenic loading arm connection detector introduces nitrogen into the sealing sleeve 30 via a nitrogen purging nozzle 40, maintaining a nitrogen flow state inside. This effectively prevents water vapor from condensing in the gaps between moving parts under cryogenic conditions (below -200 degrees Celsius), solving the problem of existing sensors failing due to freezing and ensuring stable operation of the detector in cryogenic medium loading and unloading scenarios. The induction telescopic head 10 achieves telescopic movement via a telescopic spring 11, moving synchronously with the loading arm connector's docking state, thereby driving the insulating base 50 and stainless steel contact plate 60 to move. The switching between the on / off states of the plate 60 and the stainless steel contact 70 accurately reflects the docking status of the loading arm and the pipeline; the sliding gap between the insulating seat 50 and the inner wall of the sealing sleeve 30 provides smooth movement space for the insulating seat 50 and smooth flow space for nitrogen gas; the buffer spring 51 can buffer the impact force when the stainless steel contact plate 60 and the stainless steel contact 70 come into contact, avoiding damage to the components caused by hard compression; the insulating pad 33 and the insulating screw 34 insulate the stainless steel contact 70 from the sealing sleeve 30, preventing external interference from entering the circuit and ensuring stable detection signal.
[0026] In this embodiment, when the stainless steel contact 60 and the stainless steel contact 70 are in an electrically disconnected state, a gap region is formed between the stainless steel contact 60 and the stainless steel contact 70, and the outlet of the nitrogen purging nozzle 40 is arranged opposite to the gap region.
[0027] Nitrogen gas can be directly and directionally purged in the gap area between the stainless steel contact 60 and the stainless steel contact 70, specifically preventing the formation of ice film or ice particles due to water vapor freezing in this critical on / off area. This ensures that the two can reliably contact or separate when on / off switching is required (such as when the loading arm is connected / disconnected), further improving the accuracy and stability of the detection signal.
[0028] In this embodiment, a spring sleeve 20 is provided at the front end of the sealing sleeve 30, and the sensing telescopic head 10 is movably sleeved inside the spring sleeve 20. The interior of the spring sleeve 20 is connected to the interior of the sealing sleeve 30. The telescopic spring 11 is disposed between the sensing telescopic head 10 and the spring sleeve 20. One end of the telescopic spring 11 abuts against the sensing telescopic head 10, and the other end of the telescopic spring 11 abuts against the bottom of the spring sleeve 20.
[0029] Guiding and Protection: The spring sleeve 20 provides a stable telescopic guide for the inductive telescopic head 10, preventing the inductive telescopic head 10 from deviating or tilting when subjected to force, and ensuring its accurate movement trajectory; at the same time, the spring sleeve 20 protects the telescopic spring 11, preventing external impurities from entering and affecting the spring elasticity; the interior of the spring sleeve 20 is connected to the interior of the sealing sleeve 30 so that nitrogen can flow into the interior of the spring sleeve, completely blocking the entry of water vapor and carrying away residual water vapor.
[0030] Force buffering: When the inductive telescopic head 10 is connected to the loading arm connector, the external force is transmitted to the telescopic spring 11 through the spring sleeve 20, so that the elastic force of the telescopic spring 11 is applied to the inductive telescopic head 10 more evenly, ensuring that the inductive telescopic head 10 moves smoothly during the connection and reset process, and extending the service life of the components.
[0031] In this embodiment, one end of the inductive telescopic head 10 is connected to a spring core 12. The spring core 12 passes through the spring sleeve 20 and is inserted into the sealing sleeve 30, and is connected to the insulating seat 50. The spring core 12 is movably sleeved in the telescopic spring 11.
[0032] Efficient motion transmission: As a rigid connecting component, the spring core 12 can directly and without delay transmit the extension and retraction motion of the inductive telescopic head 10 to the insulating base 50, ensuring that the on / off state of the stainless steel contact 60 and the stainless steel contact 70 can respond in real time to the docking state of the loading arm, thereby improving detection sensitivity.
[0033] Compact structure: The spring core 12 is sleeved inside the telescopic spring 11, so that the telescopic spring 11, the spring core 12, and the induction telescopic head 10 form a coaxial structure, which reduces the radial space occupation, makes the overall structure more compact, and adapts to the narrow installation space of the loading arm connection part.
[0034] In this embodiment, the sealing sleeve 30 is provided with a ring-shaped limiting ring 31, the bottom of the spring sleeve 20 abuts against the front end of the limiting ring 31, and the front end of the insulating seat 50 movably abuts against the rear end of the limiting ring 31; the spring core 12 passes through the limiting ring 31 and is connected to the insulating seat 50.
[0035] Position constraint: The limiting ring 31 restricts the installation position of the spring sleeve 20, ensuring that its relative position with the sealing sleeve 30 is fixed, and preventing the spring sleeve 20 from shifting due to vibration or other factors; at the same time, the front end of the insulating seat 50 moves against the rear end of the limiting ring 31, which can prevent the insulating seat 50 from moving too far forward and prevent the stainless steel contact 60 from being excessively squeezed against the stainless steel contact 70.
[0036] Improved stability: By constraining the position of key components through the limit ring 31, the relative positions of moving parts such as the inductive telescopic head 10, the insulating base 50, and the stainless steel contact plate 60 are always within the design range, reducing detection errors caused by component displacement and improving the long-term stability of the overall structure.
[0037] In this embodiment, the insulating base 50 has an internal cavity for the buffer spring 51 to be movably inserted, and the stainless steel contact piece 60 is exposed outside the internal cavity; a communication hole is opened on the front end of the insulating base 50 for the internal cavity to communicate with the inside of the spring sleeve 20; the insulating base 50 is connected to the spring core 12 by an insulating screw 34, one end of the insulating screw 34 is fixed on the front end of the insulating base 50, and the other end of the insulating screw 34 passes through the limiting ring 31 and is threadedly connected to the spring core 12.
[0038] Buffer space guarantee: The internal cavity provides sufficient space for the buffer spring 51 to extend and retract, ensuring that the buffer spring 51 can extend and retract freely to buffer the force on the stainless steel contact piece 60 and prevent the buffer spring 51 from failing due to limited space.
[0039] Nitrogen gas flow: The connecting hole allows nitrogen gas from the internal cavity of the insulating base 50 to enter the spring sleeve 20, thereby purging the connection between the telescopic spring 11, the spring core 12, and the sensing telescopic head 10, preventing the area from freezing and ensuring the reliability of the movement of the telescopic spring 11, the spring core 12, and the sensing telescopic head 10.
[0040] Insulation reinforcement: The insulating screw 34 connects the insulating base 50 to the spring core 12, preventing the formation of a conductive path between the spring core 12 and the insulating base 50, further strengthening the insulation effect between the electrical parts and the metal parts, and preventing interference with signal transmission.
[0041] In this embodiment, the stainless steel contact piece 60 is connected to the buffer spring 51 by a screw post 61, and the screw post 61 is at least partially inserted into the internal cavity of the insulating base 50.
[0042] Connection reliability: The screw post 61 enhances the connection strength between the stainless steel contact 60 and the buffer spring 51, preventing them from falling off during frequent on / off operations and ensuring that the stainless steel contact 60 can stably follow the movement of the buffer spring 51.
[0043] Motion guidance: The screw post 61 is partially inserted into the internal cavity, which can guide the movement of the stainless steel contact piece 60, ensuring that the stainless steel contact piece 60 always maintains a relative alignment with the stainless steel contact 70 during the movement, and avoiding poor contact caused by misalignment.
[0044] In this embodiment, a contact connector 32 is connected in the sealing sleeve 30. Two stainless steel contacts 70 are fixed to the front ends of the contact connector 32 by insulating pads 33 and insulating screws 34, respectively. The two stainless steel contacts 70 are spaced apart to form a screw gap through which the screw post 61 passes.
[0045] Redundant switching design: The double stainless steel contact 70 and the stainless steel contact piece 60 work together to form a double contact switching structure. Even if one contact is not in contact due to factors such as minor impurities, the other contact can still ensure the effective transmission of the circuit switching signal, thus improving the reliability of the detection.
[0046] Motion compatibility: The screw spacing provides space for the screw post 61 to pass through, ensuring that the screw post 61 will not mechanically interfere with the stainless steel contact 70 when the stainless steel contact 60 moves with the insulating base 50, thus ensuring smooth switching action.
[0047] In this embodiment, a stud 80 for the contact connection cable 35 to be led out is connected to the rear end of the contact connector 32, and the stud 80 is connected to the metal protective tube 82 through the metal flexible hose connector 81.
[0048] Cable protection: The metal protective tube 82 and the metal flexible conduit connector 81 provide physical protection for the contact cable 35, preventing the cable from being damaged by impact, friction or low-temperature embrittlement in the industrial environment, and ensuring the continuity of electrical signal transmission.
[0049] Installation adaptability: The metal flexible hose connector 81 has a certain degree of flexibility, which can adapt to the slight angle adjustment or vibration environment during detector installation, avoid cable breakage due to rigid connection, and improve the installation flexibility of the device.
[0050] In this embodiment, the inlet end of the nitrogen purging nozzle 40 is provided with a quick connector for connecting to an external nitrogen source.
[0051] Enhanced convenience: Quick connectors allow for rapid connection or disconnection from external nitrogen sources, simplifying detector installation, maintenance, and nitrogen source replacement processes, reducing downtime, and improving operational efficiency in industrial settings.
[0052] Connection sealing: The quick connector has a good seal with the nitrogen source, which can prevent nitrogen leakage, ensure stable nitrogen pressure in the sealing sleeve 30, and ensure continuous and reliable antifreeze effect.
[0053] S1. Maintain disconnected state: When the loading arm is not connected to the pipeline, the telescopic spring 11 drives the induction telescopic head 10 to extend along the spring sleeve 20 to the maximum stroke, and drives the insulating seat 50 and the stainless steel contact 60 away from the stainless steel contact 70, so that the stainless steel contact 60 and the stainless steel contact 70 are in an electrically disconnected state.
[0054] S2. Achieving the conductive state: When the loading arm is connected to the pipeline, the loading arm squeezes the induction telescopic head 10, causing the induction telescopic head 10 to compress the telescopic spring 11 along the spring sleeve 20. The induction telescopic head 10 drives the insulating seat 50 and the stainless steel contact plate 60 to approach and contact the stainless steel contact 70, so that the stainless steel contact plate 60 and the stainless steel contact 70 are in an electrically conductive state. The buffer spring 51 is compressed to maintain the contact force between the stainless steel contact plate 60 and the stainless steel contact 70.
[0055] S3. Full-process anti-freezing: In steps S1 and S2, nitrogen gas is continuously introduced into the mating gap between the inductive telescopic head 10 and the spring sleeve 20, and the relative gap between the stainless steel contact plate 60 and the stainless steel contact 70 through the nitrogen purging nozzle 40 to prevent water vapor in the gap from condensing at ultra-low temperatures.
[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A cryogenic loading arm connection detector, characterized in that, The device includes a sealing sleeve, inside which are a telescopic induction head, an insulating seat, and a stainless steel contact. A telescopic spring for driving the telescopic induction head to extend and retract is provided between the telescopic induction head and the sealing sleeve. The telescopic induction head and the insulating seat are connected, and a sliding gap is formed between the insulating seat and the inner wall of the sealing sleeve. A stainless steel contact plate is provided on the insulating seat, and the insulating seat is connected to the stainless steel contact plate through a buffer spring. The stainless steel contact plate and the stainless steel contact are positioned opposite each other. The stainless steel contact is fixed inside the sealing sleeve by an insulating pad and an insulating screw. The stainless steel contact is led out of the sealing sleeve through a contact connecting cable. The sealing sleeve is provided with a nitrogen purging nozzle for introducing nitrogen gas, and the outlet of the nitrogen purging nozzle is connected to the inside of the sealing sleeve.
2. The cryogenic loading arm connection detector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the stainless steel contact plate and the stainless steel contact are in an electrically disconnected state, a gap area is formed between the stainless steel contact plate and the stainless steel contact, and the outlet of the nitrogen purging nozzle is arranged opposite to the gap area.
3. The cryogenic loading arm connection detector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The front end of the sealing sleeve is provided with a spring sleeve, and the inductive telescopic head is movably sleeved inside the spring sleeve. The interior of the spring sleeve is connected to the interior of the sealing sleeve. The telescopic spring is disposed between the inductive telescopic head and the spring sleeve. One end of the telescopic spring abuts against the inductive telescopic head, and the other end of the telescopic spring abuts against the bottom of the spring sleeve.
4. The cryogenic loading arm connection detector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, One end of the inductive telescopic head is connected to a spring core, which is inserted through the spring sleeve into the sealing sleeve and connected to the insulating base; the spring core is movably sleeved inside the telescopic spring.
5. The cryogenic loading arm connection detector as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The sealing sleeve is provided with a ring-shaped limiting ring inside. The bottom of the spring sleeve abuts against the front end of the limiting ring, and the front end of the insulating seat movably abuts against the rear end of the limiting ring. The spring core passes through the limiting ring and is connected to the insulating seat.
6. The cryogenic loading arm connection detector as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The insulating base has an internal cavity for the movable insertion of a buffer spring, and the stainless steel contact piece is exposed outside the internal cavity; a communication hole is provided on the front end of the insulating base for the internal cavity to communicate with the inside of the spring sleeve.
7. The cryogenic loading arm connection detector as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The stainless steel contact piece is connected to the buffer spring by a screw post, which is at least partially inserted into the internal cavity of the insulating base.
8. The cryogenic loading arm connection detector as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing sleeve is connected to a contact connector. Two stainless steel contacts are fixed to the front ends of the contact connector by insulating pads and insulating screws, respectively. The two stainless steel contacts are spaced apart to form a screw gap through which the screw post passes.
9. The cryogenic loading arm connection detector as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The rear end of the contact connector is connected to a stud for the lead-out of the contact connection cable, and the stud is connected to the metal protective tube through a metal flexible hose connector.
10. The cryogenic loading arm connection detector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The nitrogen purging nozzle has a quick connector at the inlet end for connecting to an external nitrogen source.