Measuring device in high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder winding forming process

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of measuring devices in high-pressure hydrogen storage gas cylinder winding forming process, be located in the lateral of winding forming work position and with high-pressure hydrogen storage gas cylinder empty opposite. The measuring device is based on supporting frame and is equipped with stepper motor, slide rail mechanism, first laser range finder, second laser range finder, wherein first laser range finder is attached to slide rail mechanism and is driven by stepper motor transverse displacement positioning adjustable, and the ranging direction of first laser range finder is directly opposite gas cylinder surface, second laser range finder positioning is attached to supporting frame one end and ranging direction is directly opposite first laser range finder, two laser range finders are all to host computer feedback reflection positioning coordinate and the digital signal of winding layer thickness. The measurement can avoid damaging the fiber surface in processing process, and real-time measurement result is beneficial to operator to find the defect on process in time and provide the reference basis for adjustment;With stronger application flexibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an auxiliary tooling for winding processing, and more particularly to a measuring device in the winding and forming process of a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder, belonging to the field of mechatronics applications. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have developed rapidly in recent years, and the performance of one of their core components—the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder—directly determines the vehicle's driving range and safety level. To achieve higher density and hydrogen storage capacity, Type IV cylinders with plastic liners and fully wound carbon fiber have become a key research focus. The cylinder molding process typically employs wet or dry winding techniques, resulting in a large number of fiber layers and rapid thickness accumulation. The final cylinder shape and the distribution of thickness across each layer directly affect the cylinder's burst strength, fatigue life, and permeability.

[0003] Currently, the main methods for inspecting the shape and thickness of high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders during production include contact caliper measurement, ultrasonic thickness testing, and coordinate measuring machine (CMM). These methods suffer from drawbacks such as complex operation, long inspection cycles, sensitivity to environmental conditions, and inability to provide real-time feedback during the winding process. For example, while CMM offers high accuracy, it requires inspecting the entire cylinder after winding, which is time-consuming and makes it difficult to detect problems during the winding process promptly. Contact measurement is not only inefficient but can also damage the fiber surface. Due to the lack of a rapid, automated inspection method that can be applied in real-time during the winding process, there is often a gap between the cylinder's design and the actual finished product, hindering process optimization, quality control, and widespread application. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a measuring device for the winding and forming process of high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders, so as to solve the problem of efficient, non-destructive and real-time application detection during the winding process of cylinders.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model to achieve the above-mentioned objectives is a measuring device for the winding and forming process of a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder. The measuring device is located beside the winding and forming work position and is positioned opposite the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder. The measuring device is based on a support frame and includes a stepper motor, a slide rail mechanism, a first laser rangefinder, and a second laser rangefinder. The first laser rangefinder is mounted on the slide rail mechanism and is driven by the stepper motor for lateral displacement positioning adjustment. The measuring direction of the first laser rangefinder is directly facing the surface of the cylinder. The second laser rangefinder is positioned and mounted on one end of the support frame and its measuring direction is directly facing the first laser rangefinder. Both laser rangefinders feed back digital signals to the host computer reflecting the positioning coordinates and the thickness of the winding layer.

[0006] Furthermore, the support frame is provided with a slide rail that extends linearly along the long axis of the gas cylinder. A slider that is linked to the transmission track is mounted on the slide rail. The first laser rangefinder is mounted on the slider. The stepper motor is fixedly mounted on one end of the support frame near the second laser rangefinder and its drive end is connected to the host computer. The output shaft of the stepper motor is fitted with a main drive wheel, and a driven wheel is fixedly mounted on the other end of the support frame away from the stepper motor. The main drive wheel and the driven wheel are fitted with a transmission track, which together with the slide rail and the slider constitutes a slide rail mechanism.

[0007] Furthermore, the height setting of the support frame satisfies the following condition: the measuring ray of the first laser rangefinder is coplanar with the center line of the rotating shaft of the gas cylinder winding forming tool.

[0008] Furthermore, the first laser rangefinder has a laser receiving plate on its side facing the second laser rangefinder, and the second laser rangefinder faces the first laser rangefinder to detect the distance and feed it back to the host computer.

[0009] Furthermore, the host computer is pre-loaded with coordinate data calculation software, which generates the distribution curve of the gas cylinder's outline and thickness based on the digital signals fed back from the two laser rangefinders.

[0010] Furthermore, the travel range of the first laser rangefinder covers the axial length of the gas cylinder.

[0011] The technical advantages of using this measuring device to measure the thickness of the winding layer during the winding process of high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders are as follows: This device achieves distance acquisition through non-contact measurement, avoiding damage to the fiber surface during processing; combined with the precision assurance of stepper motor positioning and laser rangefinder, it can quickly obtain data after each winding layer is completed, allowing for calculation of the measurement results. Furthermore, the real-time nature of the measurement operation helps operators to promptly identify process defects and provide a reference for adjustments; in addition, this measuring device is applicable to the inspection of high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders of different sizes and specifications, exhibiting strong application flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the measuring device of this utility model and its spatial layout with the gas cylinder to be measured.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the measuring device from another perspective. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to make the technical solution of this utility model easier to understand and master, and thus to make a clearer definition of the protection scope of this utility model.

[0015] In view of the technical shortcomings exposed in the manufacturing process of high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders as described in the background art, such as low measurement efficiency, inability to provide real-time feedback, insufficient data utilization, and high risk of product damage, this utility model develops and proposes a novel measuring device that can quickly and accurately obtain the cylinder shape and fiber thickness distribution during and after the cylinder winding process. This enables comparative analysis of design and actual results, thereby assisting in process optimization, layup information verification, and winding problem localization, ultimately improving product consistency and reliability.

[0016] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the measuring device 1 in the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder winding process is located beside the winding work position (i.e., the location of the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder 2 shown in the figure) and is positioned relative to the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder 2 (hereinafter referred to as the workpiece) in a distance. From the structural composition of the measuring device, it is based on a support frame and includes a stepper motor 11, a slide rail mechanism 12, a first laser rangefinder 13, and a second laser rangefinder 14. The first laser rangefinder is mounted on the slide rail mechanism and is driven by the stepper motor for adjustable lateral displacement. The measuring direction of the first laser rangefinder is directly facing the cylinder surface, using the principle of laser reflection to determine the high-precision distance relative to the cylinder surface and obtain the y-coordinate of the measurement point. The second laser rangefinder is positioned and mounted on one end of the support frame, with its measuring direction directly facing the first laser rangefinder. It follows the positional changes of the first laser rangefinder and collects the x-coordinate of the measurement point in real time. Both laser rangefinders feed back digital signals reflecting the positioning coordinates and winding layer thickness to the host computer. It should be noted that when the workpiece to be measured is assembled at the workstation, the origin of the spatial coordinate system can be preset by the staff on the host computer, and the measured x and y coordinates will reflect the position of the entity relative to the origin.

[0017] More specifically, the aforementioned support frame, serving as the load-bearing foundation for various functional components, can be a bracket spliced ​​and welded from steel pipes or L-shaped steel beams, exhibiting a universally similar external structure. As a condition for rapid deployment on the winding production site, the bottom of the support frame can be fitted with casters equipped with brakes, and optionally configured with threaded column support feet with stepless height adjustment. This ensures that the height setting of the support frame satisfies the requirement that the measuring beam of the first laser rangefinder is coplanar with the center line of the rotating shaft of the gas cylinder winding forming fixture, guaranteeing that the laser ranging result corresponds to the closest distance between the laser rangefinder and the surface of the gas cylinder. Therefore, for the inspection of high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders of different sizes and specifications, the position calibration of the first laser rangefinder needs to be achieved by adjusting the height of the support frame.

[0018] The aforementioned support frame is equipped with a slide rail 121 extending linearly along the long axis of the gas cylinder. A slider 122, which is linked to the transmission track 125, is mounted on the slide rail. The first laser rangefinder 13 is then mounted on the slider and moves along with it. The aforementioned stepper motor 11 and the second laser rangefinder 14 are both fixedly mounted on one end of the support frame, and the drive end of the stepper motor is connected to a host computer (a conventional industrial control PC). The output shaft of the stepper motor is fitted with a main drive wheel 123, and a driven wheel 124 is fixedly mounted on the other end of the support frame away from the stepper motor. The main drive wheel 123 and the driven wheel 124 are mounted on the transmission track 125, which, together with the slide rail 121 and the slider 122, constitutes the slide rail mechanism 12. When the host computer controls the output torque of the stepper motor, the transmission track rotates in a closed loop on a set of gears, either forward or reverse, simultaneously driving the slider and the first laser rangefinder mounted on it to move laterally and position itself. Here, the travel range of the first laser rangefinder covers the axial length of the gas cylinder; moreover, the side of the first laser rangefinder is provided with a laser receiving plate 15 that faces the second laser rangefinder and reflects the laser, and the second laser rangefinder faces the first laser rangefinder to detect the distance and feeds it back to the host computer.

[0019] The host computer (not shown) is pre-installed with coordinate data calculation software, such as Excel, which can perform calculations and output charts through formula editing and data import. Based on the digital signals fed back by two laser rangefinders, it generates the distribution curve of the gas cylinder's outline and thickness.

[0020] From a measurement example: First, the plastic preform of the gas cylinder to be wound is clamped on the winding fixture. Then, a measuring device is deployed next to the gas cylinder to locate the position and height of the support frame, ensuring the first laser rangefinder meets the measurement preparation requirements. Next, the host computer starts the stepper motor and resets the first laser rangefinder. Then, the gas cylinder's shape is scanned point by point according to the preset measurement density. The second laser rangefinder is used to confirm the positioning coordinates in the x-axis direction, while the first laser rangefinder emits a laser beam onto the gas cylinder surface to collect distance data in the y-axis direction. Furthermore, the point-by-point scan dataset is fed back to the host computer, and after data calculation and fusion, the two-dimensional coordinate information of each point on the gas cylinder can be obtained, forming a coordinate point cloud, and thus reconstructing the overall shape curve of the cylinder. Specifically, the obtained data can be directly imported into platforms such as Excel for processing, quickly calculating the shape of the wound gas cylinder, the cumulative thickness of each layer, and the actual forming deviation, generating the gas cylinder's outline and thickness distribution curve. Measurements can be performed after each layer of fiber is wound, thus achieving layer-by-layer monitoring. By comparing multiple measurements, the cumulative trend of fiber thickness in each area can be intuitively reflected, helping to analyze whether there are entanglement defects such as uneven tension, layer accumulation, and local bulging.

[0021] In summary, the detailed description of the embodiments of the measuring device in the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder winding process of this utility model demonstrates that this innovation possesses substantial features and advancements. Compared with traditional measurement systems such as coordinate measuring machines and contact gauges, its technical advantages are as follows: This measuring device can be quickly deployed on the winding production site, achieving distance acquisition through non-contact measurement, thus avoiding damage to the fiber surface during processing; combined with the accuracy guarantee of stepper motor positioning and laser rangefinder, it can quickly obtain data after each layer of winding for calculation of measurement results, resulting in high measurement efficiency and reliable accuracy. The real-time nature of the measurement operation helps operators to promptly identify process defects and provide a reference for adjustments; furthermore, this measuring device is applicable to the inspection of high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders of different sizes and specifications, exhibiting strong application flexibility. More importantly, it can effectively improve the monitoring level and quality control capabilities of the cylinder winding process, ensuring the forming accuracy and mechanical properties of the cylinder.

[0022] In addition to the above embodiments, the present invention may have other implementation methods. All technical solutions formed by equivalent substitution or equivalent transformation fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A measuring device for the winding and forming process of a high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder, located beside the winding and forming work station and opposite the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder in an air-to-air manner, characterized in that: The measuring device is based on a support frame and includes a stepper motor, a slide rail mechanism, a first laser rangefinder, and a second laser rangefinder. The first laser rangefinder is mounted on the slide rail mechanism and is driven by the stepper motor for adjustable lateral displacement. The measuring direction of the first laser rangefinder is directly facing the surface of the gas cylinder. The second laser rangefinder is mounted on one end of the support frame and its measuring direction is directly facing the first laser rangefinder. Both laser rangefinders send digital signals reflecting the positioning coordinates and the thickness of the winding layer back to the host computer.

2. The measuring device in the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder winding and forming process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support frame is provided with a slide rail that extends linearly along the long axis of the gas cylinder. A slider that is linked to the transmission track is mounted on the slide rail. The first laser rangefinder is mounted on the slider. The stepper motor is fixedly mounted on one end of the support frame near the second laser rangefinder and its drive end is connected to the host computer. The output shaft of the stepper motor is fitted with a main drive wheel. A driven wheel is fixedly mounted on the other end of the support frame away from the stepper motor. The main drive wheel and the driven wheel are fitted with a transmission track, which together with the slide rail and the slider constitutes a slide rail mechanism.

3. The measuring device in the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder winding and forming process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height of the support frame is set to satisfy the following condition: the measuring ray of the first laser rangefinder is coplanar with the center line of the rotating shaft of the gas cylinder winding forming tool.

4. The measuring device in the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder winding and forming process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first laser rangefinder has a laser receiving plate on its side facing the second laser rangefinder. The second laser rangefinder faces the first laser rangefinder to detect the distance and feeds it back to the host computer.

5. The measuring device in the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder winding and forming process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The host computer is pre-loaded with coordinate data calculation software, which generates the distribution curve of the gas cylinder's outline and thickness based on the digital signals fed back from the two laser rangefinders.

6. The measuring device in the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder winding and forming process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The travel range of the first laser rangefinder covers the axial length of the gas cylinder.

Images