Patent No.:CN110397693A Date:2019-07-10

Google Patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/CN110397693A/en?oq=CN110397693A

China Patent: http://epub.cnipa.gov.cn/

Abstract

The invention discloses a refill constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device, including a gas spring, microcontroller, gas source, integrated gas route block, and power supply; the gas spring includes a main cylinder, isolation piston, power piston, guiding seal assembly, docking seal, and piston rod. The main cylinder, isolation piston, and guiding seal assembly form an oil chamber. The power piston is equipped with a damping channel. The main cylinder, isolation piston, and docking seal form a gas chamber, and the docking seal is equipped with an interface connecting to the gas chamber. The integrated gas route block is equipped with an air inlet, air outlet, and exhaust port, along with an internal air channel. The gas source is connected to the air inlet via an electronic control valve, the air outlet is connected to the interface, and the exhaust port is connected to an electronic control valve for venting. The integrated gas route block is also equipped with a pressure sensor to detect the pressure within the air channel. The invention offers advantages such as rapid movement speed, stable motion, and refill control.

Description

A Refillable Constant Force Controlled Oil-Gas Separation Gas Spring Power Device

Technical Field The present invention relates to the technical field of gas springs, particularly to a refillable constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device.

Background Technology A gas spring is an industrial part that can perform functions such as support, cushioning, braking, height adjustment, and angle adjustment. It mainly consists of a pressure cylinder, piston rod, piston, sealing guide sleeve, and filler. The filler mainly uses inert gas or liquid damping oil, filling the closed pressure cylinder with the filler to make the cavity pressure several or tens of times higher than atmospheric pressure. This pressure difference, generated because the cross-sectional area of the piston rod is smaller than that of the piston, allows for the slow movement of the piston rod. Gas springs are widely used across various industries, functioning as compression damping rods, support damping rods, or as independent controllable power devices. For example, in national defense, firefighting, emergency, and chemical weapon engineering facilities, gas springs are used for doors, windows, covers, and emergency evacuation passages. In emergencies, the gas spring needs to extend and retract quickly and smoothly to open or close the connected doors, windows, or evacuation passages swiftly. Existing gas springs can only open or close these elements slowly, wasting time and potentially missing the best rescue or escape opportunities, endangering lives. The current technology primarily uses disposable energy-storing compression gas springs. Over long-term use and the influence of external environmental temperatures, the internal pressure significantly fluctuates and decreases, causing unstable motion that severely impacts performance. This problem necessitates frequent maintenance or replacement of gas springs, increasing unnecessary costs. Additionally, the current gas springs do not offer real-time control capabilities. Although gas cylinder power devices and hydraulic power devices are available on the market as power sources, the entire system is bulky and does not meet the requirement of normal operation in emergency power cut-off situations.

Technical Content This invention aims to provide a refillable constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device to solve the issues of slow motion, unstable motion, and lack of refill control in existing gas springs.

The technical solution adopted to solve the technical problem of the present invention includes a gas spring, microcontroller, gas source, integrated gas route block, and power supply. The gas spring includes a main cylinder, isolation piston, power piston, guiding seal assembly, docking seal, and piston rod. The guiding seal assembly is fixed at one end of the main cylinder, and the docking seal is fixed at the other end. The power piston, piston rod, and isolation piston are movable within the main cylinder. One end of the piston rod is fixedly connected to the power piston, while the other end passes through the guiding seal assembly and extends outside the main cylinder. The isolation piston is set between the power piston and the docking seal. An oil chamber is formed between the main cylinder, isolation piston, and guiding seal assembly. The power piston is equipped with a damping channel that penetrates both ends of the power piston. A gas chamber is formed between the main cylinder, isolation piston, and docking seal. The docking seal is equipped with an interface communicating with the gas chamber. The integrated gas route block features an air inlet, air outlet, and exhaust port, with airflow channels connecting these ports. The gas source connects to the air inlet through an electronic control valve, the air outlet is connected to the interface, and the exhaust port is connected to an electronic control valve for venting. Additionally, the integrated gas route block includes a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure within the airflow channel. The power supply, electronic control valves, and pressure sensor are all electrically connected to the microcontroller.

Moreover, both ends of the isolation piston are equipped with first Y-shaped sealing elements, and the middle of the isolation piston is fitted with a second O-ring to improve sealing. Furthermore, the power piston is slidably arranged within the oil chamber. It is fitted with a guiding support ring and a first O-ring to enhance sealing and ensure the gas spring’s concentricity and coaxiality during extension and compression movements.

The guiding sealing assembly comprises a connecting cylinder fixed to one end of the main cylinder, a guide sleeve fitted over the piston rod, and an end cover sealed onto the piston rod to seal the main cylinder. The guiding sealing assembly also includes multiple second Y-shaped sealing elements fitted over the piston rod to enhance sealing.

The microcontroller includes a microcontroller unit, power supply module for the pressure sensor, signal transmission module for the pressure sensor, power supply module for the intake electronic control valve, and the exhaust electronic control valve power supply module. The power supply module, signal transmission module, intake electronic control valve power supply module, exhaust electronic control valve power supply module, and power supply are all electrically connected to the microcontroller unit.

Additionally, the microcontroller includes a central control signal transmission module, which is electrically connected to the microcontroller unit. It is also electrically connected to the terminal of the remote control room to facilitate control and management. The microcontroller includes a limit setting module connected to the microcontroller unit to improve detection accuracy. The microcontroller also includes a switch button module that is electrically connected to the microcontroller unit for easy control operations.

Furthermore, an intake manual control valve is connected between the intake port and the gas source. This valve operates in parallel with the intake electronic control valve for manual operation, enhancing safety. The exhaust port is connected to an exhaust manual control valve, operating in parallel with the exhaust electronic control valve for manual operation, enhancing safety.

The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

1. When the air pressure in the airflow channel falls below the pressure value set by the upper and lower limit modules, the pressure sensor transmits data to the microcontroller. After processing by the microcontroller, it sends an electrical signal to the relevant electronic control valve, opening the intake electronic control valve while keeping the exhaust electronic control valve closed, supplementing the gas spring with air from the gas source. When the air pressure in the airflow channel exceeds the set pressure value, the pressure sensor feeds back data to the microcontroller, which processes it and sends an electrical signal to the relevant electronic control valve, closing the intake electronic control valve and opening the exhaust electronic control valve. Once the internal gas pressure of the gas spring decreases to the set value, the exhaust electronic control valve closes, maintaining the gas spring in a pressure-holding state. Similarly, when the air pressure in the airflow channel is within the set range, both the intake and exhaust electronic control valves remain closed, ensuring smooth motion of the gas spring and providing real-time refilling control.
2. When the central control transmission module receives an open signal, it feeds it back to the microcontroller, which sends an electrical signal to the relevant electronic control valve, keeping the intake electronic control valve closed and opening the exhaust electronic control valve. Consequently, the internal gas pressure of the gas spring gradually releases, reducing the power piston’s resistance and allowing the gas spring to retract slowly and stably. Conversely, when the central control transmission module receives a close signal, the intake electronic control valve opens, while the exhaust electronic control valve remains closed, rapidly increasing the internal gas pressure of the gas spring, exerting more pressure on the power piston, accelerating the extension speed of the gas spring, which provides the advantages of fast and stable motion.
3. The gas spring is fitted with an isolation piston, creating separate gas and oil chambers within the gas spring. High-pressure gas in the gas chamber serves as the power source for the gas spring’s extension and retraction, while the hydraulic oil in the oil chamber acts as the damping medium during these movements. The isolation piston transmits power, improving the stability of the power piston’s motion. Overall, the invention offers the advantages of fast motion speed, stable movement, and real-time refilling control.

Illustration Description: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the invention. Figure 2 is a logic schematic diagram of the microcontroller used in the invention. Figure 3 is a logic schematic diagram of the integrated gas route block used in the invention. Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the gas spring used in the invention. Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the isolation piston used in the invention. Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the piston assembly used in the invention. Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the guiding seal assembly used in the invention.

The figures represent the following components: 1 – Gas spring 11 – Main cylinder 12 – Isolation piston 121 – First Y-shaped sealing element 122 – Second O-ring 13 – Power piston 131 – Damping channel 132 – Guiding support ring 133 – First O-ring 14 – Guiding seal assembly 141 – Connecting cylinder 142 – Guide sleeve 143 – End cover 144 – Second Y-shaped sealing element 15 – Docking seal 151 – Regulator interface 152 – Rear sealing cylinder 153 – Connecting ear 16 – Piston rod 17 – Oil chamber 18 – Gas chamber 2 – Microcontroller 21 – Central control signal transmission module 211 – Remote control room terminal 22 – Microcontroller unit 23 – Limit setting module 24 – Pressure sensor power supply module 25 – Pressure sensor signal transmission module 26 – Intake electronic control valve power supply module 27 – Exhaust electronic control valve power supply module 28 – Switch button module 3 – Gas source 4 – Integrated gas route block 41 – Air inlet 411 – Intake electronic control valve 412 – Intake manual control valve 42 – Air outlet 43 – Exhaust port 431 – Exhaust electronic control valve 432 – Exhaust manual control valve 44 – Pressure sensor

Specific Implementation: To understand the technical aspects of the invention more intuitively and comprehensively, the following non-limiting feature descriptions are provided in conjunction with the attached figures:

As shown in Figures 1 to 7, a refillable constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device includes a gas spring 1, microcontroller 2, gas source 3, integrated gas route block 4, and power supply 5. The gas spring 1 includes a main cylinder 11, isolation piston 12, power piston 13, guiding seal assembly 14, docking seal 15, and piston rod 16. The guiding seal assembly 14 is fixed at one end of the main cylinder 11, while the docking seal 15 is fixed at the other end. The power piston 13, piston rod 16, and isolation piston 12 are movably arranged within the main cylinder 11. One end of the piston rod 16 is fixedly connected to the power piston 13, while the other end passes through the guiding seal assembly 14 and extends outside the main cylinder 11. The isolation piston 12 is set between the power piston 13 and the docking seal 15.

An oil chamber 17 is formed between the main cylinder 11, isolation piston 12, and guiding seal assembly 14. The power piston 13 is equipped with a damping channel 131 that penetrates both ends of the power piston 13. A gas chamber 18 is formed between the main cylinder 11, isolation piston 12, and docking seal 15. The docking seal 15 is equipped with a regulator interface 151 communicating with the gas chamber 18.

The integrated gas route block 4 features an air inlet 41, air outlet 42, and exhaust port 43, with airflow channels connecting these ports. The gas source 3 connects to the air inlet 41 through an intake electronic control valve 411, and the air outlet 42 is connected to the regulator interface 151. The exhaust port 43 is connected to an exhaust electronic control valve 431. Additionally, the integrated gas route block 4 includes a pressure sensor 44 for detecting the pressure within the airflow channel. The power supply 5, intake electronic control valve 411, exhaust electronic control valve 431, and pressure sensor 44 are all electrically connected to the microcontroller 2.

Preferably, two gas springs 1 form a set, respectively connecting to the left and right sides of a fire door. Inert gas nitrogen is introduced into the gas chamber 18, and the gas source 3 uses a cylinder storing high-pressure inert gas nitrogen, making the gas spring 1 safer and more reliable during use. Medium oil is introduced into the oil chamber 17, ensuring more stable movement of the power piston 13. The outer side of the docking seal 15 is threadedly connected to the rear sealing cylinder 152, which is threadedly connected to a connecting ear 153 fixed to the wall or door frame, extending the length of the gas spring 1 for a wider usage range and higher adaptability.

Both ends of the isolation piston 12 are equipped with first Y-shaped sealing elements 121, and a second O-ring 122 is fitted in the middle of the isolation piston 12, enhancing sealing and preventing medium exchange between the gas chamber 18 and the oil chamber 17, avoiding the phenomenon of seal gap inclusion.

Preferably, the power piston 13 is slidably arranged within the oil chamber 17, featuring a damping hole communicating with the damping channel 131 on the power piston 13. This damping hole acts as a one-way flow restriction, allowing the medium oil to flow slowly through the damping hole and providing buffering and shock absorption when the power piston 13 is compressed. When the power piston 13 extends, the medium oil flows quickly and steadily through the damping hole, enabling quick extension of the power piston 13. The power piston 13 is equipped with a guiding support ring 132, ensuring the concentricity and coaxiality of the gas spring 1 during extension and compression movements. The guiding support ring 132 has through holes communicating with the damping channel 131, allowing the medium oil to pass smoothly through the damping channel 131. The power piston 13 is fitted with a first O-ring 133 to enhance sealing, with both the power piston 13 and guiding support ring 132 fixed at the end of the piston rod 16 by spacers and nuts.

The guiding seal assembly 14 comprises a connecting cylinder 141 fixed at one end of the main cylinder 11, a guide sleeve 142 fitted over the piston rod 16, and an end cover 143 fitted over the piston rod 16 for sealing the main cylinder 1. The guiding seal assembly 14 also includes multiple second Y-shaped sealing elements 144, fitted over the piston rod 16. Preferably, a connecting member 161 is threadedly connected to the outer end of the piston rod 16, which is fixed to the fire door, facilitating the installation and use of the gas spring 1 and improving work efficiency. The connecting cylinder 141 is first threadedly connected to the main cylinder 11 and then welded at the interface. The end cover 143 is threadedly connected to the connecting cylinder 141, enhancing the overall sealing and strength of the gas spring 1.

The microcontroller 2 includes a microcontroller unit 22, power supply module for the pressure sensor 24, signal transmission module for the pressure sensor 25, power supply module for the intake electronic control valve 26, and power supply module for the exhaust electronic control valve 27. The power supply module for the pressure sensor 24, signal transmission module for the pressure sensor 25, power supply module for the intake electronic control valve 26, power supply module for the exhaust electronic control valve 27, and power supply 5 are all electrically connected to the corresponding signal ports of the microcontroller unit 22. The power supply module for the pressure sensor 24 and the signal transmission module for the pressure sensor 25 are both electrically connected to the pressure sensor 44. The power supply module for the intake electronic control valve 26 is electrically connected to the intake electronic control valve 411. The power supply module for the exhaust electronic control valve 27 is electrically connected to the exhaust electronic control valve 431. The power supply 5 uses a battery for power, providing convenience and safety.

The microcontroller 2 also includes a central control signal transmission module 21, which is electrically connected to the corresponding signal ports of the microcontroller unit 22. The central control signal transmission module 21 is also electrically connected to the terminal 211 of the remote control room, sending or receiving signals from the central control signal transmission module 21 to the terminal 211 of the remote control room, which is equipped with a display screen and operation buttons to display the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor 44 and the operating status of the intake electronic control valve 411, exhaust electronic control valve 431, microcontroller unit 22, and other electrical components, making operation and maintenance convenient.

The microcontroller 2 also includes an upper and lower limit setting module 23, electrically connected to the corresponding signal ports of the microcontroller unit 22. Preferably, the upper and lower limit setting module 23 adopts a button operation method, setting the upper and lower pressure values through buttons. The microcontroller unit 22 compares the pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor 44 in the airflow channel with the upper and lower limits, outputting corresponding electrical signals to each electronic component to control the opening or closing of each electronic control valve, making the regulation more precise.

The microcontroller 2 also includes a switch button module 28, electrically connected to the corresponding signal ports of the microcontroller unit 22. The switch button module 28 uses a button operation method, making it easy to turn the device on or off, simplifying operation.

An intake manual control valve 412 is also connected between the air inlet 41 and the gas source 3, and the intake manual control valve 412 operates in parallel with the intake electronic control valve 411. The exhaust port 43 is connected to an exhaust manual control valve 432, and the exhaust manual control valve 432 operates in parallel with the exhaust electronic control valve 431. In case of a failure in the intake electronic control valve 411 or the intake electronic control valve 411, the intake manual control valve 412 or the exhaust manual control valve 432 can be manually operated for emergency control, enhancing safety.

The specific working principle of the invention is as follows: When the air pressure in the airflow channel, specifically within the gas chamber 18 of the gas spring 1, decreases, the pressure sensor 44 detects the pressure change and transmits the data to the pressure sensor signal transmission module 25. The microcontroller unit 22 processes this information. If the pressure value is below the lower limit set by the limit setting module 23, the microcontroller unit 22 sends an electrical signal to the intake electronic control valve power supply module 26, causing the intake electronic control valve 411 to open. At this time, the exhaust electronic control valve 431 remains closed as it has not received an electrical signal. The gas source 3 supplies gas to the gas spring 1 through the airflow channel within the integrated gas route block 4. Conversely, if the pressure value exceeds the upper limit set by the limit setting module 23, the microcontroller unit 22 sends an electrical signal to the exhaust electronic control valve power supply module 27, causing the exhaust electronic control valve 431 to open. In this state, the intake electronic control valve 411 remains closed, and the gas in the gas chamber 18 of the gas spring 1 is released through the airflow channel via the exhaust electronic control valve 431. Once the internal pressure of the gas spring 1 decreases to the range set by the limit setting module 23, the exhaust electronic control valve 431 closes, maintaining the gas spring 1 in a pressure-holding state. Similarly, when the pressure value remains within the range set by the limit setting module 23, both the intake electronic control valve 411 and exhaust electronic control valve 431 stay closed, keeping the internal pressure of the gas spring 1 stable, thus achieving real-time gas regulation.

In emergencies or when manual operation of the gas spring 1 is required for quick extension or retraction, a signal is sent from the remote control room terminal 211 to the central control signal transmission module 21. When the central control signal transmission module 21 receives an extension signal, it feeds back to the microcontroller unit 22, which then sends an electrical signal to the intake electronic control valve power supply module 26, opening the intake electronic control valve 411. High-pressure nitrogen from the gas cylinder flows into the gas chambers 18 of the two gas springs 1 via the airflow channel within the integrated gas route block 4 and the regulator interface 151, increasing the gas pressure in the gas chambers 18. The isolation piston 12 is then pressurized, which in turn pressurizes the oil chamber 17. The medium oil within the oil chamber 17 flows faster through the damping channel 131, accelerating the movement of the power piston 13 and the extension speed of the piston rod 16. At this time, the exhaust electronic control valve 431 remains closed, causing both gas springs 1 to extend simultaneously, thereby quickly opening the fire door.

Conversely, when the central control signal transmission module 21 receives a retraction signal, it feeds back to the microcontroller unit 22. The microcontroller unit 22 sends an electrical signal to the exhaust electronic control valve power supply module 27, opening the exhaust electronic control valve 431. The gas within the two gas springs 1 is expelled through the airflow channel and then through the exhaust electronic control valve 431, reducing the pressure in the gas chambers 18. Once the internal pressure falls below the lower limit set by the limit setting module 23, the exhaust electronic control valve 431 closes. When people push the fire door, the medium oil within the oil chamber 17 slowly flows through the damping channel 131, allowing the power piston 13 to move smoothly, and the piston rod 16 to retract steadily. Meanwhile, the intake electronic control valve 411 remains closed, ensuring the fire door closes smoothly and reliably.

The above descriptions are merely the preferred embodiments of the invention. Hence, any equivalent changes or modifications based on the structure, characteristics, and principles described in the patent claims of the present invention are included within the scope of the patent claims.

Claims (10) – A Refill Constant Force Controlled Oil-Gas Separation Gas Spring Power Device, invented by LeiYan Gas Spring, a pioneer Chinese Gas Spring Manufacture

1. A refillable constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device, characterized in that it includes a gas spring (1), microcontroller (2), gas source (3), integrated gas route block (4), and power supply (5). The gas spring (1) includes a main cylinder (11), isolation piston (12), power piston (13), guiding seal assembly (14), docking seal (15), and piston rod (16). The guiding seal assembly (14) is fixed at one end of the main cylinder (11), and the docking seal (15) is fixed at the other end. The power piston (13), piston rod (16), and isolation piston (12) are movably arranged within the main cylinder (11). One end of the piston rod (16) is fixedly connected to the power piston (13), while the other end passes through the guiding seal assembly (14) and extends outside the main cylinder (11). The isolation piston (12) is set between the power piston (13) and the docking seal (15). An oil chamber (17) is formed between the main cylinder (11), isolation piston (12), and guiding seal assembly (14). The power piston (13) is equipped with a damping channel (131) that penetrates both ends of the power piston (13). A gas chamber (18) is formed between the main cylinder (11), isolation piston (12), and docking seal (15). The docking seal (15) is equipped with a regulator interface (151) communicating with the gas chamber (18). The integrated gas route block (4) features an air inlet (41), air outlet (42), and exhaust port (43), with airflow channels connecting these ports. The gas source (3) connects to the air inlet (41) through an intake electronic control valve (411), the air outlet (42) is connected to the regulator interface (151), and the exhaust port (43) is connected to an exhaust electronic control valve (431). Additionally, the integrated gas route block (4) includes a pressure sensor (44) for detecting the pressure within the airflow channel. The power supply (5), intake electronic control valve (411), exhaust electronic control valve (431), and pressure sensor (44) are all electrically connected to the microcontroller (2).
2. The refillable constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device according to claim 1, characterized in that both ends of the isolation piston (12) are equipped with first Y-shaped sealing elements (121), and the middle of the isolation piston (12) is fitted with a second O-ring (122).
3. The refillable constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device according to claim 1, characterized in that the power piston (13) is slidably arranged within the oil chamber (17). The power piston (13) is equipped with a guiding support ring (132) and a first O-ring (133).
4. The refillable constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device according to claim 1, characterized in that the guiding seal assembly (14) comprises a connecting cylinder (141) fixed at one end of the main cylinder (11), a guide sleeve (142) fitted over the piston rod (16), and an end cover (143) fitted over the piston rod (16) for sealing the main cylinder (11). The guiding seal assembly (14) also includes multiple second Y-shaped sealing elements (144).
5. The refillable constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device according to claim 1, characterized in that the microcontroller (2) includes a microcontroller unit (22), power supply module for the pressure sensor (24), signal transmission module for the pressure sensor (25), power supply module for the intake electronic control valve (26), and power supply module for the exhaust electronic control valve (27). The power supply module for the pressure sensor (24), signal transmission module for the pressure sensor (25), power supply module for the intake electronic control valve (26), power supply module for the exhaust electronic control valve (27), and power supply (5) are all electrically connected to the microcontroller unit (22).
6. The refillable constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device according to claim 5, characterized in that the microcontroller (2) also includes a central control signal transmission module (21), which is electrically connected to the microcontroller unit (22) and the remote control room terminal (211).
7. The refillable constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device according to claim 5, characterized in that the microcontroller (2) also includes an upper and lower limit setting module (23), which is electrically connected to the microcontroller unit (22).
8. The refillable constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device according to claim 5, characterized in that the microcontroller (2) also includes a switch button module (28), which is electrically connected to the microcontroller unit (22).
9. The refillable constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device according to claim 1, characterized in that an intake manual control valve (412) is also connected between the air inlet (41) and the gas source (3). The intake manual control valve (412) operates in parallel with the intake electronic control valve (411).
10. The refillable constant force controlled oil-gas separation gas spring power device according to claim 1, characterized in that the exhaust port (43) is also connected to an exhaust manual control valve (432). The exhaust manual control valve (432) operates in parallel with the exhaust electronic control valve (431).