PACKING

Description

2 Known gaskets can be divided into three major groups, depending on the materials from which the gaskets are manufactured. The first group of gaskets are the standard non-metallic gaskets, as described, for example, in CN203822830U. These non-metallic gaskets can be made of rubber, graphite, glass fiber, aramid fibers, or similar other non-metals. These non-metallic gaskets are mainly used in applications at both low and high temperatures, and in applications involving seals that must protect against corrosive chemical substances. In addition, such non-metallic gaskets are also very inexpensive. The major disadvantage of such non-metallic gaskets is that they cannot be used in applications where high pressure is applied to the gasket. The second group of gaskets are the metal gaskets, such as shown in US5427388A, and are generally used in applications at very high temperatures and very high pressures, but are considerably more expensive than the earlier ones.mentioned non-metallic gaskets. To withstand these high pressures, metal gaskets have a very low compressibility, making it more difficult to correctly attach these gaskets between the two elements that need to be sealed, and thus causing leaks to occur more easily. To achieve a good compromise between the two previously mentioned groups of gaskets, semi-metallic gaskets are also manufactured, which include both metals and non-metals and thereby combine the advantages of the two previously mentioned groups. A number of well-known gaskets in this regard are, for example, corrugated metal gaskets, as described in US2013249171A1, and spiral-wound gaskets, as described in US5823542A. In these sealing rings, hard metals are combined with soft non-metals. However, these semi-metallic gaskets are not easy to manufacture, because the structure of such spiral-wound gaskets is often complex, which can drive up the cost price of such semi-metallic gaskets.DE9202182U1 describes a further example of a semi-metallic gasket with an inner ring and an outer ring with ring passages, where the inner ring can be partially pushed out of the outer ring during the 30 BE2024 / 5878 3 sealing and ring passage to improve the sealing properties. This gasket is also very complex to manufacture, which can drive up the cost. Moreover, during the movement of the inner rings and the outer rings relative to each other, the sidewalls of the outer rings and the inner ring will be pushed so hard against each other that local flakes or burrs or other relatively small noble particles of the material from the sidewall of the outer rings and / or from the inner ring (hereinafter referred to as material particles) are pushed off and end up in the absorption space. This can be a problem when the burrs occupy the space provided for the inner lining, causing the seal to form a less effective seal and reducing the sealing properties. The goal of this invention is to provide a gasket that provides very good sealing properties.exhibit sealing properties whereby it is much simpler to produce this gasket than with known gaskets. The purpose of the invention is achieved by providing a packing, comprising an outer ring and an inner ring, where the outer ring, viewed in cross-section, has a predominantly U-shaped profile comprising a base with a base surface extending predominantly along a width direction, and a first and second sidewall extending from the base and inner surfaces oriented towards each other comprising from the base surface mainly along a height direction, transverse to the width direction, where the base surface and the inner surfaces oriented towards each other delimit a space over the entire perimeter of the outer ring in which the inner ring is contained, where the first sidewall and the second sidewall, over at least a part of the perimeter of the outer ring, viewed in cross-section, have a different height with respect to the base surface, where the first stonethe second sidewall delimit a respective ring passage of the outer ring, and where the inner ring is provided to be brought through a ring passage into the reception space of the outer ring, whereby at least one sidewall, viewed in a cross-section, has a first width at the base, and has a second width located at the end edge furthest from the 30 BE2024 / 5878 4 base, and that the second width of the sidewall is smaller than the first width of the sidewall. For the sake of clarification, we point out once again that the term 'ring passage' in this patent application is used in the sense of a passage through the said outer ring, or in other words, a passage through the ring along the said width direction of the outer ring. In this regard, the ring is bounded on one side of the outer ring by the first sidewalls and on the other side of the outer ring by the said second sidewall, such that a ring passage is formed on each side of the outer ring. These ring passages each also form an entrance to the recording space. Because the sidewall on one side of the ring, over 10If at least a part of its circumference is lower than the sidewall on the other side of the ring, the ring passage bounded by the sidewall with the smallest height obtains a maximum transverse dimension that is larger than the maximum transverse dimension of the ring passage on the other side of the ring. If the passage is circular, the term 'transverse dimension' refers to the diameter of the passage. We will hereinafter refer to the ring passage with the largest maximum transverse dimension as the term 'the larger ring passage'. A gasket with this combination of characteristics according to the invention not only has excellent sealing properties but can also be produced according to a simple method whereby the inner rings and the outer ring are produced as separate components and are then simply joined together into a whole by placing the inner ring into the mounting space of the outer ring. Preferably, the width of the sidewall extends from the base in one direction from the 25 base. Preferably, the second width of the sidewall is not greater than 50% ofthe first width of the sidewall. By moving the sidewall(s) away from the base with decreasing width, a free space is obtained in the absorption space between the inner surface of the outer ring and the inner ring. BE2024 / 5878 5 This reduction in the width of the sidewalls or of at least one sidewall ensures that the ends of the sidewall(s) furthest from the base are much narrower than at the base, whereby the deflection or elastic deformability of these sidewalls increases in the direction away from the base. Moreover, this space can serve to accommodate the problematic material particles that arise as described earlier in DE9202182U1, so that they cannot disrupt the proper seal. The base surface of the outer ring can be flat but can also be a curved surface. For example, the base surface can have a predominantly cylindrical shape. The base surface can also be composed of multiple flat surfaces that connect to each other at an angle. The shape is preferably concave when viewed in a cross-section. In the case of an outer ring of which theIf the base surface is not flat, the heights of the first and second side walls are determined with respect to a line that runs through a point of the base surface in a cross-section of the outer ring along the direction of width.15 The perimeter of the ring is defined as the perimeter of the ring passage bounded by one of the side walls. The terms ring, inner ring, outer rings and all other compounds with the word 'ring' in this patent application do not refer solely to an element with cylindrical walls that enclose a predominantly circular passage. Elements with one or more walls that enclose a passage20 that is predominantly elliptical or oval or has the shape of a rectangle or a square or a polygon, or of any other closed figure, are also considered ring-shaped. A cross-section of the outer ring is defined as a cross-section that passes through a specific point on the circumference and is perpendicular to the circumference of the outer ring.25 The inner ring may be made of any material. The forming dimensions of the inner ring are preferably determined such that the inner ring, whether or notnot with any clearance, complementary to the shapes and dimensions of the outer ring, both regarding the ring itself and regarding the dimensions of the viewing space. BE2024 / 5878 6 The inner rings and the outer ring are preferably also provided in such a way that the inner ring can be brought into the viewing space through a ring passage bounded by the side wall which, viewed in a cross-section, has a smaller height over at least part of the circumference of the outer ring. The first and the second side walls bound a respective ring passage on 5 respective opposite sides of the outer ring. The inner rings and the outer ring are preferably provided in such a way that the inner ring can be brought into the viewing space through the larger ring passage defined above. Because one of the two side walls is at least a certain part of the circumference of the outer ring lower than the other side wall, the inner ring can easily be brought into the holding space of the outer ring, either manually or with free, simple tools or machines.The first and second side walls enclose a respective ring passage on the respective opposite sides of the outer ring. The inner and outer rings are preferably provided in such a way that the inner ring can be brought into the recording space through ring passage 15, which is bounded by the side wall with the smallest height. To insert the inner ring into the receiving space of the outer ring, one can proceed as follows, for example. First, the inner ring is placed in a position where a part of the inner ring is located in the receiving space and the inner ring protrudes from the larger ring passage to the outer ring passage in a position tilted relative to the outer ring. Next, the inner ring is tilted in the direction of the outer ring to insert the entire inner ring into the receiving space via the larger ring passage. The height of the lower sidewall of the outer ring can be determined in such a way that the inner ring can easily be inserted into the receiving space via the larger ring passage. The assembly of a gasket with an outer ring and an inner ring according to this invention can thereby be achieved.can be realized much faster and simpler than with existing semi-metallic gaskets. BE2024 / 5878 7 During the tilting movement, the inner ring may come into contact with the lower sidewall of the outer ring at the entrance side of the larger ring passage, and may need to be pushed past that sidewall with a certain pushing force. This pushing force can be generated mechanically and may potentially cause a deformation of that sidewall. The materials and dimensions of the outer ring are then chosen in specific design forms such that this deformation of the lower sidewall is mainly elastic. The inner ring will eventually end up in the receiving space and be held in place by the higher sidewall. During assembly, a tool will be able to push the inner ring through the opening bounded by the shorter sidewall at high speed against the higher sidewall, since the higher sidewall can better absorb the force of this tool because the forces can be better distributed over the larger inner surface of the higher sidewall. Through the combination of a lower and a higher partition walla particularly economical gasket can therefore be achieved. Moreover, the higher sidewall also allows the assembly of the outer rings and the inner ring to be carried out much faster. During assembly, a tool or machine will, for example, push the inner ring with great force through the larger ring passage, causing the inner ring to come into contact with the higher sidewall with great force. The higher sidewall can better absorb the force of this tool because the forces are better distributed over the larger inner surface of the higher sidewall. Among other things, the higher sidewall will be more elastically deformable to withstand this force without damage or excessive permanent deformation of that higher sidewall. Thus, a particularly advantageous gasket can be realized through the combination of a lower and a higher intermediate wall. Moreover, the higher intermediate wall ensures that the gasket still has very good sealing properties. Important in this regard is the elastic deformability of the gasket during its installation in a sealing application, in this patent application.also referred to as deformability. Due to this improved deformability, the gasket can better and more accurately assume the shape of the contact surfaces of the 30 BE2024 / 5878 8 elements between which the gasket is placed, and also adapt better to any irregularities on, and deformations of, these contact surfaces. Due to this better contact between the gasket and the elements that the gasket must connect, a better seal with long-term reliability is achieved. The inner and outer rings can be manufactured from a very diverse range of materials, depending on the application of the gasket. This invention also allows for the easy installation of inner rings that are difficult to deform, such as ceramic fiber or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) inner rings, in contrast to the more flexible inner rings, such as rubber and NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber). Preferably, the outer ring is made of a metal or a metal alloy, such as brass, stainless steel, or the like. Alternatively, the outer ring can also be a plastic outer ring.Because gaskets according to this invention can be easily manufactured by joining an outer ring and an inner ring, a skilled professional can determine the most suitable combination of an outer ring and an inner ring for his application and then assemble this gasket himself. The first sidewalls and the second sidewall preferably have a relative height difference of at least 2% and, preferably, a relative height difference of at least 5%. Naturally, the ideal height difference depends on the specific circumstances in which the gasket is to be used and also on other factors such as, for example, the choice of material and the shape of the outer or inner ring. Preferably, when viewed in cross-section, each sidewall comprises an end edge which, viewed in the vertical direction, is located furthest from the base, and the absorption space at the base surface has a first width and the absorption space at the height of the end edge of the sidewall with the smallest height has a second width. Preferably, the first width is at least 50% of the second width; with higher preference, the first iswidth at least 90% of the second width and preferably the second width is not smaller than the first width. BE2024 / 5878 9 Because the second width is not or not much smaller than the first width, it is possible to more easily attach an inner ring to an outer ring. The combination with the sidewalls having different heights ensures that the sidewalls of the outer ring do not need to be deformed during the manufacture of the gasket.5 Preferably, the first and second sidewall have a different height relative to the base surface over the entire circumference of the outer ring, viewed in a cross-section, but this is not necessary. It is also possible that the first and second sidewall have a different height only in the cross-sections of a part of the circumference. Naturally, it is much more advantageous if this height difference10 exists over the entire circumference, due to the advantages described above. Preferably, the gasket is designed so that, viewed in cross-section, both sidewalls preferably have a first width at the base, and at the farthest of theThe base-located end edge of the sidewall should have a second width that is smaller than the first width. Preferably, the width of both sidewalls should then be taken away from the base in one direction. Preferably, the second width of both sidewalls should not be greater than 50% of the first width of the sidewall. It is possible here that the width of both sidewalls decreases equally, but this decrease in the width of the sidewalls may also be different for both sidewalls. Preferably, when viewed in a cross-section, the base surface transitions into at least one of the inner surfaces via a chamfer or rounding. This will allow an inner ring to be placed more easily into the outer ring during assembly without the formation of burrs or metal chips. Preferably, viewed in a cross-section, the base comprises a bottom surface on the side opposite the base surface, comprising the two side walls on the side opposite their inner surface, respectively outer surfaces, and the bottom surface of the base passes via a bevel or a BE2024 / 5878 10rounding on at least one of the outer surfaces. This will enable the gasket to create a better seal between the two elements to be sealed. The aforementioned surfaces, such as the base surface, the bottom surface, the inner surfaces and the outer surfaces, can be smooth but can also alternatively be roughened. The surfaces of the inner ring can also be smooth but can also alternatively be roughened. Furthermore, preferably the outer rings and / or the inner ring are one-piece. Preferably, when viewed in a cross-section, the base in the width direction has a width greater than 2 mm, and with higher preference greater than 2.5 mm, and with highest preference greater than or equal to 3 mm.10 With known gaskets, one always tries to make the width of the base as small as possible, because this ensures a better seal. Because the partitions have different heights and the advantages associated with this, it is much less important for a gasket according to this invention that the width of the base is as small as possible than is the case with known gaskets.15By using a larger width, the assembly and installation of the gasket will be much simpler, and moreover, the irregularities of the gasket will have less effect on the seal. This invention is now further explained on the basis of the detailed description below of some preferred designs of a gasket according to this invention. The purpose of this description is solely to clarify the examples and to indicate further advantages and particulars of this invention, and therefore cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the scope of application of the invention or of the patent rights claimed in the claims. In this detailed description, reference is made by means of reference figures to the drawings attached hereto, in which: -figure 1 shows an outer ring of a design of a gasket according to the invention in front view; BE2024 / 5878 11 -figure 2 the outer ring from figure 1 is shown in cross-section A-A; -figure 3 the outer ring from figure 1 is shown in cross-section B-B;-Figure 4 shows the outer ring from Figure 1 in perspective; -Figure 5 shows an inner ring of a design form of a gasket according to the invention in perspective; and in Figures 6-9 different alternative designs of an outer ring according to the invention are shown in cross-section. Figures 1 to 4 show a specific design form of an outer ring(2) of a gasket according to the invention. As can be seen in Figure 2, the outer ring(2) has a U-shaped profile when viewed in cross-section(AA). Figure 3 shows a cross-section(BB) of the outer ring(2) in which two such U-shaped profiles are seen opposite each other, where, as it were, two cross-sections(AA) are taken on opposite sides of the perimeter of the outer ring(2). The outer ring(2) comprises, as shown in figures 2 and 3, a base(4) which comprises a base surface(41) that extends mainly along a width direction(B)15, and a lower surface(42) on the opposite side of the base surface(41). The U-shaped profile further comprises a first side wall(5a) andsecond sidewall(5b) extending from the base(4), where the sidewalls (5a,5b) encompassing mutually oriented inner surfaces(51) that extend from the base surface(41) mainly in a height direction(H), perpendicular to the width direction(B), and also encompassing each outer surface(52) on the opposite side of the mutually oriented inner surfaces(51). According to the principle of the invention, the first sidewall(5a) and the second sidewall(5b) have, over at least part of the perimeter of the outer ring(2), viewed in cross-section(AA), a different height(H1,H2) with respect to the base surface(41). In fact, as can be seen in Figure 4, two sidewalls (5a,5b) have, viewed over the entire perimeter of the outer ring(2) in cross-section(AA), a different height(H1,H2) with respect to the base surface(41). BE2024 / 5878 12 The base surface(41) and the mutually oriented inner surfaces(51) of the sidewalls(5a,5b) bound, viewed over the entire perimeter of the outer ring(2), athe pickup space for the inner ring(3), as shown in Figure 3. This pickup space is further bounded by two ring passages(8,9). Because the side walls(5a,5b) have different heights(H1,H2), a larger ring passage(9) and a smaller ring passage(8) will be created. The inner ring(3) can therefore easily be placed in the pickup space through the larger ring passage(9). The pickup space has a first width(L1) at the base surface(41), and a second width(L2) at the furthest end edge(7) of the side wall(5a) with the shortest height(H1,H2). The second width(L2) is, as can be seen in Figure 2, smaller than the first width(L1). Furthermore, the base(4) in cross-section(AA) contains a width(D) equal to 3 mm. As can be seen in Figure 2, each sidewall(5a,5b) contains a first width(C1) at the base(4), and at the farthest from the base(4) end edge(7) of the sidewall(5a,5b) a second width(C2), where the second width(C2) of the sidewall(5a,5b) is 50%15 of the first width(C1) of the sidewall(5).The one-piece outer ring(2) and the one-piece inner ring(3), which can be seen in figure 5, have a circular perimeter, where the rings(2,3) are, as it were, elements with cylindrical walls that enclose a mainly circular passage(8,9). Of course, in alternative forms not shown, there are also alternative elements possible with one or more walls that enclose a passage that is mainly elliptical or oval or have the shape of a rectangle, square or polygon, or any other closed figure. The inner ring(3) can be made of any material, the choice of material being determined based on the application area and the operating conditions (pressure, temperature, ...) to which the gasket will be exposed. The forming dimensions of the inner ring(3) are preferably determined such that the inner ring(3), with or without clearance, complements the forming dimensions of the outer ring(2), both with regard to the inner ring(3) itself and with regard to the dimensions of the mounting space. The inner ring(3) and outer ring(2)30 BE2024 / 5878 13can be manufactured from a very diverse range of materials, depending on the application of the gasket. This invention also allows for the easy installation of inner rings (3) that are difficult to deform, such as inner rings (3) made of ceramic fiber or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), in contrast to the more flexible inner rings (3), such as rubber and NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber). Preferably, the outer ring (2) is made of a metal or a metal alloy, such as brass or stainless steel or the like. Alternatively, the outer ring (2) can also be a plastic outer ring (2). In figures 6 to 9, different designs of outer rings(2) of gaskets according to the invention can be seen in cross-section. There is therefore much variation10 possible in the different outer rings(2) according to the invention. As can be clearly seen in figure 7, the base surface(41) transitions via a chamfer or rounding into the facing inner surface(51) ​​of a side wall(5a,5b). In addition, figures 6-9 also show that the bottom surface(42) of the base(4)transitions into an outer surface via a bevel or rounding (52). Figures 815 and 9 show, for example, a bevel where