A seal, a seal assembly comprising the same, and a seal valve

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of seal, the sealing assembly and sealing valve comprising it, seal is formed into the flat shape of the size of x direction and y direction is greater than z direction size, including expansion bag, expansion bag constitutes at least the peripheral portion of the flat shape of seal, including bag wall and the sealing cavity surrounded by bag wall, sealing cavity can be filled or flow out fluid medium, expansion bag can be filled with fluid medium when, along with the increase of the amount of fluid medium filling, it has the maximum expansion amount along the normal direction perpendicular to circumferential direction.It can be filled / flowed out fluid medium by the operation of the sealing element, sealing assembly and sealing valve provided by the present application, expansion bag is expanded or shrunk, effectively seal or open the structure such as valve seat, valve body or pipeline etc. matched with the sealing surface of its circumferential direction, without forming seal by extrusion friction, thereby reducing the probability of friction damage of seal and valve seat, valve body or pipeline, and without high manufacturing precision.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the petrochemical field, in particular to a sealing element used in the petrochemical field, and further relates to a sealing assembly and a sealing valve comprising the same. Background Art

[0002] In industrial production processes such as chemical, oil refining, metallurgy and electric power, there are low-pressure medium pipelines such as flue gas ducts and ventilation ducts. These pipelines are used to input or discharge low-pressure media such as high-temperature flue gas and air to cooperate with the production process.

[0003] To open and close these pipelines, high-temperature metal sealing devices are often installed within the pipelines. Many of these devices compress the valve seat ring through the sealing surface of the valve disc, generating an elastic force on the valve seat to achieve a certain sealing pressure ratio to ensure the valve seal. Consequently, high precision is required for the sealing surfaces of the valve and valve seat, making manufacturing complex and costly. Otherwise, guaranteed sealing performance is difficult to achieve. Furthermore, in existing technologies, the valve disc repeatedly rubs against the valve seat sealing surface during the continuous closing process, causing mechanical wear and deterioration in the sealing performance between the two sealing surfaces.

[0004] Therefore, an improved sealing device is needed to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the deficiencies in the prior art by providing a sealing element, a sealing assembly comprising the same, and a sealing valve.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seal, which is formed into a flat shape with dimensions in the x-direction and the y-direction being greater than the dimension in the z-direction, and includes an expansion bladder, which constitutes at least the peripheral portion of the flat shape of the seal, and includes a bladder wall and a sealing cavity surrounded by the bladder wall, the sealing cavity being capable of being filled with or out of a fluid medium, and the expansion bladder being capable of, when filled with the fluid medium, having a maximum expansion amount along a normal direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction as the amount of the fluid medium filled increases.

[0007] Preferably, the side wall of the bladder wall in the xy plane generally comprises a reinforcement structure for limiting expansion of the bladder along the z direction when the bladder is filled with fluid medium.

[0008] Preferably, the reinforcement structure is a corrugated structure, a folded structure, a thickened structure or a wave structure of the side wall itself.

[0009] Preferably, the sealing member further comprises a flat plate disposed on an outer side of at least one of the two side walls of the expansion bladder generally in the xy plane.

[0010] Preferably, the expansion bladder is an annular structure, and the sealing member further includes a central support member passing through the central hole of the annular structure of the expansion bladder, and parallel flat plates connected to the central support member and arranged on the outside of the two side walls of the expansion bladder in the overall xy plane, and the expansion bladder is arranged in the gap between the parallel flat plates.

[0011] Preferably, an elastic structure connecting the two side walls is provided in the sealed cavity of the expansion bladder and between the side walls in the overall xy plane, for limiting the expansion of the expansion bladder along the z direction when the fluid medium is filled and for causing the expansion bladder to retract when the fluid medium flows out.

[0012] Preferably, the sealing member comprises a central support plate, and the expansion bladder is arranged at a periphery of the central support plate.

[0013] Preferably, the cross-section of the expansion bladder taken along the xz plane or the yz plane is elliptical, and the major axis of the ellipse is consistent with the circumferential direction.

[0014] Preferably, the cross section of the expansion bladder taken along the xz plane or the yz plane is in a corrugated or wavy shape.

[0015] Preferably, an elastic member connected to the circumferential wall of the expansion bladder is provided inside the sealed cavity of the expansion bladder for causing the expansion bladder to retract when the fluid medium flows out, and the strength of the elastic member is smaller than that of the elastic structure.

[0016] Preferably, the sealing member is made of an elastic material or a metal foil.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a sealing assembly is provided, comprising a drive rod and a sealing member as described above, wherein the sealing member is connected to the drive rod in the middle of at least one side in the xy plane and is driven to rotate or translate by the drive rod, and a hollow channel is provided in the drive rod for providing a fluid medium channel that is fluid-sealed and connected to the expansion bladder.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a sealing valve is provided, comprising a valve body, a driving actuator and a sealing assembly as described above, wherein the sealing assembly is arranged inside the valve body, and the driving rod of the sealing assembly can rotate or translate the sealing member under the drive of the driving actuator so that the sealing member reaches a position where the periphery is pressed and fitted with the inner wall of the valve body or leaves the position where the periphery is pressed and fitted with the inner wall of the valve body.

[0019] Preferably, the valve body also includes a valve seat, which is arranged on the inner wall of the valve body. The driving rod of the sealing assembly can rotate or translate the sealing member under the drive of the driving actuator so that it reaches a position where the periphery is tightly fitted with the valve seat or leaves the position where the periphery is tightly fitted with the valve seat.

[0020] Preferably, after the sealing assembly moves to the position in cooperation with the valve seat, the fluid medium filling and discharging device increases the amount of fluid medium filled in until the expansion bag expands and presses the valve seat in a normal direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction to achieve sealing. Before the sealing assembly is about to leave the position in cooperation with the valve seat, the fluid medium filling and discharging device releases or extracts the fluid medium.

[0021] According to the seal, sealing assembly and sealing valve provided by the present invention, the expansion bladder can be expanded or contracted by filling / discharging a fluid medium. Since the expansion bladder has a maximum expansion amount along the normal direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, it can effectively seal or open structures such as a valve seat, valve body or pipeline that cooperate with its sealing surface in the circumferential direction, without the need to form a seal through extrusion and friction, thereby reducing the probability of friction damage between the seal and the valve seat, valve body or pipeline, and does not require high manufacturing precision. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the following drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 is a side sectional view of a first embodiment of a seal according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is a front view of a first embodiment of a seal according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 is a front view of a second embodiment of a seal according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 is a side sectional view of a third embodiment of a seal according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 is a side sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a seal according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the expansion bladder of the embodiment shown in FIG;

[0029] Figure 7 is a side sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a seal according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 is a side sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a seal according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 9 is a side sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a seal according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 10is a side sectional view of an eighth embodiment of a seal according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a sealing assembly according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a sealing assembly according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a sealing assembly according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a sealing assembly according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a sealing valve according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A front view of the sealing valve shown in ;

[0039] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a sealing valve according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a sealing valve according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a sealing valve according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 20 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of a sealing valve according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for the purpose of explaining the relevant invention and are not intended to limit the invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only portions relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0044] In the present invention, terms such as "x," "y," "z," "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "center," "longitudinal," and "peripheral" indicate positions or locations based on those shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily intended to better describe the present invention and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the devices, components, or parts indicated to having a specific orientation, or to being constructed or operated in a specific orientation.

[0045] The main principle of the present invention is to improve the valve plate of the prior art into a flat seal including an expansion bag that can be filled with and released with fluid and extend and retract toward the periphery, so that the sealing surface of the valve plate composed of the expansion bag and the sealing surface mating therewith do not need precise matching to provide a sealing pressure ratio. Instead, the expansion bag of the valve plate is filled with fluid to expand and extend toward the periphery, thereby applying pressure to the sealing surface mating therewith to achieve sealing. The fluid in the expansion bag is released to retract the expansion bag and release the seal, thereby reducing the manufacturing precision requirements of the mating sealing surfaces and avoiding the wear caused by the extrusion of the valve plate and the mating sealing surface before the seal is formed in the prior art.

[0046] Because the present invention is primarily used in high-temperature environments in the chemical industry, the seal must be made of a heat-resistant material that can expand, stretch, and retract with the filling fluid, such as spring steel and highly elastic alloys. Therefore, the seal, sealing assembly, and sealing valve incorporating the seal according to the present invention require specialized structures. However, if high temperatures are not a concern, the seal according to the present invention can also be made of non-metallic superelastic materials, such as rubber or organic polymer materials.

[0047] The following describes in detail embodiments of a seal, a seal assembly, and a sealing valve according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments, identical or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals. To distinguish them from one another, in the embodiments of the seal, the first digit to the left increases by 1 as the embodiment progresses. In the embodiments of the seal assembly, the reference numerals for the seal are consistent with the corresponding embodiments of the seal, and the first digit to the left of the reference numerals for the other components increases by 1 as the embodiment progresses. In the embodiments of the sealing valve, the reference numerals for the seal assembly are consistent with the corresponding embodiments of the seal assembly, and the first digit to the left of the reference numerals for the other components increases by 1 as the embodiment progresses.

[0048] Figure 1 is a side sectional view of a first embodiment of a seal according to the present invention, Figure 2 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a seal according to the present invention. Figures 1 to 2 The seal is generally designated 100 and is a flat, circular shape with dimensions in the x- and y-directions being greater than the dimension in the z-direction. Seal 100 includes an expansion bladder 1001, which includes a bladder wall 1001a and a sealed cavity 1001b enclosed by the bladder wall 1001a. The sealed cavity 1001b can be filled with or discharged from a fluid medium.

[0049] In this embodiment, expansion bladder 1001 constitutes the main body of seal 100, with left and right sidewalls generally oriented in the xy plane. The right sidewall includes a support plate 1002, which is securely and securely connected to expansion bladder 1001. A fluid hose for injecting or withdrawing fluid can pass through support plate 1002 to establish fluid communication with expansion bladder 1001. Elastic ribs 1001d are also disposed within sealing cavity 1001b. When expansion bladder 1001 is filled with fluid, as the amount of fluid injected increases, its expansion in the z-direction is limited by elastic ribs 1001d and support plate 1002, thereby achieving maximum expansion along the normal direction of its outer circumference.

[0050] In this embodiment, the sealing surface of the seal 100 is a circumferential surface parallel to the z-direction, and the sealing surface that cooperates with the seal 100 is concentrically arranged with the circumferential surface of the seal 100. When the fluid medium is filled, due to the restriction of the elastic rib 1001d and the support plate 1002, the circumferential surface of the seal 100 expands radially outward to the maximum extent. Therefore, as the amount of fluid medium filled gradually increases, the pressure against the sealing surface that cooperates with it can gradually increase. After reaching a sufficient sealing pressure ratio, sealing is achieved. When the fluid medium is allowed to flow out, released or evacuated, as the seal 100 contracts, the circumferential surface retracts, the volume of the seal 100 decreases, the circumferential surface and the sealing surface that cooperate with it are disengaged, and the seal is released. It can be seen that before the circumferential surface of the seal 100 is sealed and released, it eliminates the movement and extrusion of the sealing surface that cooperates with it, reduces the wear caused by mutual movement and extrusion, and does not require the formation of a precise surface fit. The fluid medium filled into or released from the expansion bag can be gas, such as air, or liquid.

[0051] Figure 3 2 is a front view of a second embodiment of a seal according to the present invention, showing a seal 200 and an expansion bladder 2001. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the expansion bladder 2001 is rectangular in shape.

[0052] The shape of the front view of the seal of the present invention is not limited to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The shape shown in the figure can be set to other shapes as needed, such as an ellipse.

[0053] Figure 4The figure is a side view of a third embodiment of a seal according to the present invention. The seal is generally designated 300 and is flat, with its dimensions in the x- and y-directions being greater than its dimension in the z-direction. Seal 300 includes an expansion bladder 3001 and a support plate 3002 fixedly connected to expansion bladder 3001. A fluid hose for filling or draining a fluid medium can pass through support plate 3002 and be in fluid communication with expansion bladder 3001. Expansion bladder 3001 includes a bladder wall 3001a and a sealed cavity 3001b enclosed by bladder wall 3001a. Sealed cavity 3001b can be filled with or drained by a fluid medium.

[0054] In this embodiment, the expansion bladder 3001 constitutes the main body of the seal 100. The left side wall of the bladder wall 3001a, which lies substantially within the xy plane and is generally parallel to the xy plane, includes a thickened portion 3001c, and the right side wall is fixedly connected to the support plate 3002. Due to the arrangement of the thickened portion 3001c and the support plate 3002, when the expansion bladder 3001 is filled with fluid, as the amount of fluid increases, the expansion of the expansion bladder 3001 in the z-direction is limited by the thickened portion 3001c and the support plate 3002. As a result, the expansion of the expansion bladder 3001 in the normal direction of the outer peripheral surface, which is generally parallel to the z-direction, reaches its maximum outward expansion.

[0055] This embodiment is not limited to the specific structure shown in the figure. The support plate 3002 can be replaced by the thickened structure 3001c, and the thickened structure 3001c can also be replaced by the support plate 3002. As long as the structure can limit the expansion of the expansion bladder 100 along the z direction, it is suitable for the sealing bladder structure of the present invention.

[0056] Figures 1 to 4 The expansion bladder in the two embodiments shown in the figure is formed as an integral expansion bladder. When the strength meets the requirements, the expansion bladder itself can form a seal, with the outer peripheral surface serving as the sealing surface to form a seal with the sealing surface that cooperates with it.

[0057] The expansion bladder according to the present invention can also be formed into an annular shape, constituting only the peripheral portion of the seal, as shown below. Figures 5 to 10 An embodiment in which the expansion bladder is annular in shape will be described.

[0058] Figure 5 FIG is a side sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a seal according to the present invention. Figure 5As shown, seal 400 includes a central support plate 4004 and an expansion bladder 4001 disposed around the periphery of central support plate 4004. Expansion bladder 4001 is configured as an annular structure. The periphery of central support plate 4004 has end portions having a certain width to facilitate mounting of expansion bladder 4001 thereon. Central support plate 4004 is configured to have a hollow cavity 4005. Hollow cavity 4005 is capable of accommodating a fluid medium hose in fluid communication with expansion bladder 4001. The fluid medium hose can be connected to expansion bladder 4001 through a fluid medium hose passage 4006 shown in the figure.

[0059] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the expansion bladder of the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 6 As can be seen in FIG, the cross section of the expansion bladder 4001 is in the shape of an oblate ellipse, and is connected to the central support plate 4004 (see FIG. Figure 5 ), including a capsule wall 4001a and a sealed cavity 4001b surrounded by the capsule wall 4001a.

[0060] Due to the flat elliptical cross-section of the expansion bladder 4001, when the wall thickness of the expansion bladder 4001 is uniform, when the fluid medium is filled into the sealed cavity 4001b, the expansion amount of the expansion bladder 4001 along the short axis direction, that is, the y-axis direction in the figure, is greater than the expansion amount of the expansion bladder 4001 along the long axis direction, that is, the z-axis direction in the figure. In other words, the expansion bladder 4001 has the maximum expansion amount in the y-axis direction, which can be obtained through the force analysis of the elliptical cross-section.

[0061] The cross section of the expansion bladder 4001 is not limited to the oblate elliptical shape shown in the figure, and can be a non-circular shape with an aspect ratio greater than 1.5, such as an oblong shape.

[0062] Figure 7 2 is a cross-sectional view of an expansion bladder of a fifth embodiment of a seal according to the present invention. The seal of the fifth embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment and includes a central support plate and an expansion bladder disposed around the central support plate. The expansion bladder is configured as an annular structure.

[0063] Figure 7 Only a cross-sectional view of the expansion bladder is shown. Figure 7As can be seen in the figure, the expansion bladder 5001 has a flat elliptical cross-section and includes a bladder wall 5001a and a sealed cavity 5001b surrounded by the bladder wall 5001a. The sealed cavity 5001b is further provided with an arcuate support plate 5001d connected to the bladder wall 5001a of the expansion bladder 5001 along its major axis, i.e., the z-axis in the figure. The arcuate support plate 5001d is elastic and bendable. Therefore, when the fluid medium is filled into the sealed cavity 5001b, the expansion bladder 5001 has a maximum expansion along its minor axis, i.e., the y-axis in the figure, due to its elliptical cross-section. The arcuate support plate 5001d is therefore more flexible and bends due to its limited expansion along its major axis, i.e., the z-axis in the figure. When the fluid medium in the expansion bladder 5001 flows out, the curvature of the arc-shaped support plate 5001d is restored, so that the expansion bladder 5001 stretches along the long axis direction, that is, the z-axis direction in the figure, and promotes the expansion bladder 5001 to retract.

[0064] The arc-shaped support plate 5001d can be a whole plate or multiple plates.

[0065] Figure 8 1 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of a seal according to the present invention. The seal of the sixth embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment, and comprises a central support plate and an expansion bladder arranged around the central support plate, the expansion bladder being an annular structure.

[0066] Figure 8 Only a cross-sectional view of the expansion bladder is shown. The bladder is generally designated 6001 in the figure and includes a bladder sidewall 6001a, a bladder bottom wall 6001f, a sealing surface 6001g, and a sealed cavity 6001b enclosed by the bladder sidewall 6001a, the bladder bottom wall 6001f, and the sealing surface 6001g. The sealed cavity 6001b can be filled with or discharged from the sealed cavity 6001b. The bladder sidewall 6001a is formed in a corrugated shape, which acts as a reinforcement structure, enhancing the strength of the bladder sidewall 6001a. As the amount of fluid increases, the expansion of the bladder sidewall 6001a is limited, resulting in maximum expansion in the normal direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, i.e., the normal direction to the sealing surface 6001g, or the y-direction shown in the figure.

[0067] When made of a high-temperature resistant material for high-temperature application, the high-temperature resistant material has relatively poor resilience. To promote the retraction of the expansion bladder 6001 when the fluid medium in the expansion bladder 6001 flows out, an elastic member 6001e may be disposed within the sealing cavity 6001b along the y-direction in the figure. This allows the sealing surface 6001g and the bladder sidewall 6001a of the expansion bladder 6001 to retract under the resilient force of the elastic member 6001e. The elastic member 6001e is not required, and its elastic modulus should not restrict the expansion of the expansion bladder 6001 along the y-direction.

[0068] The expansion bladder structure in the sixth embodiment has a large elastic displacement and the ability to restore to its original shape after pressure relief.

[0069] Figure 9 1 is a side view of a seventh embodiment of a seal according to the present invention. The seal of the seventh embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment, and includes a central support plate and an expansion bladder arranged around the central support plate, the expansion bladder being annular in structure.

[0070] Figure 9 Only a cross-sectional view of the expansion bladder is shown. The bladder is generally designated 7001 in the figure and includes a bladder sidewall 7001a, a bladder bottom wall 7001f, a sealing surface 7001g, and a sealed cavity 7001b enclosed by the bladder sidewall 7001a, the bladder bottom wall 7001f, and the sealing surface 7001g. A fluid medium can be introduced into or out of the sealed cavity 7001b. The bladder sidewall 7001a is formed in a corrugated shape, which acts as a reinforcement structure, enhancing the strength of the bladder sidewall 7001a. As the amount of fluid increases, the expansion of the bladder sidewall 7001a is limited, resulting in maximum expansion in the normal direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, i.e., the normal direction to the sealing surface 7001g, or the y-direction shown in the figure.

[0071] The overall structure of expansion bladder 7001 is similar to that of expansion bladder 6001, except that expansion bladder 7001 is provided with a curved support plate 7001d parallel to the z-axis. This curved support plate 7001d is elastic and bendable. When fluid is introduced into sealed cavity 7001b, the corrugated sidewalls 7001a of expansion bladder 7001 limit its expansion along the z-axis, allowing it to expand to its maximum extent along the y-axis. At this point, curved support plate 7001d exhibits a certain curvature. When the fluid in expansion bladder 7001 flows out, the curvature of curved support plate 7001d is restored, causing sidewalls 7001a of expansion bladder 7001 to expand along the z-axis and promote its retraction along the y-axis.

[0072] In order to promote the retraction of the expansion bladder 7001, both the elastic member and the arc-shaped support plate 7001d can be set in the sealing cavity 7001d. The elastic member and the arc-shaped support plate 7001d can simultaneously promote the retraction of the expansion bladder 7001 along the y direction.

[0073] The expansion bladder structure in the seventh embodiment has a large elastic displacement and the ability to restore to its original shape after pressure relief.

[0074] Figure 10FIG3 is a side cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of a seal according to the present invention. The seal, generally designated 800, includes an annular expansion bladder 8001, a central support member 8003 extending through a central hole of the annular structure of the expansion bladder, and clamping plates 8002 connected to central support member 8003 and disposed outside two sidewalls of the expansion bladder 8001 generally along the xy plane. The expansion bladder 8001 is disposed within a gap between clamping plates 8002. A fluid medium hose in fluid communication with the expansion bladder 8001 can pass through central support member 8003 and be connected to the expansion bladder 8001. When the expansion bladder 8001 is filled with fluid, clamping plates 8002 limit the amount of expansion of the expansion bladder 8001 along the z-direction shown in the figure, maximizing its expansion in the xy plane.

[0075] The present invention also provides a sealing assembly including the above-mentioned sealing member, which will be described below in conjunction with Figure 10 and Figure 11 The sealing assembly provided by the present invention is described.

[0076] Figure 11 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a sealing assembly according to the present invention. The sealing assembly provided by the present invention is generally indicated at 10. Sealing assembly 10 includes a drive rod 101 and a sealing member 100 disposed to the left of drive rod 101 in the figure. Sealing member 100 is connected to drive rod 101 at the center of a support plate 1002 that is substantially parallel to the xy plane. This sealing member 100 is the sealing member 100 of the first embodiment of the sealing member.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the driving rod 101 is pivoted around its own axis or moves along the axis, it drives the sealing member 100 to rotate, thereby sealing or releasing the sealing surface matched therewith.

[0078] The driving rod 101 may be configured to have a hollow channel 1010. In the case of the hollow channel 1010, a fluid medium hose 1011 in fluid-tight communication with the expansion bladder 1001 may be disposed in the hollow channel 1010. This minimizes the possibility that the fluid medium hose 1011 obstructs the movement of the sealing element 100 during its rotation or movement.

[0079] Figure 12 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a sealing assembly according to the present invention. The sealing assembly provided by the present invention is generally indicated at 20 and includes a drive rod 201 and sealing members 100 disposed on either side of the drive rod 201. Seal members 100 are connected to the drive rod 201 at the center of a support plate 1002 that is substantially parallel to the xy plane. These seal members 100 are the same as those described in the first embodiment of the sealing assembly.

[0080] The driving rod 201 may be configured to have a hollow channel 2010. In the case of the hollow channel 2010, a fluid medium hose 2011 in fluid communication with the expansion bladder 1001 may be disposed in the hollow channel 2010, thereby minimizing the possibility that the fluid medium hose 2011 obstructs the movement of the sealing member 100 during its rotation or movement.

[0081] In this embodiment, the driving rod 201 drives the sealing members 100 connected to the left and right sides thereof simultaneously. The sealing assembly 20 configured in this way can provide double sealing, thereby further improving the sealing reliability.

[0082] Figure 13 FIG3 illustrates a third embodiment of a sealing assembly according to the present invention. The sealing assembly provided by the present invention is generally indicated at 30 and includes a drive rod 301 and a sealing member 400 disposed to the left of the drive rod 301 in the figure. The sealing member 400 is connected to the drive rod 301 at the center of a central support plate 4004. This sealing member 400 is the sealing member 400 of the fourth embodiment of the sealing member.

[0083] The other parts are similar to those of the first embodiment of the sealing assembly according to the present invention and will not be described in detail.

[0084] Figure 14 A fourth embodiment of a sealing assembly according to the present invention is shown. The sealing assembly provided by the present invention is generally indicated at 40 and includes a drive rod 401 and a sealing member 800 disposed to the left of the drive rod 401 in the figure. The sealing member 800 is connected to the drive rod 401 at the center of a clamping plate 8002. This sealing member 800 is the sealing member 800 of the eighth embodiment of the sealing member.

[0085] The driving rod 401 may be provided with a hollow channel 4010 . In the case of the hollow channel 4010 , a fluid medium hose 4011 in fluid communication with the expansion bladder 8001 may be provided in the hollow channel 4010 and connected to the expansion bladder 4001 through the clamping plate 8002 .

[0086] The seal member in the seal assembly according to the present invention is not limited to Figures 11 to 14 As shown in , it can be the seal according to any embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0087] The following will refer to Figures 15 to 20 Describing the sealing valve according to the present invention, Figures 11 to 14 The sealing assembly shown is equivalent to the valve core of the sealing valve.

[0088] Figure 15 is a side view of a first embodiment of a sealing valve according to the present invention, Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The main view of the sealing valve when it is open is shown in . Also refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 In the figure, the sealing valve body is indicated by 1. The sealing valve 1 includes a valve body 11, a driving actuator 12 and the above-mentioned sealing assembly 10. The sealing assembly 10 is arranged inside the valve body 11. The driving rod 101 of the sealing assembly 10 passes through the mounting hole on the valve body 11 and is connected to the driving actuator 12. The sealing member 100 can be rotated under the drive of the driving actuator 12. When the sealing member 100 reaches the position of being pressed against the inner wall 110 of the valve body 11, the expansion bladder 1001 is filled with fluid medium to expand it, so that the sealing member 100 can achieve sealing of the valve body 11. When the seal needs to be released, the fluid medium in the expansion bladder 1001 flows out to cause it to shrink, thereby releasing the seal. Then, the sealing member 100 of the sealing assembly 10 can be driven by the driving actuator 12 to rotate a certain angle away from the position of being pressed against the valve body 11. The angle can be an angle greater than zero and less than or equal to 90 degrees, thereby opening the valve body 11. Figure 16 The seal 100 is shown in its maximum open position after being rotated 90 degrees.

[0089] It can be seen from the above description that during the sealing and unsealing process of the sealing valve 1, there is no relative friction movement between the sealing surface of the seal 100 and the inner wall 110 of the valve body 11 while being squeezed, thereby avoiding wear of the seal 100 and the inner wall 110, and at the same time, there is no need for manufacturing precision when forming a seal through squeezing movement.

[0090] In this embodiment, the driving actuator 12 is a rotary motor device, and such a sealing valve 1 may be, for example, a butterfly valve.

[0091] The expansion bladder 1001 is filled with or discharged with fluid medium through the fluid filling and discharging device 13 provided at the lower end of the driving rod 101 of the sealing assembly 100. The fluid filling and discharging device 13 is connected to one end of a fluid medium hose 1011 provided in the hollow channel 1010 of the driving rod 101, and the other end of the fluid medium hose 1011 is connected to the expansion bladder 1001. The fluid medium hose 1011 can be a metal hose, various rubber hoses, etc. The driving rod 101 can be a tubular metal component. The fluid filling and discharging device 13 can be various types of fluid pumps for pumping fluids, and can realize pressurization, pressure regulation, pressure maintenance, pressure relief and evacuation of the elastic expansion bladder as needed.

[0092] The sealing valve 1 further includes a sealing material 14 disposed between the driving rod 101 and the mounting hole on the valve body 11 , and a sealing gland 15 disposed on the fluid charging and discharging device 13 to ensure effective sealing and support of the driving rod 101 .

[0093] Figure 17FIG2 is a side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a sealing valve according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the sealing valve body is indicated at 2. The sealing valve 2 comprises a valve body 21, a drive actuator 22, a valve seat 24, and the aforementioned sealing assembly 10. The sealing assembly 10 is disposed within the valve body 21. A drive rod 101 of the sealing assembly 10 extends through a mounting hole in the valve body 21 and connects to the drive actuator 22. Driven by the drive actuator 22, the seal 100 is rotated. When the seal 100 reaches a pressed fit against the valve seat 24, an expansion bladder 1001 is filled with fluid to expand, thereby enabling the seal 100 to seal against the valve seat 24. To release the seal, the fluid in the expansion bladder 1001 flows out, causing it to deflate, thereby releasing the seal. The drive actuator 22 then drives the seal 100 of the sealing assembly 100 to rotate a predetermined angle, preferably greater than zero and less than or equal to 90 degrees, away from the pressed fit against the valve seat 24, thereby opening the valve body 21.

[0094] The expansion bladder 1001 is filled with or released with fluid via a fluid filling and discharging device 23 disposed at the lower end of the drive rod 101 of the sealing assembly 10. The fluid filling and discharging device 23 is connected to one end of a fluid medium hose 1011 disposed in the hollow passage 1010 of the drive rod 101, and the other end of the fluid medium hose 1011 is connected to the expansion bladder 1001.

[0095] The second embodiment of the sealing valve differs from the first embodiment only in that the sealing valve 2 further includes a valve seat 24, and the sealing member 100 cooperates with the valve seat 24 to open and close the sealing valve 2. The other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described in detail.

[0096] Figure 18 FIG3 is a side cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a sealing valve according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the sealing valve body is indicated at 3 and comprises a valve body 31, a drive actuator 32, a valve seat 34, and the aforementioned sealing assembly 20. The sealing assembly 20 is disposed within the valve body 31. The drive rod 201 of the sealing assembly 20 extends through a mounting hole in the valve body 31 and connects to the drive actuator 32. Driven by the drive actuator 32, the sealing assembly 100 is rotated. When the sealing assembly 100 reaches a pressed fit against the valve seat 34, the expansion bladder 1001 is filled with fluid to expand, thereby enabling the sealing assembly 100 to seal against the valve seat 34. To release the seal, the fluid in the expansion bladder 1001 flows out, causing it to deflate, thereby releasing the seal. The drive actuator 32 then drives the sealing assembly 20 to rotate a predetermined angle, preferably greater than zero and less than or equal to 90 degrees, away from the pressed fit against the valve seat 34, thereby opening the valve body 31.

[0097] The expansion bladder 1001 is filled with or released with fluid via a fluid charging and discharging device 33 disposed at the lower end of the drive rod 201 of the sealing assembly 20. The fluid charging and discharging device 33 is connected to one end of a fluid medium hose 2011 disposed in the hollow passage 2010 of the drive rod 201, and the other end of the fluid medium hose 2011 is connected to the expansion bladder 1001.

[0098] The third embodiment of the sealing valve of the present invention differs from the second embodiment only in that the sealing assembly 20 includes two sealing members 100 and the valve body 31 is provided with a valve seat 34 respectively cooperating with the two sealing members 100. The other structures are the same as those of the second embodiment and will not be described in detail.

[0099] Figure 19 FIG4 is a side cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a sealing valve according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the sealing valve body is indicated at 4. The sealing valve 4 comprises a valve body 41, a drive actuator 42, a valve seat 44, and the aforementioned sealing assembly 30. The sealing assembly 30 is disposed within the valve body 41. The drive rod 301 of the sealing assembly 30 extends through a mounting hole in the valve body 41 and connects to the drive actuator 42. Driven by the drive actuator 42, the sealing assembly 400 is rotated. When the sealing assembly 400 reaches a tight fit against the valve seat 44, an expansion bladder 4001 mounted around the support plate 4004 is filled with fluid to expand, thereby enabling the sealing assembly 400 to seal against the valve seat 44. To release the seal, the fluid in the expansion bladder 4001 flows out, causing it to deflate, thereby releasing the seal. The seal assembly 30 is then driven by the drive actuator 42 to rotate a predetermined angle, preferably greater than zero and less than or equal to 90 degrees, away from the tight fit against the valve seat 44, thereby opening the valve body 41.

[0100] The expansion bladder 4001 is filled with or released with fluid via a fluid filling and discharging device 43 disposed at the lower end of the drive rod 301 of the sealing assembly 30. The fluid filling and discharging device 43 is connected to one end of a fluid medium hose 3011 disposed in the hollow passage 3010 of the drive rod 301, and the other end of the fluid medium hose 3011 is connected to the expansion bladder 4001.

[0101] The fourth embodiment of the sealing valve of the present invention differs from the second embodiment only in the sealing assembly 30. The other structures are the same as those of the second embodiment and will not be described in detail.

[0102] Figure 20FIG4 is a side cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a sealing valve according to the present invention. The sealing valve body is indicated at 5 and includes a valve body 51, a drive actuator 52, a valve seat 54, and the aforementioned sealing assembly 40. The sealing assembly 40 is disposed within the valve body 51. The drive rod 401 of the sealing assembly 40 extends through a mounting hole in the valve body 51 and connects to the drive actuator 52. Driven by the drive actuator 52, the sealing assembly 800 is rotated. When the sealing assembly 800 reaches a pressed fit against the valve seat 54, the expansion bladder 7001, mounted between the clamping plates 8002, is filled with fluid to expand, thereby enabling the sealing assembly 800 to seal the valve seat 54. To release the seal, the fluid in the expansion bladder 8001 flows out, causing it to deflate, thereby releasing the seal. The drive actuator 52 can then drive the sealing assembly 40 out of its pressed fit against the valve seat 54, thereby opening the valve body 51.

[0103] The expansion bladder 8001 is filled with or released with fluid via a fluid filling and discharging device 53 disposed at the lower end of the drive rod 401 of the sealing assembly 40. The fluid filling and discharging device 53 is connected to one end of a fluid medium hose 4011 disposed in the hollow passage 4010 of the drive rod 401, and the other end of the fluid medium hose 4011 is connected to the expansion bladder 8001.

[0104] The fifth embodiment of the sealing valve of the present invention differs from the second embodiment only in the sealing assembly 40. The other structures are the same as those of the second embodiment and will not be described in detail.

[0105] Figures 15 to 20 The driving actuators of the sealing valves shown in the figures all drive the sealing components to rotate to realize the opening and closing of the sealing valves. The present invention is not limited to this. The driving actuators can also be realized as needed to drive the sealing components to translate to realize the opening and closing of the sealing valves. The sealing valves realized in this way can be, for example, gate valves, plate valves, etc.

[0106] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and an illustration of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention herein is not limited to the technical solutions formed by the specific combination of the above-mentioned technical features, but also encompasses other technical solutions formed by any combination of the above-mentioned technical features or their equivalents without departing from the inventive concept. For example, a technical solution formed by replacing the above-mentioned features with (but not limited to) technical features having similar functions disclosed in this application.

Claims

1. A seal, made of a high-temperature resistant material for use in high-temperature environments, having a flat shape with dimensions in the x- and y-directions being greater than the dimension in the z-direction, and comprising an expansion bladder. The expansion bladder forms at least a peripheral portion of the flat shape of the seal, and includes a bladder wall and a sealed cavity surrounded by the bladder wall. The sealed cavity can be filled with or discharged with a fluid medium. When the expansion bladder is filled with the fluid medium, as the amount of the fluid medium increases, the expansion bladder can have a maximum expansion in a normal direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction. in, An elastic structure connecting the inner surfaces of two side walls of the bladder wall, which are generally in the xy plane and face each other in the z direction, is provided in the sealed cavity of the bladder and is used to limit the expansion of the bladder in the z direction when the fluid medium is filled and to cause the bladder to retract when the fluid medium flows out. The elastic structure is a bendable arc-shaped support plate. When the expansion bladder is filled with the fluid medium, the degree of bending of the arc-shaped support plate increases, and when the fluid medium flows out, the degree of bending of the arc-shaped support plate decreases.

2. The seal according to claim 1, wherein The side wall of the bladder wall in the xy plane generally includes a reinforcement structure for limiting the expansion of the bladder along the z direction when the bladder is filled with a fluid medium.

3. The seal according to claim 2, wherein: The reinforcement structure is a corrugated structure or a thickened structure of the side wall itself.

4. The seal according to claim 1, wherein The seal also includes a flat plate disposed outside at least one of the two side walls of the expansion bladder generally in the xy plane.

5. The seal according to claim 4, wherein The expansion bladder is an annular structure, and the sealing member also includes a central support member passing through the central hole of the annular structure of the expansion bladder, and parallel flat plates connected to the central support member and arranged on the outside of the two side walls of the expansion bladder in the overall xy plane direction, and the expansion bladder is arranged in the gap between the parallel flat plates.

6. The seal according to claim 1, wherein The sealing member includes a central support plate, and the expansion bladder is arranged on a periphery of the central support plate.

7. The seal according to claim 6, wherein: The cross section of the expansion bladder taken along the xz plane or the yz plane is elliptical, and the major axis of the ellipse is consistent with the circumferential direction.

8. The seal according to claim 6, wherein: The cross section of the expansion bladder taken along the xz plane or the yz plane is in a corrugated shape.

9. The seal according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: An elastic member connected to the circumferential wall of the expansion bladder is provided inside the sealed cavity of the expansion bladder and is used to cause the expansion bladder to retract when the fluid medium flows out. The strength of the elastic member is smaller than that of the elastic structure.

10. The seal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The sealing member is made of elastic material or metal foil.

11. A sealing assembly comprising a drive rod and a seal according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the seal is connected to the drive rod in the middle of at least one side of the xy plane and is driven to rotate or translate by the drive rod, and a hollow channel is provided in the drive rod for providing a fluid medium channel that is fluid-sealed with the expansion bladder.

12. A sealing valve, comprising a valve body, a driving actuator and a sealing assembly according to claim 11, wherein the sealing assembly is arranged inside the valve body, and the driving rod of the sealing assembly can rotate or translate the sealing member under the drive of the driving actuator so that the sealing member reaches a position where the periphery is tightly fitted with the inner wall of the valve body or leaves the position where the periphery is tightly fitted with the inner wall of the valve body.

13. The sealing valve according to claim 12, wherein: The valve body also includes a valve seat, which is arranged on the inner wall of the valve body. The driving rod of the sealing assembly can rotate or translate the sealing member under the drive of the driving actuator so that the sealing member reaches a position where the periphery is tightly fitted with the valve seat or leaves the position where the sealing member is tightly fitted with the valve seat.

14. The sealing valve according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: After the sealing assembly moves to the position cooperating with the valve seat, the fluid medium charging and discharging device increases the amount of fluid medium charged until the expansion bag expands and presses the valve seat along the normal direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction to achieve sealing. Before the sealing assembly is about to leave the position cooperating with the valve seat, the fluid medium charging and discharging device releases or extracts the fluid medium.

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