A spring-loaded self-tightening metal sealing ring and its preparation method

Abstract

This invention discloses a spring-loaded self-tightening metal sealing ring and its manufacturing method. The metal sealing ring includes a C-shaped metal ring body and an energy storage spring. The C-shaped metal ring body is a metal ring with a C-shaped groove in cross-section. The C-shaped metal ring body includes a skeleton metal layer and a soft metal layer. The soft metal layer wraps around the surface of the skeleton metal layer. An electrically insulating layer is provided on the surface of the C-shaped groove of the C-shaped metal ring body. Corresponding positive and negative conductive films are provided on the surface of the electrically insulating layer. The positive and negative conductive films constitute a flexible capacitive sensor. The energy storage spring is disposed in the C-shaped groove of the C-shaped metal ring body to compensate for the deformation of the C-shaped metal ring body. The surface of the energy storage spring is provided with a non-conductive layer. This patented sealing ring utilizes intelligent sensing technology, which can transmit the operating condition of the sealing ring in real time, thereby effectively avoiding sealing failure during service.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sealing ring technology, specifically to a spring-loaded self-tightening metal sealing ring and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Sealing technology is a key technology affecting equipment safety in engineering applications. With the development of science and technology, some equipment must adapt to extreme environments such as space, deep sea, and polar regions. However, traditional rubber sealing materials have certain limitations in their inherent properties; they are prone to aging at high temperatures and brittleness at low temperatures, failing to meet increasingly complex engineering requirements. Therefore, the independent development of high-performance seals for special working conditions has always been one of the important research topics in the field of sealing and leakage prevention.

[0003] Metal sealing rings, with their wide operating temperature range, corrosion resistance, and high strength, can adapt to harsh engineering environments and are increasingly used in the sealing field. Because they can perform compression, rebound, and damping energy dissipation under external loads, they can achieve sealing functionality in special engineering applications by adding an external C-shaped, rectangular, or O-shaped metal shell or rubber wrapping layer. The causes of failure in metal sealing ring systems were analyzed through experiments and finite element simulation. Based on the experimental and simulation data, a reliability function for the seal was calculated, and this function was used to predict the service life of the metal-rubber seal.

[0004] Currently, when metal sealing rings are in operation, it is impossible to directly observe the lubrication of the sealing interface or the microscopic state within the sealing gap. Therefore, there is insufficient basis for judging the replacement of seals, and it is impossible to quantitatively evaluate the sealing performance and reliability of seals in a timely manner.

[0005] Currently, the replacement criteria for most seals are based on whether the seal has reached its preset lifespan. Furthermore, seals can only be inspected and replaced by stopping work and disassembling the equipment, which significantly increases time and cost. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a spring-loaded self-tightening metal sealing ring that can transmit the working condition information of the metal sealing ring in a timely manner, laying the foundation for timely quantitative evaluation of the sealing performance and reliability of the sealing component.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A spring-loaded self-tightening metal sealing ring includes a C-shaped metal ring body and an energy storage spring. The C-shaped metal ring body is a metal ring with a C-shaped groove in cross-section. The C-shaped metal ring body includes a skeleton metal layer and a soft metal layer. The soft metal layer wraps around the surface of the skeleton metal layer. An electrically insulating layer is provided on the surface of the C-shaped groove of the C-shaped metal ring body. Corresponding positive and negative conductive films are provided on the surface of the electrically insulating layer. The positive and negative conductive films constitute a flexible capacitive sensor. The energy storage spring is disposed in the C-shaped groove of the C-shaped metal ring body to compensate for the deformation of the C-shaped metal ring body. A non-conductive layer is provided on the surface of the energy storage spring.

[0009] Furthermore, one end of the positive conductive film and the negative conductive film are respectively coated with an adhesive layer, which is used to bond the data line electrically connected to the positive conductive film and the negative conductive film.

[0010] Furthermore, the energy storage spring is a cylindrical helical spring.

[0011] Furthermore, the material of the skeleton metal layer is copper, low-carbon steel, stainless steel, tantalum, zirconium, or titanium.

[0012] Furthermore, the material of the soft metal layer is silver, aluminum, nickel, gold, or indium.

[0013] Furthermore, both the electrically insulating layer and the non-conductive layer are made of polyimide polymer material.

[0014] Furthermore, the materials of the positive electrode conductive film and the negative electrode conductive film are copper.

[0015] Furthermore, the thickness of the electrical insulating layer is 12μm-50μm.

[0016] Furthermore, the thickness of both the positive and negative conductive films is 12μm-35μm.

[0017] A method for preparing a spring-loaded self-tightening metal sealing ring involves mounting an energy storage spring on a spin coater, using the spin coater to spin-coat polyimide polymer material onto the surface of the energy storage spring to obtain a non-conductive layer. The thickness of the non-conductive layer is controlled by adjusting the spin coater speed and the number of spin coats. Next, a C-shaped metal ring is mounted on the spin coater, and the polyimide polymer material is spin-coated onto the surface of the C-shaped groove to obtain an electrically insulating layer. The thickness of the electrically insulating layer is controlled by adjusting the spin coater speed and the number of spin coats. After the electrically insulating layer cures, Cu is sputtered onto the surface of the electrically insulating layer using magnetron sputtering technology to obtain a positive conductive film and a negative conductive film. A data cable is then electrically connected to the positive and negative conductive films respectively, and an adhesive layer is applied to fix the data cable. Finally, the energy storage spring with the non-conductive layer is installed into the C-shaped groove of the C-shaped metal ring.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0019] This patent improves the spring-loaded self-tightening metal sealing ring by incorporating intelligent sensing technology within it. This technology transmits the operating conditions of the spring-loaded self-tightening metal sealing ring in real time, which can be used as a basis for evaluating the replacement of the seal. This lays the foundation for timely and accurate quantitative evaluation of the sealing performance and reliability of the seal, enabling early detection and resolution of problems and effectively preventing seal failure during service. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the embodiments in the drawings do not constitute any limitation on the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the following drawings without creative effort:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional view shown is along line A-A.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. C-shaped metal ring; 2. Energy storage spring; 3. C-shaped groove; 4. Skeleton metal layer; 5. Soft metal layer; 6. Electrically insulating layer; 7. Positive conductive film; 8. Negative conductive film; 9. Adhesive layer; 10. Data cable. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper surface," "lower surface," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "forward," "reverse," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0026] like Figure 1 , 2As shown, a spring-loaded self-tightening metal sealing ring includes a C-shaped metal ring body 1 and an energy-storing spring 2, the energy-storing spring 2 being a cylindrical helical spring; the C-shaped metal ring body 1 is a metal ring with a C-shaped groove 3 in cross-section, the C-shaped metal ring body 1 including a skeleton metal layer 4 and a soft metal layer 5, the soft metal layer 5 wrapping the surface of the skeleton metal layer 4, the skeleton metal layer 4 being made of stainless steel 718, and the soft metal layer 5 being made of silver. An electrical insulating layer 6 is provided on the surface of the C-shaped groove 3 of the C-shaped metal ring body 1, the electrical insulating layer 6 being made of polyimide polymer material with a thickness of 12μm-50μm.

[0027] The surface of the electrical insulating layer 6 is provided with corresponding positive conductive film 7 and negative conductive film 8. The positive conductive film 7 and negative conductive film 8 are made of copper material and have a thickness of 12μm-35μm.

[0028] One end of the positive conductive film 7 and the negative conductive film 8 are coated with an adhesive layer 9. The adhesive layer 9 is used to bond the data line 10 that is electrically connected to the positive conductive film and the negative conductive film. The positive conductive film 7 and the negative conductive film 8 constitute a flexible capacitive sensor. The energy storage spring 2 is disposed in the C-shaped groove of the C-shaped metal ring 1 to compensate for the deformation of the C-shaped metal ring. The surface of the energy storage spring 2 is provided with a non-conductive layer.

[0029] A method for preparing a spring-loaded self-tightening metal sealing ring involves mounting an energy storage spring 2 on a spin coater, using the spin coater to spin-coat polyimide polymer material onto the surface of the energy storage spring to obtain a non-conductive layer. The thickness of the non-conductive layer is controlled by controlling the spin coater's rotation speed and the number of spin coats. Next, a C-shaped metal ring 1 is mounted on the spin coater, using the spin coater to spin-coat polyimide polymer material onto the surface of the C-shaped groove to obtain an electrically insulating layer 6. The thickness of the electrically insulating layer 6 is controlled by controlling the spin coater's rotation speed and the number of spin coats. After the electrically insulating layer 6 cures, Cu is sputtered onto the surface of the electrically insulating layer using magnetron sputtering technology to obtain a positive conductive film 7 and a negative conductive film 8. A data cable 10 is then electrically connected to the positive conductive film 7 and the negative conductive film 8, respectively. An adhesive layer 9 is then applied to fix the data cable 10. Finally, the energy storage spring 2 with the non-conductive layer is installed into the C-shaped groove 3 on the C-shaped metal ring.

[0030] Working principle: In large-scale equipment operating in harsh environments such as deep space, deep sea, and deep earth, the seals cannot be easily disassembled and replaced due to reasons such as inaccessibility for construction personnel, limited construction space, and high maintenance costs. Typically, the failure modes of the sealing system caused by friction and wear exhibit transient information.

[0031] The positive conductive film 7 and the negative conductive film 8 in the spring-tightening metal sealing ring of this patent constitute a flexible capacitive sensor.

[0032] The capacitance is expressed by equation (1) as C = ε0ε r A / d (1)

[0033] Where: ε0, ε r These represent the relative permittivity of vacuum and the dielectric layer, respectively; A is the overlapping area of ​​the upper and lower plates, in meters. 2 d is the vertical distance between the two plates, in meters.

[0034] Compared to ordinary parallel-plate capacitors, the capacitance change of C-type sealed ring sensors is mainly achieved by dynamically altering the dielectric layer parameters, including jointly changing the parameters d and A. Considering these effects, the vertical distance d between the plates and the overlapping area of ​​the upper and lower plates in the dielectric layer with the C-type ring structure are easily changed under unit pressure, even with small pressure.

[0035] When the C-groove of the metal sealing ring deforms, the electrode spacing d and the overlapping area A of the upper and lower electrodes will change. This change information is transmitted outward, and the monitoring host uses this information to provide the possibility of early fault diagnosis for complex equipment. This enables problems to be detected and resolved early, and can effectively avoid sealing failure during service.

[0036] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described herein, as well as the features of those embodiments or examples, without contradiction. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A spring energized metal seal ring characterized by: The application relates to a flexible capacitive sensor, which comprises a C-shaped metal ring body and an energy storage spring, the C-shaped metal ring body is a metal ring with a C-shaped groove, the C-shaped metal ring body comprises a skeleton metal layer and a soft metal layer, the soft metal layer is wrapped on the surface of the skeleton metal layer, the surface in the C-shaped groove of the C-shaped metal ring body is provided with an electrically-insulating layer, the surface of the electrically-insulating layer is provided with corresponding positive and negative conductive films, the positive and negative conductive films constitute the flexible capacitive sensor, the energy storage spring is arranged in the C-shaped groove of the C-shaped metal ring body to compensate the deformation of the C-shaped metal ring body, and the surface of the energy storage spring is provided with a non-conductive layer. One end of the positive and negative conductive films is respectively coated with an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is used for bonding a data line electrically connected with the positive and negative conductive films. The energy storage spring is a cylindrical spiral spring. The thickness of the electrically-insulating layer is 12-50 mu m, and the thickness of the positive and negative conductive films is 12-35 mu m.

2. The spring self-energizing metal seal ring of claim 1, wherein: The material of the skeleton metal layer is copper, low-carbon steel, stainless steel, tantalum, zirconium or titanium.

3. The spring self-energizing metal seal ring of claim 1, wherein: The material of the soft metal layer is silver, aluminum, nickel, gold or indium.

4. The spring self-energizing metal seal ring of claim 1, wherein: The electrically-insulating layer and the non-conductive layer are both made of a polyimide polymer material.

5. The spring self-energizing metal seal ring of claim 1, wherein: The material of the positive and negative conductive films is copper.

6. The method of claim 1-5, wherein: The energy storage spring is installed on a spin coater, the polyimide polymer material is spin coated on the surface of the energy storage spring by using the spin coater to prepare the non-conductive layer, the thickness of the non-conductive layer is controlled by controlling the rotating speed and the spin coating times; the C-shaped metal ring body is installed on the spin coater, the polyimide polymer material is spin coated on the surface in the C-shaped groove by using the spin coater to prepare the electrically-insulating layer, the thickness of the electrically-insulating layer is controlled by controlling the rotating speed and the spin coating times, Cu is sputtered on the surface of the electrically-insulating layer by using a magnetron sputtering technology after the electrically-insulating layer is solidified, the positive and negative conductive films are prepared, the data line is electrically connected with the positive and negative conductive films respectively, and the data line is fixed by coating the adhesive layer; the energy storage spring with the non-conductive layer is installed in the C-shaped groove of the C-shaped metal ring body.

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