Sealing member, sealing mechanism, valve and sealing method

Abstract

The present invention provides a sealing member that exhibits excellent sealing properties even at low temperatures and high pressures. The sealing member (100) has a first pressing portion (110) that presses one side portion in a gap by pressing from a lateral direction, a second pressing portion (120) that presses the other side portion in the gap by pressing from the lateral direction, and a portion (122) that causes deformation of the sealing member (100) that causes the sealing member (100) to flex in a direction toward the other side portion by pressing from the lateral direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to sealing components, sealing mechanisms, valves, and sealing methods. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, among valves used in high-pressure or high-temperature environments, trunnion-type ball valves were known. Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of an example of an existing trunnion-type valve. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the valve includes: a ball seat 82 for pressing a ball valve core disposed within the body 510 from the side; a retainer cap 63 that is forced towards the ball valve core by a spring 84; and a seal 500 for sealing the gap between the valve core 510 and the ball seat 82. Furthermore, the shape of the seal 500 when viewed from above (hereinafter also referred to as "planar shape") typically has an annular shape, such as a ring shape.

[0003] The seal 500 has parallel, straight inner peripheral wall surfaces 501 and 502, a tapered end face, and a conical end face in its cross-sectional shape. The end face includes a first tapered surface 503 on the inner peripheral wall surface 501 side, with the distance to the inner peripheral wall surface 501 gradually decreasing towards one end side; and a first inverted tapered surface 504 on the outer peripheral wall surface 502 side, with the distance to the outer peripheral wall surface 502 gradually decreasing towards one end side. The other end face includes a second tapered surface 505 on the other end side, with the distance to the outer peripheral wall surface 502 gradually decreasing towards the other end side (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 182066 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] The aforementioned sealing components exhibit excellent sealing performance under high temperature or high pressure environments. In recent years, the demand for valves and other devices used to control cryogenic fluids such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied hydrogen has increased. In order to be applicable to valves and other devices used at such cryogenic temperatures, sealing components that can provide sufficient sealing performance even at low temperatures (especially cryogenic temperatures) are required.

[0009] One objective of this invention is to achieve a sealing member that exhibits excellent sealing performance even in low-temperature environments.

[0010] means for solving problems

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention relates to a sealing member disposed in a gap having an opening at one end and an abutment at the other end, with the depth direction being from one end toward the other end. When pressed from one end toward the depth direction, the sealing member adheres tightly to both sides of the gap and the abutment, thus blocking the gap. The sealing member comprises: a first pressing portion that, when pressed in the gap from one end toward the depth direction, presses and adheres tightly to one side of the gap at one end; a second pressing portion that adheres tightly to the abutment at the other end and presses and adheres tightly to the other side of the gap; and a deformation initiation portion that causes the sealing member to flex toward the second pressing portion toward the other side of the gap.

[0012] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention relates to a sealing mechanism comprising an opening at one end and an abutment at the other end, and a sealing member disposed within a gap in a depth direction from one end to the other, such that when pressed from one end towards the depth direction, the sealing member is in close contact with both sides of the gap and the abutment, thereby blocking the gap. The sealing member includes: a first pressing portion disposed at one end of the sealing member, which presses one side of the gap when pressed towards the depth direction of the gap during sealing; and a second pressing portion disposed at the other end of the sealing member, which, by pressing against the first pressing portion during sealing, blocks the gap. The abutting portion is pressed against and presses the other side of the gap; and the deformation initiation portion, by means of the pressing of the sealing member against the first pressing portion when sealing, causes the sealing member to flex toward the second pressing portion toward the other side of the gap, the first pressing portion separates from the other side of the gap, and the second pressing portion separates from one side of the gap. When the sealing member is pressed from one end to the depth direction, and the first pressing portion moves toward the other end, the second pressing portion abuts against the abutting portion, thereby blocking the gap while the sealing member is flexing toward the second pressing portion toward the other side of the gap.

[0013] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a valve according to one aspect of the present invention has a body, a seat, a retainer cover and the above-mentioned sealing member, wherein the body and the seat form an opening at one end and an abutment at the other end, and a gap in the depth direction from one end to the other end, the sealing member is inserted into the gap and is pressed towards the seat by the retainer cover to block the gap.

[0014] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a sealing method according to one aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein the sealing member is disposed in the gap between the valve seat and the body, and the gap is sealed by pressing the first pressing portion of the sealing member toward the seat by a retainer cap.

[0015] The effects of the invention

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sealing member exhibiting excellent sealing performance even in low-temperature environments can be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a sealing member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 It means along Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the sealing member with the AA line cut off.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of an example of a valve that utilizes a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 It means along Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the BB line shut-off valve in its current state.

[0021] Figure 5 It is used to explain in Figure 4 The enlarged cross-sectional view shows the state in which a sealing member is inserted into the gap in the portion C enclosed by the single-dotted line.

[0022] Figure 6 It is an enlarged representation Figure 5 The diagram shows the sealing components and their surroundings.

[0023] Figure 7 It is used for explanation Figure 4 The enlarged cross-sectional view of the sealing state of the sealing member in part C, which is enclosed by a single-dotted line.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a first diagram illustrating the intensity and distribution of the pressing pressure on a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a second diagram illustrating the intensity and distribution of the pressing pressure on a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a first diagram illustrating the amount of movement of various parts in a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a second diagram illustrating the amount of movement of various parts in a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 12 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view used to illustrate the sealing condition of the sealing member for reference.

[0029] Figure 13 This is the first diagram used to illustrate the strength and distribution of the pressing pressure when the sealing member is used for reference.

[0030] Figure 14 This is the second diagram used to illustrate the strength and distribution of the pressing pressure when the sealing member is used for reference.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of an example of an existing valve. Detailed Implementation

[0032] [Structure of sealing components]

[0033] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a sealing member for sealing a bottomed gap. One end of the sealing member is disposed on the opening side of the gap, and the other end is disposed abutting against the bottom of the gap. The gap has an opening at one end and an abutting portion at the other end, with the direction from one end to the other end defined as the depth direction.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a sealing member according to one embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 It is cut along line AA Figure 1 The cross-sectional view shown is of the sealing member. The top view (planar shape) of the sealing member of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 The diagram shows a ring shape. The sealing member 100 is inserted into the gap to be sealed, approximately along the axial direction of the ring. Thus, the sealing member 100 has a planar shape resembling an annular ring.

[0035] The material of the sealing member 100 can be appropriately determined within the range of exhibiting the desired sealing performance. Furthermore, the material of the sealing member 100 can be appropriately selected based on conditions such as the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and deformability typically required for the sealing member 100. The material of the sealing member 100 can be inorganic or organic, and can be one or more of these. Examples of materials for the sealing member 100 include inorganic and organic materials. Examples of inorganic materials include graphite. Examples of organic materials include resins, more specifically ultra-high molecular weight polyester (UMW-PE). When the sealing member 100 is used under low-temperature conditions, the sealing member 100 is preferably made of resin.

[0036] The sealing component 100 is integrally molded from resin. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the sealing member 100 has a first pressing portion 110, a second pressing portion 120, and a connecting portion 130. The cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100 is approximately an inverted Z-shape in the cross-section shown in the direction of the figure.

[0037] Furthermore, the axial direction of the planar shape of the sealing member 100 is also referred to as the X direction, one of which is called the X1 direction and the other is called the X2 direction. Additionally, the X1 direction side of the sealing member 100 is referred to as one end side, and the X2 direction side is referred to as the other end side. Furthermore, in the directions orthogonal to the aforementioned axial direction of the sealing member 100, the side of the first pressing portion 110 is referred to as one side, and the side of the second pressing portion 120 is referred to as the other side.

[0038] The first pressing portion 110 is the portion of the sealing member 100 near one end and one side. The first pressing portion 110 includes a first side surface 111, a first conical surface 112, and a first cut end 113. The second pressing portion 120 is the portion of the sealing member 100 near the other end and the other side. The second pressing portion 120 includes a second side surface 121, a second conical surface 122, and a second cut end 123.

[0039] Furthermore, in the sealing member 100, a first imaginary straight line L1 and a second imaginary straight line L2 are defined. The first imaginary straight line L1 is a straight line connecting the other end edge of the first side surface 111 and the first end edge of the first conical surface 112 in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100. The second imaginary straight line L2 is a straight line connecting the one end edge of the second side surface 121 and the other end edge of the second conical surface 122 in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100. The first imaginary straight line L1 and the second imaginary straight line L2 are parallel to each other, and the distance between the two lines is substantially the same as the width direction of the gap. In this embodiment, the first imaginary straight line L1 is a line that substantially overlaps with one side (inner circumferential surface) of the gap of the valve to be sealed by the sealing member 100 in the cross-sectional shape of the gap, and the second imaginary straight line L2 is a line that substantially overlaps with the other side (outer circumferential surface) of the gap.

[0040] In addition, the sealing member 100 also has a first chamfered portion 114 and a second chamfered portion 124. The first chamfered portion 114 is formed in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100 at the other end edge of the first side surface 111, and is a portion that has been cut off in a straight line at an angle where the extension line of the first side surface 111 intersects with the extension line of the other end edge of the connecting portion 130. The second chamfered portion 124 is formed in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100 at one end edge of the second side surface 121, and is a portion that has been cut off in a straight line at an angle where the extension line of the second side surface 121 intersects with the extension line of one end edge of the connecting portion 130.

[0041] In the cross-section of the sealing member 100, the straight line connecting the intersection of the first side surface 111 and the first cut end 113 and the intersection of the second side surface 121 and the second cut end 123 is designated as the rotation axis D1 of the sealing member 100. When the cross-section of the sealing member 100 is rotated 180° about the rotation axis D1, one of the first chamfered portions 114 and the second chamfered portion 124 substantially overlaps the other.

[0042] The first chamfer 114 is larger than the second chamfer 124. That is, the first chamfer 114 is formed by cutting off a larger angle formed by the extension line compared to the second chamfer 124.

[0043] [Structure of the first pressing part]

[0044] The first side surface 111 is one side surface of the first pressing portion 110 and is part of the inner circumferential surface of the annular sealing member 100. The first side surface 111 is the surface that abuts against one side of the gap when the sealing member 100 seals. The first side surface 111 is formed as a tapered surface with the distance from the second imaginary line L2 gradually decreasing toward the other end edge of the first side surface 111 when taking the first imaginary line L1 and the second imaginary line L2 as references.

[0045] From the viewpoint of increasing the force of the first pressing part 110 pressing one side of the gap (described later) and increasing the distribution of the force in the X direction, the acute angle formed by the first side 111 and the second imaginary straight line L2 can be appropriately determined from the range of 0.5 to 5°.

[0046] The first conical surface 112 is the surface exposed at one end of the first pressing portion 110. The first conical surface 112 is an inclined surface in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100, the distance from the first side surface 111 gradually decreasing towards one end of the sealing member 100. The first conical surface 112 is the surface that abuts against the retainer cover and is pressed by the retainer cover when the sealing member 100 is sealed, as described later.

[0047] The acute angle formed by the first conical surface 112 and the first imaginary straight line L1 can be appropriately determined from the viewpoint that when the first conical surface 112 is pressed by the pressing pressure in the X2 direction, the first pressing part 110 generates sufficient force on one side of the gap described later. This angle can be appropriately determined from the range of 30 to 60°.

[0048] The first cut end 113 is formed by cutting away the portion in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100 where the extension line of the first conical surface 112 intersects with the extension line of the first side surface 111. The first cut end 113 is formed by connecting one end edge of the first conical surface 112 and one end edge of the first side surface 111 in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100.

[0049] [Structure of the second pressing part]

[0050] The second side surface 121 is the other side surface of the second pressing portion 120 and is part of the outer peripheral surface of the annular sealing member 100. The second side surface 121 is the surface that abuts against the other side of the gap when the sealing member 100 is sealing. The second side surface 121 is formed as a tapered surface with the distance from the first imaginary line L1 gradually decreasing toward one end edge of the second side surface 121 when taking the first imaginary line L1 and the second imaginary line L2 as references.

[0051] From the viewpoint of increasing the force of the second pressing part 120 pressing the other side of the gap (described later) and increasing the distribution of this force in the X direction, the acute angle formed by the second side 121 and the second imaginary straight line L2 can be appropriately determined from a range of 0.5 to 5°.

[0052] The second conical surface 122 is the surface exposed at the other end of the second pressing portion 120. The first conical surface 112 is an inclined surface in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100, with the distance from the second side surface 121 gradually decreasing towards the other end of the sealing member 100. The inclination of the second conical surface 122 relative to the second side surface 121 is designed to be gentler than the inclination of the abutment portion of the gap relative to the other side of the gap, as described later. Therefore, when the top end of the second conical surface 122 abuts against the abutment portion of the gap, a wedge-shaped gap is formed between it and the abutment portion. Because the sealing member 100 is made of resin, it is elastic. Therefore, during sealing, the sealing member 100 is compressed by the retainer cap, and the second conical surface 122 is in close contact with the conical surface of the abutment portion, as described later. Thus, the inclination angle of the second conical surface 122 relative to the second side surface 121 before sealing is set to be smaller than the inclination angle of the sealing member 100 during sealing.

[0053] The acute angle formed by the second conical surface 122 and the second imaginary straight line L2 can be appropriately determined from the viewpoint that when the first conical surface 112 is subjected to pressure in the X2 direction, the second pressing part 120 generates sufficient force on the other side of the gap described later. It can be appropriately determined from the range of 30 to 60°.

[0054] Furthermore, the acute angle formed by the second conical surface 122 before sealing relative to the abutment portion described later, i.e. the angle of the wedge in the wedge-shaped gap, can be appropriately determined from the viewpoint of sufficiently generating deformation caused by the deflection of the sealing member 100 described later, within a range of about 3 to 10°.

[0055] The second cut end 123 is formed by cutting away the portion in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100 where the extension line of the second conical surface 122 intersects with the extension line of the second side surface 121. The second cut end 123 is formed by connecting the other end edge of the second conical surface 122 and the other end edge of the second side surface 121 in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100.

[0056] [Structure of the connecting part]

[0057] The connecting portion 130 is the part in which the other end of the first pressing portion 110 and one end of the second pressing portion 120 overlap and join in the radial direction of the sealing member 100.

[0058] [Examples of the use of sealing components]

[0059] [Overview of valve structure]

[0060] Next, one method of using the sealing member 100 will be described. The following describes how the sealing member 100 is applied to a trunnion-type ball valve. First, the structure of the valve to which the sealing member 100 is applied will be briefly described. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of an example of a valve in which a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. Figure 4 It means along Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the BB line shut-off valve in its current state. Figure 3 , Figure 4 In the diagram, X represents the direction along the axis of the valve's flow path, Z represents the vertical direction, and Y represents the direction orthogonal to both the X and Z directions.

[0061] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, valve 10 has a body 1, a valve cover 2, a valve stem 3, a ball 4 serving as the valve core, and an operating part 9.

[0062] The body 1 is a welded structure used to accommodate the valve core and to accommodate the valve stem connected to the valve core at the upper part. The body 1 has a valve core accommodating part 5, a valve stem accommodating part 6, and a piping structure part 7.

[0063] The valve core receiving portion 5 includes a hollow central region 51 that allows the ball 4 to be configured to rotate, and an end region 52 that connects the hollow portion of the central region 51 to the inside of the piping structure portion 7. The central region 51 has an inner surface that abuts against the lower surface of the ball 4, and an opening in the inner surface for a recess 51a to be fitted with a protrusion 4b of the ball 4, which will be described later.

[0064] The valve stem receiving portion 6 is a portion used to receive the valve stem 3. The valve stem receiving portion 6 includes: a communication port 6a that communicates the hollow portion of the central region 51 with the internal space of the valve stem receiving portion 6; an upper opening portion 6b that opens at the upper end of the valve stem receiving portion 6; a middle portion 6c located between the lower end and the upper end of the valve stem receiving portion 6; and a flange portion 6d that extends laterally at the upper end of the valve stem receiving portion 6.

[0065] The piping structure 7 extends horizontally from the side of the valve core receiving portion 5. A pipe is disposed within the piping structure 7, which communicates with the hollow portion of the central region 51 via the end region 52 in the valve core receiving portion 5.

[0066] The valve cover 2 is a structure used to hold the valve stem 3 in an operational position and to seal the valve stem receiving portion 6. The valve cover 2 is detachably connected to the upper end of the body 1 by bolts or the like, in a manner that seals the upper opening 6b.

[0067] The valve cover 2 has: a through portion 2a for the valve stem 3 to pass through; a purging valve 21 for purging gas from the hollow portion inside the body 1; a gland plate 22 for connecting the upper end of the valve stem 3 to the operating portion 9; and gland packing 23 for preventing fluid from leaking from around the shaft of the valve stem 3.

[0068] The valve stem 3 forms the valve shaft in the valve 10. The valve stem 3 is connected to the ball 4, which serves as the valve core, and extends to a position further outward than the upper opening 6b. The valve stem 3 is movably supported by the through portion 2a of the valve cover 2.

[0069] The ball 4 is a generally spherical body housed in the valve core receiving portion 5, having a through hole 4a serving as a flow path P, and a protrusion 4b protruding in the Z direction from the side opposite to the connection portion with the valve stem 3. The protrusion 4b engages with the recess 51a of the valve core receiving portion 5. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of making it easier for the protrusion 4b to engage with the recess 51a, the protrusion 4b has a protruding end 4b' at its top end that is smaller than the diameter of the protrusion 4b.

[0070] Furthermore, the valve 10 has a trunnion plate 61 and a yoke plate 62 sequentially along the Z direction from the ball 4 side. The trunnion plate 61 and the yoke plate 62 each have through holes 61a and 62a at their centers for inserting the valve stem 3. The yoke plate 62 has a first threaded structure on its outer peripheral surface 62b. Additionally, a second threaded structure that engages with the first threaded structure is also present on the inner peripheral surface of the valve stem receiving portion 6 of the body 1. Through the engagement of these threaded structures, the yoke plate 62 is fixed axially in the valve stem receiving portion 6.

[0071] The operating part 9 is fixed to the valve cover 2 and has a handle 99. Depending on the amount of rotation of the handle 99, the ball 4 connected to the valve stem 3 rotates around a central axis O extending in the vertical direction. Figure 2Rotate around the center. In this way, the handle 99 is used for opening and closing the valve via the valve stem 3 and the ball 4.

[0072] In addition, valve 10 has a sealing mechanism 80 for sealing the fluid flowing in the flow path P of ball 4.

[0073] The valve 10 described above has a cylindrical valve stem receiving portion 6, which has a space independent of the valve core receiving portion 5, making it difficult for the heat of the fluid to reach the valve cover 2 from the ball 4. Therefore, if the valve 10 is a conventional valve, it can also be applied to cryogenic fluids that are so cold that the operating part 9 freezes and cannot be operated. For example, the valve 10 can be used as a valve for opening and closing pipes flowing with liquid hydrogen. When the valve 10 is used for cryogenic applications below -50°C, especially below -100°C, and further for cryogenic fluids such as liquefied nitrogen (-196°C) or liquefied hydrogen (-253°C), the sealing member 100 of this embodiment can provide excellent sealing performance.

[0074] [Regarding the structure of the sealing component]

[0075] Next, the structures related to the sealing components in the valve's structure will be described. Figure 5 It is used for explanation Figure 4 The enlarged cross-sectional view of the structure of part C enclosed by the single-dotted line shown.

[0076] The sealing mechanism 80 described above includes, from the ball 4 side: a ball seat 82 that abuts against the ball 4 from the piping structure 7 side; a retainer cap 83 that presses against the ball seat 82 from the piping structure 7 side; and a sealing member 100 located between the ball seat 82 and the retainer cap 83. The valve 10 has a gap 90 surrounded by the ball seat 82, the body 1 (the boundary portion between the valve stem receiving portion 6 and the valve core receiving portion 5), and the retainer cap 83, and the sealing member 100 is pressed towards the ball seat 82 by the retainer cap 83.

[0077] The ball seat 82 is an annular component with the X-axis as its axial direction, and is internally connected to the body 1. The ball seat 82 has a large-diameter portion 821 located on the side of the ball seat 82, a small-diameter portion 822 located on the side of the retainer cover 83, and a stepped portion 823 that extends radially from the small-diameter portion 822 and connects the small-diameter portion 822 to the large-diameter portion 821. A gap 90 is formed between the ball seat 82 and the body 1. This gap 90 has the stepped portion 823 as its bottom surface, the outer peripheral wall surface of the small-diameter portion 822 of the ball seat 82 as one side, and the portion of the inner peripheral wall surface of the body 1 opposite to this one side as the other side.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ball seat 82 is exemplified as a member with a shape in which the sealing portion abutting against the ball 4 extends directly toward the piping structure portion 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the ball seat 82, a "seat portion" may be used, which is a structure in which the seat abutting against the ball 4 is held from the piping structure portion 7 side by a seat holder, which is another member. In this case, the rear end of the seat holder holding the seat on the piping structure portion 7 side is pressed by the holder cap 83. In this case, the sealing member 100 of this embodiment may be applied between the seat and the seat holder in the seat portion, or between the seat holder and the holder cap 83, or both.

[0079] The stepped portion 823 includes an abutment portion 823a on its outer peripheral side. The abutment portion 823a is the portion in the gap 90 where the second conical surface 122 of the sealing member 100 abuts when the sealing member 100 is sealing. The abutment portion 823a includes a conical surface that is located on the inner peripheral wall (other side) of the valve stem receiving portion 6 in the gap 90, and the distance from the inner peripheral wall gradually decreases along the depth direction of the gap 90 in the X direction. The acute angle formed by the conical surface and the inner peripheral wall of the valve stem receiving portion 6 is slightly larger than the acute angle formed by the second conical surface 122 and the second side surface 121 in the sealing member 100, with a difference of about 3 to 10°.

[0080] The retainer cap 83 has a pressing portion 831 that can enter the gap 90 along the X direction, and a spring receiving portion 832 that accommodates a helical spring 84 that applies force to the retainer cap 83. The pressing portion 831 has a tapered pressing surface 831a. The acute angle formed by the pressing surface 831a and the outer peripheral wall of the small diameter portion 822 of the ball seat 82 is, for example, 40 to 55°.

[0081] Figure 6 Enlarged display Figure 5 The sealing member and its surroundings. When the distance between one side (the outer peripheral wall of the small diameter portion 822) and the other side (the inner peripheral wall of the valve stem receiving portion 6) of the gap 90 is defined as the width of the gap 90, the first pressing portion 110 is pressed most forcefully by the pressing portion 831 at a position on the first conical surface 112 in the width direction of the gap 90, from a position of 1 / 4 to 1 / 8 of the distance from the side closest to the gap 90. Furthermore, the width direction of the gap 90 is represented by the Z direction described above.

[0082] The pressing part 831 has a side edge located less than 1 / 4 of the way from the gap 90 on one side in the width direction of the gap 90, and a tapered pressing surface 831a that gradually increases in distance from the side of the gap 90 as it gets closer to the other end. More specifically, when the pressing part 831 presses the first tapered surface 112, it abuts at a contact position Pc in the Z direction from the inner peripheral wall of the valve stem receiving part 6 to below Q1. Here, line C1 is the center line of the distance (width of the gap) from the outer peripheral wall of the small diameter part 822 to the inner peripheral wall of the valve stem receiving part 6 in the Z direction. Line Q1 is a line indicating a position in the Z direction at 1 / 4 of the width of the gap from the inner peripheral wall of the valve stem receiving part 6. The side edge of the pressing surface 831a ( Figure 6 The lower end face of the pressing surface 831a is located on the inner circumferential side of line Q1. In addition, the position where the pressing part 831 presses the first pressing part 110 most strongly, that is, the position where the pressing part 831 that is to press the sealing member 100 initially abuts against the sealing member 100, is a position from 1 / 4 to 1 / 8 of the position on the side near the gap 90, for example, the 1 / 8 position (1 / 4 of the position on the inner circumferential wall side between the inner circumferential wall surface of the valve stem receiving part 6 and line C1).

[0083] Furthermore, the pressing surface 831a is formed such that the angle formed by the pressing surface relative to one side of the gap is greater than the angle formed by the first conical surface relative to the first side. More specifically, when the acute angle formed by the pressing surface 831a and the outer peripheral wall of the small diameter portion 822 of the ball seat 82 is defined as the pressing surface inclination angle Aa, and the acute angle formed by the first conical surface 112 and the inner peripheral wall of the small diameter portion 822 when the sealing member 100 is inserted into the gap is defined as the first conical surface inclination angle Ab, angle Aa is slightly larger than angle Ab. In addition, angle Ab is substantially the same as the acute angle formed by the first conical surface 112 and the first side 111 in the cross-section of the sealing member 100.

[0084] The spring receiving portion 832 is a recessed portion with a cylindrical internal space that opens on the opposite side of the pressing portion 831 in the X direction. This cylindrical internal space has an axis along the X direction. A helical spring 84 is housed in the spring receiving portion 832.

[0085] Thus, the sealing member 100 is disposed in the gap 90 formed between the stepped portion 823 of the ball seat 82 and the body 1 in the valve 10. Furthermore, the sealing member 100 is pressed against the ball seat 82 by the retainer cap 83 during sealing.

[0086] The first pressing part 110 is positioned near one end of the sealing member 100. Therefore, the first side surface 111 of the sealing member 100 is in close contact with the outer peripheral wall surface (one side of the gap 90) of the small-diameter portion 822 of the ball seat 82 within the gap 90. Thus, when the sealing member 100 is positioned in the gap 90, the first pressing part 110 abuts against the outer peripheral wall surface of the small-diameter portion 822 in the ball seat 82, but is separated from the inner peripheral wall surface of the body 1 (the other side of the gap 90).

[0087] The second pressing portion 120 is positioned near the other side and end of the sealing member 100. Therefore, the second side surface 121 of the sealing member 100 is in close contact with the inner peripheral wall of the valve stem receiving portion 6 within the gap 90. Thus, when the sealing member 100 is positioned within the gap 90, the second pressing portion 120 abuts against the inner peripheral wall of the body 1, but is separated from the outer peripheral wall of the small-diameter portion 822. The pressing surface 831a of the pressing portion 831 of the retainer cap 83 contacts the first conical surface 112 of the sealing member 100.

[0088] The first conical surface 112 has an inclination angle relative to the first imaginary straight line L1 that is substantially the same as the inclination angle of the pressing surface 831a, but the first side surface 111 is formed as a conical surface relative to the first imaginary straight line L1. Therefore, when inserted into the gap 90, the first conical surface 112 is further inclinated relative to the pressing surface 831a by an amount corresponding to the aforementioned inclination angle of the first side surface 111.

[0089] The top end of the second pressing portion 120 of the sealing member 100 reaches the boundary between the conical surface of the abutment portion 823a in the stepped portion 823 and the inner peripheral wall surface of the body 1. As described above, the angle of the second conical surface 122 of the second pressing portion 120 is smaller than the acute angle formed by the conical surface of the abutment portion 823a and the inner peripheral wall of the valve stem receiving portion 6. Therefore, when the sealing member 100 penetrates to the depth of the gap 90, a specific gap with a wedge-shaped cross-sectional shape is formed between the second conical surface 122 and the conical surface of the abutment portion 823a. Thus, the second conical surface 122 becomes a portion in which, when forming a wedge-shaped gap with the conical surface of the abutment portion 823a in its cross-sectional shape, the distance from the inner peripheral wall surface of the body 1 and the distance from the conical surface of the abutment portion 823a gradually decreases in the X2 direction.

[0090] [State when sealed]

[0091] Next, the state of the sealing member in the sealing gap will be described. The gap 90 is sealed by placing the sealing member 100 in the gap 90 of the valve 10 and pressing the sealing member 100 against the ball seat 82 by the retainer gland 83. Figure 7 It is used for explanation Figure 4The enlarged cross-sectional view of the sealing state of the sealing member in part C, which is enclosed by a single-dotted line.

[0092] [The sealing condition of one side of the gap]

[0093] The retainer cap 83 is subjected to force by the coil spring 84 in the X direction toward the ball seat 82. The pressing surface 831a of the pressing part 831 of the retainer cap 83 first abuts against the first conical surface 112 of the sealing member 100 on one side of the gap 90, and then presses tightly against it, during which time the sealing member 100 is pressed toward the ball seat 82 in the X direction.

[0094] Both the first side surface 111 and the second side surface 121 of the sealing member 100 are inclined relative to the first imaginary straight line L1 and the second imaginary straight line L2. Therefore, compared to the case where the sealing member 100 is inserted into the gap 90 along the first imaginary straight line L1 and the second imaginary straight line L2, the first tapered surface 112 is inclined toward the abutment portion 823a by the same amount as the inclination of the first side surface 111. Therefore, one side edge of the pressing surface 831a contacts one side of the first tapered surface 112.

[0095] When the pressing surface 831a abuts against one side of the first conical surface 112, the first conical surface 112 is pressed by the pressing surface 831a. Therefore, the first conical surface 112 is pressed forcefully by the pressing surface 831a, and a portion of the first side surface 111 corresponding to the portion of the first conical surface 112 that is pressed forcefully presses the outer peripheral wall of the ball seat 82.

[0096] When the pressing surface 831a presses the first conical surface 112 more forcefully, the pressing surface 831a contacts the conical surfaces together without creating a gap, and presses more forcefully. Therefore, the pressing force in the X direction generated by the retainer cap 83 is converted to the X direction and the outer peripheral wall direction of the ball seat 82 through the surface contact of these conical surfaces. As a result, the first pressing portion 110 of the sealing member 100 is pressed along the X direction and is pressed toward the outer peripheral wall of the ball seat 82 with a sufficiently strong force. Thus, the first pressing portion 110, which is located on the opening side of the gap 90 and on the outer peripheral wall side of the small diameter portion 822 in the opposite side of the gap 90 when it is disposed in the gap 90, is pressed with sufficient force toward the outer peripheral wall of the small diameter portion 822 when pressed from the opening side.

[0097] [The sealing condition on the other side of the gap]

[0098] The sealing member 100 is pressed in the X direction by the retainer cap 83, encountering the stepped portion 823 of the gap 90 and being further pressed. This pressing eliminates the wedge-shaped gap between the second conical surface 122 and the conical surface of the abutment portion 823a, bringing the second conical surface 122 and the abutment portion 823a into close contact. As the wedge-shaped gap is flattened during this close contact, a torsional force is generated, causing the other end of the second pressing portion 120 to twist toward the other side of the gap 90, initiating deformation caused by the deflection of the sealing member 100. Then, the top end of the second pressing portion 120 is pressed with sufficiently strong force in the opening direction of the sealing member 100, i.e., toward the inner peripheral wall surface of the body 1. Thus, the second conical surface 122 becomes a deformation initiation portion that triggers the deformation caused by the aforementioned deflection of the sealing member 100.

[0099] Furthermore, by pressing based on the retainer cap 83, the first pressing part 110 moves towards the ball seat 82 side in the X direction, and simultaneously, the second pressing part 120 also moves towards the ball seat 82 side in the X direction. At this time, since a gap is formed between the first pressing part 110 and the ball seat 82, the first pressing part 110 has room to move in the X direction within this gap until it abuts against the ball seat 82. On the other hand, since the other end edge of the second conical surface of the second pressing part 120 initially reaches the conical surface of the abutment part 823a, the amount of movement of the second pressing part 120 caused by this pressing becomes the degree to flatten the wedge-shaped gap between the second conical surface 122 and the conical surface of the abutment part 823a.

[0100] Furthermore, the first pressing part 110 separates from the inner peripheral wall of the valve stem receiving part 6, thereby forming a gap between the second pressing part 120 and the retainer cover 83. Thus, the second pressing part 120 is separated from the retainer cover 83 and is not directly pressed. Therefore, even if the first pressing part 110 is pressed by the retainer cover 83, the second pressing part 120 will not be further pressed in the X direction. Therefore, the amount of movement of the second pressing part 120 in the X direction is significantly reduced compared to the amount of movement of the first pressing part 110 in the X direction. Therefore, due to the difference in the amount of movement of the first pressing part 110 and the second pressing part 120, bounded by the vicinity of the connecting part 130, deformation is caused by the deflection of the second pressing part 120 toward the sealing member 100, which is located on the other side of the gap 90. Thus, the first pressing part 110, which is separated from the other side of the gap 90 and the inner peripheral wall of the valve stem receiving part 6 and disposed within the gap 90, becomes a deformation initiating part that triggers the deformation caused by the aforementioned deflection of the sealing member 100.

[0101] Furthermore, by pressing one end of the first side surface 111 more forcefully, the tapered shape of the first side surface 111 in the cross-section of the sealing member 100 is flattened in a manner close to the first imaginary straight line L1. This generates a force that causes the sealing member 100 as a whole to be oriented toward the other end of the sealing member 100 with the other side facing upwards. However, the second pressing portion 120 cannot move toward the other end or the other side. Therefore, this force becomes a force that causes the sealing member 100 to flex, causing the second pressing portion 120 to flex toward the other side of the gap 90. Thus, the tapered surface of the first side surface 111 also induces deformation in the sealing member 100 caused by the flexure of the second pressing portion 120 toward the other side of the gap 90. Thus, the tapered surface of the first side surface 111 becomes a deformation initiation part that induces deformation caused by the aforementioned flexure of the sealing member 100.

[0102] Furthermore, the sealing member 100 includes a connecting portion 130 with a narrower central section at the center of its cross-sectional shape. Therefore, a difference in the amount of movement in the X-direction between the first pressing portion 110 and the second pressing portion 120 is easily generated, making it easier to generate the aforementioned flexural force. This further enhances the effect of concentrating the pressing force at the tip of the second pressing portion 120. Thus, the connecting portion 130 also becomes a deformation initiation portion that causes the sealing member 100 to flex towards the inner peripheral wall of the valve stem receiving portion 6.

[0103] Thus, in this embodiment, the pressing force in the X direction generated by the retainer cap 83 is transformed into a force in the X direction and towards the outer peripheral wall of the ball seat 82. This force then induces deformation caused by the deflection of the sealing member 100, resulting in a force that presses the second pressing portion 120 against the inner peripheral wall of the body 1 with sufficient force. Furthermore, it is believed that by making the inclination angle of the second conical surface 122 of the second pressing portion 120 different from the inclination angle of the contact surface (the conical surface of the abutment portion 823a of the ball seat 82), a torsional force in the counterclockwise direction relative to the plane of the paper in the figure will also be generated near the top of the second pressing portion 120 (the part close to the ball seat 82).

[0104] Furthermore, since the second side surface 121 of the second pressing portion 120 is a conical surface inclined relative to the second imaginary straight line L2, the closer to the ball seat 82, the more forcefully it is compressed between the inner peripheral wall surface of the body 1 and the conical surface of the contact portion 823a of the ball seat 82. These forces combine to generate a strong surface pressure between the second pressing portion 120 (especially its other end) and the inner peripheral wall surface of the body 1. Similarly, in the first pressing portion 110, since the first side surface 111 is a conical surface inclined relative to the first imaginary straight line L1, a stronger surface pressure is generated at one end relative to the outer peripheral wall surface of the ball seat 82.

[0105] As described above, the sealing member 100 is pressed in the X direction by... Figure 7 The D and E portions, surrounded by a single-dot dashed line, are pressed with sufficient force against the side of the gap 90 and the tapered surface of the abutment portion 823a, respectively. Therefore, the sealing member 100, through the X-direction pressing generated by the retainer cap 83, is firmly pressed against the outer peripheral wall of the ball seat 82 at one end and firmly pressed against the inner peripheral wall of the body 1 at the other end.

[0106] On the other hand, when the fluid flowing in flow path P is a cryogenic fluid, the vicinity of flow path P also becomes cryogenic due to the fluid. The lower the temperature, the more the sealing member 100 tends to harden, regardless of the material. In addition, depending on the material of the sealing member 100, it may also shrink. In contrast, the sealing member 100 described above is designed to generate strong surface pressure on both the ball seat 82 side and the body 1 side, which is extremely advantageous. Therefore, even if the sealing member 100 hardens or shrinks under low temperature, especially ultra-low temperature conditions, it can reliably seal between the ball seat 82 and the body 1. Thus, it is possible to prevent fluid from entering the chamber from the flow path P of valve 10.

[0107] In particular, since the sealing member 100 is made of resin, it can deform sufficiently even in environments where deformation is difficult, such as ultra-low temperature. By pressing the retainer cover 83, the force of the first pressing part 110 pressing on the outer peripheral wall of the ball seat 82 and the force of the second pressing part 120 pressing on the inner peripheral wall of the body 1 can be more effectively manifested.

[0108] [Key features for improved performance]

[0109] In an embodiment of the invention, sufficient sealing performance is also achieved in the width direction of the gap 90 by pressing an annular sealing member 100, whose cross-sectional shape is approximately inverted Z-shaped, towards the depth direction of the gap 90. The sealing member 100 is pressed from one end by a retainer cap 83, and the other end (front end) of the sealing member 100 presses against a ball seat 82, thereby deforming the sealing member 100 in a flexing manner near its center. Through this flexing force, the sealing performance in the width direction of the gap 90 is achieved, in particular, by increasing the sealing force on the other side of the gap 90 (towards the outer diameter).

[0110] Even when the sealing member 100 is pressed to move parallel to the depth direction of the gap 90, such a flexural force will be generated, but in this embodiment, various efforts have been made to increase the flexural force.

[0111] For example, the sealing member 100 of this embodiment has a first chamfered portion 114 and a second chamfered portion 124. The first chamfered portion 114 has a shape formed by chamfering the corners of the connecting portion 130 and the first side surface 111, and the second chamfered portion 124 has a shape formed by chamfering the corners of the connecting portion 130 and the second side surface 121. Moreover, in this embodiment, the first chamfered portion 114 is larger than the second chamfered portion 124. Thus, relative to the rotation axis D1, the inner diameter side of the sealing member 100 has a larger notch shape than the outer diameter side, thereby making it easier to deform towards the outer diameter side. Therefore, when the sealing member 100 is pressed from one end side along the depth direction of the gap 90, the second pressing portion 120, which is its top end side, easily deforms in the direction of extending towards the outer diameter side of the sealing member 100, which is conducive to the aforementioned deflection.

[0112] From the viewpoint of generating the aforementioned deflection, the shapes of the first chamfer 114 and the second chamfer 124, as well as the volume of the defect formed by the chamfer, can be appropriately determined. If the chamfer is too large, the first side 111 or the second side 121 becomes smaller, sometimes weakening the sealing performance. Furthermore, when the chamfer is positioned closer to the connecting portion 130, the overall strength of the sealing member 100 sometimes decreases. The size of the first chamfer 114 and the second chamfer 124 should be such that the difference in deflection ease between the first side 111 and the second side 121 is generated across the rotation axis D1 in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 100. Therefore, if it is a chamfer, by setting the chamfer size ratio (Lc1 / Lc2) as described above, the sealing performance and strength of the sealing member 100 can be sufficiently maintained, and the advantage of the aforementioned deflection ease can be fully obtained.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the retainer cap 83 presses the sealing member 100 with maximum pressure at a position that is more biased towards the inner diameter side of the gap 90 in terms of width. More specifically, the retainer cap 83 presses the sealing member 100 at a position where the distance from one side of the gap 90 is 1 / 4 to 1 / 8 of the total width. By applying maximum load at the aforementioned position, and by having the first tapered surface 112 of the sealing member 100 bear this load, a stronger force is generated that presses the first pressing portion 110 of the sealing member 100 towards the inner diameter side (the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 822). Furthermore, a force that causes the sealing member 100 to flex as described above is also easily generated. As a result, the sealing force of the sealing member 100 relative to both the inner and outer diameter sides of the gap 90 is further improved.

[0114] In this embodiment, the retainer cap 83 presses the sealing member 100 as described above through contact between the retainer cap 83 and the tapered surface of the sealing member 100. In this embodiment, to achieve the strongest pressure at the aforementioned location, the tapered angle of the tapered surface (pressing surface 831a) on the retainer cap 83 side is slightly larger than the tapered angle of the tapered surface (first tapered surface 112) on the sealing member 100 side. As a result, the retainer cap 83 first abuts against the first tapered surface 112 at one side edge of the pressing surface 831a, and during subsequent pressing, the pressing surface 831a is in close contact with the first tapered surface 112. Consequently, as described above, the sealing force of the sealing member 100 relative to both the inner and outer diameters of the gap 90 can be further improved.

[0115] The initial contact position between the pressing surface 831a and the first conical surface 112 can be appropriately determined within a range that achieves the aforementioned effects of both flexibility and sealing. When this contact position is too close to the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 822 in the width direction of the gap 90, the sealing member 100 may sometimes break at one end of the first conical surface 112. From the viewpoint of preventing such breakage and obtaining the aforementioned effects based on the contact position, this contact position can be appropriately determined from a position between 1 / 8 and 1 / 4 of the distance from the side closest to the gap 90, as described above. From the viewpoint of improving the sealing effect based on the contact position, a position of 1 / 8 of the distance from the side closest to the gap 90 is most preferred.

[0116] Furthermore, the sealing performance described above in this embodiment also contributes to the improved durability of the sealing member 100. In this embodiment, as described above, the force that causes the sealing member 100 to flex due to the pressing pressure of the retainer cap 83 improves the sealing performance of the sealing member 100 in the width direction (both the inner diameter side and the outer diameter side) of the gap 90. Therefore, compared to cases where sealing performance is improved by deforming to fill the gap 90, the changes in the volume and shape of the sealing member 100 are smaller. Therefore, even when used in temperature environments where the volume of the sealing member 100 changes, the sealing member 100 exhibits sufficient sealing performance compared to sealing members that seal the gap through changes in volume or shape.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sealing member 100 exerts its sealing force by flexing under load rather than by filling the space and blocking the gap 90. Therefore, even under conditions of slight volume changes due to thermal cycling caused by temperature variations in the operating environment, the sealing member 100 easily maintains the desired sealing force and exhibits excellent durability against volume changes caused by thermal cycling. When the sealing member 100 of this embodiment is used in a valve for a cryogenic fluid such as liquefied hydrogen, thermal cycling between cryogenic and ambient temperatures may occur. In conventional sealing members that block gaps by volume changes due to pressure, the sealing performance can sometimes easily decrease if volume changes occur repeatedly (thermal cycling) due to volume contraction at cryogenic temperatures or expansion at ambient temperatures. As described above, the sealing member 100 of this embodiment possesses sufficient durability against thermal cycling and is therefore suitable for use in harsh temperature environments such as cryogenic temperatures.

[0118] [Research on sealing strength]

[0119] Next, the results of computer simulations relating to the pressure intensity of the sealing member when it is pressed by the retainer cover described above will be explained. Figure 8 This is a first diagram illustrating the intensity and distribution of the pressing pressure on a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a second diagram illustrating the intensity and distribution of the pressing pressure on a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a first diagram illustrating the amount of movement of various parts of a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 This is a second diagram illustrating the amount of movement of various parts in a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Computer simulation is for... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The sealing component shown is applied to Figures 3-7 The valve model shown was constructed under the following conditions. For ease of simulation, the first and second sides of the sealing member are not conical surfaces inclined relative to imaginary lines, but rather surfaces represented by the first imaginary line L1 and the second imaginary line L2 in the cross-sectional shape. The sealing member is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material. UHMW-PE (Made by Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Co., Ltd., "TIVAR" is a registered trademark of the company).

[0121] <Conditions>

[0122] The pressing force applied to the first conical surface: 6000~10000N (8500N at room temperature)

[0123] The direction of pressure towards the first conical surface: X direction

[0124] Fluid type: liquefied hydrogen

[0125] Fluid temperature: -253℃

[0126] The angle Ab of the first conical surface: 40~45°

[0127] The contact position Pc is the position in the Z direction that is 1 / 8 of the gap width from the inner peripheral wall of the valve stem receiving part 6 (1 / 2 of the distance between the inner peripheral wall and line Q1).

[0128] Angle of the second conical surface: 50–55°

[0129] Angle of the inverted cone: 45°

[0130] Material of sealing components: UHMW-PE

[0131] Under the above conditions, the change in color represents the pressure exerted on the sealing member. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the diagram, the part with the darkest color is designated as P1, and the part with the darkest color after P1 is designated as P2, both represented by slashes. Figure 8 and Figure 9 Both indicate that the darker the color, the stronger the surface pressure.

[0132] like Figure 8 As shown, a strong surface pressure is generated at the top end of the second pressing portion 120 in the second side surface 121 of the sealing member 100. Additionally, as... Figure 9 As shown, on the second conical surface 122 of the sealing member 100, a stronger surface pressure is generated in approximately half of the area on the other end side of the second pressing portion 120, particularly increasing the surface pressure on the other end side. Additionally, on the first side surface 111 of the sealing member 100, a stronger surface pressure is generated in approximately half of the area on the one end side of the first pressing portion 110, with the surface pressure becoming even greater in the central region of the portion generating the stronger surface pressure. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, these pressure-bearing portions have a generally certain width in the circumferential direction of the sealing member 100.

[0133] Thus, the computer simulations above show that when the first conical surface 112 is pressed in the X direction, the sealing member 100 is subjected to the aforementioned intensity distribution of pressure over its entire circumference. Furthermore, the portions of P1 and P2 in the first side surface 111 and the second side surface 121 are more widely distributed in the X direction when these sides are the aforementioned conical surfaces inclined relative to an imaginary straight line.

[0134] In addition, Figure 10 In the case where the first tapered surface 112 of the first pressing part 110 is pressed by the pressing surface 831a in the X direction, the direction of the arrow indicates the direction of the force generated at the base of the arrow in the sealing member 100, and the thickness of the arrow indicates the magnitude of the force. The thicker the arrow, the stronger the force generated. In addition, the length of the arrow indicates the amount of movement; the longer the arrow, the greater the amount of movement.

[0135] Figure 11 This represents the numerical value of the amount of movement of each part in a cross-section of the sealing member 100 when the first conical surface of the first pressing part is pressed against the pressing surface in the X direction. Numerical representation Figure 11 The maximum value of the aforementioned movement caused by pressing in the X direction within the grid portion of the cross-section of the sealing member. Its unit is "mm".

[0136] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, when the retainer cap 83 presses the first conical surface 112 in the X direction, the first pressing part 110 moves a large amount towards the ball seat side, while the second pressing part 120 moves a small amount. From the above results, it is confirmed that by pressing the first conical surface 112 in the X direction with the retainer cap 83, a force is generated on the sealing member 100 that causes the second pressing part 120 to flex towards the inner peripheral wall of the body 1, with the connecting part 130 as the boundary.

[0137] Here, a sealing member of the reference example is prepared for comparison with the sealing member involved in the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the state in which the sealing member of the reference example blocks the valve clearance. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the sealing member 200 of the reference example has a J-shaped cross-sectional shape. The sealing member 200 of the reference example has the same structure as the sealing member 100 of the above embodiment, except that the first pressing portion 210 also exists on the other side of the gap 90, and the first pressing portion 210 has conical surfaces 212 and 213 on both sides, which are pressed by the pressing surface 831a. The second pressing portion 220 abuts against the abutting portion of the gap 90 at the second conical surface 222 and against the other side of the gap 90 at the second side surface 221; in this respect, it is the same as the sealing member 100 of the above embodiment. Furthermore, in the computer simulation of the sealing member 100 according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the first side surface 211 and the second side surface 221 are not conical surfaces inclined relative to an imaginary straight line.

[0138] Figure 13This is a diagram showing the intensity of the surface pressure generated in and around the sealing member 200 when the sealing member 200 of the reference example is pressed in the X direction. Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the intensity of the surface pressure generated on the sealing member 200 when the sealing member 200 of the reference example is pressed in the X direction. Figure 13 , Figure 14 In the diagram, P1 represents the part that generates stronger surface pressure, and P2 represents the part that generates slightly stronger surface pressure than P1.

[0139] from Figure 13 and Figure 14 It can be clearly seen that in the sealing member of the reference example, when pressed by the pressing surface 831a of the retainer cap, a strong surface pressure is generated only on the upper tapered surface 213 in the V-shaped groove at one end of the sealing member 200 (the tapered surfaces 212, 213 on one end side of the first pressing portion 210), while a weak surface pressure is generated only on the lower tapered surface 212. From this result, it can be confirmed that the surface pressure of the sealing member 200 of the reference example, particularly on the outer peripheral wall of the ball seat, is prone to becoming insufficient.

[0140] [Comparison of Sealing Performance]

[0141] (1) Experiments at low temperatures

[0142] Perform for confirmation Figure 3 The sealing performance of the sealing member in the valve shown is tested. Specifically, first, a fixture (body fixture) is prepared to reproduce the shape near the mounting portion of the sealing member in the valve body, and then a test apparatus is prepared. This test apparatus is prepared by assembling the sealing member in the following manner: after installing the sealing member into the body fixture, a retainer gland is configured to clamp the sealing member between it and the body fixture, and a ball seat is pressed with a pressure equal to that applied to the spring used in the valve. As the sealing member, a material is prepared as follows... Figure 1 , 2 The sealing member shown is made of UMW-PE. This sealing member is designated as S1. Additionally, prepare... Figures 12-14 The sealing member shown is the one made by UMW-PE. This sealing member is designated as SC1.

[0143] Then, the sealing performance was confirmed under low temperature (-196°C). Using helium as the fluid, a specified pressure (ΔP) was applied to the sealing member from the clamp side of the test apparatus, and the amount of helium leaking to the retainer gland side of the test apparatus (unit: mL / min) was measured, thereby determining the leakage of the sealing member. In Table 1, "1" and "2" indicate the experimental example numbers.

[0144] [Table 1]

[0145] Table 1

[0146]

[0147] As shown in Table 1, according to the sealing member S1 corresponding to the embodiment of the present invention, the leakage of helium at low temperature is about 0 to 16.0 mL / min.

[0148] In contrast, in the reference sealing member SC1, the higher the helium pressure, the greater the helium leakage compared to sealing member C1. This is believed to be because, in sealing member SC1, by pressing sealing member SC1 into a V-shape, the surface pressure on the inward diameter side of sealing member SC1 is smaller than that of sealing member S1.

[0149] [Variation Example]

[0150] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included within the technical scope of this invention.

[0151] For example, the planar shape of the sealing member can be appropriately determined based on the planar shape of the gap to be sealed. The planar shape of the sealing member can be the same as the planar shape of the gap, or it can be a part of the planar shape of the gap. The planar shape of the sealing member is not limited to annular; it can be polygonal or linear.

[0152] In this invention, the first pressing part 110 may also be configured to press the inner peripheral wall of the valve stem receiving part 6 by being disposed on the outer peripheral side of the gap 90, and the second pressing part may also be configured to press the outer peripheral wall of the small diameter part 822 by being disposed on the inner peripheral side of the gap 90.

[0153] In this invention, the second pressing portion 120 may also have a structure that deforms the sealing member 100 toward the inner peripheral wall surface of the valve stem receiving portion 6, instead of the second conical surface 122. For example, the second pressing portion 120 may also have a flat portion that abuts against the protrusion disposed on the inner peripheral wall surface side of the stepped portion 823. Similarly, when the pressing surface of the retainer cap has a protrusion on the outer peripheral wall surface side of the small diameter portion 822, the first conical surface 112 may also be a flat portion.

[0154] In this invention, instead of the conical shape relative to the imaginary straight line of the first side surface 111 and the imaginary straight line of the second side surface 121, the sealing member 100 may also have a protrusion that achieves the same effect. Furthermore, depending on the structure of the gap 90, the sealing member 100 may not have the conical shape in the first side surface 111 and the second side surface 121. For example, if the inner peripheral wall surface of the valve stem receiving portion 6 is a conical surface where the width of the gap 90 gradually narrows closer to the stepped portion 823, the sealing member 100 may also not have the conical shape relative to the imaginary straight line of the second side surface 121.

[0155] The sealing member of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the sealing member 100, a connecting portion 130 that is narrow in the middle is formed between the first pressing portion 110 and the second pressing portion 120, but the connecting portion does not necessarily have to be narrow in the middle, and the sealing member as a whole may also have a rhomboid cross-section.

[0156] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the cut end of the sealing member 100 in the above embodiments may not be straight. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the cut end may also include a curve that is continuous with respect to one or both of the tapered surface and the side surface in the first pressing part or the second pressing part.

[0157] The sealing member of the present invention can be applied to any valve as long as it has a bottomed gap with an annular planar shape that allows for the configuration of the sealing member. Furthermore, by employing a material with suitable physical properties, the sealing member of the present invention can be used not only in ultra-low temperature environments but also in high temperature environments.

[0158] Specifically, a sealing member that is pressed in a certain direction simultaneously provides a seal relative to the direction of pressing and to both sides; that is, it provides excellent sealing performance for applications requiring sealing in three directions. For example, in... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The valve shown can also be used for body sealing (the seal between the trunnion plate 61 and the valve stem 3, and the seal between the trunnion plate 61 and the inner circumference of the body 1).

[0159] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, the sealing performance of the sealing member can be appropriately set according to the usage conditions of the sealing member or the characteristics required by the sealing member. Therefore, the structure of the sealing member in embodiments of the present invention can be determined within a range of various conditions, such as satisfying the usage conditions of the sealing member and the performance requirements of the sealing member. Therefore, depending on such conditions, the sealing member in embodiments of the present invention may not have the chamfered portions of different sizes described above, the initial contact position between the pressing surface of the retainer cap and the first conical surface in the sealing member may not be the position Pc described above, or there may be no difference between the conical angle of the pressing surface and the conical angle of the first conical surface.

[0160] [Summarize]

[0161] As can be seen from the above description, the sealing member (100) of the embodiment of the present invention is disposed in a gap (90) with an opening at one end and an abutment (823a) at the other end, and with the direction from one end to the other end as the depth direction. When the sealing member is pressed from one end to the depth direction, it is pressed against both sides of the gap and the abutment to block the gap. The sealing member has: a first pressing part (110) disposed at one end of the sealing member, which presses one side of the gap when the sealing member is pressed in the depth direction of the gap during sealing; a second pressing part (120) disposed at the other end of the sealing member, which is pressed against the abutment by the first pressing part during sealing and presses the other side of the gap; and a deformation initiation part (second conical surface 122), which causes the sealing member to flex towards the second pressing part in the direction towards the other side of the gap by the pressing of the first pressing part during sealing.

[0162] Furthermore, the sealing mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention is a sealing mechanism in which the sealing member is arranged in such a way that when pressed from one end to the depth direction, it is in close contact with both sides of the gap and the abutting part to block the gap. The first pressing part is separated from the other side of the gap, and the second pressing part is separated from one side of the gap. When the sealing member is pressed from one end to the depth direction, the first pressing part moves to the other end, and the second pressing part abuts against the abutting part. Thus, the sealing member blocks the gap in a state where it flexes towards the second pressing part in the direction toward the other side of the gap.

[0163] Furthermore, the valve of the embodiment of the present invention has the above-mentioned sealing member in the gap surrounded by the seat (ball seat 82), the body (1) and the retainer cover (83) that abuts against the first pressing part. The sealing member is pressed towards the seat by the retainer cover to block the gap.

[0164] Furthermore, in the sealing method of the present invention, the sealing member is disposed in the gap between the seat and the body of the valve (10), and the gap is sealed by pressing the first pressing part of the sealing member toward the seat by the retainer cover.

[0165] According to the above structure, the embodiments of the present invention, through the above-described sealing member, can exhibit excellent sealing performance even at low temperature and high pressure.

[0166] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first pressing portion may be a portion of the sealing member near one end and near one side. The first pressing portion includes: a first side surface (111) that abuts against one side of the gap when the sealing member seals; and a first conical surface (112) exposed at one end of the first pressing portion. In the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, the distance of the first conical surface from the first side surface gradually decreases toward one end of the sealing member. The second pressing portion is a portion of the sealing member near the other end and near the other side. The second pressing portion includes: a second side surface (121) that abuts against the other side of the gap when the sealing member seals; and a second conical surface (122) exposed at the other end of the second pressing portion. In the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, the distance of the second conical surface from the second side surface gradually decreases toward the other end of the sealing member. The inclination angle of the second conical surface relative to the second side surface before sealing is smaller than the inclination angle when the sealing member seals. The deformation initiation portion includes the portion comprising the second conical surface. From the viewpoint that pressing the two sides of the gap with sufficient strength in the depth direction of the gap, this structure is more efficient.

[0167] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first pressing portion may have a first cut end (113), which, in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, is formed by connecting one end edge of the first conical surface and one end edge of the first side surface. The second pressing portion may have a second cut end (123), which, in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, is formed by connecting the other end edge of the second conical surface and the other end edge of the second side surface. The first side surface is a conical surface, and in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, the distance between the first side surface and the second imaginary straight line connecting one end edge of the second side surface and the other end edge of the second conical surface gradually decreases toward the other end edge of the first side surface. The second side surface is a conical surface, and in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, the distance between the second side surface and the first imaginary straight line connecting the other end edge of the first side surface and one end edge of the first conical surface gradually decreases toward the one end edge of the second side surface. From the viewpoint of increasing the pressing pressure on the side of the gap and from the viewpoint of making the portion pressed on this side surface more widely distributed in the depth direction of the gap, this structure is more efficient.

[0168] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first pressing part may also have a first chamfer (114) at the other end edge of the first side surface, and the second pressing part may also have a second chamfer (124) at one end edge of the second side surface, wherein the first chamfer is larger than the second chamfer. From the viewpoint of improving the sealing performance of the sealing member, this structure is more effective.

[0169] The sealing member of the embodiments of the present invention is made of resin, which is more effective from the viewpoint of improving the sealing performance of the sealing member and is suitable for use in ultra-low temperature environments where the sealing member is difficult to deform.

[0170] The sealing member of an embodiment of the present invention can have an annular shape when viewed along the insertion direction into the gap. The sealing member is disposed in the gap formed between the seat and the body in the valve and is pressed towards the seat by the retainer cap. This sealing member is more efficient from the viewpoint of applying the valve core in the valve to the seat.

[0171] In an embodiment of the invention, the valve core is a ball (4), which is more effective in sealing the valve core.

[0172] In embodiments of the present invention, the valve may be a valve for opening and closing a pipe supplying liquid hydrogen. The sealing member of the embodiments of the present invention exhibits excellent sealing performance, preventing leakage of liquid hydrogen from gaps, even in cryogenic environments such as those containing liquid hydrogen.

[0173] In embodiments of the present invention, the first pressing portion may also be configured such that it is pressed most forcefully at a position on the first conical surface from one-quarter to one-eighth of the distance along the width of the gap into which the sealing member is inserted. From the viewpoint of improving the sealing performance of the sealing member, this structure is more effective.

[0174] In an embodiment of the invention, the retainer cap may include a pressing portion (831) for pressing the sealing member. The pressing portion has: a side edge located in the width direction of the gap, from a position approximately 1 / 4 to 1 / 8 of the distance from said side of the gap; and a tapered pressing surface (831a) that gradually increases in distance from one side of the gap as it approaches the other end of the gap, with the angle between the pressing surface and the side of the gap being greater than the angle between the first tapered surface and the first side. From the viewpoint of improving the sealing performance of the sealing member, this structure is more effective.

[0175] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0176] 1. 510 body

[0177] 2 Valve Cover

[0178] 2a Through Section

[0179] 3 valve stems

[0180] 4 balls

[0181] 4a and 61a through holes

[0182] 4b convex part

[0183] 4b' protruding end

[0184] 5 Valve core housing

[0185] 6. Valve stem housing

[0186] 6a Connector

[0187] 6b upper opening

[0188] 6c middle part

[0189] 6d flange

[0190] 7 Piping Structure Section

[0191] 9 Operations Department

[0192] 10 valves

[0193] 21. Cleaning valve

[0194] 22 Pressure Plate

[0195] 23 Gland Packing

[0196] 31 Connecting Section

[0197] 51 Central Region

[0198] 51a recess

[0199] 52-end area

[0200] 61 trunnion plate

[0201] 62 yokes

[0202] 62b outer periphery

[0203] 80 sealing mechanism

[0204] 82 ball seats

[0205] 83 Retainer Cover

[0206] 84 spring

[0207] 90-degree gap

[0208] 99 handle

[0209] 100, 200 sealing components

[0210] 110, 210 First pressing part

[0211] 111, 211 First side view

[0212] 112 First Conical Surface

[0213] 113 First incision end

[0214] 114 First chamfer

[0215] 120, 220 Second Pressing Section

[0216] 121, 221 Second side

[0217] 122, 222 Second conical surface

[0218] 123 Second incision end

[0219] 124 Second chamfer

[0220] 130 connecting section

[0221] 212, 213 conical surfaces

[0222] 500 seals

[0223] 501 inner wall

[0224] 502 peripheral wall

[0225] 503 First Conical Surface

[0226] 504 First Inverted Conical Surface

[0227] 505 Second Conical Surface

[0228] 821 large diameter part

[0229] 822 small diameter section

[0230] 823 Steps

[0231] 823a contact section

[0232] 831 Pressing Part

[0233] 831a Pressing Surface

[0234] 832 Spring Receiving Section

[0235] L1 First Imaginary Straight Line

[0236] L2 Second Imaginary Straight Line

Claims

1. A sealing member disposed in a gap having an opening at one end and an abutment at the other end, with the depth direction being from one end toward the other end, wherein the sealing member, when pressed from one end toward the depth direction, is in close contact with both sides of the gap and the abutment, thereby blocking the gap. The sealing member has: The first pressing part is disposed on one end side of the sealing member, and when the sealing member is pressed in the depth direction of the gap during sealing, it presses one side of the gap. The second pressing part is disposed on the other end side of the sealing member. It is pressed against the abutting part by the first pressing part when the sealing member is sealing, and presses the other side of the gap. The connecting part is the portion where the other end of the first pressing part and one end of the second pressing part overlap and join together, and the connecting part forms a shape that is narrower in the middle at the center of the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member; as well as The deformation initiation part, by means of the pressing of the sealing member against the first pressing part when sealing, causes the sealing member to flex toward the second pressing part toward the other side of the gap.

2. The sealing member according to claim 1, wherein, The first pressing portion is the portion of the sealing member near one end and near one side. The first pressing part includes: The first side abuts against one side of the gap when the sealing member seals; and A first conical surface is exposed at one end of the first pressing portion. In the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, the distance from the first conical surface to the first side gradually decreases towards one end of the sealing member. The second pressing part is the portion of the sealing member near the other end and near the other side. The second pressing part includes: The second side abuts against the other side of the gap when the sealing member seals; and The second conical surface protrudes at the other end of the second pressing portion. In the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, the distance between the second conical surface and the second side gradually decreases towards the other end of the sealing member. The inclination angle of the second conical surface relative to the second side surface before sealing is smaller than the inclination angle of the sealing component when sealing. The deformation initiation part includes the portion comprising the second conical surface.

3. The sealing member according to claim 2, wherein, The first pressing portion has a first cut end, which is formed by connecting one end edge of the first conical surface and one end edge of the first side surface in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member. The second pressing portion has a second cut-out end, which, in the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, is formed by connecting the other end edge of the second conical surface and the other end edge of the second side surface. The first side surface is a tapered surface. In the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, the distance between the first side surface and the second imaginary straight line connecting one end edge of the second side surface and the other end edge of the second tapered surface gradually decreases towards the other end edge of the first side surface. The second side is a conical surface. In the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, the distance between the second side and the first imaginary straight line connecting the other edge of the first side and the first edge of the conical surface gradually decreases toward the edge of the second side.

4. The sealing member according to claim 2, wherein, The first pressing part also has a first chamfered part at the other end edge of the first side. The second pressing part also has a second chamfered part at one end edge of the second side. The first chamfer is larger than the second chamfer.

5. The sealing member according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing component is made of resin.

6. The sealing member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The sealing member has an annular shape when viewed along the depth direction of the gap, and is disposed in the gap formed between the seat and the body in the valve, and is pressed toward the seat by a retainer cap that abuts against the first pressing part.

7. The sealing member according to claim 6, wherein, The valve core is a ball.

8. A sealing mechanism comprising a sealing member arranged in a gap having an opening at one end and an abutment at the other end, wherein the gap is blocked by a sealing member disposed in a direction extending from one end toward the other in a depth direction, such that the sealing member is pressed against both sides and the abutment of the gap when pressed from one end toward the depth direction, wherein... The sealing member has: The first pressing part is disposed on one end side of the sealing member, and when the sealing member is pressed in the depth direction of the gap during sealing, it presses one side of the gap. The second pressing part is disposed on the other end side of the sealing member. It is pressed against the abutting part by the first pressing part when the sealing member is sealing, and presses the other side of the gap. The connecting part is the portion where the other end of the first pressing part and one end of the second pressing part overlap and join together, and the connecting part forms a shape that is narrower in the middle at the center of the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member; as well as The deformation initiation part, by means of the pressure applied to the first pressing part during sealing by the sealing member, causes the sealing member to flex toward the second pressing part in the direction toward the other side of the gap. The first pressing part is separated from the other side of the gap, and the second pressing part is separated from one side of the gap. When the sealing member is pressed from one end toward the depth direction, and the first pressing part moves toward the other end, the second pressing part abuts against the abutting part, thereby blocking the gap while the sealing member is flexing toward the other side of the gap towards the second pressing part.

9. The sealing mechanism according to claim 8, wherein, The first pressing portion is the portion of the sealing member near one end and near one side. The first pressing part includes: The first side abuts against one side of the gap when the sealing member seals; and A first conical surface is exposed at one end of the first pressing portion. In the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, the distance from the first conical surface to the first side gradually decreases towards one end of the sealing member. The second pressing part is the portion of the sealing member near the other end and near the other side. The second pressing part includes: The second side abuts against the other side of the gap when the sealing member seals; and The second conical surface protrudes at the other end of the second pressing portion. In the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, the distance between the second conical surface and the second side gradually decreases towards the other end of the sealing member. When the distance between one side and the other side of the gap is set as the width of the gap, the first pressing part is pressed with the strongest force at a position on the first conical surface from 1 / 4 to 1 / 8 of the distance from the side closest to the gap in the width direction of the gap.

10. A valve comprising a body, a seat, a retainer gland, and a sealing member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The body and the base form an opening at one end and an abutment at the other end, with a gap in the depth direction from one end to the other. The sealing member is inserted into the gap and is pressed against the seat by the retainer cap to block the gap.

11. The valve according to claim 10, wherein, The first pressing portion is the portion of the sealing member near one end and near one side. The first pressing part includes: The first side abuts against one side of the gap when the sealing member seals; and A first conical surface is exposed at one end of the first pressing portion. In the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, the distance from the first conical surface to the first side gradually decreases towards one end of the sealing member. The second pressing part is the portion of the sealing member near the other end and near the other side. The second pressing part includes: The second side abuts against the other side of the gap when the sealing member seals; and The second conical surface protrudes at the other end of the second pressing portion. In the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, the distance between the second conical surface and the second side gradually decreases towards the other end of the sealing member. The first pressing part is pressed most forcefully by the retainer cover at a position from 1 / 4 to 1 / 8 of the distance from one side of the gap in the width direction of the gap.

12. The valve according to claim 11, wherein, The retainer cap includes a pressing portion that presses against the sealing member. The pressing part has: a side edge located in the width direction of the gap, from 1 / 4 to 1 / 8 of the distance from the side closest to the gap; and a tapered pressing surface that gradually increases in distance from the side of the gap as it approaches the other end of the gap. The angle formed by the pressing surface relative to one side of the gap is greater than the angle formed by the first conical surface relative to the first side.

13. A sealing method, wherein, A sealing member according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is disposed in the gap between the valve seat and the body, and the gap is sealed by pressing the first pressing part of the sealing member toward the seat through the retainer gland.

14. The sealing method according to claim 13, wherein, The valve is used to open and close the piping supplying liquid hydrogen.

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