A sliding member

Abstract

The present invention provides a sliding member which effectively utilizes liquid supplied between sliding surfaces, and which can maintain high lubricity for a long period. A pair of sliding members 3 and 6 are oppositely arranged at positions which relatively rotate during driving of a rotary machine, and a sliding surface S6 of the sliding member 6 includes an opening portion 11 formed on an outer edge portion 60 thereof and extending in the circumferential direction, and a fluid supply groove 12 which extends from the opening portion 11 and opens to an edge 60a of the opening portion 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sliding component that rotates relative to the shaft, for example to a sliding component used in a shaft sealing device for sealing the rotating shaft of rotating machinery in the fields of automobiles, general industrial machinery or other sealing, or a sliding component used in the bearings of rotating machinery in the fields of automobiles, general industrial machinery or other bearings. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, lubricant is applied between the sliding surfaces of a pair of opposing rotating sliding components to reduce friction. For example, a mechanical seal (e.g., Patent Document 1) is known as a sliding component used in shaft sealing devices that seal the rotating shaft of rotating machinery such as pumps or turbines and prevent leakage of the sealed fluid.

[0003] Mechanical seals consist of a stationary sealing ring and a rotating sealing ring, which are sliding components. The sliding surfaces of the stationary and rotating sealing rings are pressed together and slidably arranged to seal the space between them. Maintaining lubrication over a long period is crucial for such mechanical seals to prevent wear caused by the sliding of the surfaces while preserving their sealing performance.

[0004] If the sealed fluid or the fluid on the leaking side is a liquid such as oil, stationary and rotary sealing rings can use the liquid for lubrication by allowing it to penetrate between the sliding surfaces. Conversely, when the sealed fluid or the fluid on the leaking side is a gas, the relative rotation of the stationary and rotary sealing rings causes the lubricant applied between the sliding surfaces to be squeezed out over time, thus failing to maintain good lubrication over a long period. Therefore, for stationary and rotary sealing rings used in such environments, it is commonly attempted to maintain lubrication between the sliding surfaces by supplying small amounts of liquid droplets.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent document: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-53423 (page 4, figure 1) Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical problems to be solved

[0008] However, liquid supplied by dripping onto the edge of either the inner or outer diameter side of the sliding surface is not only difficult to be guided to the radial center of the sliding surface from the extremely small gap between the sliding surfaces when the pair of sliding parts rotate relative to each other, but the liquid is also easily bounced to the inner or outer diameter side due to the relative rotation of the pair of sliding parts, thus failing to effectively contribute to the improvement of lubrication. Therefore, there is a problem that a pair of sliding parts cannot maintain high lubrication for a long time.

[0009] Technical solutions to solve technical problems

[0010] This invention was made in response to such problems, with the aim of providing a sliding component that can efficiently utilize the liquid supplied between the sliding surfaces and maintain high lubricity over a long period of time.

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, the sliding components of the present invention are a pair of sliding components positioned relative to each other during the driving of a rotating machine. At least one sliding surface of the pair of sliding components has: an opening formed on its outer or inner edge and extending circumferentially, and a fluid supply groove extending from the opening and opening toward the edge of the opening.

[0012] Therefore, the opening extends circumferentially and opens radially to facilitate the introduction of liquid. Furthermore, the liquid introduced into the opening is guided into the fluid supply groove and moves towards the radial center of the sliding surface. This allows liquid to be supplied between the sliding surfaces, maintaining high lubricity between them over a long period.

[0013] The depth of the opening and the fluid supply channel can be the same.

[0014] Therefore, it is easy to introduce liquid from the opening into the liquid supply tank.

[0015] An annular opening recess is formed by the pair of sliding members on the outer diameter side or the inner diameter side of the sliding surface, and the opening can communicate with the annular opening recess.

[0016] Therefore, the annular opening groove can reliably capture liquid. Thus, liquid can be easily introduced into the opening through the annular opening groove.

[0017] The fluid supply channel can extend from the circumferential end of the opening.

[0018] Therefore, the fluid supply tank can efficiently introduce liquid that has moved to the circumferential end of the opening.

[0019] Multiple fluid supply tanks and openings can be arranged circumferentially. This allows for uniform circumferential liquid supply.

[0020] The plurality of fluid supply tanks and the plurality of openings can form a fluid circulation path that is connected in a ring shape along the circumference.

[0021] Thus, the liquid flowing through the fluid supply tank is introduced into the downstream opening, and the fluid circulation path enables the liquid to circulate and effectively aid in lubrication.

[0022] The fluid circulation paths can be formed in multiple phases.

[0023] This improves the overall lubrication between the sliding surfaces. Furthermore, it effectively stores fluid on the side opposite to the opening, where the fluid supply channel of one fluid circulation path intersects with the fluid supply channel of another fluid circulation path. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a rotating machine using a mechanical seal having a sliding component according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a diagram obtained by observing the stationary sealing ring of the mechanical seal from the sliding surface side.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a magnified view of a portion of the sliding surface of the stationary sealing ring.

[0027] Figure 4 Image (a) shows the sliding contact state between the stationary sealing ring and the rotating sealing ring. Figure 2 AA section diagram, Figure 4 (b) shows the sliding contact state between the stationary sealing ring and the rotating sealing ring. Figure 2 BB cross-sectional view.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a diagram obtained by observing the stationary sealing ring in Deformation Example 1 from the sliding surface side.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a diagram obtained by observing the stationary sealing ring in Deformation Example 2 from the sliding surface side.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a diagram obtained by observing the stationary sealing ring in deformation example 3 from the sliding surface side.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a diagram obtained by observing the stationary sealing ring in deformation example 4 from the sliding surface side.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a diagram obtained by observing the stationary sealing ring in deformation example 5 from the sliding surface side.

[0033] Figure 10 Image (a) shows the sliding contact state between the stationary sealing ring and the rotating sealing ring in Modified Example 5. Figure 9 CC section diagram; Figure 10 (b) shows the sliding contact state between the stationary sealing ring and the rotating sealing ring in Modified Example 5. Figure 9 DD cross-sectional view.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a diagram obtained by viewing the stationary sealing ring in Embodiment 2 of the present invention from the sliding surface side.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a magnified view of a portion of the sliding surface of the stationary sealing ring in Example 2.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a diagram obtained by viewing the stationary sealing ring in Embodiment 3 of the present invention from the sliding surface side.

[0037] Figure 14 This illustrates the sliding contact state between the stationary sealing ring and the rotating sealing ring in Embodiment 3. Figure 13 EE cross-sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the sliding component of the present invention will be described based on examples.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] Reference Figures 1-4 The sliding component of Embodiment 1 will be described. It should be noted that, for ease of explanation, grooves and other markings formed on the sliding surface are indicated in the accompanying drawings.

[0041] In this embodiment, the sliding component is, for example, a shaft sealing device that constitutes a shaft seal for rotating shafts of automobiles, general industrial machinery or other rotating machinery in the field of sealing, namely, the rotating sealing ring 3 and the stationary sealing ring 6 of the mechanical seal M.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 The rotary sealing ring 3 is formed into a circular ring. In addition, the rotary sealing ring 3 is installed on the rotating shaft 1 through the sleeve 2 and can rotate integrally with the rotating shaft 1.

[0043] The stationary sealing ring 6 is formed in a circular shape. In addition, the stationary sealing ring 6 is mounted on the sealing cover 5 fixed to the housing 4 of the rotating machinery in a non-rotating state and axially movable state.

[0044] The sliding surface S6 of the stationary sealing ring 6 is arranged opposite to the sliding surface S3 of the rotating sealing ring 3. In addition, the stationary sealing ring 6 is subjected to force towards the rotating sealing ring 3 due to the force applied by the force application device 7.

[0045] Therefore, the rotating sealing ring 3 and the stationary sealing ring 6 slide close to each other on the sliding surfaces S3 and S6.

[0046] In addition, the mechanical seal M in this embodiment is an external type. By rotating the sealing ring 3 and the sliding surfaces S3 and S6 of the stationary sealing ring 6, the sealed fluid on the inner peripheral side (which is the fluid being sealed) is prevented from flowing out to the outer peripheral side (which is the leakage side).

[0047] In addition, in this embodiment, the sealed fluid is a high-pressure fluid such as dry gas, and the fluid on the outer periphery is a low-pressure fluid such as atmosphere or dry gas.

[0048] In addition, a lubricant Lu, such as lubricating oil, is stored on the outer periphery of the rotary sealing ring 3 and the stationary sealing ring 6. The lubricant Lu is supplied little by little to the outer edges of the sliding surfaces S3 and S6 of the rotary sealing ring 3 and the stationary sealing ring 6 by being rolled up and dripping as the rotating shaft 1 rotates. It should be noted that the dripping method of the lubricant Lu can be appropriately modified.

[0049] The rotating sealing ring 3 and the stationary sealing ring 6 are typically formed from SiC (a hard material) together or from a combination of SiC (a hard material) and carbon (a soft material), but materials used as sliding materials for mechanical seals can also be applied. As SiC, there are materials composed of two or more phases with different compositions, such as sintered bodies with boron, aluminum, carbon, etc., as sintering aids. Examples include SiC with dispersed graphite particles, reaction-sintered SiC composed of SiC and Si, SiC-TiC, and SiC-TiN. As carbon, resin-molded carbon and sintered carbon, represented by carbon formed by mixing carbon and graphite, can be used. In addition to the above-mentioned sliding materials, metallic materials, resin materials, surface-modified materials (coating materials), and composite materials can also be used.

[0050] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, in the axial end of the sliding surface S3 of the rotating sealing ring 3 in the stationary sealing ring 6, an outer diameter side conical surface 63 and an outer peripheral surface 62 are formed sequentially from the outer diameter side to the inner diameter side (see reference). Figure 4 ), sliding surface S6 and inner diameter side cone surface.

[0051] First, the sliding surface S6 of the stationary sealing ring 6 will be described in detail. For example... Figure 2 As shown, an annular fluid circulation path 10 is formed on the sliding surface S6. It should be noted that the fluid circulation path 10 can be formed by micro-machining the sliding surface S6 using laser processing, etching, sandblasting, etc.

[0052] The fluid circulation path 10 consists of four equally spaced openings 11 and four equally spaced fluid supply channels 12.

[0053] An opening 11 is formed on the outer edge 60 of the sliding surface S6.

[0054] More specifically, such as Figure 3As shown, the opening 11 is defined by a wall 11a, which is closer to the inner diameter than the outer edge 60a, and a bottom surface 11e. The wall 11a extends upward from the bottom surface 11e and is orthogonal to the platform 14. The bottom surface 11e extends parallel to the platforms 13 and 14. The opening 11 forms a stepped cross-section (see...). Figure 4 (a) of the opposite rotary sealing ring 3, and opens upward along the direction of the sliding surface S3 of the opposite rotary sealing ring 3 and the outer periphery.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the fluid supply tank 12 extends in a straight line and communicates with the adjacent openings 11, 11.

[0056] More specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the fluid supply channel 12 is defined by an inner diameter wall 12a, a bottom surface 12e, and an outer diameter wall 12b. Walls 12a and 12b extend upwards from the bottom surface 12e and are orthogonal to platforms 13 and 14. The bottom surface 12e extends parallel to platforms 13 and 14. The fluid supply channel 12 forms a concave cross-sectional shape (see...). Figure 4 In section (b), an opening is made in the direction of the sliding surface S3 of the opposing rotary sealing ring 3, and it communicates with the adjacent openings 11, 11 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0057] In addition, the inner diameter side wall 12a of the fluid supply tank 12 and the inner diameter side wall 11a of the opening 11 form an obtuse angle and are connected.

[0058] Furthermore, the bottom surface 12e of the fluid supply tank 12 and the bottom surface 11e of the opening 11 form approximately the same plane. That is, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the depth D of the opening 11 is approximately the same as that of the fluid supply tank 12.

[0059] Additionally, return to Figure 2 The wall 12b on the outer diameter side of the fluid supply tank 12 forms an acute angle with the outer edge 60a.

[0060] Additionally, the sliding surface S6 has platforms 13 and 14, whose upper surfaces are located on the same plane. Platform 13 is defined by an outer edge 60a and a fluid supply channel 12, and four platforms are provided in this embodiment. Platform 14 is defined by a fluid circulation path 10 and an inner edge 61a, and they are continuously connected in a ring shape.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the assembled and used state, the mechanical seal M has an annular opening recess 15 formed by the rotating sealing ring 3 and the stationary sealing ring 6 on the outer diameter side of the sliding surface S6. The annular opening recess 15 has a continuous rectangular cross-sectional shape in the circumferential direction and opens in the outer circumferential direction.

[0062] The annular opening recess 15 is described in detail. The annular opening recess 15 is defined by the conical surface 30 of the rotary sealing ring 3, the sliding surface S3 of the rotary sealing ring 3, the outer peripheral surface 62 of the stationary sealing ring 6, and the outer diameter side conical surface 63.

[0063] The conical surface 30 of the rotating sealing ring 3 extends more inclinedly and in a direction away from the stationary sealing ring 6 from the outer edge of the sliding surface S3 toward the outer diameter side, and extends circumferentially.

[0064] The outer peripheral surface 62 of the stationary sealing ring 6 is orthogonal to the outer edge 60a of the sliding surface S6, extending in a direction away from the rotating sealing ring 3 and in a circumferential direction. The outer diameter side tapered surface 63 of the stationary sealing ring 6 extends more inclinedly in a direction away from the rotating sealing ring 3 and in a circumferential direction as it moves from the outer peripheral surface 62 toward the outer diameter side. The outer edge of the sliding surface S3 is located further toward the outer diameter side than the outer edge 60a of the sliding surface S6.

[0065] Next, the flow of lubricant Lu supplied during the operation of rotating machinery will be explained. It should be noted that... Figure 2 The white arrow in the diagram indicates the relative rotation direction of the rotating sealing ring 3 of the opposing sliding component. That is, the rotating sealing ring 3 is configured to rotate counterclockwise.

[0066] Reference Figure 4 The lubricant Lu dripping onto the annular opening recess 15 is guided to the bottom side of the annular opening recess 15 by the conical surface 30 of the rotating sealing ring 3, the sliding surface S3, and the outer diameter side conical surface 63 of the stationary sealing ring 6, that is, it is guided to the outer peripheral surface 62 and the outer edge 60a side of the stationary sealing ring 6.

[0067] Thus, since the rotating sealing ring 3 and the stationary sealing ring 6 form an annular opening recess 15, the dripping lubricant Lu can be reliably captured.

[0068] Furthermore, even if the lubricant Lu is a small lump, it can become a large lump by causing the annular opening recess 15 to move circumferentially and merge with other lubricants Lu.

[0069] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown by the dashed arrow, when the rotating sealing ring 3 rotates relative to the stationary sealing ring 6, the lubricant Lu collected in the annular opening recess 15 is introduced into the opening 11 of the sliding surface S6.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown, when the lubricant Lu is introduced into the opening 11, as indicated by the solid arrow, the lubricant Lu moves along the inner diameter side wall 11a towards the circumferential downstream end 11c in the rotational direction.

[0071] The circumferential downstream end 11c on the downstream side of the rotation direction is connected to the upstream end 12c of the fluid supply channel 12 and faces the outer diameter side wall 12b of the fluid supply channel 12. The outer diameter side wall 12b has a component extending in the rotation direction of the rotary seal ring 3 and a component extending radially, and is formed by radial inclination.

[0072] Therefore, as Figure 3 As shown by the solid line, the fluid supply tank 12 can effectively introduce the lubricant Lu that has moved to the circumferential downstream end 11c of the opening 11.

[0073] Furthermore, since the opening 11 and the fluid supply tank 12 have approximately the same depth D, it is easy to introduce lubricant Lu from the opening 11 into the fluid supply tank 12.

[0074] It should be noted that the depth D of the opening 11 and the fluid supply groove 12 is sufficiently deep. Even if the lubricant Lu and the sealed fluid follow the rotation of the rotating sealing ring 3, there is almost no or no dynamic pressure that pushes the sliding surfaces S3 and S6 in the separation direction.

[0075] In addition, the downstream end 12d of the fluid supply tank 12 in the direction of movement of the lubricant Lu is connected to the upstream end 11d of the downstream side opening 11 in the circumferential direction.

[0076] Thus, the fluid supply tank 12 can be properly introduced into the downstream opening 11 by causing the introduced lubricant Lu to move along the walls 12a, 12b.

[0077] In this way, the lubricant Lu flowing into the fluid supply tank 12 moves along the relative rotation of the rotary sealing ring 3 and the stationary sealing ring 6, while a portion of the lubricant Lu is supplied between the sliding surfaces S3 and S6. Specifically, it is supplied between the relative positions of the sliding surfaces S3 of the platform 13 and the rotary sealing ring 3, and between the relative positions of the sliding surfaces S3 of the platform 14 and the rotary sealing ring 3.

[0078] In particular, since the center of the fluid supply tank 12 along its length is located at the radial center of the sliding surface S6, lubricant Lu can be supplied to the radial center of the sliding surface S6. Here, in this specification, "center" means between and does not indicate halfway.

[0079] In addition, most of the lubricant Lu supplied between the sliding surfaces S3 and S6 is recycled to the opening 11 and fluid supply groove 12 located downstream of the rotation direction as the rotary sealing ring 3 rotates.

[0080] On the other hand, the lubricant Lu introduced from the fluid supply tank 12 into the downstream opening 11 causes the downstream opening 11 to move circumferentially in the same way as described above, and is introduced into the downstream fluid supply tank 12.

[0081] In this way, the lubricant Lu flows in the order of opening 11, fluid supply tank 12, opening 11, fluid supply tank 12... Thus, the fluid circulation path 10 enables the lubricant Lu to effectively aid lubrication.

[0082] Here, wear powder and other contaminants sometimes occur due to the sliding surfaces S3 and S6 sliding against each other. The fluid supply tank 12 is connected to the side further outward than the sliding surfaces S3 and S6 via the downstream opening 11. Therefore, contaminants, especially those with a specific gravity greater than the lubricant Lu, are easily discharged towards the side further outward than the sliding surfaces S3 and S6 when the rotating sealing ring 3 and the stationary sealing ring 6 rotate relative to each other. On the other hand, the lubricant Lu flows more easily along the downstream opening 11 than the contaminants.

[0083] Furthermore, since the fluid circulation path 10 in this embodiment is linearly symmetrical, lubricant Lu can be supplied even if the rotation direction of the sliding component is clockwise, which is opposite to the direction described herein.

[0084] It should be noted that the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used for ease of explanation based on the rotation direction of the rotary sealing ring 3. Of course, their positions change depending on the rotation direction of the sliding component.

[0085] As described above, the mechanical seal M of this embodiment can supply lubricant Lu between sliding surfaces S3 and S6 and maintain high lubricity between sliding surfaces S3 and S6 for a long time. This is because the lubricant Lu supplied to the outer edge 60a of sliding surface S6 can be easily introduced into the opening 11 that extends circumferentially and opens radially, and then the lubricant Lu introduced into the opening 11 is guided into the fluid supply groove 12 and moves towards the radial center of sliding surface S6.

[0086] In addition, since the annular opening recess 15 can reliably capture dripping lubricant Lu, it is easy to introduce lubricant Lu from the annular opening recess 15 to the opening 11.

[0087] Furthermore, since the opening 11 and the fluid supply groove 12 are arranged at equal intervals on the sliding surface S6, lubricant Lu can be supplied evenly in the circumferential direction of the sliding surfaces S3 and S6.

[0088] It should be noted that although the fluid supply tank 12 is described in this embodiment as extending in a straight line, it is not limited to this and can be configured as in Variation 1. Figure 5 The fluid supply tank 121 shown is curved as in the example of variation 2. Figure 6 The fluid supply channel 122 shown is meandering. That is, the shape of the fluid supply channel can be appropriately changed. The shape of the opening can also be appropriately changed in the same way.

[0089] Furthermore, although the fluid supply tank 12 has been described in this embodiment as being connected to the circumferential ends 11c and 11d of the opening 11, it is not limited to this configuration, and may also be configured as in Variation 3. Figure 7 As shown in the fluid supply tank 123, it is connected to the center of the long side of the opening 11, which is closer to the circumferential ends 11c and 11d of the opening 11.

[0090] Furthermore, although in this embodiment the fluid supply tank 12 has been described as forming an annular fluid circulation path 10 in communication with adjacent openings 11, 11, it is not limited to this configuration, and variations such as in Modification 4 are also possible. Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, the upstream end 124c of the fluid supply tank 124 communicates only with the upstream end 111 in the direction of rotation, and the downstream end 124d of the fluid supply tank 124 opens at its outer edge 60a. That is, a fluid circulation path may not be formed.

[0091] Furthermore, although the annular opening recess 15 is described in this embodiment as having a rectangular cross-sectional shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction, it is not limited to this. The cross-sectional shape of the annular opening recess can be appropriately changed, and the cross-sectional shape of the annular opening recess can also be discontinuous in the circumferential direction.

[0092] For example, the reference is used as the reference in Variation 5. Figure 9 , Figure 10 Please provide an explanation. For example... Figure 10 As shown in (a), the annular opening recess 151 overlaps with the opening 11 in the radial direction, having a position communicating with the opening 11, and as shown in (a). Figure 10 The position shown in (b) is not radially overlapping with and not connected to the opening 11.

[0093] First, the portion that does not overlap radially with the opening 11 will be explained. (Refer to...) Figure 10 In (b), the annular opening recess 151 is defined by the conical surface 30 of the rotary sealing ring 3, the sliding surface S3 of the rotary sealing ring 3, and the outer diameter side conical surface 64 of the stationary sealing ring 6, forming a triangular cross-section. It should be noted that, for ease of explanation, the flat end face of the rotary sealing ring 3 opposite to the stationary sealing ring 6 is referred to as the sliding surface S3, which, strictly speaking, has a portion that does not slide against the stationary sealing ring 6.

[0094] The outer diameter side cone surface 64 of the stationary sealing ring 6 extends more inclinedly away from the outer diameter side from the outer edge 60a of the sliding surface S6 and away from the rotating sealing ring 3. As a result, the lubricant Lu that drips into the annular opening recess 151 is guided from the outer diameter side cone surface 64 to the bottom side of the annular opening recess 151, that is, guided to the outer edge 60a side of the stationary sealing ring 6.

[0095] Furthermore, the annular opening recess 151 becomes shorter axially towards the inner diameter side due to the outer diameter side tapered surface 64, making it difficult for the lubricant Lu within the annular opening recess 151 to drain into the space on the outer diameter side. This is more pronounced when the surface tension of the lubricant Lu is greater.

[0096] Next, the portion where the annular opening recess 151 and the opening 11 overlap radially will be described. (Refer to...) Figure 10 In (a), four axially recessed recesses 65 are formed on the outer diameter side conical surface 64 of the stationary sealing ring 6, which serve as a communication path connecting to the opening 11. The bottom surface of the recess 65 is continuous with the bottom surface 11e of the opening 11, forming approximately the same plane, and is formed into a rectangular cross-section. As a result, the opening 11 can easily introduce lubricant Lu through the recesses 65.

[0097] Example 2

[0098] Next, refer to Figure 11 , 12 The sliding component of Embodiment 2 will be described. It should be noted that components that are the same as those shown in Embodiment 1 are marked with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0099] like Figure 11 As shown, on the sliding surface S106 of the stationary sealing ring 106, two fluid circulation paths 110 are formed circumferentially offset by about 45 degrees.

[0100] It should be noted that the composition of the fluid circulation path 110 unit is the same as that of the fluid circulation path 10 in Embodiment 1, but for ease of explanation, in Figure 11 , 12 In this embodiment, the fluid circulation path 110 shown at the same angle as that in embodiment 1 is designated as fluid circulation path 110A, and the fluid circulation path 110 that is circumferentially offset from fluid circulation path 110A is designated as fluid circulation path 110B.

[0101] Additionally, for ease of explanation, depending on the needs, the openings 11 and fluid supply tanks 12 constituting the fluid circulation path 110A may sometimes be... Figure 11 Starting from the 12 o'clock position of the stationary sealing ring 106, along the rotation direction of the rotating sealing ring 3, the openings are sequentially named as follows: opening 11A1, fluid supply groove 12A2, opening 11A3, fluid supply groove 12A4, opening 11A5, fluid supply groove 12A6, opening 11A7, and fluid supply groove 12A8.

[0102] Similarly, for each opening 11 and each fluid supply tank 12 constituting the fluid circulation path 110B, sometimes from... Figure 11Starting from the 12 o'clock position of the stationary sealing ring 106, along the rotation direction of the rotating sealing ring 3, the fluid supply groove 12B1, opening 11B2, fluid supply groove 12B3, opening 11B4, fluid supply groove 12B5, opening 11B6, fluid supply groove 12B7, and opening 11B8 are listed in sequence.

[0103] like Figure 12 As shown, the sliding surface S106 has platforms 113, 114, and 115, and their upper surfaces are located on the same plane.

[0104] Platform 113 is defined by outer edge 60a, fluid supply channel 12 and fluid supply channels 12 intersecting with it.

[0105] Platform 114 is defined by fluid supply channel 12, fluid supply channels 12 intersecting with fluid supply channel 12, and inner edge 61a.

[0106] Platform 115 is defined by an opening 11, two fluid supply channels 12 communicating with the opening 11, and fluid supply channels 12 intersecting with the two fluid supply channels 12.

[0107] The fluid circulation paths 110A and 110B are described in detail. It should be noted that in this description, the flow path is arranged according to... Figure 11 The description will proceed sequentially from the 12 o'clock position of the stationary sealing ring 106 along the rotation direction of the rotating sealing ring, i.e., along the downstream direction.

[0108] The downstream side of the fluid supply tank 12B1 of the fluid circulation path 110B intersects the upstream side of the fluid supply tank 12A2 of the fluid circulation path 110A.

[0109] The downstream side of the fluid supply tank 12A2 of fluid circulation path 110A intersects the upstream side of the fluid supply tank 12B3 of fluid circulation path 110B. The fluid supply tank 12B3 and the fluid supply tank 12B1 are arranged adjacent to each other on the downstream side.

[0110] The downstream side of the fluid supply tank 12B3 of the fluid circulation path 110B intersects the upstream side of the fluid supply tank 12A4 of the fluid circulation path 110A.

[0111] The downstream side of the fluid supply tank 12A4 of the fluid circulation path 110A intersects the upstream side of the fluid supply tank 12B5 of the fluid circulation path 110B.

[0112] The downstream side of the fluid supply tank 12B5 of the fluid circulation path 110B intersects the upstream side of the fluid supply tank 12A6 of the fluid circulation path 110A.

[0113] The downstream side of the fluid supply tank 12A6 of the fluid circulation path 110A intersects the upstream side of the fluid supply tank 12B7 of the fluid circulation path 110B.

[0114] The downstream side of the fluid supply tank 12B7 of the fluid circulation path 110B intersects with the upstream side of the fluid supply tank 12A8 of the fluid circulation path 110A.

[0115] The downstream side of the fluid supply tank 12A8 of the fluid circulation path 110A intersects the upstream side of the fluid supply tank 12B1 of the fluid circulation path 110B.

[0116] Next, refer to Figure 12 The flow of lubricant Lu is illustrated by examples of openings 11A1 and 11B2, and fluid supply channels 12A2 and 12B1. Lubricant Lu moves circumferentially in the direction of rotation of the rotary sealing ring 3.

[0117] The lubricant Lu introduced from the opening 11A1 into the fluid supply tank 12A2 merges with the lubricant Lu moving in the fluid supply tank 12B1 at the intersection of the fluid supply tanks 12A2 and 12B1, and flows towards the fluid supply tank 12A2 and the opening 11B2.

[0118] This confluence facilitates the introduction of lubricant Lu, which flows in fluid supply tank 12B1, into fluid supply tank 12A2. Consequently, once introduced to the inner diameter side of the cross section, the lubricant Lu is less likely to be discharged externally, thus improving the overall lubricity between sliding surfaces S3 and S106.

[0119] In addition, the center of the fluid supply tanks 12A2 and 12B1 along the length direction is located on the inner diameter side, which is opposite to the opening 11, compared to the part where the fluid supply tanks 12A2 and 12B1 intersect.

[0120] That is, the fluid circulation paths 110A and 110B can effectively store the lubricant Lu to the side opposite to the opening 11.

[0121] Furthermore, since the fluid supply groove 12 of fluid circulation path 110A and the fluid supply groove 12 of fluid circulation path 110B are each continuously formed in a ring shape in the center of their respective length directions, the lubricant Lu can be supplied evenly to the sliding surfaces S3 and S106 in a circumferential manner.

[0122] Each fluid supply groove 12 is connected to the outer diameter side of the sliding surfaces S3 and S106 via the downstream opening 11. In particular, contaminants with a specific gravity greater than lubricant Lu will not remain on the inner diameter side of the intersection of the fluid supply groove 12 in fluid circulation path 110A and fluid supply groove 12 in fluid circulation path 110B, and will be easily discharged to the outer diameter side of the sliding surfaces S3 and S106 when the rotating sealing ring 3 and the stationary sealing ring 106 rotate relative to each other.

[0123] Example 3

[0124] Next, refer to Figure 13 , 14 The sliding component of Embodiment 3 will be described. It should be noted that components that are the same as those shown in Embodiments 1 and 2 above are marked with the same symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0125] Reference Figure 14 In Example 3, lubricant Lu drips onto the inner edges of the sliding surfaces S203 and S206 of the rotating sealing ring 203 and the stationary sealing ring 206.

[0126] like Figure 13 and 14 As shown, on the axial end of the stationary sealing ring 206 in the direction of the sliding surface 203 of the rotating sealing ring 203, an outer diameter conical surface, a sliding surface S206, and an inner circumferential surface 262 are sequentially formed from the outer diameter side toward the inner diameter side. (Refer to...) Figure 14 ), Inner diameter side cone surface 263.

[0127] First, the sliding surface S206 of the stationary sealing ring 206 will be described in detail. A fluid circulation path 210 is formed on the sliding surface S206 of the stationary sealing ring 206. The fluid circulation path 210 is composed of four equally spaced openings 211 and four equally spaced fluid supply grooves 212.

[0128] An opening 211 is formed on the inner edge 61 of the sliding surface S206. Furthermore, the opening 211 extends in a straight line.

[0129] The fluid supply channel 212 extends in a curved C-shape and communicates with adjacent openings 211, 212.

[0130] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, in the assembled state using the mechanical seal M, an annular opening recess 215 is formed on the inner circumferential side of the sliding surface S206 by the rotating sealing ring 203 and the stationary sealing ring 206. The annular opening recess 215 is a rectangular cross-section that is continuous in the circumferential direction and opens in the circumferential direction.

[0131] The annular opening recess 215 is described in detail. The annular opening recess 215 is defined by the conical surface 230 of the rotary sealing ring 203, the sliding surface S203 of the rotary sealing ring 203, the inner circumferential surface 262 of the stationary sealing ring 206, and the inner diameter side conical surface 263 of the stationary sealing ring 206.

[0132] The conical surface 230 of the rotating sealing ring 203 extends more inclinedly and further away from the inner edge of the sliding surface S203 toward the inner diameter side, and extends more circumferentially.

[0133] The inner circumferential surface 262 of the stationary sealing ring 206 is orthogonal to the inner edge 61a of the sliding surface S206, extending in a direction away from the rotating sealing ring 203 and in the circumferential direction. The inner diameter side tapered surface 263 of the stationary sealing ring 206 extends more inclinedly away from the rotating sealing ring 203 and in the circumferential direction as it moves from the inner circumferential surface 262 toward the inner diameter side. The inner edge of the sliding surface S203 is located at approximately the same radial position as the inner edge 60a of the sliding surface S206.

[0134] Thus, the lubricant Lu dripping into the annular opening recess 215 is guided by the conical surface 230 of the rotating sealing ring 203, the sliding surface S203, and the inner diameter side conical surface 263 of the stationary sealing ring 206 to the bottom side of the annular opening recess 215, namely the stationary sealing ring 262, inner edge 61a side.

[0135] In this way, the annular opening recess 215 is formed by the rotating sealing ring 203 and the stationary sealing ring 206, thus reliably capturing the dripping lubricant Lu.

[0136] Furthermore, the mechanical seal M of this embodiment can supply lubricant Lu between the sliding surfaces S203 and S206 and maintain high lubricity between the sliding surfaces S203 and S206 for a long time. This is because the lubricant Lu supplied to the inner edge 61a of the sliding surface S206 can be easily introduced into the opening 211, which extends circumferentially and opens radially, and then the lubricant Lu introduced into the opening 211 can be guided into the fluid supply groove 212 and moved radially towards the center of the sliding surface S206.

[0137] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments. Any changes or additions made without departing from the spirit of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0138] For example, in the above embodiments, the mechanical seal is described as an external type, but it is not limited to this. It can also be a so-called internal type that prevents the sealed fluid on the outer peripheral side (which is the sealed fluid side) from flowing out to the inner peripheral side (which is the leakage side).

[0139] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the configuration in which the opening and the fluid supply groove are formed on the stationary sealing ring has been described, but it is not limited to this. They may also be formed on the rotating sealing ring, or on the rotating sealing ring and the stationary sealing ring respectively.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the configuration of the openings and fluid supply channels arranged at 4 or 8 equal intervals has been described, but this is not a limitation, and their number is not restricted. Although it is preferred that they be evenly arranged in the circumferential direction, this is not a limitation.

[0141] Furthermore, the above embodiments have been described as having a configuration with an annular opening recess, but this is not a limitation, and the annular opening recess may not be provided.

[0142] Furthermore, while the above embodiments have described a configuration where the annular opening recesses are continuously formed in the circumferential direction, the embodiments are not limited to this, and multiple opening recesses may also be formed. That is, the configuration may also be discontinuous in the circumferential direction.

[0143] Symbol Explanation

[0144] 3. Rotary sealing ring (sliding component)

[0145] 6. Static sealing ring (sliding component)

[0146] 10 Fluid Circulation Path

[0147] 11 Opening

[0148] 11c Circumferential end

[0149] 11d circumferential end

[0150] 12 Liquid supply tank

[0151] 15. Annular opening recess

[0152] 60 Outer edge

[0153] 60a Outer edge (edge ​​on the opening side)

[0154] 61 Inner edge

[0155] 111 opening

[0156] 121-124 Fluid supply tanks

[0157] 106 Static Sealing Ring (Sliding Component)

[0158] 110A and 110B fluid circulation paths

[0159] 203 Rotary Seal Ring (Sliding Component)

[0160] 206 Stationary Sealing Ring (Sliding Component)

[0161] 210 fluid circulation loop

[0162] 211 opening

[0163] 212 Fluid supply tank

[0164] 215 Annular opening recess

[0165] 61a Inner edge (edge ​​on the opening side)

[0166] D Depth

[0167] Lubricant (fluid)

[0168] M Mechanical Seal

[0169] S3 Sliding Surface

[0170] S6 Sliding Surface

[0171] S106 Sliding Surface

[0172] S203 Sliding Surface

[0173] S206 sliding surface.

Claims

1. A sliding component, comprising a pair of sliding components disposed opposite to each other at positions that rotate relative to each other during the driving of rotating machinery. At least one sliding surface of the pair of sliding components has: an opening formed on its outer or inner edge and extending circumferentially, and a fluid supply groove extending from the opening and opening toward an edge on the side of the opening. The curvature of the edge of the sliding surface on the opening side is greater than the circumferential curvature of the surface extending circumferentially and axially within the opening.

2. The sliding component according to claim 1, wherein, The opening and the fluid supply channel have the same depth.

3. The sliding component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, An annular opening recess is formed by the pair of sliding components on the outer diameter side or the inner diameter side of the sliding surface. The opening is connected to the annular opening recess.

4. A sliding component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fluid supply channel extends from the circumferential end of the opening.

5. A sliding component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fluid supply channels and openings are arranged circumferentially.

6. The sliding member according to claim 5, wherein, The plurality of fluid supply tanks and the plurality of openings form a fluid circulation path that is circumferentially connected in a ring shape.

7. The sliding component according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of said fluid circulation paths are formed in a phase-shifted manner.

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