A device for replacing a sliding seal ring under vacuum and a method for replacing a sliding seal ring under vacuum

Abstract

The application discloses a device for replacing a sliding sealing ring under vacuum, comprising a first vacuum port, a sealing piston, a sealing ring to be replaced, a vacuum clamp, a vacuum pipe, a replacement sealing ring, a movable sealing ring, a first replacement rod, a second replacement rod, a threaded rod and a second vacuum port; the sealing piston is sealed with the vacuum suction port by the sealing ring (to be replaced); when replacing, the vacuum pipe is sealed with the vacuum suction port by the vacuum clamp, the gas in the vacuum pipe is discharged through the second vacuum port, so that the vacuum pipe and the vacuum suction port are both in a vacuum state; the sealing piston is pulled out by using the threaded rod, the sealing ring to be replaced is picked out by using the first replacement rod, the replacement sealing ring is pushed into the sealing groove of the sealing piston by pushing the second replacement rod; and the replacement purpose is achieved by resetting the sealing piston by using the threaded rod. By pushing and pulling the replacement rods, the sealing ring to be replaced can be replaced in the closed container without replacing the sealing piston.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vacuum technology, specifically relating to a device and method for replacing a sliding sealing ring under vacuum. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum treatment is a common process in modern industry, widely used in various fields. After vacuum equipment finishes evacuating the vacuum, a plug is usually used to seal the vacuum port to maintain the vacuum level in the vacuum chamber. Plugs come in various forms, with the sealing piston being a common one. This sealing method is simple, convenient, and easy to operate, and compared to other sealing methods such as vacuum valves, it has the advantages of small space requirements and high reliability. When it is necessary to replace the sealing piston, the traditional method is to replace the entire plug using a device. This method has the following disadvantages: 1. The replacement device is relatively large, requiring sufficient space to ensure a smooth replacement; 2. Replacement pistons need to be prepared in advance, making it unsuitable for handling emergency situations; 3. The cost is high due to the need to prepare a sufficient number of replacement pistons. Therefore, there is a need to invent a device that can replace the sealing ring of a vacuum piston without replacing the piston or disrupting the vacuum, to address emergency situations and reduce costs.

[0003] Existing technology document 1 (CN116833722A) discloses a method for replacing a vacuum plug, but the shortcoming of this prior art is that it essentially still involves replacing the entire plug. In emergency situations or when there are no plugs available, it is still impossible to replace only the sealing ring on the plug. How to replace the sealing ring on the plug without replacing the plug or disrupting the vacuum is a problem that must be solved.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device that can replace the sealing ring on the plug without replacing the plug or destroying the vacuum. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a device and method for replacing sliding seals under vacuum.

[0006] The present invention adopts the following technical solution.

[0007] The first aspect of this invention discloses a device for replacing a sliding sealing ring under vacuum, comprising: a first vacuum port, a sealing piston, a sealing ring to be replaced, a vacuum clamp, a vacuum tube, a replacement sealing ring, a movable sealing ring, a first replacement rod, a second replacement rod, a threaded rod, and a second vacuum port, characterized in that: The sealing piston forms a vacuum seal structure with the inner wall of the first vacuum port through the sealing ring to be replaced; The vacuum tube forms a vacuum seal with the first vacuum port via a vacuum clamp; the vacuum tube forms a vacuum seal with the first replacement rod, the second replacement rod, and the threaded rod via a plurality of movable sealing rings; the vacuum tube forms a vacuum seal with the second vacuum port via a vacuum clamp. The first replacement rod, the second replacement rod, and the threaded rod can all slide freely in the length direction, and due to the performance of the movable sealing ring, their sliding will not affect the vacuum sealing performance of the vacuum tube; The threaded rod can move along its length and connect to the threaded opening of the sealing piston, separating the sealing piston from the first vacuum port; The second vacuum port is connected to an external vacuum pump and is used to draw a vacuum from the vacuum tube.

[0008] Preferably, the inner surface of the first replacement rod has a barb at its end, which can hook onto any non-metallic sealing ring; the outer surface of the first replacement rod is smooth, and the replacement sealing ring can slide on the outer surface of the first replacement rod.

[0009] Preferably, the end of the first replacement rod, i.e. the section with the barb, has a smooth and curved tip.

[0010] Preferably, the second replacement rod can slide freely on the outer surface of the first replacement rod; the second replacement rod can smoothly push the replacement sealing ring.

[0011] Preferably, the end of the threaded rod has a thread of a certain length, the length of which matches the threaded hole of the sealing piston; the length of the threaded rod is longer than that of the vacuum tube.

[0012] Preferably, the surface of the vacuum tube has a second vacuum port, and the number of the second vacuum ports is not limited.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention discloses a method for replacing a sliding seal ring on a sliding sealing piston under vacuum conditions, based on the aforementioned apparatus for replacing a sliding seal ring under vacuum, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Check the equipment for integrity and prepare replacement materials. Connect the vacuum tube to the first vacuum port and ensure that the vacuum tube is in a vacuum state. Step 2, replace the sealing ring; Step 3: Reset the device and remove it.

[0014] Preferably, step 1 specifically includes: Step 1.1: Determine the sealing ring that needs to be replaced, and put the replacement sealing ring of the same model onto the first replacement rod; Step 1.2: Connect the vacuum tube to the vacuum port and seal it with a vacuum clamp; Step 1.3: Connect the second vacuum port to the vacuum pump to evacuate the vacuum tube.

[0015] Preferably, step 2 specifically includes: Step 2.1: After the vacuum inside the vacuum tube is not higher than the vacuum inside the sealing piston, push the threaded rod to connect the threaded rod to the sealing piston, and then pull out the sealing piston. Step 2.2: Push the first replacement rod to the seal ring to be replaced, and use the barb of the first replacement rod to hook the seal ring to be replaced; Step 2.3: Pull the first replacement rod outward to the rear of the sealing piston, so that the sealing ring to be replaced is disengaged from the sealing groove of the sealing piston; Step 2.4: Push the first replacement lever inward again so that it is in the sealing groove of the sealing piston; Step 2.5: Push the second replacement lever to push the replacement sealing ring into the sealing groove.

[0016] Preferably, step 3 specifically includes: Step 3.1: After the sealing ring is replaced, push the threaded rod inward to reset the sealing piston; Step 3.2: After confirming that the sealing piston is fully pushed in, rotate the threaded rod to disengage it from the sealing piston. Step 3.3: Open the second vacuum port to restore normal pressure inside the vacuum tube, remove the device and recycle the used sealing ring.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are that, compared with the prior art, Current technology often involves replacing the entire plug using a device. This method has the following disadvantages: First, the replacement device is relatively large, requiring ample space to ensure a smooth replacement; second, replacement pistons need to be prepared in advance, making it impossible to handle emergency situations; and third, the cost is high due to the need to prepare a sufficient number of replacement pistons.

[0018] This invention, by setting up a matching vacuum tube and a replacement rod, achieves the replacement of the sealing ring without replacing the sealing piston or disrupting the vacuum through the combined actions of the replacement rod. This replacement device and method not only saves on the manufacturing cost of the sealing piston, but also eliminates the need to wait for a new sealing piston to be manufactured in emergency situations such as vacuum failure; replacement can be completed simply by using a new sealing ring.

[0019] In summary, this device effectively reduces the cost of vacuum chamber maintenance, minimizes the risk of vacuum chamber damage, and allows for seal replacement even in confined operating spaces. Furthermore, in emergency situations, this device can handle emergencies without requiring piston replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a device for replacing a sliding seal ring under vacuum according to the present invention; In the diagram: 1. First vacuum port; 2. Sealing piston; 3. Sealing ring to be replaced; 4. Vacuum clamp; 5. Vacuum tube; 6. Replacement sealing ring; 7. Movable sealing ring; 8. First replacement rod; 9. Second replacement rod; 10. Threaded rod; 11. Second vacuum port; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the structural relationship between the first replacement rod, the second replacement rod, the vacuum tube, and the replacement sealing ring. Figure 3 This is the step of replacing the sealing ring during the implementation of this invention; Figure 4 This is the step of replacing the sealing ring during the implementation of this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To better understand the technical solution of the present invention, detailed descriptions are provided below through specific embodiments: Please see Figure 1 Embodiment 1 of the present invention discloses a device for replacing a sliding sealing ring under vacuum, the device comprising a first vacuum port 1, a sealing piston 2, and a vacuum tube 5; Among them, the first vacuum port 1 is the vacuum extraction port of the vacuum chamber, the sealing piston 2 is placed in the first vacuum port 1, and the two are sealed by a sealing ring 3; The sealing ring 3 is a sealing ring to be replaced, and there is no limit to the number. Its material is non-metallic, and common materials are fluororubber and nitrile rubber. The material of the sealing piston 2 is not limited; common materials include stainless steel, copper, and aluminum alloy. The vacuum tube 5 forms a vacuum sealing structure with the first replacement rod 8, the second replacement rod 9, and the threaded rod 10 through a plurality of movable sealing rings 7; the vacuum tube 5 and the second vacuum port 11 form a vacuum sealing structure through a vacuum clamp. There is no limit to the number of movable sealing rings 7. They are made of non-metallic materials, such as fluororubber and nitrile rubber. During the pushing process of the first replacement rod 8, the second replacement rod 9, and the threaded rod 10, the movable sealing rings 7 are always in working condition. The inner surface of the first replacement rod 8 has a barb at the end, which can hook any non-metallic sealing ring; the outer surface of the first replacement rod 8 is smooth, and the replacement sealing ring 6 can slide on the outer surface of the first replacement rod 8; the end of the first replacement rod 8, that is, the section with the barb, has a smooth and curved tip. The second replacement rod 9 can slide freely on the outer surface of the first replacement rod 8; the second replacement rod 9 can smoothly push the replacement sealing ring 6; The end of the threaded rod 10 has a certain length of thread, the length of which matches the threaded hole of the sealing piston 2; the length of the threaded rod 10 is longer than that of the vacuum tube 5. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum tube 5 is made of materials commonly used in vacuum containers, such as stainless steel, or it can be made of transparent non-metallic materials such as acrylic. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the first replacement rod 8, the second replacement rod 9, and the threaded rod 10 are made of copper, aluminum, or other common materials with good mechanical properties; the sealing ring to be replaced 3, the replacement sealing ring 6, and the movable sealing ring 7 are made of fluororubber, nitrile rubber, or other common materials that can be used to make sealing components. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the first replacement rod 8 is smooth; the lengths of the first replacement rod 8, the second replacement rod 9, and the threaded rod 10 are greater than the length of the vacuum tube. More preferably, the first replacement rod 8, the second replacement rod 9, and the threaded rod 10 all have operating handles, and the operating handles are mutually unlimited in their position.

[0022] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the replacement sealing ring 6 must first be placed outside the first replacement rod 8, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The second replacement rod 9 does not contact the replacement seal ring 6, and the second replacement rod 9 never contacts the replacement seal ring 6 during the movement of the first replacement rod 8; In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, when removing the sealing ring 3 to be replaced using the first replacement rod 8, a barb is used to hook the sealing ring 3 to be replaced and pull it backward to remove it from the sealing groove. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the sealing ring 3 to be replaced may be damaged during the dragging process. However, since the sealing ring 3 to be replaced is usually not reusable, the damage will not affect the use of this device.

[0023] In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the contact surface between the second replacement rod 9 and the replacement sealing ring 6 is not limited; Embodiment 2 of the present invention provides a method for adjusting the sliding seal ring on a piston under vacuum conditions, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Check the equipment for integrity and prepare replacement materials. Connect the vacuum tube to the first vacuum port and ensure that the vacuum tube is in a vacuum state. Step 1 specifically includes: Step 1.1: Determine the sealing ring that needs to be replaced and fit the replacement sealing ring of the same model onto the first replacement rod; if the sealing ring is faulty, the faulty sealing ring should be identified first, and a vacuum test is usually performed using the helium leak detection method.

[0024] Step 1.2: Connect the vacuum tube to the vacuum port and seal it with a vacuum clamp; Step 1.3: Connect the second vacuum port to the vacuum pump to evacuate the vacuum tube.

[0025] Step 2, replace the sealing ring; Step 2 specifically includes: Step 2.1: After the vacuum inside the vacuum tube is not higher than the vacuum inside the sealing piston, push the threaded rod to connect the threaded rod to the sealing piston, and then pull out the sealing piston. Step 2.2: Push the first replacement rod to the seal ring to be replaced, and use the barb of the first replacement rod to hook the seal ring to be replaced; Step 2.3: Pull the first replacement rod outward to the rear of the sealing piston, so that the sealing ring to be replaced is disengaged from the sealing groove of the sealing piston; Step 2.4: Push the first replacement lever inward again so that it is in the sealing groove of the sealing piston; Step 2.5: Push the second replacement lever to push the replacement sealing ring into the sealing groove.

[0026] Step 3: Reset the device and remove it.

[0027] Step 3 specifically includes: Step 3.1: After the sealing ring is replaced, push the threaded rod inward to reset the sealing piston; Step 3.2: After confirming that the sealing piston is fully pushed in, rotate the threaded rod to disengage it from the sealing piston. Step 3.3: Open the second vacuum port to restore normal pressure inside the vacuum tube, remove the device and recycle the used sealing ring.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this invention are that, compared with the prior art, Current technology often involves replacing the entire plug using a device. This method has the following disadvantages: First, the replacement device is relatively large, requiring ample space to ensure a smooth replacement; second, replacement pistons need to be prepared in advance, making it impossible to handle emergency situations; and third, the cost is high due to the need to prepare a sufficient number of replacement pistons.

[0029] This invention, by setting up a matching vacuum tube and a replacement rod, achieves the replacement of the sealing ring without replacing the sealing piston or disrupting the vacuum through the combined actions of the replacement rod. This replacement device and method not only saves on the manufacturing cost of the sealing piston, but also eliminates the need to wait for a new sealing piston to be manufactured in emergency situations such as vacuum failure; replacement can be completed simply by using a new sealing ring.

[0030] In summary, this device effectively reduces the cost of vacuum chamber maintenance, minimizes the risk of vacuum chamber damage, and allows for seal replacement even in confined operating spaces. Furthermore, in emergency situations, this device can handle emergencies without requiring piston replacement.

[0031] Those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any variations or modifications to the above embodiments that are within the spirit and essence of the present invention will fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for replacing a sliding seal ring under vacuum, comprising: The system comprises a first vacuum port (1), a sealing piston (2), a sealing ring to be replaced (3), a vacuum clamp (4), a vacuum tube (5), a replacement sealing ring (6), a movable sealing ring (7), a first replacement rod (8), a second replacement rod (9), a threaded rod (10), and a second vacuum port (11), characterized in that: The sealing piston (2) forms a vacuum sealing structure with the inner wall of the first vacuum port (1) through the sealing ring (3) to be replaced; the vacuum tube (5) forms a vacuum sealing structure with the first vacuum port (1) through the vacuum clamp (4); The vacuum tube (5) forms a vacuum sealing structure with the first replacement rod (8), the second replacement rod (9), and the threaded rod (10) through a plurality of movable sealing rings (7); the vacuum tube (5) and the second vacuum port (11) form a vacuum sealing structure through a vacuum clamp; the first replacement rod (8), the second replacement rod (9), and the threaded rod (10) can all slide freely in the length direction, and are sealed by the movable sealing rings (7) during the sliding process, and their sliding will not affect the vacuum sealing performance of the vacuum tube (5); the threaded rod (10) can move along the length direction and connect with the threaded opening of the sealing piston (2) to separate the sealing piston (2) from the first vacuum port (1); The second vacuum port (11) is connected to an external vacuum pump and is used to draw a vacuum from the vacuum tube (5).

2. The device for replacing a sliding seal ring under vacuum according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner surface of the first replacement rod (8) has a barb at the end, which can hook any non-metallic sealing ring; the outer surface of the first replacement rod (8) is smooth, and the replacement sealing ring (6) can slide on the outer surface of the first replacement rod (8).

3. The device for replacing a sliding seal ring under vacuum according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the first replacement rod (8), i.e. the section with the barb, has a smooth and curved tip.

4. The device for replacing a sliding seal ring under vacuum according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second replacement rod (9) can slide freely on the outer surface of the first replacement rod (8); the second replacement rod (9) can smoothly push the replacement sealing ring (6).

5. The device for replacing a sliding seal ring under vacuum according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the threaded rod (10) has a certain length of thread, the length of which matches the threaded hole of the sealing piston (2); the length of the threaded rod (10) is longer than that of the vacuum tube (5).

6. The device for replacing a sliding seal ring under vacuum according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the vacuum tube (5) has a second vacuum port (11), and the number of the second vacuum ports (11) is not limited.

7. A method for replacing a sliding seal ring on a sliding sealing piston under vacuum, based on the apparatus for replacing a sliding seal ring under vacuum as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step 1: Check the equipment for integrity and prepare replacement materials. Connect the vacuum tube to the first vacuum port and ensure that the vacuum tube is in a vacuum state. Step 2, replace the sealing ring; Step 3: Reset the device and remove it.

8. The method for adjusting the sliding seal ring on a piston under vacuum conditions according to claim 7, characterized in that: Step 1 specifically includes: Step 1.1: Determine the sealing ring that needs to be replaced, and put the replacement sealing ring of the same model onto the first replacement rod; Step 1.2: Connect the vacuum tube to the vacuum port and seal it with a vacuum clamp; Step 1.3: Connect the second vacuum port to the vacuum pump to evacuate the vacuum tube.

9. A method for adjusting the sliding seal ring on a piston under vacuum conditions according to claim 7, characterized in that: Step 2 specifically includes: Step 2.1: After the vacuum inside the vacuum tube is not higher than the vacuum inside the sealing piston, push the threaded rod to connect the threaded rod to the sealing piston, and then pull out the sealing piston. Step 2.2: Push the first replacement rod to the seal ring to be replaced, and use the barb of the first replacement rod to hook the seal ring to be replaced; Step 2.3: Pull the first replacement rod outward to the rear of the sealing piston, so that the sealing ring to be replaced is disengaged from the sealing groove of the sealing piston; Step 2.4: Push the first replacement lever inward again so that it is in the sealing groove of the sealing piston; Step 2.5: Push the second replacement lever to push the replacement sealing ring into the sealing groove.

10. A method for adjusting the sliding seal ring on a piston under vacuum conditions according to claim 7, characterized in that: Step 3 specifically includes: Step 3.1: After the sealing ring is replaced, push the threaded rod inward to reset the sealing piston; Step 3.2: After confirming that the sealing piston is fully pushed in, rotate the threaded rod to disengage it from the sealing piston. Step 3.3: Open the second vacuum port to restore normal pressure inside the vacuum tube, remove the device and recycle the used sealing ring.

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