Sealing gasket

Abstract

A sealing gasket (20) for a vacuum pump, the sealing gasket (20) comprising: a first surface (30, 40); a second surface (32, 42) opposite the first surface (30, 40); opposite side walls (34, 36; 44, 46) disposed between the first surface (30, 40) and the second surface (32, 42); and one or more protrusions (48a, 48b, 48c, 48d) extending from the first surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the present invention relates to a sealing gasket for a vacuum pump and a vacuum pump. Background Art

[0002] Rotating machines such as compressors or pumps require careful design and manufacture in order for the moving parts to cooperate accurately with each other. Providing effective seals to seal the machine is often problematic, particularly when fluid flow is facilitated by a pressure differential between the machine and the surrounding environment. It would be desirable to provide improved seals. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one aspect, a sealing gasket for a vacuum pump is provided, the sealing gasket comprising: a first surface; a second surface opposite to the first surface; opposite side walls disposed between the first surface and the second surface; and one or more protrusions extending from the first surface.

[0004] The sealing gasket may include a plurality of protrusions extending from the first surface. The protrusions may be spaced apart from each other at discrete locations across the first surface.

[0005] The one or more protrusions may extend substantially perpendicularly from the first surface.

[0006] Each of the protrusions may have a cross-section having a rounded polygonal shape, such as a rounded square or a rounded rectangle.

[0007] Each of the protrusions may include: a proximal end at which the protrusion is connected to the first surface; and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The length of the protrusion between the proximal end and the distal end may be between 1 mm and 6 mm. The proximal end may be spaced apart from one or both of the opposite side walls in a direction from one side wall to the other side wall. The proximal end may be spaced apart from the first side wall in a direction from one side wall to the other side wall by a distance less than or equal to 0.4 mm. The proximal end may be spaced apart from the second side wall in a direction from one side wall to the other side wall by a distance less than or equal to 0.4 mm.

[0008] The sealing gasket may be a one-piece gasket. The sealing gasket may be a molded gasket. The sealing gasket may be deformable. The sealing gasket may be an elastomer.

[0009] The sealing gasket may include: a first sealing member defining a closed shape; a second sealing member defining a closed shape; a first longitudinal sealing member connected between the first sealing member and the second sealing member; and a second longitudinal sealing member connected between the first sealing member and the second sealing member. The first sealing member and / or the second sealing member may define a corresponding closed shape selected from the group of closed shapes consisting of: annular, circular, oval, elliptical, stadium-shaped, rounded polygonal, rounded square, rounded rectangular, and square-rounded. The first sealing member and / or the second sealing member may each include a corresponding plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from an outer surface.

[0010] In another aspect, there is provided a vacuum pump comprising: a housing stator defining at least one pump chamber; an end piece mountable at either end of the housing stator; and a sealing gasket as claimed in any preceding claim.

[0011] The housing stator and / or the end piece may define one or more sealing grooves in which the sealing gasket is positioned. The one or more sealing grooves may include one or more voids extending from a sidewall of the sealing groove. The one or more protrusions may be received in corresponding voids. The voids may be notches.

[0012] For each protrusion and the corresponding void in which the protrusion is received, the length of the void from the open end of the void to the closed end of the void may be greater than the length of the portion of the protrusion within the void to thereby allow the protrusion to expand within the void in a direction along the length of the protrusion.

[0013] For each protrusion and the corresponding void in which the protrusion is received, the width of the void in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the open end of the void to the closed end of the void may be less than or equal to the width of the portion of the protrusion within the void to thereby provide an interference fit of the protrusion in the void. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) showing a housing of a vacuum pump;

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a sealing gasket (not drawn to scale);

[0017] Figure 3 is another schematic diagram of a sealing gasket (not drawn to scale);

[0018] Figure 4is a schematic diagram of a cross section of a sealing gasket (not drawn to scale);

[0019] Figure 5 is a process flow diagram illustrating certain steps of a method of incorporating a sealing gasket into a housing;

[0020] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) showing a sealing gasket incorporated into a housing;

[0021] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of a sealing gasket in a housing (not drawn to scale);

[0022] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of a housing (not drawn to scale);

[0023] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) showing another sealing gasket incorporated into the housing;

[0024] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) showing an alternative sealing gasket;

[0025] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) showing an alternative sealing gasket;

[0026] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of a top view of another sealing gasket (not drawn to scale);

[0027] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) of a perspective view of the other sealing gasket; and

[0028] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) showing a portion of the other sealing gasket disposed in a sealing groove formed in a shell stator of a housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) showing a housing 10 of a vacuum pump according to one embodiment. The housing 10 includes a pair of housing stators 12, 14 and a pair of end plates 16, 18. The housing stators 12, 14 define recesses that receive components of the vacuum pump. The housing stators 12, 14 are brought together to hold the components in these recesses. The end plates 16, 18 are then placed to hold the housing stators 12, 14. This provides a particularly convenient assembly of the vacuum pump.

[0030] In other words, the housing 10 of the vacuum pump may be formed of multiple components, including shells 12, 14 and end plates 16, 18, which need to be sealed during assembly. Figure 1In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 , the stator is formed by bringing together two housing parts or shells 12 , 14 which are then held between the pair of end plates 16 , 18 .

[0031] As will be explained in more detail below, in this embodiment, in order to adequately seal the shell stators 12, 14 together, one or more (e.g., two) longitudinal seals are positioned along the joint surfaces of the shell stators 12, 14. In addition, in order to ensure adequate sealing between the shell stators 12, 14 and the corresponding end plates 16, 18, a pair of annular seals are positioned between the end plates 16, 18 and the shell stators 12, 14.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) of a sealing gasket 20 for sealing a housing 10 according to one embodiment.

[0033] The sealing gasket 20 includes a first sealing member 22 , a second sealing member 24 , a first longitudinal sealing member 26 , and a second longitudinal sealing member 28 .

[0034] In this embodiment, the first and second sealing members 22, 24 are approximately annular sealing members. However, in other embodiments, the first and second sealing members 22, 24 may have or may define different shapes, preferably closed shapes, such as elliptical, oval, stadium, rounded square, square circle, rounded rectangle or rounded polygon.

[0035] The first sealing member 22 includes a first annular surface 30, a second annular surface 32 opposite the first annular surface 30, a first radially inner surface 34, and a first radially outer surface 36 opposite the first radially inner surface 34. The first radially inner surface 34 and the first radially outer surface 36 are disposed between the first annular surface 30 and the second annular surface 32.

[0036] The second sealing member 24 includes a third annular surface 40, a fourth annular surface 42 opposite to the third annular surface 40, a second radially inner surface 44, and a second radially outer surface 46 opposite to the second radially inner surface 44. The second radially inner surface 44 and the second radially outer surface 46 are disposed between the third annular surface 40 and the fourth annular surface 42.

[0037] The first longitudinal seal member 26 is connected or attached between the first radially outer surface 36 (of the first annular seal member 22 ) and the second radially outer surface 46 (of the second annular seal member 24 ).

[0038] The second longitudinal seal member 28 is connected or attached between the first radially outer surface 36 (of the first annular seal member 22 ) and the second radially outer surface 46 (of the second annular seal member 24 ).

[0039] The second longitudinal sealing member 28 is arranged opposite to the first longitudinal sealing member 26. That is, the second longitudinal sealing member 28 is connected to the first and second annular sealing members 22, 24 and is located at a side of the first and second annular sealing members 22, 24 opposite to the side where the first longitudinal sealing member 26 is connected to the first and second annular sealing members 22, 24.

[0040] The first annular sealing member 22 is an annular sealing member having a square or rectangular cross section.

[0041] The second annular sealing member 24 is an annular sealing member having a square or rectangular cross section.

[0042] The first longitudinal sealing member 26 may be an O-ring band. The first longitudinal sealing member 26 has a square or rectangular cross-section.

[0043] The second longitudinal sealing member 28 may be an O-ring band. The second longitudinal sealing member 28 has a square or rectangular cross-section.

[0044] In this embodiment, the sealing gasket 20 is a continuous, single-piece sealing gasket.

[0045] In this embodiment, the sealing gasket 20 includes a plurality of protrusions 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d. More specifically, the sealing gasket 20 includes a first plurality of protrusions 48a extending normally from the first annular surface 30. In addition, the sealing gasket 20 includes a second plurality of protrusions 48b extending normally from the third annular surface 40. In addition, the sealing gasket 20 includes a plurality of protrusions 48a extending normally from the upper surface of the first longitudinal sealing member 26 (at Figure 1 In addition, the sealing gasket 20 includes a third plurality of protrusions 48c extending normally from the upper surface of the second longitudinal sealing member 28 (in the Figure 1 A fourth plurality of protrusions 48d extending normally in the orientation).

[0046] Preferably, the plurality of protrusions 48a, 48b, 48c, 48d are substantially identical in shape and size.

[0047] The sealing gasket 20 may be made of a deformable or flexible material, such as an elastomeric material (e.g., fluoroelastomer (FKM / FPM) or perfluoroelastomer (FFKM)) or silicon, so that the sealing gasket 20 is deformable or flexible. Therefore, the sealing gasket 20 can be deformed into a desired shape or configuration suitable for use as a seal of the housing 10.

[0048] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) showing the sealing gasket 20 which has been deformed into a configuration suitable for sealing the housing 10 .

[0049] In this configuration, the first and second sealing members 22, 24 are rounded squares, i.e., define a square with curved or rounded corners. The configuration has a main face (which is the first radial inner surface 34 and the first radial outer surface 36 of the first sealing member 22, and the second radial inner surface 44 and the second radial outer surface 46 of the second annular sealing member 24), which is adjacent to the main face of the end plate 16, 18 and the adjacent face of the shell stator 12, 14 in use. In this example, the first and second sealing members 22, 24 have a substantially planar axial outer face provided by the first radial inner surface 34 and the second radial inner surface 44, respectively. The first and second sealing members 22, 24 have a substantially planar axial inner face provided by the first radial outer surface 36 and the second radial outer surface 46, respectively. The longitudinal sealing members 26, 28 are connected between the facing axial inner faces of the annular sealing members 22, 24 (i.e., between the first radial outer surface 36 and the second radial outer surface 46). The annular sealing members 22, 24 have a substantially constant thickness.

[0050] In this configuration, the first annular surface 30 of the first sealing member 22 has moved or rotated such that it defines a radially outer wall of the first sealing member 22. Thus, each protrusion 48a of the first plurality of protrusions 48a extends radially outward from the first annular surface 30.

[0051] Similarly, in this configuration, the third surface 40 of the second seal member 24 has been moved or rotated such that it defines a radially outer wall of the second seal member 24. Thus, each protrusion 48b of the second plurality of protrusions 48b extends radially outward from the third surface 40.

[0052] In this configuration, the first longitudinal sealing member 26 has been moved or rotated such that each protrusion 48 c of the third plurality of protrusions 48 c extends outwardly from the sealing gasket 20 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction along the length of the sealing gasket 20 .

[0053] Similarly, in this construction, the second longitudinal sealing member 28 has been moved or rotated so that each protrusion 48d of the fourth plurality of protrusions 48d extends outwardly from the sealing gasket 20 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction along the length of the sealing gasket 20 and in a direction opposite to the direction in which the protrusion 48c extends.

[0054] Figure 4 4 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) showing a cross section of the sealing gasket 20 at the location of the protrusion 48 .

[0055] In particular, Figure 4A cross-section of the first sealing member 22 is shown along the length of the first protrusion 48a. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the protrusions 48b-d of the second, third, and fourth pluralities of protrusions 48b-d may be similarly formed.

[0056] In this embodiment, the protrusion 48 a extends substantially perpendicularly from the first annular surface 30 away from the first sealing member 22 .

[0057] Preferably, the protrusion 48a has a cross-section having a rounded polygonal shape. Figure 4 The shape of the cross section taken by the plane indicated by the dotted line 50 is a rounded square or a rounded rectangle.

[0058] The protrusion 48 a includes a proximal end 52 at which the protrusion 48 a is connected to the first annular surface 30 , and a distal end 54 opposite the proximal end 52 .

[0059] The length l1 of the protrusion 48a between the proximal end 52 and the distal end 54 may be application-dependent. For example, the length l1 may be between about 1 mm and 6 mm, or between about 2 mm and 5 mm, or between about 3 mm and 5 mm, for example, the preferred value of l1 may be about 4 mm.

[0060] In this embodiment, the proximal end 52 is spaced apart from the first radially inner surface 34 (in the direction along the first annular surface 30) by a first distance d1. The first distance d1 may be application-dependent. For example, the first distance d1 may be less than or equal to about 0.4 mm, or less than or equal to about 0.3 mm, or less than or equal to about 0.2 mm, or less than or equal to about 0.1 mm, for example, the preferred value of d1 may be about 0.1 mm.

[0061] In this embodiment, the proximal end 52 is spaced apart from the first radially outer surface 36 (in the direction along the first annular surface 30) by a second distance d2. Preferably, the second distance d2 is approximately equal to the first distance d1. The second distance d2 may be application-dependent. For example, the second distance d2 may be less than or equal to about 0.4 mm, or less than or equal to about 0.3 mm, or less than or equal to about 0.2 mm, or less than or equal to about 0.1 mm, for example, the preferred value of d2 may be about 0.1 mm.

[0062] In this embodiment, the protrusion 48a tapers along its length. In other words, the width w1 of the protrusion 48a decreases (eg, linearly) from its proximal end 52 to its distal end 54.

[0063] Figure 5is a process flow diagram illustrating certain steps ( s50 - s58 ) of a method 500 of assembling, installing or incorporating a sealing gasket 20 into a housing 10 .

[0064] Figure 6 It is a diagram that illustrates the understanding Figure 5 A schematic diagram (not to scale) of incorporating a sealing gasket 20 into a housing 10 is useful in connection with a process of incorporating a sealing gasket 20 into a housing 10 .

[0065] At step s50 , a shell-stator 14 is provided into which components of a vacuum pump (not shown) may be assembled.

[0066] At step s52, the sealing gasket 20 is positioned relative to the shell stator 14 so that the first and second longitudinal sealing members 26, 28 are positioned along the joint surface of the shell stator 14 in the sealing grooves extending along the joint surface of the shell stator 14. Figure 6 Depicted in.

[0067] At step s54 , the case stator 12 is brought into close contact with the longitudinal sealing members 26 , 28 .

[0068] refer to Figure 6 , the shell stator 12 can move toward the joint surface of the shell stator 14 onto the longitudinal sealing members 26, 28, such as Figure 6 This is indicated by arrows and reference numeral 60 .

[0069] At step s56 , the shell stators 12 , 14 are clamped together, which compresses the longitudinal sealing members 26 , 28 .

[0070] Thus, after step s56, the annular sealing members 22, 24 tend to extend or protrude axially from the axial ends of the assembled shell-stators 12, 14.

[0071] At step s58, the end plates 16, 18 are brought together to compress the annular seals 22, 24 in the axial (ie, longitudinal) direction.

[0072] The annular sealing members 22 , 24 are positioned in annular sealing grooves located in the shell stators 12 , 14 and / or the end plates 16 , 18 .

[0073] refer to Figure 6 , the end plate 18 is shown as having been moved to the first annular sealing member 22 at the first end of the assembled shell stators 12, 14. The end plate 16 can be moved to the second annular sealing member 24 at the second end (opposite the first end) of the assembled shell stators 12, 14, as shown. Figure 6 This is indicated by arrows and reference numeral 62 .

[0074] Thus, a method of assembling, installing or incorporating the sealing gasket 20 into the housing 10 is provided.

[0075] In this embodiment, the sealing gasket 20 is positioned in a sealing groove formed in one or both of the housing stators 12, 14 and / or the end plates 16, 18. The sealing groove includes a plurality of voids or notches into which corresponding ones of the protrusions 48a-d are received.

[0076] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) showing an exemplary portion of a seal groove 70 in which the first seal member 22 of the seal gasket 20 is assembled. Other portions of the seal gasket 20 may be positioned in other seal grooves in a similar or identical manner.

[0077] The sealing groove 70 is a closed shape sealing groove and may have a shape such as a ring, loop, circle, ellipse, oval, rounded square or rounded rectangle (ie, square or rectangle with rounded corners), square circle or rounded polygon.

[0078] The sealing groove 70 may be formed in the end surfaces of the case stators 12 , 14 or the end plates 16 , 18 .

[0079] The sealing groove 70 includes a void or notch 72 extending outwardly from a sidewall of the sealing groove, specifically, from an outer wall 73 of the sealing groove 70. At least a portion of the protrusion 48a of the first sealing member 22 is positioned in the notch 72.

[0080] In this embodiment, the length l2 of the slot 72 from the opening or open end 74 of the slot 72 to the closed end 76 of the slot 72 is greater than the length l3 of the portion of the protrusion 48a positioned in the slot 72. Thus, there is a gap 78 between the distal end 54 of the protrusion 48a and the closed end 76 of the slot 72. This advantageously tends to allow the protrusion 48a to expand within the slot 72 in a direction along the length of the protrusion, such as due to heating and / or compression of the sealing gasket 20.

[0081] In this embodiment, the width w2 of the slot 72 (the width w2 is in a direction perpendicular to the length l2 of the slot 72) is less than or equal to the width of the portion of the protrusion 48a within the slot 72. This advantageously tends to provide an interference fit of the protrusion 48a in the slot 72. Thus, during assembly (e.g., during Figure 5 During step s52 of method 500), the sealing gasket 20 tends to be held in place by the protrusions 48a-d that are held or clamped in the notches 72. Twisting or movement of the sealing gasket 20 outward from the sealing groove tends to be reduced or eliminated. This tends to reduce the likelihood of the sealing gasket 20 being out of place in the assembled system, and therefore, the likelihood of gas leakage is reduced.

[0082] Preferably, the first sealing member 22 is thinner than the sealing groove 70. In addition, preferably, near the proximal end of the protrusion 48a, the width w1 of the protrusion 48a is sufficiently larger than the opening 74 of the notch 72 so that this portion of the protrusion 48a cannot fit into the notch 72. This advantageously tends to provide that, away from the protrusion 48a, the first sealing member 22 is within the sealing groove 70 but is separated from the outer wall 73 of the sealing groove 70, that is, there is a gap 80a between the first sealing member 22 and the outer wall 73. In addition, in this embodiment, when the first sealing member 22 is assembled into the sealing groove 70 and the protrusion 48a is received in the notch 72 (as shown in FIG. 2 ), the protrusion 48a is received in the notch 72. Figure 7 ), the first sealing member 22 is spaced from the inner wall 82 of the sealing groove 70, i.e., there is a gap 80b between the first sealing member 22 and the inner wall 82. (The inner wall 82 is opposite to the outer wall 73.) This advantageously tends to allow the first sealing member 22 to expand within the sealing groove 70, for example due to heating and / or compression of the sealing gasket 20. In addition, this also advantageously tends to facilitate installation of the sealing gasket into the housing 10.

[0083] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) showing the sealing groove 70 and the notch 72 without the sealing gasket 20 disposed therein.

[0084] In this embodiment, there is a step 84 between the bottom surface 86 of the sealing groove 70 and the opening 74 of the notch 72. Preferably, the size of the step 84 from the bottom surface 86 of the sealing groove 70 to the opening 74 along the outer wall 73 is substantially the same as the first distance d1 and / or the second distance d2.

[0085] The sealing gasket tends to be easy to install into the housing or vacuum pump.

[0086] Advantageously, the sealing gaskets described herein tend to be relatively easy to produce or manufacture compared to conventional sealing assemblies. For example, the sealing gaskets tend to be relatively easy to produce via molding. For example, the sealing gaskets can be molded as a single piece in a mold as a substantially planar or flat object (e.g., Figure 2 and previously described in more detail above), and subsequently deformed or manipulated into a desired shape or configuration (e.g., such as Figure 3 ) and previously described in more detail above. Molding can be performed using a molding tool that includes a first portion that includes a recess that is the desired shape of the sealing gasket; a substantially planar second portion that can be placed over the recess in the first portion to thereby define a mold cavity in which the sealing gasket can be formed. Advantageously, a sealing gasket formed in this manner tends to have no parting line (where two different sides of the mold come together). Therefore, the likelihood of the sealing gasket separating tends to be greatly reduced. In addition, any molding flash present on the molded sealing gasket tends to be confined to non-critical areas of the sealing gasket, such as when the gasket is molded along the Figure 2 When oriented in the right direction, it extends outwardly from the upper surface of the sealing gasket. This tends to improve the firmness and stability of the sealing gasket.

[0087] The sealing gasket may be designed to be slightly shorter than the longitudinal slots (ie, gasket slots) in the shell stator so that it has low tension during assembly. This tends to make the sealing gasket self-locating, regardless of the depth of the annular groove.

[0088] Advantageously, the tendency can be in one plane (i.e., in Figure 2 The one-piece seal shape tends to be reconfigurable to fit the seal housing by using only bends and without twisting any section of the seal.

[0089] It will be appreciated that the straps and spacers may have different shapes or thicknesses to suit the arrangement of the housing.

[0090] In the above-described embodiments, the sealing gasket is a continuous single-piece sealing gasket. However, in other embodiments, the sealing gasket includes a plurality of separate parts joined together. The plurality of parts may be joined together by any joining device or method, such as using an adhesive, fusing or via an interference fit.

[0091] In the above described embodiments, the sealing gasket has a substantially constant cross-section over a portion thereof. However, in other embodiments, the sealing gasket has a non-constant cross-section.

[0092] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the sealing gasket has a square or rectangular cross-section. However, in other embodiments, a part or all of the sealing gasket has an alternative cross-section other than a square or a rectangle, such as a circle, a triangle, an ellipse, etc.

[0093] In the above embodiments, the sealing gasket may be made of an elastomer. In some embodiments, the sealing gasket may be made of different deformable materials, such as metal.

[0094] Although the major faces of the sealing gaskets in the above described embodiments are substantially planar, it will be appreciated that they may be of any shape suitable for engaging with the major faces of the end plates and the adjacent faces of the case stator.

[0095] Despite Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, sixteen protrusions are shown on the sealing gasket, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable number of protrusions and corresponding notches in the sealing groove may be implemented. A greater number of protrusions and notches tends to reduce the possibility of the sealing gasket moving out of the sealing groove.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the protrusion has the same Figure 4 The shape described in more detail. In particular, the protrusion has a cross-section of a rounded square or rounded rectangle, tapers inwardly along its length from the proximal end to the distal end, and extends in one direction from the main body of the sealing gasket. However, in other embodiments, the protrusion has a different suitable shape or configuration.

[0097] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) showing another embodiment of a sealing gasket 90. In this embodiment, the protrusion 92 is a substantially L-shaped or hook-shaped protrusion that fits or is inserted into a correspondingly shaped void 94 in the housing 10.

[0098] In the above embodiments, the sealing gasket may be manufactured by molding as a single piece as a substantially planar or flat article, such as Figure 2 However, in other embodiments, the sealing gasket may be manufactured in a different manner, such as by being molded as a single piece as a substantially planar or flat article, such as Fig.10 (See single piece, substantially planar or flat spacer 130) or Fig.11 (See single-piece, substantially planar or flat gasket 140).

[0099] In some embodiments, the sealing gasket includes an annular sealing member that seals against the end plate in use. However, these sealing members may have shapes other than strictly annular. The sealing member defines a closed shape and may define a closed shape other than annular, such as a loop, a ring, an ellipse, an oval, a rounded square or rounded rectangle (i.e., a square or rectangle with rounded corners), a square circle, or a rounded polygon.

[0100] An embodiment will now be described in which the sealing member which seals against the end plate in use defines a rounded square shape, ie a substantially square-shaped shape.

[0101] Fig.12 and Fig.13 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) of another sealing gasket 150 for sealing the housing 10 according to one embodiment.

[0102] The sealing gasket 150 includes a first sealing member 151 , a second sealing member 152 , a first longitudinal sealing member 153 , and a second longitudinal sealing member 154 .

[0103] The first sealing member 151 defines a closed shape. In particular, in this embodiment, the first sealing member 151 defines a rounded square, ie a square with rounded corners, or a substantially squared circle.

[0104] The first sealing member 151 includes a first rounded square surface 161, a second rounded square surface 162 opposite to the first rounded square surface 161, a first inner surface 163, and a first outer surface 164 opposite to the first inner surface 163. The first inner surface 163 and the first outer surface 164 are disposed between the first rounded square surface 161 and the second rounded square surface 162.

[0105] The first sealing member 151 comprises a first curved section 165a, a second curved section 165b, a third curved section 165c, a fourth curved section 165d, a first substantially straight section 166a arranged between the first curved section 165a and the second curved section 165b, a second substantially straight section 166b arranged between the second curved section 165b and the third curved section 165c, a third substantially straight section 166c arranged between the third curved section 165c and the fourth curved section 165d, and a fourth substantially straight section 166d arranged between the fourth curved section 165d and the first curved section 165a. The first longitudinal sealing member 153 is connected to the first curved section 165a. The second longitudinal sealing member 154 is connected to the third curved section 165c.

[0106] The first sealing member 151 includes a first plurality of protrusions 178a. The first plurality of protrusions 178a extend normally from the first rounded square surface 161. In this embodiment, there are eight protrusions 178a in the first plurality of protrusions 178a. However, in other embodiments, there may be a different number of protrusions 178a in the first plurality of protrusions 178a.

[0107] In this embodiment, the first plurality of protrusions 178a are positioned at the corresponding boundaries between the straight sections and the curved sections of the first sealing member 151. There is a protrusion 178a positioned at the boundary between the first curved section 165a and the first substantially straight section 166a. In addition, there is also a protrusion 178a positioned at the boundary between the first substantially straight section 166a and the second curved section 165b. In addition, there is also a protrusion 178a positioned at the boundary between the second curved section 165b and the second substantially straight section 166b. In addition, there is also a protrusion 178a positioned at the boundary between the second substantially straight section 166b and the third curved section 165c. In addition, there is also a protrusion 178a positioned at the boundary between the third curved section 165c and the third substantially straight section 166c. In addition, there is also a protrusion 178a positioned at the boundary between the third substantially straight section 166c and the fourth curved section 165d. Furthermore, there is a protrusion 178a positioned at the boundary between the fourth curved section 165d and the fourth substantially straight section 166d. Furthermore, there is a protrusion 178a positioned at the boundary between the fourth substantially straight section 166d and the first curved section 165a.

[0108] The second sealing member 152 defines a closed shape. In particular, in this embodiment, the second sealing member 152 defines a rounded square, ie, a square with rounded corners, or a substantially squared circle.

[0109] The second sealing member 152 includes a third rounded square surface 171, a fourth rounded square surface 172 opposite to the third rounded square surface 171, a second inner surface 173, and a second outer surface 174 opposite to the second inner surface 173. The second inner surface 173 and the second outer surface 174 are disposed between the third rounded square surface 171 and the fourth rounded square surface 172.

[0110] The second sealing member 152 comprises a fifth curved section 175a, a sixth curved section 175b, a seventh curved section 175c, an eighth curved section 175d, a fifth substantially straight section 176a arranged between the fifth curved section 175a and the sixth curved section 175b, a sixth substantially straight section 176b arranged between the sixth curved section 175b and the seventh curved section 175c, a seventh substantially straight section 176c arranged between the seventh curved section 175c and the eighth curved section 175d, and an eighth substantially straight section 176d arranged between the eighth curved section 175d and the fifth curved section 175a. The first longitudinal sealing member 153 is connected to the fifth curved section 175a. The second longitudinal sealing member 154 is connected to the seventh curved section 175c.

[0111] The second sealing member 152 includes a second plurality of protrusions 178b. The second plurality of protrusions 178b extend normally from the third rounded square surface 171. In this embodiment, there are eight protrusions 178b in the second plurality of protrusions 178b. However, in other embodiments, there may be different numbers of protrusions 178b in the second plurality of protrusions 178b.

[0112] In this embodiment, the second plurality of protrusions 178b are positioned at the corresponding boundaries between the straight sections and the curved sections of the second sealing member 152. There is a protrusion 178b positioned at the boundary between the fifth curved section 175a and the fifth substantially straight section 176a. In addition, there is also a protrusion 178b positioned at the boundary between the fifth substantially straight section 176a and the sixth curved section 175b. In addition, there is also a protrusion 178b positioned at the boundary between the sixth curved section 175b and the sixth substantially straight section 176b. In addition, there is also a protrusion 178b positioned at the boundary between the sixth substantially straight section 166b and the seventh curved section 175c. In addition, there is also a protrusion 178b positioned at the boundary between the seventh curved section 175c and the seventh substantially straight section 176c. In addition, there is also a protrusion 178b positioned at the boundary between the seventh substantially straight section 176c and the eighth curved section 175d. Furthermore, there is a protrusion 178b positioned at the boundary between the eighth curved segment 175d and the eighth substantially straight segment 176d. Furthermore, there is a protrusion 178b positioned at the boundary between the eighth substantially straight segment 176d and the fifth curved segment 175a.

[0113] The first longitudinal sealing member 153 is connected or attached between the first outer surface 164 (of the first sealing member 151 ) and the second outer surface 174 (of the second sealing member 152 ).

[0114] The first longitudinal sealing member 153 includes a third plurality of protrusions 178c extending from its normal direction. In this embodiment, there are two protrusions 178c in the third plurality of protrusions 178c. However, in other embodiments, there may be a different number of protrusions 178c in the third plurality of protrusions 178c.

[0115] The second longitudinal sealing member 154 is connected or attached between the first outer surface 164 (of the first sealing member 151 ) and the second outer surface 174 (of the second sealing member 152 ).

[0116] The second longitudinal sealing member 154 is arranged opposite to the first longitudinal sealing member 153. That is, the second longitudinal sealing member 154 is connected to the first and second sealing members 151, 152 and is located at a side of the first and second sealing members 151, 152 opposite to the side where the first longitudinal sealing member 153 is connected to the first and second sealing members 151, 152.

[0117] The second longitudinal sealing member 154 includes a fourth plurality of protrusions 178d extending normal therefrom. In this embodiment, there are two protrusions 178d in the fourth plurality of protrusions 178d. However, in other embodiments, there may be a different number of protrusions 178d in the fourth plurality of protrusions 178d.

[0118] Preferably, the plurality of protrusions 178a-d are substantially identical in shape and size.

[0119] The first sealing member 151 has a square or rectangular cross section. The second sealing member 152 has a square or rectangular cross section.

[0120] The first longitudinal sealing member 153 may be an O-ring strap. The first longitudinal sealing member 153 may have a square or rectangular cross-section.

[0121] The second longitudinal sealing member 154 may be an O-ring strap. The second longitudinal sealing member 154 may have a square or rectangular cross-section.

[0122] In this embodiment, the sealing gasket 150 is a continuous, single-piece sealing gasket.

[0123] The sealing gasket 150 is made of a deformable or flexible material, such as an elastomeric material (e.g., fluoroelastomer (FKM / FPM) or perfluoroelastomer (FFKM)) or silicon, so that the sealing gasket 150 is deformable or flexible. Therefore, the sealing gasket 150 can be deformed into a desired shape or configuration suitable for use as a seal of the housing 10.

[0124] The sealing gasket 150 may be installed into the housing 10, for example, as previously described above with reference to Figure 5 In this way, the first and second longitudinal sealing members 153, 154 can be arranged to seal with the shell stator 12, 14, which can be clamped together to compress the longitudinal sealing members 153, 154. In addition, the rounded square sealing members 151, 152 can be positioned in a closed shape sealing groove located in the shell stator 12, 14 and / or the end plate 16, 18. The sealing groove can have any suitable closed shape, such as annular, circular, oval, elliptical, stadium-shaped, rounded square, square-rounded, rounded rectangular, rounded polygonal, etc.

[0125] Fig.141 is a schematic diagram (not drawn to scale) showing a first sealing member 151 fitted into a closed-shape sealing groove 177 located in the housing stator 12, 14. In this embodiment, the sealing groove 177 defines a rounded square or rounded rectangle. In this embodiment, the second sealing member 152 can be fitted into a substantially identical closed-shape sealing groove 177 at the opposite end of the housing stator 12, 14.

[0126] In this embodiment, the curved sections 165a-d of the first sealing member 151 are positioned in corresponding substantially straight portions of the sealing groove 177. In addition, the substantially straight sections 166a-d of the first sealing member 151 are also positioned in corresponding curved portions of the sealing groove 177.

[0127] In particular, the first bent segment 165a is arranged in the first substantially straight portion 180a of the sealing groove 177, the second bent segment 165b is arranged in the second substantially straight portion 180b of the sealing groove 177, the third bent segment 165c is arranged in the third substantially straight portion 180c of the sealing groove 177, the fourth bent segment 165d is arranged in the fourth substantially straight portion 180d of the sealing groove 177, the first substantially straight segment 166a is arranged in the first bent portion 182a of the sealing groove 177, the second substantially straight segment 166b is arranged in the second bent portion 182b of the sealing groove 177, the third substantially straight segment 166c is arranged in the third bent portion 182c of the sealing groove 177, and the fourth substantially straight segment 166d is arranged in the fourth bent portion 182d of the sealing groove 177.

[0128] As described above, the substantially rounded square sealing member is positioned in the rounded square sealing groove so that the curved section of the rounded square sealing member is positioned in the substantially straight portion of the sealing groove, and so that the substantially straight section of the sealing member is positioned in the curved portion of the sealing groove 177. This advantageously tends to reduce stress in the rounded square sealing member. In particular, compared to other shapes of sealing members, when the sealing member is installed in the sealing groove, the compound bending and / or torsion of the sealing member tends to be reduced. This tends to improve the life of the seal. In addition, it tends to improve the retention of the sealing member in the sealing groove retaining portion. For example, the reduced torsion and / or compound bending of the sealing member tends to reduce the outward torsion of the sealing member from the sealing groove.

[0129] The projections 178a-d are interference fit in the corresponding notches. This advantageously tends to improve the retention of the sealing member within the sealing groove and reduce the likelihood of leakage.

[0130] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed herein in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be implemented therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0131] Reference numerals list

[0132] 10- Shell

[0133] 12, 14-shell stator

[0134] 16, 18-end plate

[0135] 20-Sealing gasket

[0136] 22-First annular sealing member

[0137] 24-Second annular sealing member

[0138] 26-First longitudinal sealing member

[0139] 28-Second longitudinal sealing member

[0140] 30-first annular surface

[0141] 32-Second annular surface

[0142] 34-first radial inner surface

[0143] 36- first radial outer surface

[0144] 40-third annular surface

[0145] 42-Fourth annular surface

[0146] 44- second radial inner surface

[0147] 46- second radial outer surface

[0148] 48a-d-protrusion

[0149] 50-plane

[0150] 52-Proximal

[0151] 54-Remote

[0152] s50-s58-method steps

[0153] 60, 62-Direction

[0154] 70-Seal groove

[0155] 72-Notch

[0156] 73-Outer wall

[0157] 74-Open end

[0158] 76-Closed end

[0159] 78-Gap

[0160] 80a-Gap

[0161] 80b-Gap

[0162] 82-Inner wall

[0163] 84-Steps

[0164] 86-Bottom surface

[0165] 90-Sealing gasket

[0166] 92-protrusion

[0167] 94-Gap

[0168] 130, 140-Sealing gasket

[0169] 150-Sealing gasket

[0170] 151-first sealing member

[0171] 152-Second sealing member

[0172] 153-first longitudinal sealing member

[0173] 154-Second longitudinal sealing member

[0174] 161-First rounded square surface

[0175] 162-Second rounded square surface

[0176] 163-first inner surface

[0177] 164-first outer surface

[0178] 165a-d-bend part

[0179] 166a-d-straight section

[0180] 171-Third rounded square surface

[0181] 172-Fourth rounded square surface

[0182] 173- Second inner surface

[0183] 174- second outer surface

[0184] 175a-d-bend part

[0185] 176a-d-straight section

[0186] 178a-d – protrusion

[0187] 180a-d-bend part

[0188] 182a-d-straight section

Claims

1. A sealing gasket for a vacuum pump, the sealing gasket comprising: a first surface; a second surface opposite to the first surface; an opposing sidewall disposed between the first surface and the second surface; as well as One or more protrusions extend from the first surface. 2 . The sealing gasket of claim 1 , comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from the first surface, the plurality of protrusions being spaced apart from one another at discrete locations across the first surface.

3. A sealing gasket according to any preceding claim, wherein: The one or more protrusions extend perpendicularly from the first surface.

4. A sealing gasket according to any preceding claim, wherein: Each of the protrusions has a cross-section having a rounded polygonal shape, such as a rounded square or a rounded rectangle.

5. A sealing gasket according to any preceding claim, wherein: Each of the protrusions comprises: a proximal end at which the protrusion is connected to the first surface; and a distal end opposite the proximal end; and wherein, The length of the protrusion between the proximal end and the distal end is between 1 mm and 6 mm.

6. A sealing gasket according to any preceding claim, wherein: Each of the protrusions comprises: a proximal end at which the protrusion is connected to the first surface; and a distal end opposite the proximal end; and wherein, The proximal end is spaced from one or both of the opposing side walls in a direction from one side wall to the other side wall.

7. The sealing gasket according to claim 6, wherein: The proximal end is spaced from the first side wall by a distance less than or equal to 0.4 mm in the direction from one side wall to the other side wall; and / or The proximal end is spaced apart from the second side wall by a distance less than or equal to 0.4 mm in the direction from one side wall to the other side wall.

8. A sealing gasket according to any preceding claim, wherein: The sealing gasket is at least one of: a one-piece gasket, a molded gasket, deformable, and an elastomeric gasket.

9. A sealing gasket according to any preceding claim, comprising: a first sealing member defining a closed shape; a second sealing member defining a closed shape; a first longitudinal sealing member connected between the first sealing member and the second sealing member; and A second longitudinal sealing member is connected between the first sealing member and the second sealing member.

10. The sealing gasket according to claim 9, wherein: The first sealing member and / or the second sealing member define a respective closed shape selected from the group of closed shapes consisting of: annular, circular, oval, elliptical, stadium-shaped, rounded polygonal, rounded square, rounded rectangular, and squircle.

11. The sealing gasket according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The first sealing member and / or the second sealing member each include a respective plurality of the protrusions extending outwardly from an outer surface.

12. A vacuum pump comprising: a housing stator defining at least one pump chamber; an end piece mountable at either end of the shell stator; as well as A sealing gasket as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The shell stator and / or the end piece define one or more sealing grooves, and the sealing gasket is positioned in the sealing groove; The one or more sealing grooves include one or more voids extending from a sidewall of the sealing groove; as well as One or more protrusions are received in corresponding voids.

13. The vacuum pump according to claim 12, wherein: The gap is a notch.

14. The vacuum pump according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: For each protrusion and the corresponding void in which the protrusion is received, the length of the void from the open end of the void to the closed end of the void is greater than the length of the portion of the protrusion within the void to thereby allow the protrusion to expand within the void in a direction along the length of the protrusion.

15. The vacuum pump according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: For each protrusion and the corresponding void in which the protrusion is received, the width of the void in a direction perpendicular to the direction from the open end of the void to the closed end of the void is less than or equal to the width of the portion of the protrusion within the void to thereby provide an interference fit of the protrusion in the void.

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