Underwater precise rotary sealing device with internal and external pressure self-balancing function and using method

Abstract

The invention provides an underwater precise rotary sealing device capable of self-balancing internal and external pressure and a use method.The underwater precise rotary sealing device comprises a connecting flange base, a rotary sealing mechanism, a rotary mechanism and a pressure balancing mechanism which are sequentially connected, the rotary sealing mechanism comprises a connecting cylinder and a fixing cylinder which rotate relatively, and a rotary rotating shaft is arranged in the rotary fixing cylinder in the rotary mechanism; the rotating shaft is fixedly connected with the connecting cylinder through the connecting flange seat; the rotating fixing cylinder is fixedly connected with the fixing cylinder; flowing electric pump oil is arranged in the pressure balance mechanism, the electric pump oil further circulates in the rotating mechanism and the rotating sealing mechanism, and a plurality of pressure difference compensators are arranged on the pressure balance mechanism and used for adjusting and balancing the internal and external pressure difference. The technical problems of reliability, durability and the like of underwater large-diving-depth rotary sealing are solved, and the device is high in work adaptability and control precision, suitable for occasions needing rotary sealing in underwater equipment, capable of carrying various photoelectric and communication equipment and capable of completing tasks such as searching, exploration and communication in the deep sea environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of underwater operations, and in particular to an underwater precision rotary sealing device capable of self-balancing internal and external pressures and a method for using the device. Background Art

[0002] As people pay more and more attention to marine resources, more and more technologies and equipment are being used for ocean exploration, such as underwater robots, underwater thrusters and underwater detectors, which often use underwater rotating sealing structures. Due to the complex and changeable underwater working environment, and the influence of factors such as high water pressure, corrosion, and temperature changes, extremely high requirements are placed on the durable sealing of rotating components. Traditional underwater sealing structures often fail to seal due to material aging, wear or unreasonable design, which in turn affects the normal operation and service life of underwater equipment. Therefore, developing a rotating sealing structure that can withstand extreme underwater environments, has excellent sealing performance and long-term stability, is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently in the current field of underwater engineering technology. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide an underwater precision rotary sealing device and a method of use that can self-balance internal and external pressures, so as to solve the problems in the above-mentioned background technology.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: comprising a connecting flange seat, a rotary sealing mechanism, a rotating mechanism and a pressure balancing mechanism connected in sequence, wherein the rotary sealing mechanism comprises a connecting cylinder and a fixed cylinder that rotate relative to each other, wherein a rotating shaft is provided in the rotating fixed cylinder of the rotating mechanism, and the rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the connecting cylinder via the connecting flange seat, and the rotating fixed cylinder is fixedly connected to the fixed cylinder; The pressure balancing mechanism is provided with flowing electric pump oil, and the electric pump oil also circulates in the rotating mechanism and the rotating sealing mechanism. The pressure balancing mechanism is provided with multiple pressure differential compensators, which are used to adjust and balance the internal and external pressure differences.

[0005] Preferably, a movable ring and a fixed ring are provided between the connecting tube and the fixed tube, the outer side of the fixed ring is fixedly connected to the fixed tube via a plurality of second positioning pins, and the outer side of the movable ring is connected to the movable ring via a plurality of first positioning pins; The movable ring and the fixed ring are sleeved on the connecting flange seat; The movable ring and the fixed ring end face are in contact and sealed.

[0006] Preferably, a plurality of waist-shaped grooves are provided on the outside of the movable ring, the end of the first positioning pin is movable in the waist-shaped groove, an adjusting gasket is fixed in the connecting tube, and an elastic element is provided between the adjusting gasket and the movable ring, and the elastic element is used to push the movable ring against the fixed ring.

[0007] Preferably, both ends of the rotating shaft rotate in the rotating fixed cylinder through the first bearing and the third bearing. A torque motor and a rotary encoder are provided in the rotating fixed cylinder. The torque motor is used to drive the rotating shaft to rotate, and the rotary encoder is used to detect the rotation angle of the rotating shaft.

[0008] Preferably, a bearing seat is fixedly provided in the rotating fixed cylinder, the third bearing is mounted on the bearing seat, and a conductive slip ring is fixedly provided in the rotating shaft.

[0009] Preferably, the pressure chamber in the pressure balancing mechanism is fixedly provided with an end cover at one end and a bottom cover at the other end. The end cover is provided with an oil hole. The electric pump oil in the pressure chamber enters the rotating sealing mechanism through the oil hole, and the pressure difference compensator is fixed on the pressure chamber.

[0010] Preferably, the pressure chamber is further provided with a pressure differential sensor and a one-way valve group. The pressure differential sensor is used to monitor the difference in internal and external pressures, and the one-way valve group is used to fill or drain oil into the pressure chamber.

[0011] Preferably, a wire protection sleeve is fixed between the end cover and the middle part of the bottom cover, a plurality of electrical connectors are fixed on the bottom cover, and a through hole is provided in the end cover; The control wires and signal wires in the rotating mechanism pass through the through holes on the end cover, enter the wire protection sleeve, and are connected to the bottom cover and the electrical connector.

[0012] Preferably, a core shaft is fixed in the middle of the cylinder in the pressure differential compensator, a sliding piston is provided on the core shaft, the piston seal slides against the core shaft and the cylinder, one end of the cylinder is connected to the inside of the pressure chamber, and the other end is connected to the outside.

[0013] The method for using the underwater precision rotary sealing device which self-balances internal and external pressures is as follows: S1. During the first installation, a vacuum oil injection process is used to inject electric pump oil of corresponding pressure into the sealed cavity of the entire device through the one-way valve group. The thickness of the regulating gasket is adjusted to change the preload force of the elastic element, thereby meeting the contact sealing of the movable ring and the fixed ring and the starting torque of the torque motor. S2. After installation and commissioning, install the working equipment on the connecting flange seat and fix it. Start the torque motor to drive the connecting flange seat and the working equipment to rotate and test whether the rotation function is normal. S3. When the device dives, as the diving depth changes, under the action of external seawater pressure, the piston in the pressure differential compensator moves to the right, and the internal pressure of the device gradually increases, so that the pressure inside and outside the device is balanced; S4. When the temperature inside the device continues to rise, the volume of the electric pump oil expands due to heat, and the generated pressure is transmitted to the piston in the pressure differential compensator to move to the left, thereby balancing the pressure generated by the temperature increase.

[0014] The present invention provides an underwater precision rotary sealing device and a method for using the device for self-balancing internal and external pressures, with the following beneficial effects: 1. This device has precise design, compact structure, reliable operation and strong adaptability, which can ensure the equipment can operate stably and with high precision at large underwater depths; 2. It has an automatic adjustment device to balance the internal and external pressures, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This saves labor costs and reduces the possibility of human error, further improving the reliability of underwater deep-diving operations. 3. The movable ring and fixed ring are made of high-performance wear-resistant materials and surface treatment technology, which significantly improves the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the sealing components and extends the service life; 4. Through the built-in elastic element, it generates a continuous and stable pre-tightening force, maintains the sealing ability for a long time, and saves maintenance costs; 5. The difference between dynamic and static torque is small, and the servo control is flexible, which is conducive to improving the rotation accuracy of the device and can stably observe and track moving targets; 6. Choose electric pump oil with good insulation and fluidity, which will not affect the normal operation of internal components and can provide long-lasting lubrication for bearings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments: Figure 1 It is a front cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front cross-sectional view of the rotary sealing mechanism structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a front cross-sectional view of the rotating mechanism structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a front cross-sectional view of the pressure balancing mechanism structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a front cross-sectional view of the pressure differential compensator structure of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the differential pressure compensator of the present invention in use; In the figure: connecting flange seat 1; rotary sealing mechanism 2; connecting cylinder 201; fixed cylinder 202; movable ring 203; fixed ring 204; adjusting gasket 205; elastic element 206; first positioning pin 207; second positioning pin 208; waist-shaped groove 209; rotating mechanism 3; rotating fixed cylinder 301; first bearing 302; torque motor 303; rotating shaft 304; third bearing 305; bearing seat 306; rotary encoder 307; conductive slip ring 308; pressure balancing mechanism 4; end cover 401; pressure chamber 402; wire sheath 403; pressure differential compensator 404; pressure differential sensor 405; one-way valve group 406; electrical connector 407; bottom cover 408; cylinder 409; core shaft 410; piston 411. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, an underwater precision rotary seal device for self-balancing internal and external pressures and a method of use thereof include a connecting flange seat 1, a rotary sealing mechanism 2, a rotating mechanism 3, and a pressure balancing mechanism 4, which are connected in sequence. The rotary sealing mechanism 2 includes a connecting cylinder 201 and a fixed cylinder 202 that rotate relative to each other. A rotating fixed cylinder 301 in the rotating mechanism 3 is provided with a rotating shaft 304 that rotates. The rotating shaft 304 is fixedly connected to the connecting cylinder 201 via the connecting flange seat 1. The rotating fixed cylinder 301 is fixedly connected to the fixed cylinder 202. The pressure balancing mechanism 4 is provided with flowing electric pump oil, which also circulates in the rotating mechanism 3 and the rotating sealing mechanism 2. The pressure balancing mechanism 4 is provided with a plurality of pressure difference compensators 404, which are used to adjust and balance the internal and external pressure differences.

[0017] The connecting flange seat 1 is used to connect and install the detection equipment, the rotating mechanism 3 is used to drive the connecting cylinder 201 and the connecting flange seat 1 and the detection equipment in the rotating sealing mechanism 2 to rotate, and the relatively rotating connecting cylinder 201 and the fixed cylinder 202 in the rotating sealing mechanism 2 can ensure the rotary seal, and the pressure difference compensator 404 on the pressure balancing mechanism 4 can be adaptively adjusted when the external pressure changes, so that the electric pump oil can circulate in the overall device to adjust the internal pressure, thereby balancing the internal and external pressures and ensuring the sealing of the seals at each connection.

[0018] Preferably, a movable ring 203 and a fixed ring 204 are provided between the connecting tube 201 and the fixed tube 202. The outer side of the fixed ring 204 is fixedly connected to the fixed tube 202 via a plurality of second positioning pins 208, and the outer side of the movable ring 203 is connected to the movable ring 203 via a plurality of first positioning pins 207. The movable ring 203 and the fixed ring 204 are sleeved on the connecting flange seat 1; The movable ring 203 and the fixed ring 204 are in contact and sealed with each other at their end faces.

[0019] The outer sides of the movable ring 203 and the fixed ring 204 are respectively pressed against the inner walls of the connecting tube 201 and the fixed tube 202 through sealing rings. The movable ring 203 and the fixed ring 204 are sealed by end face contact. The movable ring 203 and the fixed ring 204 are made of high-performance wear-resistant materials and are specially surface-treated on their end faces to improve wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Further preferably, an oil storage tank is opened on the end face of the movable ring 203 for filling with grease to play a lubricating and cooling role and extend the service life.

[0020] Preferably, a plurality of waist-shaped grooves 209 are provided on the outside of the movable ring 203, the end of the first positioning pin 207 is located in the waist-shaped groove 209 and moves, an adjusting gasket 205 is fixed in the connecting tube 201, and an elastic element 206 is provided between the adjusting gasket 205 and the movable ring 203, and the elastic element 206 is used to push the movable ring 203 against the fixed ring 204.

[0021] The connecting tube 201 is pressed against the waist-shaped groove 209 on the outside of the movable ring 203 through multiple first positioning pins 207, so that the movable ring 203 can be adjusted movably, thereby pushing the movable ring 203 against the fixed ring 204 through the elastic element 206. The elastic element 206 can generate a continuous and stable pre-tightening force to maintain the sealing ability for a long time.

[0022] Preferably, both ends of the rotating shaft 304 are pressed against the rotating fixed cylinder 301 through the first bearing 302 and the third bearing 305 to rotate. The rotating fixed cylinder 301 is provided with a torque motor 303 and a rotary encoder 307. The torque motor 303 is used to drive the rotating shaft 304 to rotate, and the rotary encoder 307 is used to detect the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 304.

[0023] A bearing seat 306 is fixedly provided in the rotating fixed cylinder 301 , the third bearing 305 is mounted on the bearing seat 306 , and a conductive slip ring 308 is fixedly provided in the rotating shaft 304 .

[0024] The torque motor 303 and the rotary encoder 307 have a rotor and a stator. The rotor rotates with the rotating shaft 304, and the stator is fixed in the rotating fixed cylinder 301. The cables on each stator enter the wire sheath 403 in the pressure balance mechanism 4 through the lead hole and are electrically connected to the electrical connector 407; the cables on each rotor enter the conductive slip ring 308 through the lead hole and are then electrically connected to the electrical connector 407 through the wire sheath 403.

[0025] The torque motor 303 is a brushless DC torque motor with high torque and stable operation. The rotary encoder 307 measures angles with high precision and continuously outputs the rotation angle. Both the torque motor 303 and the rotary encoder 307 are pressure-resistant, ensuring long-term stable operation in electric pump oil. The conductive slip ring 308 eliminates cable entanglement during rotor rotation, improving power supply and signal output stability.

[0026] Preferably, the pressure chamber 402 in the pressure balancing mechanism 4 is fixedly provided with an end cover 401 at one end and a bottom cover 408 at the other end. The end cover 401 is provided with an oil hole, and the electric pump oil in the pressure chamber 402 enters the rotating sealing mechanism 2 through the oil hole, and the pressure difference compensator 404 is fixed on the pressure chamber 402.

[0027] The pressure chamber 402 is also provided with a pressure differential sensor 405 and a one-way valve group 406. The pressure differential sensor 405 is used to monitor the difference in internal and external pressures, and the one-way valve group 406 is used to inject or drain oil into the pressure chamber 402.

[0028] The electric pump oil uses insulating and fluid electric pump oil to transmit pressure and provide long-lasting lubrication for the bearings. A wire protection sleeve 403 is fixed between the end cover 401 and the middle of the bottom cover 408. A plurality of electrical connectors 407 are fixed on the bottom cover 408. A through hole is provided in the end cover 401. The control wires and signal wires in the rotating mechanism 3 pass through the through holes on the end cover 401 and enter the wire protection sleeve 403 and are connected to the bottom cover 408 and the electrical connector 407 .

[0029] The cables within the device are gathered in a cable sheath 403, which provides protection. The cables are connected to corresponding electrical connectors 407, which in turn connect to external connectors and cables to ensure the device is sealed. The connecting plug is a watertight connector to ensure the electrical connection is sealed.

[0030] A core shaft 410 is fixed in the middle of the cylinder 409 in the pressure difference compensator 404, and a sliding piston 411 is provided on the core shaft 410. The piston 411 slides on the core shaft 410 and the cylinder 409 in a sealed manner. One end of the cylinder 409 is connected to the interior of the pressure chamber 402, and the other end is connected to the outside.

[0031] According to the changes in the internal and external pressure difference, the left and right movement of the piston 411 is adjusted under the action of pressure, which can adaptively balance the pressure difference; the number and initial installation status of the pressure difference compensator 404 are calculated and determined according to parameters such as the oil filling amount, the electric pump oil expansion coefficient, the extreme temperature difference, the pressure difference compensator 404 parameters, and the maximum water pressure; the one-way valve group 406 is used to fill and drain oil into the device; the pressure difference sensor 405 monitors the internal and external pressure difference in real time, and plays a role in prompting and warning of excessive pressure difference.

[0032] The connections between the external shells are all provided with sealing structures, and the connections between the internal connecting flange seat 1, the rotating shaft 304 and the conductive slip ring 308 are all provided with sealing structures, thereby forming a cavity inside the device, and the cavity is filled with electric pump oil. The electric pump oil flows through the assembly gaps of the various components to ensure that it fills the entire cavity, thereby balancing the internal electric pump oil and the external water pressure through the pressure difference compensator 404.

[0033] Example 2 like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in combination with Example 1, the method for using the underwater precision rotary sealing device which self-balances internal and external pressures is further described: S1. During the first installation, a vacuum oil injection process is used to inject electric pump oil of corresponding pressure into the sealed cavity of the entire device through the one-way valve group 406, adjust the thickness of the adjusting gasket 205, and change the preload force of the elastic element 206 to meet the contact sealing performance of the movable ring 203 and the fixed ring 204 and the starting torque of the torque motor 303; ensure that the starting torque of the movable ring 203 and the fixed ring 204 during relative rotation is ≤2.9Nm, and that the force is uniform, smooth and without sticking within the range of 360° forward rotation and 360° reverse rotation; after starting smooth rotation, the torque difference between forward and reverse rotation is ≤0.22Nm, otherwise, the adjusting gasket 205 should be repaired or replaced, and the preload force of the elastic element 206 should be changed until the above torque requirements are met; S2. After installation and commissioning, the working equipment is mounted on the connecting flange seat 1 and fixed, and the torque motor 303 is started to drive the connecting flange seat 1 and the working equipment to rotate, and test whether the rotation function is normal; S3. As the device dives, the piston 411 in the pressure differential compensator 404 moves to the right under the action of the external seawater pressure as the diving depth changes. The internal pressure of the device gradually increases, so that the pressure inside and outside the device is balanced, thus preventing the sealing ring from being twisted and deformed due to excessive unidirectional pressure, which may lead to leakage. S4. When the temperature inside the device continues to rise, the volume of the electric pump oil expands due to heat, and the generated pressure is transmitted to the piston 411 in the pressure differential compensator 404 to move left, thereby balancing the pressure generated by the temperature increase; preventing the sealing ring from deforming due to excessive unidirectional pressure and causing leakage.

[0034] The above embodiments are merely preferred technical solutions of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be the technical solutions set forth in the claims, including equivalent alternatives to the technical features of the technical solutions set forth in the claims. In other words, equivalent alternatives and improvements within this scope are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An underwater precision rotary sealing device that self-balances internal and external pressures, characterized by: The invention comprises a connecting flange seat (1), a rotary sealing mechanism (2), a rotating mechanism (3), and a pressure balancing mechanism (4) connected in sequence, wherein the rotary sealing mechanism (2) comprises a connecting cylinder (201) and a fixed cylinder (202) that rotate relative to each other, a rotating fixed cylinder (301) in the rotating mechanism (3) is provided with a rotating shaft (304) therein, the rotating shaft (304) is fixedly connected to the connecting cylinder (201) via the connecting flange seat (1), and the rotating fixed cylinder (301) is fixedly connected to the fixed cylinder (202); The pressure balancing mechanism (4) is provided with flowing electric pump oil, which also circulates in the rotating mechanism (3) and the rotating sealing mechanism (2). The pressure balancing mechanism (4) is provided with a plurality of pressure difference compensators (404), which are used to adjust and balance the internal and external pressure differences.

2. The underwater precision rotary sealing device capable of self-balancing internal and external pressure according to claim 1 is characterized by: A movable ring (203) and a fixed ring (204) are provided between the connecting tube (201) and the fixed tube (202); the outer side of the fixed ring (204) is fixedly connected to the fixed tube (202) via a plurality of second positioning pins (208); and the outer side of the movable ring (203) is connected to the movable ring (203) via a plurality of first positioning pins (207); The movable ring (203) and the fixed ring (204) are sleeved on the connecting flange seat (1); The movable ring (203) and the fixed ring (204) are in contact and sealed with each other at their end faces.

3. The underwater precision rotary sealing device capable of self-balancing internal and external pressure according to claim 2 is characterized by: A plurality of waist-shaped grooves (209) are provided on the outside of the movable ring (203), and the end of the first positioning pin (207) is located in the waist-shaped groove (209) and moves. An adjusting gasket (205) is fixed in the connecting tube (201), and an elastic element (206) is provided between the adjusting gasket (205) and the movable ring (203). The elastic element (206) is used to push the movable ring (203) against the fixed ring (204).

4. The underwater precision rotary sealing device capable of self-balancing internal and external pressure according to claim 1 is characterized by: The two ends of the rotating shaft (304) are supported and rotated in the rotating fixed cylinder (301) via the first bearing (302) and the third bearing (305). The rotating fixed cylinder (301) is provided with a torque motor (303) and a rotary encoder (307). The torque motor (303) is used to drive the rotating shaft (304) to rotate, and the rotary encoder (307) is used to detect the rotation angle of the rotating shaft (304).

5. The underwater precision rotary sealing device capable of self-balancing internal and external pressure according to claim 4 is characterized by: A bearing seat (306) is fixedly provided in the rotating fixed cylinder (301), the third bearing (305) is mounted on the bearing seat (306), and a conductive slip ring (308) is fixedly provided in the rotating shaft (304).

6. The underwater precision rotary sealing device capable of self-balancing internal and external pressure according to claim 1 is characterized by: The pressure chamber (402) in the pressure balancing mechanism (4) is fixedly provided with an end cover (401) at one end and a bottom cover (408) at the other end. The end cover (401) is provided with an oil hole, and the electric pump oil in the pressure chamber (402) enters the rotary sealing mechanism (2) through the oil hole. The pressure difference compensator (404) is fixed on the pressure chamber (402).

7. The underwater precision rotary sealing device capable of self-balancing internal and external pressure according to claim 6 is characterized by: The pressure chamber (402) is also provided with a pressure differential sensor (405) and a one-way valve assembly (406). The pressure differential sensor (405) is used to monitor the difference in internal and external pressures, and the one-way valve assembly (406) is used to inject or release oil into the pressure chamber (402).

8. The underwater precision rotary sealing device capable of self-balancing internal and external pressure according to claim 6 is characterized by: A wire protection sleeve (403) is fixedly provided between the end cover (401) and the middle portion of the bottom cover (408), a plurality of electrical connectors (407) are fixedly provided on the bottom cover (408), and a through hole is provided in the end cover (401); The control line and the signal line in the rotating mechanism (3) pass through the through hole on the end cover (401) and enter the wire protection sleeve (403) and are connected to the bottom cover (408) and the electrical connector (407).

9. The underwater precision rotary sealing device capable of self-balancing internal and external pressure according to any one of claims 1 or 6, characterized in that: A core shaft (410) is fixedly provided in the middle of the cylinder (409) in the pressure differential compensator (404). A sliding piston (411) is provided on the core shaft (410). The piston (411) slides on the core shaft (410) and the cylinder (409) in a sealing manner. One end of the cylinder (409) is connected to the interior of the pressure chamber (402), and the other end is connected to the outside.

10. A method for using the underwater precision rotary seal device capable of self-balancing internal and external pressures according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: S1. During the first installation, a vacuum oil injection process is used to inject electric pump oil of corresponding pressure into the sealed cavity of the entire device through the one-way valve group (406), adjust the thickness of the regulating gasket (205), and change the preload force of the elastic element (206), so as to meet the contact sealing performance of the movable ring (203) and the fixed ring (204) and the starting torque of the torque motor (303); S2. After the installation and debugging is completed, the working equipment is mounted on the connecting flange seat (1) and fixed, and the torque motor (303) is started to drive the connecting flange seat (1) and the working equipment to rotate, and the rotation function is tested to see if it is normal; S3. When the device dives, as the diving depth changes, under the action of the external seawater pressure, the piston (411) in the pressure differential compensator (404) moves to the right, and the internal pressure of the device gradually increases, so that the pressure inside and outside the device is balanced; S4. When the temperature inside the device continues to rise, the volume of the electric pump oil expands due to the heat, and the generated pressure is transmitted to the piston (411) in the pressure differential compensator (404) to move leftward, thereby balancing the pressure generated by the temperature increase.

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