Ring seal with groove
By designing a ring seal compatible with both C-type and W-type ports, and utilizing a deformable annular protrusion and groove structure, the problem that existing ring seals can only be matched with specific ports is solved, achieving tight fluid sealing between different port types and improving the reliability and applicability of the seal.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing ring seals can only be matched with specific types of ports, which means that care must be taken to ensure orientation when using them with different port types. This can easily damage flow parts or cause seal failure. In addition, the existing universal port design has problems with scratches and misalignment.
Design a ring seal whose sealing surface is compatible with both C-type and W-type ports. By providing deformable annular protrusions and grooves on the sealing side, the ring seal allows for a fluid-tight seal between different port types. The groove design facilitates alignment with W-type ports, reducing misalignment issues.
This achieves a tight fluid seal between the C-type and W-type ports of the ring seal, avoiding orientation dependence and damage risks, and improving the reliability and applicability of the seal.
Smart Images
Figure CN121844149A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to seals and gaskets for forming fluid-tight seal joints between opposing flow component ports. BACKGROUND
[0002] Ring seals are typically annular, defining an axially aligned bore for passage of fluid (liquid or gas), two axially opposite end surfaces, a radially inner surface, and a radially outer surface. A simple ring seal has planar end surfaces and smooth, circular radially inner and outer surfaces defining an inner diameter (ID) and an outer diameter (OD) of the ring seal. However, it is common practice in the industry to utilize seals having different radial cross-sections in order to obtain different sealing capabilities for different fluid flow environments. Ring seals are typically formed of metal, such as nickel, stainless steel, and nickel alloys, such as C22.
[0003] Ring seals are typically designed for interfacing with a particular port type. Opposing sealing sides or surfaces of a ring seal are each configured to engage a port of a flow component to form a fluid-tight seal between the end surfaces and the flow component. One commonly used ring seal is a "C-seal" having a "C" shaped radial cross-section. The end surfaces of a C-seal engage and compress against planar surfaces of a port of a flow component to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween. Other C-seals include ridges or extensions axially protruding from the end surfaces to facilitate forming a fluid-tight seal with a port of a flow component.
[0004] Another ring seal type known in the industry is a "W-seal." A typical "W-seal" has planar opposing sealing surfaces. The W-seal is positioned between two coupling members each having an annular protrusion extending therefrom. The planar sealing surfaces engage the annular protrusions to form a fluid-tight seal between the W-seal and the coupling members.
[0005] One problem with existing ring seals is that the ring seals are designed for only a specific port type. For example, a C-seal can only be used with a C-port of a flow component, and a W-seal can only be used with a W-port. For example, a problem arises when the port of a flow component on one side of the ring seal is a C-port and the port of a flow component on the other side of the ring seal is a W-port. Attempts have been made to solve this problem by creating a ring seal having one end surface designed to interface with a C-port and an opposite end designed to interface with a W-port. A disadvantage of such ring seals is that one must be aware of the orientation of the ring seal when positioning the ring seal between flow components of different port types. Positioning the ring seal in an inverted orientation can cause damage to the flow components or their ports. Another disadvantage is that such ring seals cannot be used between flow components having the same port type, thus requiring the user to have various ring seals available based on the port types of the flow components being joined together.
[0006] Attempts have been made to create a port universal ring seal, for example, having the same seal surface design for C-ports and W-ports. However, such ring seals having axial protrusions can create scratches on the fluid port surface of a C-port. Other problems arise, including potential misalignment issues with a W-port, causing a seal failure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a ring seal according to various embodiments.
[0008] Figure 2 is a top plan view of the ring seal of Figure 1
[0009] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ring seal of Figure 2 along line 3-3 of Figure 1
[0010] Figure 4 is a close-up view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the ring seal of Figure 3
[0011] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the ring seal of Figure 1 set between a C-port fluid flow component and a W-port fluid flow component prior to compression.
[0012] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ring seal of Figure 5 set between the fluid flow components of Figure 1 after compression.
[0013] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and that the actual implementation can be provided with additional or different elements, as desired. For example, the sizes and relative positions of elements in the figures can be exaggerated or rendered larger in the figure for clarity. Additionally, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary, such as controllers for a DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Disclosed herein are ring seals that can be positioned between opposing flow component seal ports to create a fluid tight seal between the opposing seal ports. The ring seal creates a fluid tight passageway from a first flow component to a second flow component. The ring seals disclosed herein include sealing surfaces designed to be used in conjunction with at least two different seal port types (e.g., C-seal and W-seal ports). Optionally, the ring seal can be symmetrical in that both sealing surfaces of the ring seal can be used in conjunction with multiple seal port types. For example, the sealing surfaces of the ring seal can be used to seal C-seal ports or W-seal ports. Thus, a single ring seal can be used to seal two C-ports, two W-ports, or an interface between a C-port and a W-port. Thus, a user can use this ring seal regardless of whether the upper or lower seal port is a C-port or a W-port because both sides of the ring seal are compatible with either port type.
[0015] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like components throughout the several figures, and Figures 1 to 6 An example ring seal 100 consistent with these teachings is illustrated. The ring seal 100 is designed for sealing opposing flow component seal ports that define a fluid flow path. The ring seal 100 includes a ring-shaped seal body 105 that defines an axial bore 110 for passage of fluid therethrough in an axial direction 115 as illustrated by the arrow 115. Figure 3 The ring-shaped body 105 has a radial plane 117 that is perpendicular to the axial direction 115.
[0016] The example ring seal 100 includes opposing first and second sealing sides 120 and 120' on axial ends 125 and 125' of the annular seal body 105. The sealing sides 120 and 120' engage sealing ports of flow components to create a fluid-tight seal between the sealing ports of the flow components and the sealing sides 120 and 120'. Thus, when both the first and second sealing sides 120 and 120' engage the sealing ports of the flow components such that a fluid-tight seal is formed, fluid flows from one flow component through the axial bore 110 and into the other flow component without leaking fluid between the flow components.
[0017] Referring to Figure 4 depicting Figure 3 the first sealing side 120 includes a first deformable annular protrusion 130 extending from the annular body 105 in an axial direction to a first apex 135. The sealing side 120 also includes a second deformable annular protrusion 140 extending from the annular body 105 in an axial direction to a second apex 145. Both the first and second deformable annular protrusions 130 and 140 are configured to deform when engaged with a first planar sealing surface. For example, if the first sealing side 120 is used to engage a substantially planar sealing surface of a C-port of a flow component to form a fluid-tight seal between the first sealing side 120 and the sealing port of the flow component (e.g., a C-seal), the annular protrusions 130 and 140 deform against the flat surface to form the seal.
[0018] The first sealing side 120 also includes a slot 150 defined between the first and second deformable annular protrusions 130 and 140. The slot 150 extends around the first sealing side 120 and is configured to engage a first annular rounded sealing ring. For example, a distance 160 between the first and second apexes 135 and 145 is set to engage the sides of a typical protrusion of a W-port, which is known in the art. Such a distance can be between 0.023 inches and 0.043 inches, preferably about 0.029 inches. The diameter of the slot 150 (as measured from a point equidistant between the first and second apexes 135 and 145) is limited only by the port size. In one example, the slot 150 is sized to engage the annular protrusion of a W-port by having a diameter, as measured from a point equidistant between the first and second apexes 135 and 145, of between 0.216 inches and 0.234 inches. An example diameter of the slot 150 is 0.219 inches. In the illustrated example, the outer diameter of the ring seal 100 is 0.282 inches, the inner diameter (i.e., the diameter of the narrowest portion of the axial bore 110) is 0.180 inches, and the diameter of the first apex 135 is 0.249 inches, while the diameter of the second apex 145 is 0.210 inches.
[0019] In one example, the second apex 145 and the second deformable annular protrusion 140 abut the axial bore 110 such that the inner diameter surface 147 defining a portion of the axial bore 110 forms one side of the second deformable annular protrusion 140. The first apex 135 extends about 0.002 inches to 0.004 inches further in the axial direction than the second apex 145. This small difference in relative height in the axial direction reduces the likelihood of damaging the second deformable annular protrusion 140 during handling, thereby allowing the second deformable annular protrusion 140 to deform and create additional sealing surfaces, thereby increasing the likelihood of forming a complete fluid tight seal in the event the first deformable annular protrusion 130 is damaged.
[0020] So configured, the ring seal 100 can be placed on a W-port and the slot 150 will naturally align with the annular protrusion of the W-port, facilitating easy alignment during the process of creating a seal. For example, the ring seal 100 can be placed on the "top" of a W-port and the slot 150 will facilitate alignment with the annular protrusion of the W-port, thereby reducing misalignment issues. To facilitate sealing of a standard W-port, the depth of the slot 150 beneath the first deformable annular protrusion 130 is between 0.003 inches and 0.008 inches. Thus, during compression, the protrusion of the W-port is pressed into the slot 150, creating sealing surfaces at one or any combination of the base 152 of the slot, along the first rising surface 154 to the first apex 135, and the second rising surface 156 to the second apex 145. At least one of the base 152 of the slot, the first rising surface 154, and / or the second rising surface 156 can deform against the ring seal of the W-port, thereby providing several elements to create a fluid tight seal.
[0021] In the illustrated example, the first apex 135 transitions to an outer extending surface 158 that extends radially away from the axial bore 110 and an inner rising surface 154 that extends radially toward the axial bore 110. In other words, the outer extending surface 158 extends from the first apex 135 in a radially outward direction to an outer surface 165 that forms the outer diameter of the ring seal 100. The outer extending surface 158 can be, for example, a frustoconical surface around the circumference of the ring seal 100 and is preferably inclined at an angle 170 relative to the direction of axial fluid flow that is nearly identical to the initial angle of inclination 178 of the first rising surface 154 away from the first apex 135 of the entry slot 150. For example, as an example range, the outer extending surface 158 can extend adjacent the first apex 135 at an angle of about 20 degrees to 60 degrees relative to an axial plane. In one specific example, the outer extending surface 158 extends from the first apex 135 at an angle of about 40 degrees relative to an axial plane. Similarly, as an example range, the inner rising surface 154 adjacent the first apex 135 extends at an angle of about 20 degrees to 60 degrees relative to an axial plane, although the inner rising surface 154 can change inclination beyond this range as it extends to the bottom of the slot 150. This range of angles on either side adjacent the first apex 135 results in the first apex 135 deforming without significant slippage along the sealing surface during compression with a flat sealing surface (e.g., a C-port). For example, it has been found that an apex that is inclined at about 45 degrees on one side and about 70 degrees on the other side relative to the axial fluid flow results in the apex slipping along the sealing surface during compression, potentially scratching the sealing surface of the flow component, and potentially compromising the resulting seal.
[0022] When the annular protrusion 130 is compressed against a planar sealing surface (e.g., as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The annular protrusion 130 deforms sufficiently so that the inner extending face 147 also engages the sealing surface.
[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing side 120' on the second axial end 125' is a mirror image of the sealing side 120 relative to a radial plane, and functions identically to the sealing side 120. As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The example seal ring 100 is symmetrical about a radial plane. Features of the sealing surface 120' that correspond to features described with respect to the sealing surface 120 are indicated with a prime symbol ('). For example, a feature of the first apex 135 of the sealing surface 120 that corresponds to a feature of the sealing surface 120' is indicated by 135'. While the illustrated ring seal includes two multi-port type compatible sealing surfaces, in other embodiments the ring seal 100 can have only one such sealing surface, while the other surface has a different form, e.g., is configured to seal against only a single sealing port type as is known in the art.
[0024] The ring seal 100 can optionally further include a plurality of holes 175 extending radially inward from the outer surface 165. The plurality of holes 175 can take any number of configurations. For example, preferably, the holes 175 are configured by drilling radially from the radially outer surface of the ring seal toward the center of the ring seal to minimize cost and reduce any difficulties in manufacturing. Holes 175 configured in this manner have a circular cross-section. For simplicity, the holes 175 are illustrated as having a circular cross-section, although the holes can have other shaped cross-sections without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The number of holes 175 and their diameter can vary depending on the mechanical properties desired for the seal assembly. For example, an increase in the number of holes 175 or an increase in the diameter of the holes 175 results in a corresponding decrease in the ring seal inner side wall thickness, which will change the mechanical characteristics of the seal, including increasing the ability of the seal to deform. However, an increase in the number of holes or an increase in the diameter of the holes 175 can weaken the elastic recovery (resilience) ability of the seal 100 after compression and decompression. In one preferred embodiment, the holes 175 are cylindrical and have a diameter between 25% and 75% of the thickness of the ring seal. A diameter less than about 25% will significantly reduce the ability of the ring seal to elastically deform. At the same time, increasing the diameter of the holes beyond about 75% of the thickness of the ring seal 100 will weaken the structural integrity of the seal 100, causing the seal 100 to be compressed without a significant deformation of the sealing surfaces 120, 120', which can result in a leak. In one preferred method, the diameter of the holes 175 is about 50% of the thickness of the ring seal 100. Alternatively, the ring seal 100 can include grooves extending radially inward from the outer surface 165 to provide the deformability aspects discussed above.
[0025] Referring now to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the ring seal 100 is shown positioned between a C-shaped flow component 180 and a W-shaped flow component 190. The C-shaped flow component 180 includes a C-shaped port interface that includes a planar sealing surface 185. The W-shaped flow component 190 includes a W-shaped port interface that includes a sealing protrusion 195.
[0026] As shown in Figure 5 , the ring seal 100 is positioned between the flow components 180, 190 with the ring seal 100 in an uncompressed state. A force can then be applied to bring the flow components 180, 190 together, thereby fluidly sealing the flow components 180, 190 together. This causes the ring seal 100 to enter an elastically deformed state as shown in Figure 6the first deformable annular extension 130' deforms against the planar surface 185, forming a fluid tight seal therebetween. During compression, the planar surface 185 additionally engages and compresses against the second apex 145' of the second deformable annular protrusion 140', such that this additional portion deforms against the planar surface 185 to form an additional seal. As the sealing protrusion 195 of the W-shaped flow component 190 engages the first groove 150 of the first sealing side 120, the groove 150, the base 152 of the groove, the first rising surface 154, and / or the second rising surface 156 then deform against the sealing protrusion 195 of the W-shaped port to receive the sealing protrusion 195 and form a fluid tight seal therebetween. After the compression ring seal 100 is compressed, the flow components 180, 190 are fluidly sealed such that fluid can pass between the flow components 180 and 190 via the ring seal 100 without leaking fluid.
[0027] Accordingly, the same sealing side 120, 120' of the ring seal 100 can each be used to form a fluid tight seal with either a C-shaped flow component or a W-shaped flow component. Because the sealing sides 120, 120' are identical and the ring seal 100 is symmetric about a radial plane, the ring seal 100 can be used to seal C-shaped, W-shaped, or a combination of flow components together regardless of the orientation of the ring seal 100. For example, the ring seal 100 can be used similarly where the lower flow component is a W-shaped flow component 190 and the upper flow component is a C-shaped flow component 180, where both the upper and lower flow components are C-shaped flow components 180, or where both the upper and lower flow components are W-shaped flow components 190. The illustrated ring seal 100 is thus orientation agnostic. Where the ring seal 100 is used to connect two C-shaped flow components 180 or two W-shaped flow components 190, the depth of the port design can be adjusted (e.g., increased) to accommodate the thickness of the ring seal 100 such that the ring seal 100 is properly compressed to form a fluid tight seal and is not over-compressed or under-compressed. Similarly, the length of the seal in the axial direction can be adapted during manufacturing to accommodate the depth characteristics of C-shaped or W-shaped ports in which the seal can be used.
[0028] In all embodiments, the annular protrusions 130 and 140 are deformable and deform to form a fluid tight seal upon forced engagement with the planar sealing surface of a C- style flow component. Likewise, in all embodiments, the location and size of one or more surfaces are set to receive a sealing ring of a W-style flow component to form a fluid tight seal.
[0029] It should also be appreciated that in some forms, only one sealing surface is compatible with multiple sealing types (e.g., C-style or W-style), while the other sealing surface is configured to form only a single type of seal (e.g., prior art sealing surfaces).
[0030] While the present disclosure has been described with respect to various specific examples, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the description herein should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely as an exemplification of preferred embodiments. The disclosure is limited only by the claims that follow.
Claims
1. A ring seal, comprising: An annular body defining an axial aperture through which fluid passes in an axial direction, the annular body having a radial plane perpendicular to the axial direction; A first sealing side, located at the first axial end of the annular body, includes: A first deformable annular protrusion, extending from the annular body in the axial direction to a first apex, is configured to deform upon engagement with a first planar sealing surface. A second deformable annular protrusion, extending from the annular body in the axial direction to a second apex, is configured to deform upon engagement with the first planar sealing surface. A first groove is defined between a first deformable annular protrusion and a second deformable annular protrusion, the first groove extending around the first sealing side and configured to engage with a first annular rounded corner sealing protrusion.
2. The ring seal according to claim 1, further comprising: The second sealing side is located at the second axial end of the annular body opposite to the first axial end, and the second sealing side includes: A third deformable annular protrusion, extending from the annular body in the axial direction to a third apex, is configured to deform upon engagement with the second planar sealing surface. A fourth deformable annular protrusion extends from the annular body in the axial direction to a fourth apex, and the second deformable annular protrusion is configured to deform upon engagement with the second planar sealing surface. The second groove is defined between the third deformable annular protrusion and the fourth deformable annular protrusion, the second groove extends around the second sealing side and is configured to engage with the second annular rounded corner sealing ring.
3. The annular seal according to claim 2, wherein the second sealing side is a mirror image of the first sealing side reflected relative to a radial plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the annular body.
4. The annular seal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first deformable annular protrusion and the second deformable annular protrusion are configured to deform upon engagement with the first planar sealing surface to form a C-type seal.
5. The ring seal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first groove is configured to engage the first annular rounded corner sealing ring to form a W-shaped seal.
6. The ring seal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first vertex transitions to an outer extending surface that extends radially away from the axial hole and an inner rising surface that extends radially toward the axial hole; The first angle defined by the inner rising surface adjacent to the first vertex and the axial direction is between 20 degrees and 60 degrees; and The second angle, defined by the outer extending surface adjacent to the first vertex and the axial direction, is between 20 and 60 degrees.
7. The annular seal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second deformable annular protrusion abuts the axial bore such that an inner diameter surface defining a portion of the axial bore forms one side of the second deformable annular protrusion.
8. The ring seal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first vertex extends further in the axial direction than the second vertex.
9. The ring seal of claim 8, wherein the first vertex extends about 0.002 inches to 0.004 inches further than the second vertex in the axial direction.
10. The ring seal according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the distance between the first vertex and the second vertex is between 0.023 inches and 0.043 inches.
11. The annular seal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the depth of the first groove below the first deformable annular protrusion is between 0.003 inches and 0.008 inches.
12. The ring seal according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the diameter of the first groove is between 0.216 inches and 0.234 inches when measured from points equidistant from the first vertex and the second vertex.