Annular sealing structure, annular sealing method and application in storage roadway

Abstract

The invention discloses an annular sealing structure, an annular sealing method and application in a storage roadway. The annular sealing structure comprises a sealing supporting frame (1), a sealing film assembly (2), a sealing cover (3) and a sealing hoop (4). The open end of the sealing film assembly (2) penetrates out of a center through opening of the supporting frame (1) and is turned over for the first time to form a first turn-back layer (21), the sealing cover (3) is matched with a first elastic sealing piece (11) to be pressed and fixed and then turned over for the second time to form a second turn-back layer (22), a second elastic sealing piece (41) is arranged in the sealing hoop (4), a tightening device is arranged to conduct circumferential tightening, the second turn-back layer (22) is pressed, and the sealing film assembly (2) is fixed to the sealing hoop (4). And two pressing sealing interfaces are formed. The method comprises the following steps: fixing the sealing support frame (1); penetrating out a membrane body of the sealing membrane assembly (2) and folding twice; pressing the sealing cover (3); and tightening the sealing hoop (4). The annular sealing structure is applied to the storage roadway, and the high-grade airtight effect is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of sealing technology, specifically relating to an annular sealing structure, an annular sealing method, and its application in storage tunnels. Background Technology

[0002] In fields such as automated warehousing, cleanrooms, or special item storage, it is often necessary to set up storage aisles or passageways. In order to prevent interference between the internal and external environments of the aisles (such as dust, moisture, temperature, pressure, harmful gases, etc.), or to maintain the cleanliness and pressure balance of a specific area, the entrances and exits of these aisles need to be effectively sealed.

[0003] Currently, the common methods for sealing off tunnels mainly include the following, but all of them have certain drawbacks:

[0004] 1. Standard roller shutter / sliding door:

[0005] These types of doors are typically made of metal or rigid materials. While they offer a certain level of sealing, their thickness and volume occupy horizontal or vertical space at the entrance of the passageway. This can easily interfere with the operating paths of automated handling equipment (such as stacker cranes, AGVs, and shuttle cars), affecting the normal layout and passage efficiency of the equipment. Furthermore, the sealing strips of rigid doors are usually single-layer planar contacts, which are prone to wear and aging after long-term use, leading to a decline in sealing performance.

[0006] 2. PVC door curtain:

[0007] Soft curtain doors are made of flexible PVC material, are thin, and obstruct equipment passage minimally. However, their sealing principle mainly relies on the overlap between the curtain slats or the compression between the curtain and the door frame. This sealing method has limited sealing performance and is difficult to meet the needs of environments with large pressure differentials or extremely high cleanliness requirements. Moreover, soft curtain doors usually require manual closing or closure via simple spring / magnetic devices, resulting in low automation. Furthermore, the curtains are prone to deformation and damage after long-term use, leading to unstable sealing performance.

[0008] 3. Inflatable sealing door:

[0009] Sealing is achieved by filling the cavity between the door and the frame with gas to form an air curtain or airbag. This method provides a good seal, but it requires a stable gas source, consumes a lot of energy, and the seal fails quickly if there is a leak. Furthermore, its structure is relatively complex, its cost is high, and it is not conducive to the smooth passage of automated equipment.

[0010] 4. Traditional folding sealing device:

[0011] The sealing device uses flexible folded materials, but it often has a simple structure, few sealing layers, or unreasonable fixing and tensioning methods for the sealing material, resulting in poor sealing or easy damage, and it is difficult to adapt to the slight deformation or unevenness that may exist at the tunnel entrance.

[0012] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of tunnel sealing structure and sealing method that can minimize the encroachment on the working space of automated equipment while ensuring high sealing performance. The structure should be simple, reliable, easy to maintain, and able to maintain good sealing performance for a long time.

[0013] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a ring-shaped sealing structure for storage tunnels.

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0016] The first aspect of the present invention provides an annular sealing structure for a storage tunnel, comprising: a sealing support frame (1), a sealing membrane assembly (2), a sealing cover (3), and a sealing clamp (4).

[0017] The sealing support frame (1) is a frame structure that is closed in the circumferential direction and extends in the axial direction, and has an axial width, forming a through central opening; the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1) is provided with a first elastic sealing element (11).

[0018] The sealing membrane assembly (2) is a flexible membrane assembly with an open end. The outer contour of the open end of the sealing membrane assembly (2) is adapted to the inner contour of the central opening of the sealing support frame (1), so that the sealing membrane assembly (2) can be fitted into and pass through the sealing support frame (1). The open end of the sealing membrane assembly (2) passes through the central opening of the sealing support frame (1) and folds over to form a first fold-back layer (21) on the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1). The first fold-back layer (21) covers the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1).

[0019] The sealing cap (3) is disposed on the outside of the first fold-back layer (21) and cooperates with the first elastic seal (11) to press and fix the first fold-back layer (21), and the sealing cap (3) at least partially covers the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1); the sealing cap (3) has an edge line (100).

[0020] The first fold-back layer (21) is partially folded over to form a second fold-back layer (22) on the outside of the sealing cap (3), and the second fold-back layer (22) covers the edge line (100).

[0021] The sealing clamp (4) is an annular clamping member that matches the outer contour of the sealing support frame (1). A second elastic sealing member (41) is provided along its circumferential inner wall surface, and a tightening device for applying circumferential tightening force is provided. The sealing clamp (4) is sleeved on the outside of the second return layer (22) and tightened by the tightening device, so that the second elastic sealing member (41) presses the second return layer (22), and the first elastic sealing member (11) and the first return layer (21), and the second elastic sealing member (41) and the second return layer (22) together form two pressing sealing interfaces.

[0022] Preferably, the sealing support frame (1) is made of metal profile or engineering plastic, and the shape of the sealing support frame (1) matches the cross-sectional shape of the storage tunnel entrance and / or exit, and is a circular ring or a rectangular ring; the sealing membrane assembly (2) is a flexible, wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant film material, and the film material is a high-strength PVC film, rubber film or composite film, with a film thickness of 0.3mm to 3.0mm.

[0023] Preferably, the sealing cover (3) is made of rigid PVC board, metal sheet, metal profile with flexible outer layer or composite material board.

[0024] Preferably, the tightening device is a bolt tightening mechanism, a ratchet tightener, a pneumatic tightening mechanism, or an electric tightening mechanism.

[0025] Preferably, the first elastic seal (11) and the second elastic seal (41) are sealing airbags or elastic sealing strips.

[0026] Preferably, the folding angle is 180 degrees.

[0027] Preferably, the sealing clamp (4) is a ring structure made of metal strip.

[0028] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for sealing an annular structure based on the above-described annular sealing structure, the method comprising the following steps:

[0029] S1. The opening end of the sealing membrane assembly (2) is passed through the central opening of the sealing support frame (1), and the exposed sealing membrane assembly (2) is folded for the first time to form a first fold-back layer (21) on the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1). The first fold-back layer (21) covers the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1).

[0030] S2. The sealing cover (3) is disposed on the outside of the first return layer (21) and cooperates with the first elastic sealing element (11) disposed on the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1) to press and fix the first return layer (21). The sealing cover (3) partially covers the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1).

[0031] S3. Fold the first fold-back layer (21) a second time to form a second fold-back layer (22) on the outside of the sealing cover (3). The second fold-back layer (22) covers the edge line (100) of the sealing cover (3).

[0032] S4. The sealing clamp (4) is fitted onto the outside of the second return layer (22), and a circumferential tightening force is applied by the tightening device for applying circumferential tightening force, so that the second elastic seal (41) presses against the second return layer (22), and the first elastic seal (11) and the first return layer (21), and the second elastic seal (41) and the second return layer (22) together form two pressing sealing interfaces.

[0033] A third aspect of the present invention provides the use of the annular sealing structure in a storage tunnel, wherein the annular sealing is installed at the entrance and / or exit of the storage tunnel.

[0034] Preferably, the storage aisles include automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) aisles, cleanroom material passageways, or special goods storage aisles.

[0035] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0036] Compared with existing ordinary roller shutters / sliding doors, soft curtain doors, inflatable sealing doors, and traditional folding sealing devices, the annular sealing structure and method for storage tunnels provided by this invention have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0037] 1. Double-layer compression sealing interface significantly improves sealing level and stability.

[0038] The present invention forms two independent compression sealing interfaces through "first elastic seal (11) - first return layer (21)" and "second elastic seal (41) - second return layer (22)", which is equivalent to a series of double sealing barriers:

[0039] The first return layer (21) forms a first seal with the first elastic seal (11) under the pressure of the sealing cap (3).

[0040] The second return layer (22) forms a second seal with the second elastic seal (41) under the tightening of the sealing clamp (4).

[0041] The superposition of two sealing interfaces ensures that even if a minor leak occurs at one interface due to localized wear or assembly deviation, the other interface can still provide a redundant seal, thereby reducing the risk of failure and improving long-term sealing reliability.

[0042] 2. The "penetration + folding" design creates a circumferential wrapping and multi-layered stacking, providing strong resistance to leakage channels.

[0043] The opening end of the sealing membrane assembly (2) extends through the central opening of the sealing support frame (1) and is folded at least twice to form a first fold-back layer (21) and a second fold-back layer (22), so that the flexible membrane forms a circumferentially wrapped multi-layer structure around the sealing support frame (1). This structure transforms the potential leakage path from the traditional "single planar contact seam" to a tortuous leakage path of "multi-layer wrapping + multiple folds", which improves the barrier capability against dust, moisture and gas exchange from a structural mechanism perspective, and is conducive to obtaining a higher level of airtightness / isolation effect.

[0044] 3. Small axial footprint and minimal encroachment on passage space, suitable for high-frequency passage of automated equipment.

[0045] The sealing mechanism of this invention is mainly arranged within the axial width range of the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1). The sealing cover (3) and the sealing clamp (4) are used to press and tighten the seal on the outside. This does not rely on a heavy door or a large-volume air cavity. Therefore:

[0046] It reduces the lateral / vertical space occupied at the entrance of the tunnel, avoids interference with the operating paths of automated equipment such as stacker cranes, AGVs, and shuttle cars, and is suitable for scenarios with strict clearance requirements, such as dense tunnels and narrow passages. This improves the flexibility of system layout and traffic efficiency while ensuring sealing performance.

[0047] 4. It is highly adaptable to assembly errors and minor deformations at the opening, resulting in better sealing consistency.

[0048] The first elastic seal (11) and the second elastic seal (41) are in the form of elastic sealing strips or sealing airbags. Under the action of compression / tightening, they can elastically compensate for local unevenness, coaxiality deviation, installation tolerance and slight deformation at the tunnel entrance. Combined with the adaptability of the flexible sealing membrane assembly (2), the contact pressure at the sealing interface is more uniform, thereby reducing local leakage caused by unevenness or eccentricity of the frame and improving the sealing consistency and repeatability under different working conditions.

[0049] 5. Simple structure, low maintenance cost, universal and easy-to-replace sealing medium.

[0050] This invention adopts a modular structure consisting of a support frame, a flexible membrane, a sealing cap, and a clamp. The components are regularly shaped, and the manufacturing and assembly processes are mature. Meanwhile, the sealing membrane assembly (2) can be made of high-strength PVC membrane, rubber membrane, or composite membrane, with a wide range of material sources and controllable costs. When the sealing membrane needs maintenance due to long-term friction and aging, the sealing membrane assembly (2) or the elastic seal can be quickly disassembled and replaced by loosening the tightening device, achieving low downtime and low-cost maintenance, and avoiding the systemic maintenance burden of traditional complex inflation valves.

[0051] 6. Compatible with various cross-sectional shapes and application scenarios, highly versatile.

[0052] The sealing support frame (1) can be a circular ring or a rectangular ring, and it matches the cross-section of the tunnel entrance / exit; the outer contour of the opening end of the sealing membrane assembly (2) is adapted to the inner contour of the central opening of the sealing support frame (1), which can cover various tunnel size and shape requirements. Therefore, the present invention is not only applicable to automated warehouse tunnels, but also to cleanroom material passages, special item storage entrances and exits, and other scenarios that require clean isolation, differential pressure control, or harmful gas isolation, and has good engineering applicability. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 This is a disassembled diagram of the annular sealing structure provided by the present invention.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the opening end of the sealing membrane assembly (2) passes through the central opening of the sealing support frame (1).

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the sealing membrane assembly (2) that passes through the central opening of the sealing support frame (1) is folded for the first time.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the sealing cap has been placed.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the first folded layer (21) is folded a second time.

[0058] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the sealing clamp (4) is installed.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation of the annular sealing structure of the present invention at the entrance of an automated warehouse aisle.

[0060] The meanings of the reference numerals in each figure are as follows:

[0061] 1-Sealing support frame; 2-Sealing membrane assembly; 3-Sealing cover; 4-Sealing clamp; 11-First elastic seal; 21-First foldback layer; 22-Second foldback layer; 41-Second elastic seal; 100-Edge line. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the embodiments.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will understand that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Where specific techniques or conditions are not specified in the embodiments, they are performed in accordance with the techniques or conditions described in technical literature in the field or according to product instructions. Materials or equipment whose manufacturers are not specified are all conventional products that can be obtained by purchase.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” used herein may also include the plural forms. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, “a plurality” means two or more. It should be further understood that the term “comprising” as used in this specification means the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0065] Example 1

[0066] like Figure 1-6 As shown, an annular sealing structure for storage tunnels includes: a sealing support frame (1), a sealing membrane assembly (2), a sealing cover (3), and a sealing clamp (4).

[0067] The sealing support frame (1) is a frame structure that is closed in the circumferential direction and extends in the axial direction, and has an axial width, forming a through central opening; the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1) is provided with a first elastic sealing element (11).

[0068] The sealing membrane assembly (2) is a flexible membrane assembly with an open end. The outer contour of the open end of the sealing membrane assembly (2) is adapted to the inner contour of the central opening of the sealing support frame (1), so that the sealing membrane assembly (2) can be fitted into and pass through the sealing support frame (1). The open end of the sealing membrane assembly (2) passes through the central opening of the sealing support frame (1) and folds over to form a first fold-back layer (21) on the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1). The first fold-back layer (21) covers the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1).

[0069] The sealing cap (3) is disposed on the outside of the first fold-back layer (21) and cooperates with the first elastic seal (11) to press and fix the first fold-back layer (21), and the sealing cap (3) at least partially covers the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1); the sealing cap (3) has an edge line (100).

[0070] The first fold-back layer (21) is partially folded over to form a second fold-back layer (22) on the outside of the sealing cap (3), and the second fold-back layer (22) covers the edge line (100).

[0071] The sealing clamp (4) is an annular clamping member that matches the outer contour of the sealing support frame (1). A second elastic sealing member (41) is provided along its circumferential inner wall surface, and a tightening device for applying circumferential tightening force is provided. The sealing clamp (4) is sleeved on the outside of the second return layer (22) and tightened by the tightening device, so that the second elastic sealing member (41) presses the second return layer (22), and the first elastic sealing member (11) and the first return layer (21), and the second elastic sealing member (41) and the second return layer (22) together form two pressing sealing interfaces.

[0072] The sealing support frame (1) is made of engineering plastic and is shaped as a circular ring; the sealing membrane assembly (2) is a high-strength PVC membrane with a thickness of 2mm.

[0073] The sealing cap (3) is made of rigid PVC board.

[0074] The tightening device is an electric tightening mechanism.

[0075] The first elastic seal (11) and the second elastic seal (41) are sealing airbags.

[0076] The folding angle is 180 degrees.

[0077] The sealing clamp (4) is a ring structure made of aluminum alloy strip.

[0078] A method for sealing an annular structure based on the above-mentioned annular sealing structure, the method comprising the following steps:

[0079] S1. The opening end of the sealing membrane assembly (2) is passed through the central opening of the sealing support frame (1), and the exposed sealing membrane assembly (2) is folded for the first time to form a first fold-back layer (21) on the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1). The first fold-back layer (21) covers the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1).

[0080] S2. The sealing cover (3) is disposed on the outside of the first return layer (21) and cooperates with the first elastic sealing element (11) disposed on the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1) to press and fix the first return layer (21). The sealing cover (3) partially covers the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1).

[0081] S3. Fold the first fold-back layer (21) a second time to form a second fold-back layer (22) on the outside of the sealing cover (3). The second fold-back layer (22) covers the edge line (100) of the sealing cover (3).

[0082] S4. The sealing clamp (4) is fitted onto the outside of the second return layer (22), and a circumferential tightening force is applied by the tightening device for applying circumferential tightening force, so that the second elastic seal (41) presses against the second return layer (22), and the first elastic seal (11) and the first return layer (21), and the second elastic seal (41) and the second return layer (22) together form two pressing sealing interfaces.

[0083] like Figure 7 As shown, the annular seal obtained by the above-mentioned annular sealing method is installed at the entrance of the automated warehouse aisle.

[0084] Example 2

[0085] This embodiment has the same structural composition as Embodiment 1, the difference being the selection of the material of the sealing support frame, the material of the first elastic seal and the second elastic seal, the membrane material, the membrane thickness, and the type of tightening device.

[0086] Sealing support frame (1): made of aluminum alloy, the first elastic seal (11) and the second elastic seal (41) are elastic sealing strips.

[0087] Sealing membrane assembly (2): Made of composite membrane with a film thickness of 1 mm.

[0088] The tightening device uses a bolt tightening mechanism.

[0089] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ring-shaped sealing structure for storage tunnels, characterized in that, include: Sealing support frame (1), sealing membrane assembly (2), sealing cap (3) and sealing clamp (4); The sealing support frame (1) is a frame structure that is closed in the circumferential direction and extends in the axial direction, and has an axial width, forming a through central opening; the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1) is provided with a first elastic sealing element (11). The sealing membrane assembly (2) is a flexible membrane assembly with an open end. The outer contour of the open end of the sealing membrane assembly (2) is adapted to the inner contour of the central opening of the sealing support frame (1), so that the sealing membrane assembly (2) can be fitted into and pass through the sealing support frame (1). The open end of the sealing membrane assembly (2) passes through the central opening of the sealing support frame (1) and folds over to form a first fold-back layer (21) on the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1). The first fold-back layer (21) covers the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1). The sealing cap (3) is disposed on the outside of the first fold-back layer (21) and cooperates with the first elastic seal (11) to press and fix the first fold-back layer (21), and the sealing cap (3) at least partially covers the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1); the sealing cap (3) has an edge line (100). The first fold-back layer (21) is partially folded over to form a second fold-back layer (22) on the outside of the sealing cap (3), and the second fold-back layer (22) covers the edge line (100). The sealing clamp (4) is an annular clamping member that matches the outer contour of the sealing support frame (1). A second elastic sealing member (41) is provided along its circumferential inner wall surface, and a tightening device for applying circumferential tightening force is provided. The sealing clamp (4) is sleeved on the outside of the second return layer (22) and tightened by the tightening device, so that the second elastic sealing member (41) presses the second return layer (22), and the first elastic sealing member (11) and the first return layer (21), and the second elastic sealing member (41) and the second return layer (22) together form two pressing sealing interfaces.

2. The annular sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing support frame (1) is made of metal profile or engineering plastic. The shape of the sealing support frame (1) matches the cross-sectional shape of the storage tunnel entrance and / or exit, and is a circular ring or a rectangular ring. The sealing membrane assembly (2) is a flexible, wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant film material. The film material is a high-strength PVC film, rubber film or composite film, and the film thickness is 0.3mm to 3.0mm.

3. The annular sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing cover (3) is made of rigid PVC board, metal sheet, metal profile with flexible outer layer or composite material board.

4. The annular sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tightening device is a bolt tightening mechanism, a ratchet tightener, a pneumatic tightening mechanism, or an electric tightening mechanism.

5. The annular sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first elastic seal (11) and the second elastic seal (41) are sealing airbags or elastic sealing strips.

6. The annular sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The folding angle is 180 degrees.

7. The annular sealing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing clamp (4) is a ring structure made of metal strip.

8. A method for sealing an annular structure based on any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: S1. The opening end of the sealing membrane assembly (2) is passed through the central opening of the sealing support frame (1), and the exposed sealing membrane assembly (2) is folded for the first time to form a first fold-back layer (21) on the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1). The first fold-back layer (21) covers the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1). S2. The sealing cover (3) is disposed on the outside of the first return layer (21) and cooperates with the first elastic sealing element (11) disposed on the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1) to press and fix the first return layer (21). The sealing cover (3) partially covers the outer surface of the sealing support frame (1). S3. Fold the first fold-back layer (21) a second time to form a second fold-back layer (22) on the outside of the sealing cover (3). The second fold-back layer (22) covers the edge line (100) of the sealing cover (3). S4. The sealing clamp (4) is fitted onto the outside of the second return layer (22), and a circumferential tightening force is applied by the tightening device for applying circumferential tightening force, so that the second elastic seal (41) presses against the second return layer (22), and the first elastic seal (11) and the first return layer (21), and the second elastic seal (41) and the second return layer (22) together form two pressing sealing interfaces.

9. The use of the annular sealing structure as described in any one of claims 1-7 in a storage tunnel, characterized in that, The annular seal is installed at the entrance and / or exit of the storage tunnel.

10. The use according to claim 9, characterized in that, The storage aisles include automated storage and retrieval system (AS / RS) aisles, cleanroom material passageways, or special item storage aisles.

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