A water turbine generator brake sealing device capable of self-compensation of wear

By using a combination structure of fixed ring, support ring and elastic plate in the brake of hydro-generator, the problem of frequent replacement of seal ring wear is solved, self-compensation of sealing performance and extension of service life are achieved, and maintenance costs and downtime are reduced.

CN224479285UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-10CHONGQING DATANG INT WULONG HYDROPOWER DEV

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHONGQING DATANG INT WULONG HYDROPOWER DEV
Filing Date
2025-07-21
Publication Date
2026-07-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The sealing rings of traditional hydro-generator brake sealing devices need to be replaced frequently due to wear, resulting in high equipment maintenance costs, long downtime, and low power generation efficiency.

Method used

The structure employs a combination of a fixed ring, a support ring, and an elastic sheet. The tension of the elastic sheet causes the support ring to move within the groove, which in turn causes the protrusion to press against the unworn part of the sealing gasket, forming a conical inclined surface structure. This achieves self-compensation for wear and extends the service life of the sealing gasket.

Benefits of technology

It enables automatic adjustment of the sealing gasket, extends the service life of the sealing gasket, reduces the replacement frequency, improves material utilization, prevents excessive local pressure, and extends the overall service life of the sealing device.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This utility model provides a self-compensating wear sealing device for a hydro-generator brake, relating to the field of hydro-generators. The self-compensating wear sealing device includes a fixed sealing gasket and a fixing ring. The outer ring of the fixing ring has several grooves arranged sequentially, one of which houses a support ring. A protrusion fixed to the support ring is mounted on the support ring, and the contact surface of the protrusion abuts against the inner side of the sealing gasket, forming a conical inclined structure. When the sealing gasket wears, this self-compensating wear sealing device automatically adjusts the protrusion's pressing position, utilizing the unworn portion of the gasket to continue sealing. Unlike traditional devices, it eliminates the need to replace the seal for minor wear, reducing replacement frequency. Furthermore, when the inclined protrusion presses against the sealing gasket, its inclined surface can compress the unworn portion to continue participating in the sealing work, extending the gasket's service life.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydro-generators, specifically a self-compensating wear sealing device for a hydro-generator brake. Background Technology

[0002] A hydroelectric generator is a device that converts the mechanical energy of water into electrical energy, primarily used in hydroelectric power stations. The sealing device of a hydroelectric generator brake is mainly used to ensure the braking performance and service life of the brake, such as preventing leakage of the working medium (e.g., oil, gas) during braking, maintaining stable system pressure, and ensuring the normal operation of the brake. Currently, most hydroelectric generator brakes on the market use O-rings as seals, located between the piston and cylinder. These O-rings prevent hydraulic oil from leaking through the gap between the piston and cylinder during piston movement, ensuring the sealing of the hydraulic system and allowing the piston to operate normally and transmit braking force. The O-ring is generally installed in the annular groove of the piston. When the piston is inserted into the cylinder, the O-ring is compressed, thus forming a seal between the piston and cylinder.

[0003] Traditional hydro-generator brake sealing devices typically use conventional sealing ring structures. During long-term use, the sealing rings must continuously withstand the friction, compression, and scouring of the working medium caused by frequent braking. The sealing rings are prone to wear. Once the sealing rings wear beyond the limit, it will lead to leakage of the working medium. Maintenance personnel need to replace the worn sealing rings regularly. Frequent sealing ring replacements not only increase equipment maintenance costs and manpower input, but also require shutdown operations for each replacement, resulting in extended downtime of the hydro-generator, reduced power generation efficiency, and power generation losses. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a self-compensating wear sealing device for a hydro-generator brake, solving the problem of frequent replacement of the sealing ring due to wear.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution: a self-compensating wear sealing device for a hydro-generator brake, comprising a fixed sealing gasket and a fixing ring, wherein the outer ring of the fixing ring is provided with a plurality of grooves arranged in sequence, a support ring is inserted into one of the grooves, and a protrusion fixed to the support ring is installed on the support ring, the contact surface of the protrusion abuts against the inner side of the sealing gasket, so that the sealing gasket forms a conical inclined surface structure.

[0006] An elastic sheet is provided between the fixed ring and the support ring. When the contact surface of the gasket wears, the elastic sheet applies a pulling force to the support ring, causing the support ring to be inserted into the next groove. The protrusion moves synchronously and squeezes the unworn part of the gasket, thus maintaining the tapered slope structure and sealing performance of the gasket.

[0007] Preferably, the fixed end of the elastic sheet is fixed to one end of the fixed ring, and its free end is fixed relative to the support ring.

[0008] Preferably, a retaining ring for abutting against the fixing ring is fixedly installed on the outer side of the support ring, and the retaining ring is fixed to the free end of the elastic sheet.

[0009] Preferably, the protrusion has a tapered bevel structure with rounded corners at both ends.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic sheet is spiral-shaped.

[0011] Preferably, the support ring has a circular cross-section and is made of rubber material.

[0012] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model has the following advantages: Traditional sealing devices need to be replaced when the sealing ring wears out, while this device, through the cooperation of elastic sheet, support ring, and protrusion, can automatically adjust the protrusion's pressing position when the sealing gasket wears, utilizing the unworn part of the sealing gasket to continue sealing. Unlike traditional devices, it does not require replacement of the sealing element for slight wear, thus reducing the replacement frequency. When the inclined protrusion compresses the sealing gasket, it can gradually apply pressure along the inner side of the sealing gasket. The force exerted on the sealing gasket at one end is greater, and the force gradually decreases from one end to the other. Compared with the vertical contact method, it can not only make fuller use of the sealing gasket material, but also, when the sealing gasket is partially worn, its inclined surface can compress the unworn part to continue participating in the sealing work, effectively extending the overall service life of the sealing gasket and improving material utilization. At the same time, the inclined contact surface can also make the pressure distribution between the protrusion and the sealing gasket more dispersed, avoiding excessive local pressure and preventing premature damage to the sealing gasket. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a sectional view of the side view of the sealing gasket of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a partial sectional view of the sealing gasket of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing gasket of this utility model being squeezed against the cylinder body.

[0018] The components are: 1. sealing gasket; 2. retaining ring; 201. groove; 3. support ring; 4. protrusion; 5. elastic sheet; 6. retaining ring. Detailed Implementation

[0019] like Figures 1-5 As shown, a self-compensating wear-resistant sealing device for a hydro-generator brake includes a fixed sealing gasket 1 and a fixing ring 2. The two ends of the sealing gasket 1 are respectively fixed to the two ends of the fixing ring 2. The outer ring of the fixing ring 2 is provided with a plurality of grooves 201 arranged in sequence. A support ring 3 is inserted into one of the grooves 201. A protrusion 4 is installed on the support ring 3 and fixed to it. The protrusion 4 has a conical inclined edge structure and its two ends are rounded to reduce wear. The cross-section of the support ring 3 is circular and the support ring 3 is made of rubber material. The contact surface of the protrusion 4 abuts against the inner side of the sealing gasket 1, so that the sealing gasket 1 forms a conical inclined surface structure.

[0020] An elastic piece 5 is provided between the fixed ring 2 and the support ring 3. The fixed end of the elastic piece 5 is fixed to one end of the fixed ring 2, and its free end is fixed relative to the support ring 3. A retaining ring 6 for abutting the fixed ring 2 is fixedly installed on the outside of the support ring 3. The retaining ring 6 is fixed to the free end of the elastic piece 5. The elastic piece 5 is spiral-shaped. The space between the sealing gasket 1 and the fixed ring 2 is small. The spiral structure of the elastic piece 5 is relatively compact and can achieve large elastic deformation in a limited space, adapting to the spatial layout between the fixed ring 2 and the support ring 3. When the contact surface of the sealing gasket 1 is worn, the elastic piece 5 applies a pulling force to the support ring 3, causing the support ring 3 to be inserted into the next groove 201. The protrusion 4 moves synchronously and squeezes the unworn part of the sealing gasket 1, continuously maintaining the conical inclined surface structure and sealing performance of the sealing gasket 1.

[0021] Working principle:

[0022] First, the retaining ring 2 should be fixedly sleeved on the piston of the turbine generator brake. In the initial state, as follows: Figures 1-4 As shown, the sealing gasket 1 is fixed at both ends to the fixing ring 2. The support ring 3 is inserted into one of the grooves 201 on the outer ring of the fixing ring 2. The protrusion 4 on the support ring 3 abuts against the inner side of the sealing gasket 1, making the sealing gasket 1 form a conical inclined structure. At this time, the elastic sheet 5 between the fixing ring 2 and the support ring 3 is in a pre-tightened state, providing the initial tension to maintain the position of the support ring 3. At the same time, the protrusion 4 is in close contact with the inner side of the sealing gasket 1, ensuring the sealing performance of the sealing device in the initial stage. Figure 5 As shown, the sealing gasket 1 is pressed against the cylinder body outside the piston, and the contact surface of the sealing gasket 1 undergoes elastic deformation. The contact part of the sealing gasket 1 applies a reverse force to the protrusion 4. This force will cause the support ring 3 to be firmly inserted into the groove 201 of the fixing ring 2, and prevent the elastic sheet 5 from moving the support ring 3, so as to ensure the stability of the support ring 3.

[0023] Next, during the operation of the turbine generator brake, the piston drives the entire assembly to reciprocate along the cylinder. The sealing gasket 1 continuously endures the friction and compression caused by frequent braking. Over time, the contact surface of the sealing gasket 1 gradually wears down, reducing its sealing performance. As the contact surface of the sealing gasket 1 wears down, its thickness decreases, reducing the reaction force of the sealing gasket 1 on the protrusion 4. At this point, the tension applied by the elastic plate 5 to the support ring 3 is greater than the frictional force between the support ring 3 and the groove 201, i.e., the limiting force of the groove 201 on the support ring 3. This causes the support ring 3 to be engaged from the current groove 201 into the next adjacent groove 201 under the tension of the elastic plate 5. During the movement of the support ring 3, the protrusion 4, which is fixed relative to the support ring 3, moves synchronously and compresses the unworn part of the sealing gasket 1. Due to the combined action of the compression of the protrusion 4 and the tension of the elastic plate 5, the sealing gasket 1 is tightened again, maintaining the conical slope structure. This structure ensures a tight fit between the sealing gasket 1 and related components, continuing to achieve good sealing performance. The sealing effect is achieved by compensating for the decrease in sealing performance caused by wear. Furthermore, the conical inclined structure of the sealing gasket 1 increases the sealing contact area, providing a better sealing effect under the same pressure compared to traditional flat seals, effectively preventing leakage of the working medium. Simultaneously, the sealing gasket 1 can evenly distribute pressure when under stress, reducing local stress concentration and extending the service life of the sealing gasket 1. It should be noted that when the inclined protrusion 4 compresses the sealing gasket 1, it can gradually apply pressure along the inner side of the sealing gasket 1. The force exerted on the sealing gasket 1 is greater at one end and gradually decreases from one end to the other. Compared to the vertical contact method, this not only makes fuller use of the sealing gasket 1 material, but also allows the inclined surface to compress the unworn portion of the sealing gasket 1 to continue participating in the sealing work after partial wear, effectively extending the overall service life of the sealing gasket 1 and improving material utilization. At the same time, the inclined contact surface can also make the pressure distribution between the protrusion 4 and the sealing gasket 1 more dispersed, avoiding excessive local pressure and preventing premature damage to the sealing gasket 1.

[0024] Finally, since the retaining ring 6 is fixed to the free end of the elastic plate 5, the elastic plate 5 can maintain a stable installation state during operation, allowing the elastic plate 5 to effectively apply tension to the support ring 3, thereby realizing the movement of the support ring 3 within the groove 201 and the compression compensation function of the sealing gasket 1. Since the retaining ring 6 abuts against the fixed ring 2, it can limit the movement range of the support ring 3 on the fixed ring 2, ensuring that the support ring 3 moves accurately within the designed stroke, so that it can accurately engage with the next groove 201 when the sealing gasket 1 wears, thereby achieving precise compensation for the wear of the sealing gasket 1, maintaining the conical slope structure and sealing performance of the sealing gasket 1. The retaining ring 6 enhances the stability of the connection structure between the support ring 3 and the fixed ring 2, and can withstand the various forces generated by braking when the brake is working, preventing the support ring 3 from shaking or shifting, ensuring the reliability of the overall structure of the sealing device, and ensuring that the sealing device can work stably for a long time.

[0025] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A self-compensating wear sealing device for a hydro-generator brake, characterized in that: It includes a fixed sealing gasket (1) and a fixing ring (2). The outer ring of the fixing ring (2) is provided with a number of grooves (201) arranged in sequence. A support ring (3) is inserted into one of the grooves (201). A protrusion (4) is installed on the support ring (3) and fixed to it. The contact surface of the protrusion (4) abuts against the inner side of the sealing gasket (1), so that the sealing gasket (1) forms a conical inclined surface structure. An elastic piece (5) is provided between the fixed ring (2) and the support ring (3). When the contact surface of the sealing gasket (1) is worn, the elastic piece (5) applies a pulling force to the support ring (3), so that the support ring (3) is inserted into the next groove (201).

2. The self-compensating wear sealing device for a hydro-generator brake according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed end of the elastic sheet (5) is fixed to one end of the fixed ring (2), and its free end is fixed relative to the support ring (3).

3. A self-compensating wear sealing device for a hydro-generator brake according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A retaining ring (6) for abutting against the fixing ring (2) is fixedly installed on the outer side of the support ring (3), and the retaining ring (6) is fixed to the free end of the elastic sheet (5).

4. The self-compensating wear sealing device for a hydro-generator brake according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protrusion (4) has a tapered bevel structure with rounded corners at both ends.

5. A self-compensating wear sealing device for a hydro-generator brake according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic sheet (5) is spiral-shaped.

6. The self-compensating wear sealing device for a hydro-generator brake according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cross-section of the support ring (3) is circular, and the support ring (3) is made of rubber material.