Anti-thermal shrinkage support ring for dynamic radial seal

Abstract

To provide a seal with higher reliability that is able to properly maintain its sealing function even when subjected to extreme operating conditions.SOLUTION: Systems and methods include providing a seal for an assembly. The seal includes a jacket 152 having a base 154, an inner sealing leg 156 and an outer sealing leg 158, and further includes a spring 160 disposed within the jacket between and in contact with the inner sealing leg and the outer sealing leg. The spring includes an annular support ring disposed within the spring. The support ring 170 biases an outer diameter (OD) of the spring towards the outer sealing leg of the jacket to maintain contact pressure between the inner sealing leg of the jacket and the shaft of the assembly. The support ring controls thermal shrinkage of the spring to maintain a seal between a housing and a shaft of the assembly when the assembly is operated at cryogenic temperatures.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Seals are used in many industrial applications to prevent leakage between components of an assembly. In some applications, these seals are designed to withstand extreme conditions such as cryogenic and / or elevated temperatures. The seal or assembly may be exposed to operating conditions that cause some of the components to shrink. , expand, or deform, thereby reducing the contact pressure between the seal and the component. The reduction in contact pressure during these extreme operating conditions may be achieved by combining the seals with one or more components. Therefore, exposure to such extreme operating conditions may result in leakage between the components. The seals that are applied need to be more reliable in order to properly maintain their sealing function. As a result, the industry continues to demand improvements in sealing technology for such applications. do. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0002] In order to achieve the features and advantages of the embodiments and to make them more clearly understandable, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: A more particular description may be given by reference to the illustrated embodiments. While the drawings illustrate only some embodiments, other equally valid embodiments may be used. It should not be considered as limiting the scope, since embodiments may exist.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

[0003] The use of the same reference numerals in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] FIG. 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the assembly 100 can be a coupling assembly, a solenoid assembly, or a valve assembly. In more specific embodiments, the assembly 100 can be a coupling, solenoid, or valve for aerospace, alternative energy sources, medical, or marine applications. The assembly 100 generally includes a housing 102 and a shaft 104 that rotates or reciprocates within the housing about or along an axis 106. In some embodiments, the shaft 104 can include a hollow shaft. However, in other embodiments, the shaft 104 can include a solid shaft. The assembly 100 can further include a cavity 108 formed within the housing 102 and between the housing 102 and the shaft 104. In some embodiments, the housing 102 can include one or more additional components that collectively form the housing 102. For example, in some embodiments, the additional components can be selectively removable from the housing 102 to allow access to the cavity 108 to enable attachment and / or removal of the annular seal 150 disposed within the cavity 108.

[0005] ​​​​​​​​​​ The annular seal 150 can generally be disposed within the cavity 108 and around the shaft 104 and / or the shaft 1 06. The seal 150 can be configured to contact the housing 102 and the shaft 104 of the assembly 100 and to provide a radial seal between the housing 102 and the shaft 104. The seal 150 can include a jacket 152, an annular biasing element or spring 160, and a support ring 170 annularly disposed within the spring 160. The jacket 152 can include a heel or base portion 154 that is adjacent to and contacts a portion of the housing 102. The jacket 152 can also include an inner sealing leg 156 that extends from the base 154 and is adjacent to and contacts the shaft 104, and an outer sealing leg 158 that extends from the base 154 and is adjacent to and contacts the housing 102. However, in other embodiments, the jacket 152 can include additional features and / or contours. The jacket 152 can generally be formed from a thermosetting resin, a thermoplastic resin, or a combination thereof. More specifically, the jacket 152 can be formed with or without reinforcing additives or fillers, and can be formed from PTF E, fluoropolymers, perfluoropolymers, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, PEEK, PEK, or P olyarylene ketones such as PEKK, PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO polysulfones such as, aromatic polyamides such as PPA, PI, PEI, or TPI thermoplastic polyimides, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the spring 160 is measured from the axis 106 of the shaft 104

[0006] In some embodiments, the spring 160 is measured from the axis 106 of the shaft 104 A circular metal ring having an inner diameter (inner diameter, ID) and an outer diameter (outer diameter, OD) may include a body. In some embodiments, the ID of spring 160 is at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm , at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 m m, at least 150 mm, at least 200 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 300 mm, at least 400 mm, at least 500 mm, or may be even larger. In some embodiments, the OD of spring 160 is at least 1 mm, at least 2 m m, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 11 mm, at least 12 mm, at least 13 mm, at least 14 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, at least 200 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 300 mm, at least 500 mm, at least 1000 mm, or may be even larger . In some embodiments, spring 160 may include a non-circular metal ring shaped body having an outer diameter (OD). For example, in some embodiments, spring 160 may include a C-shaped spring . Further, in some embodiments, spring 160 may include a circular or non-circular coil spring .

[0007] Spring 160 is within jacket 152, between the inner sealing leg 156 and the outer between the side sealing leg portion 158 and in contact with the inner sealing leg portion 156 and the outer sealing leg portion 158 of the jacket 152. More specifically, the spring 160 can be disposed such that the inner diameter of the metal annular body of the spring 160 is adjacent to and in contact with the inner sealing leg portion 156 of the jacket 152, and such that the outer diameter of the metal annular body of the spring 160 is adjacent to and in contact with the outer sealing leg portion 158 of the jacket 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 160 has a substantially circular cross-sectional profile or shape. However, in other embodiments, the spring 160 can have an elliptical, oval, or other shaped cross-sectional profile or shape. The spring 160 can generally be formed from an elastic metal material. More specifically, the spring 160 can be formed from a nickel-chromium alloy such as Inconel (registered trademark), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a beryllium-copper alloy, nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze. In some embodiments, the spring 160 can be provided with a coating such as an aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN) coating, a titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coating, any other wear-resistant metal coating, or any combination thereof. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the spring 160 and the support ring 170 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The support ring 170 can generally be disposed annularly within the spring 160. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be disposed adjacent to the OD of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 is radially aligned with the center 162 of the spring 160. However, in other embodiments, the support ring 170 can be disposed at other positions within the spring 160. The support ring 170 can generally be formed from a metal material. More specifically, the support ring 170 can be formed from a nickel-chromium alloy such as Inconel (registered trademark), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a beryllium-copper alloy, nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be provided with a coating such as an aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN) coating, a titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coating, any other wear-resistant metal coating, or any combination thereof. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the spring 160, the support ring 170, and the housing 180 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The housing 180 can generally be disposed around the spring 160 and the support ring 170. The housing 180 can generally be formed from a metal material. More specifically, the housing 180 can be formed from a nickel-chromium alloy such as Inconel (registered trademark), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a beryllium-copper alloy, nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze. In some embodiments, the housing 180 can be provided with a coating such as an aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN) coating, a titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coating, any other wear-resistant metal coating, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the housing 180 can be integrally formed with the jacket 152. In other embodiments, the housing 180 can be separately formed and then attached to the jacket 152. The housing 180 can generally be configured to provide support and protection for the spring 160 and the support ring 170. In some embodiments, the housing 180 can be provided with one or more openings or apertures for allowing fluid or gas to flow through the housing 180. In some embodiments, the housing 180 can be provided with one or more seals or gaskets for preventing fluid or gas from leaking out of the housing 180. In some embodiments, the spring 160, the support ring 170, and the housing 180 can be used in a variety of applications, such as in a fluid handling system, a gas handling system, a mechanical system, or an electrical system. In some embodiments, the spring 160, the support ring 170, and the housing 180 can be used in a valve assembly, a pump assembly, a compressor assembly, or a turbine assembly. In some embodiments, the spring 160, the support ring 170, and the housing 180 can be used in a high-temperature environment, a high-pressure environment, a corrosive environment, or a harsh environment. In some embodiments, the spring 160, the support ring 170, and the housing 180 can be used in an aerospace application, a marine application, an automotive application, or an industrial application. In some embodiments, the spring 160, the support ring 170, and the housing 180 can be designed to meet specific requirements or specifications, such as a specific spring rate, a specific load capacity, a specific temperature range, a specific pressure range, or a specific corrosion resistance. In some embodiments, the spring 160, the support ring 170, and the housing 180 can be designed to be modular or interchangeable, allowing for easy installation, maintenance, or replacement.

[0008] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the spring 160 and the support ring 170 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The support ring 170 can generally be disposed annularly within the spring 160. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be disposed adjacent to the OD of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 is radially aligned with the center 162 of the spring 160. However, in other embodiments, the support ring 170 can be disposed at other positions within the spring 160. The support ring 170 can generally be formed from a metal material. More specifically, the support ring 170 can be formed from a nickel-chromium alloy such as Inconel (registered trademark), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a beryllium-copper alloy, nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be provided with a coating such as an aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN) coating, a titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coating, any other wear-resistant metal coating, or any combination thereof. It can be done. More specifically, in some embodiments, the support ring 170 is such that the center 172 of the support ring 170 can be radially aligned with the center 162 of the spring 160 and axially positioned. Further, in some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be in at least partial contact with the spring 160. More specifically, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the support ring 170 can be in at least partial contact with the inner surface of the spring 160 . Further, in some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be coupled to the spring 160. However, in some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be decoupled from the spring 160 or can move, rotate, or translate freely independently of the spring 160.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the support ring 170 cannot contact the inner surface of the spring 160 without compression. Therefore, it will be understood that the support provided by the support ring 170 to the spring 160 can be a function of the cross-sectional shape and the spacing or tolerance between the inner surface of the spring 160 and the outer surface of the support ring 170. For example, in some embodiments, the tolerance between the inner surface of the spring 160 and the outer surface of the support ring 170 is at least 0.05 millimeters (mm), at least 0.10 mm, at least 0.15 mm, at least 0.20 mm, at least 0.25 mm, at least 0.30 mm, at least 0.35 mm, at least 0.40 mm, at least 0.45 mm, at least 0.50 mm, or at least 0.75 mm. In some embodiments, the tolerance between the inner surface of the spring 160 and the outer surface of the support ring 170 is 1 mm or less, 0.75 mm or less, 0.5 mm or less. 0mm or less, 0.305mm or less, 0.280mm or less, 0.254mm or less, 0.22 9 mm or less, 0.204 mm or less, or 0.20 mm or less. The tolerance between the inner surface of the support ring 170 and the outer surface of the support ring 170 is at least 0.05 mm to 1 mm or less, at least 0.20mm to 0.305mm or less, or at least 0.20mm It can be between any of these minimum and maximum values, such as 0.254 mm or less. It will be understood that.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the curvature of the support ring 170 corresponds to the curvature of the spring 16 In some embodiments, the support ring 170 is complementary to the curvature of the spring 16. The contact height (C) represents the portion of the curvature of the support ring 170 that is in contact with the In some embodiments, the assembly 100 may include a free-standing, When not attached, the spring 160 and the support ring 170 cannot come into contact. Therefore, when the spring 160 is compressed after installation in the cavity 108 of the assembly 100, the spring 160 60 and the support ring 170 may contact along a contact height (CH). In this embodiment, the support ring 170 is at least 1% of the height (H) of the support ring 170. , at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 10 %, at least 15%, at least 20%, or at least 25% of the contact height ( In some embodiments, the support ring 170 may include a support ring 170 75% or less of height (H), 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or more The support may have a contact height (CH) that may be less than, 40% or less than, or 30% or less. The ring 170 has a contact height (CH) that can be between at least 1% and 75% or less, or further is between at least 5% and 30% or less of the height (H) of the support ring 170, etc. Any of these minimum values and the maximum values can be understood to have a possible contact height (CH). .

[0011] The support ring 170 can generally be axially positioned such that the center 172 of the support ring 170 is radially aligned with the center 1 62 of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the height (H) and / or width (W) of the support ring 170 can be related to the diameter (D) of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the relationship between the height (H) of the support ring 170 and the diameter (D) of the spring 160 can be configured to align the center 17 2 of the support ring 170 with the center 162 of the spring 160. In some embodiments the height (H) of the support ring 170 can be at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, or at least 60% of the diameter (D) of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the height (H) of the support ring 170 can be 9 5% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, or 75% or less of the diameter (D) of the spring 160. Further, the height (H) of the support ring 170 can be at least 10% - 95% or less of the diameter (D) of the spring 160, or further at least 50% - 80% or less of the diameter (D) of the spring 160, etc. It can be understood that any of these minimum and maximum values can be between. In some embodiments, the height (H) of the support ring 170 can be at least 10% - 95% or less of the diameter (D) of the spring 160, or further at least 50% - 80% or less of the diameter (D) of the spring 160, etc. It can be understood that any of these minimum and maximum values can be between.

[0012] In some embodiments, the relationship between the width (W) of the support ring 170 and the diameter (D) of the spring 160 is such that when the spring 160 is compressed radially inward, contact between the support ring 170 and the ID of the spring 160 can be prevented. In some embodiments, the width (W) of the support ring 170 can be at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35% of the diameter (D) of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the width (W) of the support ring 170 can be 75% or less, 70% or less, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, or 50% or less of the diameter (D) of the spring 160. Further, it will be understood that the width (W) of the support ring 170 can be between any of these minimum and maximum values, such as at least 10% to 75% or more specifically at least 25% to 50% of the diameter (D) of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can have a cross-sectional profile that is elliptical, circular, or oval. In other embodiments, the support ring 170 has a C-ring cross-sectional profile such as the support ring 370 shown in FIG. 3, a complex cross-sectional profile having a convex outer cross-sectional profile and a concave inner cross-sectional profile such as the support ring 470 shown in FIG. 4, a hexagonal cross-sectional profile, a rhombic cross-sectional profile, and / or a cross-sectional profile that produces a plurality of contact points with the inner surface of the spring 160 such as the support ring 470 shown in FIG. 4. It will be understood that in some embodiments, the height (H) and width (W) can be different.

[0013]

[0014] ​​​​​​​​​​​Well. In certain embodiments, the height (H) can be greater than the width (W). In some embodiments the support ring 170 can have a circular cross-sectional profile. In such embodiments it will be understood that the height (H) and width (W) can be substantially similar. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be solid. However, in other embodiments the support ring 170 can be hollow. Further, in some embodiments, the shape of the support ring 170 is such that the support ring 170 has a convex outwardly curved shape or surface at the outer diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the OD of the spring 160, while having a concave, convex, or flat shape or surface at the inner diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the ID of the spring 160 and can be asymmetric. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can also have a split ring configuration such that the support ring 170 is at least partially circumferentially split and configured to crush to a smaller diameter under load In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be formed from a polymeric material. In such embodiments the polymeric material can include, with or without reinforcing additives or fillers, PTFE, fluoropolymers, perfluoropolymers, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, PEEK, PEK, or polyaryletherketones such as PEKK, PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or

[0015] polysulfones such as PPO, aromatic polyamides such as PPA, PIs, PEIs, or thermoplastic polyimides such as TPI, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments ​In an embodiment, the support ring 170 can be formed from a metallic material. In such an embodiment the metallic material can include nickel-chromium alloys such as Inconel®, nickel -base alloys, cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloys, beryllium-copper alloys, nickel lum, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, mag nesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze. Further, in some embodiments, the support ring 170 can also include a coating such as an aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN) coating, a titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coating, any other wear-resistant metallic coating, or any combination thereof.

[0016] The support ring 170 is generally configured to bias the outer diameter (OD) of the spring 160 toward the outer sealing leg 158 of the jacket 152 so as to maintain the contact pressure between the outer sealing leg 158 of the jacket 152 and the housing 102 and / or between the inner sealing leg 156 of the jacket and the shaft 1 04 of the assembly 100. The support ring can also be configured to control the thermal shrinkage (or thermal sizing in the case of high temperatures) of the spring 160, the outer sealing leg 158, or a combination thereof to maintain the seal between the housing 102 and the shaft 10 4 of the assembly 100 when the assembly 100 is operated at cryogenic temperatures. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the biasing effect of the support ring 170 on the spring 160 can be achieved only after the seal 150 is attached into the cavity 108 of the assembly 1 00. In some embodiments,

[0017] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a spring 160 and a support ring 370 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It is. In some embodiments, the support ring 370 is similar to the support ring 170 and may be suitable for use with the annular seal 150. The support ring 370 generally has a convex outer surface 372 at the outer diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the OD of the spring 160, and a concave inner surface 374 at the inner diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the ID of the spring 160, and may have a C-ring cross-sectional profile. and may be suitable for use with the annular seal 150. The support ring 370 generally has a convex outer surface 372 at the outer diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the OD of the spring 160, and a concave inner surface 374 at the inner diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the ID of the spring 160, and may have a C-ring cross-sectional profile. and may be suitable for use with the annular seal 150. The support ring 370 generally has a convex outer surface 372 at the outer diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the OD of the spring 160, and a concave inner surface 374 at the inner diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the ID of the spring 160, and may have a C-ring cross-sectional profile. and may have a C-ring cross-sectional profile.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a spring 160 and a support ring 470 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the support ring 470 may be similar to the support ring 170 and may be suitable for use with the annular seal 150. The support ring 470 may have an outer surface 472 at the outer diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the OD of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the outer surface 472 may protrude outwardly. In some embodiments, the outwardly protruding surface 472 may be convex. In some embodiments, the outwardly protruding surface 472 may be formed by a plurality of flat sections (e.g., 3 sections, 4 sections, 5 sections). In other embodiments, the outer surface 472 may be substantially flat. In still other embodiments, the outer surface 472 may protrude inwardly. In some embodiments, the inwardly protruding surface 472 may be convex. In some embodiments, the inwardly protruding surface 472 may be formed by a plurality of flat sections (e.g., 3 sections, 4 sections, 5 sections). In other embodiments, the outer surface 472 may be substantially flat. In still other embodiments, the outer surface 472 may protrude inwardly. In some embodiments, the inwardly protruding surface 472 may be convex. In some embodiments, the inwardly protruding surface 472 may be formed by a plurality of flat sections (e.g., 3 sections, 4 sections, 5 sections). The support ring 470 may have a concave and / or angled inner surface 474 at the inner diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the ID of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the support ring 470 may have an upper surface and a bottom surface 476 extending from the outer surface 472. In some embodiments the support ring 470 may have an upper surface and a bottom surface 476 extending from the outer surface 472. In some embodiments In an embodiment, the support ring 470 may also include angled transition surfaces 478 disposed between each of the upper and lower surfaces 476 and the angled surfaces of the concave inner surface 474.

[0019] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the support ring 470 may have a cross-sectional profile that creates a plurality of contact points 480 with the inner surface of the spring 160. Thus, it will be appreciated that the outer surface 472 of the support ring 470 may have a radius larger than that of the spring 160. Additionally, when not under compression, the outer surface 472 of the support ring 470 may not be in contact with the inner surface of the spring 160. This can occur when not under compression or less than full compression. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the contact height (CH) of the support ring 470 may constitute 100% of the outer surface 472 of the support ring 470 during full compression.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly 100 having an annular seal 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the contact pressure (CP) distribution across the annular seal 150. As shown, the annular seal 150 may include springs 160 and support rings 170, 370, 470. When a conventional seal is exposed to a temperature decrease, the jacket may contract radially inward at a rate greater than that of the housing 102, the shaft 104, and the biasing spring. The contraction of the inner seal leg may be restricted by the shaft, such that as the temperature decreases, an increasingly high contact force is applied to the shaft 104. The spring may not sufficiently restrict the contraction, resulting in a radially inward compression of the spring, which causes the outer seal leg of the jacket to lose contact with the housing 102, thereby allowing leakage to occur around the conventional seal. Further, In a conventional seal, when the shaft 104 is rotating or reciprocating, the contact force increases steadily, resulting in an increase in friction between the inner seal leg of the jacket and the shaft 104 which, in turn, increases the wear rate of the inner seal lip of the jacket and ultimately can increase the leakage rate and / or decrease the time required for leakage to occur. The steadily increasing contact force can also increase the power and / or torque requirements of the shaft 104 Alternatively, a conventional seal may expand when exposed to high temperature cycles and may thermoset when exposed to compressive forces. Cooling the seal to room temperature or even lower temperatures can result in a loss of contact between the seal and the assembly 100 or a reduction in the contact pressure therebetween. In these examples, friction on the shaft 104 may also increase due to the seal cooling and clamping more tightly onto the shaft 104 which can also increase.

[0021] Embodiments of the seal 150 include support rings 170, 370, 470. The support rings 170, 370, 470 bias the outer diameter (OD) of the spring 160 toward the outer seal leg 158 of the jacket to maintain the contact pressure between the outer seal leg of the jacket and the housing 102, thereby reducing, limiting, and / or completely preventing radial compression and / or shrinkage (or thermal sizing in the case of high temperatures) of the outer seal leg 158 of the jacket 152. This maintains sufficient contact force between the outer seal leg 158 and the housing 102 and can achieve a reduced leakage rate compared to conventional seals. Further, the spring 160 may no longer be relied upon to resist shrinkage of the outer seal leg 158. Thus, a spring force lower than that of the conventional seal can be used for spring 160. Thereby, In some embodiments, support rings 170, 370, 470 reduce the contact force on shaft 104, and as a result, reduce wear of seal 150 compared to a conventional seal without support rings 170, 370, 470, reduce the power and / or torque requirements of shaft 104, and / or improve seal performance (such as reducing or completely preventing leakage) and may serve to ).

[0022] In some embodiments, support rings 170, 370, 470 may serve to maintain sufficient contact pressure (CP) between the outer seal leg 158 of jacket 152 and housing 102, and between the inner seal leg 156 of jacket 152 and shaft 104. Thus, in some embodiments, the difference between the contact pressure (CP) of seal 150 measured at the outer seal leg 158 of jacket 152 and the contact pressure of seal 150 measured at the inner seal leg 156 of jacket 152 may be 500 MPa or less, 250 MPa or less, 100 MPa or less, 75 MPa or less, 50 MPa or less, 45 MPa or less, 40 MPa or less, 35 MPa or less, 30 MPa or less, 25 MPa or less, 20 MPa or less, 15 MPa or less, 10 MPa or less, 5 MPa or less, or 0.5 MPa or less.

[0023] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that seal 150 may generally be suitable for use in a number of applications. Exemplary applications include single - and multi - stage launchers, lunar and interplanetary fueling stations, and space applications such as lunar and planetary landers. Other exemplary applications include oil and gas applications such as extraction and processing equipment, cryogenic alternative energy applications, industrial applications, etc. Industrial use or medical use may be mentioned.

[0024] Embodiments of the assembly 100 and / or the sealing portion 150 may include one or more of the following. It can be. Embodiment 1 A sealing portion having a base, an inner sealing leg portion, and an outer sealing leg portion, and a jacket, and within the jacket, between the inner sealing leg portion and the outer sealing leg portion, and in contact with the inner sealing leg portion and the outer sealing leg portion, a spring, the spring comprising an annular support ring disposed annularly within the spring, and a spring. And a sealing portion. Embodiment 2 An assembly having a shaft having an axis, a housing having a cavity and disposed annularly around the shaft, and a sealing portion disposed within the cavity and configured to provide a radial sealing portion between the shaft and the housing, the sealing portion having a base, an inner sealing leg portion adjacent to and in contact with the shaft, and an outer sealing leg portion adjacent to and in contact with the housing, a jacket, and within the jacket, between the inner sealing leg portion and the outer sealing leg portion, and in contact with the inner sealing leg portion and the outer sealing leg portion, a spring, the spring comprising an annular support ring disposed annularly within the spring, and a spring. And a sealing portion. Embodiment 3 A spring, the sealing portion or assembly according to Embodiment 1 or 2 including an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Embodiment 4 The inner diameter of the spring is disposed adjacent to and in contact with the inner sealing leg portion of the jacket, and the outer diameter of the spring is disposed adjacent to and in contact with the outer sealing leg portion of the jacket. The sealing portion or assembly according to Embodiment 3. Embodiment 5 The support ring has a cross-sectional contour that is elliptical, oblong, or circular. And the like. And a sealing portion. And a spring disposed between the inner sealing leg portion and the outer sealing leg portion and in contact with the inner sealing leg portion and the outer sealing leg portion, the spring having an annular support ring disposed annularly within the spring. And a spring. And an assembly. Embodiment 3 The spring, the sealing portion or assembly according to Embodiment 1 or 2 including an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Embodiment 4 The inner diameter of the spring is disposed adjacent to and in contact with the inner sealing leg portion of the jacket, and the outer diameter of the spring is disposed adjacent to and in contact with the outer sealing leg portion of the jacket. The sealing portion or assembly according to Embodiment 3. Embodiment 5 The support ring has a cross-sectional contour that is elliptical, oblong, or circular. And the like. And the sealing portion or assembly according to Embodiment 3. Embodiment 5 The support ring has a cross-sectional contour that is elliptical, oblong, or circular. The sealing part or assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4. Embodiment 6 The sealing part according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the support ring is solid. Or the assembly. Embodiment 7 The sealing part according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the support ring is hollow. Or the assembly. Embodiment 8 The sealing part or assembly according to any one of Embodiments 3 to 7, wherein the support ring is disposed adjacent to the outer diameter of the spring. Embodiment 9 The sealing part according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the support ring is axially positioned such that the center of the support ring is radially aligned with the center of the spring. Or the assembly. Embodiment 10 The sealing part or assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the support ring is in contact with the spring. Embodiment 11 The sealing part or assembly according to Embodiment 10, wherein the outer surface of the support ring is at least partially in contact with the inner surface of the spring. Embodiment 12 The sealing part or assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the support ring is disengaged from the spring. Embodiment 13 The sealing part or assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, wherein at least a part of the curvature of the support ring is complementary to the curvature of the outer diameter of the spring. Embodiment 14 The sealing part or assembly according to Embodiment 13, wherein the support ring is symmetric. Embodiment 15 The sealing part or assembly according to Embodiment 13, wherein the support ring is asymmetric, and the inner diameter of the support ring has a convex shape, a concave shape, or a substantially flat shape. Embodiment 16 The support ring is at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least Comprising a contact height (CH) of at least 15%, at least 20%, or at least 25% , the sealing portion or assembly according to any one of Embodiments 13 to 15. Embodiment 17 The support ring is 75% or less, 70% or less of the total height (H) of the support ring, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, or 30% or less Comprising a contact height (CH), the sealing portion or assembly according to Embodiment 16. Embodiment 18 The height (H) of the support ring is configured to align the center of the support ring with the center of the spring. , the sealing portion or assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 17. . Embodiment 19 The height (H) of the support ring is at least 25% of the diameter (D) of the spring, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least also 50%, at least 55%, or at least 60%, the sealing according to Embodiment 18. portion or assembly. Embodiment 20 The height (H) of the support ring is 95% or less, 90% or less, 85% or less, 80% or less, or 75% or less, the sealing portion or assembly according to Embodiment 19. Embodiment 21 The width (D) of the support ring is such that when the spring is compressed radially inward, , it is configured to prevent contact between the support ring and the ID of the spring, according to Embodiments 1 to 20. The sealing portion or assembly according to any one of them. Embodiment 22 The width (W) of the support ring is at least 10% of the diameter (D) of the spring, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, or at least 50%, the sealing according to Embodiment 21. The portion or assembly. Embodiment 23 The width (W) of the support ring is 75% or less, 70% or more, 65% or less, 60% or less, 55% or less, or 50% or less of the diameter (D) of the spring, and the sealing portion or assembly according to Embodiment 22 . Embodiment 24 The support ring is configured to urge the outer diameter (OD ) of the spring toward the outer sealing leg portion of the jacket in order to maintain the contact pressure between the outer sealing leg portion of the jacket and the housing of the assembly, and the sealing portion or assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 23 . Embodiment 25 The support ring is configured to control the thermal shrinkage or thermal dimensional change of the spring, the outer sealing leg portion, or a combination thereof at the outer diameter of the spring in order to maintain the sealing portion between the housing of the assembly and the shaft when the assembly operates at extremely low temperatures, and the sealing portion or assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24 . Embodiment 26 The jacket is made of PTFE, fluoropolymer, perfluoropolymer , TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, P CTFE, polyarylene ketone such as PEEK, PEK, or PEKK, polysulfone such as PPS, P PSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO, aromatic polyamide such as PPA , thermoplastic polyimide such as PI, PEI, or TPI, or any combination thereof, and with or without a reinforcing additive or filler, and the sealing portion or assembly according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 25 . Embodiment 27 The spring is made of a nickel-chromium alloy such as Inconel (registered trademark) , nickel-based alloy, cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, beryllium-copper alloy , nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, Formed from copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze, Embodiments 1-2 The sealing portion or assembly according to any one of 6. Embodiment 28 The support ring is formed from a polymer material, Embodiments 1-27 The sealing portion or assembly according to any one of the above. Embodiment 29 The polymer material is PTFE, fluoropolymer, perfluoropolymer mer, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, polyarylene ketone such as PEEK, PEK, or PEKK, PPS, polysulfone such as PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO, aromatic poly amide such as PPA, thermoplastic polyimide such as PI, PEI, or TPI, or any combination thereof, and with or without reinforcing additives or fillers, Embodiment The sealing portion or assembly according to 28. Embodiment 30 The support ring is formed from a metal material, any one of Embodiments 1-27 The sealing portion or assembly according to any one of the above. Embodiment 31 The metal material is a nickel-chromium-based alloy such as Inconel®, nickel-based alloy, cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, beryllium-copper alloy, nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc lead, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze, The sealing according to Embodiment 30 portion or assembly. Embodiment 32 The inner diameter (ID) of the spring is at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 25 mm , at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, at least 200 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 300 mm, at least 400 mm, at least 500 mm, or even larger, in any of Embodiments 1 to 31 The sealing portion or the assembly described. In Embodiment 33, the outer diameter (OD) of the spring is at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 11 mm , at least 12 mm, at least 13 mm, at least 14 mm, at least 15 mm , at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 m m, at least 150 mm, at least 200 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 300 mm, at least 500 mm, at least 1000 mm, or even larger, in any of Embodiments 1 to 32 The sealing portion or the assembly described. In Embodiment 34, the difference in the contact pressure of the sealing portion measured at the outer sealing leg of the jacket and the inner sealing leg of the jacket is 500 MPa or less, 250 MPa or less, 100 MPa or less, 75 MPa or less, 50 MPa or less, 45 MPa or less, 40 MPa or less, 35 MPa or less, 30 MPa or less, 25 MPa or less, 20 MPa or less, 15 MPa or less, 10 MPa or less, 5 MPa or less, or 0.5 MPa or less, in any of Embodiments 1 to 33 The sealing portion or the assembly described. In Embodiment 35, the sealing portion is a single-stage or multi-stage launching machine, a lunar or interplanetary refueling station , or a space application including a lunar or planetary lander, an extraction device or a processing device, an o that includes Use in oil and gas applications, cryogenic alternative energy applications, industrial applications, and medical applications, at least one of which is suitable for use in any one of Embodiments 1 to 34, the sealing portion or assembly described.

[0025] This specification uses examples to disclose embodiments including the best mode and to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. The scope of what is patentable is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal words of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal words of the claims.

[0026] Not all of the activities described in the general description or examples are required, and some of the specific activities may not be required. Note that in addition to the described activities, one or more additional activities may be performed. Also, the order in which the activities are listed is not necessarily the order in which they are performed.

[0027] In the foregoing specification, concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0028] As used herein, "comprises," "comprising" The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "has", "having", or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited to only those features, but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not to an exclusive "or". For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), or both A and B are true (or present). Also, the use of the articles "a" or "an" is employed to describe elements and components of the specification herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and, unless it is obvious to mean otherwise, also includes the plural, as the singular also includes the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to specific embodiments. However, any feature that may more prominently bring about any advantage, benefit, solution to a problem, or any advantage, benefit, or solution should not be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all of the claims.

[0029]

[0030] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0031] After reading this specification, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art that certain features may be clearly illustrated and / or described in separate embodiments. In the context of the embodiments described herein, It will be appreciated that multiple embodiments may be used in combination. Conversely, for the sake of brevity, the embodiments may be described in the context of a single embodiment. The various features described may be provided separately or in any subcombination. References to values ​​stated in ranges include each and every value within that range.

Claims

1. A sealing portion, a jacket having a base, an inner sealing leg, and an outer sealing leg; Within the jacket, between the inner sealing leg and the outer sealing leg, a spring disposed in contact with the sealing leg and the outer sealing leg, the spring comprising: a spring comprising an annular support ring disposed annularly within the spring; and Department.

2. 2. The seal of claim 1, wherein the support ring is disposed adjacent an outer diameter of the spring. Stop.

3. The support ring is arranged so that the center of the support ring is radially aligned with the center of the spring. The seal of claim 2 , wherein the seal is axially positioned so as to be in contact with the surface of the sealing member.

4. The seal of claim 1 , wherein the support ring is in contact with the spring.

5. The seal of claim 4 , wherein the support ring comprises multiple contact points with the spring.

6. 2. The support ring of claim 1, wherein the support ring defines a cross-sectional profile having an outwardly protruding outer surface. The sealing portion according to claim 1.

7. The seal of claim 1 , wherein the support ring defines a cross-sectional profile having a flat outer surface. Stop.

8. The seal of claim 1 , wherein the support ring defines a cross-sectional profile having a concave outer surface. Stop.

9. The seal of claim 1 , wherein the support ring comprises a cross-sectional profile that is symmetrical.

10. The seal of claim 1 , wherein the support ring comprises a cross-sectional profile that is asymmetric.

11. The height (H) of the support ring is such that the center of the support ring is aligned with the center of the spring. The encapsulation of claim 1 configured for alignment.

12. The width (D) of the support ring is such that when the spring is compressed radially inward, 2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: preventing contact between a support ring and the ID of the spring. The sealing portion described above.

13. At least one of the jacket and the support ring is made of PTFE, fluoro Polymer, perfluoropolymer, PTFE, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, PEEK, PEK, or PE Polyaryl ketones such as KK, PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO Any polysulfone, aromatic polyamide such as PPA, thermoplastic such as PEI or TPI or any combination thereof, and may contain reinforcing additives or The closure of claim 1 with or without a filler.

14. At least one of the spring and the support ring is made of Inconel®. ) and other nickel-chromium alloys, nickel-based alloys, cobalt-chromium-nickel-moly Butanol, Nickel, Titanium, Tungsten, Stainless Steel, Spring Steel, Steel, Aluminum Claims: Item 2. The sealing portion according to item 1.

15. At the outer sealing leg of the jacket and at the inner sealing leg of the jacket The measured contact pressure difference of the seal is 5.0 when the seal is compressed in the assembly. 00MPa or less, 250MPa or less, 100MPa or less, 75MPa or less, 50MPa or less Lower, 45MPa or less, 40MPa or less, 35MPa or less, 30MPa or less, 25MPa or less below, 20 MPa or less, 15 MPa or less, 10 MPa or less, 5 MPa or less, or 0.5 MPa or less The sealing portion according to claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the sealing portion is equal to or less than a.

Images