Hydraulic pot bearing device

Abstract

A hydraulic pot bearing device comprising a pot casing (1) containing an elastomer material (3), a piston (2) having a piston seal (4), a fiber-reinforced polymer membrane (6) sealing a fluid chamber within the pot casing, and a fluid (5) that can flow into and out of the fluid chamber through holes in the pot casing (1) and enable axial movement of the piston in addition to tilting. The fiber-reinforced polymer membrane (6) has much higher durability than conventionally known unreinforced elastomer membranes, plastic membranes, or metal sheet membranes due to its reinforcement. Furthermore, the bearing stub (10) within the pot casing (1) reduces the tensile force within the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane (6), allowing the superstructure to be supported at shorter intervals, thereby further improving its durability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydraulic pot bearing device that enables tilting and axial movement and is used to support the loads of structures, vehicles, and machines.

Background Art

[0002] Pot bearing devices that only enable tilting are well-known for supporting large sustained loads over a long period of time. These include a pot casing, a piston, an elastomer layer that fills up to the lower surface of the piston inside the pot casing, and a piston seal that prevents the elastomer material of the elastomer layer from being extruded through an annular gap between the piston and the pot casing. In the past, hydraulic pot bearing devices have been proposed that, in addition to tilting, enable axial movement of the piston in the inner and outer directions with respect to the pot casing. In an initial hydraulic pot bearing device, liquid was fed into or discharged from the pot casing through a hole provided at the bottom of the casing, and accordingly, the piston was moved outward and inward. This concept relied on the premise that the elastomer layer seals the liquid pressurized within the bottom region of the pot casing. However, when the piston tilts and axially moves in the inner and outer directions with respect to the pot casing, the elastomer layer undergoes significant deformation along the interface with the non-moving pot casing wall, and as a result, completely loses reliability in sealing the pressurized liquid.

[0003] Subsequent hydraulic pot bearing devices, such as the device described in the following patent, former East German Economic Patent No. 277292, "Hydraulic Pot Bearing for Bridges (HYDRAULISCHES TOPFLAGER FUER BRUECKEN)," added an elastomer membrane to seal the pressurized liquid. However, the problem remained that when the pressurized liquid was injected into the pot casing, the elastomer membrane would stretch until it was firmly pressed against the immobile pot casing wall. In other words, the elastomer membrane could not non-forcefully follow the displacement of the piston, and as a result, it would be excessively stretched locally due to sliding friction along the immobile pot casing wall, which was highly undesirable.

[0004] An improved hydraulic pot bearing device that solves the sealing problem and can be considered the most advanced technology in this field is described in the following patent: German Patent Invention No. 3326068, "Height-adjustable rubber pot bearing for transferring and raising or lowering heavy loads, in particular in bridge construction." This improved hydraulic pot bearing device comprises a pot casing, a piston, an elastomer layer filling the inside of the pot casing up to the bottom surface of the piston, a piston seal to prevent the elastomer material of the elastomer layer from being pushed out through the annular gap between the piston and the pot casing, a fluid, and a tensile-resistant membrane that seals the fluid chamber inside the pot casing. The tensile-resistant membrane has substantially higher tensile stiffness and strength compared to the elastomer membrane. Furthermore, the tensile-resistant membrane is composed of a metal sheet or an unreinforced plastic sheet and may be flat or curved (molded or corrugated) when installed (initial state). As the fluid pressure gradually increases, a flat tensile-resistant membrane bulges, while a curved tensile-resistant membrane initially deflates, and then similarly bulges as the curve is straightened. In such an improved hydraulic pot bearing, sealing problems do not occur, even at high fluid pressures, because the tensile-resistant membrane never comes into contact with the immobile pot casing wall. This is because, in contrast to an elastomer membrane which continues to stretch radially until it is firmly pressed against the immobile pot casing wall, the tensile-resistant membrane has very high rigidity and strength in the circumferential direction (hoop) and stretches only slightly radially. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, even these state-of-the-art hydraulic pot bearing systems have drawbacks and technical challenges. In other words, tensile-resistant films have the disadvantage of not being very durable because they are made of unreinforced plastic or metal sheets. More specifically, the following applies:

[0006] A tensile-resistant film, composed of a metal sheet or an unreinforced plastic sheet and initially flat, is prone to fatigue when repeatedly stretched below its elastic limit, while when stretched beyond its elastic limit, it will crack after only a few piston strokes and eventually fracture.

[0007] A tensile-resistant membrane, composed of a metal sheet or an unreinforced plastic sheet and initially curved, is bent beyond its elastic limit from the initial stage during deflection and bulging, causing cracks to form and ultimately leading to fracture after only a few piston strokes.

[0008] Unreinforced elastomer membranes have very low rigidity and strength, lacking even tensile resistance. As a result, they are easily damaged by friction when pressed firmly against the immobile pot casing wall.

[0009] Furthermore, in hydraulic pot bearing devices, metal-to-metal contact can occur between the pot casing, piston, and piston seal. Wear reduces overall durability, and excessive wear can eventually lead to the extrusion of the elastomer material in the elastomer layer.

[0010] Furthermore, when the piston is fully retracted, the superstructure rests on the peripheral wall of the pot casing, requiring the superstructure to straddle the central region of the pot casing. This is extremely inefficient as a superstructure configuration when the load is large and the diameter of the pot casing is large. Moreover, in large-diameter pot casings, very large tensile forces must be generated within the tensile-resistant membrane during operation to displace and deform the elastomer material of the elastomer layer located within the central region of the pot casing. Such high tensile forces are highly undesirable for the durability of the tensile-resistant membrane.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic pot bearing device in which the durability of the tensile-resistant membrane is greatly improved, wear of the pot casing, piston, and piston seal is reduced, and the superstructure does not need to straddle the central region of the pot casing when the piston is fully retracted.

[0012] The present invention provides a hydraulic pot bearing device comprising a pot casing, a piston, an elastomer layer filling the inside of the pot casing up to the bottom surface of the piston, a piston seal that prevents the elastomer material of the elastomer layer from being pushed out through the annular gap between the piston and the pot casing, a fluid, and a tensile-resistant membrane that seals the fluid chamber inside the pot casing, wherein the tensile-resistant membrane includes a fiber-reinforced polymer membrane.

[0013] The fiber-reinforced polymer film may include a fiber-reinforced polymer film layer. If high tensile strength is required, the fiber-reinforced polymer film layer may include a fiber-reinforced plastic film layer. The plastic matrix may be any type of plastic containing resin, and the fiber reinforcement may be any type of fiber and woven structure.

[0014] The fiber-reinforced polymer film layer may include a fiber-reinforced elastomer film layer if flexibility is required. The elastomer matrix may be any type of elastomer containing resin, and the fiber reinforcement may be any type of fiber and woven structure. The fiber-reinforced polymer membrane may further include an unreinforced elastomer membrane layer if a higher level of sealing is required. The unreinforced elastomer membrane layer may contain butyl material, which further enhances its sealing performance.

[0015] The fiber-reinforced polymer film may contain carbon fiber reinforcement when high tensile stiffness and strength are required. The fiber-reinforced polymer film may also contain a reinforcing fiber fabric in which reinforcing fibers are efficiently arranged.

[0016] The fluid may include a liquid. This liquid may include a high-viscosity liquid with a viscosity of ISO VG 100 or higher, which improves the sealing performance of the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane. The liquid may also include a liquid polymer that is chemically compatible with the polymer component of the hydraulic pot bearing device. This liquid polymer may include a silicone oil having good thermal stability, which is a desirable property during repeated operation. This liquid polymer may also include liquid polyisobutylene.

[0017] The elastomer layer may contain a solid lubricant that reduces friction with the pot casing wall, thereby helping to prevent the elastomer material of the elastomer layer from being extruded through the annular gap between the piston and the pot casing. The solid lubricant may contain a graphite material. In addition to its lubricating properties, the graphite material has excellent heat dissipation capabilities during repetitive operation, which further helps to prevent the elastomer material of the elastomer layer from being extruded through the annular gap between the piston and the pot casing when the elastomer layer softens due to overheating and becomes more easily extruded.

[0018] The piston seal may contain polymer materials to avoid wear on the pot casing walls, which are typically made of a harder material. To reduce self-wear of the piston seal, the piston seal may contain a second solid lubricant to reduce friction with the pot casing walls. The second solid lubricant may contain PTFE material. The piston seal may be fiber-reinforced to improve strength and ductility.

[0019] The pot casing may have a honed and hard-plated inner wall surface, which reduces friction with the piston, piston seal, and elastomer layer.

[0020] The piston may contain a second polymer material to avoid wear on the pot casing walls, which are usually made of a harder material. The piston may also have a polymer piston ring around its circumference.

[0021] To reduce piston self-wear, the piston may contain a third solid lubricant that reduces friction with the pot casing wall. The third solid lubricant may contain a second PTFE material. The piston may be fiber-reinforced to improve strength and ductility.

[0022] The hydraulic pot support device may further include a clamp plate that firmly presses the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane against the inner surface of the pot casing, thereby fixing and sealing the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane to the pot casing. This clamping pressure may be applied by a fluid pressing against the clamp plate, by screwing the clamp plate to the pot casing, by both of these means, or by any other method. The interface between the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane and the clamp plate, and the interface between the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane and the inner surface of the pot casing, may be hermetically sealed to ensure a secure seal.

[0023] Normally, during operation, the piston of the hydraulic pot bearing supports the superstructure. When the piston is fully retracted, the superstructure can rest on the peripheral wall of the pot casing. The hydraulic pot bearing may also include a bearing stub within the pot casing that serves as additional support for the superstructure when the piston is fully retracted, thereby eliminating the need for the superstructure to straddle the central gap of the pot casing. By occupying space within the pot casing, the bearing stub can reduce the amount and extent of the elastomer layer, which is particularly noticeable in large-diameter pot casings. As a result, during operation, the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane only needs to displace and deform the remaining elastomer material of the elastomer layer, with significantly less tension, which is very beneficial for the durability of the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane. When the piston is fully retracted, the bearing stub extends from the inner surface of the bottom of the pot casing to the underside of the piston, thereby hindering the continuity of the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane.

[0024] To overcome discontinuities, the hydraulic pot bearing device may further include a peripheral clamp that secures and seals the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane to the bearing stub by firmly pressing the membrane against the circumferential surface of the bearing stub. The peripheral clamp may include a clamp ring that applies clamping pressure when tension is applied. The clamping pressure on the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane may be applied by an elastomer layer pressing against the peripheral clamp, by screwing the peripheral clamp to the bearing stub, by applying tension to the clamp ring, by a combination of these methods, or by any other method. The peripheral clamp may be retractable to accommodate the compressibility of the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane. The peripheral clamp may be segmented. The interface between the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane and the bearing stub may be hermetically sealed to ensure a secure seal.

[0025] The pot casing may include a hole communicating with the fluid chamber, through which fluid flows into or out of the pot casing. When the hole is disposed below the support stub, the support stub may have corrugations on its bottom surface to avoid the hole being blocked when the piston is fully retracted. The support stub may be fixed to the lower surface of the piston by a screw, or on the other hand, the lower surface of the piston may be formed as a shear key for fitting the support stub.

[0026] The hydraulic pot support device may further include a shear plate for transmitting a shear force, a sliding surface when sliding is required, and a limiting guide plate for allowing one-way sliding when such a requirement exists. The hydraulic pot support device may further include a tension tie for restricting the movement of the piston when the piston exceeds the maximum allowable distance from its zero position.

[0027] The hydraulic pot support device according to the present invention provides a number of advantages. Most importantly, the fiber-reinforced polymer film has much higher durability compared to known non-reinforced tensile resistance films due to being fiber-reinforced. More specifically, it is as follows:

[0028] · Regarding the tensile force generated in the initially flat fiber-reinforced plastic film layer, within the repeated tensile cycles below the elastic limit of the plastic, mainly the plastic matrix resists this. When cracks occur in the plastic matrix due to fatigue, the fiber reinforcement material starts to bear the tensile force, and the fiber-reinforced plastic film layer continues to function normally for a further large number of cycles until the fiber reinforcement material reaches fatigue failure. Similarly, for tensile forces exceeding the elastic limit of the plastic matrix, the plastic matrix cracks very early, but the fiber reinforcement material consistently bears the tensile force until it fatigues. By providing one or more fiber-reinforced elastomer film layers and / or non-reinforced elastomer film layers as adjacent layers, fluid tightness can be ensured when cracks occur in the plastic matrix. In conclusion, the initially flat fiber-reinforced plastic film layer has much higher durability compared to the known initially flat non-reinforced plastic film that breaks when cracks occur. Also, the initially flat fiber-reinforced plastic film layer is less prone to fatigue than a metal film, so it has higher durability than the known initially flat metal film.

[0029] · Since the elastomer matrix is too soft to function alone as a tensile-resistant film, the tensile force generated in the initially flat fiber-reinforced elastomer film layer is mainly resisted by the fiber reinforcement material. The initially flat fiber-reinforced elastomer film layer is less prone to fatigue compared to a non-reinforced plastic film or a metal film, so it has much higher durability than the known initially flat non-reinforced plastic film or metal film. Furthermore, the initially flat fiber-reinforced elastomer film layer is essentially fluid-tight as it does not crack, but a non-reinforced elastomer film layer may be provided as an adjacent layer for a higher level of sealing.

[0030] • In a fiber-reinforced plastic film layer that is initially curved, the plastic matrix will crack fairly quickly upon bending, but the fiber-reinforced plastic film layer will continue to function normally due to its fiber reinforcement. This is different from known unreinforced plastic or metal films, which cannot function under large localized bending curvatures and crack and break after only a few piston strokes. Fluid sealing in the event of cracking in the plastic matrix can be ensured by providing one or more adjacent fiber-reinforced elastomer film layers and / or unreinforced elastomer film layers.

[0031] The elastomer matrix within the initially curved fiber-reinforced elastomer film layer is highly flexible and therefore does not crack at all, even under large local bending curvatures. Furthermore, the initially curved fiber-reinforced elastomer film layer inherently possesses fluid sealing properties because it does not crack, but an unreinforced elastomer film layer may be provided as an adjacent layer for a higher level of sealing. In conclusion, the initially curved fiber-reinforced elastomer film layer has far greater durability compared to known initially curved unreinforced plastic or metal films.

[0032] Furthermore, durability is improved by reducing wear on each component of the hydraulic pot bearing. This is achieved, for example, by eliminating metal-to-metal contact using a polymer piston outer ring and a piston seal made of polymer material. Wear is further reduced by incorporating second and third solid lubricants and honed and hard-plated inner walls of the pot casing. By reducing wear, the extrusion of the elastomer material in the elastomer layer is avoided for a longer period, resulting in a significant improvement in durability.

[0033] Furthermore, in large-diameter hydraulic pot bearing devices, when the piston is fully retracted, the superstructure is supported by the bearing stub in addition to the peripheral wall of the pot casing. Therefore, the superstructure only needs to span a short distance, making the superstructure configuration highly efficient. Moreover, since the bearing stub can occupy a considerable amount of space within the pot casing, the amount of elastomer material in the elastomer layer within the pot casing is significantly reduced. As a result, the tensile force required within the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane to displace and deform the remaining elastomer material in the elastomer layer is greatly reduced, thereby significantly improving the durability of the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] Some preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below by illustration only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a central cross-section of a cylindrical hydraulic pot bearing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The fiber-reinforced polymer membrane is curved in its initial state, and the piston is fully retracted (piston is in the zero position). [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a central cross-section of the cylindrical hydraulic pot bearing device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1. The distance of the piston from the zero position is the maximum allowable value. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows half of the central cross-section of a cylindrical hydraulic pot bearing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The fiber-reinforced polymer membrane is curved in its initial state, and the piston is fully retracted (piston is in the zero position). A bearing stub within the pot casing provides additional support to the superstructure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows half of the central cross-section of the cylindrical hydraulic pot bearing device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 3. The distance of the piston from the zero position is the maximum allowable value. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows half of the central cross-section of a cylindrical hydraulic pot bearing device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The fiber-reinforced polymer membrane is curved in its initial state, and the piston is fully retracted (piston is in the zero position). The peripheral clamp is equipped with a clamping ring that applies clamping pressure when tension is applied. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows half of the central cross-section of the cylindrical hydraulic pot bearing device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 5. The distance of the piston from the zero position is the maximum allowable value. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2 as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pot casing comprises a cylindrical steel pot casing 1, and the piston comprises a plastic piston 2 which is fiber-reinforced for higher strength and ductility and contains finely flaked PTFE to reduce friction with contacting parts. The elastomer layer filling the interior of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1 up to the bottom surface of the plastic piston 2 comprises a rubber layer 3 which contains finely flaked graphite material to reduce friction with contacting parts. The piston seal comprises a PTFE piston seal ring 4 made of PTFE material. The fluid comprises a silicone oil 5 with a viscosity of ISO VG 1000. The fiber-reinforced polymer membrane is curved in its initial state and comprises a multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer membrane 6. The multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer membrane 6 comprises multiple carbon fiber woven reinforced elastomer membrane layers and multiple unreinforced butyl membrane layers, where the elastomer material provides flexibility and sealing, and the carbon fiber woven reinforcement provides rigidity and strength. A multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer membrane 6 seals the fluid chamber at the bottom of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1.

[0036] A hole is provided in the center of the bottom of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1, through which silicone oil 5 flows into or out of the fluid chamber. The cylindrical steel pot casing 1 has an inner wall surface that is honed and hard-plated with nickel or chromium. The silicone oil 5 has high viscosity, which improves the sealing effect of the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6. The silicone oil 5 is chemically compatible with the polymer components of the hydraulic pot bearing device. The hydraulic pot bearing device further includes a metal clamp plate 7, which firmly presses the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6 against the peripheral edge of its inner surface, thereby fixing and sealing the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6 to the cylindrical steel pot casing 1. Clamp pressure is applied by the silicone oil 5 pressing against the metal clamp plate 7 and by screwing the metal clamp plate 7 to the cylindrical steel pot casing 1. The interface between the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6 and the metal clamp plate 7, as well as the interface between the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6 and the inner surface of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1, are airtightly sealed to ensure a tight seal.

[0037] During operation, the plastic piston 2 normally supports the superstructure. When the plastic piston 2 is fully retracted, the superstructure rests on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1, so no load acts on the plastic piston 2. In a new load cycle, when the silicone oil 5 is pumped into the fluid chamber through the holes, the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer membrane 6 displaces and deforms the rubber material of the rubber layer 3, and the rubber layer 3 pushes the plastic piston 2 outward accordingly. When the distance of the piston from the zero position reaches the maximum allowable value, the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer membrane 6, which is initially curved, almost exhausts its deflection capacity, and as the distance from the zero position increases further, the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer membrane 6 begins to bulge.

[0038] Because bulging generates high tensile forces within the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer membrane 6, the distance of the piston from the zero position is usually limited to a lower deflection level in order to eliminate bulging. During deflection, the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer membrane 6 is stretched to some extent as the rubber material of the rubber layer 3 is displaced and deformed. As the rubber material of the rubber layer 3 becomes harder and the diameter of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1 becomes larger, it is necessary to generate greater tensile forces within the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer membrane 6 in order to displace and deform the rubber material of the rubber layer 3. Since the rubber material of the rubber layer 3 cannot be made excessively soft due to concerns about extrusion, a balance must be struck between the tensile strength of the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer membrane 6 and the hardness of the rubber material of the rubber layer 3.

[0039] The graphite material reduces friction between the rubber layer 3 and the immovable wall of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1, which is important in reducing concerns about extrusion through the annular gap. Furthermore, the graphite material significantly improves heat dissipation of the rubber layer 3 during repeated deformation, thereby ensuring that the rubber layer 3 does not overheat during operation. Overheating is very important from the standpoint of avoiding extrusion, as it causes excessive softening and ultimately leads to extrusion through the annular gap. In addition to having sufficient tensile strength to displace and deform the rubber material of the rubber layer 3, the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6 also needs to have sufficient circumferential (hoop) stiffness and strength to prevent excessive radial stretching and approaching the immovable wall of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1 too closely.

[0040] As the silicone oil 5 moves in and out of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1, the plastic piston 2 and the PTFE piston seal ring 4 slide along the inner wall surface of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1. Since both the plastic piston 2 and the PTFE piston seal ring 4 are made of resin, they do not wear the inner wall surface of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1. The cylindrical steel pot casing 1 has a honed and hard nickel or chromium plated inner wall surface, which minimizes wear on the plastic piston 2, the PTFE piston seal ring 4, and the rubber layer 3. Because the plastic piston 2 contains a small amount of PTFE particles and the PTFE piston seal ring 4 is made of PTFE material, sliding friction is reduced, and as a result, wear is also reduced. The silicone oil 5 is sufficiently stable against the temperatures generated during repetitive operation. The PTFE piston seal ring 4 is pressed against the inner wall of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1 and also against the lower surface of the plastic piston 2 by the rubber material of the rubber layer 3, thereby sealing the annular gap. The PTFE piston seal ring 4 has a segmented structure to prevent tension, and each segment engages with the others to ensure effective sealing. The fiber reinforcement of the plastic piston 2 is made of carbon fiber fabric to obtain high strength and ductility.

[0041] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 3 and 4, the piston comprises a plastic piston outer ring 8 and a steel central piston portion 9. The plastic piston outer ring 8 does not wear the inner wall surface of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1 because plastic is softer than steel. Similar to the plastic piston 2 in the previous embodiment, the plastic piston outer ring 8 is fiber-reinforced to obtain higher strength and ductility and contains a small amount of PTFE flakes to reduce friction with the contacting members. The plastic piston outer ring 8 and the steel central piston portion 9 are rigidly coupled by fitting together, and their joint is airtightly sealed. The hydraulic pot bearing device further comprises a cylindrical steel bearing stub 10 positioned above the bore in the cylindrical steel pot casing 1. When the piston is fully retracted, the cylindrical steel bearing stub 10 rests on the bottom inner surface of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1, while its upper end is connected to the lower surface of the steel central piston portion 9.

[0042] The cylindrical steel bearing stub 10 is fixed to the lower surface of the steel central piston portion 9 by screws, and further, the cylindrical steel bearing stub 10 is fitted into a shear key formed on the lower surface of the steel central piston portion 9. To prevent the perforation of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1 from being blocked when the piston is fully retracted, the cylindrical steel bearing stub 10 is provided with multiple corrugations on its bottom surface, through which the silicone oil 5 can flow into and out of the fluid chamber without obstruction. When the piston is fully retracted, the superstructure rests on both the peripheral wall of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1 and the steel central piston portion 9 supported by the cylindrical steel bearing stub 10. As a result, the superstructure does not need to straddle the central spacing of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1, and therefore the support configuration of the superstructure can be made very efficient.

[0043] The piston can be fully retracted when required by the operating method or in an emergency when the piston loses its ability to support the superstructure. The cylindrical steel bearing stub 10 occupies space within the pot casing, significantly reducing the amount and extent of the rubber layer 3 in the central region of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1. As a result, the tensile force required to displace and deform the remaining rubber material in the rubber layer 3 within the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6 is further reduced, thereby significantly improving the durability of the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6. When the piston is fully retracted, the cylindrical steel bearing stub 10 extends from the bottom inner surface of the cylindrical steel pot casing 1 to the underside of the steel central piston portion 9, thereby hindering the continuity of the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6.

[0044] To overcome this discontinuity, the hydraulic pot bearing device further includes a metal peripheral clamp 11. This metal peripheral clamp 11 firmly presses the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6 against the surface of the cylindrical steel bearing stub 10, fixing and sealing the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6 on the cylindrical steel bearing stub 10. The clamping pressure is applied by the rubber layer 3 pressing against the metal peripheral clamp 11 and by screwing the metal peripheral clamp 11 to the cylindrical steel bearing stub 10. The metal peripheral clamp 11 has a segmented structure and is retractable to accommodate the compressibility of the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6. The interface between the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6 and the cylindrical steel bearing stub 10 is airtightly sealed to ensure a tight seal.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 5 and 6, the metal peripheral clamp 11 comprises a metal clamp ring positioned circumferentially thereto, which applies clamping pressure when the metal clamp ring is stretched. In this case, the clamping pressure on the multilayer fiber-reinforced elastomer film 6 is applied by the rubber layer 3 pressing against the metal peripheral clamp 11 and by the tension of the metal clamp ring. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the metal peripheral clamp 11 consists substantially of only the metal clamp ring.

[0046] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the hydraulic pot bearing device further comprises one or more of the following: a shear plate for transmitting shear force; a sliding surface where sliding is required; a regulating guide plate for allowing unidirectional sliding as required; and a tension tie for restricting piston movement when the maximum allowable distance from the zero position of the piston is exceeded.

[0047] In some more preferred embodiments of the present invention, the hydraulic pot bearing can be incorporated into new or existing structures, land or sea vehicles, and heavy machinery by enabling both tilting and axial movement, and can be used for lifting heavy loads, setting adjustments, providing flexibility, applying preloads, insulating and damping high-frequency vibrations in the vertical direction, and converting vibration energy to electrical energy. The damper and energy conversion system, including the hydraulic pot bearing, may be passive, semi-active, or active. The hydraulic pot bearing can be used for both short-term and long-term bearing applications. Long-term bearing applications are possible because the hydraulic pot bearing of the present invention can maintain a completely leak-free state under long-term, sustained loads (permanent conditions).

[0048] Although the present invention has been described in relation to the preferred embodiments described above, it should be understood that many other modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to encompass these modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Pot casing (1), Piston (2), An elastomer layer (3) fills the pot casing (1) up to the lower surface of the piston (2), A piston seal (4) prevents the elastomer layer (3) from being pushed out through the annular gap between the piston and the pot casing, and Equipped with fluid (5), A hydraulic pot bearing device further comprising a fiber-reinforced polymer membrane (6) that seals the fluid chamber within the pot casing (1), characterized in that the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane (6) is substantially more durable than the polymer membrane alone due to fiber reinforcement that provides rigidity, strength, fatigue resistance, and bending ability.

2. The hydraulic pot bearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane (6) comprises a fiber-reinforced polymer membrane layer.

3. The hydraulic pot bearing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the fiber-reinforced polymer film layer comprises a fiber-reinforced plastic film layer that provides tensile strength and sealing properties.

4. The hydraulic pot bearing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the fiber-reinforced polymer film layer comprises a fiber-reinforced elastomer film layer that provides flexibility and sealing properties.

5. The hydraulic pot bearing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane (6) further comprises a non-reinforced elastomer membrane layer that provides sealing properties.

6. The hydraulic pot bearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane (6) comprises a reinforcing fabric in which reinforcing fibers are efficiently arranged.

7. The pot casing (1) is further provided with a support stub (10), The hydraulic pot bearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing stub (10) reduces the distance that the superstructure must straddle when the piston (2) is fully retracted, and, due to its volume, reduces the amount of elastomer material of the elastomer layer (3) that needs to be displaced and deformed during operation, thereby reducing the tensile force within the fiber-reinforced polymer membrane (6).

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