Sliding parts

Abstract

Provided is a sliding component in which sliding surfaces are spaced apart from each other for relative rotation toward both directions to achieve excellent lubrication.　A sliding component 10 is disposed so as to face a position for relative rotation of a rotary machine and comprises a sliding surface 11 provided with a first dynamic pressure generation groove 14 extending so as to be inclined with respect to the relative rotation direction and a second dynamic pressure generation groove 15 extending so as to be inclined in the direction opposite to the first dynamic pressure generation groove 14 with respect to the relative rotation direction. The first dynamic pressure generation groove 14 and the second dynamic pressure generation groove 15 have bottom surfaces 14a, 15a that are radially inclined in the same direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to sliding parts used for shaft seals and bearings.

Background Art

[0002] As a sliding part for preventing leakage of a sealed fluid around a rotating shaft in a rotating machine, for example, a mechanical seal composed of a pair of annular sliding rings that rotate relative to each other and whose sliding surfaces slide against each other is known. In such a mechanical seal, in recent years, reduction of energy lost due to sliding has been desired for environmental measures and the like, and there is a mechanical seal provided with a positive pressure generating groove on the sliding surface of the sliding ring.

[0003] For example, in the mechanical seal disclosed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of hydrodynamic pressure generating mechanisms are provided in the circumferential direction on the sliding surface of one of the sliding rings. This hydrodynamic pressure generating mechanism includes a first hydrodynamic pressure generating groove that extends obliquely with respect to the relative rotation direction and is closed at both ends, and a second hydrodynamic pressure generating groove that extends obliquely in the opposite direction to the first hydrodynamic pressure generating groove with respect to the relative rotation direction and is closed at both ends. The first hydrodynamic pressure generating groove and the second hydrodynamic pressure generating groove are arranged side by side in the radial direction on the sliding surface. Specifically, the first hydrodynamic pressure generating groove is arranged on the outer diameter side (sealed fluid side), and the second hydrodynamic pressure generating groove is arranged on the inner diameter side (leakage side). Further, the first hydrodynamic pressure generating groove and the second hydrodynamic pressure generating groove each have a constant depth throughout the groove.

[0004] When the sliding rings rotate relative to each other, the sealed fluid present in the first hydrodynamic pressure generating groove moves toward the end on the downstream side (inner diameter side) of the relative rotation, and the sealed fluid concentrates at this end to generate a positive pressure, causing the sliding surfaces to separate from each other. At the same time, a fluid film of the sealed fluid is formed on the sliding surface, improving lubricity and achieving low friction. On the other hand, in the second hydrodynamic pressure generating groove, a relative negative pressure occurs near the end on the upstream side (inner diameter side) of the relative rotation, and the sealed fluid that has flowed out onto the sliding surface is sucked into the second hydrodynamic pressure generating groove, so that leakage of the sealed fluid into the space on the leakage side can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-180652 (pages 5-6, Figure 1) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the mechanical seal described in Patent Document 1, with respect to relative rotation in the direction described above, positive pressure tends to increase on the downstream side of the relative rotation of the first and second dynamic pressure generating grooves, and lubrication is enhanced by collecting the sealed fluid at the radial center of the sliding surface and forming a fluid film. However, in mechanical seals like the one in Patent Document 1, relative rotation in the reverse direction is not considered, so with respect to relative rotation in the reverse direction, positive pressure does not increase on the downstream side of the relative rotation of the first and second dynamic pressure generating grooves as it does with relative rotation in the forward direction, resulting in the problem that the sliding surfaces do not separate.

[0007] This invention addresses these problems and aims to provide a sliding component in which the sliding surfaces are separated from each other when relative to each other in both directions, and which exhibits excellent lubricity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the aforementioned problems, the sliding component of the present invention is A sliding component arranged opposite to the relative rotating parts of a rotating machine, wherein one of a pair of sliding surfaces is provided with a first dynamic pressure generating groove extending at an angle with respect to the relative rotation direction, and one of the pair of sliding surfaces is provided with a second dynamic pressure generating groove extending at an angle in the opposite direction to the first dynamic pressure generating groove with respect to the relative rotation direction, The bottom surfaces of the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove are inclined in the same direction in the radial direction. According to this design, the first dynamic pressure generating groove becomes shallower towards the downstream end of the relative rotation. The second dynamic pressure generating groove becomes deeper towards the downstream end of the relative rotation. As a result, for relative rotation in the forward direction, positive pressure is easily generated in the first dynamic pressure generating groove, and negative pressure is less likely to be generated in the second dynamic pressure generating groove. On the other hand, for relative rotation in the reverse direction, negative pressure is less likely to be generated in the first dynamic pressure generating groove, and positive pressure is easily generated in the second dynamic pressure generating groove. Therefore, for relative rotation in both directions, positive pressure is reliably generated across the entire first and second dynamic pressure generating grooves provided on the sliding surface, and the sliding surfaces are separated from each other, resulting in excellent lubrication of the sliding parts.

[0009] The first dynamic pressure generating groove may have its deeper end communicating with either the space on the sealed fluid side or the leakage side. According to this, for relative rotation in the forward direction, the sealed fluid or the leaking fluid is more easily supplied into the first dynamic pressure generating groove, so the positive pressure tends to increase. Conversely, for relative rotation in the reverse direction, the fluid is more easily discharged from the first dynamic pressure generating groove into the space on the sealed fluid side or the leaking side, so negative pressure is less likely to occur.

[0010] The second dynamic pressure generating groove is a closed groove, and the length of the second dynamic pressure generating groove in the inclination direction may be longer than the length of the first dynamic pressure generating groove in the inclination direction. According to this, the positive pressure generation capability of the second dynamic pressure generating groove, which does not communicate with either the sealed fluid side or the leak side space, is enhanced in response to relative rotation in the opposite direction. Therefore, the first and second dynamic pressure generating grooves generate a similar level of positive pressure in response to relative rotation in both directions.

[0011] The first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove may be connected. According to this, fluid can be easily supplied between the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove.

[0012] The first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove may be arranged side by side in the radial direction. According to this, dynamic pressures of different magnitudes in the radial direction are generated on the sliding surface, so that dynamic pressure is likely to be generated evenly over the circumferential direction of the sliding surface.

[0013] The first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove may be provided on the sliding surface of one of the sliding components. According to this, it is easy to adjust the balance of the dynamic pressures generated by the entire first and second dynamic pressure generating grooves.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a mechanical seal in Example 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a view of the sliding surface of the stationary seal ring in Example 1 as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 3] It is an enlarged view of the sliding surface of the stationary seal ring in Example 1 as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 4] It is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a view showing the radial depth distribution of the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove in Example 1. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged view of the sliding surface of the stationary seal ring in Example 1 as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 7] It is an enlarged view of the sliding surface of the stationary seal ring in Example 2 of the present invention as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged view of the sliding surface of the stationary seal ring in Example 3 of the present invention as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 9] It is an enlarged view of the sliding surface of the stationary seal ring in Example 4 of the present invention as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 10] It is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is an enlarged view of the sliding surface of the stationary seal ring in Example 5 of the present invention as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 12] It is an enlarged view of the sliding surface of the stationary seal ring in Modification 1 as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 13] It is an enlarged view of the sliding surface of the stationary seal ring in Modification 2 as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 14] It is a view of the sliding surface of the stationary seal ring in Modification 3 as seen from the axial direction. [Figure 15] It is a view of the sliding surface of the stationary seal ring in Modification 4 as seen from the axial direction.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] A mode for carrying out the sliding component according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.

Example

[0016] A mechanical seal as a sliding component according to Example 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. In this example, the sealed fluid F exists in the inner space S1 of the mechanical seal, and the atmosphere A exists in the outer space S2. The inner diameter side of the sliding ring constituting the mechanical seal will be described as the sealed fluid side (high pressure side), and the outer diameter side will be described as the leakage side (low pressure side). Also, for convenience of explanation, in the drawings, a gradation indicating the depth may be added to the grooves formed on the sliding surface.

[0017] The automotive mechanical seal shown in FIG. 1 is an outside type that seals the sealed fluid F in the inner space S1 that tends to leak from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side of the sliding surface, and the outer space S2 communicates with the atmosphere A. In this example, a form is exemplified in which the sealed fluid F is a high-pressure gas and the atmosphere A is a gas having a lower pressure than the sealed fluid F.

[0018] The mechanical seal mainly consists of a rotating sealing ring 20 as a sliding part and a stationary sealing ring 10 as a sliding part. The rotating sealing ring 20 is annular in shape and is mounted on the rotating shaft 1 via a sleeve 2 so as to be rotatable with the rotating shaft 1. The stationary sealing ring 10 is annular in shape and is mounted on a seal cover 5 fixed to the housing 4 of the equipment to be mounted in a non-rotatable state and so as to be movable in the axial direction. The stationary sealing ring 10 is biased in the axial direction by an elastic member 7 so that the sliding surface 11 of the stationary sealing ring 10 and the sliding surface 21 of the rotating sealing ring 20 slide in close contact with each other. The sliding surface 21 of the rotating sealing ring 20 is a flat surface and does not have any grooves or other recesses.

[0019] The stationary sealing ring 10 and the rotating sealing ring 20 are typically formed from two SiC (hard material) components or a combination of SiC (hard material) and carbon (soft material), but are not limited to these; any sliding material used for mechanical seals is applicable. SiC can be sintered using boron, aluminum, carbon, etc., as sintering aids, or from materials consisting of two or more phases with different components and compositions, such as SiC with dispersed graphite particles, reaction-sintered SiC made of SiC and Si, SiC-TiC, SiC-TiN, etc. Carbon can be a mixture of carbonaceous and graphite, as well as resin-molded carbon and sintered carbon. In addition to the above-mentioned sliding materials, metal materials, resin materials, surface modification materials (coating materials), composite materials, etc., are also applicable.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rotating sealing ring 20, which is the mating sealing ring, slides relative to the stationary sealing ring 10 in a counterclockwise direction as indicated by the solid arrows. Hereafter, this state will be described as the forward relative rotation of the stationary sealing ring 10 and the rotating sealing ring 20.

[0021] The sliding surface 11 of the stationary sealing ring 10 is provided with a plurality of dynamic pressure generating mechanisms 13 on the inner diameter side and a plurality of dynamic pressure generating mechanisms 16 on the outer diameter side. The dynamic pressure generating mechanisms 13 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction on the inner diameter side of the sliding surface 11 (12 in this embodiment). The dynamic pressure generating mechanisms 16 are evenly arranged in the circumferential direction on the outer diameter side of the sliding surface 11 (12 in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the dynamic pressure generating mechanisms 13 and 16 are arranged side by side in the radial direction, but the invention is not limited to this arrangement, and the dynamic pressure generating mechanisms 13 and 16 may be arranged offset in the circumferential direction.

[0022] Furthermore, the portion of the sliding surface 11 other than the dynamic pressure generating mechanisms 13 and 16 is a land 12 having a flat surface arranged on the same plane. The flat surface of the land 12 functions as a sliding surface that substantially slides against the sliding surface 21 of the rotating sealing ring 20.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the inner diameter dynamic pressure generation mechanism 13 consists of a first dynamic pressure generation groove 14 and a second dynamic pressure generation groove 15. The first dynamic pressure generation groove 14 communicates with the inner space S1 and extends linearly in the outer diameter direction at an angle with respect to the relative rotation direction from the inner circumferential surface 10g of the stationary sealing ring 10. The second dynamic pressure generation groove 15 extends linearly in the outer diameter direction at an angle opposite to that of the first dynamic pressure generation groove 14 with respect to the relative rotation direction from the outer diameter end of the first dynamic pressure generation groove 14. Here, "inclined" means that the groove does not extend parallel to the relative rotation direction (i.e., the circumferential direction) in the longitudinal direction, and does not extend perpendicular to the relative rotation direction. Note that some parts of the groove may be parallel or perpendicular to the relative rotation direction (i.e., the circumferential direction).

[0024] Furthermore, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 are arranged side by side in the radial direction, and their ends are connected.

[0025] Furthermore, the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 has a longer groove length in the extension direction of the groove, in other words, a longer groove length in the longitudinal direction of the groove, or a longer groove length in the inclination direction of the groove, than the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14. More specifically, the circumferential component in the extension direction of the groove is longer. Note that the radial component in the extension direction of the groove is approximately the same length for both the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15.

[0026] Furthermore, adjacent second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15 are arranged so that their ends overlap radially. More specifically, the end of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 on the relative rotation upstream side, i.e., the end having edge 15f, is arranged to overlap radially on the outer diameter side of the circumferentially adjacent second dynamic pressure generating groove 15' on the relative rotation downstream side, i.e., the end having edge 15e'.

[0027] The first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 consists of a bottom surface 14a and side surfaces 14b and 14c. The bottom surface 14a extends linearly at an inclination with respect to the flat surface of the land 12. The side surfaces 14b and 14c rise from both circumferential edges of the bottom surface 14a. An opening 14A communicating with the internal space S1 is formed at the inner diameter end of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 is inclined radially with respect to the flat surface of the land 12 such that the inner diameter edge 14d of the bottom surface 14a located at the opening 14A communicating with the internal space S1 is the deepest, and the outer diameter edge 14e of the bottom surface 14a is the shallowest. In other words, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 is formed such that its depth decreases from the inner diameter edge 14d of the bottom surface 14a towards the outer diameter edge 14e. Furthermore, with respect to the forward relative rotation shown by the solid arrows in Figures 2 and 3, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 is formed such that it is deeper on the upstream side of the relative rotation and shallower on the downstream side of the relative rotation.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 consists of a bottom surface 15a, side surfaces 15b and 15c, and an inner diameter end surface 15d. The bottom surface 15a extends linearly at an inclination with respect to the flat surface of the land 12. The side surfaces 15b and 15c rise from both circumferential edges of the bottom surface 15a. The inner diameter end surface 15d rises from the inner diameter end of the bottom surface 15a and is perpendicularly connected to the side surfaces 15b and 15c.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 is inclined radially with respect to the flat surface of the land 12 such that the inner diameter edge 15e of the bottom surface 15a is the deepest, and the outer diameter edge 15f of the bottom surface 15a is the shallowest. In other words, the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 is formed so that its depth decreases from the inner diameter edge 15e of the bottom surface 15a towards the outer diameter edge 15f. Furthermore, with respect to the forward relative rotation shown by the solid arrows in Figures 2 and 3, the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 is formed so that it is shallower on the upstream side of the relative rotation and deeper on the downstream side of the relative rotation.

[0031] Thus, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15, which constitute the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 13, have reversed depth relationships with respect to the relative rotational direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the depth D1 at the inner diameter edge 14d of the bottom surface 14a of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 is the same as the depth D2 at the inner diameter edge 15e of the bottom surface 15a of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 (D1=D2). In other words, the deepest parts of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 are the same depth. Note that in Figure 4, the depths D1 and D2 of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 are shown to be deeper than they actually are for the sake of explanation. Also, in this embodiment, the outer diameter edge 14e of the bottom surface 14a of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and the outer diameter edge 15f of the bottom surface 15a of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 are located on the same plane as the flat surface of the land 12 and have virtually no depth.

[0033] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the radial inclination of the land 12 on the bottom surface 14a of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 with respect to the flat surface is shown to be greater than the radial inclination of the land 12 on the bottom surface 15a of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 with respect to the flat surface. This is because Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 3, and as described above, the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 has a longer groove length in the groove extension direction than the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14, and more specifically, the circumferential component in the groove extension direction is formed to be longer.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 are formed such that their radial depth distributions have the same degree of inclination.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the outer diameter side dynamic pressure generating mechanism 16 is composed of a first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 and a second dynamic pressure generating groove 18. The first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 communicates with the outer space S2 and extends linearly in the inner diameter direction at an angle with respect to the relative rotation direction from the outer peripheral surface 10h of the stationary sealing ring 10. The second dynamic pressure generating groove 18 extends linearly in the inner diameter direction at an angle opposite to that of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 with respect to the relative rotation direction from the inner diameter side end of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 17.

[0036] Furthermore, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 18 are arranged side by side in the radial direction, and their ends are connected.

[0037] Furthermore, the second dynamic pressure generating groove 18 has a longer groove length in the direction of extension than the first dynamic pressure generating groove 17, and more specifically, its circumferential component in the direction of extension is longer. The first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 18 have approximately the same radial component length in the direction of extension.

[0038] Furthermore, adjacent second dynamic pressure generating grooves 18 are arranged so that their ends overlap radially. More specifically, the end of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 18 on the relative rotation upstream side, i.e., the end with edge 18f, is arranged to overlap radially on the inner diameter side of the circumferentially adjacent second dynamic pressure generating groove 18' on the relative rotation downstream side, i.e., the end with edge 18e'.

[0039] The first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 consists of a bottom surface 17a and side surfaces 17b and 17c. The bottom surface 17a extends linearly at an inclination with respect to the flat surface of the land 12. The side surfaces 17b and 17c rise from both circumferential edges of the bottom surface 17a. An opening 17A communicating with the outer space S2 is formed at the outer diameter end of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 17.

[0040] For the sake of explanation, the diagram is omitted, but the first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 is inclined radially with respect to the flat surface of the land 12 such that the inner diameter edge 17d of the bottom surface 17a, located at the opening 17A that communicates with the outer space S2, is the deepest, and the outer diameter edge 17e of the bottom surface 17a is the shallowest. In other words, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 is formed such that its depth decreases from the inner diameter edge 17d of the bottom surface 17a towards the outer diameter edge 17e. Furthermore, with respect to the relative rotation in the forward direction shown by the solid arrows in Figures 2 and 3, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 is formed such that it is deeper on the upstream side of the relative rotation and shallower on the downstream side of the relative rotation.

[0041] The second dynamic pressure generating groove 18 consists of a bottom surface 18a, side surfaces 18b and 18c, and an outer diameter end surface 18d. The bottom surface 18a extends linearly at an inclination with respect to the flat surface of the land 12. The side surfaces 18b and 18c rise from both circumferential edges of the bottom surface 18a. The outer diameter end surface 18d rises from the inner diameter end of the bottom surface 18a and is perpendicularly connected to the side surfaces 18b and 18c.

[0042] For the sake of explanation, the diagram is omitted, but the second dynamic pressure generating groove 18 is inclined radially with respect to the flat surface of the land 12 such that the inner diameter edge 18e of the bottom surface 18a is the deepest, and the outer diameter edge 18f of the bottom surface 18a is the shallowest. In other words, the second dynamic pressure generating groove 18 is formed such that its depth decreases from the inner diameter edge 18e of the bottom surface 18a to the outer diameter edge 18f of the bottom surface 18a. Furthermore, with respect to the forward relative rotation shown by the solid arrows in Figures 2 and 3, the second dynamic pressure generating groove 18 is formed such that it is shallower on the upstream side of the relative rotation and deeper on the downstream side of the relative rotation.

[0043] Thus, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 18 constituting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 16 have reversed depth relationships with respect to the relative rotation direction. Furthermore, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 18 are formed in a so-called mirror image relationship with respect to the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 13, with reference to a center line (not shown) in the radial direction of the sliding surface.

[0044] Next, the operation of the stationary sealing ring 10 and the rotating sealing ring 20 during relative forward rotation will be explained using Figure 3. In Figure 3, the flow of the sealed fluid F is indicated by black arrows, and the flow of the atmosphere A is indicated by white arrows.

[0045] First, when the rotating sealing ring 20 is stopped and not rotating, the sealed fluid F flows into the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 from the opening 14A, and a small amount of the sealed fluid F that has flowed into the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 also flows over the outer diameter edge 14e of the bottom surface 14a and into the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 which is connected to the outer diameter side. In addition, air A flows into the first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 from the opening 17A, and a small amount of air A that has flowed into the first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 also flows over the outer diameter edge 17e of the bottom surface 17a and into the second dynamic pressure generating groove 18 which is connected to the inner diameter side. Furthermore, since the stationary sealing ring 10 is biased toward the rotating sealing ring 20 by the elastic member 7, the sliding surfaces 11 and 21 are in contact with each other, and the amount of sealed fluid F leaking out into the outside space S2 between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21 is almost zero.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, when the rotating sealing ring 20 rotates relative to the stationary sealing ring 10 in the forward direction, the sealed fluid F in the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 moves in the direction of rotation of the rotating sealing ring 20 due to shear with the sliding surface 21.

[0047] Specifically, within the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14, the sealed fluid F moves from the vicinity of the opening 14A toward the outer edge 14e, as shown by arrow F1. As a result, the fluid pressure near the opening 14A becomes relatively lower than the surrounding fluid pressure. In other words, a relative negative pressure is generated near the opening 14A, and the sealed fluid F in the inner space S1 is drawn into the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14, as shown by arrow F2.

[0048] Furthermore, within the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14, the depth D1 of the inner diameter side edge 14d located at the opening 14A is the deepest (see Figure 4), which allows a large amount of the sealed fluid F to flow into the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14.

[0049] Furthermore, within the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14, the sealed fluid F moves along the side surface 14b toward the outer diameter edge 14e, as shown by arrow F3. As the sealed fluid F moves toward the edge 14e, the pressure increases at the corner 14B formed by the edge 14e and the side surface 14b and in its vicinity. In other words, positive pressure is generated at the corner 14B of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and in its vicinity.

[0050] Furthermore, since the depth of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 decreases from the inner edge 14d toward the outer edge 14e, the pressure of the sealed fluid F is easily increased as it moves toward the corner 14B of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14. In addition, because the rotation speed of the rotating sealing ring 20 is low, positive pressure is easily generated at the corner 14B of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and its vicinity even if the amount of movement of the sealed fluid F is small.

[0051] Furthermore, the positive pressure generated at the corner 14B of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and its vicinity causes a slight separation between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21 (not shown). As a result, the sealed fluid F from the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 flows out between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21, mainly as shown by arrow F4. The presence of the sealed fluid F between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21 improves lubrication and suppresses wear between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21. Since the floating distance between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21 is small, the amount of sealed fluid F that flows out from the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21 is small, and even if it does flow between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21, it is recovered by the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 of the circumferentially adjacent dynamic pressure generating mechanism 13 (see arrow F6), so that it hardly leaks out into the outer space S2.

[0052] Furthermore, within the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15, the sealed fluid F moves from the outer edge 15f to the inner edge 15e, as shown by arrow F5. Since the depth of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 increases from the outer edge 15f to the inner edge 15e, almost no dynamic pressure is generated within the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15.

[0053] More specifically, relative negative pressure is generated near the outer edge 15f of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15, and relative positive pressure is generated near the inner edge 15e, but the absolute values ​​of these negative and positive pressures are extremely small. Therefore, as described above, dynamic pressure is generated far less in the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 compared to the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14.

[0054] Furthermore, as indicated by arrow F6, the sealed fluid F that flows out between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21 from the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14' of the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 13' adjacent to the upstream side of relative rotation in the circumferential direction is drawn into the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15. In addition, a portion of the sealed fluid F that has passed over the edge 14e of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 of the same dynamic pressure generating mechanism 13 flows into the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15. This also makes it difficult for dynamic pressure to be generated in the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the bottom surfaces 14a and 15a of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 are inclined such that their radial depth distributions have the same linear inclination. As a result, positive pressure is more easily generated in the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14, and negative pressure is less easily generated in the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15. Note that these inclinations do not have to be linear but curved. Also, the inclination of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 do not have to be the same in terms of the degree of inclination in their radial depth distributions.

[0056] Furthermore, the flow of atmospheric air A in the dynamic pressure generation mechanism 16 can be described as being substantially the same as the flow of the sealed fluid F in the dynamic pressure generation mechanism 13 described above (see the white arrow shown in Figure 3), so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0057] Next, the operation of the stationary sealing ring 10 and the rotating sealing ring 20 during relative rotation in opposite directions will be explained using Figure 6. Note that, as in Figure 3, the flow of the sealed fluid F is indicated by black arrows and the flow of the atmosphere A is indicated by white arrows in Figure 6. Furthermore, the state of the rotating sealing ring 20 when stopped is the same, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0058] As shown in Figure 6, when the rotating sealing ring 20 rotates relative to the stationary sealing ring 10 in the opposite direction, the sealed fluid F in the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 moves in the direction of rotation of the rotating sealing ring 20 due to shear with the sliding surface 21.

[0059] Specifically, within the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14, the sealed fluid F moves from the outer edge 14e toward the opening 14A, as indicated by the arrow F11. Since the depth of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 increases from the outer edge 14e toward the inner edge 14d, almost no dynamic pressure is generated within the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14.

[0060] More specifically, relative negative pressure is generated near the outer edge 14e of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14, and relative positive pressure is generated near the inner edge 14d, but the absolute values ​​of these negative and positive pressures are extremely small. Therefore, as described above, dynamic pressure is much less likely to be generated in the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 compared to the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15.

[0061] Furthermore, since the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 is in communication with the internal space S1 through the opening 14A, almost no dynamic pressure is generated within the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14. As a result, almost no suction of the sealed fluid F from between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21 into the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 occurs.

[0062] Furthermore, within the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15, the sealed fluid F moves from the inner diameter edge 15e to the outer diameter edge 15f, as shown by arrow F12. As a result, the fluid pressure at the inner diameter edge 15e becomes relatively lower than the surrounding fluid pressure. In other words, a relative negative pressure is generated near the inner diameter edge 15e, and the sealed fluid F that flows out between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21 from the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15' of the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 13' adjacent to the upstream side in the relative rotational direction is drawn into the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15, as shown by arrow F13. As mentioned above, since almost no dynamic pressure is generated in the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14, the fluid pressure at the inner diameter edge 15e of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 is relatively lower than the fluid pressure at the outer diameter edge 14e of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14. Therefore, the sealed fluid F between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21 is more easily drawn into the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 than into the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14.

[0063] Furthermore, within the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15, the depth D2 of the inner diameter edge 15e is the deepest (see Figure 4), allowing a large amount of the sealed fluid F to flow into the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15.

[0064] Furthermore, within the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15, the sealed fluid F moves along the side surface 15b toward the outer diameter edge 15f, as shown by arrow F14. As the sealed fluid F moves toward the edge 15f, the pressure of the sealed fluid F increases at the corner 15B formed by the edge 15e and the side surface 15b and in its vicinity. In other words, positive pressure is generated at the corner 15B of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 and in its vicinity.

[0065] Furthermore, since the depth of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 decreases from the inner edge 15e towards the outer edge 15f, the pressure of the sealed fluid F is easily increased as it moves towards the corner 15B of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15. In addition, because the rotation speed of the rotating sealing ring 20 is low, positive pressure is easily generated at the corner 15B of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 and its vicinity even if the amount of movement of the sealed fluid F is small.

[0066] Furthermore, the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 is longer in the extension direction than the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14, and more specifically, the circumferential component in the extension direction of the groove is longer, so the pressure is more easily increased as it moves towards the corner 15B of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15.

[0067] Furthermore, the positive pressure generated at the corner 15B of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 and its vicinity causes a slight separation between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21 (not shown). As a result, the sealed fluid F from the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 flows out between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21, mainly as shown by arrow F15. Moreover, since the outer diameter edge 15f of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 15 is located on the same plane as the flat surface of the land 12, positive pressure is generated over a wide area not only at the corner 15B but also across the outer diameter edge 15f. The presence of the sealed fluid F between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21 improves lubrication and suppresses wear between the sliding surfaces 11 and 21.

[0068] Furthermore, since the flow of atmospheric air A in the dynamic pressure generation mechanism 16 can be described as being substantially the same as the flow of the sealed fluid F in the dynamic pressure generation mechanism 13 described above (see the white arrow shown in Figure 6), a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0069] In this embodiment, a similar level of positive pressure is generated throughout the dynamic pressure generating mechanisms 13 and 16 during relative rotation in the forward direction as shown in Figure 3 and during relative rotation in the reverse direction as shown in Figure 6.

[0070] As explained above, the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14, 17 and the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15, 18, which constitute the dynamic pressure generating mechanisms 13, 16, have their bottom surfaces inclined in the same direction radially, and their depth relationship with respect to the relative rotation direction is reversed. As a result, with respect to relative rotation in the forward direction (see Figure 3), the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14, 17 become shallower towards the downstream end of the relative rotation, i.e., the end with the edge 14e, 17e. The second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15, 18 become deeper towards the downstream end of the relative rotation, i.e., the end with the edge 15e, 18e. This makes it easier for positive pressure to be generated in the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14, 17 and harder for negative pressure to be generated in the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15, 18. On the other hand, with respect to relative rotation in the reverse direction (see Figure 6), it is harder for negative pressure to be generated in the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14, 17 and easier for positive pressure to be generated in the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15, 18. Therefore, positive pressure is reliably generated across the entire first and second dynamic pressure generating grooves provided on the sliding surface 11 for relative rotation in both directions, and the sliding surfaces 11 and 21 are separated from each other, resulting in excellent lubrication of the stationary sealing ring 10 and the rotating sealing ring 20.

[0071] Furthermore, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 14 constituting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 13 has its deeper end, i.e., the end with edge 14d, in communication with the inner space S1, which is the space on the side of the sealed fluid F, and the first dynamic pressure generating groove 17 constituting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 16 has its deeper end, i.e., the end with edge 17d, in communication with the outer space S2, which is the space on the side of the atmosphere A. With this configuration, in the case of relative rotation in the forward direction, the sealed fluid F or atmosphere A is more easily supplied into the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14 and 17, so positive pressure tends to increase. Also, in the case of relative rotation in the reverse direction, the fluid is more easily discharged from the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14 and 17 into the inner space S1 or the outer space S2, so negative pressure is less likely to occur.

[0072] Furthermore, the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15 and 18 are closed grooves, and their length in the direction of extension is longer than that of the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14 and 17, specifically, their circumferential component in the direction of extension is longer. As a result, the positive pressure generation capacity of the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15 and 18, which do not communicate with either the inner space S1 or the outer space S2, is enhanced in response to relative rotation in the opposite direction. Therefore, a similar level of positive pressure is generated by the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14 and 17 and the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15 and 18 in response to relative rotation in both directions.

[0073] Furthermore, since the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14, 17 and the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15, 18 are connected substantially without the land 12, fluid can be easily supplied between the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14, 17 and the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15, 18. As a result, regardless of the relative rotation direction, fluid is supplied from the dynamic pressure generating groove where positive pressure is generated to the dynamic pressure generating groove where negative pressure is less likely to be generated, making it even less likely for negative pressure to be generated in the dynamic pressure generating groove where negative pressure is generated.

[0074] Furthermore, the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14, 17 and the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15, 18 are arranged side by side in the radial direction. This arrangement generates dynamic pressure of different magnitudes in the radial direction on the sliding surface 11, making it easier for dynamic pressure to be generated uniformly across the circumferential direction of the sliding surface 11. In addition, the dynamic pressure generating mechanisms 13, 16 can be efficiently arranged in the circumferential direction of the sliding surface 11.

[0075] Furthermore, the sliding surface 21 of the rotating sealing ring 20 is a flat surface, and the sliding surface 11 of the stationary sealing ring 10 is provided with first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14, 17 and second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15, 18. This makes it easy to adjust the balance of the dynamic pressure generated by the entire first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14, 17 and second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15, 18.

[0076] Furthermore, the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14, 17 and the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15, 18 are formed with the same depth at their deepest and shallowest portions (see Figure 4), making it easier to adjust the balance of dynamic pressure generated across the entire first dynamic pressure generating grooves 14, 17 and the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 15, 18 to a similar degree in response to relative rotation in both directions. [Examples]

[0077] Next, the sliding parts according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 7. Note that descriptions of components that are identical to those in Embodiment 1 and therefore redundant will be omitted.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7, the stationary sealing ring 210 of this embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in that the first dynamic pressure generating groove 214 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 215 constituting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 213, and the first dynamic pressure generating groove 217 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 218 constituting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 216, are radially separated and not connected, but otherwise the configuration is the same as embodiment 1.

[0079] In this embodiment 2, the stationary sealing ring 210 has first dynamic pressure generating grooves 214, 217 and second dynamic pressure generating grooves 215, 218 spaced radially apart. Specifically, the outer diameter edge 214e of the bottom surface 214a of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 214 and the inner diameter edge 215e of the bottom surface 215a of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 215, and the inner diameter edge 217e of the bottom surface 217a of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 217 and the outer diameter edge 218e of the bottom surface 218a of the second dynamic pressure generating groove 218 are spaced approximately parallel to each other, and the space between them is a circumferentially extending band-shaped land 212a. The band-shaped land 212a is part of the land 212.

[0080] In the stationary sealing ring 210 of this embodiment 2, compared to the embodiment 1, the sealed fluid F or atmosphere A can be discharged between the sliding surfaces 211 and 21 along the outer diameter edge 214e of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 214 and the inner diameter edge 217e of the first dynamic pressure generating groove 217, respectively, thereby generating positive pressure over a wider range. [Examples]

[0081] Next, the sliding parts according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figure 8. Note that descriptions of components that are identical to those in Embodiment 1 and therefore redundant will be omitted.

[0082] As shown in Figure 8, the stationary sealing ring 310 of this embodiment 3 differs from embodiment 1 in that the second dynamic pressure generating groove 315 constituting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 313 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 318 constituting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 316 have longer radial components in the extension direction than the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 314 and 317, respectively, and the circumferential components in the extension direction of the grooves are approximately the same length. In other respects, it has the same configuration as embodiment 1.

[0083] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram for the sake of explanation, in this embodiment 3, unlike embodiment 1, the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 315 and 318 are formed such that the radial depth distribution has a gentler slope than that of the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 314 and 317.

[0084] In the stationary sealing ring 310 of this embodiment 3, the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 315 and 318 are formed such that their radial component in the extension direction is longer than that of the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 314 and 317, and their circumferential component in the extension direction is approximately the same length. Therefore, compared to the embodiment 1, more dynamic pressure generating mechanisms 313 and 316 can be arranged in the circumferential direction, and positive pressure can be generated in a balanced manner over the circumferential direction of the sliding surface 311. [Examples]

[0085] Next, the sliding parts according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Note that descriptions of components identical to those in Embodiments 1 and 3 will be omitted.

[0086] As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment 4, the stationary sealing ring 410 is formed such that the radial and circumferential components in the extension direction of the grooves are approximately the same length in the first dynamic pressure generating groove 414 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 415 that constitute the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 413, and in the first dynamic pressure generating groove 417 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 418 that constitute the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 416.

[0087] As shown in Figure 10, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 414 is inclined radially with respect to the flat surface of the land 12 such that the inner diameter edge 414d of the bottom surface 414a is the shallowest, and the outer diameter edge 414e of the bottom surface 414a is the deepest. In other words, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 414 is formed such that its depth decreases from the inner diameter edge 414d of the bottom surface 414a towards the outer diameter edge 414e. Furthermore, with respect to the forward relative rotation shown by the solid arrow in Figure 9, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 414 is formed such that it is shallower on the upstream side of the relative rotation and deeper on the downstream side of the relative rotation.

[0088] The second dynamic pressure generating groove 415 is radially inclined such that the inner diameter edge 415e of the bottom surface 415a is the shallowest, and the outer diameter edge 415f of the bottom surface 415a is the deepest. In other words, the second dynamic pressure generating groove 415 is formed so that its depth increases from the inner diameter edge 415e of the bottom surface 415a towards the outer diameter edge 415f. Furthermore, with respect to the relative rotation in the forward direction shown by the solid arrow in Figure 9, the second dynamic pressure generating groove 415 is formed so that it is deeper on the upstream side of the relative rotation and shallower on the downstream side of the relative rotation.

[0089] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram for the sake of explanation, in this embodiment 4, the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 414, 417 and the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 415, 418 are formed such that the radial depth distribution has the opposite slope to that of embodiment 1.

[0090] Thus, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 414 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 415 constituting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 413 have reversed depth relationships with respect to the relative rotation direction. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the first dynamic pressure generating groove 417 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 418 of the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 416 are formed in a so-called mirror image relationship with respect to the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 413, with reference to a center line (not shown) in the radial direction of the sliding surface.

[0091] In the stationary sealing ring 410 of this embodiment 4, the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 414 and 417 are separated from the inner space S1 or the outer space S2 by linear edges 414d and 417d. Therefore, by forming the first dynamic pressure generating groove 414 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 415 constituting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 413, and the first dynamic pressure generating groove 417 and the second dynamic pressure generating groove 418 constituting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 416, such that the radial and circumferential components in the extension direction of the grooves are approximately the same length, it is possible to generate a similar amount of positive pressure for relative rotation in both directions. [Examples]

[0092] Next, the sliding parts according to Example 5 will be described with reference to Figure 11. Note that descriptions of components that are identical to those in Example 2 and therefore redundant will be omitted.

[0093] As shown in Figure 11, the stationary sealing ring 510 of this embodiment 5 differs from embodiments 1 and 2 in that the first dynamic pressure generating groove 514 constituting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 513 and the first dynamic pressure generating groove 517 constituting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism 516 are not in communication with the inner space S1 or the outer space S2, respectively, the circumferential component in the extension direction of the groove is longer than that of the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 515 and 518, multiple (three in this embodiment 5) second dynamic pressure generating grooves 515 and 518 are arranged for each of the first first dynamic pressure generating grooves 514 and 517, and the groove width of the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 514 and 517 is larger than that of the second dynamic pressure generating grooves 515 and 518, respectively, but all other aspects are the same as those of embodiment 2.

[0094] In this embodiment 5, the stationary sealing ring 510 has first dynamic pressure generating grooves 514 and 517 that do not communicate with the inner space S1 or the outer space S2. Therefore, by arranging multiple second dynamic pressure generating grooves 515 and 518, which have lower positive pressure generating capacity, in addition to the first dynamic pressure generating grooves 514 and 517, which have a long circumferential component in the extension direction of the groove and a large groove width, it is possible to generate a similar level of positive pressure for relative rotation in both directions.

[0095] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and any changes or additions that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included.

[0096] For example, in the above embodiment, a mechanical seal for automobiles was described as an example of a sliding part, but other mechanical seals such as those for general industrial machinery may also be used.

[0097] Furthermore, while embodiments 1 to 5 described above explained examples in which the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove constituting the dynamic pressure generating mechanism are provided on a stationary sealing ring, the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove may also be provided on a rotating sealing ring, or the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove may be provided on the stationary sealing ring and the rotating sealing ring, respectively, or both. In other words, the sliding component of the present invention may be a stationary sealing ring or a rotating sealing ring.

[0098] Furthermore, in Examples 1 to 5, the sealed fluid side has been described as the high-pressure side and the leak side as the low-pressure side, but the sealed fluid side and the leak side may be at approximately the same pressure.

[0099] Furthermore, in Examples 1 to 5, the inner diameter side has been described as the side of the fluid to be sealed and the outer diameter side as the leakage side, but the outer diameter side may be the side of the fluid to be sealed and the inner diameter side as the leakage side.

[0100] Furthermore, although the sealed fluid F was described as a high-pressure gas in Examples 1 to 5, it is not limited to this; it may also be a liquid or a low-pressure gas, or a mist-like mixture of liquid and gas.

[0101] Furthermore, although the leakage fluid in Examples 1 to 5 was described as atmospheric air A, which is a low-pressure gas, it is not limited to this; it may also be a liquid or a high-pressure gas, or a mist-like mixture of liquid and gas.

[0102] Furthermore, while embodiments 1 to 5 above illustrate a configuration in which the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove extend in a straight line, the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove may also extend in a curved manner. That is, when the groove is viewed axially, the groove may be structured to narrow on at least one side in the circumferential direction.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments 1 to 5, the bottom surfaces of the first and second dynamic pressure generating grooves were shown to be inclined with respect to the flat surface of the land and extending in a straight line. However, the bottom surfaces of the first and second dynamic pressure generating grooves may be curved or their depth may change in a stepped manner, as long as their depth increases or decreases with respect to the direction of extension of the grooves.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments 1 to 5, the shallowest edges at the bottom surfaces of the first and second dynamic pressure generating grooves are shown to be arranged on the same plane as the flat surface of the land. However, the shallowest edges at the bottom surfaces of the first and second dynamic pressure generating grooves may have a predetermined depth, as long as it is deep enough to generate sufficient positive pressure.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 5, the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove may be arranged offset in the circumferential direction, as in the stationary sealing ring 610 of modified example 1 shown in Figure 12. It should also be noted that even with the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove offset in the circumferential direction, a portion of their ends may be connected.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 5, the inclination of the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove with respect to the relative rotational direction (circumferential direction) may be formed in opposite directions, as in the stationary sealing ring 710 of modified example 2 shown in Figure 13.

[0107] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments 1 to 5 and modifications 1 and 2 illustrate configurations in which the dynamic pressure generation mechanism is formed on both the inner and outer diameter sides of the sliding surface, the dynamic pressure generation mechanism may also be formed only on the inner diameter side of the sliding surface, as in the static sealing ring 810 of modification 3 shown in Figure 14, or only on the outer diameter side of the sliding surface, as in the static sealing ring 910 of modification 4 shown in Figure 15. In addition, three or more dynamic pressure generation mechanisms may be formed in the radial direction of the sliding surface.

[0108] Furthermore, while embodiments 1 to 5 and modifications 1 to 4 illustrate a configuration in which the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove are arranged radially, the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove may also be arranged circumferentially. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 1. Axis of rotation 2 sleeves 4 Housing 10. Static sealing ring (sliding part) 11 Sliding surface 12 Land 13,16 Dynamic pressure generation mechanism 14. First dynamic pressure generating groove 15. Second dynamic pressure generating groove 17. First dynamic pressure generating groove 18. Second dynamic pressure generating groove 20 Rotating sealing ring (sliding part) 21 Sliding surface A atmosphere F Sealed fluid S1 Internal space (space on the side of the sealed fluid) S2 External space (space on the leakage side)

Claims

1. A sliding component arranged opposite to the relative rotating parts of a rotating machine, wherein one of a pair of sliding surfaces is provided with a first dynamic pressure generating groove extending at an angle with respect to the relative rotation direction, and one of the pair of sliding surfaces is provided with a second dynamic pressure generating groove extending at an angle in the opposite direction to the first dynamic pressure generating groove with respect to the relative rotation direction, The first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove are arranged so that at least a portion of them overlap in the radial direction. The first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove are sliding parts whose bottom surfaces are inclined in the same direction in the radial direction.

2. The sliding component according to claim 1, wherein the deeper end of the first dynamic pressure generating groove communicates with either the space on the sealed fluid side or the leakage side.

3. The sliding component according to claim 2, wherein the second dynamic pressure generating groove is a closed groove, and the length of the second dynamic pressure generating groove in the inclination direction is longer than the length of the first dynamic pressure generating groove in the inclination direction in the first dynamic pressure generating groove.

4. The sliding component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove are connected.

5. The sliding component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove are arranged side by side in the radial direction.

6. The sliding part according to claim 1, wherein the sliding surface of one of the sliding parts is provided with the first dynamic pressure generating groove and the second dynamic pressure generating groove.

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