JPH03500676A - O-ring seals, articles of manufacture incorporating the same, and methods of making and using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] O-ring seals, articles of manufacture incorporating same, and methods of production and use thereof field of invention The present invention relates to O-rings, especially O-rings with excellent sealing and vibration damping properties. Regarding the manufacturing method thereof and the manufactured article provided with the O-ring seal of the present invention. It is.

Background of the invention A variety of manufacturing products, including packaging, valves, bearings, pistons, covers, and other manufacturing supplies. Much attention has been paid to providing consistent sealing performance for manufactured articles. gas Current sealing technologies, including jackets and liners, provide adequate sealing and Are you experiencing problems in providing product protection and/or long service life to consumers? Ru.

Additionally, improvements are made to dampen vibrations in machinery, equipment and other manufactured articles. A method and design is also needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new seal for damping vibrations for various products. The object of the present invention is to provide methods for manufacturing and using the same.

Key points of the invention According to the invention, to produce an article with excellent sealing and vibration damping properties A new and unique method and functional configuration of the invention is provided. Functional shape is inside and It is a curled, hollow, substantially o-shaped ring having an outer free end and an outer free end. [ The term ``substantially O-shaped rings'' refers to rings whose free ends are connected or overlapping. A ring forming a cross section with a perfect circular shape, as well as a ring whose free ends are simply close to each other. It includes a ring whose cross section is a partially open circle.

Due to the curled O-ring design, this has excellent compressibility, stress distribution and vibration damping properties. It has improved sexual properties.

Under compression, the hollow coil cross section further curls or ovalizes as it compresses. can be done. Additionally, its shape distributes compressive strain and absorbs vibrations. .

The O-Ring of the present invention can be used as a sealing liner or member for a wide range of applications including packaging. and can be used.

In another embodiment of the invention, the O-ring serves as a vibration damping member for equipment and machinery. It can be used as a bearing support part or for other purposes. .

Furthermore, the O-ring of the present invention can be used for other functional parts used in various devices, machinery, etc. for sealing and/or in combination with or as an integral part of a product or article. It can be used as a vibration damping member.

Curled O-rings are suitable for use with a variety of plastics or other conditions. It can be made from the following materials. Furthermore, this uses a combination of materials to create a layered structure. Alternatively, it can be manufactured with a reinforced structure.

The curling method of the present invention involves creating a preform, which preform is preferably In a preferred embodiment, it has a generally cylindrical wall.

The curled O-ring is formed by an edging tool, which is a cylindrical preform. engages the lower free end of the frame and pulls it outward or inward against the preform wall. direction and then upward and across the work surface in the direction of travel. will be changed. Preferably, the initiation of the curling action occurs at the free end of the cylindrical preform. The part is tapered to make it easier. The curling action at this point is This gives an rJJ or rUJ shape to the outer end. Shape “0” or coil shape After exiting the working surface of the tool, the free end itself extends upwardly and inwardly. or outward, which is due to the stress exerted by continuous compression and plastic memory. Thus occurs, completing the formation of a hollow rOJ ring. Furthermore, the compression of the cylindrical part is Proceeding beyond this point and forming a more complete coiled ring. Making edge bending tools The working surface is preferably curved, but multiple flat surfaces may be used if desired. Can also be done.

To facilitate the curling operation or to improve the size, shape or characteristics of the resulting O-ring. To change, the edging tool can be heated, which can be rotated or For use in linear compression without rotation, or at the free end of a cylindrical part during forming. It can also be rolled along. The free ends of the cylindrical parts can be simultaneously or sequentially Can be curled.

In other embodiments, the curled free end forms an O-ring shape. A hollow space sealed by welding to the wall at a point where it will later come into contact with the wall. A seal having pneumatic sealing properties can be formed.

In yet other embodiments, the curled O-ring has slits or undulations. It is also possible to change and improve its elasticity and function.

O-rings formed by the curling method of the present invention are relatively soft and malleable. With a tick-sealing surface, it is also relatively stronger, more resilient and creep-resistant It also has a base or support part of the same plastic. This is a curled O- By creating distortion inside the plastic of the ring itself and adjusting this achieved.

Preferably, the outer Murakami surface of the O-ring is under tension while the inner support substrate is in a compressed state. Additionally, the 〇-ring is made of the multi-face plastic of the present invention. The stretched sealing surface has no residual microscopic voids that soften it. It can also be made to include.

Brief description of the drawing The accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like parts illustrate embodiments of the invention, It is not meant to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the O-ring seal of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the O-ring seal of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the edging tool and the preform to be curled. and Figure 3A is used to position the free end of the preform before curling. FIG. 2 is an exploded sectional view of a part of the holder; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the preform with the free end curled by the edging tool. can be, Is Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view of an O-ring with an opening? , Figure 6 shows the edging tool and Figure 6. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a preform for forming the O-ring shown in FIG. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the edging tool that forms the curled end of the O-ring shown in Figure 5. the law of nature, FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the O-ring in FIG. 5, and shows the O-ring in the curl direction. Figure 9 is a graph illustrating the stress balance shown in Figure 8. and Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the preform for the O-ring before curling. and Figure 11 is the same as Figure 10, except that the annular band has been curled, resulting in small holes. Figure 12 is the same as Figure 11, except that a curled self is generated. The distal end is in sealing engagement between the cap and the neck of the container and comprises a sealing region. degree of microscopic voids have been removed, FIG. 13 forms a groove modified to heat and melt the preform. One of the preforms of the O-ring seal according to the invention initially engaged with the edging tool FIG. Figure 14 is generally the same as Figure 13, except that the engagement of the edging tool is completed and The preform is fused and welded to the top of the preform wall, - Figure 15 Modified with multiple slits to increase its resiliency during compression sealing engagement. FIG. 16 is a vertical sectional view showing a part of the O-ring seal of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of the slitting tool of FIG. 16, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing a part of the O-ring seal shown in FIG. FIG. is a layered composite preform used to create O-rings with a layered structure. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the preform formed from the preform shown in FIG. - a cross-sectional view of the ring; FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an O-ring according to the present invention integrally formed with an article of manufacture. the law of nature, FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an O-ring integrally formed with an article of manufacture. the law of nature, FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the O-ring used as the damping member of the present invention, FIG. 24 is a sectional view of another O-ring of the present invention used as a damping member. .

Brief description of the drawing Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a hollow O-ring of the present invention is shown, which Made from plastic, having a curled wall 24, an inner free end 20 and an outer free end. portions 22, the free ends of which are compressively loaded against wall portions 24 and with respect to each other. It moves freely during the process and thus responds to the compressive load by further curling. can be done. In response to this function and the compressive load, the O-ring 10 becomes ovalized. The hollow shape provides a high degree of stress distribution throughout the curled wall portion 24 and Minimizes the tendency of stick materials to cold flow under compressive loads. 〇−Ring The design and construction method of can produce a sealing function and a vibration damping function. Furthermore, 0-ring 1 0 can also be made of heat resistant plastics suitable for high temperature applications.

3, 3A and 4, how to make an O-ring 10 of the present invention. The law is shown. In Fig. 3, a cylindrical tube 1 made by extrusion molding is shown. 8 is shown, which includes an edging tool 26 and a holder 2 for curling by the tool 26. Located between 7 and 7. The edging tool 26 is used to shape and size the curled wall 24. It has an annular groove portion 28 with a concave cross-section suitable for holding. The holder 27 is shown in Figure 3A. It has a relatively small annular groove 48 adapted to hold the automatic end 22 as shown in FIG. Ru.

As shown in FIG. This is done by pressing against the In this example, the groove indicating the center of the four parts The deepest portion 33 of the portion 28 is located outside the cylindrical plane of the wall portion 18 . Furthermore, groove part 2 8 is provided with an inclined portion 39 inwardly and tangentially to the recess, so that the tool 26 and the wall portion 1 Facilitates centering with 8. The movement of the tool 26 relative to the wall 18 -27 direction, the cylindrical surface of the wall 18 is pushed into the groove 28 by the inclined portion 39. and then pushed outward and then upward to create intermediate rJ It has a J shape (not shown). If this relative movement continues, the rim 30 will move away from the groove 28. 22, and is simultaneously pulled inward in response to the stress generated at 22. while forming the desired "0" ring curl 24 with the tool 26. with its outer free end 22 oriented upwardly and positioned on the inner surface 34. . Alternatively, the outer free end 22 may be formed by suitably modifying the tools 26 and 27 and the groove 28. This causes the cylindrical wall 18 to curl inwardly and rest on the outer surface 36. You can also

To facilitate curling, tool 25 is used for polypropylene. Approximately room temperature per winding cycle of approximately 0.5 to 10 seconds depending on size and material. It can be operated at temperatures of up to about 300'F.

After forming the curl 24, the edging tool 26 is withdrawn from the O-ring 10. 0-ring 10 is a bottom sealing part 32, an inner sealing part 34, an outer sealing part 36, and a top sealing part 38. Equipped with. One or more of these surfaces may be used for a compression sealing engagement. , where the O-ring 10 responds to said compression by highly distributing the resulting strain. Therefore, the degree of cold flow or permanent deformation can be reduced.

The preferred wrapping method of the present invention involves simple compression of the preform walls 18 to form the grooves 28. This is done simultaneously over its outer circumference by a tool 26 that is Furthermore, the tool 26 or curl operation sequentially over the outer circumference of the preform wall 18. It can be carried out sequentially or at different work stations. More tools 26 or the preform can also be heated to facilitate wrapping.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, another embodiment of the invention is shown, in which O-ring The cylindrical preform 18 of the group 10a may be continuous or may have a central opening as shown. It is made with a top wall 12 having a mouth 13. When the top wall portion 12 is continuous , there is no top free end 22 relative to the wall 18. Figures 6 and 7 are similar to Figures 3 and 7. and as shown in FIG. The preform 18a is held in position and formed on the oriented upper surface 12. (See Figure 5). 0-ring 10a is plasti The preform can be made by injection, compression or other It can be formed using shaping techniques.

Furthermore, the vibration 7 and ohm 18a of the 0-ring 10a are suitable for stamping and other techniques. Therefore, it can be formed.

Other materials can also be used depending on the preform forming method appropriate for the material.

According to the method of the invention, the physical properties of the plastic further improve its sealing properties. It will be improved to increase. That is, the plastic at the sealing surface 24 of the seal The hook is made softer and more compliant, and the base and support portion 44 are made softer and more compliant. Stronger, more elastic and creep resistant, this makes the plastic more resilient during curling operations is the result of stress applied to .

8 and 9, the preformed cylindrical wall 18H may have other shapes. By providing a shape, the curling operation produces a balanced residual response for the resulting seal 10a. Provides force and stress difference. This portion 24 of the seal 10a that is stretched is The portion 44 which is under tension and is compressed is under compression. Stress level may be tense The degree of stress varies depending on the degree of compression, and the degree of stress varies as in the static state. degree and direction are balanced and maintained with each other.

As shown in FIG. 8, the preform is Balanced as a result of stretching or compressing the cylindrical wall 18a through its thickness. Residual stress is generated in the curl direction. Convex outer sealing surface 24 indicated by point Y The plastic is stretched in the curling direction and has a high residual tension in the vicinity. become. The opposing concave inner surfaces indicated by point X are compressed in the curl direction, A state of high residual compression results in tension at or near the outer convex surface. Balance and maintain. Figure 9 shows the neutral point 0 and the inner and outer surfaces. Thickness of the plastic, including points of maximum compression and tension at or near The direction, total, and distribution of these stresses over the area are shown. Conventional features of the present invention In the implementation, the maximum tensile stress occurs over a predetermined distance from the surface. Point A The sum of the compressive stress defined by OX is the sum of the tensile stress defined by point BOY. equals the sum. The large tension at point Y and the remainder of the sealing surface 24 Weakens the surface and makes it softer, making it easier to deform to and beyond the yield point The level of tension required to achieve this is much lower. In this regard, the general Stiffer and stronger plastics are listed as well as softer and weaker plastics. move. Similarly, the high compression state at point X and support portion 44 is here Making plastics stiffer, stronger and more creep resistant.

Referring to Figures 10-12, the sealing surface may form microscopic voids therein. As a result, the characteristic of the present invention is shown to be softened, which eliminates this type of void during stretching. This is done using molded plastic. Figure 10 shows the freedom before curling. The wall 18a of FIG. 6 is shown with an end 20. FIG. Figure 11 shows the curl operation. The curl of FIG. 5 with microscopic voids 25 in the sealing surface 24 formed during The curling operation is preferably carried out at room temperature to eliminate voids. facilitates the formation of The dimensions and/or number of voids 25 are determined by It is related to the extent to which it is stretched.

FIG. 12 shows the closure 50 being compressed against the rim 64 of the container neck 62. shows a seal IC1a with a surface 24 used as a rim seal gasket; As a result, voids are reduced and eliminated at the sealing surface and adjacent sealing area. be removed.

Thus, the curling method of the present invention used to form the desired shape can be applied to the sealing surface. The physical properties of the plastic used for overall cap strength and integrity Desired for improved sealing properties due to the desired harder and non-yielding material properties. It will be seen that the properties of the material are modified to be softer, more yielding and malleable. .

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, another embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which Forming and welding a hollow molded ring 10c to enclose the hollow space. to form an article with atmospheric pressure properties. FIG. 13 shows the part made by tool 26. Wall portion 18a is shown with a curled seal end. The tool 26 is an annular groove. 28a, a portion of which is limited by an annular tool insert 42 and heated at a high temperature. and the insulating portion 51 allows the remainder of the tool 26 to operate at lower temperatures. . The free end 20 has a rim 30 of reduced thickness, which is different from the rest of the free end 20. It can also be rapidly heated to melting temperature.

The heated tool insert 42 is heated to a temperature well above the melting point of the plastic. to melt the reduced thickness rim 30 but with the thicker trailing free end portion 2. 0, which moves into contact during the curling operation and forms an O-shaped curl 24 of the free end 20. not high enough to form a Once the molten rim 30 has completed its wrapping, this An adhering portion 49 is formed in contact with the wall portion 18a and welded as shown in FIG. 14.

The resulting wound 0-ring IOC is thereby prevented from potentially unwinding and It is converted into a pneumatic shape. If necessary, the curled O-ring 10a can be After the shaped cross-section is formed, it can be welded or otherwise bonded. .

Referring now to FIGS. 15-18, other embodiments are shown in which the present invention is described. A slit is provided in the non-sealing part of the O-ring 10d to improve compression sealing engagement. imparts elasticity. FIG. 15 shows a cross section of the wall portion 24a curled inward. , a slit 34 is shown in its interior 34. These slits are the internal holes 34. The purpose is to eliminate the compression strength, and therefore the resistance to compression is mainly due to the curl method. This results in increased flexibility and elasticity. Figures 16 and 17 are A cut tool 60 is shown with slit members 59 spaced radially around an upper circumference thereof. do. To form a slit O-ring 10d, curl the free end 2 4a, first formed in the manner described in Figures 6 and 7, and then slit. Tool 60 is engaged therewith to form slit 44 (see FIG. 18). as necessary Accordingly, the slitted spiral free end 24a is made with an outward orientation. be able to. Furthermore, these slits can be inserted into the wall after or before curling. It is also possible to provide a slit in the portion 18d and extend it to the lip 20. .

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, another embodiment of the present invention is shown, which The layered composite of two materials can be curled to create an O- A ring 10e can be formed. Figure 19 shows an external structure similar to that shown in Figure 6. A side preform 18b and an inner preform 19 are shown. inside and outside Molding or gluing preforms 19 and 18b or simply curling They can also be stacked in near-intimate contact with each other. Then, as a unit These preforms are curled as shown in Figures 3 and 4 and Figures 6 and 7. As a result, an O-ring 10e shown in FIG. 20 is obtained. Layered material Possibilities of combining the ring 10e shape include heat resistance, deformation under large loads, surface conformability and and seal integrity, resistance to vibration fatigue and other properties. Therefore, the range of its usefulness can be improved.

Referring to FIG. 21, another embodiment of the invention is shown, in which a curled O- The ring 10f is integrally sealed with another functional component or article 6 having a recess 16. The recess 16 cooperates with the edging tool 26 to form the curl 24 and maintain the curl. hold Adjacent to the recess is a support surface 40 which axially compresses the curl 24. Acts to limit the extent to which it can be compressed, and only within a certain range of displacement or compression This creates a certain degree of sealing force that can be applied by the curl 24. tighten and maintain a predetermined level of elasticity. If necessary, control the compression of curl 24. The limiting support surfaces 40 can also be provided at spaced apart locations. Articles as shown 6 includes a central opening 13.

Referring to FIG. 22, there is shown an article 6a similar to article 6 of FIG. Retaining surface 40 is positioned to limit displacement of curl 24 in the radial direction. 0- Rings 10f and 10g can be attached to sleeves, pistons, etc. in this way or in other ways. articles or seals such as engines, rotors, stators, covers, containers, valves, bearings, etc. It can be used for items such as 6.68 that require.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, in order to form a mounting portion 54 for damping vibrations, The use of the present invention is shown. FIG. 23 shows rotor 56 and integral O-ring. bearing mounting part 54a with 0-ring part], Oh, and 0-ring part 10. Attach the ring 58 to its housing or other adjacent parts via h. O- Ring 10h includes an integral wall 56 extending from its outer free end 22 to provide a bear ring. 58. If necessary, the 0-ring 10h is aligned with the bearing 58. It can also be a body.

FIG. 24 shows a mounting leg 5 with an integral O-ring portion 101 that may also be used. 4b is shown. O-ring shape distributes and absorbs vibrational stress for effective Acts as a vibration damping mechanism. In this type of application, the 0-ring section is It can be integral with or attached to the bearing or leg, and plastics that provide superior elasticity, resistance to vibration fatigue, or vibration absorption properties. can be made of materials that include Acetal polymer, nylon and other semi-flexible and rigid plastics are examples. Applications for this type of attachment 0-Ring] The dimensions of the 0 are chosen for the load, the nature of the vibration and its creation. It varies considerably depending on the material.

Polypropylene O-ring gasket or liner according to the invention for the cap Typical rOJ ring curl 24 for cap size 23mm Dimensions are approximately 0.040 to 0.150 inches per curl diameter and wall thickness. The diameter is approximately 0.0007 to 0.030 inches.

The cap dimensions of this type of O-ring liner typically range from 20 to 120 mm. bottle and/or jar dimensions range from 2 to 128 ounces in capacity. Ru.

Large capacity containers such as drums or barrels are also suitable for practicing the invention. However, smaller bottles and other containers are also suitable.

A useful plastic that can be used to form the O-ring 10 of the present invention is polyester. Propylene, high density polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylonitrostyrene Butadiene polymer, acetal polymer, nylon, polyester, polycarbonate polysulfone and many other semi-rigid to rigid plastic materials, even Examples include reinforced or layered composites.

Voids and consequent softening that can be used with the O-ring of the present invention Other useful plastics have positive properties when stretched past their tensile yield point. Microscopic voids or cracks can form within the plastic, softening the plastic. selected from a group of common plastics that act to make the material more compressible. It will be done. The group of plastics that exhibit this property includes virtually all types of polymers (including For example, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, polycarbonate, polyester polyester, polyester, nylon, etc.), preferably alloys and blends. , multipolymer, multiface polymer or other names. selected from a group of sticks, many of which are modern plastic encyclopedias. Bezier (1986-1987), pp. 105-111, the entire disclosure of which It is quoted here for reference.

An example of this type of composite is an ethylene-propylene copolymer (e.g. Hymont 5B 781) and rubber-modified polystyrene (e.g. Monsando Lastrex 4 300). Typically, useful plastics are propylene copolymers (she 522), which has a microscopic diameter in the range of about 0.25 to about 3.0 μm when stretched. Forms a target void.

The present invention in a broad sense is not limited to the above-mentioned specific examples, but may include any invention within the scope of the present invention. Many modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the invention and without losing its principal advantages. change is possible.

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Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. Less compressible, with a curled annular wall having inner and outer free ends. At least practically an O-shaped hollow ring. 2. The inner and outer free ends move against the wall and with respect to each other when subjected to compressive loads. A ring according to claim 1, which is movable. 3. 2. The ring according to claim 1, wherein the annular wall is radially and axially compressible. Ng. 4. 2. A ring according to claim 1, wherein the inner and outer free ends overlap. 5. A ring according to claim 1 made of plastic. 6. The plastic is multi-faced and the ring has microscopic voids inside. The ring according to claim 5, comprising: 7. Plastics include polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and acryloni Tolyl/styrene/butadiene polymers, polyacetals, nylons, polycarbons 6. A ring according to claim 5 selected from bonate and polysulfone. 8. A ring according to claim 1 made of a layered structure comprising plastic. 9. Claim 1 having a central opening bounded by said curled annular wall. Ring as described. 10. A ring according to claim 1, which is used as a locking means. 11. In forming the at least substantially O-shaped ring, (a) forming an article having a suspended skirt with a free end, and (b) shaping said ring by having its free end at least close to the skirt; Engage the free end with the edging tool until A method for forming a ring, characterized by: 12. The method according to claim 11, in which the curled free end portion is fused to the skirt. Law. 13. Claim 11, wherein the free end is curled outwardly from the skirt. Method. 14. Claim 11, wherein the free end is curled inwardly from the skirt. Method. 15. Claim 11, wherein the suspension skirt has a layered structure of plastic and metal. The method described in section. 16. (a) an article having an annular support surface; and (b) a cover integral with the annular support surface of the article. an annular wall having a free end; shape ring and A lockable article comprising: 17. Claim 15, wherein the annular wall is radially and axially compressible. Sealable articles. 18. Claim 15, wherein the free end portion overlaps the curled annular wall portion. sealable articles. 19. 16. The sealable article of claim 15, wherein the support surface limits compression of the ring. Goods. 20. 16. The sealable article of claim 15 made from plastic. 21. The plastic is multi-faced and the seal has internal microscopic voids. 20. The sealable article of claim 19. 22. Plastics include polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and acrylic Nitrile/styrene/butadiene polymers, polyacetals, nylon, polycarbonate The sealable material according to claim 19 is selected from carbonate and polysulfone. capable goods. 23. The seal according to claim 15, which is made of a layered structure comprising plastic. Possible items 24. Claim 1 having a central opening bounded by said curled annular wall. The sealable article according to item 15.