NL1024078C2 - Component is for sealing aperture, particularly one cleft-shaped between pipe outer end and movable plate-shaped flap extending parallel to outer end - Google Patents

Abstract

The component (10) is for sealing an aperture (2), particularly one cleft-shaped, between a pipe outer end (3A,B) and a movable plate-shaped flap (5) extending parallel to the outer end, with which the pipe end is closable. The sealing component is ring-shaped, has stiffened edges (12,14) joined by a relatively flexible central part (16). The central part comprises a chamber (18) limited by first and second wall parts (20,22). The second wall part in use together with the edges locates against a pipe wall abutting on the aperture. The first wall part, when the edges are axially loaded, bends through into a direction turned away from it.

Description

\

Title: Sealing element, sealing profile and seal provided with such a sealing element and / or sealing profile.

The invention relates to a sealing element for sealing an opening, in particular an opening between two pipe ends, intended for passage of a plate-shaped valve. Such seals are used, inter alia, in the process industry, dredging industry, mining and water purification industry, whereby a flow through the pipe is controlled with the valve.

With these known seals, each pipe end is provided with a substantially annular sealing element, with relatively rigid edges and a relatively resilient middle part. The sealing elements are inserted into the tube ends in such a way that a first edge protrudes beyond the tube and, with the valve fully open, abuts against the first edge of the other sealing element, to form a watertight seal. When the valve is closed, the edges are pushed apart by the valve, pressing the resilient middle part. As a result, the valve can be slid between the sealing elements and the first edges will abut sealingly on either side of the valve.

A drawback of these known sealing elements is that pressing the middle part costs relatively much force, which force increases with increasing compression. Such a spring characteristic leads to high operating forces of the valve and high frictional forces between the valve and the sealing element, which promotes excessive wear and increases the risk of early failure.

The invention has for its object to provide a sealing element of the above-described type, wherein the drawback of the known sealing elements is at least partially eliminated, while maintaining its advantages. More in particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a sealing element with a favorable spring characteristic.

1024078

I 2 I

It is a further object of the invention to provide a sealing element which I

I, in the case of axial compression, substantially abuts against one at the opening I

Adjacent wall, in particular the inner wall of a pipe end. I

A further object of the invention is to provide a seal of which I

The components, in particular the sealing elements, are relatively simple

Can be manufactured accurately. I

I These and further goals are at least partially achieved with an I

Seal according to the measures of claim 1. I

In a sealing element according to the present invention, it is I

Middle part by means of a chamber subdivided into a first and I

I second wall part. The first wall part is thereby in use on one of I

I side facing away from the tube wall, while the second wall part is substantially I

I lies against the pipe wall. The design of the room is such that in I

I use forces exerted on the sealing element mainly by the I

The first wall part is passed through and this wall part thereby mainly on I

I bend. As a result, the spring characteristic of the I

I sealing element mainly determined by deflection. By a suitable I

I choice of the design, location and dimensions of the room and I

The thickness variation of the first wall part associated therewith can be an I

I 20 somewhat Stormy spring characteristic can be realized, whereby an I

I required pressing force initially increases, then, at I

I exceeding a certain threshold value, essentially constant I

I remains so that it is possible to compress with relatively little force and finally, after the I

I reaching a maximum stroke increases again. I

Such a spring characteristic can in principle be without second I

I wall part can be realized. The second wall part, however, offers the I

I have the advantage that with bending between the first wall part and I

The cavity formed in the tube wall can be sealed. This way I

I prevented dirt from accumulating in this cavity and, certainly after curing, I

Prevents the sealing element from returning to its undeformed state. I

I 1024070 I

3

As a result, the sealing element could no longer provide a good seal with the valve open.

In order to promote contact of the first wall part against the tube wall, the chamber is preferably designed such that the second wall element has a relatively small thickness. As a result, this second wall part will deform relatively easily and, as a result, it can simply be pressed against said tube wall, for example by a pressure built up in the chamber of a fluid present therein.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the chamber 10 is filled with a fluid according to the features of claim 5. A fluid is not, at least difficult to compress, and thus prevents the chamber from being compressed in use. Instead, a reduction in the axial direction will be accompanied by an expansion in the radial direction, so that the total volume remains constant on balance. This effect can advantageously be used to press or hold the second wall part against the tube wall. Moreover, the liquid exerts an even pressure on the surrounding walls, which contributes to an even load on the sealing element.

In a further elaboration, a sealing element according to the invention is characterized by the features according to claim 6.

The sealing element is preferably made from synthetic or natural rubber, the edges of which are reinforced with metal inserts. Rubber has a relatively high wear resistance, is easy to process, can withstand the relatively extreme conditions of use, in particular water and mud, and has good resilient and damping properties. The metal inserts are preferably designed as rigid, form-retaining rings which, once inserted into a tube end, prevent the edges from moving in a radial direction. The sealing elements can for instance be manufactured by casting, wherein the inserts are integrally cast.

The sealing elements, however, are preferably integral with the inserts 1024073 I 4

I manufactured by intruding. Under intruding in this context, an I

I mean a manufacturing process in which a mold is filled with the aid of I

I from an extruder arranged for the mold, as is known from injection molding, I

However, not all of the material is under relatively high pressure and speed

I is injected, but a part of the material is under relatively low pressure

I and speed is introduced by rotation of an I arranged in the extruder

I screw. As a result, smaller molds can be used proportionally. I

I suffice, saving costs. I

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, an I

Sealing element according to the invention characterized by the measures I

I according to claim 7. I

I By mounting the sealing element from two separate sealing profiles

I construction can be considerably simplified because I

I each sealing profile with the most suitable one for that profile

Manufacturing technique can be realized. For example, a first profile, I

provided with the edges reinforced with inserts and with these edges I

connecting first wall part are manufactured by insertion, as I

I described above. A second profile, provided with the room and the I

The second wall part, for example, can then be extruded. Because of this I

The shape and dimensions of the chamber and, consequently, the I

final spring characteristic can be controlled even better, so that very I

I reliable and predictable sealing behavior is obtained. The I

individually formed profiles may then, prior to or I

are pushed together during installation in the tube, and are added at I

Preferably mutually connected, for example by gluing, that no I

I water, sand or other dirt can get in between. I

The invention furthermore relates to a first and second I

Sealing profile, which together form a sealing element according to the invention

I can form. The invention also relates to a seal I

I 1024078 of an opening between two pipe ends and a plate-shaped valve movable therebetween.

Further advantageous embodiments of a seal, sealing element, sealing profiles and method according to the invention are described in the further subclaims.

To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments of a seal according to the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. It shows:

FIG. 1A shows a longitudinal section through an opening between two pipe segments, provided with a seal according to the invention, with the valve fully open;

FIG. 1B the seal according to FIG. IA in deformed condition, with the valve closed;

FIG. 2 shows in cross-section a first embodiment of a sealing element according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows in cross-section a second, two-part embodiment of a sealing element according to the invention; and

FIG. 4 shows a typical spring characteristic of a sealing element according to the invention.

Figures 1A, B show in longitudinal section a seal 1 of an opening 2 between two pipe ends 3A, B, intended for passage of a plate-shaped valve 5, with which the passage and hence a flow through the pipe ends 3A, B can be influenced. To this end, the valve 5 can be moved with suitable driving means 4 (only schematically shown in Fig. 1A) between a fully opened position, as shown in Figs. 1A and a closed position, as shown in FIG. 1B. In both positions, the opening 2 is sealed watertight to the environment by two substantially annular sealing elements 10 which are slid into the tube ends 3A, B, up to a stop surface 6, 30 provided in the tube end 3A, B, which is at an axial distance L is arranged from the pipe edge, which 1024078 I 6

Distance L smaller than the height H of the sealing element 10. The I

I pipe part L up to the stop 6 ie preferably recessed, with a depth D I

Which is substantially equal to the width B of the sealing element 10 (see I

FIG. 2).

The sealing elements 10 (see also Fig. 2) are made from an I

I relatively resilient material, for example (synthetic or natural) I

rubber, wherein the first and second edges 12, 14 are reinforced with at least I

radially rigid, dimensionally stable inserts 13, 15, which I

for example, can be made of metal. In order to I

The spring characteristic of the sealing element 10 is advantageous in the axial direction

I influence is the middle part 16 between the reinforced edges 12,14 I

I provided with a substantially rectangular chamber 18, which extends to near I

I extends the inserts 13,15 and is placed slightly off center, so that I

The middle part 16 is divided into a first wall part 20, with a relative I

A large thickness d1 and a second wall part 22, with a smaller thickness d2. The I

Chamber 18 can be filled with any fluid, for example air, I

But is preferably filled with a liquid, in particular water, I

Which, for example, can be introduced with the aid of a valve. The I

I liquid ensures that the chamber 18 can deform during use I

20 but cannot be compressed. In addition, the fluid exerts an I

I apply uniform pressure to the surrounding walls, which is favorable

I for a good contact of the sealing element 10 against the tube wall, such as I

I will be further explained. I

I A sealing element 10 as described above with the I

The second edge 14 is slid in front of a pipe end 3A, B until this second edge 14 abuts against the abutment surface 6. In this position the inserts 13,15 lie substantially within the pipe ends 3A, B and thus prevent the sealing element 10, at least the edges 12, 14 thereof, can move in the radial direction. The stop surface 6 holds further axial

Displacement tube inwards. Thanks to the recessed pipe end 3A, B

The inner wall of the sealing element 10 connects more or less seamlessly to the adjacent tube wall so that a smooth inner wall is obtained. The first edges 12 of the sealing elements 10 extend sealingly against each other beyond the pipe end 3A, B and Uggen with the valve 5 (Fig. IA) open.

If the valve 5 is now closed (Fig. 1B) and is pushed for this purpose between the first edges 12, these will be loaded in the axial direction. Note that the edges 23 of the sealing elements 10 facing each other and towards the valve δ are chamfered to form a V-shaped groove which facilitates the insertion of the valve 5. Moreover, the valve edge itself is also chamfered, as a result of which the edges 12 will gradually be driven apart and the axial load will gradually be increased. Due to the asymmetrical location of the first wall part 20 relative to the first edges 12, this wall part 20 will be subjected to bending due to this axial force, resulting in the wall part 15 bending in a direction away from the pipe wall.

The associated spring characteristic is shown schematically in Fig. 4, in a continuous line. For comparison, a spring characteristic associated with a sealing element 10 without chamber 18 is shown in broken lines. It can clearly be seen that in that case the required force (plotted on the Y-axis) increases progressively with increasing depression (plotted on the X-axis). ). As a result, the force on the valve 5, when it is completely slid between the first edges 12, will be relatively large, which leads to high operating forces, frictional force and rapid wear.

In a sealing element 10 according to the invention, after an initial linear increase, the spring characteristic has a substantially horizontal course, the force for pressing the first edges 12 being relatively low and remaining virtually constant. Only when a certain maximum impression has been reached does the force increase again. By ensuring that operation of the valve 5 takes place substantially in the horizontal range of the spring characteristic, relatively low operating forces can suffice, with associated low frictional forces and low wear.

When the sealing element 10 is depressed, the chamber I18 is also compressed in the axial direction. With a constant volume, this will result in an expansion in the radial direction. Because expansion in the I direction of the tube wall is prevented by that tube wall, all I radial expansion will take place in a direction away from this wall, resulting in a substantially D-shaped chamber 18, as shown in FIG. 1B.

The second wall part 22 is thereby pressed against the pipe wall between the chamber 18 and the pipe wall 10, so that a good abutment against the pipe wall is guaranteed during deformation of the sealing element 10.

This prevents dirt from accumulating between the tube and the sealing element and thus preventing return of the sealing element to an undeformed state (as shown in Fig. IA).

In the case of a sealing element 10, therefore, on the one hand, thanks to the first wall part 20 subjected to deflection, an advantageous spring characteristic is obtained, wherein the valve 5 can be operated with a minimum resistance after victory of a certain threshold value, while the chamber 18 filled with liquid I , in combination with the second wall part 22 ensures a good abutment against the tube wall.

The embodiment shown in FIG. The sealing element 10 shown in Fig. 2 can be manufactured, for example, by casting or inserting, wherein the inserts 13, 15 are integrally molded or integrated. A disadvantage of these manufacturing methods, however, is that they do not allow precise control of the dimensions of the chamber. In FIG. 3 an alternative H embodiment is shown, this disadvantage being solved. The shape of the sealing element H 10 'essentially corresponds to the embodiment according to FIG. 2. Identical or corresponding parts are designated with the same or corresponding reference numerals. However, the embodiment 30 differs from the one shown in FIG. 2, in that the sealing element 10 'is formed from two separate sealing profiles 25, 26, wherein a first sealing profile 25 comprises the two reinforced edges 12,14 and a first wall part 20 connecting these edges 12,14 and the second sealing profile 26 comprises the chamber 18 and the second wall part 22 adjoining it. Such a two-part embodiment offers the advantage that both profiles 25, 26 can each be manufactured with a different manufacturing technique that is most suitable for the relevant profile 25, 26. The first profile 25 can thus be integrated, just like the embodiment according to FIG. 2, wherein the inserts 13, 15 are integrally integrated, while the second profile 26 can be extruded.

As a result, a very accurate control of the chamber dimensions is possible, and thus an accurate control of the spring characteristic.

The profiles 25, 26 are designed such that they can fit into each other, whereby they together have a substantially rectangular cross-section, substantially corresponding to the cross-section of the embodiment according to FIG. 2. The effect thereof also corresponds. The two profiles 25, 26 can be laid loosely in each other, but are preferably mutually connected with the aid of fixing means known per se, such as, for example, high-frequency or thermo-welding or gluing, all such that there is no gap between the profiles 25, 26. can add water or dirt.

The invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the description and the drawing. Many variations thereof are possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

The chamber can thus have a different cross-section, for example elliptical, the thickness di of the first wall part gradually decreasing and / or increasing. The sealing element can also have a cross-section deviating from the rectangular shape in cooperation with the outer end. Thus, for example, the cross-section toward the first or second edge may be slightly 1024078

I 10 I

Tapered. It is also possible to suffice without a second wall part in which I

I case the sealing element substantially corresponds to the first I

I sealing profile. The chamber can be made in a different way, for example I

By covering the cavity in said first sealing profile with a second I

Wall element, which, for example by vulcanizing against the reinforced I

I edges can be fixed. I

I These and many variations are considered within the scope of the I

The invention is understood to be as defined in the following claims. I

I 1024078

Claims (19)

Sealing element (10) for sealing an opening (2), in particular a gap-shaped opening (2) between a pipe end (3A, B) and a movable plate-shaped valve (5) extending parallel to this end with which the pipe end (3A, B) can be closed, wherein the sealing element (10) is substantially annular, provided with reinforced edges (12,14) and a relatively flexible middle part (16) connecting these edges (12,14), which middle part (16) 16) comprises a chamber (18) bounded by a first and second wall part (20, 22), the second wall part (22) in use abutting along with the edges (12, 14) abutting against the opening 10 (2) adjacent tube wall and the first wall part (20), when axially loaded on the edges (12, 14), deflects in a direction away from the first wall part (20). A sealing element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the chamber (18) is placed out of the middle of the middle part (16), so that the second wall part 15 (22) has a smaller thickness (d2) than the first wall part (20) . A sealing element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the chamber (18) has a substantially rectangular cross-section, with rounded corners, in the unloaded state. 4. Sealing element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber (18) has a substantially D-shaped cross section in the loaded state. Sealing element according to one of the preceding claims, in which the chamber (18) is filled with a fluid, preferably a liquid, in particular water. Sealing element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (10) is made of a relatively flexible material, in particular a natural or synthetic rubber, and the edges (12, 14) are reinforced by means of inserts (13, 15) of a relatively rigid material, II in particular metal. I 7. Sealing element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein II the sealing element (10) is composed of two separate sealing profiles (25, 26) that fit into each other, wherein a first sealing profile (25) has the II reinforced edges (12, 14) ) and the first II wall part (20) connecting these edges (12,14), and the second sealing profile (26) comprising the chamber (18), II and the second wall part (22) adjacent to this chamber (18). I Sealing element according to claim 7, wherein the first profile (25) is made by insertion, wherein metal inserts (13, 15) are integrally integrated to reinforce the edges (12, 14). I A sealing element according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the second sealing profile (26) is made by extrusion. I 10. Sealing element according to one of the claims 7-9, wherein the first and second sealing profiles (25, 26) have a substantially rectangular cross section in assembled, unloaded condition. I Sealing element according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first edge (12) is provided on a side facing outwards in use with a stop surface which, in use, can abut against an edge of the pipe end. I Sealing element according to one of the preceding claims, in which II the first edge (12) is on a side facing outwards in use II is provided with a beveled surface (23), which in mounted position, together II with a beveled surface ( 23) forms an II V-shaped groove of an adjacent sealing element (10), for guided passage of an also V-shaped II chamfered edge of the plate-shaped valve (5). I Sealing element according to any of claims 6-12, wherein the inserts (13, 15) are annular. I 14 of the opening (2) lie against each other to form a watertight seal. I Sealing profile (25) suitable for use in a sealing element II (10) according to one of claims 7-12, comprising a first wall part II 1024078 I (20), which is provided with reinforced edges near two opposite longitudinal sides (12,14), which extend substantially perpendicular to the first wall part (20). A sealing profile (26) for use in a sealing element (10) according to any of claims 7-13, together with a sealing profile (25) according to claim 14, comprising a substantially elongated chamber (18) with rounded ends, and surrounded by relatively flexible walls. 16. Assembly of a first sealing profile (25) and a second sealing profile (26), for sealing a spit-shaped opening (2) with a variable width, the first sealing profile (25) comprising a first wall part (20) made of relatively flexible material, which wall part (20) is provided near two longitudinal edges with edges (12,14) extending substantially at right angles to this wall part (20) and reinforced with metal inserts (13,15), the second sealing profile (26) a chamber (18) filled with a fluid, which is bounded on one side by a substantially flat second wall part (22), the second sealing profile (26) being between the edges (12, 14) of the first sealing profile ( 25) the second wall part (22) can be accommodated to form a substantially continuous surface with a side of these edges (12, 14) remote from the first wall part (20), which sealing profiles (25, 26) under load of the one edge in the direction of the other one so be able to cooperate so that the edges (12, 14) can move substantially parallel to themselves towards each other and continue to form with the second wall part (22) a substantially contiguous, flat abutment surface. A seal (1) of an opening (2) between two pipe ends (3A, B) and a plate-shaped valve (5) movable therebetween, wherein in each pipe end (3A, B) there is a sealing element according to one of claims 1-13 inserted so that with a first edge (12) they extend beyond the pipe end (3A, B) over such a length that both first edges (12) are at level 1024078 A seal (1) according to claim 17, wherein the pipe ends (3A, B) are provided at some distance from their end with a supporting edge (6) for supporting the second edge (14) of axially a sealing element I (10). I A seal (1) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the tube ends I (3A, B) comprise a groove for receiving a sealing element (10), so that I have an inwardly facing surface of said sealing element (10) substantially I 10 is flush with an inner surface of the pipe end I (3A, B) adjacent to the groove. I 1024078