Abstract:
Various exemplary embodiments of a sealing apparatus are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment may comprise, a first connection having a first flange at an end portion thereof, a second connection having a second flange joined to the first flange at an end portion thereof, a plurality of coupling members for coupling the first and second flanges to each other, a wire gasket disposed on a joining surface between the first flange and the second flange and pressed therebetween, and a plurality of gasket fixing member retractably supported in one of the first flange and the second flange and continuously wound by the wire gasket.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2010-0038304, filed on Apr. 26, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a sealing apparatus for joints used in e.g., transport pipes for vacuum, gas, and liquid of vehicles, vacuum apparatuses, and hydraulic apparatuses, and more particularly, to a sealing apparatus of a connection, which can facilitate a sealing process and maximize sealing efficiency by allowing a wire gasket to not deviate from a sealing part of the connection during the sealing process of a flange. 
         [0003]    Sealing structures used for joining between a vacuum vessel used under ultra-high vacuum and a flange, or between vacuum vessels, are divided into con-flat (hereafter referred to as CF) sealing structures in which a metal plate of high plastic deformation is processed to be used as a gasket, helicoflex sealing structures in which a thin metal plate is covered over a ring formed as a spring, sealing structures using a metal wire gasket, and various improved CF sealing structures. According to the types of gaskets used in various sealing structures, a flange that is a sealing surface for sealing has to be processed to have unique shapes advantageous for coupling and airtightness of a gasket. 
         [0004]    The CF sealing structure widely used in the field of ultra-high vacuum uses a gasket that is mainly formed of a copper plate. In order to facilitate a plastic deformation of a soft copper surface, a sharp knife edge has to be formed on a flange that is a sealing surface for sealing. 
         [0005]    Since a gasket is resistant to an external force, it maintains its shape unless a special force is particularly applied to it. The gasket must not be deformed by the unique shape of the flange during sealing, or deviate from its installation location to cause a delay of working. 
         [0006]    Since the shapes of a flange and a gasket are standardized in CF flanges, CF flanges are widely used as circular flanges having a diameter of about 16.5 inches or less. However, since it is difficult to manufacture the shape of flanges, the shapes of the flange and the gasket are not standardized for angular small flanges. Accordingly, the CF flange is limitedly used for angular small flanges, and the circular flanges are not standardized for large-sized apparatuses. 
         [0007]    Since gaskets necessary for CF flanges have to be manufactured by punching a wide plate, the price of the gaskets is relatively high even though a non-standardized flange is used. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, it is difficult to apply the CF sealing structure to a flange having a rectangular shape or an unusual shape, or a large-sized flange. Particularly, for a vacuum chamber or a large-sized flange having a diameter of about 16.5 inches or more, a helicoflex gasket or a metal wire gasket is used for a flange having an entirely flat shape without processing a special structure on the surface of the flange. 
         [0009]    In the helicoflex gasket, since the joining surface of a flange is flat, and the shape of the gasket is not flexible, the helicoflex gasket can be applied to any type of circular or angular flange. Also, the helicoflex gasket can be used even when the joining surface of the flange is horizontal, vertical, or oblique with respect to the ground. However, since the helicoflex gasket is very expensive, maintenance costs are high if frequent disassembling and assembling are necessary. 
         [0010]    In order to overcome the above-mentioned limitations, a metal wire is used as a gasket. However, when metal wire is used as a gasket, it may be difficult to maintain the regular shape of the gasket because flexible metal is usually used for the purpose of a large flange even when there is a difference according to the type and heat-treatment of metal constituting the gasket. Also, when the gasket is transferred or installed, it may be difficult to maintain its desired shape or to fix it at a desired position. 
         [0011]    When metal wire is used as a gasket, there are two types of gasket shapes. One type is where the gasket is specially formed to have a looped shape, and the other is where the gasket uses a typical long metal wire. 
         [0012]    In the former type, a gasket can be fixed on a flange and processed to fit the particular size of the gasket. This type is also standardized and used limitedly for a circular flange. However, although this type can be used even when the surface of the flange is horizontal or vertical, there is a technical difficulty in manufacturing the gasket. 
         [0013]    In the latter type, since wires having an open curved-shape are overlapped as a gasket and the joining surface of a flange is flat, a flange can be easily manufactured and used without limits to its shape or size. Also, since there are no limits to the thickness and length of the wires necessary for the gasket, it can be very inexpensively and easily supplied compared to gaskets used in other types of sealing methods. 
         [0014]    However, since a metal wire gasket used is thin, long, and flexible, it can be easily deformed by gravity and is not easy to fix on a flange, making the sealing process difficult. Accordingly, it has been limitedly used only for cases where the shape of a flange is rectangular, and the joining surface of the flange is horizontally placed with respect to the ground. 
         [0015]    Accordingly, since there is no apparatus for fixing a wire gasket on a joining surface of a flange at a connection to which a metal wire gasket is coupled, it is difficult to perform a sealing process due to movement of the wire gasket during the sealing process when a metal wire gasket is used. Also, when the joining surface is not horizontal, it is impossible to fix the wire gasket, thereby making the sealing process difficult. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0016]    The present disclosure provides a sealing apparatus using a wire gasket, which can improve reliability and work efficiency of a sealing process by making it possible to provide convenience during the sealing process by fixing the wire gasket on a joining surface of a flange at a connection portion thereof, and to inhibit the movement of the wire gasket by fixing the wire gasket regardless of the direction of the joining surface of the connection portion. 
         [0017]    Various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure may provide sealing apparatuses including: a first connection having a first flange at an end portion thereof; a second connection having a second flange joined to the first flange at an end portion thereof; a plurality of coupling members for coupling the first and second flanges to each other; a wire gasket disposed on a joining surface between the first flange and the second flange and pressed therebetween; and a plurality of gasket fixing members retractably supported in either the first flange or the second flange and continuously wound by the wire gasket. 
         [0018]    In another exemplary aspect, the gasket fixing member may comprise: a plurality of pin insertion grooves disposed along a circumferential direction of either the first flange or the second flange; and a plurality of fixing pins partially inserted into the plurality of pin insertion grooves and continuously wound by the wire gasket at protruding portions of the plurality of fixing pins. 
         [0019]    In still another exemplary aspect, the gasket fixing member may comprise: a plurality of pin insertion holes disposed along a circumferential direction of either the first flange or the second flange; and a plurality of fixing pins partially inserted into the plurality of pin insertion holes and continuously wound by the wire gasket at protruding portions of the plurality of fixing pins. 
         [0020]    According to some exemplary aspects, the apparatus may further comprise a thread groove at a center of the fixing pin and a plurality of pin height control bolts coupled to the thread groove. 
         [0021]    In one exemplary aspect, the apparatus may further comprise a spring for resiliently supporting the fixing pin in the pin insertion groove or the pin insertion hole into which the fixing pin is partially inserted. 
         [0022]    In yet another exemplary aspect, the gasket fixing member may be coupled to an outer circumferential surface of either the first flange or the second flange through an interference fit, and may include a plurality of fixing protrusions around which the wire gasket is continuously wound at a protruding side of the flange. 
         [0023]    In yet still another exemplary aspect, the fixing pin may be partially coupled to the pin insertion groove by frictional coupling of an outer circumferential portion thereof. 
         [0024]    According to another exemplary aspect, sealing apparatuses comprise: a first connection having a first flange at an end portion thereof; a second connection having a second flange joined to the first flange at an end portion thereof; a plurality of coupling members for coupling the first and second flanges to each other; and a wire gasket continuously wound around the plurality of coupling members to be pressed and fixed on a joining surface between the first flange and the second flange. 
         [0025]    In some exemplary aspects, the joining surface of one of the first flange and the second flange may include a stepped portion on a path that the wire gasket passes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a sealing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 2A through 2I  are cross-sectional views illustrating a pin used in the sealing apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a sealing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are perspective views illustrating a sealing process using the sealing apparatus of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating a sealing state completed using the sealing apparatus of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a sealing state completed using the sealing apparatus of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating a sealing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a fixing ring used in the sealing apparatus of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is a schematic view illustrating a joining structure between vacuum vessels to which a sealing apparatus of the present invention is applied. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. 
         [0037]    Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0038]      FIG. 10  is a schematic view illustrating a joining structure between vacuum vessels to which a sealing apparatus of the present invention is applied. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the sealing apparatus is applied to a joint  30  between a main vacuum vessel  10  and a sub vacuum vessel  20 , and a joint  30  for sealing a port  40  that is opened on one side of the main vacuum vessel  10 . Each of the joints  30  has a joining structure in which a first flange  111  and a second flange  111   a  are coupled to each other. 
         [0040]    Hereinafter, a sealing apparatus that is applied to a flange-type joint of a vacuum vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. 
         [0041]    Also, the sealing apparatus according to the present invention is used in transport pipes for vacuum, gas, and liquid of vehicles and hydraulic apparatuses 
         [0042]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a sealing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 2A through 2I  are cross-sectional views illustrating a pin used in the sealing apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 10 , a flange-type joint of a vacuum vessel may include first and second flanges  111  and  111   a  having a circular shape on the end portion of first and second connection  100   a  and  200   a  extending from vacuum vessels  10  and  20 , respectively. A plurality of bolt insertion holes  110   a  are arranged along a circumferential direction. A fixing bolt  104  (see  FIG. 5 ) is inserted into the bolt insertion hole  110   a  to mutually fix the first and second flanges  111  and  111   a  forming the joint  30  between the vacuum vessels  10  and  20 . A plurality of pin insertion grooves  102  are arranged along a circumferential direction at an equal interval. A plurality of fixing pins  103  are inserted into the plurality of pin insertion grooves  102 , respectively. 
         [0044]    The plurality of fixing pins  103  protrude to the outside to wind and fix a wire gasket  101 . When the first flange  111  is joined to the second flange  111   a , the plurality of fixing pins are inserted into the pin insertion grooves  102 . 
         [0045]    In the sealing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pin insertion groove  102  is formed on the surface of the first flange  111  that is formed on the first connection  100   a  formed of metal such as stainless steel or aluminum. The fixing pin  103  formed of plastic material such as Teflon or soft metal such as aluminum is partially inserted into the pin insertion groove  102 . The wire gasket  101  is wound and fixed on the plurality of fixing pins  103  protruding to the outside and the second flange  111   a  of the second connection  200   a  is joined to complete the sealing. 
         [0046]    The fixing pin  103  inserted into the pin insertion groove  102  has to protrude to the outside of the pin insertion groove  102  such that a portion of the fixing pin  103  can secure the wire gasket  101 . The protruding length of the fixing pin  103  protruding from the first and second flanges has to be greater than the diameter of the wire gasket  101  used in vacuum airtightness. 
         [0047]    Thus, the wire gasket  101  can be fixed on the fixing pin  103  during the sealing process of the joint  30  to prevent deviation from the sealing spot of the joint  30 , thereby increasing work efficiency during the sealing process. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 2A through 2I  are cross-sectional views taken along line I-I′ to describe a support structure of the pin used in the sealing apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0049]      FIGS. 2A through 2I  each show a processed state of the pin insertion hole  102  receiving the fixing pin  103  in the first flange  111  to fix the wire gasket  101 . 
         [0050]    A lower space is formed in the pin insertion groove  102  such that the fixing pin  103  is partially inserted and then further inserted upon a joining between flanges. According to the coupling method of a pin height control bolt  107 , the fixing pin  103  has a thread groove  105  therein or has a thread on inner circumferential surface through the whole of the fixing pin  103  (see  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A ,  2 C, and  2 G through  21 , the fixing pin  103  is coupled to the pin insertion groove  102  through a screw coupling method to facilitate retraction by a frictional coupling during the joining of the flanges. 
         [0052]    Also, a spring  106  is disposed in the residual space of the pin insertion groove  102  that receive a portion of the fixing pin  103 . Accordingly, during the joining of the flanges, the fixing pin  103  is further inserted into the pin insertion groove  102  by a resilient force. 
         [0053]    Furthermore, the fixing pin  103 , as shown in  FIG. 2F , includes a circular protrusion protruding at a lower portion thereof to facilitate retraction by frictional coupling during the joining of the flanges. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 2G through 2I  show pin insertion holes  102   a  formed in the first flange  111 . In the drawings, the fixing pins  103  are partially inserted into the pin insertion holes  102   a.    
         [0055]    A support structure of the fixing pin  103  shown in  FIG. 2G  is applicable to a case where the thickness of the first flange  111  is small. Here, the fixing pin  103  is inserted into the pin insertion hole  102   a.    
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 2H , a spring  106  is disposed under the fixing pin  103  in the pin insertion hole  102   a , and resiliently supports the fixing pin  103 . At the lower portion of the pin insertion hole  102   a , a pin height control bolt  107  is coupled to a thread groove  105  of the fixing pin  103  through a threw coupling method to adjust the protruding height of the fixing pin  103 . 
         [0057]    In a support structure of the fixing pin  103  shown in  FIG. 21 , the pin height control bolt  107  is partially inserted into the thread groove  105  of the fixing pin  103  while penetrating a bolt coupling hole  107   a  through a screw coupling method, thereby adjusting the protruding height of the fixing pin  103  and receiving the fixing pin  103  in an internal space in which the thread groove  105  is formed and an internal space of the pin insertion hole  102   a.    
         [0058]    The shapes of the fixing pins described above are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. For example, as long as the fixing pins are outwardly protruded from the pin insertion groove  102  or the pin insertion hole  102   a , and a space for receiving the fixing pins is formed in the pin insertion groove  102  or the pin insertion hole  102   a , any structure of fixing pins is applicable without being limited to those of the embodiments described above. 
         [0059]    The dotted lines of the fixing pins  103  of  FIGS. 2A ,  2 C,  2 G,  2 H, and  21  represent holes that are formed in a longitudinal direction at both sides thereof to reduce an air pressure during the insertion of the fixing pins  103  into the pin insertion groove  102  or the pin insertion hole  102   a.    
         [0060]    Also, the wire gasket  101  may be formed of a material, e.g., metal that may be deformed by a pressure applied to the first and second flanges  111  and  111   a  of the first and second connection  100   a  and  200   a  and may maintain their airtightness in the sealing state in which joints  30  are mutually coupled to each other. 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a sealing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 4 and 5  are perspective views illustrating a sealing process using the sealing apparatus of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 through 5 , first and second connections  100   a  and  200   a  protruding from vacuum vessels include first and second flanges  111  and  111   a  having a circular shape at the end portion thereof, respectively. 
         [0063]    When a plurality of fixing bolts  104  are coupled to the first flange  111  of the first connection  100   a , a plurality of bolt insertion holes  110   a  are formed in the second flange  111   a  of the second connection  200   a  corresponding to the plurality of fixing bolts  104 . The plurality of bolt insertion holes  110   a  are arranged along a circumferential direction in a circular pattern. 
         [0064]    The sealing apparatus of the second embodiment achieves sealing between the first and second flanges  111  and  111   a  using the fixing bolt  104 . 
         [0065]    In the sealing between the first and second flanges  111  and  111   a , a wire gasket  101  is wound around two or three of fixing bolts  104  that are disposed along the first flange  111 . 
         [0066]    Thereafter, when the winding of the wire gasket  101  is completed, the fixing bolt  104  is inserted into the bolt insertion hole  110   a  of the second flange  111   a  to fasten a nut  110 , thereby achieving a coupling between the first and second flanges  111  and  111   a . Thus, when the first and second flanges  111  and  111   a  are joined to each other in a state where the wire gasket  101  is wound around the first flange  111 , the sealing is completed. 
         [0067]    The sealing state as described above is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating a sealing state completed using the sealing apparatus according to another embodiment.  FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a sealing state completed using the sealing apparatus according to another embodiment. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , in the first and second flanges  111  and  111   a  to which the first connection  100   a  and the second connection  200   a  are joined, respectively, since the fixing bolt  104  is inserted into the bolt insertion hole  110   a  in a state where the wire gasket  101  is wound around the fixing bolt  104 , the fixing bolt  104  is coupled by the nut  110  to achieve both coupling and sealing between the first and second flanges  111  and  111   a  at the same time. 
         [0070]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating a sealing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a fixing ring used in the sealing apparatus of  FIG. 8 . 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the sealing apparatus according to the third embodiment fixes a wire gasket  101  using a fixing ring  108  that is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of a first flange  111  coupled to a first connection  100   a.    
         [0072]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the fixing ring  108  has a plurality of fixing protrusions  109  protruding from the first flange  111  along the upper edge thereof. The fixing protrusion  109  allows the wire gasket  101  to be wound therearound. The fixing protrusions are provided enough to wind the wire gasket  101  in its number or height. 
         [0073]    Here, the fixing ring  108  may be formed of flexible and cheap material such as Teflon or plastic to be applied the first flange  111  or various shapes of flanges. 
         [0074]    In the sealing apparatus according to the third embodiment, the fixing ring  108  is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the first flange  111  of the first connection  100   a  through an interference fit, and then the wire gasket  101  is wound around the fixing protrusions  109 . Thereafter, the second flange  111   a  of the second connection  200   a  is coupled, and then a fixing bolt  104  is inserted into a bolt insertion hole  110   a  to be coupled to a nut  110  for sealing. 
         [0075]    The fixing pins, the fixing bolts, and the fixing ring are fixing means for winding and fixing the wire gasket on the joining surface of the flange. 
         [0076]    The joining surfaces of the first and second flanges  111  and  111   a  that face each other may be flat to achieve a sealing structure. However, although the joining surfaces of the flanges  111  and  111   a  are uneven, when a stepped portion  112  protruding compared to an outer circumferential portion is formed on a path that the wire gasket  101  passes, for example, on the joining surface of any of flanges  111  and  111   a  as shown in  FIG. 7 , sealing may be achieved due to the wire gasket  101  disposed on the stepped portion  112 . 
         [0077]    As described above, it is possible to provide convenience during a sealing process by enabling a wire gasket to be fixed on a joining surface of a flange of a connection that connects vacuum vessels to each other. The reliability and work efficiency of the sealing process can be improved regardless of the direction of the joining surface of the flange since the wire gasket can be fixed to inhibit the movement of the wire gasket, 
         [0078]    The sealing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to mass transit of liquids and gases through pipe lines, as well as vacuum apparatuses, hydraulic apparatuses, and industrial apparatuses. Also, since a wire gasket formed of a metal material is used, sealing structure resistant to heat can be achieved. Accordingly, the sealing apparatus can be applied to high-temperature apparatuses such as electric furnaces that require vacuum like silicon ingot manufacturing apparatuses without an additional cooling apparatus. 
         [0079]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, since sealing is performed by fixing a wire gasket on a joining surface of a flange at a connection portion thereof, the sealing process can be easily performed and the airtightness of the joining portion can be improved. 
         [0080]    The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.