Patent Description:
A sealing devices known from <CIT> (family member of e.g. <CIT>) for the sealing off of fluids, in particular a seal of the type with a surface along which a controlled leak occurs for moveable parts, such as rotating shafts. <CIT> is an example of a "mechanical sealing" with steel sealing surfaces. One difficulty is that high accuracy is required to regulate the leak along the movable steel components, in particular with shafts of large diameters, more than <NUM>, for example.

A seal is known from <CIT> that has a radial design, meaning that sealing elements work in series and are arranged radially, in this case concentrically in relation to each other. <CIT> is an example of a "mechanical sealing".

<CIT> is an example of a flushing sealing system with a radial design. From this, there is insufficient information on how a good sealing with a good life span can be achieved with the correct compression force.

<CIT> (family member of e.g. <CIT>) is also an example of a flushing sealing system with an axial construction, meaning that sealing elements work in series and are arranged axially next to each other. A large mounting length is required for this assembly for great differences in pressure.

<CIT> is an example of a sealing assembly wherein a leading end portion of a sealing lip enters into a pumping thread groove to almost completely prevent leakage through the groove at stand still.

The objective of the invention is to create a sealing assembly for the limitation of fluid flow along a rotatable shaft, which makes the sealing assembly easier to construct and maintain. Easier means, for example, with lower accuracy requirements and improved installation volume per bridged pressure and/or a better manageable leak and life span.

The invention also has the objective of creating a sealing assembly for the limitation of fluid flow along a rotatable shaft whereby a known disadvantage in connection with this type of sealing assembly is at least partially solved.

The invention also has the objective of creating an alternative sealing assembly for the limitation of the fluid flow along a rotatable shaft.

The invention therefore provides a sealing assembly for the limitation of fluid flow along a rotatable shaft that is passed through a housing member that separates a high pressure side and a low pressure side, wherein the sealing assembly comprises:.

wherein a transport groove in the transport groove pattern, in cross-sectional view, has gradual transitions to the sealing surface and the sealing member is elastically formable so that during operation, the sealing member at least partially extends into the transport groove in order to suppress the fluid leak through the fluid leak path.

The elastic sealing member, in combination with the transport groove pattern guarantees a sealing that allows for a flow of the fluid leak that cools and lubricates the elastic member. The permissible fluid leak flow is manageable because the sealing member engages with the transport groove pattern over a contact surface that extends over the sealing surface and because the sealing member at least partially extends into the transport groove in order to suppress the fluid leak through the fluid leakage path. The combination of a hard sealing surface, an elastic sealing element and the gradual transition of a transport groove to the sealing surface makes possible the suppression of the fluid leak. At the same time, the installation length of the sealing assembly is limited because the flushing sealing system extends radial between the rotor and the housing element. In doing this, pressure is reduced in a manageable way while the installation length along the shaft remains limited. The rotor is also referred to as "the shaft portion".

Rotor means that the rotor is connected rotation fixed with the shaft, at least with regard to rotations around the rotatable shaft. The rotor can thus also be designated as a part of the shaft. The housing member is connected to the "fixed world", or said otherwise, is stationary at least with regard to rotations around the rotatable shaft. The sealing surface extends radially with respect to the shaft. The sealing surface is preferably perpendicular to the shaft, even though another position is conceivable as long as there is a radial component. A pressure force targeted axial on the sealing surface, or sealing force, means that this sealing force at least has an axial component wherein axially is related to the rotatable shaft of the sealing construction. The sealing force is generally directed perpendicular to the sealing surface.

Flushing sealing system means a type of sealing whereby pressure is reduced from a high pressure side and on a low pressure side using a controllable flush stream along a fluid leakage path. The flush stream also serves for lubrication, cooling and cleaning of the sealing assembly. The flush stream builds up a hydrodynamic fluid film between the sealing member and the sealing surface and creates a viscous connection between the sealing member and the sealing surface.

Transport groove pattern means a configuration of transport grooves wherein a groove is a recess with respect to the sealing surface. Transport groove means that the groove is formed so that the mutual rotation of the groove pattern and the elastic sealing member causes a controlled fluid leakage path. A gradual transition from one transport groove to the sealing surface mans that there is no sharp transition. After all, a sharp transition, such as perpendicular, would make the extending of the elastic sealing member into the transport groove difficult or even impossible. A running groove means that when the rotor rotates, the groove is shifted radially, or more precisely, a groove segment is shifted in the radial direction seen along a fixed radial direction.

The transport groove pattern will generally be applied in the sealing surface of the rotor because this is easy to replace. It is conceivable, however, that the transport groove pattern is applied to the stationary housing member, such as in the form of an exchangeable part that is releasably connected to the housing part. In the further text of the application, the principle is that the transport groove pattern is applied to the sealing surface of the rotor.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the transport groove pattern extends at least over and outside of a contact surface between the sealing surface and the sealing member. This makes the permitted fluid leak flow even more manageable and simplifies the allowance of a fluid leak flow. In addition, the flushing sealing system is utilized to the fullest extent possible through the overlap of the sealing member and the transport groove pattern.

It is also conceivable that the groove pattern is applied to the elastic sealing member, however that would result in a service life that is too short.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the at least one running groove of the transport groove pattern (<NUM>) is V-shaped in cross sectional view. The V-shape offers advantageous throttling (suppressing) characteristics and is easy to install. The V-shaped transport groove has a vertex angle α between <NUM>° and <NUM>°, for example a vertex angle α of <NUM>°. The transport groove is symmetrical seen in cross section, even though an asymmetrical design is also conceivable. The transport groove is made up of flat surfaces seen in cross section, however, the surfaces may also have a curvature.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the contact surface between the sealing surface and the sealing member is processed over at least <NUM>% to obtain the transport groove pattern. A surface created in this proportion offers a good balance between service life and sealing. Contact surface means surface where the sealing surface and the sealing member apply pressure to each other. This pressure will vary along the groove pattern.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the sealing member can be elastically deformable such that during operation, the sealing member extends into the transport groove over at least <NUM>% of the groove height, in particular at least <NUM>% of the groove height. The groove height is related to the maximal height, in case of for example the V-shape in the middle. This degree of elasticity gives a good balance between throttle and the force built up in the axial direction.

In an embodiment, the sealing assembly comprises a dimensionally stable support frame connected with the housing member to support the elastically deformable sealing member. The rotor and the support frame are arranged to mutually rotate with regard to rotations around the rotatable shaft. The flushing sealing system engages the housing member through the support frame. The support frame makes it possible to make the operation of the flushing sealing system completely axial, which is clear from a purely axial orientation of the sealing force on the sealing surface. The support frame offers better control of the degree of suppressing of the fluid leakage path through the fact that the degree of incursion of the sealing member in the groove can be better controlled. The support frame preferably provides support to the entire sealing member.

In an embodiment, the sealing assembly comprises an additional sealing system that engages the housing member and the support frame to provide a sealing effect, wherein the additional sealing system comprises a sealing member that in an embodiment in use at least applies a sealing force directed radially on the housing member. The additional sealing system is not flushed and is so-called "pressureless", meaning that there is no or hardly any pressure reduced over the sealing.

Through the radial orientation of the additional sealing system in combination with the axial orientation of the flushing sealing system, there is a beneficial situation with regard to structural tolerance and the possibility of accommodating movement deviations during operation, such as oscillation of the shaft.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the rotor is rotation fixed connected with the shaft with regard to rotations around the rotatable shaft, and the support frame is rotation fixed connected to the housing member with regard to rotations around the rotatable shaft. This construction is the most advantageous in practice. Another construction is conceivable, whereby, for example, the support frame is rotation fixed with the rotor and the groove pattern is attached to the housing member.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the additional sealing system is arranged at the high pressure side with regard to the flushing sealing system. This construction is the most advantageous in practice.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly the transport groove pattern comprises one or more of a spiral segment shaped groove, a circumferential groove, a continuous groove, a circular groove, a closed circular groove, an eccentric circular groove, a number of concentric circular grooves.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the support frame and rotor are arranged for mutual axial movement in relation to the shaft. This freedom of movement makes the sealing construction less sensitive to size deviations that could be caused by fabrication tolerances and/or wear and tear. In addition, this freedom makes it possible to press the support frame elastically toward the rotor. In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the support frame is arranged to slide axially in relation to the shaft.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the elastic sealing member comprises a rubber composite, in particular, the sealing member is made of rubber composite. The rubber composite contributes to the degree of elasticity that gives a good balance between throttle and force build up in the axial direction. A rubber composite with the material property Shore A <NUM> is, for example, suitable as a sealing member.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the sealing member comprises a solid part and a weakened part and wherein the transport groove pattern extends opposite both the solid part and the weakened part of the sealing member. The division of the sealing member into a solid part and a weakened part offers freedom to adjust the deformability and built up force. The division of the sealing member into a solid part and a weakened part may be done in the radial direction <NUM>/<NUM>, even though another ratio is conceivable. Solid means a whole material or a whole core material. A weakened part is a non-solid part, that is, a part with, for example, a cavity or cavities. Preferably, the weakening with regard to the solid part is placed along the interior diameter so that the solid part can take up the greater pressure differences and forces on the exterior diameter. This arrangement is also beneficial for the axial bearing strength of the sealing assembly.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly the weakened part of the sealing member has a cavity. The cavity offers the option to set the deformability and built-up force. The cavity extends in particular in a ring shape around the shaft. This results in an even deformability and force exertion around the shaft.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the cavity is in fluid connection with the high pressure side. The pressure from the high pressure side helps to bring and keep the sealing member into contact with the sealing surface. In particular, the weakened part of the sealing member has a U-shaped cross section that is open to the high pressure side. The U-shaped cross section makes it more possible to adjust the elastic properties of the elastic sealing member as desired, and at the same time make an open connection from the high pressure side to the cavity formed in the U-shape.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the sealing member is one-piece. This simplifies maintenance because the sealing member can be quickly changed. A single-component can be, for example, an elongated sealing member whereof the ends are attached in a suitable way, such as with adhesive or by melting. Even though a single-component sealing member is advantageous, it will be clear that a multi-part sealing member is conceivable.

In an embodiment, the sealing assembly comprises a spring system that extends into the cavity to preload the sealing member toward the sealing surface of the rotor. The spring system makes it more possible to adjust the elastic properties of the elastic sealing member as desired. In particular, the spring system engages at least one U-shape forming leg to preload it toward the sealing surface of the rotor.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, a line of action of the spring system extends axially with regard to the ring-shaped sealing member. The line of action is then perpendicular to the sealing surface and achieves the most effect.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the spring system comprises an elastic tube-shaped member. The tube-shaped member is simple to apply and replace in and from the cavity that is open to the interior circumference. In addition, the spring effect is even over the circumference of the sealing member around the shaft when a tube-shaped element is used.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the spring system is of one-piece. This simplifies maintenance because the spring system can be quickly changed. A single-component can be, for example, an elongated tube member where optionally the ends are attached in a suitable way, such as with adhesive or by melting. Even though a single-component tube-shaped element is advantageous, it will be clear that a multi-part sealing member is conceivable.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the spring system comprises a positioning member that determines the position of the spring system in the cavity. Position can be a radial and/or angled position. The positioning member makes it possible to determine where the spring system engages the sealing member and makes it more possible to control the elastic properties of the elastic sealing member and built-up force.

In an embodiment, the flushing sealing system has at least two sealing members working in series. It will be clear that a design with more than two rings, such as with three or even four, is conceivable. Various combinations are possible, wherein the flushing sealing system has one or more successive sealing members. Successively positioned sealing members do not necessarily all have to be flushed.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the at least two sealing members are ring-shaped and arranged concentrically or eccentrically.

In an embodiment of the sealing construction, the two ring-shaped sealing members both extend in a sealing surface, transversely, in particular perpendicular, in relation to the shaft.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the elastic sealing member of the flushing sealing system is held form-fitted in the support frame. This manner of support makes strain on and deformation of the elastic sealing member more controllable. The form fit is meant to limit the freedom of movement in the radial direction even though entrapment of the sealing element by the support frame is possible in the axial direction. However, this axial entrapment is less necessary because the sealing element is entrapped axial between the support frame and the sealing surface.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly the two ring-shaped sealing members surround a fluid chamber which is connected to the atmosphere. The fluid chamber is in particular connected to the atmosphere using a discharge pipe. This makes the controlled discharge of the fluid stream easier.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the rotor is separable. This facilitates maintenance because the separable rotor can be quickly changed from and to the shaft.

In an embodiment of the sealing assembly, the sealing member of the additional sealing system comprises one or more of an O-ring, an assembly of an O-ring and a sheathing around the O-ring, a V-shaped groove ring, a bellows sealing connected to the housing element and the support frame, a sealing membrane connected to the housing member and the support frame. All of these embodiments have the advantage that an axial movement, along the shaft, that is, of the support frame with respect to the housing member can be absorbed without loss of the sealing action of the additional sealing system.

In an embodiment, the sealing assembly comprises an external housing member to surround at least one part of the flushing sealing system to prevent leakage of water, wherein the external housing member has an outlet to discharge leak water that has leaked from the flushing sealing system. This makes controlled discharge of the leak fluid more possible.

The current invention also relates to a use of a sealing assembly as described for providing a sealing effect with regard to a rotatable shaft which is guided through a housing member connected to the sealing assembly.

In an embodiment, it is used in a shaft sealing system of a pump.

In an embodiment, it is used in a shaft sealing system of a propulsion shaft of a vessel.

The current invention also relates to a device comprising one or more of the characteristic measures described in the attached description and/or shown in the attached figures.

The current invention also relates to a method comprising one or more of the characteristic steps described in the attached description and/or shown in the attached figures.

It will be clear that the various aspects listed in this patent application can be combined and each considered individually for a divisional patent application.

The invention is clarified using the attached figures, which show:.

<FIG> shows a cross section of an embodiment of the sealing assembly <NUM> according to the invention. Only half of the cross section is shown. It will be clear that the sealing assembly <NUM> surrounds a shaft <NUM>. The sealing assembly <NUM> serves to limit fluid flow along the rotatable shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is passed through a housing member <NUM>. The housing member separates a high pressure side <NUM> and a low pressure side <NUM>. On the low pressure side <NUM> an atmospheric pressure normally prevails because the low pressure side <NUM> is directly or indirectly in contact with the atmosphere. The sealing assembly <NUM> reduces the pressure difference between the high pressure side <NUM> and the low pressure side <NUM>. This pressure difference exists over the rotatable shaft <NUM> and the housing member <NUM> that are arranged mutually moveable. The sealing assembly <NUM> operates between the housing member <NUM> and the rotatable shaft <NUM>.

The sealing assembly <NUM> comprises a rotor <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> rotates with the shaft <NUM> around the longitudinal axis of the shaft <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> has a sealing surface <NUM>. The sealing surface extends radially with respect to the shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is passed through a central hole <NUM> of the rotor <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> is divisible designed so that it is easy to replace.

The sealing assembly <NUM> comprises a flushing sealing system <NUM>. The flushing sealing system <NUM> grasps both the sealing housing member <NUM> as well as the sealing surface <NUM> of the rotor to provide a sealing effect. The flushing sealing system <NUM> extends between the sealing housing member <NUM> and the sealing surface <NUM> of the rotor <NUM>. The flushing sealing system <NUM> extends radially between a large part of the overlap between the sealing housing member <NUM> and the sealing surface <NUM> of the rotor <NUM> seen in an axial direction from the shaft <NUM>.

The flushing sealing system <NUM> comprises a ring-shaped elastic sealing member <NUM>. The flushing sealing system <NUM> comprises a transport groove pattern <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> applies a sealing force directed toward the sealing surface <NUM> that is not further shown. The sealing member <NUM> forms a fluid leakage path with the transport groove pattern <NUM>, which is shown as <NUM> even though not easily visible. The transport groove pattern <NUM> is in fluid connection with the high pressure side <NUM> and the low pressure side <NUM>. A leak flow flows through the fluid leakage path <NUM>. The leakage path serves for the flushing and cooling of the flushing sealing system <NUM>. The fluid leakage path <NUM> extends in a ring shape between the rotor <NUM> and the sealing member <NUM>. The leak flow forms a hydrodynamic fluid film between the rotor <NUM> and the sealing member <NUM> for the necessary protection from wear. The protective fluid film ensures a viscous contact between the sealing surface <NUM> and the sealing member <NUM>. Pressure is reduced from the high pressure side <NUM> to the low pressure side <NUM> along the leak flow over the fluid leakage path.

The transport groove pattern <NUM> is applied here in the sealing surface <NUM> of the rotor <NUM>. The transport groove pattern <NUM> engages a contact surface <NUM> between the sealing member <NUM> and the sealing surface <NUM>. The contact surface <NUM> extends around the shaft <NUM>. The contact surface <NUM> extends here over the entire transport groove pattern <NUM>. The transport groove pattern <NUM> extends over nearly the entire height of the sealing member <NUM>, meaning the radial direction of the rotor <NUM>.

The sealing assembly <NUM> includes a dimensionally stable support frame <NUM> for the support of the elastic deformable sealing member <NUM>. The support frame <NUM> supports the sealing member <NUM> at least on the exterior circumference and the side <NUM> of the sealing member <NUM> turned away from the sealing surface <NUM> of the rotor <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> is enclosed between the support frame <NUM> and the sealing surface <NUM> of the rotor <NUM>. This retains shape of the sealing member <NUM> despite the elasticity of it. The sealing member <NUM> of the flushing sealing system <NUM> is held form-fitted in the support frame <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM> is arranged to be slightly moveable so that the sealing member <NUM> can be oriented toward the sealing surface <NUM> of the rotor <NUM>. Therefore, the support frame <NUM> and the rotor <NUM> can be mutually moved axially in relation to the shaft <NUM>. Here, this mutual movability is possible because the support frame <NUM> can be sled in an axial direction in relation to the shaft <NUM> while the shaft portion <NUM> is securely attached to the shaft <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM> is connected to the housing member <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> and the support frame <NUM> are arranged to rotate together with regard to the rotations around the rotatable shaft <NUM>. Therefore, the rotor <NUM> is rotation fixed attached with the shaft <NUM> with regard to rotations around the rotatable shaft <NUM>, and the support frame <NUM> is rotation fixed connected to the housing member <NUM> with regard to rotations around the rotatable shaft <NUM>. The flushing sealing system <NUM> engages the housing member <NUM> using the support frame <NUM>. The support frame <NUM> is connected to the housing member <NUM> here with a loose fit.

The sealing assembly <NUM> encompasses an additional sealing system <NUM>. The additional sealing system engages the housing member <NUM> and the support frame <NUM> to provide a sealing effect between the support frame <NUM> and the housing member <NUM>. The additional sealing system <NUM> is on the high pressure side <NUM> with regard to the flushing sealing system <NUM>. Where the flushing sealing system allows for unlimited mutual rotation around the shaft <NUM>, the additional sealing system <NUM> is static with regard to rotation around the shaft <NUM>. The additional sealing system <NUM> comprises a sealing member <NUM>. In use, the sealing member <NUM> applies a radial sealing force on the housing member <NUM>. Here the sealing member <NUM> has a rod sealing that connects the support frame <NUM> and the housing member <NUM> in a fluid sealing manner.

In addition, the support frame <NUM> is connected with the housing member <NUM> using a spacer ring <NUM>. The spacer ring <NUM> is connected fluid tight to the housing member <NUM> using an O-ring <NUM>. The spacer ring <NUM> is not described in detail. The spacer ring <NUM> facilitates preloading of the flushing sealing system <NUM> and the freedom of movement of the support frame <NUM>. A spring system <NUM> preloads the support frame <NUM> toward the rotor <NUM>.

The flushing sealing system <NUM> of the sealing assembly <NUM> comprises two ring-shaped elastic sealing members <NUM>, <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> of the flushing sealing system <NUM> is arranged for the distribution of pressure reduction throughout the sealing assembly <NUM>. The ring-shaped elastic sealing member <NUM> located on the exterior circumference of the sealing assembly <NUM> functions as a pressureless sealing that is not flushed or where flushing is not necessary.

The two ring-shaped elastic sealing members <NUM>, <NUM> operate in series.

The two ring-shaped sealing members <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged concentrically and both extend transversely into a sealing surface toward the shaft <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> of the pressureless sealing is held form fitted in the support frame <NUM> as well. The form-fitting is meant to limit the freedom of movement in the radial direction as well as an entrapment of the sealing member <NUM> by the support frame <NUM> in the axial direction. This axial entrapment is also realised here by a locking cam <NUM>.

The two ring-shaped sealing members <NUM>, <NUM> surround a fluid chamber <NUM>. The fluid chamber <NUM> is connected to the atmosphere. Here the fluid chamber <NUM> is connected to the atmosphere using a discharge pipe. The sealing assembly <NUM> comprises an exterior housing member <NUM>. The exterior housing member <NUM> surrounds the flushing sealing system to prevent water leaks. The exterior housing member contains an outlet <NUM> for the discharge of leak water that has leaked from the flushing sealing system <NUM>. The outlet <NUM> is in fluid connection with the discharge pipe.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the transport groove pattern <NUM> of the sealing assembly <NUM> in <FIG>. The transport groove pattern <NUM> is applied here in the sealing surface <NUM> of the rotor <NUM>. The transport groove pattern <NUM> extends around the central hole <NUM> of the rotor <NUM>. The transport groove pattern <NUM> here includes a number of spiral-segment shaped grooves <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> have open ends.

<FIG> shows a design of the transport groove pattern <NUM> of the sealing assembly <NUM> in <FIG>. The transport groove pattern <NUM> is applied here in the sealing surface <NUM> of the rotor <NUM>. The transport groove pattern <NUM> extends around the central hole <NUM> of the rotor <NUM>. The transport groove pattern <NUM> here includes a number of concentric circular grooves <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> are continuous, meaning uninterrupted. The grooves <NUM> circulate around the shaft <NUM>. A part of the concentric circular grooves <NUM> form a closed circle. Part of the concentric circular grooves <NUM> have open ends at the exterior circumference of the rotor <NUM>. The mid-point <NUM> of the concentric circular grooves <NUM> is eccentric with respect to the mid-point of the rotor <NUM>.

<FIG> shows yet another embodiment of the transport groove pattern <NUM> of the sealing assembly in <FIG>. The transport groove pattern <NUM> here comprises <NUM> circular grooves <NUM>. The circles overlap so that the grooves <NUM> intersect. The mid-point of each of the circular grooves <NUM> is eccentric with respect to the mid-point of the rotor <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross section of a detail of sealing assembly <NUM> in <FIG>.

A transport groove <NUM> of the transport groove pattern <NUM> has gradual transitions to the sealing surface <NUM> seen in cross section. The transport groove <NUM> is V-shaped seen in cross section. The V-shaped transport groove <NUM> has a vertex angle α of approximately <NUM>°.

The sealing member <NUM> is elastically deformable so that during operation, the sealing member <NUM> at least partially extends into the transport groove <NUM> to suppress the fluid leakage path <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> is elastically deformable in such a way that during operation, the sealing member <NUM> extends into the transport groove <NUM> over at least <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the groove height.

The grooves <NUM> of the transport groove pattern <NUM> have a common surface projected on the sealing surface <NUM> such that about <NUM>% of at least the contact surface is processed to obtain the groove pattern.

The leakage flow through the fluid leakage path forms a protective fluid film <NUM> between the rotor <NUM> and the sealing member <NUM>. The protective fluid film <NUM> ensures a viscous contact between the sealing surface <NUM> of the rotor <NUM> and the sealing member <NUM>. Pressure is reduced from the high pressure side <NUM> to the low pressure side <NUM> along the leakage flow over the fluid leakage path <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a detail of the additional sealing system in the embodiment of <FIG> in cross section. The additional sealing system comprises a sealing member <NUM>. Here the sealing member <NUM> is a rod sealing. In use, the two opposite legs 43a, 43b apply a sealing force <NUM> radially oriented on the housing member <NUM> and the support frame <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a part of the flushing sealing system <NUM>. The figure is a cross section of the ring-shaped elastic sealing member <NUM>. Only half of the cross section is shown. It will be clear that the sealing member <NUM> surrounds the shaft <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> is designed as a single-component. The elastic sealing member <NUM> is made of a rubber composite that helps determine the elasticity of the sealing member <NUM>. The elastic sealing member <NUM> has a U-shaped cross section. Therefore the elastic sealing member <NUM> has a cavity <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> extends here continuous in a ring shape around the shaft <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is oriented toward the high pressure side <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is open toward the high pressure side <NUM>. This means that the cavity <NUM> is in fluid connection with the high pressure side <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> is placed out of the centre of the sealing member <NUM>.

The flushing sealing system <NUM> comprises a spring system. The line of action <NUM> of the spring system <NUM> is oriented axially with respect to the ring-shaped sealing member <NUM>.

The spring system <NUM> extends into the cavity <NUM>. The spring system <NUM> extends into the entire cavity <NUM> to be able to provide an even spring tension. The spring system <NUM> extends between the support frame <NUM> and sealing surface <NUM>. The spring system <NUM> preloads a U-shape forming leg <NUM> toward the sealing surface <NUM> of the rotor <NUM>. The spring system <NUM> includes here an elastic tube-shaped member <NUM>. The tube-shaped member <NUM> is here made up of one piece, or in other words, single-component. The tube-shaped member <NUM> is open, such as at the ends. This means that the interior of the tube-shaped member <NUM> is in fluid connection with the high pressure side <NUM>. The tube-shaped member <NUM> operates at the height of the free end of the leg <NUM>. The spring system <NUM> has a positioning member <NUM>. The positioning member <NUM> determines the position of the spring system in the cavity. The positioning member <NUM> determines in this case the radial position of the spring system in the cavity. The positioning member <NUM> determines the mutual position of the spring system and the sealing member <NUM>. Here, the positioning member <NUM> is a lip. The lip extends along the tube member <NUM>. The lip extends along the entire length of the tube member <NUM>. The lip extends into the cavity <NUM> and engages the interior surface of the cavity <NUM>.

The sealing member <NUM> has a solid part <NUM> and a weakened part <NUM>. The transport groove pattern <NUM> extends opposite both the solid part <NUM> and the weakened part <NUM> of the sealing member <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> here has a weakened part <NUM> in the form of a U-shaped part. The U-shaped leg <NUM> opposite the transport groove pattern <NUM> reduces pressure. The solid part <NUM> provides for the further build-up of the hydrodynamic lubrication film, and bearing force that absorbs the pressure on the high pressure side <NUM>, such as pump pressure.

<FIG> show a perspective view and sectional view of a second embodiment of the additional sealing system <NUM>. The sealing member of the additional sealing system <NUM> is here a bellows sealing <NUM>, or a membrane, that is in sealing connection with the housing member <NUM> and the support frame <NUM>. The bellows sealing <NUM> is shown here in the sealing assembly <NUM> and in connection with the flushing sealing system <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Sealing assembly (<NUM>) for the limitation of fluid flow along a rotatable shaft (<NUM>) that is passed through a housing member (<NUM>) that separates a high pressure side (<NUM>) and a low pressure side (<NUM>), wherein the sealing assembly comprises:
- a rotor (<NUM>) connected to the rotatable shaft (<NUM>), and with a sealing surface (<NUM>) which essentially extends radially in relation to the shaft (<NUM>),
- a flushing sealing system (<NUM>) that extends between the rotor (<NUM>) and the housing member (<NUM>), which sealing system (<NUM>) is in contact with both the housing member (<NUM>) and the sealing surface (<NUM>) of the rotor to provide a sealing effect, wherein the flushing sealing system comprises an elastic sealing member (<NUM>) that in use imposes a pressing force directed to the sealing surface, and
- a transport groove pattern (<NUM>) with at least one running groove with a driving edge and in fluid connection with the high-pressure side (<NUM>) and the low-pressure side (<NUM>), provided in the sealing surface of the rotor, wherein the sealing member (<NUM>) forms a fluid leak path (<NUM>) together with the transport groove pattern (<NUM>) for flushing of the sealing system for the purpose of forming a hydrodynamic protective fluid film for the sealing assembly and to reduce pressure from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side,
characterised in that
a transport groove in the transport groove pattern (<NUM>), in cross-sectional view, has gradual transitions to the sealing surface and the sealing member (<NUM>) is elastically formable so that during operation, the sealing member at least partially extends into the transport groove in order to suppress the fluid leak through the fluid leak path.