Patent Description:
Typically, a seal ring is attached to the outer periphery of a rotary shaft. A sliding surface of the seal ring slides in close contact with a sliding surface formed at the rotary shaft, and accordingly, the seal ring seals a clearance between the rotary shaft and a housing to prevent leakage of sealed fluid (e.g., liquid).

For maintaining sealing properties in the seal ring for a long period of time, conflicting conditions of "sealing" and "lubrication" need to be satisfied. Particularly in recent years, while prevention of leakage of the sealed fluid has been made for, e.g., environmental measures, a demand for friction reduction has increased for reducing a mechanical loss. Friction reduction can be accomplished by the technique of generating a dynamic pressure between the sliding surfaces by rotation of the rotary shaft to slide the sliding surfaces with a fluid film of the sealed fluid being interposed.

{ <NUM> } For example, a seal ring as described in Patent Citation <NUM> has been known as the seal ring configured to generate the dynamic pressure between the sliding surfaces by rotation of the rotary shaft. The seal ring of Patent Citation <NUM> is attached to an annular groove provided at the outer periphery of a rotary shaft. The seal ring is pressed to a housing side and one side wall surface side of the annular groove by the pressure of high-pressure sealed fluid, and a sliding surface at one side surface of the seal ring slides in close contact with a sliding surface at one side wall surface of the annular groove. Moreover, at the sliding surface at one side surface of the seal ring, multiple dynamic pressure grooves opening on an inner diameter side are provided in a circumferential direction. The dynamic pressure groove includes a deep groove at the center in the circumferential direction and shallow grooves formed continuously to both sides of the deep groove in the circumferential direction, extending in the circumferential direction, and having bottom surfaces inclined such that the shallow grooves gradually become shallower toward terminal ends. When the rotary shaft and the seal ring rotate relative to each other, the sealed fluid is introduced from the inner diameter side of the sliding surface into the deep grooves. Moreover, a negative pressure is generated in each shallow groove of the seal ring on a side opposite to a rotation direction of the rotary shaft. Meanwhile, the sealed fluid introduced into the deep grooves is supplied to each shallow groove on the same side as the rotation direction, and therefore, a positive pressure is generated in such a shallow groove. Then, the positive pressure increases due to wedge action caused by the inclined bottom surface of the rotation-direction-side shallow groove, and is generated across the entirety of the dynamic pressure groove. Accordingly, the force of slightly separating the sliding surfaces from each other, i.e., so-called buoyancy, is obtained. The sliding surfaces are slightly separated from each other, and therefore, the high-pressure sealed fluid flows into a portion between the sliding surfaces from the inner diameter side of the sliding surface and the sealed fluid flows out of the rotation-direction-side shallow grooves generating the positive pressure to the portion between the sliding surfaces. Thus, a fluid film is formed between the sliding surfaces, and lubricity between the sliding surfaces is maintained.

In the seal ring of Patent Citation <NUM>, the sliding surface of the rotary shaft moves relative to the dynamic pressure grooves in the circumferential direction. The positive pressure increases as the number of rotations of the rotary shaft increases, and the fluid film is formed between the sliding surfaces to enhance the lubricity of the sliding surface. However, the dynamic pressure groove is configured such that both shallow grooves are positioned on the same circumference with respect to the deep groove. Thus, particularly upon high-speed rotation, cavitation is caused in a region where a great positive pressure and a great negative pressure are generated in the circumferential direction. Due to greater variation in the buoyancy generated across the circumferential direction of the sliding surface, there is a probability that an adverse effect on the fluid film, such as a non-uniform fluid film, is caused and the lubricity becomes unstable.

Patent Citation <NUM> discloses a seal ring according to the preamble of claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a seal ring configured so that stable lubrication performance can be provided across a wide range of rotation speed.

For solving the above-described problem, a seal ring according to the present invention is a seal ring for sealing a clearance between a rotary shaft and a housing and having the features of claim <NUM>. Particularly, said seal ring includes multiple static pressure grooves provided at a sliding surface of the seal ring and arranged in a circumferential direction, the static pressure grooves being opened on a sealed fluid side and closed on an outer diameter side, a circumferential length of each of the static pressure grooves being shorter than a radial length of each of the static pressure grooves. According to the aforesaid feature, high-pressure sealed fluid introduced into the static pressure grooves mainly flows out to follow a rotation direction of the rotary shaft, and therefore, the sealed fluid is supplied to a wide area in a radial direction from an inner diameter side to the outer diameter side between the sliding surfaces. Thus, a fluid film can be formed with favorable balance in the circumferential direction, and stable lubrication performance can be provided across a wide range of rotation speed.

It may be preferable that each of the static pressure grooves is formed linearly in a radiation direction. According to this preferable configuration, the seal ring can be rotated in both directions upon use.

According to a first alternative of the invention the seal ring further comprises multiple extension grooves each extending in a circumferential direction and communicate with each of the static pressure grooves. According to this preferable configuration, the high-pressure sealed fluid is introduced into the extension groove extending in the circumferential direction. Moreover, the sealed fluid flows out of the static pressure groove and the extension groove to follow the rotation direction of the rotary shaft, and flows out to the outer diameter side due to centrifugal force. Thus, the sealed fluid is supplied to a wide area in the radial direction and the circumferential direction between the sliding surfaces. Consequently, lubricity can be further enhanced.

The claimed seal ring further comprises multiple communication grooves each extending in a circumferential direction on the outer diameter side and each communicating with adjoining two of the static pressure grooves in the circumferential direction. According to this configuration, the high-pressure sealed fluid introduced to the static pressure grooves is supplied to the outer diameter side of the sliding surface by the communication groove, and therefore, the lubricity can be further enhanced.

It may be preferable that the communication grooves are formed continuously in the circumferential direction. According to this preferable configuration, the sealed fluid can be supplied to the outer diameter side of the sliding surface across the circumferential direction by the communication groove, and therefore, the lubricity can be stably provided.

The claimed seal ring further comprises multiple dynamic pressure grooves each opened on the sealed fluid side and each provided so as to be sandwiched by adjoining two of the static pressure grooves in the circumferential direction. According to this configuration, buoyancy can be generated by the dynamic pressure groove, and therefore, the lubricity can be further enhanced.

According to a second alternative of the invention each of the static pressure grooves is formed deeper on the inner diameter side than on the outer diameter side. According to this preferable configuration, the flow of the sealed fluid is formed in the radial direction from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side of the static pressure groove, and the sealed fluid is easily supplied.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out a seal ring according to the present invention will be described based on embodiments.

A seal ring according to a first example but not according to the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>. Hereinafter, the right side in the plane of paper of <FIG> will be described as a sealed fluid side L, and the left side in the plane of paper will be described as an atmosphere side A. Note that the fluid pressure of sealed fluid on the sealed fluid side L will be described as a higher pressure than an atmospheric pressure. Moreover, a sliding surface includes a flat surface and a groove recessed as compared to the flat surface. For the sake of convenience in description, the flat surface forming the sliding surface is, in the drawings, indicated by the color of white, and the groove forming the sliding surface is indicated by dots.

The seal ring <NUM> according to the present example seals a portion between a rotary shaft <NUM> and a housing <NUM> of a rotary machine, the rotary shaft <NUM> and the housing <NUM> rotating relative to each other. In this manner, the seal ring <NUM> partitions the inside of the housing <NUM> into the sealed fluid side L and the atmosphere side A (see <FIG>), and prevents leakage of the sealed fluid from the sealed fluid side L to the atmosphere side A. Note that the rotary shaft <NUM> and the housing <NUM> are made of a metal material such as stainless steel. Moreover, the sealed fluid is one used for the purpose of cooling and lubricating, e.g., a not-shown gear and a not-shown bearing provided in a machine chamber of the rotary machine, such as oil.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the seal ring <NUM> is a component molded with resin such as PTFE, and is provided with a joint portion 1a at one spot in a circumferential direction to form a C-shape. The seal ring <NUM> is used with the seal ring <NUM> being attached to an annular groove <NUM>, the annular groove <NUM> being provided along the outer periphery of the rotary shaft <NUM> and having a rectangular sectional shape. Moreover, the seal ring <NUM> has a rectangular sectional shape. The seal ring <NUM> is pressed to the atmosphere side A by the fluid pressure of the sealed fluid acting on a side surface on the sealed fluid side L, and accordingly, a sliding surface S1 formed on a side surface <NUM> (hereinafter sometimes merely referred to as a "side surface <NUM>") side on the atmosphere side A slidably closely contacts a sliding surface S2 on a side wall surface <NUM> (hereinafter sometimes merely referred to as a "side wall surface <NUM>") side of the annular groove <NUM> on the atmosphere side A. Further, in response to stress in an expansion direction due to the fluid pressure of the sealed fluid acting on an inner circumferential surface, the seal ring <NUM> is pressed in an outer diameter direction, and accordingly, an outer circumferential surface <NUM> closely contacts an inner circumferential surface <NUM> of a shaft hole <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Note that the sliding surfaces S1, S2 form a substantial sliding region between the side surface <NUM> of the seal ring <NUM> and the side wall surface <NUM> of the annular groove <NUM> of the rotary shaft <NUM>. Moreover, a non-sliding surface S1' is formed continuously to an outer diameter side of the sliding surface S1 on the side surface <NUM> side, and a non-sliding surface S2' is formed continuously to an inner diameter side of the sliding surface S2 on the side wall surface <NUM> side (see <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sliding surface S1 formed on the side surface <NUM> side of the seal ring <NUM> includes a flat surface <NUM> and static pressure grooves <NUM> provided in the circumferential direction. Note that the static pressure grooves <NUM> are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the sliding surface S1, except for the vicinity of the joint portion 1a.

The flat surface <NUM> includes a seal portion 16a positioned on the outer diameter side and formed continuously in a substantially annular shape across the joint portion 1a, and a lubrication portion 16b positioned on the inner diameter side, sandwiched by adjacent ones of the static pressure grooves <NUM> in the circumferential direction, and formed continuously to the seal portion 16a (see <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the static pressure groove <NUM> supplies, regardless of rotation/stop of the rotary shaft <NUM>, the sealed fluid to a portion between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 when the sealed fluid has a higher pressure than that of atmospheric air. The static pressure groove <NUM> is formed linearly in a radiation direction, and has a substantially rectangular shape as viewed from the side. The static pressure groove <NUM> opens on the inner diameter side (i.e., the sealed fluid side) of the seal ring <NUM>, and is closed on the outer diameter side. Moreover, a bottom surface 13d of the static pressure groove <NUM> is formed flat, and is parallel with the flat surface <NUM>. The depth of the static pressure groove <NUM> is several tens to several hundreds of µm and preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. Note that the depth of the static pressure groove <NUM> may be deeper up to about a depth of <NUM>. Moreover, any of three side surfaces 13a, 13b, 13c of the static pressure groove <NUM> extends perpendicularly from the bottom surface 13d (specifically see <FIG>).

Next, fluid film formation between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 upon rotation of the rotary shaft <NUM> will be described. Note that a case where the rotary shaft <NUM> rotates clockwise as indicated by a white arrow in <FIG>, i.e., a case where the seal ring <NUM> rotates counterclockwise relative to the annular groove <NUM> of the rotary shaft <NUM> in <FIG>, will be described herein by way of example. Upon relative rotation of the rotary shaft <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, the sliding surface S1 on the side surface <NUM> side slides on the sliding surface S2 on the side wall surface <NUM> side. At this point, the sealed fluid is introduced from the inner diameter side to the static pressure grooves <NUM> provided at the sliding surface S1. Moreover, the high-pressure sealed fluid is introduced to the static pressure grooves <NUM>. High-pressure static pressure force of the sealed fluid acts on the sliding surface S2 on the side wall surface <NUM> side of the opposing rotary shaft <NUM>, and therefore, the force of slightly separating the sliding surfaces S1, S2 from each other, i.e., so-called buoyancy, is obtained. The sliding surfaces S1, S2 are slightly separated from each other, and therefore, the high-pressure sealed fluid flows into the portion between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 from the inner diameter side and the sealed fluid mainly flows out of the static pressure grooves <NUM> to the portion between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 to follow a rotation direction of the rotary shaft <NUM>.

According to such a configuration, the high-pressure sealed fluid introduced into the static pressure grooves <NUM> continuously opening in a radial direction from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side of the sliding surface S1 mainly flows out to follow the rotation direction of the rotary shaft <NUM>, and therefore, the sealed fluid is supplied to a wide area in the radial direction from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side between the sliding surfaces S1, S2. Thus, the seal ring <NUM> can form a fluid film with favorable balance in the circumferential direction, and can provide stable lubrication performance across a wide range of rotation speed.

Moreover, the sealed fluid is stored in the static pressure grooves <NUM> and lubrication between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 is promoted, and therefore, abrasion of the sliding surface S1 can be reduced.

Further, the static pressure groove <NUM> is formed linearly in the radiation direction, and therefore, the seal ring <NUM> can be rotated in both directions upon use.

In addition, the seal ring <NUM> is in the C-shape, and therefore, seal performance can be stably maintained even when the circumferential length of the seal ring <NUM> changes due to thermal expansion/contraction.

Next, a seal ring according to a second example but not according to the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Note that the same reference numerals are used to represent the same components as those described in the above-described example, and overlapping description thereof will be omitted.

The seal ring <NUM> in the second example will be described. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the present example, a static pressure groove <NUM> supplies, regardless of rotation/stop of a rotary shaft <NUM>, sealed fluid to a portion between sliding surfaces S1, S2 when the sealed fluid has a higher pressure than that of atmospheric air. The static pressure groove <NUM> is formed linearly in a radiation direction, and has a substantially rectangular shape as viewed from the side. The static pressure groove <NUM> has an introduction groove 213a opening on an inner diameter side (i.e., the sealed fluid side) of the seal ring <NUM> and closed on an outer diameter side, and a pair of extension grooves 213b extending to both sides in a circumferential direction from the outer diameter side of the introduction groove 213a on the same circumference.

Moreover, as illustrated in <FIG>, the introduction groove 213a and the extension grooves 213b of the static pressure groove <NUM> are formed with the substantially same depth.

According to such a configuration, the high-pressure sealed fluid introduced through openings of the introduction grooves 213a of the static pressure grooves <NUM> is introduced into the extension grooves 213b extending in the circumferential direction on the outer diameter side. Moreover, the sealed fluid flows out of the introduction grooves 213a and the extension grooves 213b to follow a rotation direction of the rotary shaft <NUM>, and flows out to the outer diameter side due to centrifugal force. Thus, the sealed fluid is supplied to a wide area in a radial direction and the circumferential direction between the sliding surfaces S1, S2, and therefore, lubricity of the seal ring <NUM> can be enhanced. Further, the extension grooves 213b are formed so that a contact area (i.e., the area of a flat surface <NUM>) between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 can be decreased. In addition, the sealed fluid is stored in the introduction grooves 213a and the extension grooves 213b and lubrication between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 is promoted, and therefore, abrasion of the sliding surface S1 can be reduced.

Note that the extension groove 213b may be formed at any position in the radial direction from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side of the introduction groove 213a. Moreover, multiple extension grooves 213b may be formed in the radial direction. Further, the extension groove 213b may be formed only on one side (preferably a rotational direction side of the rotary shaft <NUM>) in the circumferential direction.

Note that as illustrated in <FIG>, a static pressure groove <NUM>' may be formed such that the depth of an introduction groove 213a' on the inner diameter side is deeper than that on the outer diameter side, and an extension groove 213b' may be formed with the substantially same depth as that of the introduction groove 213a' on the inner diameter side. According to such a configuration, the sealed fluid easily flows from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side of the introduction groove 213a', and therefore, is easily introduced into the extension grooves 213b'. Consequently, the lubricity of the seal ring <NUM> can be further enhanced.

Note that the static pressure groove <NUM> in the seal ring <NUM> of the second example may be formed with the same depth from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side, or may be formed with a smaller depth on the inner diameter side than on the outer diameter side.

Next, a seal ring according to a third example but not according to the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>. Note that the same reference numerals are used to represent the same components as those described in the above-described examples, and overlapping description thereof will be omitted.

The seal ring <NUM> in the third example will be described. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the present example, a static pressure groove <NUM> supplies, regardless of rotation/stop of a rotary shaft <NUM>, sealed fluid to a portion between sliding surfaces S1, S2 when the sealed fluid has a higher pressure than that of atmospheric air. The multiple static pressure grooves <NUM> are formed linearly in a radiation direction, and have a substantially rectangular shape as viewed from the side. The static pressure groove <NUM> has an introduction groove 313a opening on an inner diameter side (a sealed fluid side) of the seal ring <NUM> and closed on an outer diameter side, and an arc-shaped communication groove 313b extending in a circumferential direction on the outer diameter side and communicated with all introduction grooves 313a. Note that the communication groove 313b is formed on the outer diameter side of a flat surface <NUM> and the inner diameter side of a seal portion 316a continuously formed in a substantially annular shape across a joint portion 1a (see <FIG>).

Moreover, for the sake of convenience in description, the introduction groove 313a and the communication groove 313b of the static pressure groove <NUM> are formed with the substantially same depth although not shown in the figure.

According to such a configuration, the communication groove 313b is provided for the static pressure grooves <NUM> so that sealed fluid can flow out to a wide area in the circumferential direction on the outer diameter side between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 and lubricity of the seal ring <NUM> can be enhanced. Moreover, the communication groove 313b is formed in the substantially annular shape, and therefore, the sealed fluid in the communication groove 313b generates a flow in the circumferential direction in association with rotation of the rotary shaft <NUM> and is stably held in the communication groove 313b. Consequently, the sealed fluid can be reliably supplied to the portion between the sliding surfaces S1, S2.

Note that the static pressure groove <NUM> may be formed such that the depth of the introduction groove 313a on the inner diameter side is deeper than that on the outer diameter side, and the communication groove 313b may be formed with the substantially same depth as that of the introduction groove 313a on the inner diameter side. According to such a configuration, the sealed fluid easily flows from the inner diameter side to the outer diameter side of the introduction groove 313a, and therefore, is easily introduced into the communication groove 313b. Consequently, the lubricity of the seal ring <NUM> can be further enhanced.

Moreover, as in a variation A of the seal ring <NUM> in the third example as illustrated in <FIG>, the communication groove 313b may be formed to extend in the circumferential direction from multiple spots in a radial direction (e.g., a double threaded shape).

Further, as in a variation B of the seal ring <NUM> in the third example as illustrated in <FIG>, the communication groove 313b may be formed in a wave shape. According to such a configuration, the sealed fluid can flow out to a wide area of the sliding surface S1 on the outer diameter side from the communication groove 313b, and the area of the communication groove 313b can be increased. Thus, the lubricity of the seal ring <NUM> can be further enhanced.

Next, a seal ring according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Note that the same reference numerals are used to represent the same components as those described in the above-described examples and overlapping description thereof will be omitted.

The seal ring <NUM> in the embodiment will be described. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the present embodiment, a sliding surface S1 (see <FIG>) formed at a side surface <NUM> of the seal ring <NUM> mainly includes a flat surface <NUM>, multiple static pressure grooves <NUM> formed linearly in a radiation direction, having a substantially rectangular shape as viewed from the side, and each having introduction grooves 413a opening on an inner diameter side (a sealed fluid side) of the seal ring <NUM> and closed on an outer diameter side and an arc-shaped communication groove 413b extending in a circumferential direction on the outer diameter side and communicated with all introduction grooves 413a, and dynamic pressure grooves <NUM> each provided between adjacent ones of the introduction grooves 413a in the circumferential direction. Note that the introduction grooves 413a of the static pressure grooves <NUM> and the dynamic pressure grooves <NUM> are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the sliding surface S1, except for the vicinity of a joint portion 1a. The introduction grooves 413a and the dynamic pressure grooves <NUM> are alternately provided across the circumferential direction.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the dynamic pressure groove <NUM> has the function of generating a dynamic pressure according to rotation of a rotary shaft <NUM>, and opens on the inner diameter side (i.e., the sealed fluid side) of the seal ring <NUM>. The dynamic pressure groove <NUM> includes a deep groove <NUM> provided at the center in the circumferential direction and a pair of shallow grooves <NUM>, <NUM> formed continuously from both sides of the deep groove <NUM> in the circumferential direction and extending in the circumferential direction. Note that in <FIG> and <FIG>, the right side with respect to the deep groove <NUM> in the plane of paper will be described as the shallow groove <NUM>, and the left side in the plane of paper will be described as the shallow groove <NUM>.

Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the deep groove <NUM> has a bottom surface formed flat, and the shallow grooves <NUM>, <NUM> have bottom surfaces as inclined surfaces formed such that the shallow grooves <NUM>, <NUM> gradually become shallower from a deep groove <NUM> side to terminal ends in the circumferential direction. Moreover, the bottom surface of the deep groove <NUM> is formed deeper than deepest portions of the shallow grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, and the depth of the deep groove <NUM> is several tens to several hundreds of µm and preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

Next, fluid film formation between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 upon rotation of the rotary shaft <NUM> will be described. Note that a case where the rotary shaft <NUM> rotates clockwise as indicated by a white arrow in <FIG>, i.e., a case where the seal ring <NUM> rotates counterclockwise relative to an annular groove <NUM> of the rotary shaft <NUM> in <FIG>, will be described herein by way of example. Upon relative rotation of the rotary shaft <NUM> and a housing <NUM>, the sliding surface S1 on a side surface <NUM> side slides on the sliding surface S2 on a side wall surface <NUM> side. At this point, sealed fluid is introduced from the inner diameter side to the introduction grooves 413a of the static pressure grooves <NUM> and the deep grooves <NUM> of the dynamic pressure grooves <NUM> provided at the sliding surface S1. Moreover, a negative pressure is generated in each shallow groove <NUM> (hereinafter merely referred to as a "shallow groove <NUM>") of the seal ring <NUM> on a side (i.e., the left side in the plane of paper of <FIG>) opposite to a rotation direction of the rotary shaft <NUM>. Meanwhile, the sealed fluid introduced into the deep grooves <NUM> is supplied to each shallow groove <NUM> (hereinafter merely referred to as a "shallow groove <NUM>") of the seal ring <NUM> on the same side (i.e., the right side in the plane of paper of <FIG>) as the rotation direction, and a positive pressure is generated in such a shallow groove <NUM> due to wedge action caused by the inclined surface. Then, the positive pressure is generated across the entirety of the dynamic pressure groove <NUM>, and accordingly, the force of slightly separating the sliding surfaces S1, S2 from each other, i.e., so-called buoyancy, is obtained. Note that it is configured such that the positive pressure generated in the dynamic pressure groove <NUM> is higher than the static pressure force generated in the static pressure groove <NUM> described above in the first example and the buoyancy is mainly obtained by the positive pressure generated in the dynamic pressure groove <NUM>. The sliding surfaces S1, S2 are slightly separated from each other, and therefore, the high-pressure sealed fluid flows into a portion between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 from the inner diameter side and the sealed fluid flows out of the shallow groove <NUM> generating the positive pressure to the portion between the sliding surfaces S1, S2. Further, the force of sucking the sealed fluid present between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 around the dynamic pressure groove <NUM> acts on the shallow groove <NUM> generating the negative pressure in the dynamic pressure groove <NUM>. Thus, the sealed fluid is supplied to the shallow groove <NUM> and a surrounding lubrication portion 416b thereof from the introduction groove 413a of the static pressure groove <NUM> adjacent to such a shallow groove <NUM> in the circumferential direction.

According to such a configuration, the sealed fluid is supplied from the introduction groove 413a of the static pressure groove <NUM> to which the high-pressure sealed fluid is introduced to the shallow groove <NUM> positioned adjacent to such an introduction groove 413a in the circumferential direction and generating the negative pressure. Thus, the sealed fluid is held on the shallow groove <NUM> and the surrounding lubrication portion 416b thereof, and is sufficiently supplied from the deep groove <NUM> and the shallow groove <NUM> to the shallow groove <NUM> generating the positive pressure. Consequently, a fluid film can be formed between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 across a wide range of rotation speed, and lubricity of the seal ring <NUM> can be enhanced.

Moreover, the shallow groove <NUM> generating the negative pressure in the dynamic pressure groove <NUM> opens on the inner diameter side (i.e., the sealed fluid side), and the sealed fluid is also introduced from the inner diameter side of the sliding surface S1. Thus, the sealed fluid is easily held on the shallow groove <NUM>.

Further, the sealed fluid is supplied from the introduction groove 413a of the static pressure groove <NUM> to the shallow groove <NUM> positioned adjacent to such an introduction groove 413a in the circumferential direction and generating the negative pressure. Thus, in the shallow groove <NUM> generating the negative pressure in the dynamic pressure groove <NUM>, the sealed fluid is held, and the negative pressure is reduced. Consequently, the dynamic pressure can be generated in a state in which variation in a pressure (the positive pressure and the negative pressure) in the circumferential direction is reduced corresponding to the formation positions of the dynamic pressure grooves <NUM> in a radial direction between the sliding surfaces S1, S2. As a result, vibration due to, e.g., cavitation can be prevented while the lubricity of the seal ring <NUM> can be enhanced.

In addition, the introduction groove 413a of the static pressure groove <NUM> is formed longer in the radial direction than the dynamic pressure groove <NUM> (specifically the shallow groove <NUM>), and therefore, the sealed fluid can be supplied to the shallow groove <NUM> generating the negative pressure from the introduction groove 413a adjacent to such a shallow groove <NUM> in the circumferential direction to reduce occurrence of cavitation. Further, the introduction groove 413a extends to a position on the outer diameter side with respect to the dynamic pressure groove <NUM>, and therefore, the sealed fluid can be supplied to the outer diameter side (i.e., the outer diameter side with respect to the dynamic pressure groove <NUM>) of the sliding surface S1 to form the fluid film between the sliding surfaces S1, S2. Consequently, the lubricity of the seal ring <NUM> can be further enhanced. In addition, the communication groove 413b is provided so that the sealed fluid can flow out to a wide area in the circumferential direction on the outer diameter side between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 and the lubricity of the seal ring <NUM> can be further enhanced.

Moreover, the introduction groove 413a of the static pressure groove <NUM> is provided at a position sandwiched by the dynamic pressure grooves <NUM> in the circumferential direction. Thus, even when the seal ring <NUM> rotates in any direction, the sealed fluid can be reliably supplied to the shallow groove <NUM> generating the negative pressure from the introduction groove 413a adjacent to such a shallow groove <NUM> in the circumferential direction. Further, the introduction grooves 413a and the dynamic pressure grooves <NUM> are alternately provided across the circumferential direction of the sliding surface S1, and therefore, the sealed fluid is supplied to all dynamic pressure grooves <NUM> from the introduction grooves 413a adjacent to these dynamic pressure grooves <NUM> in the circumferential direction. Thus, the buoyancy can be generated with favorable balance across the circumferential direction of the sliding surface S1. Moreover, the dynamic pressure grooves <NUM> are formed in addition to the static pressure grooves <NUM>, and therefore, a contact area (the area of the flat surface <NUM>) between the sliding surfaces S1, S2 can be decreased. Thus, abrasion of the sliding surface S1 can be reduced.

Further, the dynamic pressure groove <NUM> includes the deep groove <NUM> opening on the inner diameter side at the center in the circumferential direction and the shallow grooves <NUM>, <NUM> formed continuously to both sides of the deep groove <NUM> in the circumferential direction, extending in the circumferential direction, and having the bottom surfaces inclined such that the shallow grooves <NUM>, <NUM> gradually become shallower toward the terminal ends in the circumferential direction. Thus, the seal ring <NUM> can be rotated in both directions upon use, and even upon high-speed rotation, the sealed fluid can be reliably supplied to any of the shallow grooves <NUM>, <NUM> through the deep grooves <NUM>.

In addition, as in variations C to E of the seal ring <NUM> in the embodiment as illustrated in <FIG>, the dynamic pressure groove <NUM> may be freely formed, and may be formed as, e.g., a T-shaped groove, a Rayleigh step, or a spiral groove.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, but specific configurations are not limited to this embodiment. The present invention also includes even changes and additions made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

For example, the configuration of the static pressure groove described in the first example, the configuration of the introduction groove and the extension groove of the static pressure groove described in the second example, and the configurations of the introduction grooves and the communication grooves of the static pressure grooves described in the variations A, B of the third example may be applied to the embodiment.

Moreover, the number and shape of static pressure grooves (introduction grooves) provided at the sliding surface S1 of the seal ring and the number and shape of dynamic pressure grooves provided at the sliding surface S1 of the seal ring may be changed as necessary such that a desired dynamic pressure effect is obtained. Note that the location and shape of the static pressure groove (including the introduction groove) to which the sealed fluid is introduced and the location and shape of the deep groove of the dynamic pressure groove to which the sealed fluid is introduced may be changed as necessary according to the assumed degree of abrasion of the sliding surface.

Further, the shapes of the bottom and side surfaces of the static pressure groove (including the introduction groove) are not limited to the rectangular shape, and may be freely formed. The side surface may extend with a slope from the bottom surface.

In addition, the seal ring may be formed in an annular shape without the joint portion 1a, and the outer shape thereof is not limited to a circular shape as viewed from the side. The seal ring may be formed in a polygonal shape.

Moreover, the seal ring is not limited to the rectangular sectional shape, and for example, may have a trapezoidal sectional shape or a polygonal sectional shape. The seal ring may be configured such that the side surface forming the sliding surface S1 is inclined.

Claim 1:
A seal ring (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for sealing a clearance between a rotary shaft (<NUM>) and a housing (<NUM>), comprising:
multiple static pressure grooves (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>) provided at a sliding surface (S1, S2) of the seal ring (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and arranged in a circumferential direction, the static pressure grooves (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>) being opened on a sealed fluid side and closed on an outer diameter side, a circumferential length of each of the static pressure grooves (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>) being shorter than a radial length of each of the static pressure grooves (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein
the seal ring (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) further comprises multiple communication grooves (313b, 413b) each extending in a circumferential direction on the outer diameter side and each communicating with adjoining two of the static pressure grooves (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>) in the circumferential direction, and wherein
the seal ring (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) further comprises multiple dynamic pressure grooves (<NUM>) each provided so as to be sandwiched by adjoining two of the static pressure grooves (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>) in the circumferential direction,
characterized in that the multiple dynamic pressure grooves (<NUM>) are each opened on the sealed fluid side, and the seal ring further comprises multiple extension grooves (213b, 213b') each extending in a circumferential direction and communicating with each of the static pressure grooves (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM>).