Title of Invention	SPLIT MECHANICAL SEAL
Abstract	[Object] To provide a split mechanical seal wherein a split sealing ring can be bound and held in a proper ring-shaped condition without causing distortion to occur in the sealing end surfaces. [Configuration] A first and a second sealing ring 5 and 9 are respectively split sealing rings split in the circumferential direction, and are secured and held in such a manner that they are bound in a circular ring shape by binding rings 4 and 8 attached so as to be freely tightenable to retainer rings 3 and 7, respectively. The opposing end surfaces of the respective split sealing rings 5 and 9 and binding rings 4 and 8 fitted thereon are configured as truncated conical tapered surfaces 4a and 5b, and 8a and 9b, which gradually broaden in the direction of tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer rings 3 and 7. The split sealing rings 5 and 9, by the tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer rings 3 and 7, respectively, are pressed and held, with the end-surface side elastic members 17 and 29 in between, on the holding surfaces 3d and 7a, in the axial direction, of the retainer rings 3 and 7, and are, at the same time, respectively engaged with and held, with the circumferential-surface side elastic members 18 and 30 in between, on the inner circumferential surfaces 4a and 8a of the binding rings 4 and 8, respectively.

Title of Invention

SPLIT MECHANICAL SEAL

Abstract

[Object] To provide a split mechanical seal wherein a split sealing ring can be bound and held in a proper ring-shaped condition without causing distortion to occur in the sealing end surfaces. [Configuration] A first and a second sealing ring 5 and 9 are respectively split sealing rings split in the circumferential direction, and are secured and held in such a manner that they are bound in a circular ring shape by binding rings 4 and 8 attached so as to be freely tightenable to retainer rings 3 and 7, respectively. The opposing end surfaces of the respective split sealing rings 5 and 9 and binding rings 4 and 8 fitted thereon are configured as truncated conical tapered surfaces 4a and 5b, and 8a and 9b, which gradually broaden in the direction of tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer rings 3 and 7. The split sealing rings 5 and 9, by the tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer rings 3 and 7, respectively, are pressed and held, with the end-surface side elastic members 17 and 29 in between, on the holding surfaces 3d and 7a, in the axial direction, of the retainer rings 3 and 7, and are, at the same time, respectively engaged with and held, with the circumferential-surface side elastic members 18 and 30 in between, on the inner circumferential surfaces 4a and 8a of the binding rings 4 and 8, respectively.

Full Text	[0001] The present relates to a split mechanical seal that constitutes a split sealing ring wherein at least one or other of a first sealing ring on the seal case side and a second sealing ring on the rotating shaft side is split in the circumferential direction. [Background Technology] [0002] There are, broadly speaking, two types of split mechanical seals that constitute split sealing rings wherein at least one or other of a first sealing ring on the seal case side and a second sealing ring on the rotating shaft side is split in the circumferential direction. Such two types of split mechanical seals include inside mechanical seals and outside mechanical seals. In inside mechanical seals, a first and a second sealing ring are deployed inside the seal case, configured so as to shield, by the relative rotating and sliding action of sealing end surfaces constituting the opposing end surfaces of the two sealing rings, a sealed fluid region constituting the region on the outer circumferential side of the parts performing the relative rotating and sliding and a non-sealed fluid region constituting the region on the inner circumferential side thereof (see Fig. 2 in Patent Literature 1, for example). In outside mechanical seals, a second sealing ring is deployed in a non-sealed fluid region outside the seal case, configured so as to shield, by the relative rotating and sliding action of sealing end surfaces constituting the opposing end surfaces of the two sealing rings, a sealed fluid region constituting the region on the inner circumferential side of the parts performing the relative rotating and sliding and a non-sealed fluid region constituting the region on the outer circumferential side thereof (see Fig. 2 in Patent Literature 2, for example). Such split mechanical seals are ideal as shaft sealing means for large longitudinal shaft pumps and the like, so that disassembling and reassembling tasks, inclusive of maintenance tasks, can be performed easily, even when the seal is large. [0003] With inside mechanical seals, however, it is necessary to make the seal case a split type, and, due to the fact that internal pressure acts on the seal case due to non-sealed fluid, the seal case becomes complex and large, compared to outside mechanical seals, and a large amount of labor is required for maintenance tasks including disassembling and reassembling the seal case. [0004] With outside mechanical seals, on the other hand, the seal case can be made a non-split type; accordingly, maintenance tasks can be completed merely by disassembling and reassembling the split sealing ring, and little labor is required in maintenance tasks. Hence the outside mechanical seal has outstanding practicality as a split mechanical seal. [0005] More specifically, with a conventional outside mechanical seal, as shown in Figs. 2 to 4 in Patent Literature 2, for example, a first sealing ring on the seal case side is split in the circumferential direction, configuring a plurality of separated circular arc-shaped segments. A binding ring, in such a manner that it is fitted into a first sealing ring, is attached to a retainer ring held in the seal case so that it can be freely tightened in the axial direction. By tightening the binding ring to the retainer ring, the 2 first sealing ring is bound and held in a ring-shaped configuration in which the end surfaces of the circular arc-shaped segments are butted together. As a result, the first sealing ring can be disassembled and reassembled by the removal and attachment of the binding ring from and to the retainer ring. [0006] [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Patent Application Unexamined Publication No. H07-198043 [Patent Literature 2] Japanese Patent Application Unexamined Publication No 2004-251376 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems the Invention Attempts to Solve] [0007] With the conventional outside mechanical seal (hereinafter simply called "conventional seal") described above, however, the first sealing ring is directly bound by a binding ring made of metal. Therefore, when the binding ring is tightened to the retainer ring excessively, that is, when the binding force on the split sealing ring by the binding ring is excessive, distortion occurs in the circular arc- shaped segments, and there is a danger of the sealed fluid leaking from the split parts of this sealing ring (from the end surface-butted parts of the circular arc-shaped segments). Conversely, when the binding ring is inadequately tightened to the retainer ring, and the binding force on the first sealing ring by the binding ring is insufficient, then there is a danger of the end surface-butted parts of the circular arc-shaped segments opening due to the interior pressure acting on the first sealing ring (the pressure of the non-sealed fluid acting on the inner circumferential surfaces of the first sealing ring), allowing the sealed fluid to leak. Such problems also occur similarly in cases where the second sealing ring is made a split sealing ring, and occur most conspicuously in cases where the split sealing ring is made of a ceramic such as silicon carbide or of soft carbon or the like which is weak in the face of pulling loads and in cases where the sealed fluid pressure is high. [0008] Conventionally, furthermore, in cases where distortion occurs, due to an excessive binding force or the like, in a sealing end surface that is a contacting surface with an opposing sealing ring, when the mechanical seal is being assembled or during maintenance involving the disassembly or exchange of the split sealing ring, measures have been tried such as repairing this sealing end surface by a so-called "rubbing together operation," or setting the radial-dimension width of this sealing end surface extremely small, and performing so-called "breaking-in operation" prior to normal operation. However, such rubbing together operation and breaking-in operation require a high level of skill, making them difficult to perform by a user, and also place an enormous burden on the worker. The economic burden is also extremely large. Furthermore, it is difficult to perform breaking-in under dry conditions with split mechanical seals wherein the radial width of the sealing end surfaces have been set extremely small; accordingly, they cannot be adopted as shaft sealing means for advance standby operating type pumps or the like which sometimes operate for considerably long periods in air, and there are broad limitations to their application. [0009] An object of the present invention, which was devised for the purpose of solving the problems with outside mechanical seals described above, is to provide a split mechanical seal so that it is possible to 2A bind and hold a split sealing ring or rings in a proper ring-shaped configuration without causing distortion in the sealing end surface or surfaces. [Means for the Solving Problems] [0010] The present invention proposes a split mechanical seal (outside mechanical seal) configured such that at least one or other of a first sealing ring provided on the seal case side and a second sealing ring provided on a rotating shaft that passes through a cavity in the seal case constitutes a split sealing ring which is split in the circumferential direction; this split sealing ring is secured and held, in such a manner that it is bound in a circular ring shape, to a holding ring which is held in the seal case or on the rotating shaft so that it is movable or so that it is immovable in the axial direction, by a binding ring attached thereto (i.e. to the holding ring) so as to be freely tightenable in the axial direction; and, by the relative rotating and sliding action of sealing end surfaces that are opposing end surfaces of the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring, a sealed fluid region that is a region on the inner circumferential side of those relatively rotating and sliding parts and a non-sealed fluid region that is a region on the outer circumferential side thereof are shielded and sealed; and in order to accomplish the object described above, in the above-described split mechanical seal (outside mechanical seal), the opposing circumferential surfaces between the split sealing ring and the binding ring fitted thereon are configured as a tapered surfaces of a truncated conical shape that gradually become larger in the direction of tightening to the retainer ring of the binding ring, and, at the same time, the configuration is made such that an end-surface side elastic member and a circumferential-surface side elastic member are interposed, respectively, between the opposing end surfaces, in the axial direction, of the split sealing ring and the retainer ring, and between the opposing circumferential surfaces of the split sealing ring and the binding ring, and, by tightening the binding ring to the retainer ring, the split sealing ring is pressed against and held on, with the end-surface side elastic member in between, on the axial direction end surface of the retainer ring and is also fitted on and held on, with the circumferential-surface side elastic member in between, the inner circumferential surface of the binding ring. [0011] In such a split outside mechanical seal, either one or other of the first and second sealing rings, or both, can be configured as the split sealing ring described above, depending on the sealing conditions or the like. In cases where the first sealing ring is configured as a split sealing ring, the first sealing ring is held in a circular ring configuration by a binding ring (hereinafter called the "first binding ring"), a retainer ring (hereinafter called the "first retainer ring") for securing and holding the first binding ring is held in the seal case so as to be movable in the axial direction, and, between this first retainer ring and the seal case, a spring member for pressing and urging the first sealing ring toward the second sealing ring is interposed. In cases where the second sealing ring is configured as a split sealing ring, moreover, the second sealing ring is held in a circular ring configuration by a binding ring (hereinafter called the "second binding ring"), and a retainer ring (hereinafter called the "second retainer ring") for securing and holding the second sealing ring is secured and held on the rotating shaft. [0012] In a preferred embodiment, for the end-surface side elastic member (which, hereinafter, when used for the first sealing ring will be called the "first end-surface side elastic member," and when used for the second sealing ring will be called the "second end-surface side elastic member"), it is preferable that sheet made of an elastic material (rubber sheet, for example) or an O-ring made of rubber, or the 3 like, capable of functioning as a seal for effecting a secondary seal between the opposing end surfaces, in the axial direction, of the split sealing ring (first sealing ring or second sealing ring) and the retainer ring (first retainer ring or second retainer ring), be used. And for the circumferential-surface side elastic member (which, hereinafter, when used for the first sealing ring will be called the "first circumferential-surface side elastic member," and when used for the second sealing ring will be called the "second circumferential-surface side elastic member"), it is preferable that sheet made of an elastic material (rubber sheet, for example) having a cushioning property and capable of filling in between the opposing circumferential surfaces of the split sealing ring (the first sealing ring or the second sealing ring) and the binding ring (the first binding ring or the second binding ring), about the entire circumference thereof, be used. [Benefits of Invention] [0013] In the split mechanical seal of the present invention, because the split sealing ring is bound and held by a binding ring with a circumferential-surface side elastic member interposed therebetween, and is also secured and held to a retainer ring with a end-surface side elastic member interposed therebetween, even when the binding force produced by the binding ring is excessive or insufficient, or when the internal pressure acting on this split sealing ring is high, the split surfaces do not open, nor does distortion develop in the sealing end surfaces, and the split sealing ring can be held in a proper circular ring configuration. Accordingly, in the split mechanical seal of the present invention, no rubbing together operation or breaking-in operation described above is required, and maintenance tasks, including assembling the mechanical seal and disassembling or replacing the split sealing ring, can be performed easily, efficiently, and economically. [Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention] [0014] Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side elevational view of an embodiment of the split mechanical seal according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the main portion thereof enlarged; Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional side elevational view corresponding to Fig. 2, showing the condition when split sealing ring binding is initiated; Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional rear elevational view of the main portion taken along the line IV—IV in Fig. 1; and Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional front elevational view of the main portion taken along the line V-V in Fig. 1. In the descriptions that follow, by left and right are meant left and right in Fig. 1 to 3. [0015] The split mechanical seal in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, is an end surface-contacting type outside mechanical seal that comprises a seal case 2 attached to the housing of a rotary machine (such as a pump housing, for example) 1, a first sealing ring 5 held in the seal case 2 by a first retainer ring 3 and a first binding ring 4 so as to move freely in the axial direction (to the left and to the right) and so as not to be able to rotate relatively, a second sealing ring 9 secured to the rotating shaft (such as an impeller shaft, for example) 6 of the rotary machine by a second retainer ring 7 and a second binding ring 8, and a spring member 10, interposed between the seal case 2 and the first retainer ring 3, for urging the first sealing ring 5 in the axial direction so as to contact and press this first sealing ring 5 toward the second sealing ring 9, configured so that, by the relative rotating and sliding actions of sealing end surfaces 5a and 9a that are the opposing end surfaces of the two sealing rings 5 and 9, a 4 sealed fluid region (region communicating with the interior of the rotary machine 1) H that is the region on the inner circumferential side of the relatively rotating and sliding parts 5a and 9a thereof, and a non-sealed fluid region (atmospheric region outside the rotary machine 1) L that is the region on the outer circumferential side thereof, are shielded and sealed. [0016] The seal case 2, as shown in Fig. 1, is made of metal, configured in a non-split ("non-split" means, here and below, that it is not split in the circumferential direction) circular ring-shaped member, with an L-shaped cross-section, and having an inner circumferential portion 2a of larger diameter than the rotating shaft 6. This seal case is attached to the rotary machine 1 with the rotating shaft 6 passing concentrically therethrough i.e. through the inner circumferential portion. [0017] The first sealing ring 5, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, is a circular ring-shaped member, the tip surface (left end surface) thereof being the sealing end surface 5a that is a smooth ring-shaped surface that is perpendicular to the shaft axis, and the outer circumference surface thereof being configured as a tapered surface 5b of a truncated conical shape the diameter thereof gradually increasing toward the base end (to the right), configured as a split sealing ring that is split in the circumferential direction into a plurality of (two, in the shown embodiment) circular arc-shaped segments 11 and 12. The first sealing ring 5 is bound and held in a circular ring configuration by the first binding ring 4 with the split surfaces11a and 12a (the end surfaces, in the circumferential direction, of the circular arc-shaped segments 11 and 12) butted together, and is also secured and held by the first retainer ring 3, being held by the first retainer ring 3 so that it is movable in the axial direction. [0018] The first retainer ring 3, as shown in Fig. 1, is a non-split cylindrical member, made of metal, comprising a tubular holding part 3a, and a ring-shaped flange part 3b formed integrally at the tip (left end) thereof. The first retainer ring 3 is held by the inner circumferential portion 2a of the seal case 2 with an O-ring 13 in between and so as to be movable in the axial direction. The first retainer ring 3 is prevented from rotating relative to the seal case 2, in a manner being allowed to move in the axial direction through a prescribed range, by engaging a drive pin 14, provided on the seal case 2 so as to protrude therefrom, into an engagement hole 3c formed on the outer circumferential side of the flange part 3b. The portion on the inner circumferential side in the tip surface of the first retainer ring 3 (portion on the inner circumferential side in the tip surface of the flange part 3b) is configured as a holding surface 3d for arresting and holding the base end surface (right end surface) 5c of the first sealing ring 5 in the axial direction. In the holding surface 3d, moreover, a drive pin 15 capable of engaging an engagement concavity 5d formed in the base end surface 5 c of the first sealing ring 5 is mounted so as to protrude therefrom. By engaging this drive pin 15 in the engagement concavity 5d, the first sealing ring 5 is prevented from rotating relative to the first retainer ring 3. [0019] 5 The first binding ring 4, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, is a non-split circular ring-shaped member, made of metal, attached by a suitable number of tightening bolts 16 to the flange part 3b of the first retainer ring 3 so that it can be freely tightened in the axial direction. On the inner circumferential surface of the first binding ring 4, a tapered surface corresponding to the outer circumferential surface (tapered surface) 5b of the first sealing ring 5, that is, a truncated conical tapered surface 4a the diameter thereof gradually increasing in the base end direction (to the right), is formed. [0020] The first sealing ring 5 that is a split sealing ring, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, is secured and held to the first retainer ring 3, by tightening the first binding ring 4 down to the first retainer ring 3, in such a manner that a first end-surface side elastic member 17 and a first circumferential-surface side elastic member 18 are interposed. [0021] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the first binding ring 4 fitted onto the first sealing ring 5 is attached, by the tightening bolts 16, to the first retainer ring 3, in such a manner that the first end- surface side elastic member 17 is interposed between the opposing end surfaces of the first sealing ring 5 and the first retainer ring 3 (between the base end surface 5c of the first sealing ring 5 and the holding surface 3d of the first retainer ring 3), in the axial direction, and in such a manner that the first circumferential-surface side elastic member 18 is interposed between the opposing circumferential surfaces of the first sealing ring 5 and the first binding ring 4 (between the tapered surface 5b that is the outer circumferential surface of the first sealing ring 5 and the tapered surface 4a that is the inner circumferential surface of the first binding ring 4). Then, from this condition, when the tightening bolts 16 are sequentially tightened, that is, when the first binding ring 4 is moved in the axial direction toward the first retainer ring 3, the first sealing ring 5, by the tapered surface 4a of the first binding ring 4, will be acted on by a binding force pressing via the first circumferential-surface side elastic member 18 in a direction that will reduce the diameter thereof, and by a pressing force pressing the first sealing ring 5 in the axial direction via the first end-surface side elastic member 17 toward the first retainer ring 3. As a result, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, due to the binding force described above, the first sealing ring 5 is bound and held in a circular ring configuration in which the split surfaces lla and 12a thereof are butted together, in such a manner that the first end-surface side elastic member 18 is clamped between the opposing end surfaces 4a and 5b of the first sealing ring 5 and the binding ring 4, and the first sealing ring 5 is secured and held on the holding surface 3d of the first retainer ring 3 in such a manner that the first end-surface side elastic member 17 is pressed between the opposing end surfaces 3d and 5c of the first sealing ring 5 and the first retainer ring 3, in the axial direction. For the first end-surface side elastic member 17, a sheet made of an elastic material or an O-ring made of rubber or the like is used which, besides having a cushioning function capable of preventing deformation (the occurrence of distortion) in the first sealing ring 5 due to the pressing force on the holding surface 3d of the first retainer ring 3, also can have a sealing function for effecting a secondary seal between the two, that is, between the first retainer ring 3 and the first sealing ring 5. In the shown embodiment, a circular ring-shaped rubber sheet is used. In the first end-surface side elastic member (rubber sheet) 17, moreover, as shown in Fig. 1, a passage hole 17a for the drive pin 15 is formed. For the first circumferential-surface side elastic member 18, moreover, a sheet made of an elastic material, or the like, is used which has a cushioning function capable of preventing deformation (the occurrence of distortion) in the first sealing ring 5 due to the binding force of the first binding ring 4 or the pressure 6 (internal pressure) of the sealed fluid. In the shown embodiment, a rubber sheet is used that is wrapped around the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface 5b of the first sealing ring 5. [0022] The spring member 10 is a coil spring interposed between the seal case 2 and a spring receptacle 19 held so that it is movable in the axial direction in the flange part 3b of the first retainer ring 3. The spring member 10 is set up so that the contact force thereof on the second sealing ring 9 of the first sealing ring 5 due to the spring load can be adjusted preferably, by varying the position of the spring receptacle 19, in the axial direction, by an adjustment bolt 20 screwed all the way through the first binding ring 4. [0023] The second sealing ring 9 is configured as a split sealing ring similarly as the first sealing ring 5. More specifically, the second sealing ring 9, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, is a circular ring-shaped member the tip surface (right end surface) thereof being a sealing end surface 9a that is a smooth ring- shaped surface perpendicular to the axis, the outer circumferential surface thereof being configured as a truncated conical tapered surface 9b the diameter thereof gradually increasing in the base end direction (to the left), and which is split in the circumferential direction into a plurality (two, in the shown embodiment) of circular arc-shaped segments 21 and 22. The second sealing ring 9 is bound and held by the second binding ring 8 in a circular ring configuration in which the split surfaces (the end surfaces in the circumferential direction of the circular arc-shaped segments 21 and 22) 21a and 22a are butted together. The second sealing ring 9 is secured and held by the second retainer ring 7, and is secured to the rotating shaft 6 by the second retainer ring 7. The first and second sealing rings 5 and 9, depending on the sealing conditions or the like, are either both made of a hard material such as silicon carbide or the like, or one is made of a hard material such as a ceramic or superhard alloy or the like while the other is made of soft carbon or the like. [0024] The second retainer ring 7, as shown in Fig. 3, is a non-split tubular member, made of metal, secured and held on the rotating shaft 6 by a securing ring 23. The securing ring 23 is split in two in the circumferential direction, and is mated with and secured to the rotating shaft 6 by tightening it in a ring shape by a tightening bolt 24. The second retainer ring 7 is fitted onto the rotating shaft 6 in such a manner that the gap between it and the rotating shaft 6 is secondarily sealed by an O-ring 25, and is secured to the rotating shaft 6 by coupling it to the securing ring 23 by a coupling bolt 26. The portion on the inner circumferential side in the tip surface (right end surface) of the second retainer ring 7 is configured as a holding surface 7a for arresting and holding the base end surface (left end surface) 9c of the second sealing ring 9 in the axial direction. In the holding surface 7a, a drive pin 27 is provided so as to protrude therefrom, the drive pin 27being capable of engaging an engagement concavity 9d formed in the base end surface 9c of the second sealing ring 9. By engaging this drive pin 27 in the engagement concavity 9d, the second sealing ring 9 is prevented from rotating relative to the second retainer ring 7. [0025] The second binding ring 8, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, is a non-split circular ring-shaped member, made of metal, that is attached so that it can be freely tightened, in the axial direction, to the second retainer ring 7, by a suitable number of tightening bolts 28. On the inner circumferential surface 7 of the second binding ring 8, a tapered surface corresponding to the outer circumferential surface (tapered surface) 9b of the second sealing ring 9, that is, a truncated conical tapered surface 8a the diameter thereof gradually increasing in the base end direction (to the left), is formed. [0026] The second sealing ring 9 that is a split sealing ring, as shown in Fig. 1, is secured and held to the second retainer ring 7, in such a manner that a second end-surface side elastic member 29 and a second circumferential-surface side elastic member 30 are interposed, by tightening the second binding ring 8 to the second retainer ring 7. [0027] More specifically, the second end-surface side elastic member 29 is interposed between the opposing end surfaces (between the base end surface 9c of the second sealing ring 9 and the holding surface 7a of the second retainer ring 7) of the second sealing ring 9 and the second retainer ring 7, in the axial direction. Moreover, the second binding ring 8 fitted onto the second sealing ring 9 is attached to the second retainer ring 7, by the tightening bolts 28, in such a manner that the second circumferential-surface side elastic member 30 is interposed between the opposing end surfaces of the second sealing ring 9 and the second binding ring 8 (between the tapered surface 9b that is the outer circumferential surface of the second sealing ring 9 and the tapered surface 8a that is the inner circumferential surface of the second binding ring 8). Then, from this condition, the tightening bolts 28 are sequentially tightened, and the second binding ring 8 is moved in the axial direction toward the second retainer ring 7. With such an operation, the second sealing ring 9, due to the tapered surface 8a of the second binding ring 8, will be acted on by a binding force pressing via the second circumferential-surface side elastic member 30 in a direction that decreases the diameter thereof, and by a pressing force that presses this second sealing ring 9 in the axial direction via the second end-surface side elastic member 29 toward the second retainer ring 7. As a result, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, due to the binding force, the second sealing ring 9 is bound and held in a circular ring configuration in which the split surfaces 21a and 22a thereof are butted together, in such a manner that the second circumferential-surface side elastic member 30 is clamped between the opposing end surfaces 8a and 9b of the second sealing ring 9 and the second binding ring 8, and the second sealing ring 9 is secured and held on the holding surface 7a of the second retainer ring 7, in such a manner that the second end- surface side elastic member 29 is clamped between the opposing end surfaces 7a and 9c of the second sealing ring 9 and the second retainer ring 7, in the axial direction. For the second end-surface side elastic member 29, a sheet made of an elastic material or an O-ring made of rubber, or the like, which has a cushioning function capable of preventing deformation (the occurrence of distortion) in the second sealing ring 9 due to the pressing force toward the holding surface 7a of the second retainer ring 7, and also can has a sealing function for effecting a secondary seal between the two members 7 and 9, is used. In the shown embodiment, an O-ring made of rubber is used. The second end-surface side elastic member (O-ring) 29, moreover, is engaged and held in an O- ring channel formed in the holding surface 7a at a position which does not interfere with the drive pin 27, and a secondary seal is effected in a non-contacting manner between the opposing end surfaces 7a and 9c of the two members 7 and 9. For the second circumferential-surface side elastic member 30, a sheet made of an elastic material having a cushioning function capable of preventing distortion (the occurrence of distortion) in the second sealing ring 9 due to the binding force of the second binding ring 8 and the pressure (internal pressure) of the sealed fluid is used. In the shown embodiment, as for the first circumferential-surface side elastic member 18, a rubber sheet is used therefor which is 8 wrapped around the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface 9b of the second sealing ring 9. [0028] In the split mechanical seal configured as described above, when the tightening bolt 16 that attaches the binding ring 4 to the retainer ring 3 is tightened, due to the cam action (wedge action) of the opposing tapered surfaces 4a and 5b, the split sealing ring 5 is bound and also pressed toward the retainer ring 4. As a result, this split sealing ring 5 is bound and held in a circular ring configuration in which the circular arc-shaped segments 11 and 12 are butted together, and is secured and held by the retainer ring 4. Likewise when the tightening bolt 28 that attaches the binding ring 8 to the retainer ring 7 is tightened, due to the cam action (wedge action) of the opposing tapered surfaces 8a and 9b, the split sealing ring 9 is bound and also pressed toward the retainer ring 7. As a result, this split sealing ring 9 is bound and held in a circular ring configuration in which the circular arc-shaped segments 21 and 22 are butted together, and is secured and held by the retainer ring 7. [0029] In the above operation, the split sealing rings 5 and 9 are respectively bound in such a manner that the circumferential-surface side elastic members (rubber sheets 18 and 30) are interposed between them and the binding rings 4 and 7. Therefore, even if, due to excessive tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer rings 3 and 7, the binding force effected by the binding rings 4 and 8 is excessive, the excessive portion of this binding force will be absorbed by the cushioning function (elastic deformation) of the circumferential-surface side elastic members 18 and 30. Hence the split sealing rings 5 and 9 will never suffer deformation or the like. Furthermore, because the split sealing rings 5 and 9 are respectively bound directly by the elastic force of the circumferential-surface side elastic members 18 and 30, even in cases where the pressure (internal pressure) of the sealed fluid is high or where, due to insufficient tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer rings 3 and 7, the binding force effected by the binding rings 4 and 8 is insufficient, the effects of this internal pressure on the split sealing rings 5 and 9 will be absorbed and moderated by the elastic force of the circumferential-surface side elastic members 18 and 30, and the occurrence of distortion in the split sealing rings 5 and 9 can be effectively prevented. [0030] The split sealing rings 5 and 9, moreover, are respectively pressed toward the retainer rings 3 and 7 in such a manner that an end-surface side elastic member (rubber sheet 17 or O-ring 29) is interposed therebetween. Accordingly, even should the pressing force of the split sealing rings 5 and 9 toward the retainer rings 3 and 7 become excessive, due to excessive tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer rings 3 and 7, the excessive portion of this pressing force will be absorbed by the cushioning function (elastic deformation) of the end-surface side elastic members 17 and 29. Hence the split sealing rings 5 and 9 will never suffer deformation or the like. Furthermore, the split sealing rings 5 and 9 are respectively pressed by the recoil force (elastic force) of the end-surface side elastic members 17 and 29 in a direction wherein they wedge toward the tapered surfaces 4a and 8a of the binding rings 4 and 8 (with the first sealing ring 5 being pressed in toward the left and the second sealing ring 9 pressed toward the right). Accordingly, even should the binding force by the binding rings 4 and 8 be insufficient, due to insufficient tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer rings 3 and 7, the split sealing rings 5 and 9 will respectively be properly bound and held. Furthermore, even in cases where the machining precision for the holding surfaces 3d and 7a of the retainer rings 3 and 7 9 respectively is low compared to that for the base end surfaces 5c and 9c of the split sealing rings 5 and 9, or where distortion develops therein, the effects thereof will be absorbed by the end-surface side elastic members 17 and 29 and not imparted to the split sealing rings 5 and 9. [0031] Thus, even in cases where the binding forces effected by the binding rings 4 and 8 respectively are excessive or insufficient, or in cases where the internal pressure acting on the split sealing rings 5 and 9 is high, the split sealing rings 5 and 9 will respectively be held in a proper circular ring configuration; and problems that occur with conventional seals, as described in the first part of this specification, such as deformation in the circular arc-shaped segments 11, 12, 21, and 22 that causes distortion in the sealing end surfaces 5a and 9a are prevented. Accordingly, in the present invention, irrespective of the sealing conditions or the materials of the split sealing rings 5 and 9, good sealing functions is manifested, without causing distortion to develop in the sealing end surfaces 5a and 9a or the like, and there is no need to perform rubbing together operation or breaking-in operation as described in the first part of the present specification. [0032] Moreover, the present invention is not limited to or by the embodiment described above, and it can be suitably improved or modified, within such scope as not departing from the principle of the invention. For example, the present invention is applicable also to outside mechanical seals wherein only one or other of the first and second split sealing rings 5 and 9 is a split sealing ring. [Brief Description of the Drawings] [0033] Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side elevational view of one example of a split mechanical seal according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged, detailed illustration of the main portion of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional side elevational view corresponding to Fig. 2, showing the condition when the process of binding by the binding ring is initiated. Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional rear elevational view of the main portion taken along the line IV-IV in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional front elevational view of the main portion taken along the line V-V in Fig. 1. 10 We Claim: [Claim 1] A split mechanical seal that constitutes a split sealing ring having at least one or other of a first sealing ring on a seal case side and a second sealing ring on a rotating shaft side split in the circumferential direction, configured such that, by a relative rotating and sliding action of sealing end surfaces that are opposing end surfaces of the two sealing rings, a sealed fluid region that is a region on an inner circumferential side of relatively rotating and sliding parts and a non-sealed fluid region that is a region on an outer circumferential side thereof are shielded and sealed, said split mechanical seal being characterized in that: a retainer ring is held, in the seal case or on the rotating shaft provided with the split sealing ring, so as to be either movable in an axial direction or immovable in an axial direction; the split sealing ring is secured and held in such a manner that a binding ring fitted thereon is bound to the retainer ring in a circular ring shape, by a binding ring attached so as to be freely tightenable in the axial direction to the retainer ring; opposing circumferential surfaces between the split sealing ring and the binding ring fitted thereon are configured as tapered surfaces of a truncated conical shape that gradually become larger in a direction of tightening toward the retainer ring of the binding ring; and an end-surface side elastic member is interposed between the opposing end surfaces, in the axial direction, between the split sealing ring and the retainer ring, and, a circumferential-surface side elastic member is interposed between the opposing circumferential surfaces of the split sealing ring and the binding ring, and, by tightening the binding ring to the retainer ring, the split sealing ring is pressed against and held on, with the end-surface side elastic member in between, the axial direction end surface of the retainer ring and is also fitted on and held on, with the circumferential-surface side elastic member in between, the inner circumferential surface of the binding ring. [Claim 2] The split mechanical seal according to claim 1, wherein a first sealing ring is configured in the split sealing ring, a retainer ring for securing and holding the first sealing ring is held, so as to be able to move in the axial direction, in the seal case, and between the retainer ring and the seal case, a spring member for pressing and urging the first sealing ring toward a second sealing ring is interposed. 11 [Claim 3] The split mechanical seal according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a second sealing ring is configured in the split sealing ring, and a retainer ring for securing and holding the second sealing ring is secured and held to a rotating shaft. [Claim 4] The split mechanical seal according to claim 1, wherein the end-surface side elastic member is a sheet made of an elastic material or an O-ring made of rubber, and the end-surface side elastic member is capable of functioning as a seal for effecting a secondary seal between the opposing end surfaces, in the axial direction, between the split sealing ring and the retainer ring. [Claim 5] The split mechanical seal according to claim 1 or claim 4, wherein the circumferential-surface side elastic member is a sheet made of an elastic material having a cushioning property and capable of filling in between the opposing circumferential surfaces of the split sealing ring and the binding ring for an entire circumference thereof. 12 Dated this 25* day of April, 2007. [Explanation of the Symbols] [0034] 1 housing 2 seal case 3 first retainer ring 3d first retainer ring holding surface 4 first binding ring 4d first binding ring tapered surface 5 first sealing ring 5a first sealing ring sealing end surface 5b first sealing ring tapered surface 5c first sealing ring base end surface 6 rotating shaft 7 second retainer ring 7a second retainer ring holding surface 8 second binding ring 8a second binding ring tapered surface 9 second sealing ring 9a second sealing ring sealing end surface 9b second sealing ring tapered surface 9c second sealing ring base end surface 10 spring member 11 circular arc-shaped segment 11a split surface 12 circular arc-shaped segment 13 12a split surface 16 tightening bolt 17 first end-surface side elastic member 18 first circumferential-surface side elastic member 28 tightening bolt 29 second end-surface side elastic member 30 second circumferential-surface side elastic member L non-sealed fluid region H sealed fluid region 14 [Object] To provide a split mechanical seal wherein a split sealing ring can be bound and held in a proper ring-shaped condition without causing distortion to occur in the sealing end surfaces. [Configuration] A first and a second sealing ring 5 and 9 are respectively split sealing rings split in the circumferential direction, and are secured and held in such a manner that they are bound in a circular ring shape by binding rings 4 and 8 attached so as to be freely tightenable to retainer rings 3 and 7, respectively. The opposing end surfaces of the respective split sealing rings 5 and 9 and binding rings 4 and 8 fitted thereon are configured as truncated conical tapered surfaces 4a and 5b, and 8a and 9b, which gradually broaden in the direction of tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer rings 3 and 7. The split sealing rings 5 and 9, by the tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer rings 3 and 7, respectively, are pressed and held, with the end-surface side elastic members 17 and 29 in between, on the holding surfaces 3d and 7a, in the axial direction, of the retainer rings 3 and 7, and are, at the same time, respectively engaged with and held, with the circumferential-surface side elastic members 18 and 30 in between, on the inner circumferential surfaces 4a and 8a of the binding rings 4 and 8, respectively.

Full Text

[0001]
The present relates to a split mechanical seal that constitutes a split sealing ring wherein at least one
or other of a first sealing ring on the seal case side and a second sealing ring on the rotating shaft side is
split in the circumferential direction.
[Background Technology]
[0002]
There are, broadly speaking, two types of split mechanical seals that constitute split sealing rings
wherein at least one or other of a first sealing ring on the seal case side and a second sealing ring on the
rotating shaft side is split in the circumferential direction. Such two types of split mechanical seals
include inside mechanical seals and outside mechanical seals. In inside mechanical seals, a first and a
second sealing ring are deployed inside the seal case, configured so as to shield, by the relative rotating
and sliding action of sealing end surfaces constituting the opposing end surfaces of the two sealing
rings, a sealed fluid region constituting the region on the outer circumferential side of the parts
performing the relative rotating and sliding and a non-sealed fluid region constituting the region on the
inner circumferential side thereof (see Fig. 2 in Patent Literature 1, for example). In outside
mechanical seals, a second sealing ring is deployed in a non-sealed fluid region outside the seal case,
configured so as to shield, by the relative rotating and sliding action of sealing end surfaces constituting
the opposing end surfaces of the two sealing rings, a sealed fluid region constituting the region on the
inner circumferential side of the parts performing the relative rotating and sliding and a non-sealed
fluid region constituting the region on the outer circumferential side thereof (see Fig. 2 in Patent
Literature 2, for example). Such split mechanical seals are ideal as shaft sealing means for large
longitudinal shaft pumps and the like, so that disassembling and reassembling tasks, inclusive of
maintenance tasks, can be performed easily, even when the seal is large.
[0003]
With inside mechanical seals, however, it is necessary to make the seal case a split type, and, due to
the fact that internal pressure acts on the seal case due to non-sealed fluid, the seal case becomes
complex and large, compared to outside mechanical seals, and a large amount of labor is required for
maintenance tasks including disassembling and reassembling the seal case.
[0004]
With outside mechanical seals, on the other hand, the seal case can be made a non-split type;
accordingly, maintenance tasks can be completed merely by disassembling and reassembling the split
sealing ring, and little labor is required in maintenance tasks. Hence the outside mechanical seal has
outstanding practicality as a split mechanical seal.
[0005]
More specifically, with a conventional outside mechanical seal, as shown in Figs. 2 to 4 in Patent
Literature 2, for example, a first sealing ring on the seal case side is split in the circumferential
direction, configuring a plurality of separated circular arc-shaped segments. A binding ring, in such a
manner that it is fitted into a first sealing ring, is attached to a retainer ring held in the seal case so that
it can be freely tightened in the axial direction. By tightening the binding ring to the retainer ring, the
2

first sealing ring is bound and held in a ring-shaped configuration in which the end surfaces of the
circular arc-shaped segments are butted together. As a result, the first sealing ring can be disassembled
and reassembled by the removal and attachment of the binding ring from and to the retainer ring.
[0006]
[Patent Literature 1] Japanese Patent Application Unexamined Publication No. H07-198043
[Patent Literature 2] Japanese Patent Application Unexamined Publication No 2004-251376
[Disclosure of the Invention]
[Problems the Invention Attempts to Solve]
[0007]
With the conventional outside mechanical seal (hereinafter simply called "conventional seal")
described above, however, the first sealing ring is directly bound by a binding ring made of metal.
Therefore, when the binding ring is tightened to the retainer ring excessively, that is, when the binding
force on the split sealing ring by the binding ring is excessive, distortion occurs in the circular arc-
shaped segments, and there is a danger of the sealed fluid leaking from the split parts of this sealing
ring (from the end surface-butted parts of the circular arc-shaped segments). Conversely, when the
binding ring is inadequately tightened to the retainer ring, and the binding force on the first sealing ring
by the binding ring is insufficient, then there is a danger of the end surface-butted parts of the circular
arc-shaped segments opening due to the interior pressure acting on the first sealing ring (the pressure of
the non-sealed fluid acting on the inner circumferential surfaces of the first sealing ring), allowing the
sealed fluid to leak. Such problems also occur similarly in cases where the second sealing ring is made
a split sealing ring, and occur most conspicuously in cases where the split sealing ring is made of a
ceramic such as silicon carbide or of soft carbon or the like which is weak in the face of pulling loads
and in cases where the sealed fluid pressure is high.
[0008]
Conventionally, furthermore, in cases where distortion occurs, due to an excessive binding force or
the like, in a sealing end surface that is a contacting surface with an opposing sealing ring, when the
mechanical seal is being assembled or during maintenance involving the disassembly or exchange of
the split sealing ring, measures have been tried such as repairing this sealing end surface by a so-called
"rubbing together operation," or setting the radial-dimension width of this sealing end surface
extremely small, and performing so-called "breaking-in operation" prior to normal operation.
However, such rubbing together operation and breaking-in operation require a high level of skill,
making them difficult to perform by a user, and also place an enormous burden on the worker. The
economic burden is also extremely large. Furthermore, it is difficult to perform breaking-in under dry
conditions with split mechanical seals wherein the radial width of the sealing end surfaces have been
set extremely small; accordingly, they cannot be adopted as shaft sealing means for advance standby
operating type pumps or the like which sometimes operate for considerably long periods in air, and
there are broad limitations to their application.
[0009]
An object of the present invention, which was devised for the purpose of solving the problems with
outside mechanical seals described above, is to provide a split mechanical seal so that it is possible to
2A

bind and hold a split sealing ring or rings in a proper ring-shaped configuration without causing
distortion in the sealing end surface or surfaces.
[Means for the Solving Problems]
[0010]
The present invention proposes a split mechanical seal (outside mechanical seal) configured such
that at least one or other of a first sealing ring provided on the seal case side and a second sealing ring
provided on a rotating shaft that passes through a cavity in the seal case constitutes a split sealing ring
which is split in the circumferential direction; this split sealing ring is secured and held, in such a
manner that it is bound in a circular ring shape, to a holding ring which is held in the seal case or on the
rotating shaft so that it is movable or so that it is immovable in the axial direction, by a binding ring
attached thereto (i.e. to the holding ring) so as to be freely tightenable in the axial direction; and, by the
relative rotating and sliding action of sealing end surfaces that are opposing end surfaces of the first
sealing ring and the second sealing ring, a sealed fluid region that is a region on the inner
circumferential side of those relatively rotating and sliding parts and a non-sealed fluid region that is a
region on the outer circumferential side thereof are shielded and sealed; and in order to accomplish the
object described above, in the above-described split mechanical seal (outside mechanical seal), the
opposing circumferential surfaces between the split sealing ring and the binding ring fitted thereon are
configured as a tapered surfaces of a truncated conical shape that gradually become larger in the
direction of tightening to the retainer ring of the binding ring, and, at the same time, the configuration is
made such that an end-surface side elastic member and a circumferential-surface side elastic member
are interposed, respectively, between the opposing end surfaces, in the axial direction, of the split
sealing ring and the retainer ring, and between the opposing circumferential surfaces of the split sealing
ring and the binding ring, and, by tightening the binding ring to the retainer ring, the split sealing ring is
pressed against and held on, with the end-surface side elastic member in between, on the axial direction
end surface of the retainer ring and is also fitted on and held on, with the circumferential-surface side
elastic member in between, the inner circumferential surface of the binding ring.
[0011]
In such a split outside mechanical seal, either one or other of the first and second sealing rings, or
both, can be configured as the split sealing ring described above, depending on the sealing conditions or
the like. In cases where the first sealing ring is configured as a split sealing ring, the first sealing ring is
held in a circular ring configuration by a binding ring (hereinafter called the "first binding ring"), a
retainer ring (hereinafter called the "first retainer ring") for securing and holding the first binding ring is
held in the seal case so as to be movable in the axial direction, and, between this first retainer ring and
the seal case, a spring member for pressing and urging the first sealing ring toward the second sealing
ring is interposed. In cases where the second sealing ring is configured as a split sealing ring,
moreover, the second sealing ring is held in a circular ring configuration by a binding ring (hereinafter
called the "second binding ring"), and a retainer ring (hereinafter called the "second retainer ring") for
securing and holding the second sealing ring is secured and held on the rotating shaft.
[0012]
In a preferred embodiment, for the end-surface side elastic member (which, hereinafter, when used
for the first sealing ring will be called the "first end-surface side elastic member," and when used for
the second sealing ring will be called the "second end-surface side elastic member"), it is preferable
that sheet made of an elastic material (rubber sheet, for example) or an O-ring made of rubber, or the
3

like, capable of functioning as a seal for effecting a secondary seal between the opposing end surfaces,
in the axial direction, of the split sealing ring (first sealing ring or second sealing ring) and the retainer
ring (first retainer ring or second retainer ring), be used. And for the circumferential-surface side
elastic member (which, hereinafter, when used for the first sealing ring will be called the "first
circumferential-surface side elastic member," and when used for the second sealing ring will be called
the "second circumferential-surface side elastic member"), it is preferable that sheet made of an elastic
material (rubber sheet, for example) having a cushioning property and capable of filling in between the
opposing circumferential surfaces of the split sealing ring (the first sealing ring or the second sealing
ring) and the binding ring (the first binding ring or the second binding ring), about the entire
circumference thereof, be used.
[Benefits of Invention]
[0013]
In the split mechanical seal of the present invention, because the split sealing ring is bound and held
by a binding ring with a circumferential-surface side elastic member interposed therebetween, and is
also secured and held to a retainer ring with a end-surface side elastic member interposed therebetween,
even when the binding force produced by the binding ring is excessive or insufficient, or when the
internal pressure acting on this split sealing ring is high, the split surfaces do not open, nor does
distortion develop in the sealing end surfaces, and the split sealing ring can be held in a proper circular
ring configuration. Accordingly, in the split mechanical seal of the present invention, no rubbing
together operation or breaking-in operation described above is required, and maintenance tasks,
including assembling the mechanical seal and disassembling or replacing the split sealing ring, can be
performed easily, efficiently, and economically.
[Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]
[0014]
Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side elevational view of an embodiment of the split mechanical
seal according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the main portion thereof enlarged;
Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional side elevational view corresponding to Fig. 2, showing the condition
when split sealing ring binding is initiated; Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional rear elevational view of
the main portion taken along the line IV—IV in Fig. 1; and Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional front
elevational view of the main portion taken along the line V-V in Fig. 1. In the descriptions that follow,
by left and right are meant left and right in Fig. 1 to 3.
[0015]
The split mechanical seal in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, is an end surface-contacting type
outside mechanical seal that comprises a seal case 2 attached to the housing of a rotary machine (such
as a pump housing, for example) 1, a first sealing ring 5 held in the seal case 2 by a first retainer ring 3
and a first binding ring 4 so as to move freely in the axial direction (to the left and to the right) and so
as not to be able to rotate relatively, a second sealing ring 9 secured to the rotating shaft (such as an
impeller shaft, for example) 6 of the rotary machine by a second retainer ring 7 and a second binding
ring 8, and a spring member 10, interposed between the seal case 2 and the first retainer ring 3, for
urging the first sealing ring 5 in the axial direction so as to contact and press this first sealing ring 5
toward the second sealing ring 9, configured so that, by the relative rotating and sliding actions of
sealing end surfaces 5a and 9a that are the opposing end surfaces of the two sealing rings 5 and 9, a
4

sealed fluid region (region communicating with the interior of the rotary machine 1) H that is the region
on the inner circumferential side of the relatively rotating and sliding parts 5a and 9a thereof, and a
non-sealed fluid region (atmospheric region outside the rotary machine 1) L that is the region on the
outer circumferential side thereof, are shielded and sealed.
[0016]
The seal case 2, as shown in Fig. 1, is made of metal, configured in a non-split ("non-split" means,
here and below, that it is not split in the circumferential direction) circular ring-shaped member, with
an L-shaped cross-section, and having an inner circumferential portion 2a of larger diameter than the
rotating shaft 6. This seal case is attached to the rotary machine 1 with the rotating shaft 6 passing
concentrically therethrough i.e. through the inner circumferential portion.
[0017]
The first sealing ring 5, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, is a circular ring-shaped member, the tip
surface (left end surface) thereof being the sealing end surface 5a that is a smooth ring-shaped surface
that is perpendicular to the shaft axis, and the outer circumference surface thereof being configured as a
tapered surface 5b of a truncated conical shape the diameter thereof gradually increasing toward the
base end (to the right), configured as a split sealing ring that is split in the circumferential direction into
a plurality of (two, in the shown embodiment) circular arc-shaped segments 11 and 12. The first
sealing ring 5 is bound and held in a circular ring configuration by the first binding ring 4 with the split
surfaces11a and 12a (the end surfaces, in the circumferential direction, of the circular arc-shaped
segments 11 and 12) butted together, and is also secured and held by the first retainer ring 3, being held
by the first retainer ring 3 so that it is movable in the axial direction.
[0018]
The first retainer ring 3, as shown in Fig. 1, is a non-split cylindrical member, made of metal,
comprising a tubular holding part 3a, and a ring-shaped flange part 3b formed integrally at the tip (left
end) thereof. The first retainer ring 3 is held by the inner circumferential portion 2a of the seal case 2
with an O-ring 13 in between and so as to be movable in the axial direction. The first retainer ring 3 is
prevented from rotating relative to the seal case 2, in a manner being allowed to move in the axial
direction through a prescribed range, by engaging a drive pin 14, provided on the seal case 2 so as to
protrude therefrom, into an engagement hole 3c formed on the outer circumferential side of the flange
part 3b. The portion on the inner circumferential side in the tip surface of the first retainer ring 3
(portion on the inner circumferential side in the tip surface of the flange part 3b) is configured as a
holding surface 3d for arresting and holding the base end surface (right end surface) 5c of the first
sealing ring 5 in the axial direction. In the holding surface 3d, moreover, a drive pin 15 capable of
engaging an engagement concavity 5d formed in the base end surface 5 c of the first sealing ring 5 is
mounted so as to protrude therefrom. By engaging this drive pin 15 in the engagement concavity 5d,
the first sealing ring 5 is prevented from rotating relative to the first retainer ring 3.
[0019]
5

The first binding ring 4, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, is a non-split circular ring-shaped member,
made of metal, attached by a suitable number of tightening bolts 16 to the flange part 3b of the first
retainer ring 3 so that it can be freely tightened in the axial direction. On the inner circumferential
surface of the first binding ring 4, a tapered surface corresponding to the outer circumferential surface
(tapered surface) 5b of the first sealing ring 5, that is, a truncated conical tapered surface 4a the
diameter thereof gradually increasing in the base end direction (to the right), is formed.
[0020]
The first sealing ring 5 that is a split sealing ring, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, is secured and held
to the first retainer ring 3, by tightening the first binding ring 4 down to the first retainer ring 3, in such
a manner that a first end-surface side elastic member 17 and a first circumferential-surface side elastic
member 18 are interposed.
[0021]
More specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the first binding ring 4 fitted onto the first sealing ring 5 is
attached, by the tightening bolts 16, to the first retainer ring 3, in such a manner that the first end-
surface side elastic member 17 is interposed between the opposing end surfaces of the first sealing ring
5 and the first retainer ring 3 (between the base end surface 5c of the first sealing ring 5 and the holding
surface 3d of the first retainer ring 3), in the axial direction, and in such a manner that the first
circumferential-surface side elastic member 18 is interposed between the opposing circumferential
surfaces of the first sealing ring 5 and the first binding ring 4 (between the tapered surface 5b that is the
outer circumferential surface of the first sealing ring 5 and the tapered surface 4a that is the inner
circumferential surface of the first binding ring 4). Then, from this condition, when the tightening bolts
16 are sequentially tightened, that is, when the first binding ring 4 is moved in the axial direction
toward the first retainer ring 3, the first sealing ring 5, by the tapered surface 4a of the first binding ring
4, will be acted on by a binding force pressing via the first circumferential-surface side elastic member
18 in a direction that will reduce the diameter thereof, and by a pressing force pressing the first sealing
ring 5 in the axial direction via the first end-surface side elastic member 17 toward the first retainer ring
3. As a result, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, due to the binding force described above, the first sealing
ring 5 is bound and held in a circular ring configuration in which the split surfaces lla and 12a thereof
are butted together, in such a manner that the first end-surface side elastic member 18 is clamped
between the opposing end surfaces 4a and 5b of the first sealing ring 5 and the binding ring 4, and the
first sealing ring 5 is secured and held on the holding surface 3d of the first retainer ring 3 in such a
manner that the first end-surface side elastic member 17 is pressed between the opposing end surfaces
3d and 5c of the first sealing ring 5 and the first retainer ring 3, in the axial direction.
For the first end-surface side elastic member 17, a sheet made of an elastic material or an O-ring
made of rubber or the like is used which, besides having a cushioning function capable of preventing
deformation (the occurrence of distortion) in the first sealing ring 5 due to the pressing force on the
holding surface 3d of the first retainer ring 3, also can have a sealing function for effecting a secondary
seal between the two, that is, between the first retainer ring 3 and the first sealing ring 5. In the shown
embodiment, a circular ring-shaped rubber sheet is used. In the first end-surface side elastic member
(rubber sheet) 17, moreover, as shown in Fig. 1, a passage hole 17a for the drive pin 15 is formed. For
the first circumferential-surface side elastic member 18, moreover, a sheet made of an elastic material,
or the like, is used which has a cushioning function capable of preventing deformation (the occurrence
of distortion) in the first sealing ring 5 due to the binding force of the first binding ring 4 or the pressure
6

(internal pressure) of the sealed fluid. In the shown embodiment, a rubber sheet is used that is wrapped
around the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface 5b of the first sealing ring 5.
[0022]
The spring member 10 is a coil spring interposed between the seal case 2 and a spring receptacle 19
held so that it is movable in the axial direction in the flange part 3b of the first retainer ring 3. The
spring member 10 is set up so that the contact force thereof on the second sealing ring 9 of the first
sealing ring 5 due to the spring load can be adjusted preferably, by varying the position of the spring
receptacle 19, in the axial direction, by an adjustment bolt 20 screwed all the way through the first
binding ring 4.
[0023]
The second sealing ring 9 is configured as a split sealing ring similarly as the first sealing ring 5.
More specifically, the second sealing ring 9, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, is a circular ring-shaped
member the tip surface (right end surface) thereof being a sealing end surface 9a that is a smooth ring-
shaped surface perpendicular to the axis, the outer circumferential surface thereof being configured as a
truncated conical tapered surface 9b the diameter thereof gradually increasing in the base end direction
(to the left), and which is split in the circumferential direction into a plurality (two, in the shown
embodiment) of circular arc-shaped segments 21 and 22. The second sealing ring 9 is bound and held
by the second binding ring 8 in a circular ring configuration in which the split surfaces (the end
surfaces in the circumferential direction of the circular arc-shaped segments 21 and 22) 21a and 22a are
butted together. The second sealing ring 9 is secured and held by the second retainer ring 7, and is
secured to the rotating shaft 6 by the second retainer ring 7. The first and second sealing rings 5 and 9,
depending on the sealing conditions or the like, are either both made of a hard material such as silicon
carbide or the like, or one is made of a hard material such as a ceramic or superhard alloy or the like
while the other is made of soft carbon or the like.
[0024]
The second retainer ring 7, as shown in Fig. 3, is a non-split tubular member, made of metal,
secured and held on the rotating shaft 6 by a securing ring 23. The securing ring 23 is split in two in
the circumferential direction, and is mated with and secured to the rotating shaft 6 by tightening it in a
ring shape by a tightening bolt 24. The second retainer ring 7 is fitted onto the rotating shaft 6 in such a
manner that the gap between it and the rotating shaft 6 is secondarily sealed by an O-ring 25, and is
secured to the rotating shaft 6 by coupling it to the securing ring 23 by a coupling bolt 26. The portion
on the inner circumferential side in the tip surface (right end surface) of the second retainer ring 7 is
configured as a holding surface 7a for arresting and holding the base end surface (left end surface) 9c of
the second sealing ring 9 in the axial direction. In the holding surface 7a, a drive pin 27 is provided so
as to protrude therefrom, the drive pin 27being capable of engaging an engagement concavity 9d
formed in the base end surface 9c of the second sealing ring 9. By engaging this drive pin 27 in the
engagement concavity 9d, the second sealing ring 9 is prevented from rotating relative to the second
retainer ring 7.
[0025]
The second binding ring 8, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5, is a non-split circular ring-shaped
member, made of metal, that is attached so that it can be freely tightened, in the axial direction, to the
second retainer ring 7, by a suitable number of tightening bolts 28. On the inner circumferential surface
7

of the second binding ring 8, a tapered surface corresponding to the outer circumferential surface
(tapered surface) 9b of the second sealing ring 9, that is, a truncated conical tapered surface 8a the
diameter thereof gradually increasing in the base end direction (to the left), is formed.
[0026]
The second sealing ring 9 that is a split sealing ring, as shown in Fig. 1, is secured and held to the
second retainer ring 7, in such a manner that a second end-surface side elastic member 29 and a second
circumferential-surface side elastic member 30 are interposed, by tightening the second binding ring 8
to the second retainer ring 7.
[0027]
More specifically, the second end-surface side elastic member 29 is interposed between the
opposing end surfaces (between the base end surface 9c of the second sealing ring 9 and the holding
surface 7a of the second retainer ring 7) of the second sealing ring 9 and the second retainer ring 7, in
the axial direction. Moreover, the second binding ring 8 fitted onto the second sealing ring 9 is
attached to the second retainer ring 7, by the tightening bolts 28, in such a manner that the second
circumferential-surface side elastic member 30 is interposed between the opposing end surfaces of the
second sealing ring 9 and the second binding ring 8 (between the tapered surface 9b that is the outer
circumferential surface of the second sealing ring 9 and the tapered surface 8a that is the inner
circumferential surface of the second binding ring 8). Then, from this condition, the tightening bolts 28
are sequentially tightened, and the second binding ring 8 is moved in the axial direction toward the
second retainer ring 7. With such an operation, the second sealing ring 9, due to the tapered surface 8a
of the second binding ring 8, will be acted on by a binding force pressing via the second
circumferential-surface side elastic member 30 in a direction that decreases the diameter thereof, and by
a pressing force that presses this second sealing ring 9 in the axial direction via the second end-surface
side elastic member 29 toward the second retainer ring 7. As a result, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5,
due to the binding force, the second sealing ring 9 is bound and held in a circular ring configuration in
which the split surfaces 21a and 22a thereof are butted together, in such a manner that the second
circumferential-surface side elastic member 30 is clamped between the opposing end surfaces 8a and
9b of the second sealing ring 9 and the second binding ring 8, and the second sealing ring 9 is secured
and held on the holding surface 7a of the second retainer ring 7, in such a manner that the second end-
surface side elastic member 29 is clamped between the opposing end surfaces 7a and 9c of the second
sealing ring 9 and the second retainer ring 7, in the axial direction.
For the second end-surface side elastic member 29, a sheet made of an elastic material or an O-ring
made of rubber, or the like, which has a cushioning function capable of preventing deformation (the
occurrence of distortion) in the second sealing ring 9 due to the pressing force toward the holding
surface 7a of the second retainer ring 7, and also can has a sealing function for effecting a secondary
seal between the two members 7 and 9, is used. In the shown embodiment, an O-ring made of rubber is
used. The second end-surface side elastic member (O-ring) 29, moreover, is engaged and held in an O-
ring channel formed in the holding surface 7a at a position which does not interfere with the drive pin
27, and a secondary seal is effected in a non-contacting manner between the opposing end surfaces 7a
and 9c of the two members 7 and 9. For the second circumferential-surface side elastic member 30, a
sheet made of an elastic material having a cushioning function capable of preventing distortion (the
occurrence of distortion) in the second sealing ring 9 due to the binding force of the second binding
ring 8 and the pressure (internal pressure) of the sealed fluid is used. In the shown embodiment, as for
the first circumferential-surface side elastic member 18, a rubber sheet is used therefor which is
8

wrapped around the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface 9b of the second sealing
ring 9.
[0028]
In the split mechanical seal configured as described above, when the tightening bolt 16 that attaches
the binding ring 4 to the retainer ring 3 is tightened, due to the cam action (wedge action) of the
opposing tapered surfaces 4a and 5b, the split sealing ring 5 is bound and also pressed toward the
retainer ring 4. As a result, this split sealing ring 5 is bound and held in a circular ring configuration in
which the circular arc-shaped segments 11 and 12 are butted together, and is secured and held by the
retainer ring 4. Likewise when the tightening bolt 28 that attaches the binding ring 8 to the retainer ring
7 is tightened, due to the cam action (wedge action) of the opposing tapered surfaces 8a and 9b, the
split sealing ring 9 is bound and also pressed toward the retainer ring 7. As a result, this split sealing
ring 9 is bound and held in a circular ring configuration in which the circular arc-shaped segments 21
and 22 are butted together, and is secured and held by the retainer ring 7.
[0029]
In the above operation, the split sealing rings 5 and 9 are respectively bound in such a manner that
the circumferential-surface side elastic members (rubber sheets 18 and 30) are interposed between them
and the binding rings 4 and 7. Therefore, even if, due to excessive tightening of the binding rings 4 and
8 to the retainer rings 3 and 7, the binding force effected by the binding rings 4 and 8 is excessive, the
excessive portion of this binding force will be absorbed by the cushioning function (elastic
deformation) of the circumferential-surface side elastic members 18 and 30. Hence the split sealing
rings 5 and 9 will never suffer deformation or the like. Furthermore, because the split sealing rings 5
and 9 are respectively bound directly by the elastic force of the circumferential-surface side elastic
members 18 and 30, even in cases where the pressure (internal pressure) of the sealed fluid is high or
where, due to insufficient tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer rings 3 and 7, the
binding force effected by the binding rings 4 and 8 is insufficient, the effects of this internal pressure on
the split sealing rings 5 and 9 will be absorbed and moderated by the elastic force of the
circumferential-surface side elastic members 18 and 30, and the occurrence of distortion in the split
sealing rings 5 and 9 can be effectively prevented.
[0030]
The split sealing rings 5 and 9, moreover, are respectively pressed toward the retainer rings 3 and 7
in such a manner that an end-surface side elastic member (rubber sheet 17 or O-ring 29) is interposed
therebetween. Accordingly, even should the pressing force of the split sealing rings 5 and 9 toward the
retainer rings 3 and 7 become excessive, due to excessive tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the
retainer rings 3 and 7, the excessive portion of this pressing force will be absorbed by the cushioning
function (elastic deformation) of the end-surface side elastic members 17 and 29. Hence the split
sealing rings 5 and 9 will never suffer deformation or the like. Furthermore, the split sealing rings 5
and 9 are respectively pressed by the recoil force (elastic force) of the end-surface side elastic members
17 and 29 in a direction wherein they wedge toward the tapered surfaces 4a and 8a of the binding rings
4 and 8 (with the first sealing ring 5 being pressed in toward the left and the second sealing ring 9
pressed toward the right). Accordingly, even should the binding force by the binding rings 4 and 8 be
insufficient, due to insufficient tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer rings 3 and 7, the
split sealing rings 5 and 9 will respectively be properly bound and held. Furthermore, even in cases
where the machining precision for the holding surfaces 3d and 7a of the retainer rings 3 and 7
9

respectively is low compared to that for the base end surfaces 5c and 9c of the split sealing rings 5 and
9, or where distortion develops therein, the effects thereof will be absorbed by the end-surface side
elastic members 17 and 29 and not imparted to the split sealing rings 5 and 9.
[0031]
Thus, even in cases where the binding forces effected by the binding rings 4 and 8 respectively are
excessive or insufficient, or in cases where the internal pressure acting on the split sealing rings 5 and 9
is high, the split sealing rings 5 and 9 will respectively be held in a proper circular ring configuration;
and problems that occur with conventional seals, as described in the first part of this specification, such
as deformation in the circular arc-shaped segments 11, 12, 21, and 22 that causes distortion in the
sealing end surfaces 5a and 9a are prevented. Accordingly, in the present invention, irrespective of the
sealing conditions or the materials of the split sealing rings 5 and 9, good sealing functions is
manifested, without causing distortion to develop in the sealing end surfaces 5a and 9a or the like, and
there is no need to perform rubbing together operation or breaking-in operation as described in the first
part of the present specification.
[0032]
Moreover, the present invention is not limited to or by the embodiment described above, and it can
be suitably improved or modified, within such scope as not departing from the principle of the
invention. For example, the present invention is applicable also to outside mechanical seals wherein
only one or other of the first and second split sealing rings 5 and 9 is a split sealing ring.
[Brief Description of the Drawings]
[0033]
Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side elevational view of one example of a split mechanical seal
according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged, detailed illustration of the main portion of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional side elevational view corresponding to Fig. 2, showing the
condition when the process of binding by the binding ring is initiated.
Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional rear elevational view of the main portion taken along the line
IV-IV in Fig. 1.
Fig. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional front elevational view of the main portion taken along the line
V-V in Fig. 1.
10

We Claim:
[Claim 1]
A split mechanical seal that constitutes a split sealing ring having at least one or other of a first
sealing ring on a seal case side and a second sealing ring on a rotating shaft side split in the
circumferential direction, configured such that, by a relative rotating and sliding action of sealing end
surfaces that are opposing end surfaces of the two sealing rings, a sealed fluid region that is a region on
an inner circumferential side of relatively rotating and sliding parts and a non-sealed fluid region that is
a region on an outer circumferential side thereof are shielded and sealed, said split mechanical seal
being characterized in that:
a retainer ring is held, in the seal case or on the rotating shaft provided with the split
sealing ring, so as to be either movable in an axial direction or immovable in an axial direction;
the split sealing ring is secured and held in such a manner that a binding ring fitted
thereon is bound to the retainer ring in a circular ring shape, by a binding ring attached so as to be
freely tightenable in the axial direction to the retainer ring;
opposing circumferential surfaces between the split sealing ring and the binding ring
fitted thereon are configured as tapered surfaces of a truncated conical shape that gradually become
larger in a direction of tightening toward the retainer ring of the binding ring; and
an end-surface side elastic member is interposed between the opposing end surfaces, in
the axial direction, between the split sealing ring and the retainer ring, and, a circumferential-surface
side elastic member is interposed between the opposing circumferential surfaces of the split sealing ring
and the binding ring, and, by tightening the binding ring to the retainer ring, the split sealing ring is
pressed against and held on, with the end-surface side elastic member in between, the axial direction
end surface of the retainer ring and is also fitted on and held on, with the circumferential-surface side
elastic member in between, the inner circumferential surface of the binding ring.
[Claim 2]
The split mechanical seal according to claim 1, wherein
a first sealing ring is configured in the split sealing ring,
a retainer ring for securing and holding the first sealing ring is held, so as to be able to
move in the axial direction, in the seal case, and
between the retainer ring and the seal case, a spring member for pressing and urging the
first sealing ring toward a second sealing ring is interposed.
11

[Claim 3]
The split mechanical seal according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein
a second sealing ring is configured in the split sealing ring, and
a retainer ring for securing and holding the second sealing ring is secured and held to a
rotating shaft.
[Claim 4]
The split mechanical seal according to claim 1, wherein the end-surface side elastic member is a
sheet made of an elastic material or an O-ring made of rubber, and the end-surface side elastic member
is capable of functioning as a seal for effecting a secondary seal between the opposing end surfaces, in
the axial direction, between the split sealing ring and the retainer ring.
[Claim 5]
The split mechanical seal according to claim 1 or claim 4, wherein the circumferential-surface side
elastic member is a sheet made of an elastic material having a cushioning property and capable of
filling in between the opposing circumferential surfaces of the split sealing ring and the binding ring for
an entire circumference thereof.
12
Dated this 25* day of April, 2007.

[Explanation of the Symbols]
[0034]
1 housing
2 seal case
3 first retainer ring
3d first retainer ring holding surface
4 first binding ring
4d first binding ring tapered surface
5 first sealing ring
5a first sealing ring sealing end surface
5b first sealing ring tapered surface
5c first sealing ring base end surface
6 rotating shaft
7 second retainer ring
7a second retainer ring holding surface
8 second binding ring
8a second binding ring tapered surface
9 second sealing ring
9a second sealing ring sealing end surface
9b second sealing ring tapered surface
9c second sealing ring base end surface
10 spring member
11 circular arc-shaped segment
11a split surface
12 circular arc-shaped segment
13

12a split surface
16 tightening bolt
17 first end-surface side elastic member
18 first circumferential-surface side elastic member
28 tightening bolt
29 second end-surface side elastic member
30 second circumferential-surface side elastic member
L non-sealed fluid region
H sealed fluid region
14

[Object] To provide a split mechanical seal wherein a split sealing ring can be bound and held in a
proper ring-shaped condition without causing distortion to occur in the sealing end surfaces.
[Configuration] A first and a second sealing ring 5 and 9 are respectively split sealing rings split in the
circumferential direction, and are secured and held in such a manner that they are bound in a circular
ring shape by binding rings 4 and 8 attached so as to be freely tightenable to retainer rings 3 and 7,
respectively. The opposing end surfaces of the respective split sealing rings 5 and 9 and binding rings 4
and 8 fitted thereon are configured as truncated conical tapered surfaces 4a and 5b, and 8a and 9b,
which gradually broaden in the direction of tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer rings
3 and 7. The split sealing rings 5 and 9, by the tightening of the binding rings 4 and 8 to the retainer
rings 3 and 7, respectively, are pressed and held, with the end-surface side elastic members 17 and 29 in
between, on the holding surfaces 3d and 7a, in the axial direction, of the retainer rings 3 and 7, and are,
at the same time, respectively engaged with and held, with the circumferential-surface side elastic
members 18 and 30 in between, on the inner circumferential surfaces 4a and 8a of the binding rings 4
and 8, respectively.

Documents:

00639-kol-2007-abstract.pdf

00639-kol-2007-assignment.pdf

00639-kol-2007-claims.pdf

00639-kol-2007-correspondence others 1.1.pdf

00639-kol-2007-correspondence others 1.2.pdf

00639-kol-2007-correspondence others.pdf

00639-kol-2007-description complete.pdf

00639-kol-2007-drawings.pdf

00639-kol-2007-form 1.pdf

00639-kol-2007-form 18.pdf

00639-kol-2007-form 2.pdf

00639-kol-2007-form 3.pdf

00639-kol-2007-form 5.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-ABSTRACT.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-AMANDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-DRAWINGS.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-ENGLISH TRANSLATION.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-FORM-1.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-FORM-13.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-FORM-2.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-FORM-3.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-FORM-5.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT-1.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT.pdf

639-KOL-2007-(02-12-2011)-OTHERS.pdf

639-KOL-2007-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

639-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

639-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

639-KOL-2007-EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

639-KOL-2007-FORM 13.pdf

639-KOL-2007-FORM 18.pdf

639-KOL-2007-FORM 3.pdf

639-KOL-2007-FORM 5.pdf

639-KOL-2007-GPA.pdf

639-KOL-2007-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

639-KOL-2007-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

639-KOL-2007-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

639-KOL-2007-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

639-KOL-2007-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

639-KOL-2007-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

639-KOL-2007-GRANTED-LETTER PATENT.pdf

639-KOL-2007-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION.pdf

639-KOL-2007-OTHERS.pdf

639-KOL-2007-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

abstract-00639-kol-2007.jpg

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Patent Number

251816

Indian Patent Application Number

639/KOL/2007

PG Journal Number

15/2012

Publication Date

13-Apr-2012

Grant Date

09-Apr-2012

Date of Filing

25-Apr-2007

Name of Patentee

NIPPON PILLAR PACKAGING CO., LTD.

Applicant Address

11-48, NONAKAMINAMI 2-CHOME, YODOGAWA-KU, OSAKA-SHI, OSAKA

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	FUKUI HISAO	C/O NIPPON PILLAR PACKING CO., LTD., 541-1, AZA-UTSUBA, SHIMOUCHIGAMI, SANDA-SHI, HYOGO 669-1333
2	YAMADA MASATERU	C/O NIPPON PILLAR PACKING CO., LTD., 541-1, AZA-UTSUBA, SHIMOUCHIGAMI, SANDA-SHI, HYOGO 669-1333

PCT International Classification Number

F16J15/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	2006-127258	2006-05-01	Japan