In an exemplary embodiment of a sliding component, a sliding face S is provided with a first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanismincluding a first negative pressure generation groove, and is provided with a second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanismincluding second negative pressure generation grooveslocated on the second-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, and is further provided with a dynamic pressure generation mechanismincluding dynamic pressure generation grooveson at least one of the first-fluid side and the second-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanismand the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, and the first negative pressure generation grooveis isolated from the second-fluid side by a land R, and the second negative pressure generation groovesare isolated from the first-fluid side by a land R.
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Claim 1: . A sliding structure comprising:
Claim 2: . The sliding structure according to, wherein each of the first and second annular circumferential grooves has a groove depth set deeper than a groove depth of the grooves of the dynamic pressure generation mechanism, the grooves of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, and the grooves of the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism.
Claim 3: . A sliding structure comprising:
Claim 4: . The sliding structure according to, wherein each of the first and second annular circumferential grooves has a groove depth set deeper than a groove depth of the grooves of the dynamic pressure generation mechanism, the grooves of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, and the grooves of the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism.
Claim 5: . A sliding structure comprising:
Claim 6: . The sliding structure according to, wherein each of the first and second annular circumferential grooves has a groove depth set deeper than a groove depth of the grooves of the dynamic pressure generation mechanism, the grooves of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, and the grooves of the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism.
Claim 7: 7. A sliding structure comprising:
Claim 8: 8. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 9: 9. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 10: 10. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 11: 11. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 12: 12. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 13: 13. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 14: 14. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 15: 15. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 16: 16. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 17: 17. A sliding structure comprising:
Claim 18: 18. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 19: 19. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 20: 20. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 21: 21. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 22: 22. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 23: 23. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 24: 24. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 25: 25. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 26: 26. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 27: 27. A sliding structure comprising:
Claim 28: 28. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 29: 29. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 30: 30. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 31: 31. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 32: 32. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 33: 33. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 34: 34. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Claim 35: 35. The sliding structure according to, wherein
Complete technical specification and implementation details from the patent document.
This application is the U.S. National Phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application PCT/JP2017/040830, filed Nov. 14, 2017, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-223519, filed Nov. 16, 2016. The International Application was published under PCT Article 21(2) in a language other than English.
The present invention relates to sliding components suitable, for example, as mechanical seals, bearings, and other sliding units. More particularly, the present invention relates to sliding parts such as seal rings or bearings that require friction reduction by fluid intervention between sliding faces, and prevention of fluid leakage from the sliding faces.
In some mechanical seals, which are an example of sliding components, the sliding face of a sliding part is provided with fine grooves called a surface texture for improvement of lubricity.
The present applicant has filed before an application for an invention in which, to achieve both sealing and lubrication, for example, a positive pressure generation mechanism including spiral grooves or dimples that directly communicate with the high-pressure fluid side is provided on the high-pressure side of one of sliding faces sliding relative to each other of a pair of sliding parts, and a negative pressure generation mechanism formed by a reversed Rayleigh step mechanism on the low-pressure side, and a pressure release groove is provided between the spiral grooves or dimples and the reversed Rayleigh step mechanism, and the pressure release groove and the reversed Rayleigh step mechanism communicate with the high-pressure fluid side through radial grooves and are isolated from the low-pressure fluid side by a sealing face (see Patent Document 1).
The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter, referred to as a “conventional art”) is an invention excellent in the lubricity of the sliding faces and sealing performance of preventing a high-pressure fluid that is a sealed fluid from leaking from the high-pressure fluid side to the low-pressure fluid side. However, the invention is not configured to prevent a low-pressure fluid drawn into the negative pressure generation mechanism provided on the low-pressure side from being discharged to the high-pressure fluid side.
Therefore, the invention cannot address a case where different fluids are present on both sides of the sliding faces, and the mixing of the two fluids can cause danger or cause the sealed fluid to be altered in quality by chemical reaction or the like.
The present invention has been made to solve the problem of the conventional art. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sliding component in which different kinds of fluids are present on both sides of sliding faces, capable of preventing mixing of the different fluids on both sides while achieving both sealing and lubrication.
To achieve the above object, a sliding component according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a pair of sliding parts sliding relative to each other, the pair of sliding parts each having a sliding face, on both sides of which a first fluid and a second fluid of different kinds are present. In the sliding component, the sliding face of at least one of the sliding parts is provided with a first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism including a first negative pressure generation groove, and is provided with a second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism including a second negative pressure generation groove located on the second-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, and is further provided with a dynamic pressure generation mechanism including dynamic pressure generation grooves on at least one of the first-fluid side and the second-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, and the first negative pressure generation groove is isolated from the second-fluid side by a land, and the second negative pressure generation groove is isolated from the first-fluid side by a land.
According to this aspect, the mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid of different kinds on both sides can be prevented while both the lubrication of the sliding faces and the sealing of the first fluid and the second fluid are achieved.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component in the first aspect, a circumferential groove is provided between the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, and the circumferential groove is isolated from the first-fluid side and the second-fluid side by lands.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component in the second aspect, the circumferential groove has a groove depth set deeper than a groove depth of the dynamic pressure generation grooves, the first negative pressure generation groove, and the second negative pressure generation groove.
According to these aspects, interference between the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism can be prevented to enhance their respective suction effects and discharge effects.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component in the first or second aspect, the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by a reversed Rayleigh step mechanism, the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by a spiral mechanism, and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism is provided on the first-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and is formed by a Rayleigh step mechanism, and the reversed Rayleigh step mechanism has a groove connected to the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by a land, the spiral mechanism has grooves connected to the second-fluid side and isolated from the first-fluid side by a land, and the Rayleigh step mechanism has grooves connected to the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by a land.
According to this aspect, by the combination of the reversed Rayleigh step mechanism and the spiral mechanism as the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the Rayleigh step mechanism as the dynamic pressure generation mechanism, the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism can be effectively arranged on the sliding face.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component in the first or second aspect, the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by a first spiral mechanism, the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by a second spiral mechanism, and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism is provided on the first-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and is formed by a Rayleigh step mechanism, and the first spiral mechanism has grooves connected to or isolated by a land from the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by a land, the second spiral mechanism has grooves isolated from the first-fluid side by a land and connected to the second-fluid side, and the Rayleigh step mechanism has grooves connected to the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by a land.
According to this aspect, by the combination of the spiral mechanisms as the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the Rayleigh step mechanism as the dynamic pressure generation mechanism, the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism can be effectively arranged on the sliding face.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component in the first or second aspect, the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by a first spiral mechanism, the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by a second spiral mechanism, and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism is provided on the first-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and is formed by a third spiral mechanism, and the first spiral mechanism has grooves isolated from the first-fluid side by a land and also isolated from the second-fluid side by a land, the second spiral mechanism has grooves isolated from the first-fluid side by a land and connected to the second-fluid side, and the third spiral mechanism has grooves connected to the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by a land.
According to this aspect, by the combination of the spiral mechanisms as the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism, the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism can be effectively arranged on the sliding face.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component in the first or second aspect, the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by a first reversed Rayleigh step mechanism, the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by a second reversed Rayleigh step mechanism, and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism is one of dynamic pressure generation mechanisms provided on the first-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and on the second-fluid side of the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, each being formed by a Rayleigh step mechanism, and the first reversed Rayleigh step mechanism has a groove connected to the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by a land, the second reversed Rayleigh step mechanism has a groove connected to the second-fluid side and isolated from the first-fluid side by a land, and the Rayleigh step mechanism has grooves connected to one of the first-fluid side and the second-fluid side and isolated from the other by a land.
According to this aspect, by the combination of the reversed Rayleigh step mechanisms as the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the Rayleigh step mechanisms as the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms, the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms can be effectively arranged on the sliding face. Further, since the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms are provided on both sides, the first-fluid side and the second-fluid side, a fluid film can be formed over the entire sliding face, and the lubrication of the sliding faces can be further ensured.
According to a eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component in the first or second aspect, the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by a first spiral mechanism, the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by a second spiral mechanism, and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism is one of dynamic pressure generation mechanisms that are provided on the first-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and on the second-fluid side of the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, and are formed by third and fourth spiral mechanisms, respectively, and the first spiral mechanism has grooves connected to or isolated by a land from the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by a land, the second spiral mechanism has grooves isolated from the first-fluid side by a land and connected to or isolated by a land from the second-fluid side, the third spiral mechanism has grooves connected to the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by a land, and the fourth spiral mechanism is isolated from the first-fluid side by a land and connected to the second-fluid side.
According to this aspect, by the combination of the spiral mechanisms as the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms, the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms can be effectively arranged on the sliding face. Further, since the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms are provided on both sides, the first-fluid side and the second-fluid side, a fluid film can be formed over the entire sliding face, and the lubrication of the sliding faces can be further ensured.
According to an ninth aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component in the first aspect, the first negative pressure generation groove, the second negative pressure generation groove, and the dynamic pressure generation grooves are formed symmetrically about a radial line passing through a center of rotation.
According to this aspect, a sliding component suitable for both-direction rotation specifications can be provided which allows a seal ring provided with a surface texture to be used without being changed even when a rotating-side seal ring rotates in both directions.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the sliding component in any one of the first to eighth aspects, a sliding face provided with the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is set in a lower position axially away from a mating sliding face relative to a sliding face provided with the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism.
According to this aspect, the design can have a degree of freedom, and can achieve almost the same discharge function as that when they are provided on the same plane.
The present invention achieves the following outstanding effects.
(1) In the sliding component in which the first fluid and the second fluid of different kinds are present on both sides of the sliding faces of the pair of sliding parts, the sliding face of at least one of the sliding parts is provided with the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism including the first negative pressure generation groove, and is provided with the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism including the second negative pressure generation groove located on the second-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, and is further provided with the dynamic pressure generation mechanism including the dynamic pressure generation grooves on at least one of the first-fluid side and the second-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, and the first negative pressure generation groove is isolated from the second-fluid side by the land, and the second negative pressure generation groove is isolated from the first-fluid side by the land. Consequently, the mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid of different kinds on both sides can be prevented while both the lubrication of the sliding faces and the sealing of the first fluid and the second fluid are achieved.(2) The circumferential groove is provided between the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, and the circumferential groove is isolated from the first-fluid side and the second-fluid side by the lands. The circumferential groove has the groove depth set deeper than the groove depth of the dynamic pressure generation grooves, the first negative pressure generation groove, and the second negative pressure generation groove. Consequently, interference between the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism can be prevented to enhance their respective suction effects and discharge effects.(3) The first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by the reversed Rayleigh step mechanism, the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by the spiral mechanism, and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism is provided on the first-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and is formed by the Rayleigh step mechanism, and the reversed Rayleigh step mechanism has the groove connected to the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by the land, the spiral mechanism has the grooves connected to the second-fluid side and isolated from the first-fluid side by the land, and the Rayleigh step mechanism has the grooves connected to the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by the land. Consequently, by the combination of the reversed Rayleigh step mechanism and the spiral mechanism as the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the Rayleigh step mechanism as the dynamic pressure generation mechanism, the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism can be effectively arranged on the sliding face.(4) The first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by the first spiral mechanism, the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by the second spiral mechanism, and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism is provided on the first-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and is formed by the Rayleigh step mechanism, and the first spiral mechanism has the grooves connected to or isolated by the land from the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by the land, the second spiral mechanism has the grooves isolated from the first-fluid side by the land and connected to the second-fluid side, and the Rayleigh step mechanism has the grooves connected to the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by the land. Consequently, by the combination of the spiral mechanisms as the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the Rayleigh step mechanism as the dynamic pressure generation mechanism, the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism can be effectively arranged on the sliding face.(5) The first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by the first spiral mechanism, the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by the second spiral mechanism, and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism is provided on the first-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and is formed by the third spiral mechanism, and the first spiral mechanism has the grooves isolated from the first-fluid side by the land and also isolated from the second-fluid side by the land, the second spiral mechanism has the grooves isolated from the first-fluid side by the land and connected to the second-fluid side, and the third spiral mechanism has the grooves connected to the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by the land. Consequently, by the combination of the spiral mechanisms as the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism, the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism can be effectively arranged on the sliding face.(6) The first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by the first reversed Rayleigh step mechanism, the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by the second reversed Rayleigh step mechanism, and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism is one of the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms provided on the first-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and on the second-fluid side of the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, each being formed by the Rayleigh step mechanism, and the first reversed Rayleigh step mechanism has the groove connected to the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by the land, the second reversed Rayleigh step mechanism has the groove connected to the second-fluid side and isolated from the first-fluid side by the land, and the Rayleigh step mechanism has the grooves connected to one of the first-fluid side and the second-fluid side and isolated from the other by the land. Consequently, by the combination of the reversed Rayleigh step mechanisms as the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the Rayleigh step mechanisms as the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms, the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms can be effectively arranged on the sliding face. Further, since the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms are provided on both sides, the first-fluid side and the second-fluid side, a fluid film can be formed over the entire sliding face, and the lubrication of the sliding faces can be further ensured.(7) The first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by the first spiral mechanism, the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is formed by the second spiral mechanism, and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism is one of the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms that are provided on the first-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and on the second-fluid side of the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, and are formed by the third and fourth spiral mechanisms, respectively, and the first spiral mechanism has the grooves connected to or isolated by the land from the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by the land, the second spiral mechanism has the grooves isolated from the first-fluid side by the land and connected to or isolated by the land from the second-fluid side, the third spiral mechanism has the grooves connected to the first-fluid side and isolated from the second-fluid side by the land, and the fourth spiral mechanism is isolated from the first-fluid side by the land and connected to the second-fluid side. Consequently, by the combination of the spiral mechanisms as the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms, the negative pressure generation mechanisms and the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms can be effectively arranged on the sliding face. Further, since the dynamic pressure generation mechanisms are provided on both sides, the first-fluid side and the second-fluid side, a fluid film can be formed over the entire sliding face, and the lubrication of the sliding faces can be further ensured.(8) The first negative pressure generation groove, the second negative pressure generation groove, and the dynamic pressure generation grooves are formed symmetrically about the radial line passing through the center of rotation. Consequently, a sliding component suitable for both-direction rotation specifications can be provided which allows a seal ring provided with a surface texture to be used without being changed even when a rotating-side seal ring rotates in both directions.(9) The sliding face provided with the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism is set in a lower position axially away from the mating sliding face relative to the sliding face provided with the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism and the dynamic pressure generation mechanism. Consequently, the design can have a degree of freedom, and can achieve almost the same discharge function as that when they are provided on the same plane.
Hereinafter with reference to the drawings, a mode for carrying out this invention will be described illustratively based on embodiments. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them, unless otherwise described explicitly.
With reference to, a sliding component according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The present embodiment will be described with a case where parts constituting a mechanical seal are sliding parts, as an example.
is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an example of a mechanical seal, in which a first fluid is present on the inner peripheral side of sliding faces S, and a second fluid is present on the outer peripheral side. The mechanical seal is configured to lubricate the sliding faces and to prevent mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid of different kinds. For example, an annular rotating-side seal ring, which is provided via a sleeveat a rotating shaftto drive a pump impeller (not shown) on the second-fluid side, in a state of being integrally rotatable with the rotating shaft, and an annular stationary-side seal ring, which is provided at a pump housingin non-rotating and axially movable states, slide in close contact on each other's sliding faces S ground by lapping or the like, by means of a coiled wave springand a bellowsboth axially biasing the stationary-side seal ring.
That is, the mechanical seal prevents, at each other's sliding faces S of the rotating-side seal ringand the stationary-side seal ring, the first fluid, e.g. water, and the second fluid, e.g. oil, of different kinds from being mixed together.
Although the present example describes a case where the first fluid is present on the inner peripheral side of the sliding faces and the second fluid on the outer peripheral side, the opposite has the same effects as those in the present example.
show a plan view of a sliding face of a sliding part according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and describe a case where a surface texture is provided to the sliding face of the stationary-side seal ringin, as an example.
Note that the same applies to a case where a surface texture is provided to the sliding face of the rotating-side seal ring.
In, the rotational direction of the mating sliding face S that slides relative to the sliding face S of the stationary-side seal ringis a counterclockwise direction.
Note that when the mating sliding face S rotates in a clockwise direction, it is only necessary to reverse the orientation of the surface texture on the sliding face S of the stationary-side seal ring.
The sliding face S of the stationary-side seal ringis provided with a dynamic pressure generation mechanismincluding dynamic pressure generation grooveslocated on the first-fluid side, is provided with a first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanismincluding a first negative pressure generation groovelocated on the center side of the dynamic pressure generation mechanism, and is provided with a second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanismincluding second negative pressure generation grooveslocated on the second-fluid side of the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism.
Between the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanismand the second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism, an annular first circumferential grooveis provided which is deeper than the groove depth of the dynamic pressure generation grooves, the first negative pressure generation groove, and the second negative pressure generation grooves. The first circumferential grooveis isolated from the first-fluid side and the second-fluid side by lands R.
Further, in the present example, an annular second circumferential grooveis provided between the dynamic pressure generation mechanismand the first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanism. The second circumferential grooveis connected to the first-fluid side through radial deep grooves, and is isolated from the second-fluid side by a land R.
The dynamic pressure generation mechanismis formed by a Rayleigh step mechanism. The dynamic pressure generation groovesare formed by grooves (hollows or recesses) of the Rayleigh step mechanism.
The first fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanismis formed by a reversed Rayleigh step mechanism. The first negative pressure generation grooveis formed by a groove of the reversed Rayleigh step mechanism.
The second fluid-side negative pressure generation mechanismis formed by a spiral mechanism. The second negative pressure generation groovesare formed by grooves of the spiral mechanism.
A downstream end of the grooveof the reversed Rayleigh step mechanismis connected to the first-fluid side through a radial deep grooveand isolated from the second-fluid side by a land R.
The groovesof the spiral mechanismare connected to the second-fluid side and isolated from the first-fluid side by a land R.
The groovesof the Rayleigh step mechanismare connected at an upstream end thereof to the first-fluid side through the radial deep grooves, and are isolated from the second-fluid side by a land R.
The lands R mean smooth portions of the sliding face S.
The dynamic pressure generation mechanism(Rayleigh step mechanism) generates dynamic pressure (positive pressure) to cause the first fluid to enter between the sliding faces to increase a fluid film, and thereby improves lubrication performance.
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March 31, 2026
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