DE102018214217A1 - Combined bearing and seal assembly with common outer body - Google Patents

Abstract

A combined bearing and seal assembly includes a tubular outer body connectable to an outer member and having first and second axial ends, opposite inner and outer peripheral surfaces, and an outer bearing race provided on the inner surface of the outer member , A tubular inner body is disposed within a bore of the outer body and can be arranged around the rotatable member and connectable thereto. The inner body has an inner surface and an outer surface opposite outer and inner axial ends, the inner axial end providing a substantially radial sealing contact surface and an inner bearing surface on the outer surface of the inner body. Rolling elements arranged between the outer and inner bearing racees rotatably connect the outer body to the inner body and form a bearing. An annular seal is disposed within the bore of the outer body and connected to the outer tubular body and has a substantially radial sealing surface which sealingly engages the contact surface of the inner body.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bearings and seals, particularly bearings and seals for high speed and / or high temperature applications.

Bearings and seals are each generally known in numerous different types and configurations, such as plain bearings, roller bearings, elastomeric lip seals, carbon ring seals, etc. When used at relatively high speed and / or relatively high temperature, the bearings are typically rolling bearings and the seals often radial surface sealing carbon ring seals to function effectively under such environmental conditions. Typically, a separate ring seal assembly is disposed adjacent to a bearing assembly to prevent or at least reduce flow of certain liquids (eg, steam, products of combustion, etc.) into the bearing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention is a combined bearing and seal assembly for connecting a rotatable inner member to an outer member, wherein the inner member is rotatable about a central axis. The bearing and seal assembly includes a substantially tubular outer body connectable to the outer member and locatable about the rotatable inner member. The outer body has a central axis, first and second axial ends facing an inner and an outer peripheral surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer body defines a bore and an outer bearing race on the inner surface of the outer body. A substantially tubular inner body is disposed within the bore of the outer body so as to be substantially coaxial with the outer body, wherein the inner body is arrangeable about the rotating member and connectable thereto. The inner body has an inner and an outer peripheral surface and opposed outer and inner axial ends, the inner axial end providing a substantially radial sealing contact surface. The inner body further has an inner bearing race on the outer surface of the inner body, wherein the inner bearing race is aligned substantially axially on the outer bearing race. A plurality of rolling elements are interposed between the outer and inner bearing races so as to connect the outer body and the inner body to form a bearing. Furthermore, a substantially annular seal is disposed substantially axially between the second axial end of the outer body and the inner end of the inner body within the bore of the outer body, which is connected to the tubular outer body and can be arranged around the rotatable inner member. The seal has a substantially radial sealing surface configured to sealingly engage the radial contact surface of the inner body so as to substantially prevent fluid flow between the second axial end of the outer body and the bearing.

In another aspect, the invention is again a combined bearing and seal assembly for connecting a rotatable inner member to an outer member, wherein the inner member is rotatable about a central axis. The combined bearing and seal assembly includes a substantially tubular outer body connectable to the outer member and locatable about the rotatable member. The outer body has opposed inner and outer peripheral surfaces, the inner surface of the outer body defining a bore and having a portion providing an outer bearing race. A substantially tubular inner body is locatable within the bore of the outer body and about the rotatable inner member, the inner body being connectable to the inner member so as to be rotatable about the central axis. The inner body has inner and outer circumferential surfaces, opposite outer and inner axial ends, the inner radial end of the inner body providing a substantially radial sealing contact surface. A portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner body is substantially axially aligned with the outer bearing race and provides an inner bearing race. A plurality of rolling elements are arranged between the outer and the inner bearing race so as to rotatably connect the outer body and the inner body and form a bearing. Furthermore, a substantially annular seal is movably connected to the outer body, is disposed within the bore of the outer body so as to be axially spaced from the inner body, and is locatable around the rotatable inner member. The seal has a substantially radial sealing surface configured to sealingly engage the radial contact surface of the inner body and an inner peripheral surface spaced radially outward from the rotatable inner member when the seal is disposed about the rotatable member is.

list of figures

• 1 ist eine vergrößerte, aufgerissene axiale Querschnittansicht einer kombinierten Lager- und Dichtungsanordnung gemäß der Erfindung, die in Verbindung mit einem inneren und einem äußeren Element einer Maschine gezeigt ist;
• 2 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht der kombinierten Lager- und Dichtungsanordnung;
• 3 ist eine Explosionsansicht der kombinierten Lager- und Dichtungsanordnung;
• 4 ist eine perspektivische axiale Querschnittansicht der kombinierten Lager- und Dichtungsanordnung;
• 5 ist eine axiale Querschnittansicht der kombinierten Lager- und Dichtungsanordnung;
• 6 ist eine vergrößerte, aufgerissene axiale Querschnittansicht der kombinierten Lager- und Dichtungsanordnung;
• 7 ist eine weiter vergrößerte Ansicht eines Bereichs aus 6, die Einzelheiten einer Dichtung zeigt;
• 8 ist eine weiter vergrößerte Ansicht eines Bereichs aus 6, die Einzelheiten eines Lagers zeigt;
• 9 ist eine perspektivische, gerissene Ansicht entlang der Linie 9-9 aus 8;
• 10 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht eines rohrförmigen Innenkörpers der kombinierten Lager- und Dichtungsanordnung;
• 11 ist eine perspektivische vergrößerte, gerissene axiale Querschnittansicht des rohrförmigen Innenkörpers;
• 12 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Dichtung der kombinierten Lager- und Dichtungsanordnung;
• 13 ist eine axiale Querschnittansicht der Dichtung der kombinierten Lager- und Dichtungsanordnung;
• 14 ist eine weitere, weiter vergrößerte Ansicht eines Bereichs aus 6, die Einzelheiten der Dichtung mit alternativen Lagerringkomponenten zeigt;
• 15 ist eine perspektivische axiale Querschnittansicht einer alternativen Konstruktion der Dichtung der kombinierten Lager- und Dichtungsanordnung, die mit einer Kassettendichtungsanordnung, die von dem rohrförmigen Außenkörper separiert ist, gezeigt ist; und
• 16 ist eine vergrößerte, aufgerissene axiale Querschnittansicht der kombinierten Lager- und Dichtungsanordnung mit der alternativen Konstruktion der Kassettendichtung.

The foregoing summary, as well as the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. To the The purpose of illustrating the invention are shown in the drawings, which are schematic, embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the precise forms and means shown. In the figures:

• 1 Figure 3 is an enlarged, broken-away axial cross-sectional view of a combined bearing and seal assembly according to the invention shown in connection with an inner and an outer member of a machine;
• 2 is a perspective view of the combined bearing and seal assembly;
• 3 is an exploded view of the combined bearing and seal assembly;
• 4 Figure 3 is a perspective axial cross-sectional view of the combined bearing and seal assembly;
• 5 is an axial cross-sectional view of the combined bearing and seal assembly;
• 6 Figure 3 is an enlarged, broken axial cross-sectional view of the combined bearing and seal assembly;
• 7 is a further enlarged view of an area 6 showing details of a seal;
• 8th is a further enlarged view of an area 6 showing details of a warehouse;
• 9 is a perspective, broken view along the line 9 - 9 out 8th ;
• 10 is a perspective view of a tubular inner body of the combined bearing and seal assembly;
• 11 FIG. 12 is a perspective enlarged, broken, axial cross-sectional view of the inner tubular body; FIG.
• 12 is a perspective view of a seal of the combined bearing and seal assembly;
• 13 is an axial cross-sectional view of the seal of the combined bearing and seal assembly;
• 14 is another, enlarged view of an area 6 showing details of the seal with alternative bearing ring components;
• 15 Figure 3 is a perspective axial cross-sectional view of an alternative construction of the seal of the combined bearing and seal assembly shown with a cartridge seal assembly separated from the outer tubular body; and
• 16 Figure 3 is an enlarged, broken axial cross-sectional view of the combined bearing and seal assembly with the alternative construction of the cartridge seal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, for the sake of simplicity, certain non-limiting terminology is used. The words "inside," "inward," and "outside," "outward" refer to directions toward or away from a designated centerline or geometric center of a described element, in particular, the meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description is. Furthermore, as used herein, the words "connected" and "coupled" are meant to be respectively direct connections between two elements, without any intervening elements, as well as indirect connections between elements having one or more other elements interposed therebetween to include. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning.

Referring now to the figures in detail, throughout which like reference numerals are used to designate like elements, in the 1 to 16 a combined bearing and seal arrangement 10 for connecting a rotatable inner element 1 (For example, a wave) with an outer element 2 , such as a housing, a frame, etc., shown, wherein the inner element 1 is rotatable about a central axis Ac. The rotatable element 1 is preferably a wave 3 (or a bush / rotor on the shaft 3 ), particularly preferably a shaft of a high-speed machine, which is within a frame or a housing 2 a machine 4 is arranged, such as a gas turbine, a steam turbine, a compressor or similar devices. Furthermore, the wave 3 and the bearing and seal assembly 10 each designed to operate in a relative high temperature environment, for example, under ambient conditions of greater than one hundred degrees Celsius (100 ° C). The bearing and seal arrangement 10 basically comprises a substantially tubular outer body 12 that with an outer element 2 is connectable and around the rotatable inner element 1 can be arranged, a substantially tubular inner body 14 that is inside the outer body 12 arranged and around the rotatable element 1 can be arranged, a variety of rolling elements 16 between the inner and the outer body 12 . 14 are arranged and an "axial surface" seal 18, within the outer body 12 arranged and around the rotatable element 1 is arranged.

More specifically, the tubular outer body 12 a central axis 13 , a first and a second axial end 12a . 12b , and opposite inner and outer peripheral surfaces 20 . 22 , where the inner surface 20 a hole 24 Are defined. The outer body 12 also has an outer bearing surface 26 on the inner surface 20 of the outer body, preferably through a portion of the inner surface 20 of the outer body is formed. Alternatively, the outer tread 26 through an inner peripheral surface 38a an annular body 38 be formed inside the hole 24 is arranged as in 14 is shown. Furthermore, the tubular outer body 12 designed to be fixed to the outer element 2 so as to be non-rotatable with respect to the center axis A _{C of} the outer body. The axis 13 of the outer body is at least substantially collinear with the axis A _C the wave when the outer body 12 around the inner element / shaft 3 is arranged.

The tubular inner body 14 is inside the hole 24 of the outer body so as to be substantially coaxial with the outer body 12 (that is centered around the axis 13 ) and is with the rotatable inner element 1 connected so as to be rotatable about the central axis A _C to be. (That is, during a rotation of the shaft 3 ). The inner body 14 has an inner and an outer peripheral surface 30 respectively. 32 and opposing outer and inner axial ends 14a respectively. 14b , The outer axial end 14a is substantially axially adjacent to the first axial end 12a of the outer body and the inner radial end 14b forms a substantially radial sealing contact surface 34 , The inner surface 30 of the tubular inner body 14 is preferably sized to rub with the outer peripheral surface 3a the wave 3 (or the outer surface of a bushing / rotor (not shown)) so as to engage both the inner tubular body 14 rotatable with the inner element 1 to connect, as well as the interface (not labeled) between the inner body 14 and the element / shaft 3 seal. Furthermore, the tubular inner body 14 an inner bearing surface 36 on the outside surface 32 of the inner body, with the inner tread 36 is arranged so as to be substantially axial (that is, along the axis 13 aligned) on the outer bearing surface 26 to be aligned. Preferably, the inner tread is 36 through a portion of the outer peripheral surface 32 provided by the inner body, but may alternatively also by an outer peripheral surface 39a an annular body 39 that is around the inner body 14 is arranged ( 14 ).

Furthermore, there are several rolling elements 16 between the inner and the outer tread 26 . 36 arranged so as to the outer body and the inner body 12 . 14 rotatably connect and a bearing 15 to build. Every rolling element 16 is preferably a cylindrical roller 17 however, may alternatively be formed as a ball, a needle, a tapered roller or any other type of rolling elements (alternatives not shown). Preferably, the bearing and seal assembly comprises 10 still a bearing cage 40 , which is designed to the rolling elements 16 as described below, but may alternatively be formed without a cage or other holding device.

Furthermore, the seal 18 inside the hole 24 the outer body arranged so as to be substantially axially between the second axial end 12b the outer body and the inner axial end 14b the inner body to be arranged. The seal 18 has opposite inner and outer axial ends 18a . 18b and is with the tubular outer body 12 connected so as to be substantially non-rotatable about the axis Ac. Furthermore, the seal has 18 a substantially radial sealing surface 42 at the inner axial end region 18a , where the sealing surface 42 is designed to seal with the contact surface 34 engage the inner body, so at least substantially a fluid flow between the second axial end 12b of the outer body and the bearing 15 to prevent, in particular by an interface SI between the seal 18 and the body 14 , After the essential elements have been described above, these and other components of the combined bearing and seal assembly 10 described in further detail below.

With reference to the 1 - 9 and 14 - 16 is the tubular outer body 12 is substantially circular, but preferably tapers substantially radially inwardly in an axial direction D ₁ ( 1 ) from the first axial end 12a to the second axial end 12b , The tubular outer body 12 is preferably formed as a one-piece construction or as a single integral body, but may alternatively be formed by a plurality of connected tubular body sections (not shown). Preferably, there are several tabs 44 next to the first axial end 12a of the body, and extend from the outer surface 22 radially outward about the central axis 13 spaced. The tabs 44 can in the outer element 2 engage the bearing and seal assembly 10 firmly to connect with, as in 1 shown, even if the outer body 12 Alternatively, it may be provided with a radial flange or any other suitable structure for connection to the second element 2 to enable.

Furthermore, the outer body has 12 preferably an annular shoulder portion 46 extending from the remaining inner surface 20 of the body extends radially inwardly and is adjacent the second axial end 12b arranged. The shoulder 46 has an inner peripheral surface 47 passing through the seal 18 , preferably by a secondary seal 78 that, like, described below to the seal 18 is arranged, is engageable. Alternatively, the outer body 12 be formed without any shoulder and instead is a section 20a the inner surface 20 of the body with a cassette seal 90 engageable, as in the 15 and 16 shown and described below. By the preferred shoulder 46 includes the outer body 12 preferably further comprising an annular retaining flange 48 extending from the second axial end 12b of the outer body extends radially inwardly and the one radial retaining surface 49 for a biasing element 86 as discussed in detail below.

With reference to the 1 - 11 and 14 - 16 is the tubular inner body 14 also preferably substantially circular and has an axial length L _A1 , which is about half the axial length L _{AO of} the outer body 12 is as in 5 shown. As with the outer body 12 , is also the tubular inner body 14 but preferably may be formed integrally or as a single integral body, but may alternatively be formed by a plurality of connected tubular body sections. The inner body 14 has a radially outwardly extending shoulder 50 adjacent to the inner axial end 14b of the body, so the radial width of the axial end 14b , and by the flange portion of the sealing contact surface 34 to be enlarged. Preferably, a plurality of grooves extend 52 axially inward of the sealing contact surface 34 , and are each designed to apply an axial biasing force to the seal 18 to generate when the rotatable element 1 around the central axis A _C turns, leaving the sealing surface 42 axially from the contact surface 34 the inner body is spaced.

More precisely, a fluid that enters the grooves 52 occurs when the tubular inner body 14 about the central axis Ac rotates (that is, with the rotatable element 1 ) is pressurized and against the sealing surface 42 steered, what causes that seal 18 axially from the contact surface 34 is moved away, reducing the friction between the seal 18 and the tubular inner body 14 reduced (and preferably temporarily eliminated). Preferably, to further reduce friction, particularly at the transition between static and dynamic conditions, a wear resistant coating on the contact surface 34 of the tubular inner body 14 be arranged.

Preferably, the inner tread is 36 radially inward from the remaining outer peripheral surface 32 of the tubular inner body 14 spaced. So are two contact surfaces 54a . 54b defined, each at a single axial end 36a respectively. 36b the inner tread 36 are adjacent to the camp cage 40 store, as described in detail below. Furthermore, the inner body has 14 also preferably several slots 56 extending from the outer axial end 14a of the inner body and of the inner surface 30 of the body extend radially outward. At least one, preferably a plurality of radial lubrication channels 58 each extend substantially radially between the inner peripheral surface 30 of the body, preferably from a single one of the axial slots 56 from, and one of the two bearing surface sections 54a . 54b , Thus, lubricant enters the axial slots 52 enters, by centrifugal force through the radial channels 56 directed radially outward and then enters the space between the bearing surfaces 54a . 54b and the cage 40 a to the cage 40 to lubricate as it slides on the bearing surfaces 54a . 54b and the rolling elements 16 shifts.

With reference to the 3 . 8th and 9 is the camp cage 40 essentially between the outer and inner tubular elements 12 . 14 arranged, and configured to "loose" the multiple rolling elements 16 to keep. The cage 40 includes an inner and an outer peripheral surface 41a . 41b and a plurality of radially extending openings 43 between the surfaces 41a . 41b each of which is essentially formed as a rectangular pocket, as best in 3 is shown. An individual one of several rolling elements 16 is within each of the cage openings / pockets 43 arranged so that the cage 40 angular around the central axis A _C is shifted when each rolling element 16 simultaneously on the treads 26 . 36 unrolls and moves inside the associated bag 43 rotates. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the bearing cage 40 around the two bearing surface sections 54a . 54b of the inner body, so that the inner surface 41A of a cage on surfaces 54a . 54b slides when the cage 40 angular around the axis A _C relocated.

With reference now to the 1 - 9 and 12 - 14 includes the seal 18 preferably a substantially annular body 60 , with opposite outer and inner axial ends 60a . 60b , where the inner end 60b the sealing surface 42 provides, and an inner and an outer peripheral surface 62 . 63 , The annular body 60 is preferably a unitary construction, but may alternatively comprise a plurality of individual arcuate portions (not shown) that are connected to the body 60 to build. The sealing body 60 is sized so that the inner sealing surface 62 radially outward of the rotatable element 1 is spaced when the seal 18 around the element / the shaft 1 is arranged as in 1 so as to eliminate any friction between the seal 18 and the rotatable element 1 / the shaft 3 to eliminate. Furthermore, a shoulder extends 64 radially inward of the remaining inner surface 62 , next to the inner axial end 60b of the seal body, so as to the radial width of the inner end 60b to increase and thus the surface area of the sealing surface 42 , Preferably, an annular flange extends 65 radially outward from the outer surface 63 of the body and includes several axial slots 66 each configured to a coupler 70 as described below. The seal body 60 is preferably formed of a carbon material, but may alternatively be formed of a ceramic material, a high temperature polymeric material, or any other suitable material.

How best in the 1 and 3 - 7 shown includes the combined bearing and seal assembly 10 preferably further at least one, preferably a plurality of couplers 70 , which are each designed to seal 18 movable with the tubular outer body 12 connect to. That's the seal 18 axially displaceable within the bore 24 of the outer body and non-rotatable with respect to the central axis A _C ; that is, the coupler (s) 70 prevent an oblique shift of the seal 18 around the axis A _C , Every coupler 70 preferably comprises an elongate pin 72 that's a first end 72 that within the shoulder section 46 the outer body is arranged, and a second end 72b that inside one of the axial slots 66 the sealing flange is arranged. The coupler cones 72 interact with the sealing flange 68 Essentially, an angular displacement of the seal 18 to prevent, but the slots 69 allow the seal 18 , axially along the pins 72 to glide. Although the coupler pin 70 currently preferred, the combined bearing and seal assembly 10 alternatively, have any other structure or components surrounding the seal 18 with the tubular outer body 12 moveable to connect, with an alternative in the 15 and 16 is shown as described below.

Next with respect to the 1 and 3 - 7 includes the bearing and seal assembly 10 preferably still a secondary seal 78 to prevent fluid flow between the seal 18 and the tubular outer body 12 to prevent. The secondary seal 80 preferably comprises an annular body 80 , is about the seal 18 arranged and configured, substantially between the seal 18 and the tubular outer body 12 to thereby seal a fluid flow between the outer sealing surface 63 and the inner surface 20 prevent the tubular body. Preferably, the sealing body 60 an annular groove 82 extending radially inward from the outer surface 63 extends, and the body 80 The secondary seal is an O-ring that is inside the groove 82 is arranged and which is configured to the outside against the inner surface portion 47 the shoulder 46 of the outer body seal. Nevertheless, the secondary seal 78 in any other suitable manner, as well as, for example, as an integral portion (for example, as a flange) of the seal body 60 that is directly against the inner surface 47 the shoulder seals.

Again with respect to the 1 and 3 - 7 includes the bearing and seal assembly 10 Furthermore, preferably at least one biasing element 86 designed for the seal 18 essentially axially in the direction of the sealing contact surface 34 to pretension the inner body. More specifically, the biasing element comprises 86 preferably a wave spring 88 and is between the outer axial end region 60a the seal and the retaining flange 48 arranged the outer body. The wave spring 88 is partially between the body end 60a and the retaining flange 48 compressed so as to tend the sealing body 60 in an alternative direction D2 ( 1 ) toward the tubular inner body 14 to "push" or to move. Alternatively, the biasing member (s) 86 comprise one or more coil springs or any other suitable component (or components) capable of sealing 18 axially bias.

In any case, the leader element serves 86 To do that, make sure the sealing surface 42 the sealing body in a static state of the arrangement 10 and the machine 3 , directly next to the contact surface 34 remains, that is, when the inner element 1 / the shaft 3 not rotated, directly next to the sealing contact surface 34 remains to a fluid flow in the sealing interface SI between the seal 18 and the tubular inner body 14 to prevent. In a dynamic state, however, when the rotatable member / shaft 1 and the coupled tubular inner body 14 rotate or angularly about the central axis A _C shift, apply the grooves 52 in the contact area 34 of the inner body pressurizes the fluid and directs it to the interface SI, around the seal body 60 from the tubular body 14 move away to reduce friction. Although a little fluid passes through the sealing interface SI under the dynamic conditions, the significant reduction in friction significantly increases the life of the seal, which is considered more crucial than complete prevention or interruption of fluid flow through the interface SI.

With reference to the 15 and 16 can the seal 18 alternatively by a cassette sealing arrangement 90 be formed, which further has an outer seal housing 92 includes with an inner chamber C _H that at least partially seals the seal 18 an outer peripheral surface 93 includes. The outer surface 93 the seal housing is preferably frictionally engaged with a portion of the inner surface 20 of the outer body to the cartridge seal assembly 90 within the tubular outer body 12 to hold, although preferably also a C-clip 94 is provided to with the outer body 12 and the housing 92 to be engaged with the cassette seal 18 to hold axially. Furthermore, the housing 92 preferably substantially C-shaped and has an outer annular portion 92a on top of the outer surface 93 provides and an inner annular section 92b and a radial section 92c , the outer and the inner section 92a . 92b combines.

Preferably, at least one, preferably two fixed anti-rotation tabs 96 each fixed to the inner surface of the outer annular portion 92a the housing mounted in mating slots (not shown) in the seal body 60 intervene to an angular displacement of the seal 18 to prevent. Furthermore, an inner secondary seal 98 , preferably an O-ring, between the seal body 60 and the inner annular portion 92b of the housing. The biasing element 86 is preferably within the housing 92 arranged and between the annular portion 92c of the housing and the outer end portion 60b compressed the seal body. Thus, the biasing element biases 86 the seal body 60 in the direction of the tubular inner body 14 before, so the body 60 against the fixed anti-rotation tabs 96 to the inner secondary seal 98 slides, and a fluid flow to the housing 92 and the seal 18 is essentially prevented over.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications that are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (11)

A combined bearing and seal assembly for connecting a rotatable inner member to an outer member, the inner member being rotatable about a central axis, the bearing and seal assembly comprising: a substantially tubular outer body connectable to the outer member locatable about the rotatable inner member and having a central axis, first and second axial ends, opposing inner and outer peripheral surfaces, the inner surface of the outer body defining a bore and an outer bearing race on the inner surface of the outer body; a substantially tubular inner body disposed within the bore of the outer body so as to be substantially coaxial with the outer body, the inner body being arrangeable and connectable about the rotatable member and having an inner and an outer peripheral surface, opposite outer and inner axial ends, the inner axial end providing a substantially radial sealing contact surface and an inner bearing race on the outer surface of the inner body, the inner race being substantially axially aligned with the outer race; a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the outer and inner races to connect the outer body and the inner body to form a bearing; and a substantially annular seal, which is disposed within the bore of the outer body substantially axially between the second axial end of the outer body and the inner axial end of the inner body, is connected to the tubular outer body, and is arranged around the rotatable inner member, wherein the Seal has a substantially radial sealing surface which is adapted to be sealingly engaged with the contact surface of the inner body, so as to substantially prevent fluid flow between the second axial end of the outer body and the bearing. Combined bearing and seal arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the outer race is provided by a portion of the inner surface of the outer body or by an inner peripheral surface of an annular body disposed within the outer body; and the inner race is provided by a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the inner body or by an outer peripheral surface of an annular body disposed around the inner body. Combined bearing and seal arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the outer peripheral surface of the inner tubular body has a surface portion providing the inner tread, the tread surface portion having two opposite axial ends, and two shoulder surface portions each radially outward of a single one of the axial ends of the Tread surface portion are spaced; and the combined bearing and seal assembly further comprises a substantially annular bearing cage slidably disposed over the two shoulder surface portions and having a plurality of radially directed openings, wherein in each of the cage openings a single one of the plurality of rolling elements is arranged. Combined bearing and seal arrangement according to Claim 3 wherein the tubular inner body has at least one lubrication channel extending substantially radially between the inner peripheral surface of the inner body and one of the two shoulder surfaces. Combined bearing and seal arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the tubular outer body is adapted to be fixedly connected to the outer member so as to be non-rotatable with respect to the central axis. Combined bearing and seal arrangement according to Claim 1 , further comprising at least one of: at least one coupler configured to movably connect the seal to the outer body so that the seal within the bore of the outer body is axially displaceable and non-rotatable with respect to the central axis; a biasing member configured to bias the seal substantially axially toward the sealing contact surface of the inner body; a secondary seal having an annular body disposed about the seal and configured to substantially seal between the seal and the outer body; and a substantially annular bearing cage disposed substantially between the outer and inner tubular members and having a plurality of radially extending apertures, each of the retainer apertures having a single one of the plurality of rolling elements disposed therein. Combined bearing and seal arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the seal has an inner peripheral surface, the seal being sized such that the inner peripheral surface of the seal is spaced radially outwardly from the rotatable member when the seal is disposed about the rotatable member. Combined bearing and seal arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein at least one of: the seal comprises either a substantially annular body or a plurality of arcuate segments; and the gasket is formed of either a carbon material, a ceramic material or a high-temperature polymer material. Combined bearing and seal arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein the seal is formed by a cartridge seal further comprising an outer seal housing having an inner chamber at least partially enclosing the seal and an outer peripheral surface engageable with a portion of the inner surface of the outer body around the cartridge seal assembly to keep tubular outer body. Combined bearing and seal arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein at least one of: the tubular inner body has a plurality of grooves extending axially inwardly from the sealing contact surface and configured to generate an axial biasing force on the seal as the rotatable member rotates about the central axis, so that the Sealing surface is axially spaced from the contact surface; and a wear resistant coating is disposed on the sealing contact surface of the tubular inner body. Combined bearing and sealing arrangement according to Claim 1 wherein both the inner tubular body and the outer tubular body each comprise either a single tubular body or a plurality of connected tubular body portions.

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