MXPA96006083A - Expansion of a seal for ace - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to oil seal expander device, one piece received in an annular hole of a housing, the orifice circumscribes an axially extending axis defining a floor and a circumferential extending wall, the expander device comprises: a step having a radially outer edge and a radially inner edge, an annular outer section extending axially away from the radially outer edge of the step and ending in a base that selectively engages with the floor of the hole to define an axial distance predetermined to move the seal from an original axial operative location to a new axial operating location defined by the predetermined axial distance, an annular outer section has a radially outermost periphery coupled to the wall of the hole and an axially extending inner annular section separating of the radially inner edge of the step In a direction opposite to the outer annular section and terminating at a tip, the inner annular section has a radially innermost periphery spaced at a greater radial distance from the wall of the orifice.

Description

EXPANSION OF A SEAL FOR OIL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an expander for an oil seal, which is used for the repositioning of a conventional oil flange seal, axially along an arrow after a groove is formed on the outer surface of the oil. arrow, through the friction interaction of the flange seal to oil with the arrow turning.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As illustrated in Figure 1 of the prior art, annular oil seal assemblies 20 are well known for providing a dynamic seal with respect to a rotary arrow 22 such as a crankshaft. The seal assembly 20 includes a stationary housing 24 such as a motor block with an orifice 26, which circumscribes an axially extending axis A-A. The hole 26 has a floor 28 and a circumferentially extending wall 30, which is parallel to the axis A-A. The arrow 22 passes through the hole 26 and is centered, such that its axis of rotation corresponds to the axis A-A of the hole. An oil rim seal 32 is received in the orifice 26. The rim seal 32 has a radially outer section 34 and a radially inner section 36 with a transition zone 38 positioned therebetween. The radially outer section 34 has an outer periphery 40 which contacts the wall 30, a base 42 which makes contact with the floor 28 and an inner periphery 43. The radially inner section 36 includes a primary flange 44 and a secondary flange 46 axially offset from the primary flange. The flanges 44 and 46 contact the arrow 22 to provide both a seal for primary and secondary dynamic oil as the oil flows from the engine to the primary seal 44. The flange 46 also acts as a seal against dust to maintain the powder outside the assembly 20. A toroidal spring 48 received within a slot 50 of the inner section 36 deflects the primary flange 44 radially inward toward the arrow 22 to maximize this seal action of the primary seal. The flange seal 32 is typically formed of an elastomeric material such as rubber or rubber. To improve the structural integrity of the seal 32 and ensure adequate contact between the seal and both of the arrow 22 and the hole 26, a metallic reinforcement 51, shown with an L-shaped cross-section in Figure 1, is often embedded within of the seal 32. As illustrated, a first end 52 extends along the majority of the radially outer section 34 and a second perpendicular end 54 extends into the transition zone 38 between the radially outer section 34 and the section 36 radially inside. Alternatively, however, the seal 32 may include a metal outer housing in a radially outer section 34 and the transition zone 38. The seals have an undesirable tendency to form a groove in the rotating arrows 22 due to a rubbing interaction, which occurs between the flanges 44 and 46 of the seal 32 and the outer surface of the arrow along the corresponding lines of contact 56 and 58. The increased deflection provided by the twisted spring 48 to improve the sealing action of the primary flange 44 aggravates the problem of wear. As shown in Figure 2, a groove 60 is formed along the contact line 56. The groove 60 reduces the available deflection of the flange 44 on the arrow and provides a path for oil passage as shown by the arrows Such a trajectory is considered a failure for assembly 20. Even if a new seal 32 is installed, the frir is likely. The formation of the groove 60 through a polishing action affects the finish of the arrow 22 and has a debilitating effect on the flange 44. "Further, to the extent that the primary flange 44 rests within the groove 60. , the deviation action * of the seal is reduced.Further, the flange 44 of a new seal 32 may not exactly follow the contour of the groove 60; around the entire circumference of arrow 22. Of this! In this manner, the flange 44 is positioned or rests in and out of the groove 60 at different locations, around the circumference of the arrow 22, providing possible additional trajectories for oil leakage. Once a slot 60 is formed in the arrow 22, it has been known to fit a thin-walled sleeve over the arrow 22. However, such sleeves are expensive, easily damaged, and difficult to install, requiring tools of it_ = rationing If, for example, the sleeve becomes soft or slightly scratched, it should be discarded. Even if installed correctly, however, a thin-walled sleeve adds an interference fit for a flange seal 32 optimally determined in the prior form and possibly a different surface finish, accelerating the wear seal and shortening the seal life. . Instead of using a thin-walled sleeve, it is known to remove and re-merge the arrow 22 to remove the groove 60, whereby the entire diameter of the arrow is reduced. As a result, a different seal 32 is required. Providing a wide range of different stamps incurs an undesirable expense. Even if such seals are available, it is difficult to determine which will work optimally in a particular assembly without extensive testing. Finally, it is known to axially reposition specialized seals with respect to a rotating shaft. However, the seals are part of a complex multiple component assembly undesirably comprising numerous additional elements and narrow tolerances. In one example, an adapter and a fastener carrying an individual seal are threadably coupled, such that the selective rotation of one relative to the other allows the axial location of the fastener carrying the individual flange seal to be changed. In practice, however, foreign matter becomes trapped in the threads, compromising the functioning of the assembly. In another example, a ring-shaped fastener has a hollow cylindrical cavity. A plurality of ring-shaped gaskets received in the cavity act as spacers such that a single flange seal can be placed between any two adjacent separations. However, complete disassembly of the fastener and reordering of the spacers and flange seal is required. The parts are easily misplaced during such disassembly. Equally important, however, is the wear imparted to the separators in combination with the effects of the outside environment. The tight tolerances, which are required, are compromised over time, particularly when the device is disassembled, resulting in an undesirable play on the seal and the increased likelihood of oil leakage and resultant failure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a one-piece integral oil seal expander that relocates a conventional oil flange seal, axially separating it from a wear groove formed therein, to a rotary shaft and coupling, without the need for a different sized, new seal, new or re-smeared arrows, the use of sleeves with thin, unreliable walls that fit over the arrow, or improperly complicated assemblies that are prone to failure. The inventive oil seal expander can be used to retrofit conventional, pre-existing oil seal assemblies by axially repositioning a conventional oil seal flange in a conventional housing orifice, once a groove is formed along a line of contact between the seal and an outer surface of a rotating shaft. The expander is easily installed and made for a wide range of different applications. The strong expander can withstand accidental leakage and scratch without failure. When the oil seal expander of the present invention is used, the oil flange seal may interact with the arrow since it was optimized to do so without requiring special modifications or adjustments for the oil flange seal, the arrow or the oil seal. Housing The flange seal comprises a step having a radially outer edge and a radially inner edge. The lower, annular section extends axially away from the radially outer edge of the step and terminates in a base adapted for contact in a base floor of an orifice formed in the stationary housing, in which the oil seal is placed or rests. The lower annular section has a radially outermost periphery, adapted to be adjacent a wall extending circumferentially of the hole. An annular upper section extends axially away from the radially inner edge of the step in a direction opposite the annular upper section and ends in a tip. The annular upper section has a radially innermost periphery adapted to be positioned at a radial distance, greater from the wall of the hole.

In various embodiments, the oil seal expander is formed from a metallic material of constant wall thickness. Examples of acceptable materials include cold rolled steel, bronze, copper, aluminum, or plastic. The base and the step can represent opposite walls of the material. Alternatively, the step may correspond to a different central section positioned between the lower and upper sections, such that the expander has a slightly S-shaped cross section. In at least one embodiment, where the base extends from the periphery more exterior to the innermost periphery of the expander, the expander of the seal for oil is formed of plastic. To prevent undesirable movement of the flange seal, the upper-annular section preferably includes an outer periphery having a greater radius than a corresponding inner periphery of the outer section of the oil seal, to create an interference fit between the expander of the seal for oil and the seal for oil. The expander can be snapped into the seal and the sub-mount installed inside the hole in the housing. Alternatively, the expander may be loosely fitted into the housing bore and the seal fitted between the expander and the bore wall. To prc-msver the assembly, the upper annular section may include an angled portion or a plurality of fingers capable of deformation independently of one another. The axial extension between the tip of the oil seal expander and the step corresponds to the displacement of the oil seal from its original position in contact with the base of the hole and a corresponding displacement from a pre-existing wear fracture. In this way, the axial movement of the flange with respect to any groove of wear, is easily accomplished by using unique expanders of the seal for different oil, of various axial lengths.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The faces: R: ics and inventive aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, claims and drawings of which the following is a brief description: Figure 1 is a view of tea A front view of a conventional oil seal assembly, including a cross-sectional view of a stationary housing with an orifice and a flange seal for oil. A rotating arrow is shown with a groove formed on its outer surface by the rubbing interaction, which is carried out between the seal and the arrow.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the seal and arrow groove as shown by region 2 in a circle of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of Figure 1, after the insertion of an oil seal expander according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first ≥calciness of the oil seal expander. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the oil seal expander. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the oil seal expander. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth -soad of the oil seal expander. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the oil seal expander. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth woa ~. Seal expander for oil.

DBSCHTPCiag DETAILED OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES An annular oil seal assembly 100 is illustrated in Figure 3. The assembly 100 is used to provide a dynamic seal with respect to a rotating arrow 22. The seal assembly 100 includes a conventional housing 24 discussed in the Background of the Invention with a hole 26 circumscribing an A-A axis. The hole 26 has a base 28 and a wall 30 that extends circumferentially. The assembly 100 also includes a conventional flange seal 32, also discussed in the Background of the Invention. However, unlike the prior art, the assembly also includes a one-piece integral oil seal expander 102 adapted to be received in a conventional bore 26 of the housing 24. Expander 102 includes a step 104 having an edge. 106 radially outer and a radially inner edge 108. A lower section 110. annular extends T'a'.affrrr-ft. separating from the radially outer edge IO € and ending in a base 112, which is in contact with the base or floor 28. The base 112 is radially displaced from the radially inner edge 108. The lower section 110 defines the radially outermost periphery 113 of the expander 102. It is also generally parallel to the axis AA along its entire length between the edge IO € and the base 112 and adjacent to the wall 30. An axial "X" displacement, measured from the base 112 and the step 104 corresponds to the displacement "X" H * »l edge 44 from the center line of the groove 60, when compared to the assembly 20 of Figure 1. The change in the axial displacement of the seal 32 along the arrow 22, it is easily modified using only an oil seal expander with a different MXM displacement. In this way, during the time several expanders of the seal can be used in the same assembly as the wear slots are formed on the rotary arrow 22. An annular upper section 114 extends axially away from the radially inner edge 108 in a direction opposite that of the lower section L C and ends in a tip 116. The upper section 114 defines the radially innermost periphery 118 of the expander 102 and is separated in the greater radial distance from the wall 30. In addition, the upper section 114 is generally parallel the AA axis falls along its entire length between the bracing i; fi and the tip 116. The upper section, preferably extends more than half of the total extent of the outer portion 38 of the seal 32, to provide sufficient contact area between the expander and the seal. Such an axial extension is of particular importance, when the outer periphery 120 of the upper section, has a greater radius than a corosponding inner periphery 43, of the outer section 34 of the seal 32 to create an interference fit between the expander and the seal. - * - to oil. An interference fit is generally preferred to ensure that the seal 32 is pressurized and compressed between the wall 30 and the expander 102, to prevent undesirable movement, which could compromise the operation of the seal. The base 42 of the seal 32 also makes contact with the step 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the step 104 corresponds to a different central section 122 positioned between the lower section 11C and the upper section 114, which is adapted to be generally perpendicular to the AA axis. In this way, the expander 102 of cross section is of little or S-shape. The expander 102 can be adjusted under pressure in the seal 32 through the interference fit discussed above and the sub-assembly inserted into the hole 26. of the accommodation. Alternatively, however, the expander can be * ~ * a? : There is a loose hole in the hole 26 and the seal 32 fitted between the expander 31 and the. wall 30, until the base 42 contacts step 104. Because the relative dimensions of section c. 1 below and the section 114 supetisr compared rrrr, the corresponding dimensions of the seal 32, the expander 102 can not be improperly installed. The expander 102 is formed from er. material of constant wall thickness and typic-mepce a metal. Preferred metals include cold rolled steel, bronze, copper and aluminum. If steel is formed, the expaiBux 102 also has a black oxide coating to prevent oxidation and to improve appearance. In one embodiment, the expander 102 has a material thickness of approximately 1.3 mm (0.05 inches) and extends approximately 9.5 mm (0.375 inches). The lower portion 110 extends approximately 3.2 imp (0.125 inches) while the step 134 extends approximately 1.7 mm (C.C65 inches). These values can be higher or lower depending on the particular application. The corners of the expander may be slightly rounded. The strong expander 102 can withstand accidental fall or scratch without failure. The expander 102 is shown in perspective in Figure 4. Because the expander is typically made of metal, it may be difficult to either press the expander 1C2 on the seal 32 or the seal 32 between the upper section 114 and the wall 30, because the metal will not easily deform. As an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an expander 140 is illustrated in Figure 5. The expander 140 is similar to the expander 102. However, it includes a plurality of substantially separate grooves 142 extending from tip 116 to the step. 104. In this way, the upper section 114 comprises a plurality of flexible fingers 144, each finger 144 formed between each of two adjacent slots. The fingers are easily deformable and help in assembly. However, the formation of the grooves can be expensive. Therefore, a different alternative embodiment, an expander 150 is shown in Figure 6. The expander 150 is also similar to the expander 102. However, instead of the slot 142, the annular upper section 114 'is divided into two portions. , an inner portion 152 adjacent to step 104, which extends in a direction generally parallel to the axis AA and an outer portion 154, which is positioned between the inner portion 152 and the tip 116. The outer portion 154 extends approximately 3.2. mm (0.125 inches), if the total length of the expander is the same as for the expander 102. The tip 116 is inclined radially inward by a value "B" such that only the tip defines the radially innermost periphery 118 of the expander 150. Preferably, the value of B is approximately 15 degrees with respect to the AA axis. The inclined outer portion 154 acts as a guide to promote easier assembly of the seal 32 with the expander, or the insertion of the seal 32 in the hole 26, if the expander 150 first fits loosely into the hole 2S. An expander € 0 for an oil seal is shown in Figure 7. The expander l € O is similar to the expander 102. However, unlike the upper, annular section 114 of the expander 102 the upper annular portion 114 'of the expander 160 is inclined with respect to axis AA. Such an angle is required, when the outer surface 43 of the seal 32 has such an angle to ensure adequate adjustment along the entire length of the portion 114. A different embodiment of the present invention, an expander 7, is a seal of oil is illustrated in Figure 8. The expander 170 has a step 172 with a radially outer edge 174 and an inner radius edge 176. An anchor, lower section 178 extends axially away from the outer edge 174 and terminates in a base 180. The lower, annular section 178 defines the radially outermost periphery 182 of the expander 170. The expander 170 also includes an annular upper section 184 with a portion parallel to the axis AA and an inclined, outer portion 188 similar to that illustrated in FIG. Figure 5. The upper section 184 terminates at a tip 190. The tip 19C defines the radially innermost periphery 192 of the expander 170 and is spaced at the radi distance. to the largest from the wall 30 of the hole. As the embodiments of Figures 3 to 7, the expander 170 is made of material of constant wall thickness. However, the material is thicker to approximate 2-0 mm (0.Q8Q inch.) In the embodiments of Figures 3 to 7, the expander 170 lacks a central section 122, In place of the step 172 and the base 180 representing opposite walls of the material, in addition, the step 172 is generally not perpendicular to the axis AA, being at an angle greater than (90) degrees with respect to the interior portion 186 of the Upper section 184. Such angles may be required under some circumstances for ease of manufacture and to ensure that edges 44 and 46 of seal 32 properly engage arrow 22. Finally, base 183 extends between edges 174 and 17 € to provide additional axial spcrte between the base 28 and the expander.A final embodiment, an oil-seal expander 2CC for oil is illustrated in Figure 9. The upper annular portion 114 corresponds to that of the expander 102. However, the expander 233 lacks a 122 different central portion. Conversely, a step 202 is integral with a base 204 that extends between the radially innermost periphery 118 and the radially outermost outer periphery 113. Such an expander is generally required when plastics are used instead of metallic materials of constant cross section for ease of manufacture and to provide adequate resistance to the exemption of the oil seal. Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. A person with ordinary skill in the art could realize, however, that certain modifications would come within the teachings of this invention. Therefore, the following claims must be studied to determine the true scope and content of the invention.

Claims (24)

1. An expander of an oil seal, of a piece adapted to be received in an annular orifice of a housing, the orifice circumscribes an axially extending axis and which defines a floor or base and a circumferential extending wall, the expander is characterized in that it comprises: a step having a radially outer edge and a radially inner edge; a lower, annular section extending axially away from the radially outer edge of the step and terminating in a base adapted for contact with the floor or base of the hole, the lower annular section having a radially outermost periphery adapted to be adjacent to the hole wall; and an annular upper section extending axially away from the radially inner edge of the step in a direction opposite the annular upper section and ending in a tip, the annular upper section has a radially innermost periphery adapted to be spaced a greater radial distance of the hole wall.

2. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 1, characterized in that the expander of the oil seal is formed of a material of constant wall thickness.

3. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 2, characterized in that the step and the base represent opposite walls of the material.

4. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 3, characterized in that the step is inclined more than 90 degrees with respect to a radially outer surface, adjacent to the upper annular section.

5. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 2, characterized in that the step corresponds to a different central section placed between the lower section and the upper section, in such a way that the expander of the oil seal has a slightly cross section in the form of S.

6. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 5, characterized in that the central section is adapted to be generally perpendicular with respect to the axis of the hole and the upper section is adapted to be generally parallel to the axis of the hole.

7. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper annular section extends in a section adapted to be parallel to the axis of the hole, between the radially inner edge of the step and the tip.

8. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 7, characterized in that the upper annular section includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves, extending from the tip to the step, a flexible finger formed between each of the two adjacent grooves .

9. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper annular section comprises an inner portion, adjacent to the step, which extends in a direction adapted to be parallel with the axis of the orifice.

10. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 9, characterized in that the upper annular section comprises an outer portion positioned between the inner section and the tip, which is inclined radially inward, such that only the tip defines the radially innermost periphery.

11. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 10, characterized in that the outer portion is adapted to be inclined approximately 15 degrees from the axis of the orifice

12. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper annular section is inclined radially inwardly of the inner radial edge of the step, such that only the tip defines the radially innermost periphery.

13. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 1, characterized in that the base displaces radially from the periphery radially innermost.

14. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 1, characterized in that the base extends between the radially outermost periphery and the radially innermost periphery.

15. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 14, characterized in that the expander is formed of plastic.

16. The expander of an oil seal according to claim 1, characterized in that the material is one of cold rolled steel, bronze, copper and aluminum.

17. A sub-assembly for an oil seal characterized in that it comprises: an oil seal, annular circumscribing an axis, the oil seal has a radially outer section and a radially inner section; and an expander of a one-piece annular oil seal, the expander includes a step having a radially outer edge and a radially inner edge, an annular lower section extending axially, separating from the radially outer edge of the step and ending at a base, the lower annular section has a radially outermost periphery, and an axially extending annular upper section separating from the radially inner edge of the step in an opposite direction, the annular upper section and ending at a tip, the upper section ring having a radially innermost periphery and an outer periphery, in which the oil seal is adjacent to the step and makes contact with the upper annular section.

18. The seal sub-assembly for oil according to claim 17, characterized in that the upper annular section has a greater radius than a corresponding inner periphery of the outer section of the oil seal, to create an interference fit between the oil seal expander and the seal for oil.

19. An oil seal assembly characterized in that it comprises: a housing, the housing has a hole circumscribing an axially extending axis and defining a floor or base and a circumferential extending wall; an annular arrow centered radially within the hole; a seal for oil, the seal for oil has a radially outer section and a radially inner section, an outer periphery of the outer section which makes contact with the circumferential extending wall of the hole, a primary flange of the radially inner section which makes contact with the arrow; and an expar.ecr of a seal of oil of a head reclining in the hole of the elevator, the expander includes a step having a radially outer edge and an inner radial bezel, a lower annular section which is extends axially, separating from the radially outer edge of the step and ending in a base adapted to contact the base or floor of the hole, the annular lower section having a radially outermost periphery adjacent to the wall of the hole, and an upper section An annular extending axially away from the radially inner bridle of the step in a direction opposite to the upper section a cl and terminating at a point, the upper annular section has a radially innermost periphery adapted to be spaced a greater radial distance from the pareo of the hole.

20. The assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that the annular upper section including an outer periphery having a greater radius than a corresponding inner periphery of the outer section of the oil seal to create an interference fit between the seal expander for oil and seal for oil.

21. The assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the seal for oil is adjacent to the step of the oil seal expander, such that an axial extension between the tip of the expander of the oil seal and the step corresponds to an axial extension. of the seal for base oil or orifice floor.

22. In an assembly of an oil seal with a housing, the housing having a bore circumscribing an axially extending axis defining a base and a circumferential extending wall, an annular arrow centered radially within the bore , a seal for oil, the seal for oil having an outer radiant section and a radially inner section, an outer periphery of the outer section which makes contact with the circumferential extending wall of the orifice, a primary flange of the radially inner section which makes contact with the arrow, wherein the improvement is characterized in that it comprises: an expander of the oil seal of a piece received in the hole of the housing, the expander includes a step having a radially outer edge and an inner edge r = dialnente , an annular lower section extending axially, separating from the radially outer edge of the step and having an u ba ba = e adapted to make contact with the base or floor of the orifice, the lower annular section having a radially outermost periphery adjacent to the wall of the orifice, and an annular upper section that is axially exo-axis e the radially inner edge dl n in a direction opposite the annular upper section and ending at a tip, the upper annular section has a radially innermost periphery, adapted to be separated a radial distance Baycr from the wall of the hole.

23. In an assembly of an oil seal according to claim 22, characterized in that the upper annular section includes an outer periphery having a greater radius than a corresponding inner periphery of the outer section of the oil seal, to create an interference fit between the oil seal expander and the oil seal.

24. In an assembly for oil according to claim 23, characterized in that the seal for oil is adjacent to the step of the expander of the oil seal, such that an axial extension between the tip of the oil seal expander and the step corresponds to an axial extension of the seal for oil from the base of the hole.