US20150091256A1 - Seal assembly with adjustable outside diameter - Google Patents
Seal assembly with adjustable outside diameter Download PDFInfo
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- US20150091256A1 US20150091256A1 US14/042,034 US201314042034A US2015091256A1 US 20150091256 A1 US20150091256 A1 US 20150091256A1 US 201314042034 A US201314042034 A US 201314042034A US 2015091256 A1 US2015091256 A1 US 2015091256A1
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- Prior art keywords
- support member
- generally
- rim
- central axis
- displace
- Prior art date
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
- F16J15/00—Sealings
- F16J15/16—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces
- F16J15/32—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with elastic sealings, e.g. O-rings
- F16J15/3204—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with elastic sealings, e.g. O-rings with at least one lip
- F16J15/3216—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with elastic sealings, e.g. O-rings with at least one lip supported in a direction parallel to the surfaces
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
- F16J15/00—Sealings
- F16J15/16—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces
- F16J15/32—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with elastic sealings, e.g. O-rings
- F16J15/3268—Mounting of sealing rings
- F16J15/3276—Mounting of sealing rings with additional static sealing between the sealing, or its casing or support, and the surface on which it is mounted
Definitions
- the present invention relates to seals, and more particularly to radial lip seals.
- Radial lip seals are known and typically include and an annular elastomeric sealing member with a cantilever-like sealing lip and an annular case for coupling the sealing member to a housing.
- the case is a metallic member to which the separate sealing member is bonded or otherwise attached. To install such a seal within a housing, the outer circumferential surface of the metallic case slides against an inner circumferential surface of the housing until reaching a desired axial position relative to the shaft and housing.
- the case is an integral portion of the sealing member, such that the sealing member and casing are a one-piece elastomeric component.
- the case is typically formed as a relatively thick elastomeric ring portion that is capable of resisting fluid pressure while remaining at a fixed axial position relative to a shaft and housing. Due to the substantially higher friction coefficient of elastomer and steel (as opposed to steel on steel) and the relatively large required thickness, installation of the seal assembly into the housing bore is relatively difficult and more likely to abrade or otherwise damage the elastomer.
- the present invention is a seal assembly for sealing a space between a shaft and a housing having an inner circumferential surface.
- the seal assembly comprises a seal having a central axis, an inner annular sealing lip sealingly engageable with the shaft and an outer annular rim with an outer circumferential surface engageable with the housing inner surface.
- At least one support member is disposed within the annular rim and at least one adjustment device is coupled with the support member.
- the adjustment device is configured to displace at least a portion of the support member radially outwardly with respect to the central axis, so as to displace at least a portion of the rim generally toward the housing inner surface, or/and to displace at least a portion of the support member radially inwardly toward the central axis to permit displacement of at least a portion of the rim generally away from the housing inner surface.
- the present invention is again a seal assembly for sealing a space between a shaft and a housing having an inner circumferential surface.
- the seal assembly comprises a seal having a central axis, an inner annular sealing lip sealingly engageable with the shaft and an outer annular rim with inner and outer circumferential surfaces, the rim outer circumferential surface being engageable with the housing inner surface.
- First and second support members are disposed within the annular rim, the two support members being axially spaced apart and each including a generally annular body engageable with the rim inner surface so as to retain the rim outer surface engaged with the housing inner surface.
- At least two spacers are disposed between the first and second support members and spaced circumferentially apart.
- At least one adjustment device is disposed generally between the two spacers and is connected with a separate portion of each one of the first and second support members.
- the adjustment device is configured to displace each one of the connected support member portions generally axially such that the connected support member portions displace generally radially with respect to the central axis.
- FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a seal assembly in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view through line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 , showing two preferred support members at radially outward, distal axial positions and the seal assembly engaged with a housing bore and with a shaft;
- FIG. 3 is another view of FIG. 2 , showing the seal assembly separate from the housing;
- FIG. 4 is another view of FIG. 3 , showing the two support members at radially inward, proximal axial positions;
- FIG. 5 is a view of FIG. 3 without the seal body
- FIG. 6 is a view of FIG. 4 without the seal body
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an adjustable support assembly including the two support members, a plurality of spacers and a plurality of spacers;
- FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the support members and adjustment devices of the seal assembly
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged, broken-away view of a portion of FIG. 8 , showing portions of the support members at radially outward, distal axial positions;
- FIG. 10 is another enlarged, broken-away view of a portion of FIG. 8 , showing the support member portions at radially inward, proximal axial positions;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of FIG. 10 .
- FIGS. 1-12 a seal assembly 10 for sealing a space S ( FIG. 2 ) between a shaft 1 and a housing 2 , the housing 2 having an inner circumferential surface 2 a defining a bore 3 .
- the seal assembly 10 basically comprises a seal 12 , at least one support member 14 disposed within the seal 12 and at least one adjustment device 16 configured to displace at least a portion of the support member 14 to adjust engagement of the seal 12 with the housing inner surface 2 a .
- the seal 12 has a central axis 13 , an inner annular sealing lip 18 sealingly engageable with the shaft 2 and an outer annular rim 20 with an inner circumferential surface 21 and an outer circumferential surface 22 , the outer surface 22 being engageable with the housing inner surface 2 a .
- the at least one support member 14 is disposed within the annular rim 20 and the at least one adjustment device 16 is coupled with the support member 14 .
- the at least one adjustment device 16 is configured to displace at least a portion p S of the coupled support member 14 generally radially outwardly with respect to the central axis 13 , so as to engage with and/or displace at least a portion p R of the rim 20 generally toward, and preferably into engagement with, the housing inner surface 2 a to retain the seal assembly 10 at a fixed position within the housing 2 .
- the adjustment device 16 is configured to displace at least a portion p S of the support member 14 radially inwardly toward the central axis 13 , so as to disengage from and/or permit displacement of at least a portion p R of the rim 20 generally away from the housing inner surface 2 a , thereby disengaging the rim 20 from the housing 2 and enabling removal of the seal assembly 10 .
- the meaning of “disengaged from” the housing 1 as used herein means that the rim 20 does not exert pressure against the housing inner surface 2 a , but may remain in contact with the housing surface 2 a.
- the at least one support member 14 includes first and second support members 24 , 26 , each one of the support members 24 , 26 including a generally annular body 28 , 30 , respectively.
- Each support member body 28 , 30 is generally centered about the central axis 13 and is engageable with the rim inner surface 2 a , the two support member bodies 28 , 30 being spaced axially apart (i.e., along the axis 13 ).
- each support member body 28 , 30 is preferably a substantially circular hoop formed of metallic bar stock (e.g. steel) having circular axial cross-sections, but may alternatively be formed of a non-metallic material or/and having axial cross-sections of another appropriate shape (e.g., elliptical, hexagonal, square, etc.).
- the at least one adjustment device 16 is connected with a separate portion 28 a , 30 a of each one of the first and second annular support member bodies 28 , 30 , the two member portions 28 a , 30 a being spaced by an axial distance A S .
- the adjustment device 16 is configured to displace the connected first and second support member “movable” portions 28 a , 30 a generally axially such that these movable portions 28 a , 30 a also displace generally radially with respect to the central axis 13 , thereby adjusting a first radial distance R 1 between the first member portion 28 a and the central axis 13 and a second radial distance R 2 between the second member portion 30 a and the central axis 13 .
- each of the first and second support member movable portions 28 a , 30 a is displaceable between a distal axial position D 28 , D 30 , respectively, and a proximal axial position P 28 , P 30 , respectively.
- the axial distance A S between the movable portions 28 a , 30 a has a first, greater value at the distal axial position D 28 , D 30 and a second, lesser value r 11 , r 21 , respectively, at the proximal axial positions P 28 , P 30 , i.e., the portions 28 a , 30 a are closer together at the proximal positions P 28 , P 30 .
- first radial distance R 1 has a first, greater value r 11 at the first member portion distal position D 28 and a second, lesser value r 12 at the first member portion proximal position P 28 , such that the portion 28 a is closer to the axis 13 at the second position P 28 .
- second radial distance R 2 has a first, greater value r 21 at the second member portion distal position D 30 and a second, lesser value r 22 at the second member portion proximal position P 30 .
- the two support member bodies 28 , 30 are substantially equally sized (i.e., same diameter and radial thickness), the two support member portion distal positions D 28 , D 30 are at least generally equidistant from the central axis 13 and the two support member portion proximal positions P 28 , P 30 are at least generally equidistant from the axis 13 .
- the first value r 11 of the first radial distance R 1 is at least approximately equal to the first value r 21 of the second radial distance R 2 and the second value r 12 of the first radial distance R 1 is at least approximately equal to the second value r 22 of the second radial distance R 2 .
- the adjustment device 16 displaces each of the support member movable portions 28 a , 30 a between a radially outer, distal axial position D 28 , D 30 , at which the support members 28 , 30 retain and/or exert pressure on the rim 20 to maintain engagement between the rim outer surface 20 a and the housing inner surface 2 a , and a radially-inner, proximal axial position P 28 , P 30 , at which the rim 20 is inwardly movable or bendable to enable installation or removal of the seal assembly 10 into or from the housing 2 .
- the at least one adjustment device 16 is capable of displacing the connected support member portions 28 a , 30 a in the above-described manner due the structure of the adjustment device 16 and the relative arrangement of the device 16 and at least one pair of preferred spacers 32 .
- the seal assembly 10 preferably further comprises at least two spacers 32 disposed between the first and second support member annular bodies 28 , 30 and spaced apart circumferentially with respect to the central axis 13 .
- the at least one adjustment device 16 is disposed generally centrally between the at least two spacers 32 , such that axial displacement of the movable body portions 28 a , 30 a causes the support member bodies 28 , 30 to bend or unbend about the spacers 32 .
- each one of the first and second support members 24 , 26 generally bends about each one of the two spacers 32 .
- the portions 28 b , 30 b of the two bodies 28 , 30 contacting the two spacers 32 remain spaced apart, the relative axial displacement of the portions 28 a , 30 a between these body sections causes the first and second support member portions 28 a , 30 a to bend or displace generally radially inwardly since the total distance about each body 28 , 30 (i.e., the circumference) remains substantially unchanged.
- each one of the two support member movable portions 28 a , 30 a displaces generally radially outwardly as the first and second support member bodies 28 , 30 unbend about each one of the two spacers 32 .
- the seal assembly 10 includes a plurality of adjustment devices 16 and a plurality of spacers 32 .
- the plurality of spacers 32 are spaced circumferentially about the central axis 13 such that each two circumferentially adjacent spacers 32 defines a separate one of a plurality of pairs of spacers 32 .
- the plurality of adjustment devices 16 are also spaced circumferentially about the central axis 13 , with each one of the adjustment devices 16 being disposed between a separate one of the pairs of spacers 32 .
- Each one of the adjustment devices 16 is independently operable to enable a separate portion p R of the rim 20 to be inwardly displaceable, and alternatively outwardly displaceable or at least radially retained, by the support member portions 28 a , 30 a proximal to the particular rim portion p R .
- each adjustment device 16 preferably includes a nut 40 with a threaded hole 42 coupled with the first support member portion 28 a and a threaded rod 44 coupled with the second support member 30 and with the nut 40 so as to connect the first and second support members 28 , 30 .
- the threaded rod 44 has a first end 44 a rotatably coupled with the second support member portion 30 a and a second end 44 b threadably engaged with the threaded hole 42 .
- the adjustment device 16 also includes a coupler plate 46 attached to the second support member 30 and having a bearing hole 48 , the rod 44 extending through the bearing hole 48 and having a head 45 disposable against an outer surface 46 a of the plate 46 so as to rotatably couple the rod 44 with the second support member body 30 .
- rotation of the rod 44 in a first angular direction displaces the first and second support member portions 28 a , 30 a generally axially toward each other (i.e., toward the proximal positions P 28 , P 30 ) and generally radially inwardly toward the central axis 13 .
- rotation of the threaded rod 44 in the first or clockwise direction A 1 advances the rod 44 through the nut 40 , thereby pulling the two coupled support member portions 28 a , 30 a toward each other.
- rotation of the rod 44 in a second, opposing angular direction displaces the first and second support member portions 28 a , 30 a generally axially away from each other and generally radially outwardly from the central axis 13 . That is, rotation of the threaded rod 44 in the second or counterclockwise direction A 2 withdraws the rod 44 from the nut 40 , thereby pushing the two coupled support member portions 28 a , 30 a generally away from each other.
- the seal assembly 10 is described and depicted as having two support members 14 and a plurality of adjustment devices 16 formed as a threaded rod and nut assembly
- the support member(s) and/or the adjustment device(2) 16 may be formed in any appropriate manner.
- the support member 14 may be formed as a single circular band having overlapping ends and a plurality of openings or notches
- the adjustment device 16 may be a single ratcheting type wheel that engages the support band notches so as to alternatively expand or contract the band to thereby vary the effective diameter and circumference (structure not shown).
- the seal assembly 10 may include the two preferred support members 28 , 30 and the plurality of spacers 32 , but with the at least one adjustment device 16 formed as a turn buckle, a clamp, a ratcheting wheel and overlapping toothed plates or any other device capable of axially displacing portions of each support member 28 , 30 generally axially (no alternative devices shown).
- the at least one adjustment device 16 formed as a turn buckle, a clamp, a ratcheting wheel and overlapping toothed plates or any other device capable of axially displacing portions of each support member 28 , 30 generally axially (no alternative devices shown).
- the at least one support member 14 may be provided by a plurality of hinged bracket plate assemblies connected with the seal body 50 (described below) and having one portion contactable with the rim inner surface 21 , with a separate adjustment device 16 for each bracket, e.g., a pair of relatively slidable slotted arms and a rod and nut disposed in both slots and releasably coupling the two arms (structures not shown.
- the present invention encompasses these and all other alternative constructions of the support member(s) 14 and/or the adjustment device(s) 16 that enables the seal assembly 10 to function as generally described herein.
- the seal 12 preferably includes a generally annular elastomeric body 50 with a radially-inner portion 50 a providing the lip 18 and a radially-outer portion 50 a providing the rim 20 .
- the seal body 50 further includes a central portion 52 extending generally radially between and integrally connecting the lip 18 and the rim 20 .
- the central portion 52 extends between generally aligned axial ends 18 a , 20 a of the lip 18 and the rim 20 , such that the sealing lip 18 , the central portion 50 and the rim 20 define a generally annular cavity 54 .
- the at least one and preferably two support members 14 are preferably disposed within the cavity 54 .
- the lip 18 extends generally axially from a fixed end 18 a integrally formed with an inner end of the central portion 52 to a free end 18 b , and has a contact portion 19 formed adjacent to the free end 18 b .
- the contact section 19 has generally triangular axial cross-sections and an inner circumferential edge surface 19 a engageable with the shaft outer surface 1 a , the lip 18 being at least partially pivotable about the fixed inner end 19 a .
- an annular biasing member 56 most preferably a garter spring, is disposed about the lip 18 to maintain contact between the sealing surface 19 a and the shaft outer surface 1 a.
- the rim 20 is preferably generally tubular and extends from a fixed axial end 20 a connected with the central portion 52 to a free axial end 20 b , so as to extend axially from the central portion 52 generally in the manner of a cantilever.
- radial outward displacement of the support members 28 , 30 bends or pivots the rim 20 generally about the fixed end or/and compresses or squeezes the rim 20 between the support members 24 , 26 and the housing inner surface 2 a .
- the support members 24 , 26 exert pressure radially outwardly on the annular rim 20 to maintain contact with the housing inner surface 2 a , and alternatively release this pressure on the rim 20 when displaced toward the proximal axial positions P 28 , P 30 .
- the support members 28 , 30 provide the necessary rigidity to both retain the seal 10 axially in place as well as providing sufficient sealing force between the rim 20 and the housing 2 .
- the preferred seal assembly 10 is installed in the housing 2 in the following manner. First, if the support members 28 , 30 are in the “nonbended” state, i.e., the support member movable portions 28 a , 30 a are located at the distal axial positions D 28 , D 30 , each of the one or more adjustment devices 16 are operated to displace the coupled support members portions radially inwardly to the proximal axial positions P 28 , P 30 .
- each one of the adjustment devices 16 may then be operated to the displace the coupled support member portions 28 a , 30 a radially outwardly toward the distal positions D 28 , D 30 , thereby exerting pressure and/or displacing the rim 20 outwardly into engagement with the housing inner surface 2 a .
- the seal assembly 10 is thereafter secured within the housing 2 until removal from the housing 2 is desired.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to seals, and more particularly to radial lip seals.
- Radial lip seals are known and typically include and an annular elastomeric sealing member with a cantilever-like sealing lip and an annular case for coupling the sealing member to a housing. In many seal products, the case is a metallic member to which the separate sealing member is bonded or otherwise attached. To install such a seal within a housing, the outer circumferential surface of the metallic case slides against an inner circumferential surface of the housing until reaching a desired axial position relative to the shaft and housing.
- In other types of seals, the case is an integral portion of the sealing member, such that the sealing member and casing are a one-piece elastomeric component. With such seals, the case is typically formed as a relatively thick elastomeric ring portion that is capable of resisting fluid pressure while remaining at a fixed axial position relative to a shaft and housing. Due to the substantially higher friction coefficient of elastomer and steel (as opposed to steel on steel) and the relatively large required thickness, installation of the seal assembly into the housing bore is relatively difficult and more likely to abrade or otherwise damage the elastomer.
- In one aspect, the present invention is a seal assembly for sealing a space between a shaft and a housing having an inner circumferential surface. The seal assembly comprises a seal having a central axis, an inner annular sealing lip sealingly engageable with the shaft and an outer annular rim with an outer circumferential surface engageable with the housing inner surface. At least one support member is disposed within the annular rim and at least one adjustment device is coupled with the support member. The adjustment device is configured to displace at least a portion of the support member radially outwardly with respect to the central axis, so as to displace at least a portion of the rim generally toward the housing inner surface, or/and to displace at least a portion of the support member radially inwardly toward the central axis to permit displacement of at least a portion of the rim generally away from the housing inner surface.
- In another aspect, the present invention is again a seal assembly for sealing a space between a shaft and a housing having an inner circumferential surface. The seal assembly comprises a seal having a central axis, an inner annular sealing lip sealingly engageable with the shaft and an outer annular rim with inner and outer circumferential surfaces, the rim outer circumferential surface being engageable with the housing inner surface. First and second support members are disposed within the annular rim, the two support members being axially spaced apart and each including a generally annular body engageable with the rim inner surface so as to retain the rim outer surface engaged with the housing inner surface. At least two spacers are disposed between the first and second support members and spaced circumferentially apart. Further, at least one adjustment device is disposed generally between the two spacers and is connected with a separate portion of each one of the first and second support members. The adjustment device is configured to displace each one of the connected support member portions generally axially such that the connected support member portions displace generally radially with respect to the central axis.
- The foregoing summary, as well as the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, which are diagrammatic, embodiments that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
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FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a seal assembly in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view through line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 , showing two preferred support members at radially outward, distal axial positions and the seal assembly engaged with a housing bore and with a shaft; -
FIG. 3 is another view ofFIG. 2 , showing the seal assembly separate from the housing; -
FIG. 4 is another view ofFIG. 3 , showing the two support members at radially inward, proximal axial positions; -
FIG. 5 is a view ofFIG. 3 without the seal body; -
FIG. 6 is a view ofFIG. 4 without the seal body; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an adjustable support assembly including the two support members, a plurality of spacers and a plurality of spacers; -
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the support members and adjustment devices of the seal assembly; -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged, broken-away view of a portion ofFIG. 8 , showing portions of the support members at radially outward, distal axial positions; -
FIG. 10 is another enlarged, broken-away view of a portion ofFIG. 8 , showing the support member portions at radially inward, proximal axial positions; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view ofFIG. 9 ; and -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view ofFIG. 10 . - Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “inner”, “inwardly” and “outer”, “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated central axis or a geometric center of an element being described, the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description. Further, as used herein, the word “connected” is intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
- Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numbers are used to indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in
FIGS. 1-12 aseal assembly 10 for sealing a space S (FIG. 2 ) between a shaft 1 and ahousing 2, thehousing 2 having an inner circumferential surface 2 a defining abore 3. Theseal assembly 10 basically comprises aseal 12, at least onesupport member 14 disposed within theseal 12 and at least oneadjustment device 16 configured to displace at least a portion of thesupport member 14 to adjust engagement of theseal 12 with the housing inner surface 2 a. Theseal 12 has acentral axis 13, an innerannular sealing lip 18 sealingly engageable with theshaft 2 and an outerannular rim 20 with an innercircumferential surface 21 and an outercircumferential surface 22, theouter surface 22 being engageable with the housing inner surface 2 a. The at least onesupport member 14 is disposed within theannular rim 20 and the at least oneadjustment device 16 is coupled with thesupport member 14. - Further, the at least one
adjustment device 16 is configured to displace at least a portion pS of the coupledsupport member 14 generally radially outwardly with respect to thecentral axis 13, so as to engage with and/or displace at least a portion pR of therim 20 generally toward, and preferably into engagement with, the housing inner surface 2 a to retain theseal assembly 10 at a fixed position within thehousing 2. Additionally or alternatively, theadjustment device 16 is configured to displace at least a portion pS of thesupport member 14 radially inwardly toward thecentral axis 13, so as to disengage from and/or permit displacement of at least a portion pR of therim 20 generally away from the housing inner surface 2 a, thereby disengaging therim 20 from thehousing 2 and enabling removal of theseal assembly 10. The meaning of “disengaged from” the housing 1 as used herein means that therim 20 does not exert pressure against the housing inner surface 2 a, but may remain in contact with the housing surface 2 a. - Preferably, the at least one
support member 14 includes first andsecond support members support members annular body support member body central axis 13 and is engageable with the rim inner surface 2 a, the twosupport member bodies support member body - Furthermore, the at least one
adjustment device 16 is connected with aseparate portion support member bodies member portions adjustment device 16 is configured to displace the connected first and second support member “movable”portions movable portions central axis 13, thereby adjusting a first radial distance R1 between thefirst member portion 28 a and thecentral axis 13 and a second radial distance R2 between thesecond member portion 30 a and thecentral axis 13. - Specifically, as indicated in
FIGS. 3-6 , each of the first and second support membermovable portions movable portions portions portion 28 a is closer to theaxis 13 at the second position P28. Likewise, the second radial distance R2 has a first, greater value r21 at the second member portion distal position D30 and a second, lesser value r22 at the second member portion proximal position P30. - Preferably, the two
support member bodies central axis 13 and the two support member portion proximal positions P28, P30 are at least generally equidistant from theaxis 13. In other words, the first value r11 of the first radial distance R1 is at least approximately equal to the first value r21 of the second radial distance R2 and the second value r12 of the first radial distance R1 is at least approximately equal to the second value r22 of the second radial distance R2. - Thus, the
adjustment device 16 displaces each of the support membermovable portions support members rim 20 to maintain engagement between the rim outer surface 20 a and the housing inner surface 2 a, and a radially-inner, proximal axial position P28, P30, at which therim 20 is inwardly movable or bendable to enable installation or removal of theseal assembly 10 into or from thehousing 2. The at least oneadjustment device 16 is capable of displacing the connectedsupport member portions adjustment device 16 and the relative arrangement of thedevice 16 and at least one pair ofpreferred spacers 32. - Specifically, the
seal assembly 10 preferably further comprises at least twospacers 32 disposed between the first and second support memberannular bodies central axis 13. The at least oneadjustment device 16 is disposed generally centrally between the at least twospacers 32, such that axial displacement of themovable body portions support member bodies spacers 32. That is, when theadjustment device 16 axially displaces each one of the first and secondsupport member portions support member portions second support members spacers 32. As theportions bodies spacers 32 remain spaced apart, the relative axial displacement of theportions support member portions body 28, 30 (i.e., the circumference) remains substantially unchanged. - Alternatively, when the
adjustment device 16 axially displaces each one of the first and secondsupport member portions support member portions movable portions support member bodies spacers 32. That is, when theadjustment device 16 moves thesupport member portions support member bodies spacers 32 moves generally radially outwardly to return the non-bended or “flat” state, i.e., in which eachsupport member body - Most preferably, the
seal assembly 10 includes a plurality ofadjustment devices 16 and a plurality ofspacers 32. Specifically, the plurality ofspacers 32 are spaced circumferentially about thecentral axis 13 such that each two circumferentiallyadjacent spacers 32 defines a separate one of a plurality of pairs ofspacers 32. The plurality ofadjustment devices 16 are also spaced circumferentially about thecentral axis 13, with each one of theadjustment devices 16 being disposed between a separate one of the pairs ofspacers 32. Each one of theadjustment devices 16 is independently operable to enable a separate portion pR of therim 20 to be inwardly displaceable, and alternatively outwardly displaceable or at least radially retained, by thesupport member portions - Referring to
FIGS. 2-7 , eachadjustment device 16 preferably includes anut 40 with a threadedhole 42 coupled with the firstsupport member portion 28 a and a threadedrod 44 coupled with thesecond support member 30 and with thenut 40 so as to connect the first andsecond support members rod 44 has afirst end 44 a rotatably coupled with the secondsupport member portion 30 a and asecond end 44 b threadably engaged with the threadedhole 42. Preferably, theadjustment device 16 also includes acoupler plate 46 attached to thesecond support member 30 and having a bearinghole 48, therod 44 extending through the bearinghole 48 and having ahead 45 disposable against an outer surface 46 a of theplate 46 so as to rotatably couple therod 44 with the secondsupport member body 30. - With this structure, when the
support member portions rod 44 in a first angular direction (e.g., clockwise) displaces the first and secondsupport member portions central axis 13. In other words, rotation of the threadedrod 44 in the first or clockwise direction A1 advances therod 44 through thenut 40, thereby pulling the two coupledsupport member portions member portions rod 44 in a second, opposing angular direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) displaces the first and secondsupport member portions central axis 13. That is, rotation of the threadedrod 44 in the second or counterclockwise direction A2 withdraws therod 44 from thenut 40, thereby pushing the two coupledsupport member portions - Although the
seal assembly 10 is described and depicted as having twosupport members 14 and a plurality ofadjustment devices 16 formed as a threaded rod and nut assembly, the support member(s) and/or the adjustment device(2) 16 may be formed in any appropriate manner. For example, thesupport member 14 may be formed as a single circular band having overlapping ends and a plurality of openings or notches, and theadjustment device 16 may be a single ratcheting type wheel that engages the support band notches so as to alternatively expand or contract the band to thereby vary the effective diameter and circumference (structure not shown). Further for example, theseal assembly 10 may include the twopreferred support members spacers 32, but with the at least oneadjustment device 16 formed as a turn buckle, a clamp, a ratcheting wheel and overlapping toothed plates or any other device capable of axially displacing portions of eachsupport member - As yet another example, the at least one
support member 14 may be provided by a plurality of hinged bracket plate assemblies connected with the seal body 50 (described below) and having one portion contactable with the riminner surface 21, with aseparate adjustment device 16 for each bracket, e.g., a pair of relatively slidable slotted arms and a rod and nut disposed in both slots and releasably coupling the two arms (structures not shown. The present invention encompasses these and all other alternative constructions of the support member(s) 14 and/or the adjustment device(s) 16 that enables theseal assembly 10 to function as generally described herein. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2-4 , theseal 12 preferably includes a generally annularelastomeric body 50 with a radially-inner portion 50 a providing thelip 18 and a radially-outer portion 50 a providing therim 20. Theseal body 50 further includes acentral portion 52 extending generally radially between and integrally connecting thelip 18 and therim 20. Preferably, thecentral portion 52 extends between generally aligned axial ends 18 a, 20 a of thelip 18 and therim 20, such that the sealinglip 18, thecentral portion 50 and therim 20 define a generallyannular cavity 54. With this structure, the at least one and preferably twosupport members 14 are preferably disposed within thecavity 54. - Further, the
lip 18 extends generally axially from afixed end 18 a integrally formed with an inner end of thecentral portion 52 to a free end 18 b, and has acontact portion 19 formed adjacent to the free end 18 b. Thecontact section 19 has generally triangular axial cross-sections and an inner circumferential edge surface 19 a engageable with the shaftouter surface 1 a, thelip 18 being at least partially pivotable about the fixed inner end 19 a. Preferably, anannular biasing member 56, most preferably a garter spring, is disposed about thelip 18 to maintain contact between the sealing surface 19 a and the shaftouter surface 1 a. - Furthermore, the
rim 20 is preferably generally tubular and extends from a fixed axial end 20 a connected with thecentral portion 52 to a freeaxial end 20 b, so as to extend axially from thecentral portion 52 generally in the manner of a cantilever. As such, radial outward displacement of thesupport members rim 20 generally about the fixed end or/and compresses or squeezes therim 20 between thesupport members movable portions support members annular rim 20 to maintain contact with the housing inner surface 2 a, and alternatively release this pressure on therim 20 when displaced toward the proximal axial positions P28, P30. Thus, with such a thin-walled rim 20, thesupport members seal 10 axially in place as well as providing sufficient sealing force between therim 20 and thehousing 2. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thepreferred seal assembly 10 is installed in thehousing 2 in the following manner. First, if thesupport members movable portions more adjustment devices 16 are operated to displace the coupled support members portions radially inwardly to the proximal axial positions P28, P30. As discussed above, such movement of releases radial outward pressure on therim 20 and/or enables radial inward displacement of therim 20 at sections of therim 20 proximal to the movablesupport member portions seal assembly 10 may then be installed by inserting theassembly 10 into thehousing bore 3 and then locating theseal 12 at a desired axial position within thehousing 2. Once so positioned, each one of theadjustment devices 16 may then be operated to the displace the coupledsupport member portions rim 20 outwardly into engagement with the housing inner surface 2 a. Theseal assembly 10 is thereafter secured within thehousing 2 until removal from thehousing 2 is desired. - It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as generally defined in the appended claims.
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (1)
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US14/042,034 US8985589B1 (en) | 2013-09-30 | 2013-09-30 | Seal assembly with adjustable outside diameter |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US14/042,034 US8985589B1 (en) | 2013-09-30 | 2013-09-30 | Seal assembly with adjustable outside diameter |
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US8985589B1 US8985589B1 (en) | 2015-03-24 |
US20150091256A1 true US20150091256A1 (en) | 2015-04-02 |
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US14/042,034 Expired - Fee Related US8985589B1 (en) | 2013-09-30 | 2013-09-30 | Seal assembly with adjustable outside diameter |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2018059249A1 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2018-04-05 | 桂林端面油封科技有限公司 | Axial lip sealing device for rotating shaft |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6021674B2 (en) * | 2012-09-28 | 2016-11-09 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Shaft seal structure and primary coolant circulation pump |
CN106907485B (en) * | 2017-04-28 | 2018-11-09 | 嘉兴学院 | A kind of pressure adaptive lip shape seal device |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4234196A (en) * | 1979-02-21 | 1980-11-18 | Nippon Oil Seal Industry Co., Ltd. | Roll neck sealing device |
US5207794A (en) * | 1990-10-12 | 1993-05-04 | Tor Birger Krageboen | Seal assembly for a shaft comprising a stuffing box |
US20110037234A1 (en) * | 2009-08-12 | 2011-02-17 | Pete Balsells | Cartridge seal assemblies and associated methods |
US8505925B2 (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2013-08-13 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Temperature adaptive dynamic shaft seal assembly |
-
2013
- 2013-09-30 US US14/042,034 patent/US8985589B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4234196A (en) * | 1979-02-21 | 1980-11-18 | Nippon Oil Seal Industry Co., Ltd. | Roll neck sealing device |
US5207794A (en) * | 1990-10-12 | 1993-05-04 | Tor Birger Krageboen | Seal assembly for a shaft comprising a stuffing box |
US8505925B2 (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2013-08-13 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Temperature adaptive dynamic shaft seal assembly |
US20110037234A1 (en) * | 2009-08-12 | 2011-02-17 | Pete Balsells | Cartridge seal assemblies and associated methods |
US8684362B2 (en) * | 2009-08-12 | 2014-04-01 | Bal Seal Engineering, Inc. | Cartridge seal assemblies and associated methods |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2018059249A1 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2018-04-05 | 桂林端面油封科技有限公司 | Axial lip sealing device for rotating shaft |
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