Abstract:
A disclosed mechanical seal (210) for use between a housing (14) and a rotatable shaft (12) supported by the housing, having adjacent annular primary (220) and mating (22) sealing rings, each ring having a generally radial sealing face (22f, 220f). Means seals and holds the first sealing ring nonrotatably relative to the housing, and means seals and holds the second sealing ring to rotate with the shaft. One sealing ring (220) is moveable axially of the shaft, and springs (44) urge this one ring toward the other sealing ring (22), which is axially fixed relative to the shaft (12). The axially moveable seal ring (220) is centered coaxially with respect to the axis of the seal ring through engagement of a centering element (26) which is centered relative to the shaft and which engages the axially moveable sealing ring (220) to center it relative to the shaft. The centering element (26) engages the axially moveable sealing ring (220) to effect such centering at the periphery of the axially moveable ring exposed to the pressurized fluid to be sealed.
Abstract:
A multi-layer radial lip seal assembly (10) adapted to be retained to the housing of an automotive air conditioning compressor (12) and to be disposed about a rotatable shaft extending through a chamber provided in the housing. The lip seal assembly (10) includes a first seal member or disc of virgin FEP (36) adjacent to a second seal member or disc of graphite-filled PTFE (38). A retainer (24) is provided to support the first and second seal members and an elastomer (42) is molded to the retainer and seals the seal members to the retainer. The first seal member (36) acts to protect the second seal (38) member during installation and quickly wears away, so that the second seal member (38) becomes the primary seal member.
Abstract:
A unitary radial lip seal assembly (20) to provide a fluid tight seal between a shaft (10) and a housing bore (14) through which the shaft (10) extends includes an annular rigid retainer (32), a resilient body portion (30) secured to the retainer (32) and defining at least one sealing lip (44, 46, 48) to seal against the rotatable shaft (10) and a sleeve bearing member (70) supported by said seal assembly outboard of the sealing lip. In one form, the bearing member (70) is rigidly connected to the retainer (32), in another, it is resiliently mounted to provide shaft (10) vibration dampening. In the latter embodiment, the bearing member includes a radial wall urged into frictional engagement with a radial wall of the resilient body to restrict rotation of the bearing member.
Abstract:
A mechanical end face seal (28) with a mating ring (70) having a beveled inner diameter (78) extending frusto-conically to the back face. Atmosphere or other fluids (20) located outside of the housing can enter through the frusto-conical opening (80) between the primary ring (146) and the shaft (16) to cool the seal rings during shaft rotation. In a preferred embodiment, a drive collar (90) disposed adjacent the primary ring and attached to the shaft includes a series of cantilever projection portions (92) which rotate in the atmosphere outside the housing to circulate the atmosphere into the frusto-conical space (80) between the beveled inner diameter (78) of the stationary mating ring (70) to provide a fan blade effect.
Abstract:
A composition of matter for use in tribological applications, such as in mechanical seals, bearings and other sliding or rubbing components, which provides good durability and wear characteristics. The material is used in the "softer" one of two relatively sliding members which are in, or may come into, contact with each other during the relative rotation of one of the members relative to the other. The material is a carbon or carbonaceous formed material, such as is normally used in the manufacture of a primary seal ring in a mechanical seal, and comprises an additive compound which contains at least one compound from a group consisting of neodymium fluoride, praseodymium fluoride, gadolinium fluoride and lanthanum fluoride.
Abstract:
A mechanical end face seal for sealing between a housing and a relatively rotating shaft which seal includes a pair of relatively rotating annular rings having seal faces in sealing contact with each other to define a seal interface, with one of the rings adapted to be secured to said shaft for rotation therewith, and the other fixed relative to the housing and one being axially movable toward the other. A generally annular flexible metal diaphragm secured between the axially movable ring and either the housing or shaft includes a generally radial disc-like central portion which defines a plurality of annular convolutions formed by protrusions extending in opposite axial directions. The diaphragm is pressed onto a cylindrical surface on the ring at about the center of mass of the ring. The surface includes a coating of a compound including PTFE, grit and a binder. In one form, the seal utilizes a second seal ring pressed into fluid tight relation with its associated carrier at about the center of mass of the ring. In anotherform, a seal ring is provided which is secured to its associated carrier in fluid tight relation utilizing welding techniques. The associated methods are disclosed.
Abstract:
An impeller pump including a housing (12) defining a seal cavity (26) having a shaft (20) rotatably mounted therein and an expeller (46) to pump fluid from the seal cavity. A dynamic seal (58) provides a fluid tight seal between the housing and the shaft. The seal comprises an axially movable primary seal ring (76) which rotates with the shaft and a mating stationary seal ring (80). Biasing means (96) urge the primary seal ring into sealing engagement with the mating seal ring (80). The radial face of the mating seal ring defines a plurality of spiral grooves (114). When the pump is operating, the primary seal ring rotates with the shaft and the grooves create a pumping action to pump air between the faces causing the primary seal ring to lift away from the mating seal ring to prevent wear and avoid undue heat generation.