Abstract:
A two-piece seal (30) is provided for a bearing assembly (10). The seal (30) includes a first seal ring or labyrinth element (34) received on an inner diameter of the bearing outer race (12) and a second seal ring or labyrinth (32) received on an outer diameter of the bearing inner race (14). The labyrinth (32, 34) include ribs (78, 51) and channels (80, 50) on facing or opposed surfaces which are sized and shaped such that the rib of one seal ring is received in the groove of the opposing seal ring to thereby form a labyrinth path between the two labyrinth elements. Additionally, a flexible seal lip (82) is formed on one of the labyrinth elements (32, 34) to form a dynamic seal between the two labyrinth elements at an inner end of the labyrinth path (88).
Abstract:
A seal component (100, 200) having a triple-lip configuration for sealing against a moving surface, such as the inner ring race surface (12, 12') of a spherical plain bearing (14, 14'). The triple-lip configuration incorporates a pair of outward inclined seal lips (102, 202, 104, 204) for providing protection from external contaminates, and a third inwardly inclined seal lip (106, 206) which is orientated to provide lubricant or grease retention within the sealed bearing (14, 14'). The size and configuration of the third seal lip (106, 206) is selected to minimize surface friction and to avoid seal lip inversion during oscillatory motion of the bearing components during use. A retention surface (110a, 210) is disposed to abut against the outer ring race surface (10b, 10b') to resist roll-out displacement of the seal component (100, 200) during use.
Abstract:
A non-contact labyrinth seal assembly, bearing assembly therewith, and method of construction thereof, has an outer rigid carrier and an inner sleeve. The carrier has an outer cylindrical flange and a radially inwardly extending leg and the sleeve has a cylindrical wall and a radially outwardly extending flange. A body is attached to at least one of the leg and the flange, wherein the body provides, at least in part, a purely non-contact labyrinth passage extending between the carrier and the sleeve.
Abstract:
A segmented labyrinth seal consisting of an assembly of rotor and stator components defining a labyrinth passage, having internal pumping capabilities enhanced by component material properties to provide improved lubricant sealing between the rotating and non-rotating components. Seal component materials are selected to have hydrophobic and hydrophilic characteristics which enhance the pumping capabilities of the labyrinth seal.
Abstract:
A seal assembly (100) between an elastomeric seal component (110) and a surface (102) of a rotating component (104) which incorporates at least one micro-channel (106) having discrete branching elements (108, 108A) or micro-recesses (114). The micro-channels (106) are formed on either the surface of the rotating component (104) or the elastomeric seal component (110), and are configured to provide a uniform and unidirectional wear surface. The micro-channels (106) permit a controlled amount of lubricant to flow to the elastomeric seal region (R) area while creating a barrier to prevent lubricant axial migration beyond the elastomeric seal region (R). The controlled lubrication reduces seal wear, extends the seal life, and results in a reduced chance of leakage if the elastomeric seal component (110) is misaligned relative to the rotating component surface (102).
Abstract:
Worm assembly seal performance is improved by (1) the use of a hardened steel worm (14) with a bronze worm gear (20); (2) the use of a hardened steel worm and a bronze worm gear with a tribological coating on one or both of the worm thread or spiral (14) and the gear teeth (18); (3) the use of a hardened steel worm and a bronze worm gear with a tribological coating on one or both of the input/output shaft (12) or shaft sleeves; or (4) the use of a hardened steel worm with a bronze worm gear with a tribological coating applied to the worm thread (14), the gear teeth (18), the input/output shafts (12) or shaft sleeves, or combinations thereof. In each approach, the worm (14), worm gear (20), and input/output shafts (12) or shaft sleeves can have surface finishing treatments. Additionally, in each approach, carbon or carbon/nitrogen concentration gradients can be added to the worm (14). Each approach builds on the prior approach to further improve seal performance, thereby reducing seal leakage and extending seal life.
Abstract:
A bearing comprising an outer ring (34) having an annular, axially- extending projection (118) integrally formed as one piece with the outer ring; an inner ring (46,54); a plurality of rolling elements (62,66) positioned between the inner and outer rings; and a seal (82) disposed axially adjacent the outer ring and interposed between a distal end of the annular projection and a seal carrier (114) that is secured to the outer ring.
Abstract:
A spherical roller bearing assembly (A) for installation on a dragline shaft (16 of an earth excavating device. The bearing assembly has a sealing arrangement and a closure arrangement to prevent the loss of lubricants from the bearing and to prevent the entrance of contaminants into the bearing. Seal carriers (10) attach contact lip seals (9) to the outer ring (2). An upper seal wear ring (5) and a lower seal wear ring (6) have wear surfaces that touch the contact lip seal (9) to form a seal. An upper closure ring (7) and a lower closure ring (8) resist the entrance of contaminants into the interior components of the bearing assembly (A).
Abstract:
A non-contact labyrinth seal assembly, bearing assembly therewith, and method of construction thereof, has an outer rigid carrier and an inner sleeve. The carrier has an outer cylindrical flange and a radially inwardly extending leg and the sleeve has a cylindrical wall and a radially outwardly extending flange. A body is attached to at least one of the leg and the flange, wherein the body provides, at least in part, a purely non-contact labyrinth passage extending between the carrier and the sleeve.
Abstract:
A non-contact labyrinth seal assembly, bearing assembly therewith, and method of construction thereof, has an outer rigid carrier and an inner sleeve. The carrier has an outer cylindrical flange and a radially inwardly extending leg and the sleeve has a cylindrical wall and a radially outwardly extending flange. A body is attached to at least one of the leg and the flange, wherein the body provides, at least in part, a purely non-contact labyrinth passage extending between the carrier and the sleeve.