Seal design with bi-directional pumping
US5791658A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J15/3244
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A shaft seal of the type utilizing a metal support element or seal case which fits or is inserted into a housing. The seal includes a seal element extending radially inward which when disposed over the shaft causes the seal to flex about a flex section thus applying a contacting force to a seal lip. The seal lip includes a plurality of radial undulations along the seal face, said undulations radial with respect to the axis of the shaft. Said seal lip further including a static seal for engaging the outer circumferential surface of the shaft. The seal element is formed of a semi-rigid material such as a fluorinated resin or thermo-plastic elastomer. Such seals exhibit high-wear characteristics opposed to the low-wear characteristics of an elastomer. Further, the seal element includes a plurality of symmetrical undulations which provide a hydro-dynamic pumping effect to pump any fluid migrating along the shaft/seal interface back into the sealed space.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.