Integral seal protector/labyrinth
US6357757B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J15/3268
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seal assembly having a case, an annular seal member and an annular guide member. The case is adapted to be mounted to a housing within a bore. The annular seal member is coupled to the case and extends radially inward therefrom. A seal lip is formed into the annular seal member and is adapted to provide a seal between the housing and a shaft. The annular guide member is coupled to one of the case and the seal member and extends radially inward therefrom. The annular guide includes an inner tip which extends radially inward beyond the seal lip when the seal assembly is in a free state disengaged from the shaft. The inner tip of the annular guide is adapted to protect the sealing integrity of the seal lip when the seal assembly and the shaft are assembled to one another. A method for installing a seal assembly with a guide member is also provided. The method includes the steps of inserting the shaft in the housing to an overstroked position and returning the shaft to a normal or operating position to thereby disengage the guide member from the case.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.