Seal for a universal joint
US6601855B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J3/042
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A universal joint seal for retaining lubricant therein. The seal cooperates to form a static seal with the trunnion and a static seal with the bearing cup and permits relative angular movement between the trunnion and bearing cup through a flexible web portion. The seal optionally permits venting of pressure within the grease cavity formed between the trunnion and bearing cup. The seal also has a passage communicating with the grease cavity. The seal has an outward facing lip seal that provides a fluid barrier to the migration of lubricant out of the passage. In response to a moderate pressure level within the grease cavity, the lip moves away from the contacting surface so as to vent the moderate pressure within the grease cavity out of the sealed region and to prevent an excessive pressure differential from developing across the lip. Several alternate embodiments permitting venting of pressure from the grease cavity are disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.