Patent · US Expired

Hydrodynamic rotary seal with varying slope

US6685194B2 · kind B2 · utility

49Cited by
36References
41Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 12, 2001
Grant dateFeb 3, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 12, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16J15/3244
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A hydrodynamically lubricating seal has a generally circular seal body defining a static sealing surface and having a dynamic sealing lip projecting from the seal body for establishing sealing relation with a relatively rotatable surface. When compressed against a relatively rotatable surface, dynamic sealing lip defines a hydrodynamic geometry which wedges a film of lubricating fluid into the interface between the seal and the relatively rotatable surface in response to relative rotation. The dynamic sealing lip geometry maintains interfacial contact pressure within the dynamic sealing interface for efficient hydrodynamic lubrication and environmental exclusion, which enhances lubrication and environmental exclusion while permitting relatively high initial compression and relatively low torque.In abrasive environments, the improved exclusionary action results in a dramatic reduction of seal and shaft wear, compared to prior art, and provides a significant increase in seal life. The invention also increases seal life by making higher levels of initial compression possible, compared to prior art, without compromising hydrodynamic lubrication. This added compression makes the seal mo…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.