IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,108,267

Granted Patent B2

US 7,108,267 · App. 10/706,443 · Granted Sep 19, 2006

Seal for a shaft

Assignee: International Seal Company, Inc.

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Quick Facts

Patent No.: US 7,108,267
App. No.: 10/706,443
Granted: Sep 19, 2006
Kind: B2

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Abstract

Unitary radial lip seals are useful to provide permanent lubrication to rotary shaft and bearing assemblies. In addition, these seals also function as excluder seals to keep dirt, chemicals, and other contaminants from contacting the lubricated surfaces. However, previous radial lip seals have a tendency to wear or cut a groove into the associated rotary shaft, as the shaft is rotated during normal operation of the machine. The present disclosure describes a radial lip seal having a sleeve, a seal case, a faceplate and flexible member. This improved seal also has a second sleeve operably positioned between the shaft and the faceplate wiper ring that alleviates the tendency of the wiper ring to cut a groove into the shaft during normal operation of the machine.

Claims (191)

1. A seal for sealing a rotary shaft, the seal comprising:

a sleeve adapted to be disposed generally coaxially around the shaft and comprising:

a flange sleeve portion extending generally radially outward from the sleeve;

an outward sleeve portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and extending generally axially outward from the flange sleeve portion, said outward sleeve portion including an endpoint defining an axially outermost point disposed in a first direction relative to said flange sleeve portion, and

an inward sleeve portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and extending generally axially inward from the flange sleeve portion, said inward sleeve portion including an endpoint defining an axially innermost point disposed in a second direction relative to said flange sleeve portion opposite said first direction; and

an outer housing configured to generally surround the flange sleeve portion and at least a part of the outward and inward sleeve portions, the outer housing comprising

a flange housing portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially inward relative to the flange sleeve portion,

a parallel housing portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and

a faceplate portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially outward relative to the flange sleeve portion; and

an elastomeric lip extending generally between the faceplate portion and the outward sleeve portion, wherein the elastomeric lip comprises a base secured to the faceplate portion and an end displaceably abutting against the outward sleeve portion.

2. The seal of claim 1 , wherein the end of the elastomeric lip is oriented generally radially inward.

3. The seal of claim 1 , wherein the end of the elastomeric lip is oriented generally axially outward.

4. The seal of claim 1 , wherein the end of the elastomeric lip is oriented generally both axially outward and radially inward.

5. The seal of claim 1 , further comprising a second elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the faceplate portion and an end displaceably abutting against the outward sleeve portion.

6. The seal of claim 5 , wherein the ends of the elastomeric lips are oriented generally radially inward.

7. A seal for sealing a rotary shaft, the seal comprising:

a sleeve adapted to be disposed generally coaxially around the shaft and comprising:

a flange sleeve portion extending generally radially outward from the sleeve;

an outer housing configured to generally surround the flange sleeve portion and at least a part of the outward and inward sleeve portions, the outer housing comprising

a flange housing portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially inward relative to the flange sleeve portion,

a parallel housing portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and

a faceplate portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially outward relative to the flange sleeve portion;

an elastomeric lip extending generally between the faceplate portion and the outward sleeve portion; and

wherein the faceplate portion comprises a parallel portion that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

8. The seal of claim 7 , wherein the faceplate portion further comprises a portion generally parallel to the faceplate portion and extending radially from the parallel portion of the faceplate.

9. A seal for sealing a rotary shaft, the seal comprising:

a sleeve adapted to be disposed generally coaxially around the shaft and comprising:

a flange sleeve portion extending generally radially outward from the sleeve;

an outer housing configured to generally surround the flange sleeve portion and at least a part of the outward and inward sleeve portions, the outer housing comprising

a flange housing portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially inward relative to the flange sleeve portion,

a parallel housing portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and

a faceplate portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially outward relative to the flange sleeve portion;

an elastomeric lip extending generally between the faceplate portion and the outward sleeve portion; and

a second elastomeric lip extending generally between the flange sleeve portion and the outer housing.

10. The seal of claim 9 , wherein the second elastomeric lip comprises a base secured to the flange sleeve portion and an end displaceably abutting against the outer housing.

11. A seal for sealing a rotary shaft, the seal comprising:

a sleeve adapted to be disposed generally coaxially around the shaft and comprising:

a flange sleeve portion extending generally radially outward from the sleeve;

an outer housing configured to generally surround the flange sleeve portion and at least a part of the outward and inward sleeve portions, the outer housing comprising

a flange housing portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially inward relative to the flange sleeve portion,

a parallel housing portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and

a faceplate portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially outward relative to the flange sleeve portion;

an elastomeric lip extending generally between the faceplate portion and the outward sleeve portion; and

a second elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the sleeve.

12. The seal of claim 11 , further comprising a garter spring associated with the second elastomeric lip, which is a main sealing lip.

13. The seal of claim 11 , further comprising a third elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the sleeve.

14. The seal of claim 13 , further comprising a fourth elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the sleeve.

15. The seal of claim 14 , further comprising a fifth elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the sleeve.

16. The seal of claim 13 , further comprising an elastomeric bumper attached to the housing portion and abutting against the flange sleeve portion.

17. The seal of claim 11 , further comprising third and fourth elastomeric lips that each include a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the sleeve, wherein the second, third and fourth elastomeric tips are all oriented generally axially inward.

18. The seal of claim 17 , further comprising an elastomeric bumper attached to the outer housing and abutting against the flange sleeve portion.

19. A seal for sealing a rotary shaft, the seal comprising:

a sleeve adapted to be disposed generally coaxially around the shaft and comprising:

a flange sleeve portion extending generally radially outward from the sleeve;

an outer housing configured to generally surround the flange sleeve portion and at least a part of the outward and inward sleeve portions, the outer housing comprising

a flange housing portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially inward relative to the flange sleeve portion,

a parallel housing portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and

a faceplate portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially outward relative to the flange sleeve portion;

wherein the sleeve is formed from at least two pieces, the first piece comprising the outward sleeve portion and the second piece comprising the inward sleeve portion.

20. The seal of claim 19 , wherein the flange sleeve portion comprises a flange that extends generally radially outward from the outward sleeve portion.

21. The seal of claim 19 , wherein the flange sleeve portion comprises a flange that extends generally radially outward from the inward sleeve portion.

22. The seal of claim 19 , wherein the flange sleeve portion comprises two flanges, one extending generally radially outward from the inward sleeve portion and the other extending generally radially outward from the outward sleeve portion.

23. A seal for sealing a rotary shaft, the seal comprising:

a sleeve adapted to be disposed generally coaxially around the shaft and comprising:

a flange sleeve portion extending generally radially outward from the sleeve;

an outer housing configured to generally surround the flange sleeve portion and at least a part of the outward and inward sleeve portions, the outer housing comprising

a flange housing portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially inward relative to the flange sleeve portion,

a parallel housing portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and

a faceplate portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially outward relative to the flange sleeve portion; and

an elastomeric lip extending generally between the flange sleeve portion and the outer housing.

24. The seal of claim 23 , wherein the elastomeric lip comprises a base secured to the flange sleeve portion and an end displaceably abutting against the outer housing.

25. The seal of claim 24 , wherein the end of the elastomeric lip is oriented generally radially outward.

26. The seal of claim 24 , wherein the end of the elastomeric lip is oriented generally axially outward.

27. The seal of claim 24 , wherein the end of the elastomeric lip is oriented generally both axially and radially outward.

28. The seal of claim 23 , further comprising an elastomeric coating on at least a portion of the sleeve in a region between the sleeve and the shaft.

29. The seal of claim 28 , wherein the elastomeric coating extends into at least a portion of a region between the outward and inward sleeve portions.

30. The seal of claim 28 , wherein the elastomeric coating has a radial channel.

31. The seal of claim 23 , further comprising a second elastomeric lip extending generally between the faceplate portion and the sleeve.

32. The seal of claim 31 , wherein the second elastomeric lip comprises a base secured to the faceplate portion and an end displaceably abutting against the outward sleeve portion.

33. The seal of claim 23 , further comprising a second elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the sleeve.

34. The seal of claim 33 , further comprising a garter spring associated with the second elastomeric lip, which is a main sealing lip.

35. The seal of claim 33 , further comprising a third elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the sleeve.

36. The seal of claim 35 , further comprising a fourth elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the sleeve.

37. The seal of claim 36 , further comprising a fifth elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the sleeve.

38. The seal of claim 35 , further comprising an elastomeric bumper attached to the housing portion and abutting against the flange sleeve portion.

39. The seal of claim 33 , further comprising third and fourth elastomeric lips that each include a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the sleeve, wherein the second, third and fourth elastomeric lips are all oriented generally axially inward.

40. The seal of claim 39 , further comprising an elastomeric bumper attached to the outer housing and abutting against the sleeve.

41. The seal of claim 23 , further comprising a second parallel housing portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

42. The seal of claim 41 , wherein the second parallel housing portion is attached to an inward end of the first parallel housing portion.

43. A seal for sealing a rotary shaft, the seal comprising:

a sleeve adapted to be disposed generally coaxially around the shaft and comprising:

a flange sleeve portion extending generally radially outward from the sleeve;

an outer housing configured to generally surround the flange sleeve portion and at least a part of the outward and inward sleeve portions, the outer housing comprising

a flange housing portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially inward relative to the flange sleeve portion,

a parallel housing portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and

a faceplate portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially outward relative to the flange sleeve portion; and

further comprising an elastomeric bumper attached to the flange housing portion and abutting against the flange sleeve portion, wherein the elastomeric bumper is also attached to the parallel housing portion.

44. A seal for sealing a rotary shaft, the seal comprising:

a sleeve adapted to be disposed generally coaxially around the shaft and comprising:

a flange sleeve portion extending generally radially outward from the sleeve;

an outer housing configured to generally surround the flange sleeve portion and at least a part of the outward and inward sleeve portions, the outer housing comprising

a flange housing portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially inward relative to the flange sleeve portion,

a parallel housing portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and

a faceplate portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially outward relative to the flange sleeve portion;

further comprising an elastomeric bumper attached to the flange housing portion and abutting against the flange sleeve portion; and

wherein the sleeve is formed from at least two pieces, the first piece comprising the outward sleeve portion and the second piece comprising the inward sleeve portion, wherein the flange sleeve portion comprises at least one flange extending generally radially outward from the outward or inward sleeve portions, wherein the bumper abuts against said flange.

45. A seal for sealing a rotary shaft, the seal comprising:

a sleeve adapted to be disposed generally coaxially around the shaft and comprising:

a flange sleeve portion extending generally radially outward from the sleeve;

an outer housing configured to generally surround the flange sleeve portion and at least a part of the outward and inward sleeve portions, the outer housing comprising

a flange housing portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially inward relative to the flange sleeve portion,

a parallel housing portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and

a faceplate portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially outward relative to the flange sleeve portion;

an elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the inward sleeve portion;

a garter spring associated with the elastomeric lip, which is a main sealing lip;

a second elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the inward sleeve portion, wherein the second elastomeric lip extends generally axially outward from the flange housing portion;

a third elastomeric lip extending generally axially outward; and

further comprising a fourth elastomeric lip extending generally axially outward.

46. A seal for sealing a rotary shaft, the seal comprising:

a sleeve adapted to be disposed generally coaxially around the shaft and comprising:

a flange sleeve portion extending generally radially outward from the sleeve;

an outer housing configured to generally surround the flange sleeve portion and at least a part of the outward and inward sleeve portions, the outer housing comprising

a flange housing portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially inward relative to the flange sleeve portion,

a parallel housing portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and

a faceplate portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially outward relative to the flange sleeve portion;

an elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the inward sleeve portion, wherein the elastomeric lip extends generally axially inward from the flange housing portion; and

a second elastomeric lip that extends generally axially inward from the flange housing portion.

47. The seal of claim 46 , further comprising a third elastomeric lip that extends generally inward from the flange housing portion.

48. A seal for sealing a rotary shaft, the seal comprising:

a sleeve adapted to be disposed generally coaxially around the shaft and comprising:

a flange sleeve portion extending generally radially outward from the sleeve;

an outer housing configured to generally surround the flange sleeve portion and at least a part of the outward and inward sleeve portions, the outer housing comprising

a flange housing portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially inward relative to the flange sleeve portion,

a parallel housing portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and

a faceplate portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially outward relative to the flange sleeve portion;

an elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the inward sleeve portion; and

wherein the outer housing further comprises a second flange housing portion extending generally radially outward from the outer housing.

49. A seal for sealing a rotary shaft, the seal comprising:

a sleeve adapted to be disposed generally coaxially around the shaft and comprising:

a flange sleeve portion extending generally radially outward from the sleeve;

an outer housing configured to generally surround the flange sleeve portion and at least a part of the outward and inward sleeve portions, the outer housing comprising

a flange housing portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially inward relative to the flange sleeve portion,

a parallel housing portion generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and

a faceplate portion extending generally radially inward from the outer housing and positioned axially outward relative to the flange sleeve portion;

an elastomeric lip that includes a base secured to the flange housing portion and an end displaceably abutting against the inward sleeve portion; and

wherein the faceplate portion comprises a parallel portion that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft,

wherein the faceplate portion further comprises a portion generally parallel to the faceplate portion and extending radially from the parallel portion of the faceplate.

50. A seal for sealing a rotary shaft, the seal comprising: