US 8,505,926 B2Granted

Low torque shaft seal with improved seal element bond joint

AssigneeFederal-Mogul Corporation

InventorsDavid M. Toth, Frederick R. Hatch, Brent Sedlar

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Abstract

A shaft seal assembly includes a metal case having a wall extending cylindrically about a central axis with an annular leg extending radially inwardly from the wall toward the central axis. An elastomeric material is bonded to the leg, and a PTFE seal element is attached to the elastomeric material at a bond joint. The bond joint is spaced radially inwardly from the leg and in radial alignment with the leg and inhibits the elastomeric material from flexing. As such, the elastomeric material is isolated or substantially isolated from impacting the performance of the PTFE seal element during use. Accordingly, the bond joint provides a reliable seal of the PTFE seal element against a running surface of a shaft or wear sleeve.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A shaft seal assembly, comprising:

a metal case having a wall extending cylindrically about a central axis with an annular leg extending radially inwardly from said wall toward said central axis;
an elastomeric material bonded to said leg;
a PTFE seal element attached directly to said elastomeric material at a bond joint formed by said elastic material, said bond joint converging radially inwardly toward an oil side of the seal assembly in oblique relation to said central axis in radially inwardly spaced, radial alignment with said leg;
wherein said leg has a first portion extending from said wall substantially transversely to said central axis and a second portion extending radially inwardly from said first portion, said second portion extending obliquely relative to said central axis to a free end to form an annular pocket bounded by said wall, said first portion and said second portion;
wherein said PTFE seal element has an unsupported portion that extends beyond said bond joint;
and
entire said PTFE seal element is within first and second distal ends of said wall.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.