US20060290067A1 - Unitized seal with integral spacer - Google Patents
Unitized seal with integral spacer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060290067A1 US20060290067A1 US11/142,875 US14287505A US2006290067A1 US 20060290067 A1 US20060290067 A1 US 20060290067A1 US 14287505 A US14287505 A US 14287505A US 2006290067 A1 US2006290067 A1 US 2006290067A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seal
- seat
- assembly according
- spacer sleeve
- disposed
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G13/00—Chains
- F16G13/02—Driving-chains
- F16G13/06—Driving-chains with links connected by parallel driving-pins with or without rollers so called open links
- F16G13/07—Driving-chains with links connected by parallel driving-pins with or without rollers so called open links the links being of identical shape, e.g. cranked
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/08—Endless track units; Parts thereof
- B62D55/092—Endless track units; Parts thereof with lubrication means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/08—Endless track units; Parts thereof
- B62D55/18—Tracks
- B62D55/20—Tracks of articulated type, e.g. chains
- B62D55/205—Connections between track links
- B62D55/21—Links connected by transverse pivot pins
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
- F16J15/00—Sealings
- F16J15/16—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces
- F16J15/34—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with slip-ring pressed against a more or less radial face on one member
- F16J15/3436—Pressing means
- F16J15/3452—Pressing means the pressing force resulting from the action of a spring
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
- F16J15/00—Sealings
- F16J15/16—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces
- F16J15/34—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with slip-ring pressed against a more or less radial face on one member
- F16J15/3464—Mounting of the seal
- F16J15/348—Pre-assembled seals, e.g. cartridge seals
Definitions
- the present invention relates to seal assemblies and more particularly to a seal assembly for use with chains used to drive a tracked vehicle.
- Drive chains are commonly used on vehicles having a track drive and typically include a chain bushing, a pin extending through the chain bushing and having an end projecting beyond the bushing and two chain links which are linked together by the pin and bushing on each side thereof.
- the chain links disposed on opposite sides of the chain bushing are overlapped in order to provide an inner chain link which is pressed onto the bushing and an outer chain link which is pressed onto the axially extending end of the pin.
- Drive chains of this type are widely used in track vehicles such as construction vehicles, earth moving vehicles, and other special purpose vehicles.
- the hinge joints are lubricated with grease or oil containing additives which limit corrosion and increase the lubricant life.
- Track vehicles are typically operated and even have maintenance performed in very dirty environments in which there is a significant chance of contaminating dirt getting within the sealed environment.
- chain preventative maintenance typically consists of dismantling each and every link in the chain and rotating the bushings 180 degrees to distribute wear from the drive sprockets, which only wear against one half of the outer surface of the bushings at a time.
- the system of the present invention provide a spacer sleeve that is disposed on the pin and provides a sealed relationship between the inner and outer links of a drive chain.
- a seal seat member is disposed on a first end of the spacer sleeve and a grommet member is disposed on the seal seat for engagement with a bore in the end of the bushing.
- a seal washer is disposed on the spacer sleeve adjacent to the seal seat member and a second seal member in the form of an elastomeric boot is seated on the seal washer.
- a spring seat is disposed on a second end of the spacer sleeve and supports a portion of the second seal member.
- a spring is disposed between the spring seat and the seal washer for biasing the spring seat and the attached portion of the second seal member against the mating bore portion of the outer link.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the unitized seal with integral spacer according to the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the seal of FIG. 1 shown in an assembled configuration on a drive chain;
- FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a drive chain section which incorporates the seal assembly according to the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a plan view of a bushing and pin assembly of the chain drive according to the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the spacer sleeve of the seal according to the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a boot used in the seal according to the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a spring seat used in the seal according to the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the seal washer used in the seal in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a seal seat used in the seal in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a grommet utilized in the seal in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an end cap used in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the seal assembly according to the principles of the present invention.
- a drive chain 10 including identical links 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 each mounted to a pin 20 and bushing 22 .
- Each link 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 includes an inner end 24 and an outer end 26 .
- the inner end 24 includes an aperture 28 extending therethrough and sized for receiving the end portion 22 a of bushing 22 .
- the outer end 26 includes an aperture 30 extending therethrough and sized for receiving the pin 20 therein.
- the bushing 22 is provided with a recessed bore portion 32 and the outer end 26 of links 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 include a recessed bore portion 34 which combine with bore portion 32 to define a chamber portion therebetween for receiving seal assembly 40 , according to the principles of the present invention.
- the seal assembly 40 includes a spacer sleeve 42 slidably received on the pin 20 .
- a seal seat 44 is slidably mounted on a first end of the spacer sleeve 42 .
- a seal washer 46 is disposed adjacent to the seal seat 44 and is also slidably mounted on the spacer sleeve 42 .
- a first seal member in the form of a boot 48 is seated on the seal washer 46 and includes a forward portion thereof 48 a supported by a spring seat 50 .
- a wave spring 52 is disposed between the spring seat 50 and the seal washer 46 .
- a second seal portion in the form of an elastomeric grommet 54 is disposed on the seal seat 44 and includes a lip seal portion 54 a engaging the seal washer 46 .
- the seal head portion 60 of the seal assembly 40 which is comprised of the boot 48 , spring seat 50 , wave spring 52 and seal washer 46 are received in the bore portion 36 of outer ends 26 of links 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 .
- the seal seat portion 62 of seal assembly 40 which is comprised of the seal seat member 44 and grommet 54 are received in the recessed bore portion 32 provided in the end of bushing 22 .
- the spring seat 50 is pressed axially inward away from end cap 56 and the seal seat 44 is pressed axially inward away from end cap 58 with the spacer sleeve 42 providing proper spacing between the outer end 26 of links 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 and the end portion of bushing 22 .
- the spacer sleeve 42 is shown and includes a cylindrical body.
- the spacer sleeve has a length equal to a desired spacing between the shoulder 66 within the bore 32 of bushing 22 and the bore 36 of the links 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 .
- the spacer sleeve 42 has an inner diameter sufficient to receive the pin 20 therein.
- the boot 48 is shown including a radially inwardly extending flange portion 70 and axially extending flange portion 72 which are designed to seat against the seal washer 46 .
- the boot 48 includes an arcuate body portion 74 extending from the radially inwardly extending flange portion 70 and axially extending flange portion 72 .
- the arcuate-shaped body portion 74 terminates in a radially extending lip portion 76 which is engaged by the spring seat 50 .
- a seal lip 78 extends radially from the arcuate body portion 74 intermediate the forward inwardly extending lip portion 76 and flange portions 70 , 72 .
- the spring seat 50 includes an annular steel disk having an opening 80 provided in the center thereof, and including an outer arcuate ring portion 82 having a terminal end 84 which engages the radially inwardly extending lip 76 of boot 48 .
- the wave spring 52 engages the spring seat 50 radially inward of the arcuate shaped outer ring portion 82 .
- the seal washer 46 includes an annular ring made of sintered bronze, although other materials may also be utilized.
- the seal washer 46 includes a recessed shoulder portion 90 adapted to receive the axially extending flange portion 72 of boot 48 .
- the seal seat 44 is shown in the form of an annular ring preferably formed from hardened steel, although other materials may be utilized.
- the seal seat 44 is also preferably oil impregnated to provide enhanced lubrication properties.
- the seal seat 44 includes an inner recessed shoulder portion 92 which is adapted to receive the radially extending flange portion 58 a of end cap 58 .
- the grommet 54 is shown in the form of an annular ring made of an elastomeric material such as polyurethane, or other known seal materials.
- the grommet 54 includes a radially inwardly extending flange portion 98 which is adapted to engage an axial face of the seal seat 44 .
- Grommet 54 includes sealing ribs 100 on an outer face thereof. Three sealing ribs 100 are shown, although more or fewer ribs can be utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- the grommet 54 includes a radially inwardly extending lip seal 54 a which is adapted to engage seal washer 46 .
- the end caps 56 , 58 each include an axially extending flange portion 56 b , 58 b and a radially extending flange portion 56 a , 58 a .
- the end caps 56 , 58 are preferably made from steel and are press fit onto the spacer sleeve 42 .
- the unitized seal assemblies 40 are installed seal seat portion ( 62 ) first into bores and counter-bores 32 of bushings 22 , and are held firmly from rotating in the bore by the grommet's 54 triple sealing beads 100 .
- the seal head portion 60 of unitized seal assembly 40 virtually install themselves into the outer link bores 36 when the links 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 are pressed onto the pins 20 .
- the integral spacer sleeve 42 of unitized seal assembly 40 establishes the proper installed length of the seal 40 and opens internal running clearance inside the seal 40 . Deflection of the boot 48 in the seal head portion 60 at installation, plus further deflection of the already pre-compressed wave spring 52 inside the assembly 40 , provide long life axial seal preload. Inward compression of the boot's retaining lip 48 a , axial boot portion 74 , and spring forces clamping the boot tail against the bore bottom 36 , plus biased expansion of the boot body section 74 into the bore diameter prevent the seal head portion 60 of the seal assembly 40 from rotating in the outer link bore 36 .
- the seal seat portion 62 of the unitized seal assembly 40 features the grommet 54 having an integral extending lip seal 54 a which stretches and seals around the outer diameter of the seal washer 46 .
- This auxiliary lip seal 54 a helps prevent abrasives exterior to the seal from reaching the exterior junction of the dynamic sealing surfaces of the seal.
- the unitized seal assembly 40 expands axially with the aid of the spring 52 until the spring seat 44 seats against the flanged end cap 58 on one end of the integral spacer sleeve 42 , and the spring seat 50 abuts against the flanged end cap 56 on the other end of the spacer sleeve 42 , thus, closing running clearance passageways and preventing abrasives exterior to the seal 40 from entering the assembly and reaching the interior junction of the dynamic sealing surfaces of the seal.
- the seal assembly 40 of the present invention is uniquely capable of surviving field disassembly and reassembly of the drive chain linkage of tracked vehicles without abrasives finding their way into the critical dynamic sealing interface of the seal.
- FIG. 12 a cross-sectional view of an alternative seal assembly, according to the principles of the present invention, are shown.
- the seal washer has been eliminated and the boot 248 is provided with an integrally formed annular base portion 248 a .
- the auxiliary sealing lip 54 a of grommet 54 engages the base portion 248 a of modified boot 248 .
- the lip seal 78 of the boot 48 shown in FIG. 6 is also removed to assure easier removal of the sealing boot 248 from the outer link bore 36 .
- the seal washer is formed integrally with the boot 48 and provides an exterior surface against which the auxiliary sealing lip 54 a of grommet 54 is disposed.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Sealing Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A unitized seal assembly is provided for installation between linkages of a chain drive designed for tracked vehicles. The seal assembly facilitates field preventative maintenance on the drive chain by utilizing an integral spacer that holds the critical sealing surfaces together at all times, and has a seal head that can be easily removed from the outer link bore of a chain link. Removal of the seal head from the outer link bore causes as-installed clearance passageways between the seal head and seat portions and the spacer to forcefully close and prevent abrasive particles from getting inside the seal and reaching the interior interface junction of the dynamic sealing surfaces during seal maintenance. The seal assembly also includes additional sealing features that provide improved performance.
Description
- The present invention relates to seal assemblies and more particularly to a seal assembly for use with chains used to drive a tracked vehicle.
- Drive chains are commonly used on vehicles having a track drive and typically include a chain bushing, a pin extending through the chain bushing and having an end projecting beyond the bushing and two chain links which are linked together by the pin and bushing on each side thereof. The chain links disposed on opposite sides of the chain bushing are overlapped in order to provide an inner chain link which is pressed onto the bushing and an outer chain link which is pressed onto the axially extending end of the pin.
- Drive chains of this type are widely used in track vehicles such as construction vehicles, earth moving vehicles, and other special purpose vehicles. To reduce the friction, and thus reduce adhesive wear and minimize the overall wear, which can lead to chain lengthening and which can decrease the life of the chain or link assemblies, the hinge joints are lubricated with grease or oil containing additives which limit corrosion and increase the lubricant life. Track vehicles are typically operated and even have maintenance performed in very dirty environments in which there is a significant chance of contaminating dirt getting within the sealed environment. In particular, chain preventative maintenance typically consists of dismantling each and every link in the chain and rotating the bushings 180 degrees to distribute wear from the drive sprockets, which only wear against one half of the outer surface of the bushings at a time. With presently used seal designs, this assembly and re-assembly process inevitably contaminates the dynamic sealing surfaces of both the mechanical face seal head and the ends of the bushings that serve as the sealing counterface or seal seat for the seal. After field preventative maintenance is completed, the contamination trapped between the mechanical face seal head and the bushing seal seat surface can separate these sealing surfaces and/or cause their abrasive destruction. If the seals are destroyed, the seal's ability to retain lubricant internal of the seal and exclude external abrasives and liquids from entering the seal system and contaminating the lubricant is also destroyed. The loss or contamination of the oil that lubricates between the drive bushing and link pins, in turn causes wear and failure of these components, and the drive train.
- Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a seal assembly that is capable of increasing the life of the sealing system and also facilitates field preventative maintenance in which the bushings are rotated. The system of the present invention provide a spacer sleeve that is disposed on the pin and provides a sealed relationship between the inner and outer links of a drive chain. A seal seat member is disposed on a first end of the spacer sleeve and a grommet member is disposed on the seal seat for engagement with a bore in the end of the bushing. A seal washer is disposed on the spacer sleeve adjacent to the seal seat member and a second seal member in the form of an elastomeric boot is seated on the seal washer. A spring seat is disposed on a second end of the spacer sleeve and supports a portion of the second seal member. A spring is disposed between the spring seat and the seal washer for biasing the spring seat and the attached portion of the second seal member against the mating bore portion of the outer link. The removal of the seal head portion, which is comprised of the elastomeric boot, spring seat, spring and seal washer from the outer link bore causes the as installed clearance passageways between the seal head and seat portions and the spacer to forcefully close and prevent abrasive particles from getting inside the seal and reaching the interior interface junction of the dynamic sealing surfaces. A radial lip seal portion of the seal seat extends and seals around the seal washer outer diameter to prevent abrasive particles from reaching the exterior interface junction of the dynamic sealing surfaces.
- Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
- The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the unitized seal with integral spacer according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the seal ofFIG. 1 shown in an assembled configuration on a drive chain; -
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a drive chain section which incorporates the seal assembly according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a bushing and pin assembly of the chain drive according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the spacer sleeve of the seal according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a boot used in the seal according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a spring seat used in the seal according to the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the seal washer used in the seal in accordance with the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a seal seat used in the seal in accordance with the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a grommet utilized in the seal in accordance with the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an end cap used in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the seal assembly according to the principles of the present invention. - The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
- With reference to
FIG. 3 , adrive chain 10 is shown includingidentical links pin 20 and bushing 22. Eachlink inner end 24 and anouter end 26. Theinner end 24 includes anaperture 28 extending therethrough and sized for receiving theend portion 22 a of bushing 22. Theouter end 26 includes anaperture 30 extending therethrough and sized for receiving thepin 20 therein. Thebushing 22 is provided with arecessed bore portion 32 and theouter end 26 oflinks bore portion 32 to define a chamber portion therebetween for receivingseal assembly 40, according to the principles of the present invention. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theseal assembly 40, according to the principles of the present invention, will now be described. Theseal assembly 40 includes aspacer sleeve 42 slidably received on thepin 20. Aseal seat 44 is slidably mounted on a first end of thespacer sleeve 42. Aseal washer 46 is disposed adjacent to theseal seat 44 and is also slidably mounted on thespacer sleeve 42. A first seal member in the form of aboot 48 is seated on theseal washer 46 and includes a forward portion thereof 48 a supported by aspring seat 50. Awave spring 52 is disposed between thespring seat 50 and theseal washer 46. A second seal portion in the form of anelastomeric grommet 54 is disposed on theseal seat 44 and includes alip seal portion 54 a engaging theseal washer 46. - In the assembled configuration, the
seal head portion 60 of theseal assembly 40, which is comprised of theboot 48,spring seat 50,wave spring 52 andseal washer 46 are received in thebore portion 36 ofouter ends 26 oflinks seal seat portion 62 ofseal assembly 40, which is comprised of theseal seat member 44 andgrommet 54 are received in the recessedbore portion 32 provided in the end of bushing 22. In the assembled condition, as shown inFIG. 2 , thespring seat 50 is pressed axially inward away fromend cap 56 and theseal seat 44 is pressed axially inward away fromend cap 58 with thespacer sleeve 42 providing proper spacing between theouter end 26 oflinks bushing 22. - With reference to
FIG. 5 , thespacer sleeve 42 is shown and includes a cylindrical body. The spacer sleeve has a length equal to a desired spacing between the shoulder 66 within thebore 32 ofbushing 22 and thebore 36 of thelinks spacer sleeve 42 has an inner diameter sufficient to receive thepin 20 therein. - With reference to
FIG. 6 , theboot 48 is shown including a radially inwardly extending flange portion 70 and axially extendingflange portion 72 which are designed to seat against theseal washer 46. Theboot 48 includes anarcuate body portion 74 extending from the radially inwardly extending flange portion 70 and axially extendingflange portion 72. The arcuate-shaped body portion 74 terminates in a radially extendinglip portion 76 which is engaged by thespring seat 50. Aseal lip 78 extends radially from thearcuate body portion 74 intermediate the forward inwardly extendinglip portion 76 andflange portions 70, 72. - With reference to
FIG. 7 , thespring seat 50 is shown and includes an annular steel disk having anopening 80 provided in the center thereof, and including an outerarcuate ring portion 82 having aterminal end 84 which engages the radially inwardly extendinglip 76 ofboot 48. Thewave spring 52 engages thespring seat 50 radially inward of the arcuate shapedouter ring portion 82. - With reference to
FIG. 8 , theseal washer 46 is shown. Theseal washer 46 includes an annular ring made of sintered bronze, although other materials may also be utilized. Theseal washer 46 includes a recessedshoulder portion 90 adapted to receive the axially extendingflange portion 72 ofboot 48. - With reference to
FIG. 9 , theseal seat 44 is shown in the form of an annular ring preferably formed from hardened steel, although other materials may be utilized. Theseal seat 44 is also preferably oil impregnated to provide enhanced lubrication properties. Theseal seat 44 includes an inner recessedshoulder portion 92 which is adapted to receive the radially extending flange portion 58 a ofend cap 58. - With reference to
FIG. 10 , thegrommet 54 is shown in the form of an annular ring made of an elastomeric material such as polyurethane, or other known seal materials. Thegrommet 54 includes a radially inwardly extendingflange portion 98 which is adapted to engage an axial face of theseal seat 44.Grommet 54 includes sealingribs 100 on an outer face thereof. Three sealingribs 100 are shown, although more or fewer ribs can be utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Thegrommet 54 includes a radially inwardly extendinglip seal 54 a which is adapted to engageseal washer 46. - With reference to
FIG. 11 , a cross-sectional view of the end caps 56, 58 is provided. The end caps 56, 58 each include an axially extending flange portion 56 b, 58 b and a radially extending flange portion 56 a, 58 a. The end caps 56, 58 are preferably made from steel and are press fit onto thespacer sleeve 42. - The
unitized seal assemblies 40, according to the principles of the present invention, are installed seal seat portion (62) first into bores andcounter-bores 32 ofbushings 22, and are held firmly from rotating in the bore by the grommet's 54triple sealing beads 100. Theseal head portion 60 ofunitized seal assembly 40 virtually install themselves into the outer link bores 36 when thelinks pins 20. - The
integral spacer sleeve 42 ofunitized seal assembly 40 establishes the proper installed length of theseal 40 and opens internal running clearance inside theseal 40. Deflection of theboot 48 in theseal head portion 60 at installation, plus further deflection of the alreadypre-compressed wave spring 52 inside theassembly 40, provide long life axial seal preload. Inward compression of the boot's retaininglip 48 a,axial boot portion 74, and spring forces clamping the boot tail against the bore bottom 36, plus biased expansion of theboot body section 74 into the bore diameter prevent theseal head portion 60 of theseal assembly 40 from rotating in the outer link bore 36. The stretch of theboot 48 around theseal washer 46, the biased compression of the boot around theseal washer 46 during installation, and the axial clamping of the boot inward radiating flange 70 against the rear of theseal washer 46 all prevent theseal washer 46 from rotating relative to theboot 48. - The
seal seat portion 62 of the unitizedseal assembly 40 features thegrommet 54 having an integral extendinglip seal 54 a which stretches and seals around the outer diameter of theseal washer 46. Thisauxiliary lip seal 54 a helps prevent abrasives exterior to the seal from reaching the exterior junction of the dynamic sealing surfaces of the seal. - During field preventative maintenance, when the
link pin 20 is driven out of anouter link boot 48 of theseal head portion 60 decompresses with the aid of thespring 52 easing removal of theseal head portion 60 from the outer link bore 36. At this time, theseal head portion 60 is held in the bore solely by the compression of theboot retaining lip 78. As soon as thelink pin 20 is driven out of theouter link unitized seal assembly 40 expands axially with the aid of thespring 52 until thespring seat 44 seats against theflanged end cap 58 on one end of theintegral spacer sleeve 42, and thespring seat 50 abuts against theflanged end cap 56 on the other end of thespacer sleeve 42, thus, closing running clearance passageways and preventing abrasives exterior to theseal 40 from entering the assembly and reaching the interior junction of the dynamic sealing surfaces of the seal. By virtue of the unitized construction of thespacer sleeve 42 holding the dynamic sealing surfaces together at all times, plus anauxiliary lip 54 a preventing abrasives from reaching the exterior junction of the sealing surfaces, plus the closing of running clearances the moment the seal is decompressed preventing abrasives from reaching the interior junction of the sealing surfaces, theseal assembly 40 of the present invention is uniquely capable of surviving field disassembly and reassembly of the drive chain linkage of tracked vehicles without abrasives finding their way into the critical dynamic sealing interface of the seal. - With reference to
FIG. 12 , a cross-sectional view of an alternative seal assembly, according to the principles of the present invention, are shown. In thealternative seal assembly 200, as shown inFIG. 12 , the seal washer has been eliminated and theboot 248 is provided with an integrally formed annular base portion 248 a. In this construction, theauxiliary sealing lip 54 a ofgrommet 54 engages the base portion 248 a of modifiedboot 248. Thelip seal 78 of theboot 48 shown inFIG. 6 is also removed to assure easier removal of the sealingboot 248 from the outer link bore 36. Accordingly, with the embodiment ofFIG. 12 , the seal washer is formed integrally with theboot 48 and provides an exterior surface against which theauxiliary sealing lip 54 a ofgrommet 54 is disposed. - The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (20)
1. A seal assembly, comprising:
a spacer sleeve;
a first seal member slidably disposed at a first end of said spacer sleeve; and
a second seal member disposed at a second end of said spacer sleeve, wherein said first seal member is biased in an axial direction relative to said second seal member.
2. The seal assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said first seal member includes an axially extending seal boot portion.
3. The seal assembly according to claim 2 , wherein said second seal member includes a plurality of sealing ribs on an outer surface thereof.
4. The seal assembly according to claim 2 , further comprising a spring seat engaging a portion of said seal boot portion, wherein a spring is disposed against said spring seat for biasing said spring seat relative to said second seal.
5. The seal assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said second seal member is disposed on a seal seat member slidably mounted on said spacer sleeve.
6. The seal assembly according to claim 5 , wherein said first seal member is mounted to a seal washer that is disposed adjacent to said seal seat member.
7. The seal assembly according to claim 6 , wherein said second seal member includes a seal lip engaging said seal washer.
8. A seal assembly, comprising:
a spacer sleeve;
a seal seat member disposed on a first end of said spacer sleeve;
a first seal member disposed on said seal seat;
a seal washer disposed on said spacer sleeve adjacent said seal seat member;
an second seal member disposed on said seal washer;
a spring seat disposed on a second end of said spacer sleeve; and
a spring disposed between said spring seat and said seal washer.
9. The seal assembly according to claim 8 , wherein a portion of said second seal member is an elastomeric boot member which has a portion thereof supported by said spring seat.
10. The seal assembly according to claim 8 , further comprising a pair of end retaining members press fit on each end of said spacer sleeve.
11. The seal assembly according to claim 9 , wherein said elastomeric boot member includes a radially extending seal lip.
12. The seal assembly according to claim 8 , wherein said first seal member further includes a sealing portion engaging said seal washer.
13. The seal assembly according to claim 12 , wherein said sealing portion of said first seal member includes a lip seal.
14. A drive chain assembly, comprising:
a plurality of pins;
a plurality of bushings each rotatably supported on a respective one of said pins;
a plurality of links each including an inner end mounted to a respective one of said bushings and an outer end mounted to a respective one of said pins;
a plurality of seal assemblies including a seal head portion disposed in a bore in said outer end of a respective one of said plurality of links and a seal seat portion disposed in a bore of a respective one of said bushings, wherein a spring is provided for biasing said seal head portion axially relative to said seal seat portion.
15. The drive chain assembly according to claim 14 , wherein said seal assemblies include a spacer sleeve mounted on a respective one of said pins and said seal head portion and said seal seat portion are mounted on said spacer sleeve.
16. The drive chain assembly according to claim 15 , wherein said seal head portion include a seal boot mounted at one end to a seal washer and mounted at a second end to a spring seat and further including a spring member disposed between said spring seat and said seal washer.
17. The drive chain assembly according to claim 16 , wherein said seal seat portion includes a seal seat ring slidably mounted on said spacer sleeve and an elastomeric grommet mounted on said seal seat ring, said elastomeric grommet further including a seal portion engaging said seal washer.
18. The drive chain assembly according to claim 15 , wherein said seal seat portion includes a seal seat ring slidably mounted on said spacer sleeve and an elastomeric grommet mounted on said seal seat ring.
19. The drive chain assembly according to claim 18 , wherein said elastomeric grommet includes at least one sealing rib engaging said respective one of said bushings.
20. The drive chain assembly according to claim 19 , wherein said elastomeric grommet includes a seal portion engaging said seal head portion.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/142,875 US20060290067A1 (en) | 2005-06-01 | 2005-06-01 | Unitized seal with integral spacer |
US12/490,600 US7845740B2 (en) | 2005-06-01 | 2009-06-24 | Unitized seal with integral spacer |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/142,875 US20060290067A1 (en) | 2005-06-01 | 2005-06-01 | Unitized seal with integral spacer |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/490,600 Division US7845740B2 (en) | 2005-06-01 | 2009-06-24 | Unitized seal with integral spacer |
US12/684,954 Continuation-In-Part US20100114793A1 (en) | 2004-06-01 | 2010-01-10 | Extended management system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060290067A1 true US20060290067A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 |
Family
ID=37566407
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/142,875 Abandoned US20060290067A1 (en) | 2005-06-01 | 2005-06-01 | Unitized seal with integral spacer |
US12/490,600 Active US7845740B2 (en) | 2005-06-01 | 2009-06-24 | Unitized seal with integral spacer |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/490,600 Active US7845740B2 (en) | 2005-06-01 | 2009-06-24 | Unitized seal with integral spacer |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US20060290067A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080231110A1 (en) * | 2007-03-23 | 2008-09-25 | Patrick John Mulligan | Track Chain Joint With Radial Seal Unit |
US20120051834A1 (en) * | 2010-08-31 | 2012-03-01 | Skf Usa Inc. | Seal for sealing an axial space |
DE102017219190A1 (en) * | 2017-10-26 | 2019-05-02 | Eagleburgmann Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg | Gas-lubricated mechanical seal with improved contamination protection |
Families Citing this family (9)
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US7110773B1 (en) | 2000-04-11 | 2006-09-19 | Telecommunication Systems, Inc. | Mobile activity status tracker |
ITMI20070147A1 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2008-07-31 | Berco Spa | SEALING SYSTEM FOR TRACKING JOINT |
DE102009058216B4 (en) * | 2009-12-15 | 2014-09-04 | Aktiebolaget Skf | Sealing arrangement and joint of a chain with the seal assembly |
DE102010018552B4 (en) * | 2010-04-28 | 2023-02-23 | Aktiebolaget Skf | Seal assembly and link of a chain with the seal assembly |
US9383018B2 (en) * | 2012-03-15 | 2016-07-05 | Aktiebolaget Skf | Rotary cartridge seal with internal face-sealing surfaces |
JP6359803B2 (en) * | 2013-03-27 | 2018-07-18 | 株式会社椿本チエイン | chain |
US20150197293A1 (en) * | 2014-01-14 | 2015-07-16 | Caterpillar Inc. | Track joint assemblies |
ZA201502677B (en) | 2014-04-24 | 2015-12-23 | Harnischfeger Tech Inc | Mining shovel with bushings at pin locations |
CN105987176A (en) * | 2016-07-07 | 2016-10-05 | 合肥通用机械研究院 | Special auxiliary seal structure and end face oil sealing device containing same |
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US3231284A (en) * | 1962-01-15 | 1966-01-25 | Federal Mogul Corp | Face seals |
US4243234A (en) * | 1979-01-18 | 1981-01-06 | Towmotor Corporation | Seal and seal assembly |
US4337628A (en) * | 1980-08-20 | 1982-07-06 | Borg-Warner Corporation | Universal joint with unitary face seal and retainer assembly |
US4548547A (en) * | 1982-12-24 | 1985-10-22 | Goetze Ag | Seal assembly, particularly for liquid pumps |
US5853233A (en) * | 1988-03-18 | 1998-12-29 | Turner; Robert John | Crawler track assembly |
US5094466A (en) * | 1990-05-04 | 1992-03-10 | General Motors Corporation | Water pump seal with improved seal force distribution |
US5829850A (en) * | 1992-12-11 | 1998-11-03 | Intertractor Aktiengesellschaft | Crawler chain for tracked vehicles |
US6142588A (en) * | 1997-11-26 | 2000-11-07 | Intertractor Zweigniederlassung Der Wirtgen Gmbh | Drive chain for tracked vehicle |
US6062815A (en) * | 1998-06-05 | 2000-05-16 | Freudenberg-Nok General Partnership | Unitized seal impeller thrust system |
US6450594B1 (en) * | 1999-06-29 | 2002-09-17 | Intertractor Gmbh | Hinge assembly for vehicle tracks and the like |
US6874859B1 (en) * | 2000-03-03 | 2005-04-05 | Split S.R.L. | Shaft/roller unit for tracked vehicles |
US6962340B2 (en) * | 2002-04-24 | 2005-11-08 | Eagle Industry Co., Ltd. | Mechanical seal device |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080231110A1 (en) * | 2007-03-23 | 2008-09-25 | Patrick John Mulligan | Track Chain Joint With Radial Seal Unit |
US7597410B2 (en) * | 2007-03-23 | 2009-10-06 | Deere & Company | Track chain joint with radial seal unit |
US20120051834A1 (en) * | 2010-08-31 | 2012-03-01 | Skf Usa Inc. | Seal for sealing an axial space |
US8794862B2 (en) * | 2010-08-31 | 2014-08-05 | Aktiebolaget Skf | Seal for sealing an axial space |
DE102017219190A1 (en) * | 2017-10-26 | 2019-05-02 | Eagleburgmann Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg | Gas-lubricated mechanical seal with improved contamination protection |
US11255440B2 (en) | 2017-10-26 | 2022-02-22 | Eagleburgmann Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg | Gas-lubricated mechanical seal having improved soiling protection |
DE102017219190B4 (en) | 2017-10-26 | 2022-12-29 | Eagleburgmann Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg | Gas-lubricated mechanical seal with improved protection against contamination |
Also Published As
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US20090261650A1 (en) | 2009-10-22 |
US7845740B2 (en) | 2010-12-07 |
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Owner name: FREUDENBERG-NOK GENERAL PARTNERSHIP, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DAHLHEIMER, JOHN C.;REEL/FRAME:016326/0034 Effective date: 20050721 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |