Patent ID: 6367810
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: F16J

Abstract:
A self-centering shaft seal system comprising:a housing formed with a bore having a generally cylindrical wall of predetermined inner diameter disposed about a bore axis and an annular sealing shoulder disposed transverse to said axis; a shaft supported for rotation within said bore having a generally cylindrical outer running surface disposed about a shaft axis; a seal assembly disposed about said shaft having a metal carrier, at lease one radially acting shaft seal element mounted on said carrier about a longitudinal seal axis in dynamic sealing relation to said outer running surface of said shaft, and a face seal disposed axially between said carrier and said transverse sealing shoulder of said housing; said seal assembly being radially undersized in relation to said bore wall in such manner as to define a radial clearance gap between said carrier and said bore wall free of radial obstructions that would prevent radial movement of said seal assembly relative to said bore wall so as to enable said shaft seal to support and center said seal assembly coaxially on said shaft including when said shaft axis is misaligned with said bore axis through corresponding radial displacement of said seal assembly within said bore of said housing, said face seal including a radial lip portion fixed to and projecting radially inwardly of said carrier and sealingly engaging said shaft in axially and radially spaced relation to said at least one shaft seal element.