Patent ID: 8439365
Filing Date: 2013-05-14
Classification: F02C,F16J

Abstract:
1. A gas seal for aerospace engines and the like of the type having an engine housing with an engine drive shaft rotatably mounted therein, comprising: a stationary seal housing configured for rigid connection with the engine housing; a rotating seal plate configured for operable connection with the engine drive shaft, rotates therewith relative to said seal housing and has a seal face; a carbon ring seal movably supported in said seal housing and including a seal face which mates with said seal face of said seal plate to create a gas seal between the engine housing and the engine drive shaft; a plurality of pins having first ends thereof supported on said seal housing and second ends thereof slidingly connected with said carbon ring seal to permit said carbon ring seal to selectively shift axially in said seal housing toward and away from said seal plate; a plurality of compression springs biasing said seal face of said carbon ring seal axially into a sealing relationship with said seal face of said seal plate; and wherein said seal housing has: an outer side adapted for communicating with a relatively high pressure portion of the engine housing; an inner side adapted for communicating with a relatively low pressure portion of the engine housing; a first passageway positioned such that radially interior portions of said seal faces of said seal plate and said carbon ring seal communicate with the high pressure portion of the engine housing, and radially exterior portions of said seal faces of said seal plate and said carbon ring seal communicate with the low pressure portion of the engine housing; and a second passageway which communicates the high pressure portion of the engine housing with an exterior face of said carbon ring seal to urge said seal face of said carbon ring seal toward the said seal face of said seal plate; said seal faces of said seal plate and said carbon ring seal are configured to create a dynamic gas film therebetween during operation from the controlled flow of gas from the high pressure portion of the engine housing to the low pressure portion of the engine housing; and including a locking plate configured for operable connection with the engine drive shaft and rotating therewith and said seal plate relative to said seal housing; said locking plate movably supporting said seal plate to permit said seal plate to selectively shift axially toward and away from said carbon ring seal; and a pressure balance plate configured for operable connection with the engine drive shaft and rotating therewith and said seal plate relative to said seal housing; said pressure balance plate includes an annular groove disposed adjacent an inside face of said seal plate which communicates with the high pressure portion of the engine compartment to urge said seal face of said seal plate toward said seal face of said carbon ring seal.