Patent ID: 7926814
Filing Date: 2011-04-19
Classification: D06F,F16J

Abstract:
1. A seal assembly for insertion between two relatively rotatable members between which a wash fluid is present, and comprising a first rigid shield having an annular sealing member of an elastomeric material, and a second rigid shield mounted facing the first rigid shield and having respective sliding surfaces for a first and a second annular sealing lip of the annular sealing member; wherein the rigid shields have an L-shaped radial section, and the first and second annular sealing lips project from a flange portion of the first rigid shield towards a flange portion and a sleeve portion, respectively, of the second rigid shield to exert axial sealing pressure and radial sealing pressure, respectively, on said sliding surfaces; and wherein the first annular sealing lip has a radial seat facing the opposite way to the second annular sealing lip and housing a toroidal spring, which exerts a radial thrust on the first annular sealing lip eccentrically with respect to an elastic hinge defined by a root portion common to the first and second annular sealing lips, and having a center of rotation located along a first line extending through a V-shaped sealing edge of the first annular sealing lip and forming a 20° to 60° angle with a radial plane; wherein said first and said second annular sealing lips extend obliquely with respect to said sliding surfaces from said common root portion, and in opposite directions substantially along a second line parallel to said first line extending through the sealing edge of the first annular sealing lip; wherein said root portion is defined between a first and a second annular recess of the annular sealing member, which are opposite each other, have a U-shaped cross-section, and are defined by respective rounded bottom walls having their convexities facing each other, and which are substantially aligned along said first line.