Patent ID: 9109515
Filing Date: 2015-08-18
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 that is configured for operable connection with the engine drive shaft, and 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 movably 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 and to permit rotational movement of said carbon ring seal relative to said stationary seal housing; 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 carbon ring seal has an annularly-shaped exterior face disposed generally opposite said seal face of said carbon ring seal, and includes a plurality of axially extending circumferentially spaced apart apertures receiving therein said second ends of said pins to facilitate sliding axial alignment between said carbon ring seal and said seal housing, and to reduce the mass of said carbon ring seal for improved dynamic alignment between said seal faces of said carbon ring seal and said seal plate.