Press-fit retainer ring

Abstract

A sealing assembly. A continuous length of formed metal retaining material can be cut to a portion or the entire circumference or perimeter of at least one assembly component and disposed in a groove of at least one assembly component to form a retaining ring that engages at least one other assembly component. The retaining ring inhibits lateral and rotational movement.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application 2018800744484 (PCT / US2018 / 056580) filed on October 18, 2018 and entitled “Press-In Retainer Ring”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 573,961, filed October 18, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to the assembly and fastening of mechanical components. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to rings that help retain components that are assembled by sliding or pressing inside each other. Background Art

[0005] In a wide range of assembled mechanical parts, retaining devices are commonly used. Many assemblies require one component to be assembled into another and then held in place by means of a ring that is press-fitted with an interference fit or partially placed in a groove in the component. Standard press-fit retainer rings are made in one size and shape for such a component. However, this requires unique sizes or shapes to be produced and stocked to be ready for each size or shape of article to be assembled. This presents a challenge when manufacturing assemblies of multiple sizes or custom assemblies with small batches or short lead times. Retaining rings must be purchased or produced before each component form can be assembled.

[0006] Another challenge is presented when the assembled components are cylindrical and assembled coaxially and must be retained to prevent relative rotational movement as well as being axially retained. For example, a rotating shaft seal assembled into a cylindrical housing requires axial retention to prevent rotation of the housing by resisting the friction torque of the seal's intended relative rotational contact with the shaft, bore or end face of another component. Unintended rotation between the seal and the housing (known as "reverse rotation") can cause many seal performance issues well known in the art, such as leakage, wear or vibration.

[0007] Attempts have been made to retain mechanical components, such as seals, by using retaining rings. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,587,405 discloses retaining seals that include using the standard metal retaining rings described above (e.g., see the '405 patent). Figure 7-10 ). However, this configuration would require a retaining ring for each size of seal housing. Furthermore, these retaining rings would not prevent reverse rotation between the seal and the housing unless the retaining ring was attached to the seal. The act of attaching these components together (e.g., by bonding) may require additional processing steps or parts, which is undesirable.

[0008] Another method of preventing the seal from rotating relative to the housing is to provide a groove on the surface of the seal, and a relatively soft static seal (e.g., a rubber O-ring) that is disposed in the groove and deformed by the assembly components to provide friction to resist relative rotational movement between the seal and the housing. However, this friction is limited and affected by the lubricating medium in the application, and is therefore insufficient to rotationally or axially retain the seal in many applications.

[0009] Another retention method for seals uses rigid metal rings that are assembled into the seal by insert molding or subsequent deformation (e.g., US 4664392). These rings provide hoop stress to achieve a press fit for axial and rotational retention and are connected to the seal part. However, these rings increase the complexity of the seal design and manufacturing process and must be sized according to the size of each housing or seal. In addition, the force required to press fit the seal to these metal rings may require additional tools.

[0010] Therefore, despite attempts in the prior art, there remains a need for a retaining ring that is simply assembled to a seal or other mechanical component, that allows these items to be assembled with a minimum of force, that can retain the component axially and resist rotation, and that does not require production or inventory of a unique size and shape for each size or shape of assembled component. Summary of the invention

[0011] In one embodiment, a continuous length of formed metallic retaining material may be cut to a portion or all of the circumference or perimeter of at least one assembly component and disposed in a groove of at least one assembly component to form a retaining member (e.g., a ring) that engages at least one other assembly component.

[0012] In one embodiment, a continuous length of formed metal retention material includes repeating tabs attached together, allowing flexibility to conform to a variety of sizes and shapes. These tabs can be bent to provide angular contact with the holes of the assembly components and allow assembly in one direction, and then resist movement in the opposite direction (e.g., the ends of the tabs engage the surface of the hole). In addition, the repeating tabs prevent rotation between the assembly components when the assembly components attempt to rock in response to rotational torque.

[0013] In one embodiment, a whole or partial ring formed of a retaining material may be retained in a groove in at least one assembly component (referred to as the "first component") prior to assembly into or to at least one other assembly component (the "second component"). Such retention in the groove may be achieved by an interference fit into the groove, or by adding a retaining geometry to the groove itself.

[0014] In one embodiment, the length of the repeating tabs for the retaining material to be formed into a retaining member (e.g., a ring) has a configuration similar to a standard cantilever v-spring or cantilever u-spring used to provide sealing force to a sealing lip for seal designs and materials well known in the art. Such springs are commercially available and manufactured by multiple suppliers, such as Maudlin Products of Kemah, Texas. Therefore, they are readily available to seal manufacturers and are often stocked by seal manufacturers and are easily reused as retaining ring material.

[0015] In one embodiment, the support member can be coupled to the first component to add structural integrity (e.g., hoop strength) to the first component. In other words, when the first component is inserted into the hole of the assembly component (referred to as the "second component"), it can undergo deformation. When the various components of the assembly are subjected to torque, the first component can further undergo deformation. In order to counteract the torque and reduce or prevent deformation of the first component, a rigid support member is coupled to the first component. In one embodiment, the rigid support member is housed within a support channel of the first component.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first component may further include a sealing lip for engaging a shaft, rod or other assembly component (referred to as a "third component") passing through the center of the first component. The third component generally has movement relative to the second component. Thus, the first component acts as a dynamic seal to prevent fluid or solid particles from transferring through the space between the first and third components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a retaining member formed of a curved strip of material in a circular configuration;

[0018] Figure 2 is to maintain a detailed cross section of the component;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The enlarged view at 3;

[0020] Figure 4 is a cross section of a sealing assembly of the prior art;

[0021] Figure 5 is a detailed cross-section of a retaining assembly including a flexible static seal and a retaining member;

[0022] Figure 6 is a detailed cross-section of a retaining assembly including a flexible static seal, a retaining member, and a support member;

[0023] Figure 7is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first component including a retaining member, a flexible static seal, and a support member;

[0024] Figure 8 is a front view of the supporting member;

[0025] Fig. 9 is a front view of the supporting member;

[0026] Fig.10 is a front view of the supporting member;

[0027] Fig.11 is a detailed view of two ends of a piece of strip material before being secured;

[0028] Fig.12 is to maintain a detailed cross section of the component;

[0029] Fig.13 is the cross section of the holding component;

[0030] Fig.14 is a perspective view of the first component;

[0031] Fig.15 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the first component;

[0032] Fig.16 is a detailed side view of the first component;

[0033] Fig.17 is a detailed perspective view of the retaining member;

[0034] Fig.18 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the first component; and

[0035] Fig.19 is a perspective view of a combined support member and retaining member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following description depicts example embodiments only and is not to be considered as limiting the scope. Any reference to "the present invention" herein is not intended to limit or restrict the present invention to any one or more of the exact features or steps of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification. References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "various embodiments," etc. may indicate that one or more of the embodiments described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. In addition, the repeatedly used phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0037] Throughout this disclosure, various numbers are used to refer to the drawings. The numbers used are for the convenience of the sketch designer only, and the lack of numbers in the obvious sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply the existence of other parts of that particular embodiment. The numbering pattern from one embodiment to another does not necessarily mean that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may be so.

[0038] Therefore, the specific arrangement disclosed is intended to be illustrative only, and not to limit the scope of the invention, which will be given by the full scope of the appended claims and any and all equivalent forms thereof. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense, and not for the purpose of limitation. Unless otherwise clearly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, common and customary meanings, which are consistent with the applicable meanings in the relevant industry and are not limited to any specific embodiments described below. As used herein, the article "one" is intended to include one or more items. When used in this article in conjunction with a list of items, the term "or" means at least one of the items, but does not exclude multiple items in the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the order and / or arrangement of the steps described herein are illustrative and non-restrictive.

[0039] It should be understood that the steps of any such process or method are not limited to being performed in any particular order, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. In fact, the steps of the disclosed process or method can be performed in various orders and arrangements generally, and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0040] The term "coupled" may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, "coupled" may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0041] The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and the like as used with respect to the embodiments are synonymous and are generally intended to be "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," etc.).

[0042] As previously discussed, there is a need for a retaining ring that is simply assembled to a seal or other mechanical component, that provides assembly of these items with minimal force, that can retain the component axially and resist rotation, and that does not need to be produced or stocked in a unique size and shape for each size or shape of assembled component. The retaining ring disclosed herein addresses these and other needs.

[0043] In one embodiment, Figure 1As shown, the retaining member 100 is formed by a strip of material 101 that is bent into the shape of a first component (e.g., a ring, a square, etc.) and extends at least a portion of the circumference of the first component. In one embodiment, the strip of material 101 includes repeated connecting tabs 102 that allow the strip of material 101 to be easily flexed and twisted and provide multiple tab corners 104 and 106 to engage the assembled components and resist rotation between the assembled components. The opposite ends 108, 110 of the strip material 101 can be fastened or fixed to each other to form a continuous shape. Therefore, the retaining member 100 can be cut to a certain length, the ends are fastened together to form a closed perimeter, and then connected to the first component (as discussed in the following embodiments). In another embodiment, the retaining member 100 can be cut to a desired length, connected to the first component, and then fastened at its ends.

[0044] Figure 2-3 Description Formation Figure 1 1. How the strip material 101 of the retaining member 100 is used to retain the assembly in the retaining assembly 112. As shown, the retaining member 100 is disposed within a groove 114 of a first component 116. When the first component 116 is forced into a hole of a housing or component 118 (referred to as a "second component"), the tab 102 bends in a first direction. Thus, if pressure or force is applied to the opposite side of the first component 116 (i.e., withdrawing from the second component 118 opposite to the direction of entry), the tab 102 is forced into the surface of the second component 118. Thus, the retaining member 100 restricts or inhibits the first component 116 from withdrawing from the second component 118. The groove 114 may include an angled face 120 to tilt the retaining member 100, thereby allowing the tab 102 to contact the second component 118 at a desired angle so that the retaining member 100 can be bent to allow for easy assembly. The groove 114 may also have a retaining lip 122 to capture the retaining member 100 in the proper orientation and maintain the retaining member 100 in the groove 114 before the first component 116 is installed into the second component 118. In other words, the retaining member 100 has a first portion 103 for abutting the first component 116 and a second portion 105 (including the tab 102) for abutting the second component 118. Figure 1 As illustrated, the first portion 103 and the second portion 105 form a "U" form factor. As further shown, both the first portion 103 and the second portion 105 may include a tab 102, although this is not required, as shown in the embodiments later herein.

[0045] It should be understood that any number of configurations of the present invention are possible and that the retaining "ring" can be used in many shapes, sizes, configurations and applications. One exemplary application in which such a retaining ring may be particularly useful is in a seal assembly. Figure 4 A cross-section (half) of a typical seal assembly 200 of the prior art is shown. Assembly 200 includes an outer housing 202 and a retainer plate 204 containing a static seal member 206. A shaft 208 may rotate, oscillate, or reciprocate relative to outer housing 202. Friction between the static seal member 206 and shaft 208 may result in unintended rotation (referred to as "reverse rotation") between the static seal member 206 and outer housing 202, leading to seal performance issues such as leakage, wear, or vibration that are well known in the art. Therefore, Figure 1-3 The retaining member 100 disclosed in illustrative embodiments solves these problems.

[0046] Figure 5 is a detailed cross-section of approximately one-quarter of a ring illustrating the retaining assembly 300. The retaining assembly 300 includes an outer housing 302 ("second component"), a first component 304 (which in this example functions as a dynamic seal), and a third component 306 (a shaft, rod, etc.). The first component 304 includes a body 308 having a groove 310 for receiving the retaining member 100. The first component 304 may further include a sealing groove 312 for a static seal 314 and a sealing lip 316 for engaging with the third component 306. Since the retaining member 100 engages the inner surface of the outer housing 302, the first component 304 remains stationary, thereby eliminating the need for prior art seals. Figure 4 Because the retaining member 100 includes a plurality of tabs 102 , rotational movement of the first component 304 within the outer housing 302 is reduced or eliminated, thereby saving space and cost of the assembly 300 .

[0047] In one embodiment, Figure 6As shown, the seal assembly 400 includes an outer housing 402 ("second component"), a first component 404, and a shaft or rod 406 ("third component"). The first component 404 (a dynamic seal in this example) includes a body 408 having a groove 410 for accommodating the retaining member 100. The first component 404 may also include a sealing groove 412 for a static seal 414, a sealing lip 416 for engaging the rod 406, and a rigid support member 418 disposed in the channel 420. The shaft / rod 406 is relatively movable in the assembly 400 while the first component remains stationary. The support member 418 is preferably rigid (e.g., comprising metal or rigid plastic) and is added to provide additional hoop strength (i.e., structural integrity) to the first component 404. Support members (commonly referred to as "support rings") are well known in the art for applications of pressure, force, or temperature, where the pressure, force, or temperature may deform the relatively soft material (e.g., PTFE, rubber, or flexible polyurethane) of the body 408. Support member 418 may be particularly advantageous in combination with retaining member 100 as the additional hoop strength will help prevent forces from retaining member 100 from deforming body 408 .

[0048] Figure 7 500, the first component 500 includes a body 502, a retaining member 504, a static seal 506, and a support member 508. As shown, the support member 508 is received below the sealing lip 510 and can be fixed in the channel 512 of the body 502. In this configuration, the support member 508 can be easily added to the first component 500. As shown in FIG. Figure 8-10 As shown, the support member can be formed from a linear strip of material. For example, Figure 8 A support member 600 having weld points 602 is illustrated. Fig. 9 A support ring 700 is illustrated having a buckle that may be welded or otherwise attached. Fig.10 A support ring 800 is illustrated formed as a spiral ring, which may provide support through the rigidity of the material itself (e.g., spring steel), or may be spot welded or otherwise attached between spiral layers to provide hoop strength. A benefit of forming the support members 600, 700, 800 from a linear strip of material is the ability to form rings of various sizes (i.e., smaller / larger diameters). This allows the user to quickly and easily adapt to project needs without having to always stock a variety of sizes.

[0049] Fig.11 Description presented and from Figure 1 FIG. 9 is a partial view of a retaining member 900 having different shape factors. In particular, in addition to the "U" shape (such as Figure 1The shape factor of the retaining member 900 is approximately "L" shaped, with a horizontal portion 902 ("first portion") and a vertical portion 904 ("second portion"). The ends of the retaining member 900 can be connected to the Figure 8-10 The supporting member is fixed in the same manner as disclosed. As shown in the figure, Fig.11 There is a buckle 905 that can be welded or attached to the horizontal portion 904.

[0050] like Figure 12-13 As shown, the horizontal portion 902 engages (e.g., abuts) the bottom of the groove 906 of the first component 908, and the horizontal portion 902 is parallel to the surface of the first component 908. When the first component 908 is inserted into the outer shell 910 ("second component"), the vertical portion 904 (which is not parallel to the surface of the first component 908) contacts the outer shell 910, and the vertical portion 904 bends accordingly. This allows the first component 908 to be easily inserted into the hole of the outer shell 910. However, when attempting to withdraw the first component 908 from the hole of the outer shell 910, the vertical portion 904 of the retaining member 900 engages (e.g., abuts / drills into the surface) the hole surface of the outer shell 910, thereby preventing the withdrawal of the first component 908. In addition, as shown in Fig.11 As shown, the vertical portion 904 may include a plurality of tabs 912. Each tab 912 has corners 914, 916 that help inhibit rotational movement of the first component 908. In other words, when a rotational torque is applied to a third component 918 (e.g., a rod), the first component 908 may also have a tendency to rotate. However, when rotating in a first direction, the corner 914 drills into the surface of the hole of the outer shell 910, and when rotating in a second direction, the corner 916 drills into the surface of the hole of the outer shell 910. When the corners 914, 916 abut / drill, the first component 908 is inhibited from rotating within the outer shell 910. A support member 920 (e.g., a rigid metal or plastic hoop) may also provide structural strength and support to the annular first component 908. It should be understood that Fig.13 One half of the annular assembly 922 is illustrated and the half that is not visible is a mirror image of the half shown.

[0051] Fig.14 1 is a perspective view of a first component 1000. The first component 1000 includes a body 1002, a groove 1004 in the body 1002 for accommodating a retaining member 1006. The retaining member 1006 may also include a tab 1008. The first component 1000 may further include a static seal 1010, a sealing lip 1012, and a support member 1014. At least a portion of the retaining member 1006 extends outside the groove 1004 to engage with a second component (not shown in this view), while the sealing lip 1012 engages with a shaft or rod (not shown in this view).

[0052] Figure 15-16 A partial cross-sectional view of a first component 1100 and a partial detailed side view of the first component 1100 are respectively illustrated. The first component 1100 includes a body 1102, a groove 1104 in the body 1102 for accommodating a retaining member 1106. The retaining member 1106 may further include a base 1108, a first set of locking fingers 1110 and a second set of locking fingers 1112 for engaging the side walls of the groove 1104. However, although the example illustrates a first set of locking fingers 1110 and a second set of locking fingers 1112, both sets are not required, and the retaining member may have only one set of locking fingers. The retaining member 1106 further includes a tab 1114 for engaging the second component, at least a portion of the tab 1114 extending outside the groove 1104. The first component 1100 may further include a static seal 1116, a sealing lip 1118, and a support member 1120.

[0053] Fig.17 Description Fig.16 106 is a perspective view of the holding member 1106 in the opposite direction. As shown, the holding member 1106 may not be a continuous ring. In one embodiment, the holding member 1106 is at least seventy percent of the circumference of the body 1102. In one embodiment, the holding member 1106 is formed by cutting it to size and then bending and securing its ends to each other, which can conform to a ring or other continuous shape. Depending on the configuration of the body 1102, before the ends of the holding member 1106 are secured to each other, such as by welding, the holding member 1106 may need to be coupled to the body 1102.

[0054] Figure 18-19A partially cutaway perspective view of a first component 1200 and a perspective view of a retaining member 1206 are illustrated, respectively. The first component 1200 includes a body 1202 and a recess 1204 for accommodating the retaining member 1206. Unlike previous embodiments in which the retaining member and the support member are separate parts, in this embodiment, the retaining member 1206 includes a support member portion 1208 (i.e., the support member and the retaining member are combined into one part). In other words, the support member portion 1208 provides the same structural integrity as the support member described in the previous embodiments. Depending on the desired configuration, the support member portion 1208 can be embedded in the side wall of the body 1202 of the first component 1200, or can be inserted into the inner periphery, such as between the sealing lip 1214 and the body 1202. A plurality of tabs 1210 extend beyond the body 1202 to engage the second component. Unlike previous embodiments, the tabs 1210 are not exposed from the recess, but are arranged adjacent to the body 1202. Like other embodiments, this first component 1200 may further include a static seal 1212 and a sealing lip 1214, but neither is required. The support member portion 1208 may have one or more cutouts or slits 1216, which contribute to the flexibility of assembly and also create edges or corners to prevent rotation or axial movement within the groove 1204. As in other embodiments and as shown in the figure, the shape factor of the ring does not have to be continuous. In one embodiment, the retaining member 1206 is at least seventy percent of the circumference of the body 1202. In one embodiment, the ends of the retaining member 1206 are fixed to each other such as via welds, buckles or overlaps (rolling). Because the retaining member 1206 is not formed as a continuous ring, the user can quickly and easily adapt the size of the retaining member 1206 to the size required for the current project. Compared with the prior art, this is very beneficial, because in the prior art, the ring is produced in a predetermined size, requiring the user to have several sizes and varieties of rings in stock, which is expensive. In addition, if the required ring size is not available, it is currently an expensive and time-consuming process to produce the ring of the correct size. In contrast, the retaining members disclosed herein can be adjusted at the time of assembly to fit the desired first component without the need for complex equipment, extended time frames, and increased expense.Thus, the retaining members disclosed herein significantly improve upon the prior art.

[0055] Although the examples shown and described herein generally illustrate a dynamic seal having a single sealing lip configured on the inside of a first component ("first component"), those skilled in the art of seals will appreciate that other configurations will not deviate substantially, such as more than one sealing lip. Other contemplated configurations will include the sealing lip being external to the first component, the dynamic seal being stationary on the shaft, with the cylinder bore engaging the external sealing lip. Other known seal configurations in the art are contemplated herein.

[0056] As can be appreciated from the foregoing, the retaining members and retaining assemblies disclosed herein address the need for a retaining ring (first component) that is simply assembled to a seal or other mechanical component, that provides assembly of these objects with minimal force, that can retain the component axially and resist rotation, and that does not need to be produced or stocked in unique sizes and shapes for each size or shape of assembled component. The retaining ring (also referred to as the "first component") disclosed herein addresses these and other needs.

[0057] As used herein, the term "linear strip of material" refers to material that has been cut to length, whether straight, coiled, or in some other configuration.

[0058] Exemplary embodiments are described above. Unless explicitly stated to be so, any element, action or instruction used in this description should not be interpreted as important, necessary, critical or substantial. Although only several exemplary embodiments are described in detail herein, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications may be made to these exemplary embodiments without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this document. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sealing assembly comprising: A first component, the first component comprising: an outer surface, an inner surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface; a retaining member including a first end and a second end, wherein the retaining member extends from the second side surface toward the first side surface when coupled to the first component, the retaining member further comprising: a support member portion configured to be coupled to the first component, the support member portion including a plurality of slots extending at least partially circumferentially to form a protruding corner, wherein the corner includes a first edge facing a plurality of tabs, the plurality of slots and corner thereby being configured to respectively facilitate flexibility of assembly and prevent axial movement relative to the first component; and the plurality of tabs coupled to the support member portion, the plurality of tabs extending outwardly from the support member portion at an obtuse angle in a first direction and proximate the second side surface when the support member portion is coupled to the first component; The plurality of tabs have an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the second component, thereby causing the plurality of tabs to abut against the inner diameter of the second component, and the plurality of tabs extend in the first direction to allow movement of the first component in a first axial direction and prohibit withdrawal of the first component from the second component in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction.

2. The seal assembly of claim 1 including a sealing lip extending inwardly from the inner surface to engage a third component. 3 . The seal assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first component further comprises a deformable portion on the outer surface to abut the inner surface of the second component.

4. The seal assembly of claim 1 including a deformable static seal.

5. The seal assembly of claim 4, wherein the first component further comprises a seal groove for receiving the deformable static seal while at least a portion of the deformable static seal remains exposed to abut the second component.

6. A seal assembly comprising a first component and a split retaining member constructed of metal for abutting a second component and for retaining the first component to the second component, the first component comprising: a groove located on the outer circumferential periphery of the first component for receiving the retaining member, the retaining member comprising a first portion for abutting the first component and a second portion for abutting the second component, at least the second portion comprising a plurality of tabs extending radially outward from the first component, the plurality of tabs extending in a first direction and for abutting the second component, the plurality of tabs extending in the first direction so as to allow movement of the first component in a first axial direction and inhibit withdrawal of the first component from the second component in a second axial direction, the retaining member being U-shaped; as well as A sealing lip for sealingly engaging a third component.

7. The seal assembly of claim 6, further comprising a rigid support member receivable within the channel of the first component, the rigid support member providing additional hoop strength to the first component.

8. The seal assembly of claim 6, wherein the first component further comprises a deformable portion on an outer surface to abut an inner surface of the second component.

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