Sealing member for joint assembly of machine and system, method and assembly thereof

Abstract

A sealing member (200 / 300), which may have a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, may include: a body (202 / 302) defining a first opening at the first end portion of the sealing member (200 / 300) and a second opening at the second end portion of the sealing member (200 / 300); a first ring (210 / 310) fitted to the main body (202 / 302) at a first end portion of the sealing member (200 / 30); and a second ring (220 / 320) fitted to the main body (202 / 302) at a second end portion of the sealing member (200 / 300). The first diameter of the first ring (210 / 310) may be less than the second diameter of the second ring (220 / 320). The body (202 / 302) may have a flange (206 / 306) at a second end of the body (202 / 302) associated with a second end portion of the sealing member (200 / 300) that extends radially outward away from a central longitudinal axis of the sealing member (200 / 300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a sealing member for a joint assembly of a machine, and systems, methods, and assemblies thereof. Background Art

[0002] Machines, such as off-highway machines, can operate in a variety of environments. Such machines may include a chassis having a frame member that pivotally moves relative to the chassis, the chassis supporting one or more ground-engaging devices, such as wheels. The frame member may be pivotally attached to the main chassis via a joint assembly having bearings. If contaminants, such as mud, penetrate the bearings, the bearings may become damaged or destroyed. For example, if debris accumulates in the bearings, the operation of the bearings may be impaired, causing them to experience increased mechanical loads, leading to premature failure or damage.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 10,288,174 (the "'174 patent") describes a sealing member for a joint between pivot members movable about the axis of rotation of a machine shaft. The sealing member includes a ring, a flange, and a resiliently flexible intermediate portion disposed therebetween. According to the '174 patent, the intermediate portion has a ring end defining and connected to an outer peripheral annular surface of the ring and a flange end connected to an inner flange surface of the flange, such that the ring is movable relative to the flange. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a sealing member having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion can be provided or implemented. The sealing member, which can be referred to as a seal or sealing member, can include: a semi-flexible body, the semi-flexible body defining a first opening at the first end portion of the sealing member and a second opening at the second end portion of the sealing member; a first ring, the first ring being assembled to the semi-flexible body at the first end portion of the sealing member, the first ring being made of a material that is more rigid than the material of the semi-flexible body; and a second ring, the second ring being assembled to the semi-flexible body at the second end portion of the sealing member, the second ring being made of a material that is more rigid than the material of the semi-flexible body. The first diameter of the first ring can be smaller than the second diameter of the second ring. The semi-flexible body can have a flange at a second end of the semi-flexible body associated with the second end portion of the sealing member, the flange extending radially outward away from a central longitudinal axis of the sealing member.

[0005] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a method may be implemented. The method may include providing a seal having a first end portion to be sealingly coupled to a boss of a joint assembly and a second end portion, opposite the first end portion, to be sealingly coupled to a pivot shaft of the joint assembly. The seal may include: a rubber body defining a first opening at the first end portion of the seal and a second opening at the second end portion of the seal; a first ring secured to the rubber body at the first end portion of the seal, the first ring being made of a material more rigid than the rubber of the rubber body; and a second ring secured to the rubber body at the second end portion of the seal, the second ring being made of a material more rigid than the rubber of the rubber body. The first width of the seal's first end portion may be less than the second width of the seal's second end portion, and / or the rubber body may include a flange at a second end of the rubber body associated with the seal's second end portion that extends radially outwardly away from a central longitudinal axis of the seal.

[0006] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a joint assembly for a machine may be provided or implemented. The joint assembly may include: a shaft defining a rotational axis; a bearing coupled to the shaft so that the bearing can pivot together with the shaft about the rotational axis; a pivot mounted to the bearing so that the pivot can pivot relative to the shaft about the rotational axis; a boss; and a seal having a first end portion sealingly coupled to the boss and a second end portion opposite the first end portion sealingly coupled to the pivot. The seal may include: a semi-rigid rubber body defining a first opening at the first end portion of the seal and a second opening at the second end portion of the seal; a first ring molded into the semi-rigid rubber body at the first end portion of the seal, the second ring being made of steel or nylon; and a second ring molded into the semi-rigid rubber body at the second end portion of the seal, the second ring being made of steel. The first diameter of the first ring may be smaller than the second diameter of the second ring, and / or the semi-rigid rubber body may have a circumferential flange at its end associated with the second end portion of the seal extending radially outwardly away from the shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a machine in the form of an off-highway truck suitable for use with an embodiment of a joint assembly having an embodiment of a sealing member constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial top-down plan view of the chassis of the machine.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged partial perspective view of a joint assembly.

[0010] Figure 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a machine in the form of an articulated dump truck (ADT) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a joint according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the .

[0013] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a seal according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 End plan view of the seal.

[0015] Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a joint according to one or more other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0016] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a seal according to one or more other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0017] Figure 11 and Figure 12 Shown respectively Figure 5 The assembly state and operating state of the joint.

[0018] Figure 13 and Figure 14 Shown respectively Figure 9 The assembly state and operating state of the joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure generally relates to a sealing member for a joint assembly of a machine, and systems, methods, and assemblies thereof.

[0020] Now turning to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a machine 50 in the form of an off-highway truck is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the machine 50 is a large, self-propelled off-highway vehicle capable of carrying several tons of material in operations such as mining. However, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to machines 50 in the form of off-highway trucks.

[0021] For example, machine 50 can be any machine having a joint with a spherical bearing that connects the front suspension or A-frame to the front chassis. Thus, machine 50 can be any other suitable machine for use with a joint assembly having a sealing member constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure. According to one or more embodiments, the sealing member can be considered a bowl-shaped seal based on the shape of the sealing member. Examples of such machines include mobile or stationary machines used in construction, agriculture, mining, forestry, transportation, and other similar industries. In some embodiments, machine 50 can be an excavator, a wheel loader, a backhoe, a crane, a compactor, a bulldozer, a wheel tractor-scraper, a material handler, or any other suitable machine that includes a joint assembly having a seal. Figure 4 is a specific example of another embodiment of the machine 50. It is worth noting that Figure 4 A machine 50 is shown in the form of an articulated dump truck (ADT) having a Figure 1 The machine 50 may have a slightly different chassis, suspension, and joint layout compared to an off-highway truck (OHT).

[0022] Still refer to Figure 1 , the machine 50 has a chassis 55 that supports an operator station 60, a power system 62, a drive system 64, and a dump body 68. The operator station 60 includes controls for operating the machine 50 via the power system 62. The illustrated operator station 60 is configured to define an interior compartment 70 within which operator controls are housed and which is accessible via a door 72. Specifically, for example, the operator station 60 may include one or more operator interface devices configured for use by a machine operator to manipulate the machine 50 and perform tasks with the machine 50. Examples of operator interface devices include, but are not limited to, joysticks, steering wheels, and / or pedals as are known and understood in the industry. Of course, the machine 50 may be autonomous or remotely controlled, so when no operator is on board, the operator station 60 may simply be a conventional component, or may be omitted.

[0023] The power system 62 is configured to supply power to the machine 50. The power system 62 is operably arranged with the operator station 60 to receive control signals from controls in the operator station 60, and is operably arranged with the drive system 64 and the dump body 68 to selectively operate the drive system 64 and the dump body 68 based on the control signals received from the operator station 60. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the power system 62 is adapted to provide operating power for propulsion of the drive system 64 and operation of the dump body 68. In the event that the machine 50 is remotely controlled, the power system 62 may receive wireless control signals from outside the machine 50.

[0024] In an embodiment, the power system 62 may include, for example, an engine, a cooling system or components, a transmission, and a hydraulic system at least partially housed within an engine compartment 75 supported by the chassis 55. In an embodiment, the engine may be any suitable engine, such as an internal combustion engine, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel-powered engine, or any other type of suitable engine. In an embodiment, the power system 62 may include multiple engines. The cooling system may be configured to cool the engine(s) of the power system 62.

[0025] The hydraulic system may include a plurality of components, such as pumps, valves, and conduits, as well as a hydraulic fluid reservoir. The hydraulic system, as well as other systems in the machine 50, may include its own cooling arrangement.

[0026] The dump body 68 defines a storage compartment that is configured to carry a payload, such as mined material. The dump body 68 is pivotally attached to the chassis 55 by a pair of pivot pins 82 that extend through a pair of body supports 84 that project from the dump body 68 and are positioned toward a rear end 86 of the dump body 68, one on each side of the dump body 68. The pivot pins 82 define a dump body pivot axis about which the dump body 68 can rotate relative to the chassis 55. The dump body 68 can be rotated in the storage position (in the Figure 1 ) and the fully tilted dump position (shown in Figure 1 The range of travel between the two axes is shown in dashed lines.

[0027] The dump body 68 includes a canopy 88 that extends outwardly from the dump body 68 when the dump body 68 is in the storage position. Figure 1 . When the dump body 68 is in the storage position, a canopy 88 extends over the operator station 60 and is configured to protect the operator station from overhead debris during loading of the dump body 68. In other embodiments, different types of dump bodies 68 may be used. In an embodiment, the dump body 68 may include a tailgate at its rear end 86 that is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position.

[0028] In an embodiment, at least one actuator 90 is provided that is adapted to selectively move the dump body 68 within a range of travel between a storage position and a fully tilted dumping position. In an embodiment, the actuator 90 may be any suitable actuator, such as a retractable cylinder known to those skilled in the art, such as a hydraulic cylinder or a hydro-pneumatic cylinder. In an embodiment, the machine 50 may include a single retractable cylinder, such as a conventional pair of retractable cylinders, or more than two cylinders to selectively pivot the dump body 68.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of actuators are provided in the form of retractable cylinders 90. Each retractable cylinder 90 is pivotally connected to a respective side of the chassis 55 and the dump body 68. Each retractable cylinder 90 is movable in a retracted position (e.g., Figure 1 ) and extended positions to place the dump body 68 in the storage position and the fully tilted position, respectively.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, when the cylinders 90 are in the retracted position, the dump body 68 is in a stored position for receiving a payload therein. When the cylinders 90 are in the extended position, the front end 92 of the dump body 68 is raised relative to the chassis 55 to allow the dump body 68 to pivot about the pivot axis to one of a series of dump positions, up to a fully tilted dump position for discharging a payload stored in the dump body 68 from its rear end 86. This movement of the dump body 68 can be controlled using an operator interface device housed in the operator station 60 and / or external to the operator station 60 (e.g., external to the machine 50).

[0031] Drive system 64 is operably arranged with power system 62 to selectively propel machine 50 via control signals sent through operator station 60 and / or external to operator station 60 (e.g., external to machine 50). Drive system 64 may include a plurality of ground-engaging members, such as, for example, front and rear wheels 80, 81 as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In embodiments, drive system 64 may be provided in the form of a track drive system, a wheel drive system, or any other type of drive system configured to propel machine 50.

[0032] The wheels 80, 81 may be movably connected to the chassis 55 by any suitable means, such as shafts, drive shafts, or other components known in the art. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the rear wheels 81 may be supported by an A-frame 94. The A-frame 94 may include a rear axle 96 that rotatably supports a pair of rear wheels 81 and a pair of suspension mounting brackets 98 adapted to support one end of a suspension system extending between the A-frame 94 and the chassis 55. A joint assembly 100 constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure may be provided to pivotally mount a mounting nose 102 of the A-frame 94 to a fork 104 of the chassis 55.

[0033] Reference Figure 3 , shows an exemplary embodiment of a joint assembly 100 constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure. The joint assembly 100 can include a sealing member 200 constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The joint assembly 100 is provided on Figure 1The machine 50 is configured to pivotally mount the mounting nose 102 of the A-frame 94 to the chassis 55 so that the A-frame 94 can be pivotally moved relative to the chassis 55. The A-frame 94 can rotate relative to the chassis 55 via the movable connection provided by the joint assembly 100. In other embodiments, joint assemblies constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure can be used in other machines and can be used in other joint assembly applications. Here, according to one or more embodiments, the joint assembly 100 can allow movement in multiple planes (e.g., rotation, pivoting, or tilting).

[0034] Still refer to Figure 3 And now also refer to Figure 5 The joint assembly 100 shown may include a sealing member 200, a shaft 112 (see, for example, Figure 5 ), a pivot member 114 (which may be in the form of an A-frame 94), which may be referred to herein as a "pivot," and a bearing 118. The sealing member 200 may be connected to the pivot member side 119 of the pivot member 114, which in this case may be the A-frame 94 in the illustrated embodiment. Thus, the shaft 112 may be connected to the fork 104 of the chassis 55 of the machine 50 and may extend therefrom. In other embodiments, the shaft 112 may be mounted to a different component of the machine 50. In an embodiment, the shaft 112 may be made of multiple components, which may be assembled together by two pivot members 114. Furthermore, the shaft 112 may define an axis of rotation. The pivot member 114 may rotate relative to the shaft 112 about the axis of rotation. The bearing 118 may be disposed between the shaft 112 and the pivot member 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing 118 is a spherical plain bearing. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the bearing 118 may include a bearing that may be considered a "maintenance-free" bearing, given that lubricant is not applied to the bearing interface, for example, after installation. Alternatively, the bearing 118 may be a so-called lubricated bearing (ie, a non-maintenance-free bearing), whereby the joint is lubricated (eg, with grease).

[0035] like Figure 5 As shown in , which is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the joint assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the sealing member 200 can be between the boss 116 and the pivot member 114. As discussed in greater detail below, the sealing member 200 can be comprised of a body 202, a first ring 210, and a second ring 220. Alternatively, the sealing member 200 can be comprised of the body 202, the first ring 210, and the second ring 220.

[0036] More specifically, regarding the placement of sealing member 200, sealing member 200 can have a first end portion coupled to boss 116 and a second end portion, opposite the first end portion, coupled to pivot member 114. The coupling of the first end portion of sealing member 200 with boss 116 can form a seal. Thus, the first end portion of sealing member 200 can be considered sealingly coupled to boss 116. Similarly, the coupling of the second end portion of sealing member 200 with pivot member 114 can form a seal. Thus, the second end portion of sealing member 200 can be considered sealingly coupled to pivot member 114.

[0037] The first end portion of the sealing member 200 can be press-fitted to the boss 116. This press-fit can create a seal between the first end portion of the sealing member 200 and the boss 116. More specifically, still referring to Figure 5 And now also refer to Figure 6 , the figure is Figure 5 , the body 202 of the sealing member 200 may include a neck portion 204 at a first end portion of the sealing member 200. Among other features, the neck portion 204 may have a plurality of beads 208 on its inner diameter. The beads 208 may be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sealing member 200 (or shaft 112), such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 The beading 208 may also extend around the entire inner diameter of the neck portion 204, for example parallel to each other, such as Figure 7 In addition to creating a seal between the sealing member 200 and the boss 116 , the bead 208 may also help hold the sealing member 200 in place around a corresponding portion of the boss 116 .

[0038] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG, the number of beading strips 208 may be four, but embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to four beading strips (there may be more or less than four). Figure 6 In the example shown in , the beads 208 can be arranged such that no bead 208 is at the top of the inner diameter of the neck portion 204, such that one of the beads 208 is at the bottom of the inner diameter of the neck portion 204, and such that multiple beads 208 are between the top bead and the bottom bead 208. It should also be noted that the top portion of the neck portion 204 can have internal chamfers and / or external chamfers, such as Figure 6 As shown in . At least the internal chamfer can be considered as an introduction chamfer. According to one or more embodiments, when the top portion of the neck portion 204 has an internal chamfer, there may be no bead 208 at the top of the inner diameter of the neck portion 204. This configuration can facilitate the assembly of the joint assembly 100. Of course, the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the following. Figure 6 The specific configuration and / or placement of the bead 208 shown in FIG.

[0039] The bead 208 may directly contact the boss 116, such as Figure 5 , to provide at least a portion of a press-fit seal between the sealing member 200 and the boss 116. The upper surface 205 of the neck portion 204 may also contact the boss 116 (such as Figure 6 116 to form another portion of a press-fit seal between the sealing member 200 and the boss 116. According to one or more embodiments, the seal at the inner diameter of the neck portion 204 of the sealing member 200 can be considered a primary seal at the first end portion of the sealing member 200, and the seal at the upper surface 205 of the neck portion 204 can be considered a secondary seal between the first end portion of the sealing member 200 and the boss 116. Incidentally, the upper surface 205 of the neck portion 204 can define an upper surface of the body 202 and / or the sealing member 200. Such an upper surface 205 may be referred to herein as the first end of the body 202 and / or the sealing member 200.

[0040] like Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG, the first ring 210 can be spaced radially outward from the inner diameter of the neck portion 204. Thus, a portion of the neck portion 204 can be between the first ring 210 and the boss 116, such as Figure 5 In addition, as Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG, the first ring 210 can extend below the bottom of the inner diameter of the neck portion 204. Thus, the first ring 210 can define at least a portion of the inner diameter of the sealing member 200.

[0041] As described above, the second end portion of the sealing member 200 can be press-fitted to the pivot member 114. This press-fit can create a seal between the second end portion of the sealing member 200 and the pivot member 114. More specifically, referring to Figure 5 , for example, which shows a partially assembled joint assembly 100, ie, when the second end portion of the sealing member 200 is coupled to the pivot member 114 (see also FIG. 1 for a fully assembled joint assembly 100). Figure 11 and Figure 12 ), the second end portion of the sealing member 200 can be disposed in a groove or channel 128 in the pivot member 114. The groove 128 in the pivot member 114 can be continuous and can conform to or otherwise accept the shape of the second end portion of the sealing member 200.

[0042] Among other features, the body 202 of the sealing member 200 may have a flange 206 at a second end portion thereof, such as Figure 5 and Figure 7 . The flange 206, which may be continuous, may extend around the entire circumference of the body 202. Thus, the flange 206 may be considered a circumferential flange. Furthermore, the flange 206 may extend radially outward from the body 202 away from the second ring 220 (and the shaft 112 when assembled). Here, Figure 5 and Figure 7 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the flange 206 can have a length greater than its width, that is, its length in the radially outward direction is greater than its thickness in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sealing member 200, for example. Thus, the flange 206 can be considered long and thin. In this regard, as discussed in more detail below, when the second end portion of the sealing member 200 is assembled into the groove 128, the flange 206 can flex upward.

[0043] Now refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , which respectively show a cross-sectional view of the sealing member 200 and an end plan view of the sealing member 200 from its second end. As described above, the sealing member 200 may include (or may consist of) a body 202, a first ring 210, and a second ring 220. As shown, the first width of the first end portion of the sealing member 200 may be less than the second width of the second end portion of the sealing member 200. Similarly, the diameter of the first ring 210 may be less than the diameter of the second ring 220. In addition, according to one or more embodiments, the sealing member 500 may have a width greater than its height, and the body 202, the first ring 210, and / or the second ring 220 may be circular in an end plan view of the sealing member 200, such as Figure 8 Thus, the sealing member 200 can be considered as bowl-shaped.

[0044] The body 202 can define a first opening of the sealing member 200. This first opening can receive a portion of the boss 116 to create a seal between the first end portion of the sealing member 200 and the boss 116, as described above. The first opening can also accommodate the shaft 112, which can also extend through the opening in the boss 116. The first ring 210 can also be considered to form some or all of the first opening.

[0045] The body 202 may also define a second opening for the sealing member 200. This second opening may be sized based on the size of the groove 128 so that the second end portion of the sealing member 200 can fit into the groove 128, as described above. The second opening may also accommodate the shaft 112 and optionally a portion of the bearing 118. The second ring 220 may also be considered to form some or all of the second opening of the sealing member 200.

[0046] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the second ring 220 can have one or more openings, grooves, or channels 222 at its ends. The grooves 222 can extend radially from the inner diameter of the second ring 220 to the outer diameter of the second ring 200. In the case of multiple grooves 222, the grooves can be circumferentially spaced from one another around the circumference of the second ring 220, e.g., evenly spaced around the circumference. For example, pairs of grooves 222 can be offset from one another by 180 degrees. Figure 8 The embodiment shown in FIG shows eight grooves 222, but embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited thereto. Due to the relatively high pressures that may be caused by the operation of the joint assembly 100, the grooves 222 can provide pressure relief for the lubricant (e.g., grease) within the sealing member 200. Thus, the grooves 222 can be considered pressure relief grooves. In this regard, due to the relatively high pressures caused by the operation of the joint assembly 100, the grooves 222 can allow lubricant to pass from the interior of the joint assembly to the exterior of the joint assembly.

[0047] The flange 206 may also provide pressure relief for the lubricant due to the relatively high pressure that may be caused by the operation of the joint assembly 100. Here, the relatively high pressure may be greater than the pressure that causes the lubricant to be expelled from the groove 222. For example, in the case where the second end portion of the sealing member 200 is fully assembled into the groove 128, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in FIG, flange 206 may be bent upward in groove 128. Here, flange 206 may contact the sidewalls of groove 128 when bent, but may not contact the floor of groove 128. In contrast, the end of second ring 220 having groove 222 may contact the floor of groove 128. Thus, the end surface of second ring 220 may define the second end of sealing member 200, wherein flange 206 is offset (e.g., 2 mm) relative to the end surface of second ring 220 toward the first end portion of sealing member 200. Otherwise, material of body 202 may flow into and clog groove 222 during molding.

[0048] Lubricant can flow through the grooves 222 and to the curved flange 206. When the relatively high pressure is high enough to "break" the seal created by the curved flange 206, it may cause the flange 206 to further twist or deflect and allow the lubricant to pass to the exterior of the sealing member 200. For example, when in cold weather conditions where the lubricant may be more viscous, for example, applying a lubricant (e.g., grease) to the joint may cause the internal pressure to increase and, therefore, the lubricant to escape through one or more of the grooves 222. Due to the reduction in the normal contact pressure of the second ring 220, the joint assembly 100 is Figure 11 The position shown in Figure 12Movement to the position shown in may also cause lubricant to drain from one or more of the grooves 222 , such as from the left-hand side of the joint assembly 100 .

[0049] The body 202 can be made of a semi-flexible and semi-rigid material, such as rubber. The first ring 210 and the second ring 220 can be formed of a material that is more rigid than the material of the body 202. For example, the material of the first ring 210 can be nylon or steel, and the material of the second ring 220 can be steel. In the case of the first ring 210, the material and construction can provide rigidity to hold the sealing member 200 in place (the portion surrounding the boss 116). In the case of the second ring 210, the material and construction can provide rigidity and position / guide the second end portion into the groove 128. Optionally, the body 202 can gradually taper from thick to thin at the interface with the second ring 220, such as Figure 7 This taper may be for ease of assembly.

[0050] The first ring 210 can be assembled to the neck portion 204 at the first end portion of the body 202. Similarly, the second ring 220 can be assembled to the body 202 at the second end portion of the body. Here, according to one or more embodiments, each of the first ring 210 and the second ring 220 can be molded to the body 202. That is, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the body 202 can be molded onto the first ring 210 and / or the second ring 220.

[0051] Now go to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , these figures show a sealing member 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. While the sealing member 200 may be directed to a lubricated bearing joint, the sealing member 300 may be directed to a non-lubricated bearing joint, also referred to as a maintenance-free bearing joint.

[0052] The sealing member 300 may be comprised of a body 302, a first ring 310, and a second ring 320. According to one or more embodiments, the sealing member 300 may be comprised of the body 302, the first ring 310, and the second ring 320. Notably, the end of the second ring 320 does not include any openings, ports, or vents (e.g., 222 discussed above). Instead, the end surface of the second ring 320 may be devoid of one or more pressure relief grooves and may be completely flat.

[0053] The body 302 may also include a flange 306. Here, the thickness of the flange 306 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sealing member 300 may be greater than or equal to the length of the flange 306 in a radially outward direction away from the second ring 320. Therefore, the flange 306 may be considered short and thick. When inserted into the groove 128 of the pivot member 114, the flange 306 may not deflect upward. Instead, the end of the flange 306 may abut the side wall of the groove 128, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 In addition, flange 306 may not contact the bottom plate of groove 128, and also Figure 13 and Figure 14 1. The relatively thick flange 306 abutting the sidewall of the groove 128 can create a reliable seal between the body 302 and the pivot member 114, for example, because no pressure relief is required. The reliable seal created by the flange 306 can also prevent debris (e.g., dirt) from entering the interior of the joint assembly 100.

[0054] Industrial Applicability

[0055] As described above, the present disclosure relates to a sealing member for a joint assembly of a machine, and systems, methods, and assemblies thereof. One or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be used for lubricated bearings (i.e., non-maintenance-free bearings) of a joint assembly of a machine, and one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be used for maintenance-free bearings of a joint assembly of a machine. Here, for the various embodiments of the sealing member, the joint assembly and / or the machine can be the same, regardless of whether the bearing is lubricated. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the joint can be a so-called A-frame joint of an off-highway truck (OHT) or an articulated dump truck (ADT).

[0056] Regarding assembly and operation, a sealing member, such as sealing member 200 or sealing member 300, may be provided. The body 202 / 302 of the sealing member 200 / 300 may be molded onto the first ring 210 / 310 and / or the second ring 220 / 320. Alternatively, the first ring 210 / 310 and / or the second ring 220 / 320 may be fixed to the body 202 / 302 via, for example, an adhesive.

[0057] According to one or more embodiments, the sealing member 200 / 300 may be provided pre-assembled on the boss 116, such as Figure 5 and Figure 9 Here, the bead 208 / 308 may be press-fitted onto a portion of the boss 116, such as Figure 5 and Figure 9 This can help hold the sealing member 200 / 300 in place as shown in . The first ring 210 / 310 can help provide rigidity and hold the sealing member 200 / 300 in place.

[0058] from Figure 5 Transition to Figure 11 (for the sealing member 200) and from Figure 9 Transition to Figure 13 (For sealing member 300), the sealing member 200 / 300 already connected to the boss 116 can self-locate and self-seal into the groove 128 of the pivot member 114, for example, due to the thickness, rigidity and / or stiffness of the sealing member 200 / 300 (including based on at least the second ring 220 / 320). That is, the A-frame head can simply be provided with the sealing member 200 / 300 connected to the boss 116, and the thickness and semi-rigidity of the body 202 / 302 can push the second end portion of the sealing member 200 / 300 into the groove 128, such as Figure 11 and Figure 13 When installed, the end surface of the second ring 210 / 310 can abut the bottom plate of the groove 128. Figure 11 In the case of , the flange 206 may be bent away from the second end of the sealing member 200, abutting against the sidewalls defining the groove 128 in the pivot member 114, and may not contact the bottom plate defining the groove 128 in the pivot member 114. Figure 13 In such cases, the ends of the flange 306 may abut the sidewalls defining the recess 128 in the pivot member 114 without the flange 306 contacting the floor defining the recess 128 in the pivot member 114 .

[0059] The operation of the joint assembly 100 may involve rotation or pivoting of the joint. For example, the joint assembly 100 may be rotated or pivoted from Figure 11 Move to the position shown in Figure 12 , or from Figure 13 Move to the position shown in Figure 14 The position shown in depends on the type of fitting, i.e. lubricated fitting or maintenance-free fitting. Figure 11-14, the body 202 / 302 can be flexible. As the sealing member 200 / 300 experiences different machine motions, it can have maximum compression at one location and minimum compression at the opposite end. In the case of the joint assembly 100 using the sealing member 200, lubricant can flow through the groove 222 and flow to the curved flange 206. When the relatively high pressure is high enough to "break" the seal created by the curved flange 206, it may cause the flange 206 to further distort and allow lubricant to pass to the exterior of the sealing member 200. For example, as described above, applying a lubricant (e.g., grease) to the joint may cause the internal pressure to increase, and thus the lubricant to be discharged through one or more of the grooves 222, such as when in cold weather conditions where the lubricant may be more viscous. Due to the reduction in the normal contact pressure of the second ring 220, the joint assembly 100 is Figure 11 The position shown in Figure 12 Movement to the position shown in may also cause lubricant to drain from one or more of the grooves 222 , such as from the left-hand side of the joint assembly 100 .

[0060] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may also be as set forth according to the following brackets.

[0061] (1) A joint assembly for a machine, the joint assembly comprising: a shaft defining a rotational axis; a bearing coupled to the shaft so that the bearing can pivot together with the shaft about the rotational axis; a pivot mounted to the bearing so that the pivot can pivot relative to the shaft about the rotational axis; a boss; and a seal having a first end portion sealingly coupled to the boss and a second end portion opposite the first end portion sealingly coupled to the pivot, wherein the seal comprises: a semi-rigid rubber body defined in the seal a first opening at a first end portion of the seal and a second opening at a second end portion of the seal; a first ring molded-fit to the semi-rigid rubber body at the first end portion of the seal, the second ring being made of steel or nylon; and a second ring molded-fit to the semi-rigid rubber body at the second end portion of the seal, the second ring being made of steel, wherein a first diameter of the first ring is smaller than a second diameter of the second ring, wherein the semi-rigid rubber body has a circumferential flange at an end portion thereof associated with the second end portion of the seal extending radially outwardly away from the shaft.

[0062] (2) The joint assembly of (1), wherein the first end portion of the seal is sealingly coupled to the boss via a press fit, and wherein the second end portion of the seal is sealingly coupled to the pivot via a press fit into a continuous groove in the pivot.

[0063] (3) A joint assembly according to (1) or (2), wherein the neck portion of the semi-rigid rubber body at the first end portion of the seal has a plurality of beads on its inner diameter to directly contact the boss for at least a portion of the press fit of the seal with the boss, and wherein the plurality of beads are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

[0064] (4) The joint assembly according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first ring is spaced radially outward from the inner diameter of the neck portion of the semi-rigid rubber body.

[0065] (5) The joint assembly according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the end surface of the second ring at the second end of the seal associated with the second end portion of the seal has a plurality of pressure relief grooves spaced circumferentially therearound.

[0066] (6) The joint assembly according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the length of the circumferential flange in the radially outward direction is greater than the thickness in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

[0067] (7) A joint assembly according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the end surface of the second ring at the second end of the seal associated with the second end portion of the seal is completely flat and lacks one or more pressure relief grooves.

[0068] (8) The joint assembly according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the thickness of the circumferential flange in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft is greater than or equal to the length in the radially outward direction.

[0069] (9) A method comprising: providing a seal having a first end portion to be sealingly coupled to a boss of a joint assembly and a second end portion opposite the first end portion to be sealingly coupled to a pivot of the joint assembly, wherein the seal comprises: a rubber body defining a first opening at the first end portion of the seal and a second opening at the second end portion of the seal; a first ring secured to the rubber body at the first end portion of the seal, the first ring being made of a material more rigid than the rubber of the rubber body; and a second ring secured to the rubber body at the second end portion of the seal, the second ring being made of a material more rigid than the rubber of the rubber body, wherein a first width of the first end portion of the seal is less than a second width of the second end portion of the seal, wherein the rubber body has a flange at a second end of the rubber body associated with the second end portion of the seal extending radially outwardly away from a central longitudinal axis of the seal.

[0070] (10) The method according to (9), further comprising installing the seal in the joint assembly so that the first end portion of the seal is press-fitted into the boss and the second end portion of the seal is press-fitted into the groove in the pivot.

[0071] (11) A method according to (9) or (10), wherein the end surface of the second ring at the second end of the seal has a plurality of pressure relief grooves, and wherein the method further includes allowing lubricant to be discharged from some or all of the plurality of pressure relief grooves in response to pivotal movement of the shaft.

[0072] (12) A method according to any one of (9) to (11), wherein the length of the flange in the radially outward direction is greater than the thickness in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and wherein the seal is installed in the joint assembly so that the end surface of the second ring at the second end of the seal abuts the bottom plate defining the groove in the pivot, and the flange is bent away from the second end of the seal, abuts the side wall defining the groove in the pivot, and does not contact the bottom plate defining the groove in the pivot.

[0073] (13) A method according to any one of (9) to (12), wherein the thickness of the circumferential flange in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft is greater than or equal to the length in the radially outward direction, and wherein the seal is installed in the joint assembly so that the end surface of the second ring at the second end of the seal abuts the bottom plate defining the groove in the pivot, and so that the side wall of the flange abuts the side wall defining the groove in the pivot without the flange contacting the bottom plate defining the groove in the pivot.

[0074] (14) A sealing member having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the sealing member comprising: a semi-flexible body, the semi-flexible body defining a first opening at the first end portion of the seal and a second opening at the second end portion of the sealing member; a first ring, the first ring being assembled to the semi-flexible body at the first end portion of the sealing member, the first ring being made of a material that is more rigid than the material of the semi-flexible body; and a second ring, the second ring being assembled to the semi-flexible body at the second end portion of the sealing member, the second ring being made of a material that is more rigid than the material of the semi-flexible body, wherein a first diameter of the first ring is smaller than a second diameter of the second ring, and wherein the semi-flexible body has a flange at a second end of the semi-flexible body associated with the second end portion of the sealing member, the flange extending radially outward away from a central longitudinal axis of the sealing member.

[0075] (15) The sealing member according to (14), wherein the semi-flexible body is made of rubber, wherein the first ring is made of steel or nylon, and wherein the second ring is made of steel.

[0076] (16) A sealing member according to (14) or (15), wherein the end surface of the second ring at the second end portion of the sealing member has a plurality of grooves, each groove extending radially from the inner diameter of the second ring to the outer diameter of the second ring, and wherein the length of the flange in the radially outward direction is greater than the thickness of the flange in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sealing member.

[0077] (17) A sealing member according to any one of (14) to (16), wherein the end surface of the second ring at the second end portion of the sealing member is completely flat and does not have any pressure relief groove, and wherein the thickness of the flange in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sealing member is greater than or equal to the length of the flange in the radially outward direction.

[0078] (18) The sealing member according to any one of (14) to (17), wherein each of the semi-flexible body, the first ring, and the second ring is circular in an end plan view of the sealing member.

[0079] (19) The sealing member according to any one of (14) to (18), wherein the sealing member has a width greater than a height.

[0080] (20) A sealing member according to any one of (14) to (19), wherein the neck portion of the semi-flexible body at the first end portion of the sealing member has a plurality of moldings on its inner diameter, and wherein the plurality of moldings are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sealing member.

[0081] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. That is, unless otherwise clearly dictated, the words "a," "an," and the like as used herein have the meaning of "one or more." The use of the term "at least one" followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., "at least one of A and B" or one or more of A and B) should be interpreted as meaning one item (A or B) selected from the listed items or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A, and B; A, B, and B), unless the context dictates otherwise or is clearly contradicted by the context. Similarly, as used herein, the word "or" refers to any possible permutation of a group of items. For example, the phrase "A, B, or C" refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or a plurality of any items, such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C, etc.

[0082] In addition, it should be understood that terms such as "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "side," "height," "length," "width," "up," "down," "interior," "exterior," "inner," "outer," etc., may be used herein to describe reference points only and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., merely identify one of multiple parts, components, reference points, operations, and / or functions as described herein and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular configuration or orientation.

[0083] Although aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be conceived by modifying the disclosed machines, components, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A joint assembly (100) for a machine (50), the joint assembly (100) comprising: a shaft (112) defining an axis of rotation; a bearing (118) coupled to the shaft (112) such that the bearing (118) is pivotable with the shaft (112) about the axis of rotation; a pivot shaft (114) mounted to the bearing (118) such that the pivot shaft (114) is pivotable relative to the shaft (112) about the axis of rotation; boss (116); as well as a seal (200 / 300) having a first end portion sealingly coupled to the boss (116) and a second end portion sealingly coupled to the pivot shaft (114) opposite the first end portion, The seal (200 / 300) comprises: a semi-rigid rubber body (202 / 302) defining a first opening at a first end portion of the seal and a second opening at a second end portion of the seal (200 / 300), a first ring (210 / 310) mold-fitted to the semi-rigid rubber body (202 / 302) at a first end portion of the seal (200 / 300), the first ring (210 / 310) being made of steel or nylon, and a second ring (220 / 320) mold-fitted to the semi-rigid rubber body (202 / 302) at a second end portion of the seal (200 / 300), the second ring (220 / 320) being made of steel, wherein a first diameter of the first ring is smaller than a second diameter of the second ring, The semi-rigid rubber body (202 / 302) has a circumferential flange (206 / 306) at its end associated with the second end portion of the seal (200 / 300) extending radially outwardly away from the shaft (112).

2. The joint assembly according to claim 1, wherein a first end portion of the seal (200 / 300) is sealingly coupled to the boss (116) via a press fit, and wherein a second end portion of the seal (200 / 300) is sealingly coupled to the pivot (114) via a press fit into a continuous groove (128) in the pivot (114).

3. The joint assembly according to claim 2, wherein the neck portion (204) of the semi-rigid rubber body (202 / 302) at the first end portion of the seal (200 / 300) has a plurality of beads (208) on its inner diameter to directly contact the boss (116) for at least a portion of the press fit of the seal (200 / 300) with the boss (116), and The plurality of beadings (208) are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (112).

4. The joint assembly of claim 3, wherein the first ring (210 / 310) is spaced radially outward from an inner diameter of the neck portion (204) of the semi-rigid rubber body (202 / 302).

5. The joint assembly of claim 1 , wherein an end surface of the second ring ( 220 ) at a second end of the seal ( 200 ) associated with a second end portion of the seal ( 200 ) has a plurality of pressure relief grooves ( 222 ) spaced circumferentially therearound.

6. The joint assembly of claim 1, wherein the circumferential flange (206) has a length in a radially outward direction greater than a thickness in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (112).

7. A joint assembly according to claim 1, wherein the end surface of the second ring (320) at the second end of the seal (300) associated with the second end portion of the seal (300) is completely flat and lacks one or more pressure relief grooves (222).

8. The joint assembly of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the circumferential flange (306) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (112) is greater than or equal to a length in a radially outward direction.

9. A sealing member (200 / 300) having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the sealing member (200 / 300) comprising: a semi-flexible body (202 / 302) defining a first opening at a first end portion of the sealing member (200 / 300) and a second opening at a second end portion of the sealing member (200 / 300); a first ring (210 / 310) assembled to the semi-flexible body at a first end portion of the sealing member (200 / 300), the first ring (210 / 310) being made of a material more rigid than that of the semi-flexible body (202 / 302); and a second ring (220 / 320) fitted to the semi-flexible body (202 / 302) at a second end portion of the sealing member (202 / 302), the second ring (220 / 320) being made of a material more rigid than that of the semi-flexible body (202 / 302), wherein a first diameter of the first ring (210 / 310) is smaller than a second diameter of the second ring (220 / 320), and The semi-flexible body (202 / 302) has a flange (206 / 306) at a second end of the semi-flexible body (202 / 302) associated with a second end portion of the sealing member (200 / 300), the flange extending radially outward away from a central longitudinal axis of the sealing member (200 / 300).

10. The sealing member according to claim 9, wherein the semi-flexible body (202 / 302) is made of rubber, wherein the first ring (210 / 310) is made of steel or nylon, and The second ring (220 / 320) is made of steel.

11. The sealing member according to claim 9, wherein an end surface of the second ring (220) at the second end portion of the sealing member (200) has a plurality of grooves (222), each groove radially extending from an inner diameter of the second ring (220) to an outer diameter of the second ring (220), and The length of the flange (206) in the radially outward direction is greater than the thickness of the flange (206) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sealing member (200).

12. The sealing member according to claim 9, wherein the end surface of the second ring (320) at the second end portion of the sealing member (300) is completely flat and does not have any pressure relief groove (222), and The thickness of the flange (306) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sealing member (300) is greater than or equal to the length of the flange (306) in a radially outward direction.

13. The seal member of claim 9, wherein each of the semi-flexible body (202 / 302), the first ring (210 / 310), and the second ring (220 / 320) is circular in an end plan view of the seal member (200 / 300).

14. The sealing member according to claim 9, wherein the sealing member (200 / 300) has a width greater than a height.

15. The sealing member according to claim 9, wherein the neck portion (204) of the semi-flexible body (202 / 302) at the first end portion of the sealing member (200 / 300) has a plurality of beads (208) on its inner diameter, and The plurality of beadings (208) are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sealing member (200 / 300).

Images