An end cap gasket for a bearing assembly

Abstract

The application relates to an end cover sealing gasket of a bearing assembly, relates to the field of sealing components, and has the technical scheme that the end cover sealing gasket of the bearing assembly comprises a gasket body arranged in a ring shape, a radial section of the gasket body is in a stepped structure with thinner middle and thicker two ends in an axial direction, the radial two end positions of the gasket body are provided as protruding portions, and the middle position is provided as a middle portion; one side of the gasket body along the axial direction is provided with the protruding portion, or both sides of the gasket body along the axial direction are provided with the protruding portion; and the thickness difference between the protruding portion and the middle portion of the gasket body is consistent in the circumferential direction of the gasket body. The application has the effect of improving the sealing performance at the bearing body and the end cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of sealing components, and more particularly to an end cap gasket for a bearing assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of mechanical engineering, bearing assemblies are crucial components in various types of machinery and equipment, widely used in numerous industries such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial production. With the continuous development of industrial technology, the requirements for the performance and stability of mechanical equipment are becoming increasingly stringent, making the sealing performance of bearing assemblies a key factor affecting the overall performance of the equipment. Good sealing effectively prevents lubricant leakage, reduces wear and malfunctions, and improves the service life and operating efficiency of the equipment, playing a vital role in ensuring the normal operation and safe production of mechanical equipment.

[0003] Currently, for sealing bearing assemblies, which are thin-oil lubricated structures, flat gaskets are typically used at the bearing housing and end cap for sealing. Flat gaskets are relatively uniform sheet-like structures that are placed between the bearing housing and end cap during installation, relying on the pressure between them to achieve a seal. Their sealing principle primarily utilizes the large contact area to prevent lubricant leakage. Other methods enhance the sealing effect by adding sealant or other substances to the gasket, but this method increases operational complexity and the sealant has a shorter shelf life.

[0004] However, due to the large contact area of ​​the flat gasket seal, the flatness and parallelism requirements of the bearing body end face and the end cover end face are extremely high. In actual processing and use, minor warping or scratches are hard to avoid. Once these situations occur, the entire gasket cannot be evenly compressed, thus forming a local leakage channel, leading to lubricating oil leakage and affecting the normal operation of the bearing assembly. Utility Model Content

[0005] To improve the sealing performance between the bearing housing and the end cap, this application provides an end cap sealing gasket for a bearing assembly.

[0006] The end cap sealing gasket of the bearing assembly provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: An end cap sealing gasket for a bearing assembly includes a ring-shaped gasket body. The radial cross-section of the gasket body has a stepped structure that is thinner in the middle and thicker at both ends along the axial direction. The radial ends of the gasket body are designated as protrusions, and the middle position is designated as a middle part.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, when the gasket is installed in the bearing assembly, the stepped structure of the gasket, which is thin in the middle and thick at both ends, makes the sealing contact area two narrow rings. When the same bolt preload is applied, the force will be concentrated on the small contact area of ​​the protrusion. This area can generate higher sealing pressure, ensuring the reliability of the seal, and can be used in high sealing pressure scenarios. In addition, the protrusion can compensate for the unevenness and defects of the bearing body end face and the end cover end face, reducing the surface requirements of both, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and difficulties, while ensuring the reliability of the seal.

[0008] Optionally, the radial cross-section of the protrusion is rectangular.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the radial cross section of the protrusion is set in a rectangular shape, which can make the sealing contact area regular. At the same time, the rectangular cross section is easy to process and manufacture, which can reduce production costs. It also makes the sealing gasket more stable when it is fitted with the bearing body and the end cover, thus enhancing the reliability of the seal.

[0010] Optionally, an arc-shaped transition surface is provided between the protrusion and the middle part, and the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped transition surface is smaller than the thickness of the middle part.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the arc transition surface can make the stress distribution of the pad more uniform when it is under force, avoid stress concentration at the connection between the protrusion and the middle part, which would cause damage to the pad and improve the service life of the pad; at the same time, the arc transition makes the pad easier to deform and fit during installation, further enhancing the sealing effect.

[0012] Optionally, the radial cross-section of the protrusion is arranged in an arc shape.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the radial cross-section of the protrusion is set to an arc shape. Compared with other shapes, the arc shape has no sharp edges, which reduces local stress concentration when in contact with the bearing body and end cover, avoiding damage to the gasket or seal failure due to stress concentration. At the same time, the arc-shaped protrusion is easier to deform quickly under pressure, better adapting to the unevenness and minor defects of the bearing body end face and end cover end face. When subjected to bolt preload, it distributes pressure more evenly, forming a continuous and stable sealing ring in the sealing contact area.

[0014] Optionally, the radial cross-section of the protrusion is trapezoidal or wedge-shaped.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the radial cross section of the protrusion is set in a trapezoidal or wedge shape. Compared with other shapes, the connection area between the root and the middle part of the trapezoidal or wedge-shaped protrusion is large, and the connection is not easy to break under pressure.

[0016] Optionally, the pad body has a protrusion on one side along its axial direction, or the pad body has protrusions on both sides along its axial direction.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solutions, when the pad body has a protrusion on one side of the axial direction, it can meet the application scenarios with specific installation space or sealing requirements. In some cases where space is limited or only one-sided sealing reinforcement is required, it can achieve targeted sealing effects, reduce unnecessary material usage, and lower costs. When the pad body has protrusions on both sides of the axial direction, it can form an effective sealing contact area on both sides at the same time, further improving the reliability and stability of the seal. It is suitable for environments with high sealing requirements and requiring double-sided sealing protection. It has a better compensation effect on the unevenness and defects of the bearing body end face and end cover end face, while having lower surface requirements.

[0018] Optionally, the thickness difference between the protruding part and the middle part of the pad is kept consistent along the circumference of the pad.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, since the thickness difference between the protruding part and the middle part of the gasket is consistent along the circumference of the gasket, the gasket can make uniform contact with the bearing body and the end cover in the circumference when it is installed at the end cover of the bearing assembly. The sealing performance of the entire gasket is stable in the circumference, avoiding leakage problems caused by uneven local pressure and improving the reliability of the seal.

[0020] Optionally, the middle part of the pad has a plurality of evenly spaced bolt holes along its circumference.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the evenly spaced bolt holes can distribute the bolt preload more evenly on the circumference of the pad, ensuring that the force on each part of the pad is relatively balanced, and making the fit between the pad and the end cap and bearing body tighter and smoother.

[0022] Optionally, the protrusion is integrally formed with the middle portion.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the protrusion and the middle part are integrally molded, which avoids the connection gaps caused by assembling multiple parts, reduces potential leakage points, and improves the sealing reliability of the gasket; moreover, the integral molding eliminates the need for additional assembly processes, simplifies the manufacturing process, and reduces production difficulty and cost.

[0024] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. The gasket has a stepped structure that is thin in the middle and thick at both ends, so that the sealing contact area consists of two narrow rings. When the same bolt preload is applied, the force is concentrated on a very small contact area, resulting in high sealing pressure in this area, ensuring the reliability of the seal, preventing leakage, and making it suitable for high sealing pressure applications. 2. The structural design of the pad has low requirements for the surface of the bearing body end face and the end cover end face, and can compensate for the unevenness and defects of the flange surface; 3. When the pad body has a raised portion on one side of the axial direction, it can meet the application scenarios with specific installation space or sealing requirements. In some cases where space is limited or only one-sided sealing reinforcement is required, it can achieve a targeted sealing effect, reduce unnecessary material usage, and lower costs. When the pad body has raised portions on both sides of the axial direction, it can form an effective sealing contact area on both sides at the same time, further improving the reliability and stability of the seal. It is suitable for environments with high sealing requirements and requiring double-sided sealing protection, and has a better compensation effect on the unevenness and defects of the bearing body end face and end cover end face surfaces. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the bearing assembly in Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the end cap; Figure 3 This is a front view of the sealing gasket in Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 4 This is a side view of the sealing gasket in Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 5 It means Figure 4 A magnified schematic diagram of part A in the middle section; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing that the pad body has protrusions on both sides along its axial direction; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the sealing gasket in Embodiment 2 of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the sealing gasket in Embodiment 3 of this application.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Pad; 11. Protrusion; 12. Middle part; 2. Bearing body; 3. End cap; 4. Arc-shaped transition surface; 5. Bolt hole. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-8 This application will be described in further detail.

[0028] Example 1 Embodiment 1 of this application discloses an end cap sealing gasket for a bearing assembly. (Refer to...) Figures 1-5The bearing assembly's end cap sealing gasket includes a ring-shaped gasket 1. Gasket 1 is made entirely of a highly elastic and flexible material, such as rubber, fluorosilicone, or polyurethane, possessing excellent elasticity and flexibility, allowing for better fit to the end faces of the bearing body 2 and the end cap 3. The radial cross-section of gasket 1 has a stepped structure, thinner in the middle and thicker at both ends, along the axial direction. The radial ends of gasket 1 are designated as protrusions 11, and the middle position as a central portion 12. Due to the stepped structure of the gasket, thinner in the middle and thicker at both ends, the sealing contact area consists of two narrow rings. When the same bolt preload is applied, the force is concentrated on the small contact area of ​​the protrusions 11. This area generates higher sealing pressure, ensuring sealing reliability and making it suitable for high-pressure sealing applications. Furthermore, the protrusions 11 can compensate for unevenness and defects on the end faces of the bearing body 2 and the end cap 3, reducing surface requirements and thus lowering manufacturing costs and complexity while ensuring sealing reliability.

[0029] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The protrusion 11 is a key component for achieving a seal. The radial cross-section of the protrusion 11 is rectangular. This rectangular structure facilitates manufacturing and ensures the stability of the sealing contact area. Simultaneously, an arc-shaped transition surface 4 is provided between the protrusion 11 and the intermediate portion 12. The radius of curvature of the arc-shaped transition surface 4 is smaller than the thickness of the intermediate portion 12. The design of the arc-shaped transition surface 4 allows for more uniform deformation of the gasket 1 under stress, preventing stress concentration in the transition area and thus improving the overall performance of the sealing gasket. When bolt preload is applied to the gasket 1, the arc-shaped transition surface 4 ensures smoother force transmission between the protrusion 11 and the intermediate portion 12, reducing damage to the gasket 1 caused by stress concentration.

[0030] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The pad 1 may have a protrusion 11 on one side along its axial direction, which is suitable for some occasions with relatively low sealing requirements or limited installation space; or the pad 1 may have a protrusion 11 on both sides along its axial direction. The double-sided protrusion design can provide a better sealing effect and is suitable for environments with high sealing requirements.

[0031] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The thickness difference between the protrusion 11 and the middle portion 12 of the gasket 1 is consistent along the circumference of the gasket 1. This ensures that the sealing pressure remains uniform throughout the entire circumference, further improving the reliability of the seal. If the thickness difference is inconsistent, it will lead to insufficient local sealing pressure, resulting in leakage.

[0032] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5The middle part 12 of the gasket 1 has multiple evenly spaced bolt holes 5 along its circumference. The bolt holes 5 are used to install bolts, and the preload of the bolts is used to seal the gasket 1. The evenly spaced bolt holes 5 ensure that the bolt preload is evenly applied to the gasket 1, making the seal more reliable.

[0033] The protrusion 11 and the middle part 12 are integrally formed. This integral structure ensures the integrity and stability of the pad 1 and avoids sealing problems caused by a weak connection between the protrusion 11 and the middle part 12. Furthermore, the integral forming process is simpler and reduces production costs.

[0034] The implementation principle of Embodiment 1 of this application is as follows: The sealing gasket of the end cap 3 in this embodiment adopts a stepped structure design with a thin middle and thick ends, turning the sealing contact area into a narrow annular band. When the same bolt preload is applied, the force is concentrated on the small contact area of ​​the protrusion 11, thereby concentrating the bolt preload and increasing the sealing pressure. Compared with traditional flat gasket seals, the protrusion 11 of this sealing gasket can compensate for the unevenness and defects of the end face of the bearing body 2 and the end face of the end cap 3, reducing the surface requirements of both, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and difficulty.

[0035] Example 2 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 above is that: (Refer to...) Figure 7 The radial cross-section of the protrusion 11 is designed in an arc shape. The arc-shaped protrusion 11 can better distribute pressure under stress. Compared to other shapes, the arc shape has no sharp edges, reducing local stress concentration when in contact with the bearing body 2 and end cap 3, thus preventing damage to the gasket 1 or seal failure due to stress concentration. Furthermore, the arc-shaped protrusion 11 deforms more quickly after contact and pressure, better conforming to the unevenness and minor defects of the end faces of the bearing body 2 and end cap 3, forming a continuous and stable sealing ring in the sealing contact area, improving the sealing effect.

[0036] Example 3 The difference between this embodiment and embodiments 1 and 2 above is that: (Refer to...) Figure 8 The radial cross-section of the protrusion 11 is trapezoidal or wedge-shaped. Compared with other shapes, the connection area between the root of the trapezoidal or wedge-shaped protrusion 11 and the middle part 12 is large, and the connection is not easily broken under pressure.

[0037] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An end cap sealing gasket for a bearing assembly, characterized in that, It includes a ring-shaped pad (1), the radial cross section of which has a stepped structure that is thinner in the middle and thicker at both ends along the axial direction; the two ends of the pad (1) are designated as protrusions (11), and the middle part is designated as a middle part (12).

2. The sealing gasket of the end cap (3) of the bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radial cross-section of the protrusion (11) is rectangular.

3. The end cap sealing gasket of the bearing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, An arc-shaped transition surface (4) is provided between the protrusion (11) and the middle part (12), and the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped transition surface (4) is smaller than the thickness of the middle part (12).

4. The end cap sealing gasket of the bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radial cross-section of the protrusion (11) is arranged in an arc shape.

5. The sealing gasket of the end cap (3) of the bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radial cross-section of the protrusion (11) is trapezoidal or wedge-shaped.

6. The end cap sealing gasket of the bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pad (1) has a protrusion (11) on one side along its axial direction, or the pad (1) has a protrusion (11) on both sides along its axial direction.

7. The end cap sealing gasket of the bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness difference between the protrusion (11) and the middle part (12) of the pad (1) remains consistent along the circumference of the pad (1).

8. The end cap sealing gasket of the bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The middle part (12) of the pad (1) has a plurality of evenly spaced bolt holes (5) along its circumference.

9. The end cap sealing gasket of the bearing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion (11) and the middle part (12) are integrally formed.

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