Seal device

Abstract

To provide a seal structure that reduces the possibility that a seal is subjected to a shuttling effect when a fluid pressure change occurs, thereby reducing the possibility of leakage through the seal.SOLUTION: A seal device 100 includes a housing 102, the housing 102 defining a cavity 118 and having a flow channel 140 extending through the housing 102 to the cavity, and a seal plate 104 that is non-rotatably connected to the housing. The seal device includes a biasing element 110 that is disposed in the cavity and axially aligned with the flow channel, and is configured to permit fluid to flow radially through the biasing element into the flow channel 142. The seal device further includes a second seal 108 disposed between the biasing element and a radially-extending wall of the housing. The biasing element is configured to bias a first seal 106 against the seal plate and to bias the second seal against the radially-extending wall of the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 543,690, filed October 11, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a sealing arrangement between a shaft and a housing, and more particularly to a sealing arrangement having a spring configured to axially bias two seals while simultaneously allowing fluid to flow radially between the two seals. [Background technology]

[0003] Mechanical and bellows seals are typically used to prevent leakage between a rotating shaft and a stationary housing. These seals typically include a biasing element configured to apply an axial force to the seal element such that an optimal gap is maintained between the seal element and the shaft and / or housing, preventing leakage through the seal element while also allowing lubrication of the seal element. However, as a result of a change in fluid pressure on one axial side of the seal element, the seal may experience a shuttling effect, i.e., the seal may be displaced axially, which may cause leakage. It is therefore desirable to have an alternative design to reduce the likelihood of the seal experiencing the shuttling effect when fluid pressure changes occur, thereby reducing the likelihood of leakage through the seal. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a seal apparatus including a housing, a seal plate, a biasing element, a first seal, and a second seal. The housing defines a cavity and includes a flow channel extending through the housing to the cavity. The seal plate is non-rotatably coupled to the housing. The biasing element is disposed within the cavity and axially aligned with the flow channel. The biasing element is configured to allow fluid to flow radially through the biasing element into the flow channel. The first seal is disposed within the cavity and between the biasing element and the seal plate. The second seal is disposed within the cavity and between the biasing element and a radially extending wall of the housing. The biasing element is configured to bias the first seal against the seal plate and bias the second seal against the radially extending wall of the housing.

[0005] In embodiments, the cavity can be configured to receive a shaft. The shaft can be configured to radially compress the first seal and the second seal against the axially extending wall of the housing. The shaft can be configured to be radially spaced from the housing and the seal plate.

[0006] In an embodiment, the seal device may be configured to include a first flow path extending through the flow channel and between the first seal and the second seal, and a second flow path spaced from the first flow path. The second flow path may be sealed from the first flow path via the first seal. The biasing element may be configured to maintain contact between the first seal and the seal plate in response to a change in fluid pressure in the second flow path. The seal device may be configured to include a third flow path spaced from the first and second flow paths. The third flow path may be sealed from the first flow path via the second seal. The biasing element may be configured to maintain contact between the second seal and the radially extending wall of the housing in response to a change in fluid pressure in the third flow path. The first flow path may pass through the biasing element.

[0007] In embodiments, the cavity can be configured to receive a shaft having an outlet channel configured to exhaust the pressurized fluid. The biasing element can be radially disposed between the outlet channel and the flow channel. The outlet channel can be configured to be axially aligned with the flow channel.

[0008] In embodiments, the biasing element may be a wave spring. In embodiments, the cavity may be configured to receive a shaft having an outlet channel configured to exhaust the repressurization fluid. The first seal may be axially disposed between the biasing element and the outlet channel. In embodiments, the flow channel may be configured to receive the pressurized fluid from the shaft.

[0009] In an embodiment, the housing may include a further flow channel extending through the housing and into the cavity. The second seal may be axially disposed between the further flow channel and the flow channel. The further flow channel may be configured to exhaust pressurized fluid toward the shaft.

[0010] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method of assembling a seal arrangement, the method including providing a housing, the housing defining a cavity and including a flow channel extending through the housing into the cavity. The method further includes inserting a seal into the cavity. The seal contacts an axially extending wall and a radially extending wall of the housing within the cavity. The method further includes inserting a biasing element into the cavity. The biasing element contacts the seal and is axially aligned with the flow channel. The method further includes inserting a further seal into the cavity. The further seal contacts the axially extending wall and the biasing element. The method further includes providing a seal plate. The seal plate contacts the housing and the further seal. The method further includes non-rotatably connecting the seal plate to the housing.

[0011] In an embodiment, the seal device may be configured to include a first flow path extending through the flow channel and between the first seal and the second seal, and a second flow path spaced from the first flow path. The second flow path may be sealed from the first flow path via the first seal. The biasing element may be configured to maintain contact between the first seal and the seal plate in response to a change in fluid pressure in the second flow path. The seal device may be configured to include a third flow path spaced from the first and second flow paths. The third flow path may be sealed from the first flow path via the second seal. The biasing element may be configured to maintain contact between the second seal and the radially extending wall of the housing in response to a change in fluid pressure in the third flow path.

[0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide advantageous advantages in reducing the likelihood of leakage resulting from the shuttling effect, for example, by providing a seal arrangement having a spring configured to axially bias the seals away from one another while simultaneously allowing radial flow between the seals. Further embodiments disclosed herein provide design advantages by minimizing the envelope of the seal arrangement, which can meet packaging constraints while simultaneously reducing the likelihood of leakage through the seal arrangement. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a sealing arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It should be understood that like drawing numbers appearing in different drawings identify identical or functionally similar structural elements. It should also be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and that other embodiments may take various alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Thus, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as representative references to teach those skilled in the art how to use the embodiments in various ways. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to create embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. The combination of illustrated features provides a representative embodiment for a typical application. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for a particular application or implementation.

[0015] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.Although any method, device, or material similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice or test the present disclosure, the following exemplary methods, devices, and materials are described herein.

[0016] Referring to the figures, an exemplary embodiment of a seal apparatus 100 is shown. At least some portions of the seal apparatus 100 are rotatable about an axis of rotation AR. Although only a portion of the seal apparatus 100 above the axis of rotation AR is shown in FIG. 1, it should be understood that the seal apparatus 100 may appear substantially similar below the axis of rotation AR with many components extending about the axis of rotation AR. As used herein, terms such as "axial," "radial," "circumferential," "outwardly," and the like are intended to be relative to the axis of rotation AR.

[0017] The seal device 100 includes a housing 102, a seal plate 104, a first seal 106, a second seal 108, and a biasing element 110. The seal device 100 is configured to engage a shaft 112. The housing 102 includes a radially outer surface 114 that is radially spaced from the axis of rotation AR. The housing 102 further includes an axial sidewall 116 that extends radially inward from the radially outer surface 114. The axial sidewall 116 is radially spaced from the axis of rotation AR. The housing 102 defines a cavity 118 that extends radially from the axis of rotation AR to the axial sidewall 116. The cavity 118 is designed, i.e., sized and shaped, to accommodate an end 120 of the shaft 112. That is, the housing 102 is configured to receive the end 120 of the shaft 112.

[0018] The housing 102 may include a first axially extending wall 122 extending axially from the axial sidewall 116. The first axially extending wall 122 may define an outer diameter of the cavity 118. The housing 102 may further include a first radially extending wall 124 extending radially inward from the first axially extending wall 122. The housing 102 includes a second axially extending wall 126 radially spaced from the shaft 112. The second axially extending wall 126 may extend axially from the first radially extending wall 124. In an alternative embodiment, the housing 102 may lack the first axially extending wall 122 and the first radially extending wall 124 such that the second axially extending wall 126 extends radially from the axial sidewall 116. The housing 102 further includes a second radially extending wall 128 extending radially inward from the second axially extending wall 126, a third axially extending wall 130 extending axially from the second radially extending wall 128, and an end wall 132 extending radially inward from the third axially extending wall 130. The end wall 132 may include an opening (not numbered) concentric with the axis of rotation AR. That is, the end wall 132 may extend annularly about the axis of rotation AR.

[0019] The housing 102 further includes a first flow channel 140 and a second flow channel 142 axially spaced from the first flow channel 140. The first flow channel 140 extends through the housing 102 from the second axially extending wall 126 to the radially outer surface 114. The second flow channel 142 extends through the housing 102 from the second radially extending wall 128 to the radially outer surface 114. The first flow channel 140 lacks fluid communication with the second flow channel 142 within the housing 102. That is, the first flow channel and the second flow channel are separate from one another within the housing 102.

[0020] The seal plate 104 is non-rotatably connected to the axial sidewall 116 of the housing 102, for example, via a welded connection. The seal plate 104 may include a first radially extending portion 134 extending along and non-rotatably connected to the axial sidewall 116. The seal plate 104 may further include an axially extending portion 136 extending axially from the first radially extending portion 134. The axially extending portion 136 may contact the first axially extending wall 122 of the cavity 118. The seal plate 104 may further include a second radially extending portion 138 extending radially inward from the axially extending portion 136. The second radially extending portion 138 may contact the first radially extending wall 124 of the housing 102. The second radially extending portion 138 may be radially spaced from the shaft 112. The second radially extending portion 138 may engage the first seal 106, as discussed further below.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment in which the housing 102 lacks the first axially extending wall 122, the seal plate 104 lacks the axially extending portion 136, and the axial sidewall 116 extends radially to the second axially extending wall 126. In such an embodiment, the seal plate 104 extends radially along the axial sidewall 116 and radially inward of the second axially extending wall 126. That is, the seal plate 104 may include one continuous radially extending portion that is non-rotatably connected to the axial sidewall 116, engages the first seal 106, and is radially spaced from the shaft 112.

[0022] An end 120 of the shaft 112 is disposed within the cavity 118. The shaft 112 is radially spaced from a third axially extending wall 130. The shaft 112 further extends axially beyond the second radially extending wall 128. The shaft 112 is further axially spaced from an end wall 132, which may allow pressurized fluid to be routed between the shaft 112 and the end wall 132 and enter the second flow channel 142. Additionally or alternatively, the pressurized fluid may be routed away from the second flow channel 142, for example, out an opening in the end wall 132.

[0023] The shaft 112 includes a first outlet channel 144 extending radially through an outer diameter of the shaft 112. The first outlet channel 144 is configured to exhaust fluid from the shaft 112. The first outlet channel 144 is axially aligned with the first flow channel 140 such that the first outlet channel 144 and the first flow channel 140 are in fluid communication with one another. Specifically, pressurized fluid may be provided from the shaft 112 and routed through the first outlet channel 144 to the first flow channel 140.

[0024] The shaft 112 further includes a second outlet channel 146 axially spaced from the first outlet channel 144. The first outlet channel 144 is axially disposed between the second flow channel 142 and the second outlet channel 146. The second outlet channel 146 extends radially through an outer diameter of the shaft 112 and is configured to receive a pressurized fluid flow into the shaft 112. The seal plate 104 is at least partially disposed between the second outlet channel 146 and the first seal 106. For example, the seal plate 104, e.g., the second radially extending portion 138, may radially overlap the second outlet channel 146 as shown in the figure. Alternatively, the seal plate 104, e.g., the second radially extending portion 138, may be completely axially disposed between the second outlet channel 146 and the first seal 106.

[0025] The first seal 106 is disposed between the biasing element 110 and the seal plate 104, e.g., the second radially extending portion 138. The first seal 106 seals the shaft 112 against the second axially extending wall 126. Specifically, the first seal 106 is configured to maintain fluid separation between the second outlet channel 146 and the first flow channel 140.

[0026] The second seal 108 is disposed between the biasing element 110 and the second radially extending wall 128. The second seal 108 seals the shaft 112 against the second axially extending wall 126. Specifically, the second seal 108 is configured to maintain fluid separation between the second flow channel 142 and the first flow channel 140. The first seal 106 and the second seal 108 may be any suitable type of seal, for example, a dynamic quadrature seal. The first seal 106 and the second seal 108 may be substantially identical to one another.

[0027] The first seal 106 may include a chamfer (not numbered) located on a side of the first seal 106 that faces the seal plate 104. The second seal 108 may include a chamfer (not numbered) located on a side of the second seal 108 that faces the second radially extending wall 128. The chamfer may direct forces created by thermal expansion of the seals 106, 108 both axially and radially during operation, which may help seal the first flow channel 140 from the second output channel 146 and the second flow channel 142.

[0028] The biasing element 110 is axially aligned with the first flow channel 140 and the first outlet channel 144. That is, the biasing element 110 is radially disposed between the first flow channel 140 and the first outlet channel 144. The biasing element 110 is configured to allow pressurized fluid to flow from the first outlet channel 144 to the first flow channel 140. That is, the pressurized fluid can exit the first outlet channel 144 and then be routed through the biasing element 110 and into the first flow channel 140. The biasing element 110 can be, for example, a wave spring.

[0029] The biasing element 110 is configured to axially bias the first seal 106 and the second seal 108 away from each other. Specifically, the biasing element 110 is configured to maintain the axial position of the first seal 106 and the second seal 108 despite changes in pressure of the fluid flowing around the first seal 106 and the second seal 108, for example, in the second outlet channel 146. For example, because the shaft 112 is radially spaced from the third axially extending wall 130, the pressurized fluid exiting the second flow channel 142 may exert a force on the second seal 108 in the first axial direction AD1, i.e., toward the axial sidewall 116. The biasing element 110 is configured to bias the first seal 106 against the seal plate 104 such that the first seal 106 remains in contact with the seal plate 104. Because seal plate 104 is radially spaced from shaft 112, pressurized fluid entering shaft 112 may exert a force on first seal 106 in a second, opposite axial direction AD2, i.e., toward end wall 132. Biasing element 110 is configured to bias second seal 108 against housing 102, e.g., against second radially extending wall 128, such that second seal 108 remains in contact with housing 102.

[0030] The biasing element 110 may directly contact the first seal 106 and the second seal 108. In alternative embodiments, the biasing element 110 may indirectly contact the first seal 106 and the second seal 108, for example, via an intermediate component. For example, the seal device 100 may further include a first side plate (not shown) and a second side plate (not shown). The first side plate may be axially disposed between the biasing element 110 and the first seal 106. The first side plate may contact the biasing element 110 and the first seal 106. That is, the biasing element 110 may bias the first side plate into the first seal 106, which biases the first seal 106 against the seal plate 104. The second side plate may be axially disposed between the biasing element 110 and the second seal 108. The second side plate may contact the biasing element 110 and the second seal 108. That is, the biasing element 110 may bias the second side plate into the second seal 108, which in turn biases the second seal 108 against the housing 102. The first and second side plates may be of any suitable material, e.g., metal, plastic, etc. The first and second side plates may be formed separately from the seals 106, 108. Alternatively, each seal 106, 108 and respective side plate may be integrally formed with one another using known manufacturing techniques, e.g., injection molding.

[0031] To assemble the seal arrangement 100, the housing 102 is provided. The second seal 108 is then inserted into the cavity 118 such that the second seal 108 contacts the second radially extending wall 128 and the second axially extending wall 126. The biasing element 110 is then inserted into the cavity 118 such that the biasing element 110 contacts the second seal 108 and is axially aligned with the first flow channel 140. The first seal 106 is then inserted into the cavity 118 such that the first seal 106 contacts the second axially extending wall 126 and the biasing element 110. The seal plate 104 is then provided such that the seal plate 104 contacts the axial sidewall 116 of the housing 102 and the first seal 106. The seal plate 104 is then non-rotatably connected to the housing 102, e.g., the axial sidewall 116. After the seal device 100 is assembled, the shaft 112 may be inserted into the cavity 118 to engage the seal device 100. During engagement with the seal device 100, the first outlet channel 144 of the shaft 112 is axially aligned with the biasing element 110 and the first flow channel 140, and the shaft 112 radially compresses the first seal 106 and the second seal 108 against the second axially extending wall 126.

[0032] The seal arrangement 100 includes a first flow passage 148, a second flow passage 150, and a third flow passage 152. The first seal 106 seals the first flow passage 148 from the third flow passage 152, and the second seal 108 seals the first flow passage 148 from the second flow passage 150. The first flow passage 148 is bounded, at least in part, by the first seal 106 and the second seal 108 and the first flow channel 140. That is, the first flow passage 148 passes through a biasing element 110 between the first seal 106 and the second seal 108 to enter the first flow channel 140. Pressurized fluid may be provided to the first flow passage 148 from the shaft 112, for example, from the first outlet channel 144. By "bounded in part," it is meant that a portion of the referenced chamber, flow passage, or other structure is bounded or formed by the referenced element.

[0033] The second flow passage 150 is bounded, at least in part, by the second flow channel 142, the second seal 108, and the housing 102. That is, the second flow passage 150 passes through the second flow channel 142 and into the cavity 118. Pressurized fluid may be directed from the second flow passage 150 between the end wall 132 and the shaft 112. The pressurized fluid directed from the second flow passage 150 may exert an axial force on the second seal 108, as discussed above. In this situation, the biasing element 110 provides an opposing axial force to maintain contact between the second seal 108 and the housing 102.

[0034] The third flow passage 152 is bounded, at least in part, by the seal plate 104 and the first seal 106. That is, the third flow passage 152 flows along the seal plate 104 and the first seal 106. Pressurized fluid may be directed from the third flow passage 152 to the shaft 112 (e.g., the second outlet channel 146). The pressurized fluid directed from the third flow passage 152 may exert an axial force on the first seal 106, as discussed above. In this situation, the biasing element 110 provides an opposing axial force to maintain contact between the first seal 106 and the seal plate 104.

[0035] By providing the sealing arrangement with a spring configured to enable pressurized fluid to flow radially through the sealing arrangement while simultaneously axially biasing the two seals away from each other, the sealing arrangement is enabled to reduce the likelihood of leakage through multiple seals as a result of a shuttle effect caused by changes in fluid pressure around any one seal.

[0036] Although exemplary embodiments have been described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The terms used herein are terms of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As previously described, features of various embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the present disclosure that may not have been explicitly described or illustrated. Although various embodiments have been described as offering advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations in terms of one or more desired characteristics, those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes that depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes may include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, maintainability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, and the like. Thus, to the extent that any embodiment is described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations in terms of one or more characteristics, these embodiments are not outside the scope of the present disclosure and may be desirable for certain applications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 100 Sealing device 102 Housing 104 Seal plate 106 First Seal 108 Second Seal 110 Actuating element 112 Shaft 114 Radial outer surface 116 Axial side wall 118 Cavity 120 End 122 Axial Extending Wall 124 Radial Extending Wall 126 Axial Extending Wall 128 Radial Extending Wall 130 Axial Extending Wall 132 End wall 134 Radial extension 136 Axial extension 138 Radial extension 140 Flow Channel 142 Flow Channel 144 Exit Channel 146 Exit Channel 148 Channel 150 Channel 152 Channel AR Rotation Axis AD1 Axial direction AD2 Axial direction

Claims

1. A sealing device, comprising: a housing defining a cavity and including a flow channel extending through said housing to said cavity; a seal plate non-rotatably connected to the housing; a biasing element disposed within the cavity and axially aligned with the flow channel, the biasing element configured to allow fluid to flow radially through the biasing element and into the flow channel; a first seal disposed within the cavity and between the biasing element and the seal plate; a second seal disposed within the cavity and between the biasing element and a radially extending wall of the housing; The sealing arrangement, wherein the biasing element is configured to bias the first seal against the seal plate and to bias the second seal against the radially extending wall of the housing.

2. The seal arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the cavity is configured to receive a shaft, the shaft being configured to radially compress the first seal and the second seal against an axially extending wall of the housing.

3. The seal arrangement of claim 2 , wherein the shaft is configured to be radially spaced from the housing and the seal plate.

4. 2. The seal device of claim 1, wherein the seal device is configured to include a first flow path extending through the flow channel and between the first seal and the second seal, and a second flow path spaced from the first flow path, the second flow path being sealed from the first flow path via the first seal.

5. The seal arrangement of claim 4 , wherein the biasing element is configured to maintain contact between the first seal and the seal plate in response to changes in fluid pressure in the second flow passage.

6. 6. The sealing device of claim 5, wherein the sealing device is configured to include a third flow path spaced from the first flow path and the second flow path, the third flow path being sealed from the first flow path via the second seal.

7. The seal arrangement of claim 6 , wherein the biasing element is configured to maintain contact between the second seal and the radially extending wall of the housing in response to changes in fluid pressure in the third flow passage.

8. The seal arrangement of claim 4 , wherein the first flow path passes through the biasing element.

9. 2. The seal arrangement of claim 1, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a shaft having an outlet channel configured to discharge pressurized fluid, and the biasing element is radially disposed between the outlet channel and the flow channel.

10. The seal arrangement of claim 9 , wherein the outlet channel is configured to be axially aligned with the flow channel.

11. The seal arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the biasing element is a wave spring.

12. 2. The seal arrangement of claim 1, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a shaft having an outlet channel configured to discharge repressurization fluid, and the first seal is axially disposed between the biasing element and the outlet channel.

13. The seal arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the flow channel is configured to receive pressurized fluid from a shaft.

14. 2. The seal arrangement of claim 1, wherein the housing includes an additional flow channel extending through the housing and into the cavity, and the second seal is axially disposed between the additional flow channel and the flow channel.

15. The seal arrangement of claim 14 , wherein the further flow channel is configured to discharge pressurized fluid towards a shaft.

16. 1. A method of assembling a seal arrangement, comprising: providing a housing defining a cavity and including a flow channel extending through said housing into said cavity; inserting a seal into the cavity, the seal contacting an axially extending wall and a radially extending wall of the housing within the cavity; inserting a biasing element into the cavity, the biasing element contacting the seal and being axially aligned with the flow channel; inserting a further seal into the cavity, the further seal contacting the axially extending wall and the biasing element; providing a seal plate, the seal plate contacting the housing and the further seal; and non-rotatably connecting the seal plate to the housing.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the seal device is configured to include a first flow path extending through the flow channel and between the first seal and the second seal, and a second flow path spaced from the first flow path, the second flow path being sealed from the first flow path via the first seal.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the biasing element is configured to maintain contact between the first seal and the seal plate in response to a change in fluid pressure in the second flow passage.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the sealing device is configured to include a third flow path spaced apart from the first flow path and the second flow path, the third flow path being sealed from the first flow path via the second seal.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the biasing element is configured to maintain contact between the second seal and the radially extending wall of the housing in response to changes in fluid pressure in the third flow passage.

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