Seal member for machine joint assembly and system, method, and assembly thereof

Abstract

The 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 body (202 / 302) at the first end portion of the sealing member (200 / 300), and a second ring (220 / 320) fitted to the body (202 / 302) at the 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) extending radially outwardly away from the central longitudinal axis of the sealing member (200 / 300) at a second end of the body (202 / 302) associated with a second end portion of the sealing member (200 / 300).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to seal members for machine joint assemblies, as well as systems, methods, and assemblies thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] Machines, such as off-highway machines, may operate in a variety of environments. Such machines may include a chassis having frame components pivotally movable relative to the chassis that support one or more ground-engaging devices, such as wheels. The frame components may be pivotally attached to the main chassis by joint assemblies having bearings. If contaminants, such as mud, enter the bearings, the bearings can be damaged or impaired. For example, if debris accumulates within the bearings, operation of the bearings may be impaired such that they are subjected to increased mechanical loads that lead to premature failure or damage the bearings.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 10,288,174 ("the '174 patent") describes a sealing element for a joint between pivoting members movable about the axis of rotation of a machine shaft. The sealing element includes a ring, a flange, and a resiliently flexible intermediate portion interposed therebetween. According to the '174 patent, the intermediate portion has a ring end portion surrounding and connected to an outer ring surface of the ring, and a flange end portion connected to an inner flange surface of the flange such that the ring is relatively 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 may be referred to as a seal or sealing member, includes a 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 mated to the semi-flexible body at the first end portion of the sealing member and made of a material more rigid than the material of the semi-flexible body; and a second ring mated to the semi-flexible body at the second end portion of the sealing member and made of a material more rigid than the material of the semi-flexible body. The first diameter of the first ring can be less 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, extending radially outward away from the 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 sealingly coupled to a boss of a joint assembly and a second end portion opposite the first end portion sealingly coupled to a pivot 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 and 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 and made of a material more rigid than the rubber of the rubber body. A first width of the first end portion of the seal may be less than a second width of the second end portion of the seal, and / or the rubber body may have a flange extending radially outward, away from a central longitudinal axis of the seal, at a second end of the rubber body associated with the second end portion 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 an axis of rotation, a bearing coupled to the shaft such that it is rotatable about the axis of rotation with the shaft, a pivot mounted on the bearing such that it is rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to the shaft, 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 to the semi-rigid rubber body at the first end portion of the seal and made of steel or nylon, and a second ring molded to the semi-rigid rubber body at the second end portion of the seal and made of steel. The first diameter of the first ring may be less 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a machine in the form of an off-highway truck suitable for use with embodiments of a joint assembly having embodiments of a seal member constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary bottom view of the chassis of the machine of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view of the joint assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a machine in the form of an articulated dump truck (ADT) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a joint according to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a seal in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an end plan view of the seal of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 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. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a seal in accordance with one or more other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows the joint of FIG. 5 in assembled and operational condition. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows the joint of FIG. 5 in assembled and operational condition. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the joint of FIG. 9 in assembled and operational condition. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows the joint of FIG. 9 in assembled and operational condition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to seal members for machine joint assemblies, as well as systems, methods, and assemblies thereof.

[0009] 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a machine 50 in the form of an off-highway truck. In the illustrated embodiment, the machine 50 is a large, self-propelled off-highway vehicle capable of hauling several tons of material in operations such as mining and the like. However, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to machines 50 in the form of off-highway trucks.

[0010] For example, machine 50 can be any machine having a joint with a spherical bearing connecting the front suspension or A-frame to the front chassis. Accordingly, machine 50 can be any other suitable machine for use with a joint assembly having a seal member constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. According to one or more embodiments, the seal member may be considered a bowl seal based on the shape of the seal 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 a mining machine, wheel loader, backhoe, crane, compactor, dozer, wheel tractor, scrambler, material handling machine, or any other suitable machine that includes a joint assembly with a seal. FIG. 4 is a specific example of another embodiment of machine 50. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates machine 50 in the form of an articulated dump truck (ADT), which may have a somewhat different chassis, suspension, and joint layout compared to the off-highway truck (OHT) of machine 50 of FIG. 1 .

[0011] 1 , 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. Operator station 60 includes controls for operating machine 50 via power system 62. The illustrated operator station 60 is configured to define an interior cabin 70 within which the operator controls are housed and which is accessible via a door 72. Specifically, operator station 60 may include one or more operator interface devices configured to be used by a machine operator to operate machine 50 and perform tasks with machine 50, for example. Examples of operator interface devices include, but are not limited to, joysticks, steering wheels, and / or pedals, as are well known and understood in the industry. Of course, machine 50 may be autonomously or remotely controlled, and thus operator station 60 may simply be a legacy component or may be omitted when an operator is not within the vehicle.

[0012] Power system 62 is configured to provide power to machine 50. Power system 62 is operatively disposed with operator station 60 for receiving control signals from a control within operator station 60, and with drive system 64 and dump body 68 for selectively operating drive system 64 and dump body 68 in response to control signals received from operator station 60. Power system 62 is adapted to provide operating power for propulsion of drive system 64 and operation of dump body 68, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In the case of remote control of machine 50, power system 62 may receive wireless control signals from off-board machine 50.

[0013] In embodiments, power system 62 includes an engine, a cooling system or package, a transmission, and a hydraulic system, for example, at least partially housed within an engine compartment 75 supported by chassis 55. In embodiments, the engine may be any suitable engine, such as an internal combustion engine, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gas-fueled engine, or any other type of suitable engine. In embodiments, power system 62 may include multiple engines. A cooling system may be configured to cool the engine of power system 62.

[0014] The hydraulic system may include multiple components such as pumps, valves, and conduits, along with a hydraulic fluid reservoir. The hydraulic system, as well as other systems within machine 50, may include its own cooling system.

[0015] The dump body 68 defines a storage compartment configured to carry a payload such as, for example, mined material. The dump body 68 is pivotally mounted to the chassis 55 by a pair of pivot pins 82 that project from the dump body 68 and extend through a pair of body supports 84, one on each side of the dump body 68, located toward a rearward end 86 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 is movable through a range of travel between a storage position (shown in FIG. 1 ) and a fully tilted discharge position (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 ).

[0016] The dump body 68 includes a canopy 88 that extends outwardly from the dump body 68 when the dump body 68 is in the stored position, as shown in FIG. 1 . When the dump body 68 is in the stored position, the canopy 88 extends over the operator station 60 and is configured to protect the operator station from falling debris overhead while the dump body 68 is being loaded. In other embodiments, different styles of dump bodies 68 can be used. In an embodiment, the dump body 68 can include a tailgate at its rear end 86 that is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position.

[0017] In embodiments, at least one actuator 90 is provided that is adapted to selectively move the dump body through a range of travel between a storage position and a fully tilted discharge position. In embodiments, the actuator 90 may be any suitable actuator, such as, for example, an extendable cylinder in the form of a hydraulic or water-hydraulic cylinder, as known to those skilled in the art. In embodiments, the machine 50 may include a single extendable cylinder, for example, a conventional pair of extendable cylinders, or three or more cylinders for selectively pivoting the dump body 68.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of actuators in the form of extendable cylinders 90 are provided. Each of the extendable cylinders 90 is pivotally connected to a respective side of the chassis 55 and the dump body 68. Each extendable cylinder 90 is movable through a range of travel between a stowed position (shown in FIG. 1 ) and an extended position to place the dump body 68 in its stored and fully tilted positions, respectively.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, when the cylinders 90 are in the stowed position, the dump body 68 is in a storage position for receiving a payload therein. When the cylinders 90 are in the extended position, the forward end 92 of the dump body 68 is raised relative to the chassis 55, causing the dump body 68 to pivot about the pivot axis to one of a series of discharge positions, including a fully tilted discharge position for discharging a payload stored within the dump body 68 from its rear end 86. This movement of the dump body 68 may be controlled off-board the machine 50, for example, using operator interface devices housed within and / or external to the operator station 60.

[0020] Drive system 64 is operatively disposed with power system 62 for selectively propelling machine 50 via control signals transmitted through operator station 60 and / or external to operator station 60, e.g., off-board machine 50. Drive system 64 may include a plurality of ground engaging members, such as front wheels 80 and rear wheels 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.

[0021] Wheels 80, 81 may be movably connected to chassis 55 via any suitable means, such as axles, drive shafts, or other components well understood in the art. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , rear wheels 81 may be supported by an A-frame 94. A-frame 94 may include a rear axle 96 that rotatably supports the pair of rear wheels 81 and a pair of suspension mounting brackets 98 adapted to support one end of a suspension system extending between A-frame 94 and chassis 55. A joint assembly 100 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure may be provided for pivotally mounting a mounting nose 102 of A-frame 94 to a fork 104 of chassis 55.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 3 , an exemplary embodiment of a joint assembly 100 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure is shown. The joint assembly 100 may include a seal member 200 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The joint assembly 100 of FIG. 3 is provided on the machine 50 of FIG. 1 to pivotally mount the mounting nose 102 of the A-frame 94 to the chassis 55 such that the A-frame 94 is pivotally movable relative to the chassis 55. The A-frame 94 can rotate relative to the chassis 55 through the movable connection provided by the joint assembly 100. In other embodiments, joint assemblies constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure can be used on other machines and in other joint assembly applications. Here, according to one or more embodiments, the joint assembly 100 may enable movement (e.g., rotation, pivoting, or tilting) in multiple planes.

[0023] With further reference to FIG. 3 and now to FIG. 5, the illustrated joint assembly 100 can include a seal member 200, a shaft 112 (see, e.g., FIG. 5), a pivot member 114 (which may be in the form of an A-frame 94), which may be referred to herein simply as a "pivot," and a bearing 118. The seal member 200 can be connected to a pivot member side 119 of the pivot member 114, which in this case may be an A-frame 94 in the illustrated embodiment. Thus, the shaft 112 can be connected to and extend from a fork 104 of the chassis 55 of the machine 50. In other embodiments, the shaft 112 can be attached to different components of the machine 50. In embodiments, the shaft 112 can be made of multiple components that can be assembled together from both sides of the pivot member 114. Furthermore, the shaft 112 can define an axis of rotation. The pivot member 114 can rotate about the axis of rotation relative to the shaft 112. A bearing 118 may be interposed between the shaft 112 and the pivot member 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing 118 is a spherical plain bearing. Further, in embodiments, the bearing 118 may include a bearing that may be considered a "maintenance-free" bearing unless, for example, a lubricant is applied to the bearing interface after installation. Alternatively, the bearing 118 may be a so-called lubricated bearing (i.e., a bearing that is not maintenance-free), whereby the joint is lubricated (e.g., with grease).

[0024] 5, which is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of joint assembly 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, seal member 200 may be between boss 116 and pivot member 114. As discussed in more detail below, seal member 200 may be comprised of a body 202, a first ring 210, and a second ring 220. Optionally, seal member 200 may be comprised of a body 202, a first ring 210, and a second ring 220.

[0025] More specifically, with respect to installation of seal member 200, seal member 200 may have a first end portion coupled to boss 116 and a second end portion opposite the first end portion coupled to pivot member 114. When the first end portion of seal member 200 is coupled to boss 116, a seal may be formed. Thus, the first end portion of seal member 200 may be considered to be sealingly coupled to boss 116. Similarly, when the second end portion of seal member 200 is coupled to pivot member 114, a seal may be formed. Thus, the second end portion of seal member 200 may be considered to be sealingly coupled to pivot member 114.

[0026] The first end portion of the seal member 200 may be press-fit into the boss 116. Such a press-fit may create a seal between the first end portion of the seal member 200 and the boss 116. More specifically, with further reference to FIG. 5 and now to FIG. 6, which is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 5, the body 202 of the seal member 200 may include a neck portion 204 at the first end portion of the seal 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 one another in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seal member 200 (or of the shaft 112), such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The beads 208 may also extend around the entire inner diameter of the neck portion 204, e.g., parallel to one another, such as shown in FIG. 7. In addition to creating a seal between the seal member 200 and the boss 116 , the bead 208 may also help hold the seal member 200 in place around a corresponding portion of the boss 116 .

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the number of beads 208 can be four, although embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to four beads (there can be more or less than four). In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the beads 208 can be arranged so that there are no beads 208 at the top of the inner diameter of the neck portion 204, one of the beads 208 at the bottom of the inner diameter of the neck portion 204, and multiple beads 208 between the top and bottom beads 208. It is also noted that the top of the neck portion 204 can have an internal chamfer and / or an external chamfer, such as shown in FIG. 6 . At least the internal chamfer can be considered a lead-in chamfer. According to one or more embodiments, if the top portion of the neck portion 204 has an internal chamfer, the beads 208 may not be at the top of the inner diameter of the neck portion 204. Such a configuration may aid in assembly of the joint assembly 100. Of course, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the particular configuration and / or placement of the beads 208, as shown in FIG. 6 .

[0028] The bead 208 may directly contact the boss 116, such as shown in FIG. 5 , to provide at least a portion of a press-fit seal between the seal member 200 and the boss 116. The top surface 205 of the neck portion 204 may also contact the boss 116, such as shown in FIG. 6 , to form another portion of a press-fit seal between the seal 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 seal member 200 may be considered a primary seal at the first end portion of the seal member 200, and the seal at the top surface 205 of the neck portion 204 may be considered a secondary seal between the first end portion of the seal member 200 and the boss 116. Incidentally, the top surface 205 of the neck portion 204 may define the top surface of the body 202 and / or the seal member 200. Such top surface 205 may be referred to herein as the first end of the body 202 and / or the seal member 200.

[0029] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, first ring 210 can be spaced radially outward of the inner diameter of neck portion 204. Thus, a portion of neck portion 204 can be between first ring 210 and boss 116, such as shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, first ring 210 can extend below the bottom of the inner diameter of neck portion 204. Thus, first ring 210 can define at least a portion of the inner diameter of seal member 200.

[0030] As described above, the second end portion of the seal member 200 may be press-fit into the pivot member 114. Such a press-fit may create a seal between the second end portion of the seal member 200 and the pivot member 114. More specifically, referring, for example, to FIG. 5 , which illustrates a partially assembled joint assembly 100, i.e., when the second end portion of the seal member 200 is coupled to the pivot member 114 (see also FIGS. 11 and 12 for the fully assembled joint assembly 100), the second end portion of the seal member 200 may be provided within a groove or channel 128 in the pivot member 114. The groove 128 in the pivot member 114 may be continuous and may conform to or otherwise receive the shape of the second end portion of the seal member 200.

[0031] Among other features, the body 202 of the seal member 200 may have a flange 206 at its second end portion, such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 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, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 , the flange 206 may have a length that is greater than its width, i.e., its length in the radially outward direction is greater than its thickness, e.g., in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seal member 200. Thus, the flange 206 may be considered long and elongated. In this regard, as discussed in more detail below, the flange 206 may bend upward when the second end portion of the seal member 200 is fitted within the groove 128.

[0032] 7 and 8, which respectively show a cross-sectional view of seal member 200 and an end plan view of seal member 200 from its second end, as discussed above, seal member 200 may be comprised of (or consist of) body 202, first ring 210, and second ring 220. As shown, a first width at a first end portion of seal member 200 may be less than a second width at a second end portion of seal member 200. Similarly, a diameter of first ring 210 may be less than a diameter of second ring 220. Furthermore, according to one or more embodiments, sealing member 500 may have a width that is greater than its height, and body 202, first ring 210, and / or second ring 220 may be circular in an end plan view of seal member 200, such as shown in FIG. 8. Accordingly, seal member 200 may be considered bowl-shaped.

[0033] Body 202 may define a first opening in seal member 200. Such first opening may receive a portion of boss 116, as described above, to create a seal between a first end portion of seal member 200 and boss 116. First opening may also accommodate shaft 112, which may also extend through the opening in boss 116. First ring 210 may also be considered to form part or all of the first opening.

[0034] Body 202 may also define a second opening in seal member 200. Such second opening may be sized based on the size of groove 128, as described above, such that a second end portion of seal member 200 may fit within groove 128. The second opening may also accommodate shaft 112 and, optionally, a portion of bearing 118. Second ring 220 may also be considered to form part or all of the second opening in seal member 200.

[0035] According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the second ring 220 may have one or more openings, grooves, or channels 222 at its end. The grooves 222 may 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 may be circumferentially spaced from one another around the circumference of the second ring 220, e.g., evenly around the circumference. For example, pairs of grooves 222 may be offset 180 degrees from one another. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 shows eight grooves 222, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not so limited. The grooves 222 may provide pressure relief for lubricant (e.g., grease) within the seal member 200 due to relatively high pressures that may be caused by operation of the joint assembly 100. Thus, the grooves 222 may be considered pressure relief grooves. In this regard, the grooves 222 may allow lubricant to pass from the inside of the joint assembly to the outside of the joint assembly due to the relatively high pressures caused by operation of the joint assembly 100 .

[0036] The flange 206 can also provide pressure relief for the lubricant due to relatively high pressures that may be caused by 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, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , with the second end portion of the seal member 200 fully seated within the groove 128, the flange 206 may be bent upward within the groove 128. Here, when bent, the flange 206 may contact the sidewalls of the groove 128 but may not contact the floor of the groove 128. Rather, the end of the second ring 220 having the groove 222 may contact the floor of the groove 128. Thus, the end face of the second ring 220 may define the second end of the seal member 200, with the flange 206 offset (e.g., 2 mm) toward the first end portion of the seal member 200 relative to the end face of the second ring 220. Otherwise, the material of the body 202 may flow into the grooves 222 during molding and block the grooves 222 .

[0037] Lubricant can flow through the grooves 222 and into the bent flange 206. Relatively high pressure, if high enough to "break" the seal created by the bent flange 206, can further distort or deflect the flange 206, allowing the lubricant to pass to the outside of the seal member 200. For example, application of a lubricant (e.g., grease) to the joint can cause an increase in internal pressure, such as in cold weather conditions where the lubricant may be more viscous, which can then cause the lubricant to escape through one or more of the grooves 222. Movement of the joint assembly 100 from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 12 also can cause the lubricant to escape from one or more of the grooves 222, for example, from the left side of the joint assembly 100, due to a decrease in the normal contact pressure of the second ring 220.

[0038] The body 202 may be made of a semi-flexible and semi-rigid material, such as rubber. The first ring 210 and the second ring 220 may 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 may be nylon or steel, and the material of the second ring 220 may be steel. For the first ring 210, the material and structure may provide rigidity to hold the seal member 200 in place (around a portion of the boss 116). For the second ring 210, the material and structure may provide rigidity and locate / guide the second end portion into the groove 128. Optionally, the body 202 may taper from a thicker to a thinner state at the interface with the second ring 220, such as shown in FIG. 7 . Such tapering may facilitate assembly.

[0039] First ring 210 can be fitted to neck portion 204 at a first end portion of body 202. Similarly, second ring 220 can be fitted to body 202 at a second end portion of the body. Here, according to one or more embodiments, each of first ring 210 and second ring 220 can be molded onto body 202. That is, body 202 can be molded onto first ring 210 and / or second ring 220 according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0040] 9 and 10, these figures illustrate a seal member 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. While seal member 200 may be oriented toward a lubricated bearing joint, seal member 300 may be oriented toward a non-lubricated bearing joint, also known as a maintenance-free bearing joint.

[0041] The seal 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 seal member 300 may be comprised of a body 302, a first ring 310, and a second ring 320. Notably, the end of the second ring 320 does not include any openings, ports, or vents (e.g., 222, discussed above). Rather, the end face of the second ring 320 may be completely flat, without or including one or more pressure relief grooves.

[0042] The body 302 may also include a flange 306. Here, the flange 306 may have a thickness in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seal member 300 that is equal to or greater than the length of the flange 306 in the radially outward direction away from the second ring 320. Thus, 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. Rather, the end of the flange 306 may abut the sidewall of the groove 128, such as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 . Furthermore, the flange 306 may not contact the floor of the groove 128, as also shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 . A relatively thick flange 306 abutting the sidewall of the groove 128 may 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 may also prevent debris (e.g., dirt) from entering the interior of the joint assembly 100. [Industrial Applicability]

[0043] As described above, the present disclosure relates to a seal member for a joint assembly of a machine, as well as systems, methods, and assemblies thereof. One or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be for a lubricated bearing (i.e., a maintenance-free bearing) in a joint assembly of a machine, and one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be for a maintenance-free bearing in a joint assembly of a machine. Here, the joint assembly and / or machine may be the same for various embodiments of the seal member, regardless of whether the bearing is lubricated or not. According to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the joint may be a so-called A-frame joint of an off-highway truck (OHT) or an articulated dump truck (ADT).

[0044] Regarding assembly and operation, a seal member such as seal member 200 or seal member 300 can be provided. The body 202 / 302 of seal member 200 / 300 can 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 can be affixed to the body 202 / 302 via, for example, an adhesive.

[0045] According to one or more embodiments, the seal member 200 / 300 may be provided pre-assembled to the boss 116, such as shown in Figures 5 and 9, where the bead 208 / 308 may be press-fit into a portion of the boss 116, which may help hold the seal member 200 / 300 in place, such as shown in Figures 5 and 9. The first ring 210 / 310 may provide rigidity and help hold the seal member 200 / 300 in place.

[0046] 5 to 11 for seal member 200 and FIG. 9 to 13 for seal member 300, seal member 200 / 300 already connected to boss 116 can self-position and self-seal within groove 128 of pivot member 114 due to, for example, the thickness, rigidity, and / or stiffness of seal member 200 / 300 (including based at least on second ring 220 / 320). That is, an A-frame head can simply be provided up to seal member 200 / 300 connected to boss 116, and the thickness and semi-rigidity of body 202 / 302 can press the second end portion of seal member 200 / 300 into groove 128, such as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 13. When installed, the end face of second ring 210 / 310 can abut the floor of groove 128. 11, flange 206 may be bent away from the second end of seal member 200 against the sidewall defining groove 128 in pivot member 114 and may not contact the floor defining groove 128 in pivot member 114. Also, in FIG. 13, the end of flange 306 may abut the sidewall defining groove 128 in pivot member 114 without flange 306 contacting the floor defining groove 128 in pivot member 114.

[0047] Operation of the joint assembly 100 may involve rotation or pivoting of the joint. For example, the joint assembly 100 may move from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 12 or from the position shown in FIG. 13 to the position shown in FIG. 14 depending on the type of joint, i.e., lubricated or maintenance-free. As shown in FIGS. 11-14, the body 202 / 302 may be flexible. As the seal member 200 / 300 undergoes different mechanical operations, it may have maximum compression at one end and minimum compression at its opposite end. In the case of a joint assembly 100 using the seal member 200, lubricant may flow through the groove 222 and into the bent flange 206. Relatively high pressure, if high enough to "break" the seal created by the bent flange 206, may further distort the flange 206 and allow the lubricant to pass out of the seal member 200. For example, as discussed above, application of a lubricant (e.g., grease) to the joint, for example, in cold weather conditions where the lubricant may be more viscous, may cause an increase in internal pressure, which may then cause the lubricant to escape through one or more of the grooves 222. Movement of the joint assembly 100 from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the position shown in FIG. 12, and a decrease in the normal contact pressure of the second ring 220, may cause the lubricant to escape from one or more of the grooves 222, for example, from the left side of the joint assembly 100.

[0048] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may also be described according to the following parenthetical statements: (1) A joint assembly for a machine comprising: a shaft defining an axis of rotation; a bearing coupled to the shaft such that the bearing is rotatable about the axis of rotation with the shaft; a pivot mounted on the bearing and rotatable about the axis of rotation relative to the shaft; 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 comprising: 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 to the semi-rigid rubber body at the first end portion of the seal and made of steel or nylon; and a second ring molded to the semi-rigid rubber body at the second end portion of the seal and made of steel, the first diameter of the first ring being less than the second diameter of the second ring, the semi-rigid rubber body having a circumferential flange at its end associated with the second end portion of the seal extending radially outward, away from the shaft. (2) A joint assembly as described in (1), wherein a first end portion of the seal is sealingly coupled to the boss via a press fit and a second end portion of the seal is sealingly coupled to the pivot via a press fit into a continuous groove in the pivot. (3) A joint assembly as described in (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 for direct contact with the boss for at least a portion of the press fit of the seal into the boss, the plurality of beads being spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. (4) A 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-hard rubber body. (5) A joint assembly described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein the end face 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 circumferentially spaced therearound. (6) A joint assembly according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the circumferential flange has a length in the radially outward direction that is greater than its thickness in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. (7) A joint assembly described in any one of (1) to (6), wherein the end face of the second ring at the second end of the seal associated with the second end portion of the seal is completely flat and does not include one or more pressure relief grooves. (8) A joint assembly according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the circumferential flange has a thickness in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft that is equal to or greater than its length in the radially outward direction. (9) A method including providing a seal having a first end portion sealingly coupled to a boss of a joint assembly and a second end portion opposite the first end portion sealingly coupled to a pivot of the joint assembly, the seal including: 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 and 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 and 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, and the rubber body has a flange extending radially outward away from a central longitudinal axis of the seal at a second end of the rubber body associated with the second end portion of the seal. (10) The method of (9), further comprising attaching the seal to the joint assembly such that a first end portion of the seal is press-fit into the boss and a second end portion of the seal is press-fit into the groove of the pivot. (11) The method of (9) or (10), wherein the end face of the second ring at the second end of the seal has a plurality of pressure relief grooves, and the method further includes allowing lubricating oil injection to be discharged from some or all of the plurality of pressure relief grooves in response to orbital movement of the shaft. (12) A method according to any one of (9) to (11), wherein the flange has a radially outward length greater than its thickness in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and the mounting of the seal in the joint assembly is such that the end face of the second ring at the second end of the seal abuts against the floor defining the groove of the pivot, and the flange is bent away from the second end of the seal against the side wall defining the groove in the pivot and is not in contact with the floor defining the groove of the pivot. (13) A method according to any one of (9) to (12), wherein the circumferential flange has a thickness in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft that is equal to or greater than the radially outward length, and the mounting of the seal within the joint assembly is such that the end face of the second ring at the second end of the seal abuts against the floor defining the groove in the pivot, and the side walls of the flange abut against the side walls defining the groove in the pivot without the flange contacting the floor defining the groove in the pivot. (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 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 fitted to the semi-flexible body at the first end portion of the sealing member and made of a material more rigid than the material of the semi-flexible body; and a second ring secured to the semi-flexible body at the second end portion of the sealing member and made of a material more rigid than the material of the semi-flexible body, wherein a first diameter of the first ring is less than a second diameter of the second ring, and the semi-flexible body has a flange extending radially outward, away from a central longitudinal axis of the sealing member, at a second end of the semi-flexible body associated with the second end portion of the sealing member. (15) The sealing member according to (14), wherein the semi-flexible body is made of rubber, the first ring is made of steel or nylon, and the second ring is made of steel. (16) A sealing member as described in (14) or (15), wherein the end face of the second ring at the second end portion of the sealing member has a plurality of grooves each extending radially from the inner diameter of the second ring to the outer diameter of the second ring, and the flange has a radially outward length greater than a thickness of the flange in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sealing member. (17) A sealing member described in any one of (14) to (16), wherein the end face of the second ring at the second end portion of the sealing member is completely flat and does not include any pressure relief grooves, and the flange has a thickness in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sealing member that is equal to or greater than the length of the flange in the radially outward direction. (18) A sealing member according to any one of (14) to (17), wherein the semi-flexible body, the first ring, and the second ring are each circular in an end plan view of the sealing member. (19) The sealing member according to any one of (14) to (18), wherein the sealing member has a width greater than its height. (20) A sealing member described in 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 beads on its inner diameter, the plurality of beads being spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sealing member.

[0049] It should be noted that as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. That is, unless expressly specified otherwise, the terms "a," "an," etc., as used herein, mean "one or more." The term "at least one," when used following a list of one or more items (e.g., "at least one of A and B," or "one or more of A and B"), shall be interpreted to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B), or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Similarly, the term "or" as used herein refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase "A, B, or C" refers to at least one of A, B, and C, or any combination thereof, such as a plurality of any of the items: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C, etc.

[0050] Furthermore, it should be understood that terms such as "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "side," "height," "length," "width," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "internal," "external," and the like that may be used herein merely indicate points of reference and do not limit embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," "third," and the like merely identify one of multiple parts, components, points of reference, operations, and / or functions described herein and similarly do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular configuration or orientation.

[0051] While 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 envisioned by modification of the disclosed machines, assemblies, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. 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), comprising: a shaft (112) defining an axis of rotation; a bearing (118) coupled to the shaft (112) so as to be rotatable by the shaft (112) about the axis of rotation; a pivot (114) mounted on said bearing (118) so as to be rotatable about said axis of rotation relative to said shaft (112); Boss (116) and a seal (200 / 300) having a first end portion sealingly connected to the boss (116) and a second end portion opposite the first end portion sealingly connected to the pivot (114); The seal (200 / 300) a semi-rigid rubber body (202 / 302) defining a first opening at the first end portion of the seal and a second opening at the second end portion of the seal (200 / 300); a first ring (210 / 310) molded to the semi-rigid rubber body (202 / 302) at the first end portion of the seal (200 / 300), the first ring being made of steel or nylon; a second ring (220 / 320) molded to the semi-rigid rubber body (202 / 302) at the second end portion of the seal (200 / 300) and made of steel; a first diameter of the first ring is less than a second diameter of the second ring; The semi-rigid rubber body (202 / 302) has a circumferential flange (206 / 306) extending radially outwardly away from the shaft (112) at an end thereof associated with the second end portion of the seal (200 / 300).

2. the first end portion of the seal (200 / 300) is sealingly coupled to the boss (116) via a press fit; 2. The joint assembly of claim 1, 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.

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

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

5. 2. The joint assembly of claim 1, wherein an end face of the second ring at a second end of the seal associated with the second end portion of the seal has a plurality of pressure relief grooves circumferentially spaced therearound.

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

7. 2. The joint assembly of claim 1, wherein an end face of the second ring at a second end of the seal associated with the second end portion of the seal is completely flat and does not include one or more pressure relief grooves.

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

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

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

11. an end face of the second ring at the second end portion of the sealing member having a plurality of grooves each extending radially from an inner diameter of the second ring to an outer diameter of the second ring; 10. The sealing member of claim 9, wherein the flange (206) has a length in the radially outward direction that is greater than a thickness of the flange (206) in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sealing member (200).

12. the end face of the second ring (320) at the second end portion of the sealing member (300) is completely flat and does not include any pressure relief grooves (222); 10. The sealing member of claim 9, wherein the flange (306) has a thickness in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sealing member (300) that is equal to or greater than a length of the flange (306) in the radially outward direction.

13. 10. The sealing 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 sealing member (200 / 300).

14. 10. The sealing member of claim 9, wherein said sealing member (200 / 300) has its width greater than its height.

15. a neck portion (204) of the semi-flexible body (202 / 302) at the first end portion of the sealing member (200 / 300) having a plurality of beads (208) on an inner diameter thereof; The sealing member of claim 9, wherein the plurality of beads (208) are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sealing member (200 / 300).

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