초록 ▼

According to a preferred embodiment, a mechanical face seal assembly comprises four generally ring-shaped members and plural spring devices. The first ring-shaped member is directly fastened (e.g., bolted) to the flanged structural section located at the end of the shaft sleeve. The first and second

According to a preferred embodiment, a mechanical face seal assembly comprises four generally ring-shaped members and plural spring devices. The first ring-shaped member is directly fastened (e.g., bolted) to the flanged structural section located at the end of the shaft sleeve. The first and second ring-shaped members are coaxially aligned and rotatively communicative at respective radial surfaces. The first ring-shaped member is made of a metal (or ceramic) matrix composite material. The second ring-shaped member is made of a polymer matrix composite material. The second and third ring-shaped members are mated via radial openings (in the second ring-shaped member) and corresponding radial projections (in the third ring-shaped member). The third ring-shaped member has axial projections and is thereby directly fastened (e.g., bolted) to the fourth ring-shaped member, which clampingly secures the third ring-shaped member with respect to the shaft. The third ring-shaped member contains the spring devices so that they push against the second ring-shaped member, which is consequently biased against the first ring-shaped member. Since each ring-shaped member is a "split" structure having two joinable semicircular halves, the entire sealing system can be installed without disassembling the shafting mechanism. The matrix composite compositions confer structural qualities on the first and second ring-shaped members, and further afford tribological "self-healing" properties of the wear junction therebetween. The resultant benefits include fewer parts, greater compactness, longer service life, and less frequent maintenance and repair.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A mechanical face seal combination suitable for use in connection with machinery of the type wherein an axially rotative shaft passes through an immobile housing, said combination comprising a first annulus, a second annulus and support apparatus; said first annulus having a first annular face wh

1. A mechanical face seal combination suitable for use in connection with machinery of the type wherein an axially rotative shaft passes through an immobile housing, said combination comprising a first annulus, a second annulus and support apparatus; said first annulus having a first annular face which is at least substantially planar; said second annulus having a second annular face which is at least substantially planar; said first annulus essentially constituting a unitary component of said combination, essentially consisting of a non-polymeric matrix-reinforcement composite material, and essentially having been formed as an integral whole so as to be characterized by structural integrity wherein said reinforcement contributes to said structural integrity of said first annulus; said second annulus essentially constituting a unitary component, essentially consisting of a polymeric matrix-reinforcement composite material, and essentially having been formed as an integral whole so as to be characterized by structural integrity wherein said reinforcement contributes to said structural integrity of said second annulus; said support apparatus including biasing means; said first annulus, said second annulus and said support apparatus being adaptable to arrangement wherein said first annulus is attached to said housing, said support apparatus is attached to said shaft, said first annular face and said second annular face coaxially abut so as to essentially describe the slidable rotatable engagement of said non-polymeric matrix-reinforcement composite material and said polymeric matrix-reinforcement composite material, and said support apparatus holds said second annulus in position with respect to said shaft whereby said biasing means contactingly presses said second annulus so as to approximately axially bias said second annular face against said first annular face; said first annulus being characterized by sufficient said structural integrity for withstanding said attachment to said housing; said second annulus being characterized by sufficient said structural integrity for withstanding said holding by said support apparatus, said withstanding of said holding including withstanding of said contacting pressing by said biasing means.