阅读说明：本技术 唇形密封件 (Lip seal ) 是由 B·J·赫伯斯 M·J·齐塞尔 H·连 于 2019-09-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种密封件(300)包括限定径向方向(R)、轴向方向(A)和周向方向(C)的环形本体(202),该密封件进一步限定包括周边(206)的横截面区域(204)。周边(206)包括第一轴向末端(208)、第二轴向末端(210)、外部径向末端(212)以及内部径向末端(214)。周边(206)还包括第一轴向末端限定表面(302)和第二轴向末端限定表面(304)、插入在内部径向末端(214)与第二轴向末端(210)之间的第一凹形弧形表面(244),以及插入在外部径向末端(212)与第二轴向末端(210)之间的第二凹形弧形表面(246)。(A seal (300) includes an annular body (202) defining a radial direction (R), an axial direction (a), and a circumferential direction (C), the seal further defining a cross-sectional area (204) including a perimeter (206). The periphery (206) includes a first axial end (208), a second axial end (210), an outer radial end (212), and an inner radial end (214). The perimeter (206) further includes a first axial end defining surface (302) and a second axial end defining surface (304), a first concave arcuate surface (244) interposed between the inner radial end (214) and the second axial end (210), and a second concave arcuate surface (246) interposed between the outer radial end (212) and the second axial end (210).)

1. A seal (200, 200') comprising:

an annular body (202, 202 ') defining a radial direction (R, R'), an axial direction (A, A '), and a circumferential direction (C, C'); and

further defining a cross-sectional area (204, 204 ') including a perimeter (206, 206 '), the perimeter (206, 206 ') including

A first axial end (208, 208'),

a second axial end (210, 210'),

an outer radial end (212, 212'), and

an inner radial end (214, 214');

wherein the periphery (206, 206 ') further comprises a first angled surface (216, 216') forming a first acute angle (218, 218 ') with the radial direction (R, R') ranging from 10 degrees to 30 degrees, a second angled surface (220, 220 ') forming a second acute angle (222, 222') with the radial direction (R, R ') ranging from 30 degrees to 50 degrees, and a first convex arcuate surface (224, 224') interposed between the first angled surface (216, 216 ') and the second angled surface (220, 220'), defining the first axial end (208, 208 ') and defining a first convex arcuate surface radius of curvature (226, 226') ranging from.01 mm to 1.0 mm.

2. The seal (200, 200 ') according to claim 1, wherein the first angled surface (216, 216') extends from the outer radial end (212, 212 '), the second angled surface (220, 220') extends from the inner radial end (214, 214 '), and the first angled surface (216, 216') forms a first obtuse angle (230, 230 ') ranging from 100 degrees to 140 degrees with the second angled surface (220, 220').

3. The seal (200, 200 ') according to claim 2, wherein the periphery (206, 206') includes a first axially extending surface (232, 232 ') defining the outer radial end (212, 212') and a radially inner arcuate surface (234, 234 ') defining the inner radial end (214, 214').

4. The seal (200, 200 ') according to claim 3, wherein the first axially extending surface (232, 232 ') defines a first axial length (236, 236 ') ranging from 2mm to 5mm, the radially inner arcuate surface (234, 234 ') may define a radially inner convexity value (238, 238 ') ranging from.01 mm to.3 mm and the radially inner arcuate surface (234, 234 ') defines a curved length (240, 240 ') ranging from 6mm to 8mm or 1.5mm to 3 mm.

5. The seal (200, 200 ') according to claim 4, wherein the periphery (206, 206') further comprises a first radially extending surface (242) defining the second axial end (210), a first concave arcuate surface (244) interposed between the radially inner arcuate surface (234) and the first radially extending surface (244), and a second concave arcuate surface (246) interposed between the first radially extending surface (242) and the first axially extending surface (232).

6. A seal (300) comprising:

an annular body (202) defining a radial direction (R), an axial direction (A), and a circumferential direction (C); and

further defining a cross-sectional area (204) including a perimeter (206), the perimeter (206) including

A first axial end (208),

a second axial end (210),

an outer radial tip (212), and

an inner radial tip (214);

wherein the perimeter (206) includes a first axial end defining surface (302) and a second axial end defining surface (304), a first concave arcuate surface (244) interposed between the inner radial end (214) and the second axial end (210), and a second concave arcuate surface (246) interposed between the outer radial end (212) and the second axial end (210).

7. The seal (300) of claim 6 wherein said first axial tip defining surface (302) comprises a first convex arcuate surface (224) and said second axial defining surface (304) comprises a first radially extending surface (242).

8. The seal (300) of claim 7, wherein the periphery (206) includes an inner radially convex arcuate surface (306) defining the inner radial tip (214), and an outer axially extending flat surface (308) defining the outer radial tip (212).

9. The seal (300) of claim 6, wherein the first concave arcuate surface (244) defines a first concave arcuate surface radius of curvature (310) ranging from 10mm to 12mm, and the second concave arcuate surface (246) defines a second concave arcuate surface radius of curvature (312) ranging from 8mm to 10 mm.

10. The seal (300) of claim 7, wherein the first convex arcuate surface (224) defines a first convex arcuate surface radius of curvature (226) ranging from.01 mm to 3mm, and the first radially extending surface (242) defines a first radial length (314) ranging from 2mm to 3mm, and the inner radially convex arcuate surface (306) defines a radially inner convexity value (307) ranging from.01 mm to.3 mm.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to lip seals, such as lip seals used in track chains for track driven vehicles and the like. In particular, the present invention relates to a lip seal that may be used without a thrust ring being required for use in a track chain of a track driven machine, such as for use in machines of the earthmoving, construction, agricultural and mining industries.

Background

Machines such as those used in the earthworking, construction, and mining industries use lip seals in their track chain assemblies to allow various components such as track links, track pins, and track bushings to rotate relative to one another while sealing with a lubricant to extend the useful life of these rotary or oscillating joints.

Over time, these lip seals may wear or release an appropriate amount of load force to urge the lip seals into contact with components of the track chain. Thus, lubricants such as grease may begin to leak. Once the joint loses lubricant, heating, wear, deformation, etc. may begin to occur, which requires repair or replacement of the track chain. In addition, contaminants may infiltrate the joint, exacerbating these problems and leading to premature replacement of the track chain. This may result in undesirable downtime of the machine.

Various prior art solutions have been developed, but do not always provide sufficient contact pressure between a lip seal and its adjacent track chain member. Also, additional components in the form of thrust rings may also be provided or required, thereby undesirably increasing the cost of the track chain.

U.S. patent application publication No. 2016/0176454a1 to diekeevers et al discloses a track pin joint assembly that includes a pin, a first link, a second link pivotable about the pin relative to the first link, and a seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a seal ring, a load ring, and a seal lip. The load ring is mounted to the seal ring and sealingly engages the first link. The seal lip is connected to the second link such that the seal lip surrounds the pin channel of the second link and extends axially from the second link toward the seal ring. The seal lip is in sealing contact with the radial flange of the seal ring (see abstract of diekeevers). Further, a thrust ring configured to transfer axial loads between adjacent track link members is provided (see paragraph 62 of diekeevers).

It can be seen that the prior art solutions require multiple parts, which increases the cost of the seal assembly and track chain assembly. Furthermore, the prior art solutions may not provide sufficient contact pressure in some applications.

Disclosure of Invention

A seal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an annular body defining a radial direction, an axial direction, and a circumferential direction; and further defines a cross-sectional area that includes a perimeter. The perimeter may include a first axial end, a second axial end, an outer radial end, and an inner radial end. The periphery further comprises a first angled surface forming a first acute angle with the radial direction ranging from 10 degrees to 30 degrees; a second angled surface forming a second acute angle with the radial direction ranging from 30 degrees to 50 degrees; and a first convex arcuate surface interposed between the first angled surface and the second angled surface, the first convex arcuate surface defining a first axial terminus and defining a radius of curvature of the first convex arcuate surface ranging from.01 mm to 1.0 mm.

A seal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an annular body defining a radial direction, an axial direction, and a circumferential direction; and further defines a cross-sectional area that includes a perimeter. The perimeter may include a first axial end, a second axial end, an outer radial end, and an inner radial end. The perimeter may include first and second axial tip defining surfaces, a first concave arcuate surface interposed between the inner radial tip and the second axial tip, and a second concave arcuate surface interposed between the outer radial tip and the second axial tip.

A seal according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an annular body defining a radial direction, an axial direction, and a circumferential direction; and further defines a cross-sectional area that includes a perimeter. The perimeter may include a first axial end, a second axial end, an outer radial end, and an inner radial end. The perimeter may include a first axial tip defining surface and a second axial tip defining surface, a first concave arcuate surface interposed between the inner radial tip and the second axial tip, a second concave arcuate surface interposed between the outer radial tip and the second axial tip, a first angled surface interposed between the outer radial tip and the first axial tip, and a second angled surface interposed between the inner radial tip and the first axial tip.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a track-type machine including a track using lip seals, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a track chain using a lip seal according to the embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a track chain assembly illustrating the use of a lip seal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the lip seal shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lip seal of fig. 4 taken along a plane containing the radial and axial directions of the lip seal.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail view of the lip seal of fig. 5, more clearly showing the top of the cross-sectional geometry.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged front detail view of a tab extending from the outer periphery of the lip seal of fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the lip seal of fig. 4, showing the axial extent of the tabs extending from the outer periphery of the lip seal.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a track chain assembly similar to fig. 3, which may be used with the track chain of fig. 2 on the machine of fig. 1,

fig. 10 is a front view of another embodiment of a lip seal that may be used in the track chain assembly of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the lip seal of fig. 10 taken along a plane containing the radial and axial directions of the lip seal.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged detail view of the lip seal of fig. 11, more clearly showing the top of the cross-sectional geometry.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged front detail view of a tab extending from the outer periphery of the lip seal of fig. 10.

Fig. 14 is a side view of the lip seal of fig. 10, showing the axial extent of the tabs extending from the outer periphery of the lip seal.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In some cases, reference numbers will be indicated in the specification and the drawings will show the reference numbers followed by letters such as 100a, 100b, or apostrophes such as 100', 100 ", etc. It should be understood that the letters or apostrophes used immediately after the reference numbers indicate that these features are similarly shaped and have a similar function as is typically the case when the geometry is mirrored about the plane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification, letters and apostrophes are generally not included herein, but may be shown in the drawings to indicate repetition of features having similar or identical functions or geometries discussed in this written specification.

Various embodiments of seals, such as lip seals, used with track chain assemblies using various configurations that may eliminate the use of thrust rings will now be discussed. As will now be described, the track chain assembly may be used on a variety of track driven machines.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary machine 100 having multiple systems and components that cooperate to accomplish a task. Machine 100 may embody a mobile machine that performs some type of operation associated with an industry such as mining, construction, farming, earthmoving, transportation, or any other industry known in the art. For example, machine 100 may be an earth moving machine such as an excavator, a dozer, a loader, a backhoe, a motor grader, or any other earth moving machine. The machine 100 may include a power source 102 and an undercarriage assembly 104, which may be driven by the power source 102 and supported by one or more spaced apart idlers 106.

The power source 102 may drive the undercarriage assembly 104 of the machine 100 over a range of output speeds and torques. The power source 102 may be an engine, such as a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel-powered engine, or any other suitable engine. Power source 102 may also be a non-combustion power source such as a fuel cell, a power storage device, a hydraulic motor, a power cord, or any other power source known in the art.

Undercarriage assembly 104 may include two separate continuous tracks 108, one on either side of machine 100 (only one of which is shown in fig. 1). Each track 108 may be driven by power source 102 via one or more drive sprockets 110. Additionally, each track 108 may include a track chain assembly 112 and a plurality of track shoes 114, each configured to selectively engage a surface, such as a ground surface. Each chain 112 may include a plurality of link subassemblies 116. At the bottom of the track are track rollers 152 to support the chain.

Fig. 2, 3 and 9 illustrate perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an exemplary chain assembly 112, 112 'and, in particular, a plurality of exemplary link subassemblies 116, 116' utilizing various embodiments of lip seals 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. When straight links (not shown) are used, each of the link subassemblies 116, 116 'may include a respective pair of offset link members 118, 118' or a respective pair of inner and outer links.

Adjacent link subassemblies 116, 116 'may be interconnected by rod assemblies 122, 122' in the form of pins and/or bushings. More specifically, each rod assembly 122, 122 ' may include a substantially cylindrical bushing 124, 124 ' disposed about a substantially cylindrical pin 126, 126 '. A pair of bearings (not shown) and a pair of seals 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 that are freely rotatable relative to the pin 126 may also be provided in the rod assembly or in one of the link members adjacent to the rod assembly to prevent loss of lubrication and provide freedom of movement. In fig. 3, no thrust ring is used, and in fig. 9 a thrust ring 120 is used. Other variations of the track chain assembly 112, 112'.

The bushing 124, 124 'may be pressed into an aperture 128, 128' of one end 130, 130 'of the offset link member 118, 118', and the pin 126, 126 'may extend through this end 130, 130' of the offset link member 118 and be received in an aperture 132, 132 'of the other end 134 of the adjacent offset link member 118, 118'. When a sliding fit is used, the pin 126, 126 ' may be retained in the other end 134 of the adjacent offset link member 118, 118 ' by pressing into the link member 118, 118 ', or retained therein using a cotter pin or other similar device. Other configurations and methods of assembling link subassemblies 116, 116 'may be provided to create track chain assemblies 112, 112'. Of course, a plurality of offset link members 118, 118 'are connected in a manner similar to that just described to form the track chain assemblies 112, 112'.

More specifically, first and second rod assemblies 122, 122 ' may be connected to apertures 128, 128 ' of adjacent offset link members 118, 118 '; 132. 132 ' such that successively connected link subassemblies 116, 116 ' may be pivotally interconnected with one another to form track chain assemblies 112, 112 '. For example, the outer end 134, 134 'of one offset link member 118, 118' may engage the pin 126, 126 'in a fixed manner (such as when press-fitting is used) and receive a seal and/or bearing assembly, while the inner end 130, 130' of an adjacent offset link member 118, 118 'may engage the bushing 124, 124' in a fixed manner (such as when press-fitting is used). In other embodiments, the bushing 124' may be free to rotate. In either case, the pin 126, 126 ' may be free to rotate within the bushing 124, 124 ', such as when some clearance is provided between the pin and the bushing's bore. Thus, a pair of adjacent offset link members 118, 118 'may be configured to pivot relative to one another to form an articulated track chain assembly 112, 112'. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in fig. 9, another pressing operation may be used later to provide clearance between adjacent links so that they may rotate relative to each other.

Various embodiments of seals, such as lip seals, that may be used with the track chain assembly and machine just described will now be discussed. Various small features such as small radii (e.g., 1mm +/-.1mm or less) that provide a transition from one feature to another may not be specifically mentioned, but should be understood to be present in some embodiments. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the distance and size from the theoretical sharp angle to the theoretical sharp angle. Also, terms such as "radially," "axially," and "circumferentially" will be used to refer to directions that are within +/-5 degrees of the respective direction (i.e., radial, axial, or circumferential, etc.). All of the geometries and features that will be described herein with reference to the various embodiments of the lip seal shown in fig. 3-14 will be the lip seal in a relaxed, uncompressed state, such as before the lip seal is inserted into the groove 136, 136' of the link member.

A seal 200, 200' according to an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to fig. 4 to 14. Seal 200, 200 ' may include an annular body 202, 202 ' defining a radial direction R, R '; axial direction A, A'; and a circumferential direction C, C'. As best seen in fig. 5 and 11, the annular bodies 202, 202 'may also define cross-sectional areas 204, 204' taken in planes containing the radial direction R, R 'and the axial direction A, A'.

Focusing now on fig. 6 and 12, the regions 204, 204 'may include perimeters 206, 206'. The perimeter 206, 206 'may include a first axial end 208, 208'; second axial ends 210, 210'; outer radial ends 212, 212'; and inner radial ends 214, 214'.

The periphery 206, 206 'may include a first angled surface 216, 216' forming a first acute angle 218, 218 'ranging from 10 degrees to 30 degrees with the radial direction R, R'; a second angled surface 220, 220 ' forming a second acute angle 222, 222 ' ranging from 30 degrees to 50 degrees with the radial direction R, R '; a first convex arcuate surface 224, 224 ' interposed between the first angled surface 216, 216 ' and the second angled surface 220, 220 '. The first convex arcuate surface 224, 224 ' may define the first axial end 208, 208 ' and may also define a first arcuate surface radius of curvature 226, 226 ' ranging from.01 mm to 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the first acute angles 218, 218 'may be about 20 degrees +/-2 degrees, and in some embodiments, the second acute angles 222, 222' may be about 40 degrees +/-2 degrees. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the first convex arcuate surface may be about.5 mm +/-.1 mm. In other embodiments, these configurations may be varied as needed or desired.

The first convex arcuate surface 224, 224' may comprise any surface that is not flat or straight, including polynomial, elliptical, sinusoidal, etc. (thus, the term "arcuate" as used herein should be interpreted broadly, but in many or all cases includes the possible use of pure radii). For the embodiment shown in fig. 6 and 12, the first convex arcuate surface 224, 224 'may include a first radius 228, 228' directly connecting the first angled surface 216, 216 'to the second angled surface 220, 220'. In other embodiments, other curves may connect the first radius 228, 228 ' to the first angled surface 216, 216 ' and to the second angled surface 220, 220 '.

Similarly, the first angled surfaces 216, 216 'may be continuously flat or straight and may extend from the outer radial ends 212, 212'. The first angled surface 216, 216 'may extend directly from the outer radial end 212, 212', or there may be another curve (e.g., radius) interposed between the outer radial end 212, 212 'and the first angled surface 216, 216'. Likewise, the second angled surfaces 220, 220 'may be continuously flat or straight and may extend from the inner radial ends 214, 214'. The second angled surface 220, 220 'may extend directly from the inner radial end 214, 214', or there may be another curve (e.g., radius) interposed between the inner radial end 214, 214 'and the second angled surface 220, 220'. The first angled surface 216, 216 'may form a first obtuse angle 230, 230' with the second angled surface ranging from 100 degrees to 140 degrees. In some embodiments, the first obtuse angle 230, 230' may be approximately 120 degrees +/-2 degrees. In other embodiments, these configurations may be varied as needed or desired.

The perimeter 206, 206 ' may also include a first axially extending surface 232, 232 ' defining an outer radial end 212, 212 ' and a radially inner arcuate surface 234, 234 ' defining an inner radial end 214, 214 '. In some embodiments, the first axially extending surface 232, 232 'is continuously flat or straight and the radially inner arcuate surface 234, 234' is convex. The first axially extending surface 232, 232 'may define a first axial length 236, 236' ranging from 2mm to 5mm (about 2.8mm +/-.1mm in fig. 6, about 4.24+/-.1mm in fig. 12), and the radially inner arcuate surface 234, 234 'may define a radially inner crown value 238, 238' ranging from.01 mm to.3 mm (about.14 mm +/-.01 in fig. 6 and 12). Similarly, the radially inner arcuate surfaces 234, 234 'may define a curved length 240, 240' ranging from 6mm to 8mm (see fig. 12) or 1.5mm to 3mm (see fig. 6). In other embodiments, these configurations may be varied as needed or desired. Convexity may be measured using a sphere diameter gauge that measures the radial distance (i.e., sagittal) from the axially extending chord of the circular curve to the radial extremity of the circular curve.

Referring now only to fig. 6, the perimeter 206 may further include a first radially extending surface 242 defining the second axial end 210; a first concave arc surface 244 interposed between the radially inner arc surface 234 and a first radially extending surface 244; and a second concave arcuate surface 246 interposed between the first radially extending surface 242 and the first axially extending surface 232. First concave arcuate surface 244 may directly connect radially inner arcuate surface 234 to first radially extending surface 242, or there may be other curves (e.g., radii) connecting first concave arcuate surface 244 to first radially extending surface 242 and radially inner arcuate surface 234. Likewise, the second concave arcuate surface 246 may directly connect the first radially extending surface 242 to the first axially extending surface 232, or there may be other curves (e.g., radii) connecting the second concave arcuate surface 246 to the first radially extending surface 242 and the first axially extending surface 232.

A second embodiment of a seal 300 according to the principles of the present invention will now be described with reference to fig. 4 to 8. Referring to fig. 5, the seal 300 may include an annular body 202 defining a radial direction R, an axial direction a, and a circumferential direction C. The annular body 202 may also define a cross-sectional area 204 taken along a plane containing the radial direction and the axial direction.

Focusing now on fig. 6, the perimeter 206 may include a first axial end 208, a second axial end 210, an outer radial end 212, and an inner radial end 214. The perimeter 206 may include a first axial end defining surface 302 and a second axial end defining surface 304, a first concave arcuate surface 244 interposed between the inner radial end 214 and the second axial end 210, and a second concave arcuate surface 246 interposed between the outer radial end 212 and the second axial end 210.

The first axial tip defining surface 302 includes a first convex arcuate surface 224, but other configurations (such as flat or straight) are possible. The second axial tip defining surface 304 may include a first radially extending surface 242, but other configurations (such as arcuate) are possible.

The perimeter 206 may include an inner radially convex arcuate surface 306 defining an inner radial end 214, and an outer axially extending flat surface 308 defining an outer radial end 212. Other configurations are possible.

The first concave arcuate surface 244 may define a first concave arcuate surface radius of curvature 310 ranging from 10mm to 12mm, and the second concave arcuate surface 246 may define a second concave arcuate surface radius of curvature 312 ranging from 8mm to 10 mm. These configurations may be varied as needed or desired.

The first convex arcuate surface 224 may define a first convex arcuate surface radius of curvature 226 ranging from.01 mm to 3mm, and the first radially extending surface 242 defines a first radial length 314 ranging from 2mm to 3 mm. The inner radially convex arcuate surface 306 may define an inner radial convexity value 307 ranging from.01 mm to.3 mm.

With continued reference to fig. 5 and 6, a seal 400 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The seal 400 may include an annular body 202 defining a radial direction R, an axial direction a, and a circumferential direction C. The annular body 202 may also define a cross-sectional area 204 that includes a perimeter 206. The perimeter 206 may include a first axial end 208, a second axial end 210, an outer radial end 212, and an inner radial end 214.

The perimeter 206 may include a first axial end defining surface 302 and a second axial end defining surface 304; a first concave arcuate surface 310 interposed between the inner radial end 214 and the second axial end 210; and a second concave arcuate surface 246 interposed between the outer radial end 212 and the second axial end 210; a first angled surface 216 interposed between the outer radial end 212 and the first axial end 208; and a second angled surface 220 interposed between the inner radial end 214 and the first axial end 208.

The first angled surface 216 may be continuously flat and the second angled surface 220 may also be continuously flat. In certain embodiments, the first angled surface 216 forms a first obtuse angle 230 with the second angled surface 220 ranging from 100 degrees to 140 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle may be varied as needed or desired.

The inner radial end 214 may be spaced apart from the first axial end 208 by a first radial distance 402 ranging from 4mm to 6mm and the outer radial end 212 may be spaced apart from the first axial end 208 by a second radial distance 404 ranging from 5mm to 7 mm. In other embodiments, these dimensions may be varied as needed or desired.

The first axial tip defining surface 302 may include a first convex arcuate surface 224 and the second axial tip defining surface 304 may include a first radially extending surface 242. In other embodiments, the surfaces may have other configurations as needed or desired.

The first concave arcuate surface 244 may define a first concave arcuate surface radius of curvature 310 ranging from 10mm to 12mm, and the second concave arcuate surface 246 may define a second concave arcuate surface radius of curvature 312 ranging from 8mm to 10 mm. In other embodiments, these dimensions may be varied as needed or desired.

The perimeter 206 may further include an inner radial end defining surface 406 and an outer radial end defining surface 410, the inner radial end defining surface 406 being spaced from the first axial end 208 by a first axial distance 408 ranging from 3mm to 5mm, the outer radial end defining surface 410 being spaced from the first axial end 208 by a second axial distance ranging from 1.5mm to 3 mm. The outer radial tip defining surface 410 may be flat and the inner radial tip defining surface may be convex. In other embodiments, the surfaces may have other configurations.

The outer radial end defining surface 410 may define an outer radial end defining surface length 414 ranging from 2.5mm to 3.5mm, and the inner radial end defining surface 406 may define a convexity value 416 ranging from.01 mm to.3 mm. In other embodiments, these dimensions may be varied as needed or desired.

Referring now to fig. 6 and 12, a seal 500, 500' according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Seal 500, 500 ' may include an annular body 202, 202 ' defining a radial direction R, R '; an axial direction A, A 'and a circumferential direction C, C'. The annular body 202, 202 ' may also define a cross-sectional area 204, 204 ' that includes a perimeter 206, 206 '.

The perimeter 206, 206 'may include a first axial end 208, 208'; second axial ends 210, 210'; outer radial ends 212, 212'; and inner radial ends 214, 214'. The perimeter 206, 206 ' may also include a first angled surface 216, 216 ' extending from the outer radial end 212, 212 ' forming a first acute angle 218, 218 ' with the radial direction R, R '; a second angled surface 220, 220 ' extending from the inner radial end 214, 214 ' forming a second acute angle 222, 222 ' with the radial direction R; and a first axial end defining surface 302, 302 ' interposed between the first angled surface 216, 216 ' and the second angled surface 220, 220 ', and the first acute angle 218, 218 ' is less than the second acute angle 222, 222 '.

The first angled surface 216, 216 'forms a first obtuse angle 230, 230' with the second angled surface ranging from 100 degrees to 140 degrees.

The seal 500 may also include first axially extending surfaces 232, 232 'defining outer radial ends 212, 212' and inner radial convex arcuate surfaces 306, 306 'defining inner radial ends 214, 214'.

In fig. 12, the first axially extending surface 232 ' may define a first axial length 236 ' ranging from 3.5mm to 5mm, and the inner radial convex arcuate surface 306 may define a convex curve length 240 ' ranging from 6mm to 8mm, and an inner radial convexity value 307 ranging from.01 mm to.3 mm. In other embodiments, any of these dimensions may be varied as needed or desired.

First angled surface 216 'may define a first angled surface axial dimension 502' ranging from.5 mm to 2.0mm and a first angled surface radial dimension 504 'ranging from 3.5mm to 4.5mm, and second angled surface 220' defines a second angled surface axial dimension 506 'ranging from 2.5mm to 4.0mm and a second angled radial dimension 508' ranging from 3.0mm to 4.0 mm. The dimensions may vary.

In fig. 6 and 12, the first axial tip defining surface 302, 302 ' may include a first convex arcuate surface 224, 224 ' defining a first convex arcuate surface radius of curvature 226, 226 ' ranging from.01 mm to 1.0 mm. Other curvature values and other types of surfaces may be used.

In fig. 6 and 12, the seal 500, 500 ' may further include a first radially extending surface 242, 242 ' defining a second axial end 210, 210 '. The first radially extending surface 242 'may define a first radial length 510, 510' ranging from 2.0mm to 3.5 mm.

In fig. 12, the seal 500 ' may also include a single concave arcuate surface 512 interposed between the outer radial end 212 ' and the first axially extending surface 232 '. The single concave arcuate surface 512 may define a single concave arcuate surface radius of curvature 514 ranging from 6mm to 8 mm.

In other embodiments, any configuration or dimension of the fourth embodiment may be varied as needed or desired.

With continued reference to fig. 6 and 12, a seal 600, 600' according to a fifth embodiment will now be described. Seal 600, 600 ' may include an annular body 202, 202 ' defining a radial direction R, R '; an axial direction A, A 'and a circumferential direction C, C'. The seal 600 may also define cross-sectional areas 204, 204 'that include the perimeters 206, 206'. The perimeter 206, 206 'may include a first axial end 208, 208'; second axial ends 210, 210'; outer radial ends 212, 212'; and inner radial ends 214, 214'. The perimeter 206, 206 ' may also include a first axially extending surface 232, 232 ' defining an outer radial end 212, 212 ' and an inner radial convex arcuate surface 306, 306 ' defining an inner radial end 214, 214 '.

In fig. 6, the first axially extending surface 232 may define a first axial length 236 ranging from 2mm to 3.5 mm. The inner radially convex arcuate surface 306 may define an inner radial convexity value 307 ranging from.01 mm to.3 mm. In a particular embodiment, this value may be about.14 mm. Additionally, the inner radially convex arcuate surface 306 may define a curved length 240 ranging from 1.5mm to 2.5mm, and a ratio of the first axial length 236 to the curved length 240 may be within a range from 2.0 to 1.0.

In fig. 12, the first axially extending surface 232 'may define a first axial length 236' ranging from 3.5mm to 5.0 mm. The inner radially convex arcuate surface 306 'may define an inner radial convexity value 307' ranging from.01 mm to.3 mm. Further, the inner radially convex arcuate surface 306 'may define a curved length 240' ranging from 6mm to 8mm, and a ratio of the first axial length 236 'to the curved length 240' may range from.01 to 10.

In fig. 6 and 12, the seal 600, 600 ' may further include a first convex arcuate surface 224, 224 ' defining the first axial end 208, 208 ' and a first radially extending surface 242, 242 ' defining the second axial end 210, 210 '. The first radially extending surfaces 242, 242 ' may define a first radial length 314, 314 ', and the first convex arcuate surfaces 224, 224 ' may define a first convex arcuate surface curvilinear length 602, 602 ' that is less than the first radial length 314, 314 '. As shown in fig. 12, the first radial length 314 'may terminate radially below the first convex arcuate surface 224'.

In other embodiments, any size or configuration of the fifth embodiment may be varied as needed or desired.

A seal 700 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to fig. 12. The seal 700 may include an annular body 202 'defining a radial direction R', an axial direction a ', and a circumferential direction C' defining a cross-sectional area 204 'including a perimeter 206'. The perimeter 206 ' may include a first axial end 208 ', a second axial end 210 ', an outer radial end 212 ', and an inner radial end 214 '.

The perimeter 206 ' may include a first axial end defining surface 302 ' and a second axial end defining surface 304 '; a single concave arcuate surface 512 interposed between the outer radial end 212 'and the second axial end 210'; a first angled surface 216 ' interposed between the outer radial end 212 ' and the first axial end 208 '; a second angled surface 220 ' interposed between the inner radial end 214 ' and the first axial end 208 '; an inner radial end defining surface 406'; and an outer radial end defining surface 410'.

The inner radial tip defining surface 406' may define a convexity value 416 ranging from.1 mm to.2 mm. Moreover, first angled surface 216 'may define a first acute angle 218' with radial direction R ', second angled surface 220' may define a second acute angle 222 'with radial direction R', and first acute angle 218 'may be less than second acute angle 222'. The single concave arcuate surface 512 may define a single concave arcuate surface radius of curvature 514 ranging from 6mm to 8 mm.

In other embodiments, any configuration or dimension of the sixth embodiment may be varied as needed or desired.

The seals 800, 800' according to the seventh embodiment of the invention can be understood with reference to fig. 4, 7, 8, 10, 13 and 14. Seal 800, 800 ' may include an annular body 202, 202 ' defining a radial direction R, R '; axial direction A, A'; and a circumferential direction C, C'. The annular bodies 800, 800 'may also define an outer circumferential surface 802, 802' and may include at least three tabs 804, 804 'extending from the outer circumferential surface 802, 802' forming a circular array about the axial direction A, A 'such that the at least three tabs 804, 804' are evenly spaced apart from one another (e.g., at 120 degree intervals). The outer circumferential surface 802, 802 'may define an outer radial tip 212, 212', and at least three tabs 804, 804 'may extend from the outer radial tip 212, 212'.

As shown in fig. 4, 7, 8, 10, 13 and 14, each of the at least three tabs 804, 804' may be identically configured. This may not be the case for other embodiments. In a similar manner, each of the at least three tabs 804, 804 'may extend from the outer radial end 212, 212' in the radial direction R, R 'a first distance 806, 806' ranging from.9 mm to 1.3 mm. Moreover, each of the at least three tabs 804, 804 'may define a thickness 808, 808' in the axial direction A, A 'ranging from.4 mm to.8 mm, and a height 810, 810' measured in a direction perpendicular to the first distance 806, 806 'and a thickness 808, 808' within a range from 2.7mm to 3.3 mm.

Any dimensions, configurations, etc. discussed herein may be varied as needed or desired from any values or characteristics of any of the embodiments specifically mentioned herein or shown in the drawings.

Industrial applicability

Indeed, a seal, track chain assembly, and/or machine using any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be sold, purchased, manufactured, or otherwise obtained in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or after-market environment. In particular, these seals may be provided such that they may be inserted into a groove of a track link member of a track chain assembly already in the field. In other words, a track chain assembly that is already in the field may be retrofitted with the seal disclosed herein.

The seal may be made from a plastics material and may be injection moulded or the like. The plastics material may be a polyurethane having a hardness of 53 shore D. Other materials and/or other hardness values are possible.

With respect to the tabs discussed in fig. 4, 7, 8, 10, 13, and 14, these tabs may be used when installing the seal in the groove of the track link shown in fig. 3 and 9 to help retain the seal in the track link when assembling the track chain assembly.

With respect to the first convex arcuate surface, as shown in fig. 3 and 9, it may act as a lip seal when pressed against the bushing.

With respect to the convexity value of the inner radial tip defining surface, this may help provide a desired load or pressure such that an effective seal is formed by the lip seal portion of the seal.

The outer radial tip defining surface and the second axial tip defining surface may provide sufficient support when they contact the walls of the track link groove to create a desired lip sealing force.

The geometry of the seal shown in the drawings can simplify the mold design and molding operation by eliminating the undercut of the 'W' seal that requires 'side pulling' in the mold. Some embodiments of the seal may be used with a thrust ring, while other embodiments of the seal may be used without a thrust ring. In many embodiments, the geometry of the seal may move the maximum sealing pressure radially outward on the liner face (compared to current 'W' seals) and may maintain the contact pressure on the other mating surfaces within an acceptable range.

The seal shown in figure 4 may have an internal diameter of approximately 46 mm. In fig. 6, the seal may define a radial height (maximum dimension in the radial direction of the cross-sectional area) of about 11.3mm and an axial width (maximum dimension in the axial direction of the cross-sectional area) of about 10.7 mm.

In the seal shown in fig. 10, the seal may have an inner diameter of about 54 mm. In fig. 12, the seal may define a radial height (maximum dimension in the radial direction of the cross-sectional area) of about 7.4mm and an axial width (maximum dimension in the axial direction of the cross-sectional area) of about 11.0 mm.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and methods of assembly discussed herein without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the various embodiments disclosed herein. For example, some of the devices may be constructed and operated differently than described herein, and certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in a different order than specifically mentioned, or in some cases simultaneously or in sub-steps. Moreover, certain features or aspects of the various embodiments can be changed or modified to create further embodiments, and the features and aspects of the various embodiments can be added to or substituted for other features or aspects of other embodiments to provide yet further embodiments.

It is therefore intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.