Fluid seal for rotating shaft - has guide ribs to promote return flow of fluid along shaft irrespective of rotation direction

摘要

The tapered section on the fluid side of the sealing lip has four equal sectors, of bearing sets of curved radial ribs which pump the fluid. The ribs of adjacent sectors are curved in the opposite sense so that the seal is functional for both directions of shaft rotation. Where the curved rib sections meet, a gap is provided so that the fluid is free to flow. When the curved ribs are placed on the dry side of the sealing lip, an air stream is produced which counteracts any leakage through the seal. The seal is made of a flexible material, and is stiffened by 'L' section and coil spring metal inserts.