Boot seal for machine system and method

摘要

A machine system includes a first component, a second component, and a joint assembly pivotably connecting the first and second components in a finite angular pivoting range. A boot seal seals between the first and second components, and has a rest configuration where the boot seal has a curvilinear taper, and is deformable to a squished configuration forming a radially outward bulge. The radially outward bulge stores an energy of compression of the boot seal, to bias a sealing ring in the boot seal against the second component.

主权项

1. A machine system comprising:
a first machine component; a second machine component that pivots relative to the first machine component in a finite angular pivoting range; and a joint assembly that connects the first machine component and second machine component, wherein the joint assembly includes a boot seal that provides a seal between the first machine component and the second machine component, wherein the boot seal:
defines a center axis extending between a first axial end and a second axial end of the boot seal, andincludes a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring, wherein the first sealing ring is positioned at the first axial end and includes an exposed outer radial surface in radial contact with the first machine component, the exposed outer radial surface axially transitions with an outer wall surface of a wall of the boot seal that extends along the center axis between the first axial end and the second axial end, wherein the second sealing ring is positioned at the second axial end and includes an exposed outer axial surface in axial contact with the second machine component, the exposed outer axial surface radially transitions inwardly with an axial end surface of the wall of the boot seal, and wherein the boot seal is held in axial compression between the first machine component and the second machine component and includes a radially outward bulge that stores an energy of the axial compression such that the second sealing ring is biased against the second machine component.