SEAL CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING A COMPRESSIBLE SPRING MECHANISM FOR BEARING PRELOAD

摘要

A seal assembly (98) adapted for use in creating a seal between an axially extending shaft (34) and a support member (64). The seal assembly (98) defines an axial passage through which the shaft (34) extends, wherein a bearing assembly (80) is mounted to the support member (64) and includes a stationary outer race (82) and an inner race (84) with rotates along with the shaft (34). The seal assembly (98) includes a rigid ring (106) defining an axial passage through which the shaft (34) extends and a resilient material (105) carried by the ring (106). The resilient material (105) defines an inner sealing section (117) adapted to engage the shaft (34) and outer sealing section (119) located radially outwardly of the inner sealing section (117) and adapted to engage an outer sealing surface (102) associated with the support member (64).