Seal apparatus between a shaft and a non-linear inner surface of a housing

摘要

A seal apparatus is disposed between two elements for providing an effective seal there between and for preventing damage to the seal apparatus due to cutting or blowout as the two machined elements move relative to one another. The seal apparatus consists of a circumferential groove in a first element with at least two o-rings substantially occupying the width of the circumferential groove. A seal ring is disposed between the o-rings and the second element occupying substantially the width of the circumferential groove. The seal ring has sides in slidable contact with the walls of the circumferential groove and a sealing surface in contact with the second element. The seal ring has a first and second chamfer connecting the sides of the seal ring with the sealing surface of the seal ring to allow the seal apparatus to be compressed between the elements. The area where the chamfer intersects the sealing surface defines a sealing edge. The sealing edge is designed to be located over the center of the underlying o-ring such that the maximum sealing force can be applied to the sealing edge. A circumferential slot is located in the sealing surface between the chamfers. This slot acts as a hinge allowing the sealing edges to be moved toward the second surface as the seal apparatus is compressed between the elements. Vents are also located on the sealing surface between the sealing edges to vent any high pressure fluid that may otherwise be trapped between the o-rings.