| 摘要 |
Am improved metal-to-metal seal of a generally U shaped configuration which utilizes an enlarged seal portion (78, 82) on the interior and exterior of the inner and outer seal legs (70, 72) to effect an initial seal. The initial interference of the seal legs is maintained by disposing a solid support ring (86) in the annulus between the seal legs with holes (92) in the support ring to prevent pressure lock and to balance pressure distribution within the seal. The invention is shown in a unidirectional form with a single pair of seal legs extending axially from an annular base (68) and in a bidirectional form with a pair of seal legs extending axially in both directions from an annular base. An alternative form of the invention discloses a support member of U shaped configuration which allows greater flexibility in the seal legs while maintaining initial sealing contact. This support member also has holes to prevent pressure lock and to balance pressure distribution within the seal. The seal legs are manufactured of a relatively softer material while the support member is manufactured of a higher strength material to ensure an initial interference type seal. <IMAGE> |
