Unitary bearing seal

Abstract

A mechanical labyrinth seal for rotating shafts having first and second ring members. The first ring member, includes a series of annular axially extending grooves and flanges. The second ring member is adopted for insertion into said first ring member with a plurality of complimentary inwardly extending flanges and grooves to form a well known labyrinth seal. There is a slot or channel through the labyrinth or maze connecting the exterior atmosphere to the interior of the seal assembly. The second ring member is adapted to rotate with the shaft and includes an annular recess near the shaft and inwardly toward the housing. There is a recess in the first ring member to be opposite the recess in said second ring member and a strip of material is inserted via a passage into the recesses of said first and second ring member. The recess second ring member being slightly larger in axial direction than the strip of material. Thus, the seal permits axial movement of the shaft while maintaining the labyrinth seal integrity during a predetermined amount of movement, and upon reaching the limit of said movement, the strip of material accommodate the axial thrust of the shaft movement. The strip of material is made of a material having natural lubricity and has full contact with the walls of the recess, thereby reducing the amount of friction and wear in absorbing the axial thrust.