Description:DESCRIPTION:
Field of the invention:
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of center support assembly for propeller shafts, and in specific relates to a center support assembly with high performance sealing arrangement that enhances the performance of center support assembly and thereby increases service life of the center support assembly.
Background of the invention:
[0002] Propeller shafts, sometimes called a carden shaft, transmits power from the gearbox to the rear axle. Normally the propeller shaft has a tubular section and is made in one or two-piece arrangement. The two-piece arrangement is supported at the mid-point by a rubber mounted bearing. The propeller shaft is designed strong enough to resist the twisting action of the driving torque and resilient enough to absorb the torsional shocks. The propeller shaft must resist the natural tendency to sag under its own weight because vibration occurs when the center of gravity does not coincide with the axis of the shaft.

[0003] In general, a tubular-section propeller shaft is normally used because it has low weight, good torsional strength, and provides large resistance to misalignment. The tubular-section propeller shaft provides low resistance (low inertia) to changes in angular speed, which arise when a hooke’s type coupling is used to drive the propeller shaft. A center support assembly is used in propeller shafts, to hold the propeller shaft with the vehicle chassis, and to isolate the vibrations generated from the propeller shaft to vehicle frame.

[0004] However, the use of a center bearing with a propeller shaft is not recommended since the center bearing is subjected to the propeller shaft's dynamic forces. Furthermore, the deposition of hardened heavy mud, dust, and dirt particles impacts the center support assembly's performance, making the application more difficult. The bearing has an inherent radial seal on both sides with the raceway and extra sealing outside positioned symmetrically on the Bearing bore in the center support assembly.

[0005] Currently existing center support assembly comprises of a center support bracket, rubber casing, ball bearing and additional seals on both sides of ball bearing. The rubber casing is made by a moulding process and has a metal bush in the center that holds the ball bearing during installation. The ball bearing is installed in the rubber casing 's center, with additional seals installed on both sides. The current seals on both sides of the ball bearing are basic radial seals with a single radial seal lip that provide shaft surface sealing. The seals are subjected to numerous stressors in the field, such as propeller shaft vibration, shaft run out, temperature changes, and so on, resulting in an inconsistent radial force of the seal lip and hence seal lip wear.

[0006] The seal lip exerts radial force on the sealing surface, due to which no foreign particle come in contact with the sealing surface. Deposition of dust and foreign particles over the face lip surface and the slinger vertical surface, results in wearing out of seal lip. Due to seal lip wear, a gap is created between the seal face lips and the sealing surface which further allows the entry of dust and foreign particles in the main sealing lip. Once the dust and foreign particles get stuck with the main lip sealing surface, the main seal lip gets worn out. After the seal lip wears out, the seal lip cannot exert radial force on the sealing surface, which results in foreign particles to enter the bearing surfaces. Now the foreign particles directly come in contact with the inbuilt radial seal of the ball bearing. The foreign particles damage the seal lips and as a consequence the grease comes out from the bearing and due to which high heat is generated.

[0007] With the existing sealing assembly, the center support assembly is subjected to the dynamic forces of the propeller shaft, which leads to fast wearing of the center support assembly. The deposition of solidified heavy mud, dust and dirt particles, affects the performance of the center support assembly. The center support assembly with existing sealing assembly shows satisfactory mechanical characteristics in On-Road vehicle. However, during off-road and mining, the sealing assembly fails to provide effective mechanical characteristics for the center support assembly.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a high performance sealing arrangement for center support assembly to enhance the performance of the center support assembly and increase service life of the center support assembly. An improved seal assembly is needed that eliminates failure of the center support assembly in extreme working conditions and increase service life of propeller shaft of vehicles. There is a need for a sealing assembly that can withstand extreme off-road working condition. There is a need for an efficient sealing assembly that improves the performance of all types of vehicles. There is a need for a triple sealing assembly that protects the seals and sealing surface of center bearing from outside mud, dust and dirt. A sealing assembly is needed that provide effective mechanical characteristics for the center support assembly.
Objectives of the invention:
[0009] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a high performance sealing arrangement for a center support assembly that enhances the performance of center support assembly and thereby increases service life of the center support assembly.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to provide an improved center sealing assembly that eliminates failures of a center support assembly in extreme working condition and increases service life of a propeller shaft.

[0011] The other objective of the invention is to provide a center sealing assembly that includes multiple seal lips such as a main seal lip, a minor seal lip and a face seal lip thereof, and further it includes relief grooves between the main seal lip and the minor seal lip.

[0012] The other objective of the invention is to provide a center sealing assembly with a garter spring in order to compensate wearing off of the main seal lip of the center sealing assembly.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to provide a center sealing assembly with a garter spring that enables the main seal lip to maintain a uniform radial force on the sealing surface of the shaft.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to provide a center sealing assembly with a slinger that protects the seals and sealing surface of center bearing from outside mud, dust and dirt.

[0015] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a center sealing assembly that can withstand extreme off-road working condition.

[0016] Another objective of the invention is to provide an improved center sealing assembly that is suitable for any type of vehicle applications.

[0017] Another objective of the invention is to provide a sealing assembly is needed that provide effective mechanical characteristics for the center support assembly during off-road and mining process.

[0018] Another objective of the invention is to provide a center sealing assembly that prevents high heat generation in working condition.
Summary of the invention:
[0019] The present disclosure proposes a center support assembly with high performance sealing assembly. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0020] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a center support assembly with high performance sealing arrangement that enhances the performance of center support assembly and thereby increases service life of the center support assembly.

[0021] According to an aspect, the invention provides a center support assembly with high performance sealing assembly to enhance the performance and increase service life of the center support assembly. The sealing assembly comprises a center bearing seal assembly and a center bearing slinger. The center bearing seal assembly is placed at each side of the center support assembly. In specific, the center bearing seal assembly encloses the center support assembly. The center bearing seal assembly is configured with plurality of undulated projections at outer periphery to connect with a bearing bore of the center support assembly. The connection with the bearing bore provides sealing from the outer periphery of the center support assembly.

[0022] In specific, the center bearing seal assembly is configured with a sheet metal insert at periphery of the center bearing seal assembly for structural rigidity. The center bearing seal assembly is assembled after assembling of the center support assembly with a rubber housing metal sleeve. Further, the center bearing seal assembly is made up of either elastomeric resilient material or with materials of similar properties depending upon diameter of sealing surface and peripheral speed of the shaft.

[0023] The center bearing seal assembly comprises a main seal lip, a spring, a minor seal lip, and an axial face lip. The main seal lip is configured to generate a uniform radial force exerted towards a sealing surface of a shaft. Thereby, retain sealing of the main seal lip in contact with the shaft under stress. In specific, the sealing surface of the shaft is hardened and ground to prevent wearing of the shaft due to the uniform radial force exerted by the main seal lip.

[0024] The spring is mounted on the main seal lip and configured to compensate wearing of the main seal lip. Further, the spring enables the main seal lip to maintain the uniform radial force on the sealing surface. In specific, the spring includes a garter spring or any other spring with similar properties that is used to compensate wearing of the main seal lip.

[0025] The minor seal lip is connected to the main seal lip and configured to protect the main seal lip from direct contact of foreign particles. Thereby, prevents the entry of dust and contaminants from outside in the main seal lip. In specific, two relief grooves are provided for flexibility of the main seal lip and the minor seal lip. A first relief groove is provided between the main seal lip and the minor seal lip, and a second relief groove is provided on other side of the minor seal lip. Further, lubricant or grease is provided in between the main seal lip and the minor seal lip to reduce the friction with the sealing surface and thereby reduce the heat generation.

[0026] The axial face lip is projected out from a vertical surface of the center bearing seal assembly with a predetermined inclination angle. The axial face lip is configured to cover the main seal lip and the minor seal lip and provide sealing with a surface of the center bearing slinger.

[0027] The center bearing slinger is placed adjacent to the center bearing seal assembly and configured to protect the center bearing seal assembly from direct contact of dirt and dust particles. In specific, the center bearing slinger encloses the center bearing seal assembly. The center bearing slinger comprises an outer flange which is provided at outer periphery of the center bearing slinger. The outer flange is configured to enclose the axial face lip in assembled condition. In specific, length of the outer flange is adjusted to provide a space between the outer flange and the center bearing seal assembly. The center bearing slinger is configured with an inner vertical surface to provide a sealing surface for the axial face lip by being in contact with the axial face lip to prevent deformation of the axial face lip.

[0028] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Detailed description of drawings:
[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary front view of a center support assembly in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary cross-section view of a center support assembly with a sealing assembly in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary enlarged section view of a sealing assembly for the center support assembly in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary front view of a center bearing seal assembly in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary cross-section view of a center bearing seal assembly in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary front view of a center bearing slinger in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary cross-section view of a center bearing slinger in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Detailed invention disclosure:
[0037] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

[0038] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a center support assembly with high performance sealing arrangement that enhances the performance of center support assembly and thereby increases service life of the center support assembly.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B refer to different views of the center support assembly 100 (front view and cross-section view). The center support assembly 100 is used to hold a coupling shaft with a vehicle chassis. The center support assembly 100 is configured to isolate the vibration generated from a propeller shaft. During the field application, the center support assembly 100 are subjected to various stresses such as propeller shaft vibration, shaft runout, and change in temperature thereof, and results in inconsistent radial force of sealing of the center support assembly 100 and leads to failure of the center support assembly. The proposed sealing assembly eliminates failure of a center support assembly in extreme working condition and increases service life of the propeller shaft.

[0040] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 refers to an enlarged section view of a sealing assembly for the center support assembly 200. The center support assembly 200 comprises of a center bearing bracket, the sealing assembly, a rubber housing 206, a ball bearing 208. The sealing assembly comprises a center bearing seal assembly 202 and a center bearing slinger 204. The center bearing seal assembly 202 is placed at each side of the center support assembly 200 and the center bearing slinger 204 is placed over the center bearing seal assembly 202. In specific, the center bearing seal assembly 202 is in a ring form that encloses the center support assembly 200. Further, the center bearing seal assembly 202 is made up of either elastomeric resilient material or with materials of similar properties depending upon diameter of a sealing surface 212 and a sealing surface 214 and peripheral speed of the shaft.

[0041] The center bearing slinger 204 is assembled with a front end piece and a coupling flange to protect the center bearing seal assembly 202 axially. In specific, the center bearing slinger 204 in the form of ring that encloses the center bearing seal assembly202. The center bearing seal assembly 202 is assembled after assembling of the center support assembly 200. In specific, the rubber housing 206 is provided with a rubber housing metal sleeve 208 which accommodate the ball bearing 210 in the inner diameter at the middle part of the rubber housing 206.

[0042] The center bearing seal assembly 202 is placed on both sides of the ball bearing 210. The center bearing slinger 204 is placed adjacent to the center bearing seal assembly 202. The center bearing slinger 204 is designed in such a way that it protects the center bearing seal assembly 202 from direct contact of dirt and dust particles. In specific, the center support assembly 200 is configured with high performance sealing assembly that enhances the performance of center support assembly and thereby increases service life of the center support assembly.

[0043] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B refer to different views of a center bearing seal assembly 300 (front view and cross-section view). The center bearing seal assembly 300 comprises a main seal lip 302, a minor seal lip 304, an axial face lip 306 and a spring 308. In specific, the center bearing seal assembly 300 is configured with a sheet metal insert 310 at periphery of the center bearing seal assembly 300 for structural rigidity. The center bearing seal assembly 300 is configured with plurality of undulated projections 312 at outer periphery to connect with a bearing bore of the center support assembly. The center bearing seal assembly 300 is pressed fit with the center support assembly. In specific, the undulated projections 312 are compressed during fitting of the center bearing seal assembly 300 with the bearing bore. The connection with the bearing bore provides sealing from the outer periphery of the center bearing seal assembly 300.

[0044] The main seal lip 302 is configured to generate a uniform radial force exerted towards a sealing surface of the shaft. Thereby, retain sealing of the main seal lip 302 in contact with the shaft under stress. In specific, the sealing surface of the shaft is hardened and ground to prevent wearing of the shaft due to the uniform radial force exerted by the main seal lip 302.

[0045] The minor seal lip 304 is connected to the main seal lip 302 and configured to protect the main seal lip 302 from direct contact of foreign particles. Thereby, prevents the entry of dust and contaminants from outside in the main seal lip 302. In specific, two relief grooves are provided for flexibility of the main seal lip 302 and the minor seal lip 304.

[0046] The spring 308 is mounted on the main seal lip 302 and configured to compensate wearing of the main seal lip 302. Further, the spring 308 enables the main seal lip 302 to maintain the uniform radial force on the sealing surface. In specific, the spring 308 includes a garter spring or other spring with similar properties that is used to compensate wearing of the main seal lip 302. The garter spring disclosed in the embodiment is not confined only for garter spring it includes any other spring with similar functional properties are also considered.

[0047] The first relief groove 314 is provided between the main seal lip 302 and the minor seal lip 304, and a second relief groove 316 is provided on other side of the minor seal lip 304. Further, lubricant or grease is provided in between the main seal lip 302 and the minor seal lip 304 to reduce the friction with the sealing surface and thereby reduce the heat generation.

[0048] The axial face lip 306 is projected out from a vertical surface of the center bearing seal assembly with a predetermined inclination angle. The axial face lip 306 is configured to cover the main seal lip 302 and the minor seal lip 304 and provide sealing with a surface of the center bearing slinger. In specific, center bearing slinger consists of a flange on its outer diameter which acts as a shelter for the axial face lip 306.

[0049] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B refer to different views of a center bearing slinger 400 (front view and cross-section view). The center bearing slinger 400 is placed adjacent to the center bearing seal assembly and configured to protect the center bearing seal assembly from direct contact of dirt and dust particles. The center bearing slinger 400 comprises an outer flange 402 which is provided at outer periphery of the center bearing slinger 400. The outer flange 402 is configured to enclose the axial face lip in assembled condition. In specific, length of the outer flange 402 is adjusted to provide a space between the outer flange 402 and the center bearing seal assembly.

[0050] The center bearing slinger 400 is configured with an inner vertical surface 404 to provide a sealing surface for the axial face lip by being in contact with the axial face lip to prevent deformation of thse axial face lip. In specific, the axial face is intact with the inner vertical surface 404 in such a way that deformation of the axial face is prevented during the application and the heat generation is not above 70°C. Further, the axial face lip provides sealing with inner vertical surface 404 to prevent the entry of dust and foreign particles to the main seal lip. Further, the center bearing slinger 400 protects the axial face lip from direct contact with dust and foreign particles.

[0051] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, a center support assembly with high performance sealing arrangement is disclosed here.

[0052] The proposed high performance sealing arrangement for a center support assembly enhances the performance of center support assembly and thereby increases service life of the center support assembly. The proposed center sealing assembly includes multiple seal lips such as a main seal lip, a minor seal lip and a face seal lip thereof, which further includes relief grooves between the main seal lip and the minor seal lip for flexibility. The proposed center sealing assembly is configured with a garter spring in order to compensate wearing off of the main seal lip of the center sealing assembly. The proposed improved center sealing assembly eliminates failures of a center support assembly in extreme working condition and increases service life of a propeller shaft.

[0053] The proposed center sealing assembly with a garter spring enables the main seal lip to maintain a uniform radial force on the sealing surface of the shaft. The proposed center sealing assembly with a slinger protects the seals and sealing surface of center bearing from outside mud, dust and dirt. The proposed center sealing assembly can withstand extreme off-road working condition. The proposed improved center sealing assembly is suitable for any type of vehicle applications. The proposed sealing assembly provides effective mechanical characteristics for the center support assembly during off-road and mining process. The proposed center sealing assembly prevents high heat generation in working condition.

[0054] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application. , Claims:CLAIMS:
We Claim:
1. A high performance sealing assembly for a center support assembly, comprising:
a center bearing seal assembly placed at each side of said center support assembly configured with plurality of undulated projections at outer periphery to connect with a bearing bore of said center support assembly and thereby provide sealing from said outer periphery, wherein said center bearing seal assembly comprises:
a main seal lip configured to generate an uniform radial force exerted towards a sealing surface of a shaft, and thereby retain sealing of said main seal lip in contact with said shaft under stress;
a spring mounted on said main seal lip configured to compensate wearing of said main seal lip, thereby enables said main seal lip to maintain said uniform radial force on said sealing surface;
a minor seal lip connected to said main seal lip configured to protect said main seal lip from direct contact of foreign particles and thereby prevent entry of dust and contaminants from outside, wherein at least two relief grooves are provided for flexibility of said main seal lip and said minor seal lip, first relief groove is provided between said main seal lip and said minor seal lip, and second relief groove is provided on other side of said minor seal lip; and
an axial face lip projected out from a vertical surface of said center bearing seal assembly with a predetermined inclination angle configured to provide cover for said main seal lip and said minor seal lip and provide sealing, and
a center bearing slinger placed adjacent to said center bearing seal assembly configured to protect said center bearing seal assembly, where said center bearing slinger comprises an outer flange provided at outer periphery to enclose said axial face lip in assembled condition, whereby said bearing slinger protect said center bearing assembly from direct contact of dirt and dust particles.
2. The high performance sealing assembly for a center support assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said center bearing seal assembly is configured with a sheet metal insert at periphery of said center bearing seal assembly for structural rigidity.
3. The high performance sealing assembly for a center support assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sealing surface of said shaft is hardened and ground to prevent wear of said shaft due to said uniform radial force exerted by said main seal lip.
4. The high performance sealing assembly for a center support assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said center bearing slinger is configured with an inner vertical surface to provide a sealing surface for said axial face lip by being in contact with said axial face lip to prevent deformation of said axial face lip.
5. The high performance sealing assembly for a center support assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein length of said outer flange is adjusted to provide a space between said outer flange and said center bearing seal assembly.
6. The high performance sealing assembly for a center support assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein lubricant or grease is provided in between said main seal lip and said minor seal lip to reduce the friction with said sealing surface and to reduce heat generation.
7. The high performance sealing assembly for a center support assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said center bearing seal assembly is assembled after assembling of said center support assembly with a rubber housing metal sleeve.
8. The high performance sealing assembly for a center support assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said center bearing seal assembly is made up of either elastomeric resilient material or with materials of similar properties depending upon diameter of sealing surface and peripheral speed of said shaft.
9. The high performance sealing assembly for a center support assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spring includes a garter spring or other spring with similar properties.