Mechanical seal with embedded lubrication

Abstract

A mechanical seal for providing a seal around the drive shaft of a variable displacement swash plate type compressor used in an air conditioning system for a vehicle comprising a rotating bearing surface, an associated stationary bearing surface and a lubricant embedded in the stationary bearing surface. During operation of the compressor, the rotating bearing surface is caused to move against the stationary bearing surface causing lubricant to be released between the bearing surfaces, thereby providing efficient lubrication of the bearing surfaces.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A mechanical seal for two relatively moving bearing surfaces comprising: 
 a first bearing surface;    a second bearing surface in juxtaposed relation to said first bearing surface;    a groove formed in at least one of said bearing surfaces; and    a lubricant disposed in said groove to provide lubrication between said first and second bearing surfaces.    
     
     
         2 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 1 , wherein said first bearing surface is formed of graphite.  
     
     
         3 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 2 , wherein said second bearing surface is formed of silicon carbide.  
     
     
         4 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 3 , wherein said lubricant is molybdenum disulfide.  
     
     
         5 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 1 , wherein said groove extends annularly.  
     
     
         6 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 1 , including at least one additional groove to receive said lubricant.  
     
     
         7 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 6 , wherein said grooves are concentrically spaced apart.  
     
     
         8 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 1 , including a plurality of spaced apart cavities to receive said lubricant.  
     
     
         9 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 8 , wherein said cavities are cylindrical.  
     
     
         10 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 9 , wherein said cavities are arrayed to extend in spaced apart annular array.  
     
     
         11 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 8 , including at least one concentrically disposed annular groove.  
     
     
         12 . A mechanical seal for two relatively moving bearing surfaces comprising: 
 a first bearing surface of graphite;    a second bearing surface of silicon carbide in juxtaposed relation to said first bearing surface;    a groove formed in at least one of said bearing surfaces; and    molybdenum disulfide disposed in said groove to provide lubrication between said first and second bearing surfaces.    
     
     
         13 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 12 , including at least one additional groove to receive molybdenum disulfide.  
     
     
         14 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 13 , wherein said grooves are spaced apart.  
     
     
         15 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 14 , wherein said grooves are concentric.  
     
     
         16 . A mechanical seal for two relatively moving bearing surfaces comprising: 
 a first bearing surface of graphite;    a second bearing surface of silicon carbide in juxtaposed relation to said first bearing surface;    a plurality of spaced apart cavities formed in at least one of said bearing surfaces; and    molybdenum disulfide disposed in said groove to provide lubrication between said first and second bearing surfaces.    
     
     
         17 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 16 , wherein said cavities are cylindrical.  
     
     
         18 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 17 , wherein said cavities are arranged in annular array.  
     
     
         19 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 18 , including at least one concentrically disposed annular groove.  
     
     
         20 . A mechanical seal for two relatively moving bearing surfaces comprising: 
 a first bearing surface;    a second bearing surface in juxtaposed relation to said first bearing surface;    a groove formed in at least one of said bearing surfaces, said groove including at least one of a plurality of annularly arrayed cylindrical cavities and at least one annular groove; and    a lubricant disposed in said cavity and said groove to provide lubrication between said first and second bearing surfaces.    
     
     
         21 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 20 , wherein said first bearing surface is formed of graphite.  
     
     
         22 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 21 , wherein said second bearing surface is formed of silicon carbide.  
     
     
         23 . The mechanical seal according to  claim 22 , wherein said lubricant is molybdenum disulfide.