Shaft Seal with Lubrication Device

Abstract

A shaft seal assembly for use with a reciprocating or rotating shaft includes a shaft seal, a lubricant-storing ring, and a retainer. The retainer and ring can be formed as a subassembly and then combined with a shaft seal. The seal includes an annular body portion, a first sealing lip portion, and a first pocket portion. The first sealing lip portion has a substantially uniform axial dimension and is adapted to sealingly engage a shaft. The first pocket portion includes a plurality of pockets, each having an opening toward the first sealing lip portion. The plurality of pockets are each adapted to collect a working fluid when the shaft axially displaces in a first direction and to dispense the working fluid when the shaft axially displaces in a second direction. The assembly provides a lubricated shaft and seal that improves the effective life of the shaft seal.

1 . A shaft seal assembly comprising:
 a shaft seal;   a lubricant absorbing ring; and   a retainer formed of an elastomeric material and attached to said shaft seal, said retainer supporting said lubricant absorbing ring adjacent to said shaft seal.   
     
     
         2 . The shaft seal assembly specified in  claim 1 , including means for delivering lubricant to the ring. 
     
     
         3 . The shaft seal assembly specified in  claim 2  wherein the means for delivering lubricant to the ring include an injector valve. 
     
     
         4 . The shaft seal assembly specified in  claim 3  wherein the injector valve is mounted on said shaft seal. 
     
     
         5 . The shaft seal assembly specified in  claim 1  including a reservoir formed in said retainer. 
     
     
         6 . The shaft seal assembly specified in  claim 3  including reservoir means. 
     
     
         7 . The shaft seal assembly specified in  claim 1  wherein the shaft seal includes a lip that engages a shaft, said shaft seal including a first pocket having an opening facing toward the first sealing lip portion and adapted to collect a working fluid when the shaft axially displaces in a first direction and to dispense the working fluid when the shaft axially displaces in a second direction to lubricate the first sealing portion.