WO2018187006A1 - Seal ring with z-shaped split - Google Patents

Abstract

A split-ring annular seal or retaining ring having overlapping tapered projections at juxtaposed ends. The tapered projection of each juxtaposed end has an enlarged portion forming a tapered ridge that tapers toward a narrow portion forming a tapered groove. The tapered ridge of each juxtaposed end is configured to be received in the corresponding tapered groove of the other juxtaposed end for interlocking the ends to restrict separation of the ends when in use.

Description

SEAL RING WITH Z-SHAPED SPLIT

Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/481 ,360 filed April 4, 2017, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to a split-ring, and more particularly to an annular seal ring having a z-shaped split that forms juxtaposed interlocking ends.

Background

Annular seal rings are commonly used in hydraulic systems for automotive applications, such as for use on rotating shafts in transmissions or steering components. Typically, the annular seal rings are placed in annular grooves of the shaft to prevent leakage from a confined space, such as within a transmission housing, and also to prevent debris or other fluids from leaking into the confined space. In such applications, the seal rings are often subjected to high-energy rotational, axial, and/or frictional forces, and thus the seal rings may be made from a rigid material. Because these rigid seal rings are not easily stretched to fit around the shaft and then into the smaller diameter annular grooves, each seal ring may be split to allow the ring to be opened up and wrapped around the shaft while inserting it into the annular groove. Although such seal rings have been known to form the split with overlapping juxtaposed ends for facilitating securing the seal ring in the groove, these juxtaposed ends do not interlock in such a way to prevent the ends from separating, which may impair sealing performance or allow the seal ring to fall out of the groove.

Summary of Invention

The present invention provides an annular seal ring or retaining ring having at least one z-shaped split formed by overlapping tapered projections at juxtaposed ends of the seal that are configured to interlock with each other for restricting separation of the ends during assembly, shipment, or while in use.

More particularly, the tapered projection of each juxtaposed end may have an enlarged portion that tapers toward a narrower portion to form a quasi- dovetail joint between the two interlocking juxtaposed ends. In this manner, the enlarged portion may form a tapered ridge and the narrower portion may form a tapered groove, such that the tapered ridge of each juxtaposed end may be received in the corresponding tapered groove of the other juxtaposed end for interlocking the ends and preventing the seal ring from re-opening and/or being dislodged from the groove.

Such cooperative mating and interlocking functions provided by the tapered projections of each juxtaposed end may improve sealability from hydraulic fluids when the annular seal ring is installed on the shaft and while in use.

In addition, because such annular seal rings may be sub-assembled on shafts before being transported to a separate location for further assembly, the interlocking tapered projections provided by the annular seal ring may enable the seal ring to be better secured in place during such assembly or transport. This improved securability on the shaft also may eliminate or reduce the need for special packaging that would otherwise be required for the annular seal rings to remain in the grooves of the shaft during such transport.

According to an aspect of the invention, a split-ring annular seal is provided for being disposed in an annular groove of a shaft, the seal having a split that forms juxtaposed ends that cooperate to interlock with each other; wherein each of the juxtaposed ends has a tapered projection that tapers in a circumferential direction from an enlarged portion to a narrow portion, the enlarged portion forming a tapered ridge, and the narrow portion forming a tapered groove; and wherein the tapered groove of each of the juxtaposed ends is configured to interlockingly receive the tapered ridge of the corresponding other juxtaposed end, thereby enabling securing of the annular seal in the annular groove.

Embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following additional features separately or in combination. For example, the tapered projections of each of the juxtaposed ends may taper in the circumferential direction, such that the enlarged portion forming the tapered ridge of each juxtaposed end is circumferentially offset from the narrow portion forming the tapered groove of the same end, and the tapered projections each reduce in axial thickness from the enlarged portion toward the narrow portion. In such a configuration, the tapered projections of each of the juxtaposed ends axially overlap with each other when the respective tapered ridges are interlockingly received in the corresponding tapered grooves of the opposite juxtaposed ends.

Each of the tapered projections may have an inclined surface and an adjacent abutment surface.

The tapered groove of each of the juxtaposed ends may be formed by at least a portion of the inclined surface and at least a portion of the abutment surface.

The abutment surface may be essentially perpendicular to the inclined surface of the tapered projection.

A base of the tapered groove may interconnect the abutment surface with the inclined surface.

The inclined surface of each of the tapered projections may extend away from the abutment surface in both the circumferential and axial directions to form at least a portion of the tapered ridge.

The inclined surface of each of the tapered projections may extend essentially the full circumferential extent of the tapered projection.

The enlarged portion of each of the tapered projections may have a terminal abutment surface at a circumferential terminal end of the tapered projection, the terminal abutment surface of each of the tapered projections being configured to abut an abutment surface of the tapered groove of the tapered projection of the corresponding other juxtaposed end.

The terminal abutment surface of each of the enlarged portions may be beveled, thereby permitting the tapered ridge of one juxtaposed end to pivot out of the tapered groove of the corresponding other juxtaposed end and facilitate separation of the juxtaposed ends.

The tapered projections may be essentially uniform in a radial direction. The interlocking engagement between the juxtaposed ends may form a uniform interface in the radial direction.

The inclined surface of each of the tapered projections may be essentially linear.

The inclined surface of each of the tapered projections may be angled in the range from 5 to 25 degrees from a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the seal, or more particularly in the range from 7 to 15 degrees.

Each of the tapered projections may have an axially outward surface that is opposite the inclined surface, each of the axially outward surfaces being disposed in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the seal.

A major portion of the seal may have a uniform thickness in cross-section. The cross-section of the uniform seal may be square or round.

The seal may be made of a rigid material, such as polytetrafluorethylene or polyetheretherketone.

The seal may be made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, for allowing the diameter of the seal to expand or contract to adjust and/or conform to variable diameter surfaces.

The respective tapered projections may be formed by a stamp cut, more particularly a single stamp cut.

In other embodiments, the tapered projections of each of the juxtaposed ends may taper in the radial direction, such that the enlarged portion forming the tapered ridge of each juxtaposed end is radially offset from the narrow portion forming the tapered groove of the same end, and the tapered projections reduce in thickness in the circumferential direction from the enlarged portion toward the narrow portion; and the tapered projections of each of the juxtaposed ends may circumferentially overlap with each other when the respective tapered ridges are interlockingly received in the corresponding tapered grooves of the opposite juxtaposed ends.

According to another aspect of the invention, a split retaining ring is provided, such as for retaining a seal, in which the split retaining ring has a split that forms juxtaposed ends that cooperate to interlock with each other; wherein each of the juxtaposed ends has a tapered projection that tapers in a

circumferential direction from an enlarged portion to a narrow portion, the enlarged portion forming a tapered ridge, and the narrow portion forming a tapered groove; and wherein the tapered groove of each of the juxtaposed ends is configured to interlockingly receive the tapered ridge of the corresponding other juxtaposed end, thereby enabling securing of the annular seal in the annular groove.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features according to aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The annexed drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, show various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of exemplary split-ring seals according to an embodiment of the invention disposed in annular grooves of a shaft.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary split-ring seal according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the seal in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the seal in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken about the line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the area 6-6 in Fig. 3.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a split in an annular seal according to the prior art.

FIG. 8 is a top view of another exemplary split-ring seal according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

The principles of the present invention have particular application to automotive components, wherein the annular seal ring may be disposed in an annular groove of a shaft for a transmission, or the like. It is also understood, however, that the principles of the invention may be applicable to other split-ring designs for other applications, or for being disposed on other sub-components, where it is desirable to have interlocking tapered projections at juxtaposed ends for preventing the ends from separating during assembly, shipment, or while in use, among other considerations as described in further detail below.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an exemplary split-ring annular seal 10 is shown disposed on a shaft 12 that extends along a longitudinal axis 13. Four views are shown in Fig. 1 that represent different stages of two ends of the annular seal 10 being joined together.

As shown, the split-ring annular seal 10 (also referred to as "split-ring seal," "seal ring," or "seal") may be disposed in one or more annular grooves 14 of the shaft 12. For example, in some applications the shaft may be used in an automotive transmission with fluid ports 16 for communicating hydraulic fluid, and the seal rings 10 may be placed in the annular grooves 14 to prevent leakage between the fluid ports 16 which are fluidly connected to a central passage (not shown) extending along the longitudinal axis 13 of the shaft 12. As shown in the illustrated embodiment and discussed in further detail below, the exemplary split-ring seal 10 has at least one z-shaped split formed by juxtaposed ends 20a, 20b that are configured to interlock with each other. An illustration of the method of interlocking the ends 20a, 20b during installation in the annular groove 14 is shown at the four successive stages in FIG. 1 , where the leftmost state illustrates an open position when the ends 20a, 20b are being brought together, and the rightmost state represents the ends in an interlocked position.

Turning to FIGS. 2-6, the exemplary split-ring seal 10 is shown in further detail. As shown, the split-ring seal is in the shape of an annular ring having a major portion that encircles a longitudinal axis and has at least one split formed by at least two juxtaposed ends 20a and 20b. The seal 10 has an upper surface 22 and a lower surface 24, wherein the thickness of the seal 10 between the upper and lower surfaces may be less than the width of the annular groove 14 of the shaft 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 22 and the lower surface 24 are axial ly outward surfaces that are parallel to each other, and both are disposed in respective planes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The seal 10 also has an inner diameter surface 26 and an outer diameter surface 28, wherein the inner diameter may be slightly larger than, or about the same size as, the outer diameter of the annular groove 14 of the shaft 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the major portion of the seal (e.g., the portion

constituting the majority of the seal and/or having the juxtaposed ends 20a, 20b extending therefrom) has a square shape with uniform thickness in cross- section, as best shown in FIG. 5. In exemplary embodiments, the split formed by the juxtaposed ends 20a, 20b may be in a generally z-shape that extends axially between the upper surface 22 and the lower surface 24, and extends radially between the outer diameter 28 and the inner diameter 26 such that the juxtaposed ends 20a, 20b are completely separable in the circumferential direction.

Referring particularly to FIG. 6, the juxtaposed ends 20a, 20b have tapered projections 30a, 30b that extend circumferentially in opposite directions and are configured to overlap and interlock with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, each tapered projection 30a, 30b tapers in the circumferential direction from an axially enlarged portion 32a, 32b to an axially narrow portion 34a, 34b, such that the enlarged portion 32a, 32b is circumferentially offset from the narrow portion 34a, 34b. As shown, the axially enlarged portion 32a, 32b forms a tapered ridge 36a, 36b, and the axially narrow portion 32a, 32b forms a tapered groove 38a, 38b. In this manner, the tapered groove 38a of one juxtaposed end 20a is configured to interlockingly receive the tapered ridge 36b of the corresponding other juxtaposed end 30b, and vice versa, thereby enabling the ends 20a, 20b to be detachably secured together to create a partial or quasi- dovetail interlock.

Each tapered projection 30a, 30b may extend circumferentially by a length (L), and may have an inclined surface 40a, 40b for providing the taper of the projection 30a, 30b. In the illustrated embodiment, the inclined surface 40a is inclined by an angle (Θ) relative to an upper surface 42a of the projection (which is an extension of the upper surface 22 of the major portion of the seal); and the inclined surface 40b is inclined by an angle (Θ) relative to a lower surface 42b of the projection (which is an extension of the lower surface 24 of the major portion of the seal). In this manner, the inclined surfaces 40a, 40b are configured such that the tapered projections 30a, 30b reduce their axial thickness as they extend in the circumferential direction, thus enabling the tapered projections 30a, 30b to axially overlap and interlock. Such an axially overlapping configuration may be particularly advantageous for maintaining the seal 10 in an annular groove because the upper surface 42a and lower surface 42b may abut the internal surfaces of the groove to further prevent separation of the juxtaposed ends 20a, 20b.

The angle (Θ) of each of the inclined surfaces 40a, 40b is preferably large enough to keep the tapered projections 30a, 30b in the interlocked position, such as when secured in the annular groove 14 of the shaft, but small enough to allow the tapered ridges 36a, 36b of each juxtaposed end to move past one another when moving to the interlocked position. Generally, the greater the angle (Θ) of the inclined surface 40a, 40b, the more difficult it will be to separate the juxtaposed ends 20a, 20b, particularly when the seal 10 is constructed from a relatively rigid material. In exemplary embodiments, the inclined surface 40a, 40b is inclined at an angle (Θ) in the range from 5 to 25 degrees, more preferably in the range from 7 to 15 degrees,. It is understood, however, that the angle of the inclined surface 40a, 40b may be varied depending on the rigidity of the seal or depending on the particular application, as understood by those having skill in the art.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the tapered ridge 36a, 36b may be formed by a portion of the inclined surface 40a, 40b on one side, and a terminal abutment surface 44a, 44b on the opposite side. Also shown in the illustrated embodiment, the tapered groove 38a, 38b may be formed by a portion of the inclined surface 40a, 40b on one side and an abutment surface 46a, 46b on the opposite side. The inclined surface 40a, 40b may extend essentially the full circumferential extent of the tapered projection 30a, 30b, such as from a base of the tapered groove 38a, 38b to a peak of the tapered ridge 36a, 36b. In exemplary embodiments, the inclined surface 40a, 40b is linear; however, it is understood that the inclined surface 40a, 40b may be configured with different geometries, including, but not limited to, curved, stepped, jagged, or the like.

In exemplary embodiments, the abutment surface 46a, 46b defining at least a portion of the tapered groove 38a, 38b may be essentially perpendicular to the inclined surface 40a, 40b. In addition, the terminal abutment surface 44a, 44b at the circumferential terminal end of the tapered projection 30a, 30b may be beveled to cooperate with the corresponding abutment surface 46a, 46b. In this manner, the terminal abutment surface 44a, 44b may be configured to abut the corresponding abutment surface 46a, 46b to prevent the juxtaposed ends 20a, 20b from moving too far in the circumferential direction when the tapered projections 30a, 30b are overlapped in the interlocked position. In addition, the bevel of the terminal abutment surface 44a, 44b may cooperate with the corresponding abutment surface 46a, 46b to facilitate the tapered ridge 36a, 36b to be pivoted out of the tapered groove 38a, 36b thereby facilitating separation of the ends 20a, 20b when desired. In other words, the bevel may help ensure that the tapered ridge 36a, 36b does not get stuck in the tapered groove 38a, 38b. It is understood, however, that the abutment surface 46a, 46b and/or the terminal abutment surface 44a, 44b may have different configurations, such as

essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seal 10.

In exemplary embodiments, the tapered projections 30a, 30b are essentially uniform in the radial direction, as shown in FIG. 5. In this manner, the interlocking engagement between the juxtaposed ends 20a, 20b may form a uniform interface in the radial direction. In exemplary embodiments, the juxtaposed ends 20a, 20b may be substantially equal mirror images of each other such that the axial thickness of one enlarged portion 32a is the same as the axial thickness of the other enlarged portion 32b, and the axial thickness of one narrow portion 34a is the same as the axial thickness of the other narrow portion 34b. It is understood, however, that the axial thicknesses of the two juxtaposed ends 20a, 20b may not be equal, or that the axial thickness(es) of the tapered projections 40a, 40b may be larger or smaller than the axial thickness of the major portion of the seal 10.

Because the seal 10 may be subjected to high forces and/or rotary speeds, it may be desirable to construct the seal 10 from a material that can withstand such forces, speeds, and friction, such as a rigid plastic. In exemplary embodiments, the seal 10 is made from a rigid material, such as a

polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) polymer, a rigid polymer having a PTFE base composition with additional fillers, or a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer. In exemplary embodiments, such a rigid seal may have a relatively tight tolerance between the juxtaposed and interlocking ends to restrict weepage and enhance sealing. In other embodiments, however, the seal may be utilized in high pressure and velocity applications that may allow for some weepage.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the split-ring seal 10 may be made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, for allowing the seal to expand or contract to adjust and/or conform to variable diameter surfaces. For example, such an elastomeric split-ring seal may be utilized on telescoping or tapered cylinders in which a one-size split-ring seal could be deformed to fit over different diameter portions of the telescoping or tapered cylinder and provide a sealing function. Such an elastomeric split-ring seal also may be used for applications in which the component to be sealed has loose tolerances or draft surfaces, in which the elastomeric seal could accommodate for these loose tolerances.

The tapered projections 30a, 30b may be formed by stamping, die-cutting, machining, or other suitable methods known in the art. In exemplary

embodiments, the z-shaped split may be formed with a z-shaped die blade in which the split is formed with a single cut. In this manner, there may be relatively small gaps between the abutting surfaces of the tapered projections 30a, 30b taking into account the material that has been removed.

The exemplary split-ring annular seal 10 shown in FIGS. 2-6 has been experimentally tested compared to a prior art split-ring annular seal 1 10, with the split-portion of the prior art seal 1 10 shown in the enlarged view of Fig. 7. The prior art seal 1 10 differs from the exemplary seal 10 in having projections 130a, 130b of juxtaposed ends 120a, 120b that are not tapered. Rather, the projections 130a, 130b are uniform in both the circumferential and radial directions such that the interfaces 139a, 139b between projections 130a, 130b are in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the seal 1 10. The experimental testing also compares the exemplary seal 10 (having the axially overlapping tapered projections, as shown in FIGS. 2-6) with a similar split-ring seal in which a similar z-shaped split extends axially through the seal such that the tapered projections radially overlap instead.

The results of the experimental testing demonstrate that, for a

transmission application, the exemplary seal 10 has improved sealing

performance compared to the prior art seal 1 10, as measured by leak flow analysis at specific temperatures and hydraulic fluid pressures. The results of the testing also demonstrate that both of the seals with z-shaped splits performed better than the prior art seal 1 10, although the exemplary seal 10 with axially overlapping tapered projections exhibits improved sealing performance compared to the z-split seal with radially overlapping projections. Additional experimental testing also demonstrates that the exemplary seal 10 has improved hydraulic fluid drag force performance compared to the prior art seal 10, which may improve the available force to exhaust hydraulic fluid for such transmission applications. The results of the drag force testing also demonstrate that both of the seals with z-shaped splits performed better than the prior art seal 1 10, although the exemplary seal 10 with axially overlapping tapered projections exhibits improved drag force performance compared to the z-split seal with radially overlapping projections.

The exemplary seal further achieved additional unexpected and enhanced results as compared to the alternative configurations tested. It was found that the exemplary split-ring seal 10 better secured itself in the annular groove of the transmission shafts compared to both the prior art seal 1 10 and the radially overlapping z-shaped split-ring seal, such that the exemplary seal 10 did not easily fall out of the grooves during sub-assembly and transport. This improved interlocking feature of the exemplary seal 10 is a valuable improvement over the prior art seal 1 10, which traditionally has problems falling off of the shafts and therefore requires special packaging for transport and/or time-consuming reassembly onto the shafts.

Referring now to Fig. 8, another exemplary embodiment of a split-ring seal 210 is shown. The split-ring seal 210 is substantially similar to the above- referenced split-ring seal 10, except that the tapered projections 230a, 230b of each of the juxtaposed ends 220a, 220b taper in the radial direction as shown. Consequently, the same reference numerals but indexed by 200 are used to denote structures corresponding to similar structures in the split-ring seals 10, 210. In addition, the foregoing description of the split-ring seal 10 is equally applicable to the split-ring seal 210 except as noted below. Moreover, it is understood that aspects of the split-ring seals 10, 210 may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the split-ring seal 210 has the tapered projections 230a, 230b of each of the juxtaposed ends 220a, 220b tapering in the radial direction, such that the enlarged portion 232a, 232b forming the tapered ridge of each juxtaposed end is radially offset from the narrow portion 234a, 234b forming the tapered groove of the same end, and such that the tapered projections 230a, 230b reduce in thickness in the circumferential direction from the enlarged portion 232a, 232b toward the narrow portion 234a, 234b. Also as shown, the tapered projections 230a, 230b of each of the juxtaposed ends may circumferentially overlap with each other when the respective tapered ridges are interlockingly received in the corresponding tapered grooves of the opposite juxtaposed ends.

An exemplary split-ring annular seal has been described herein, the split- ring seal having overlapping tapered projections at juxtaposed ends. The tapered projection of each juxtaposed end has an enlarged portion forming a tapered ridge that tapers toward a narrow portion forming a tapered groove. The tapered ridge of each juxtaposed end is configured to be received in the corresponding tapered groove of the other juxtaposed end for interlocking the ends to restrict separation of the ends when in use.

In exemplary embodiments, the tapered projections of each of the juxtaposed ends may taper in the circumferential direction, such that the tapered ridge of each end is circumferentially offset from the tapered groove of the same end, and the tapered projections reduce their axial thickness from the axially enlarged portion toward the axially narrow portion of each end. In such a configuration, the tapered projections of each of the juxtaposed ends axially overlap with each other when the respective tapered ridges are interlockingly received in the corresponding tapered grooves of the opposite juxtaposed ends.

It is understood that while a preferred form of the exemplary split-ring seal has been described above, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that other split-ring seal designs could also be used with the present invention. The invention is not limited to any particular split-ring seal design, but rather is appropriate for a wide variety of commercially-available seals.

Furthermore, although the principles of the present invention may have particular application to automotive components, wherein the split-ring seal may be disposed in an annular groove of a shaft for a transmission or the like, it is understood that the principles of the invention may be applicable to other split- ring seals for other applications, or for being disposed on other sub-components, where it is desirable to have interlocking tapered projections at juxtaposed ends for preventing the ends from separating during assembly, shipment, or while in use, among other considerations.

For example, the split-ring seal also may be used on piston rings for internal combustion engines or hydraulic components, such as cylinder-piston hydraulic devices. In some embodiments, the split-ring seal may have only one split, and in other embodiments, the split-ring seal may have a plurality of splits in which the seal is a segmented seal. In some embodiments, the split-ring seal may be a rigid seal such as for high-pressure and velocity applications, and in other embodiments the split-ring seal may be elastomeric with a deformable shape that allows such use on telescoping cylinders or other such components having a variable diameter.

It is furthermore understood that although an exemplary split-ring seal has been discussed above, the principles of the interlocking juxtaposed ends of the split-ring described above also may be applicable to other split-ring designs, such as split wear rings or split retaining rings, as may be desirable for particular applications understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. For example, a split retaining ring having one or more of the foregoing features of the split-ring seal with interlocking juxtaposed ends described above may be provided, such as for cooperating with a seal, in which the split retaining ring may be utilized to hold the seal in place and restrict extrusion of the seal. Such a split retaining ring may have some, limited, or no sealing function. In other embodiments, the split-ring design may be a wear band, such as for use on a piston, or as a replaceable bumper on a shaft, such as a bump stop on a shock.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. For example, although shown and described as a z-shaped split having tapered projections that axially overlap, the projections may take other shapes or forms, or the tapered projections may overlap radially, in such way(s) that the tapered projections provide the desired interlocking and sealing functions as described above. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described elements (components, assemblies, devices, compositions, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such elements are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performs the specified function of the described element (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiment or embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been described above with respect to only one or more of several illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1 . A split-ring annular seal for being disposed in an annular groove of a shaft, the seal comprising a split that forms juxtaposed ends that cooperate to interlock with each other, wherein:

each of the juxtaposed ends has a tapered projection that tapers in a circumferential direction from an enlarged portion to a narrow portion, the enlarged portion forming a tapered ridge, and the narrow portion forming a tapered groove; and

the tapered groove of each of the juxtaposed ends is configured to interlockingly receive the tapered ridge of the corresponding other juxtaposed end, thereby enabling securing of the annular seal in the annular groove.

2. The split-ring seal of claim 1 ,

wherein the tapered projections of each of the juxtaposed ends taper in the circumferential direction, such that the enlarged portion forming the tapered ridge of each juxtaposed end is circumferentially offset from the narrow portion forming the tapered groove of the same end, and the tapered projections reduce in axial thickness from the enlarged portion toward the narrow portion; and

wherein the tapered projections of each of the juxtaposed ends axially overlap with each other when the respective tapered ridges are interlockingly received in the corresponding tapered grooves of the opposite juxtaposed ends.

3. The split-ring seal of claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein each of the tapered projections has an inclined surface and an adjacent abutment surface, and wherein the tapered groove of each of the juxtaposed ends is formed by at least a portion of the inclined surface and at least a portion of the abutment surface.

4. The split-ring seal of claim 3, or any other preceding claim, wherein the abutment surface is essentially perpendicular to the inclined surface of the tapered projection.

5. The split-ring seal of claim 3, or any other preceding claim, wherein a base of the tapered groove interconnects the abutment surface with the inclined surface.

6. The split-ring seal of claim 3, or any other preceding claim, wherein the inclined surface of each of the tapered projections extends away from the abutment surface in both the circumferential and axial directions to form at least a portion of the tapered ridge.

7. The split-ring seal of claim 3, or any other preceding claim, wherein the inclined surface of each of the tapered projections extends essentially the full circumferential extent of the tapered projection.

8. The split-ring seal of claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein the enlarged portion of each of the tapered projections has a terminal abutment surface at a circumferential terminal end of the tapered projection, the terminal abutment surface of each of the tapered projections being configured to abut an abutment surface of the tapered groove of the tapered projection of the corresponding other juxtaposed end.

9. The split-ring seal of claim 8, or any other preceding claim, wherein the terminal abutment surface of each of the enlarged portions is beveled, thereby permitting the tapered ridge of one juxtaposed end to pivot out of the tapered groove of the corresponding other juxtaposed end and facilitate separation of the juxtaposed ends.

10. The split-ring seal of claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein the tapered projections are essentially uniform in a radial direction.

1 1. The split-ring seal of claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein the interlocking engagement between the juxtaposed ends forms a uniform interface in the radial direction.

12. The split-ring seal of claim 3, or any other preceding claim, wherein the inclined surface of each of the tapered projections is essentially linear.

13. The split-ring seal of claim 3, or any other preceding claim, wherein the inclined surface of each of the tapered projections is angled in the range from 5 to 25 degrees from a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the seal.

14. The split-ring seal of claim 13, or any other preceding claim, wherein the inclined surface of each of the tapered projections is angled in the range from 7 to 15 degrees.

15. The split-ring seal of claim 3, or any other preceding claim, wherein each of the tapered projections has an axially outward surface that is opposite the inclined surface, each of the axially outward surfaces being disposed in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the seal.

16. The split-ring seal of claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein a major portion of the seal has a uniform thickness in cross-section.

17. The split-ring seal of claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein the seal is made of a rigid material.

18. The split-ring seal of claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein the respective tapered projections are formed by a single stamp cut.

19. The split-ring seal of claim 1 , or any other preceding claim, wherein the tapered projections of each of the juxtaposed ends taper in the radial direction, such that the enlarged portion forming the tapered ridge of each juxtaposed end is radially offset from the narrow portion forming the tapered groove of the same end, and the tapered projections reduce in thickness in the circumferential direction from the enlarged portion toward the narrow portion; and

wherein the tapered projections of each of the juxtaposed ends circumferentially overlap with each other when the respective tapered ridges interlockingly received in the corresponding tapered grooves of the opposite juxtaposed ends.

20. A split retaining ring comprising a split that forms juxtaposed ends that cooperate to interlock with each other, wherein:

each of the juxtaposed ends has a tapered projection that tapers in a circumferential direction from an enlarged portion to a narrow portion, the enlarged portion form ing a tapered ridge, and the narrow portion forming a tapered groove; and

the tapered groove of each of the juxtaposed ends is configured to interlockingly receive the tapered ridge of the corresponding other juxtaposed end, thereby enabling securing of the annular seal in the annular groove.