| 20080272557 | Annular seal assembly for insertion between two relatively rotatable members, in particular a tub and a rotating shaft of the drum of a washing machine - A seal assembly including a first rigid shield having an annular sealing member of elastomeric material, and a second rigid shield mounted facing the first and having respective sliding surfaces for a first and second annular sealing lip of the annular sealing member, which extend towards the second rigid shield to exert axial sealing pressure and radial sealing pressure, respectively; wherein the first annular sealing lip has a radial seat facing the opposite way to the second annular sealing lip and housing a toroidal spring, which exerts a radial thrust on the first annular sealing lip eccentrically with respect to an elastic hinge defined by a root portion common to the first and second annular sealing lip, and having a centre of rotation located along a line extending through a V-shaped sealing edge of the first annular sealing lip and forming a 20° to 60° angle with a radial plane; the root portion being defined between two opposite annular recesses of the annular sealing member, which have a U-shaped radial section and bottom walls facing each other and substantially aligned along the aforementioned line; and the second annular sealing lip having a V-shaped sealing edge defined by an undulated, circumferential groove. | 11-06-2008 |
