Reinforcing ring for gasket of single-wall groove

Abstract

A seal assembly includes a housing including a wall, a gasket circumscribed by the wall, and a reinforcement member defining an orifice and extending continuously and completely around the orifice, the reinforcement member in contact with and circumscribed by the gasket such that the gasket is between the reinforcement member and the wall of the housing. The reinforcement member includes a spring, the reinforcement member configured to be compressed at the spring during insertion of the reinforcement member into the gasket, the spring biased outward to press the reinforcement member against the gasket and to press the gasket against the wall of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of presenting the general background of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the currently named inventors and aspects that may not otherwise be described as prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly considered as prior art to this disclosure.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a reinforcing ring for a gasket, configured to be inserted into a single-walled groove. Background Technology

[0003] Vehicles typically include numerous connection joints. Many of these joints include gaskets that provide a fluid-tight seal. Such joints can be found, for example, at the interface between the engine oil cooler and the upper oil pan. Gasketed joints are also included in a variety of non-automotive applications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Among various features, this disclosure provides a sealing assembly comprising: a housing including a wall; a gasket surrounded by the wall; and a reinforcing member defining an orifice and extending continuously and completely around the orifice, the reinforcing member contacting and being surrounded by the gasket such that the gasket is positioned between the reinforcing member and the wall of the housing. The reinforcing member includes a spring configured to compress at the spring during insertion of the reinforcing member into the gasket, the spring biasing outward to press the reinforcing member against the gasket and to press the gasket against the wall of the housing.

[0005] In another feature, the housing includes a wall frame adjacent to the wall, on which gaskets are disposed.

[0006] Another feature is that the gasket is made of an elastomer material.

[0007] In another feature, the reinforcing member includes an upper rounded edge and a lower rounded edge opposite to the upper rounded edge.

[0008] Another feature is that the reinforcing member is a steel ring.

[0009] In other features, the reinforcing member is shorter than the wall, and the gasket extends above the wall.

[0010] Another feature is that the reinforcing member is non-circular.

[0011] In another feature, the gasket and reinforcing member each have an oval shape.

[0012] Among other features, the reinforcing member is in the shape of a compound leaf.

[0013] In another feature, the reinforcing member includes a first linear side, a second linear side, a first bent end connecting the first linear side to the second linear side, and a second bent end connecting the first linear side to the second linear side.

[0014] In another feature, the spring is a first spring at the first bent end; and the reinforcing member includes a second spring at the second bent end opposite to the first spring. The second spring is configured to compress during insertion of the reinforcing member into the washer. The second spring biases outward to expand the reinforcing member, pressing the reinforcing member against the washer and pressing the washer against the wall.

[0015] In another feature, each of the first and second springs is defined by an inward fold of a reinforcing member.

[0016] In another feature, the spring is one of a plurality of springs, each configured to compress during insertion of the reinforcing member into the washer, the plurality of springs being preloaded to cause the reinforcing member to expand outward, thereby pressing the reinforcing member against the washer and causing the washer against the wall.

[0017] Among various features, this disclosure also provides a sealing assembly comprising: a housing including a wall and a bracket extending inwardly from the wall; a gasket disposed on the bracket and abutting the wall, the gasket being surrounded by the wall; and a reinforcing member disposed on the bracket and abutting the gasket. The reinforcing member is non-circular, shorter than the wall, and includes a rounded top surface and a rounded bottom surface. The reinforcing member defines an orifice and extends continuously and completely around the orifice. The reinforcing member includes a first spring and a second spring. Each of the first and second springs is compressible and outwardly biased during insertion of the reinforcing member into the gasket, so as to both expand the reinforcing member against the gasket and press the gasket against the wall.

[0018] In another feature, each of the first and second springs includes an inwardly folded portion having a semi-circular shape.

[0019] Another feature is that the reinforcing member is non-circular.

[0020] In another feature, both the first spring and the second spring are located between the first half and the second half of the reinforcing member.

[0021] Among various features, this disclosure also provides a sealing assembly comprising: a housing having a wall; a gasket surrounded by the wall; and a reinforcing member defining an orifice and extending continuously and completely around the orifice, the reinforcing member contacting and being surrounded by the gasket such that the gasket is between the reinforcing member and the wall of the housing. The reinforcing member includes a first inwardly folded portion and a second inwardly folded portion. The first and second inwardly folded portions are opposite to each other and extend toward each other. Each of the first and second inwardly folded portions is compressible during insertion of the reinforcing member into the gasket. Each of the first and second inwardly folded portions is biased outwardly to cause the reinforcing member to expand against the gasket and press the gasket against the wall.

[0022] In another feature, the first inward folding portion is configured as a first spring, and the second inward folding portion is configured as a second spring.

[0023] In other features, the reinforcing member is non-circular, shorter than the washer, and the washer extends above the wall.

[0024] Option 1. A sealing assembly, comprising:

[0025] A housing, the housing including walls;

[0026] Washers, the washers being surrounded by walls; and

[0027] A reinforcing member defines an orifice and extends continuously and completely around the orifice. The reinforcing member contacts and is surrounded by a washer, such that the washer is positioned between the reinforcing member and the wall of the housing.

[0028] The reinforcing member includes a spring, which is configured to be compressed at the spring during insertion of the reinforcing member into the washer. The spring biases outward to press the reinforcing member against the washer and to press the washer against the wall of the housing.

[0029] Option 2. The sealing assembly according to Option 1, wherein the housing further includes a wall frame adjacent to the wall, and the gasket is disposed on the wall frame.

[0030] Option 3. The sealing assembly according to Option 1, wherein the gasket is made of an elastomeric material.

[0031] Option 4. The sealing assembly according to Option 1, wherein the reinforcing member includes an upper rounded corner edge and a lower rounded corner edge opposite to the upper rounded corner edge.

[0032] Option 5. The sealing assembly according to Option 1, wherein the reinforcing member is a steel ring.

[0033] Option 6. The sealing assembly according to Option 1, wherein the reinforcing member is shorter than the wall and the gasket extends above the wall.

[0034] Option 7. The sealing assembly according to Option 1, wherein the reinforcing member is non-circular.

[0035] Option 8. The sealing assembly according to Option 1, wherein each of the gasket and the reinforcing member has an elliptical shape.

[0036] Option 9. The sealing assembly according to Option 1, wherein the reinforcing member is in the shape of a compound leaf grass.

[0037] Option 10. The sealing assembly according to Option 1, wherein the reinforcing member includes a first linear side, a second linear side, a first bent end connecting the first linear side to the second linear side, and a second bent end connecting the first linear side to the second linear side.

[0038] Option 11. The sealing assembly according to Option 10, wherein:

[0039] The spring is the first spring at the first bent end; and

[0040] The reinforcing member includes a second spring at the second bent end, which is opposite to the first spring. The second spring is configured to compress during insertion of the reinforcing member into the washer, and to bias outward to expand the reinforcing member, thereby pressing the reinforcing member against the washer and pressing the washer against the wall.

[0041] Option 12. The sealing assembly according to Option 11, wherein each of the first spring and the second spring is defined by an inward fold of the reinforcing member.

[0042] Option 13. The sealing assembly according to Option 1, wherein the spring is one of a plurality of springs, each of the plurality of springs being configured to compress during insertion of the reinforcing member into the washer, the plurality of springs being preloaded to cause the reinforcing member to expand outward, causing the reinforcing member to press against the washer, and causing the washer to press against the wall.

[0043] Option 14. A sealing assembly, comprising:

[0044] A housing, the housing including walls and a frame extending inwardly from the walls;

[0045] Washers, said washers being mounted on the wall frame and abutting against the wall, the washers being surrounded by the wall; and

[0046] A reinforcing member, mounted on the wall frame and abutting against a washer, is non-circular, shorter than the wall, and includes a rounded top and bottom surface. The reinforcing member defines an opening and extends continuously and completely around the opening.

[0047] The reinforcing member includes a first spring and a second spring, each of which is compressible during insertion of the reinforcing member into the washer and biased outward to both expand the reinforcing member against the washer and press the washer against the wall.

[0048] Option 15. The sealing assembly according to Option 14, wherein each of the first spring and the second spring includes an inwardly folded portion having a semi-circular shape.

[0049] Option 16. The sealing assembly according to Option 14, wherein the reinforcing member is non-circular.

[0050] Option 17. The sealing assembly according to Option 14, wherein both the first spring and the second spring are located between the first half of the reinforcing member and the second half of the reinforcing member.

[0051] Option 18. A sealing assembly, comprising:

[0052] A housing, the housing including walls;

[0053] Washers, the washers being surrounded by walls; and

[0054] A reinforcing member defines an orifice and extends continuously and completely around the orifice. The reinforcing member contacts and is surrounded by a washer, such that the washer is positioned between the reinforcing member and the wall of the housing.

[0055] The reinforcing member includes a first inward folding portion and a second inward folding portion, which are opposite to each other and extend toward each other. Each of the first inward folding portion and the second inward folding portion is compressible during insertion of the reinforcing member into the washer, and each of the first inward folding portion and the second inward folding portion is biased outward to cause the reinforcing member to expand against the washer and press the washer against the wall.

[0056] Option 19. The sealing assembly according to Option 18, wherein the first inward folding portion is configured as a first spring, and the second inward folding portion is configured as a second spring.

[0057] Option 20. The sealing assembly according to Option 18, wherein the reinforcing member is non-circular, shorter than the gasket, and the gasket extends above the wall.

[0058] Other areas of application of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0059] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0060] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the sealing assembly according to the present disclosure, including reinforcing members;

[0061] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The line 2-2 cut Figure 1 Cross-sectional view;

[0062] Figure 3 Illustration Figure 2 Area 3;

[0063] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the reinforcing member of the sealing assembly;

[0064] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the reinforcing member taken from line 5-5;

[0065] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the additional reinforcing member according to this disclosure;

[0066] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of another reinforcing member according to this disclosure; and

[0067] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of another reinforcing member according to this disclosure.

[0068] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0069] This disclosure includes a sealing assembly for connection joints (such as automotive or non-automotive connection joints). The sealing assembly includes a gasket that provides a liquid-impermeable seal. Such connection joints and sealing assemblies can be used in a variety of locations. Regarding automotive connection joints, they can be used, for example, for connecting an engine oil cooler to an upper oil pan, for connecting an engine oil pump to an upper oil pan, for use at oil cooler joints, etc. The sealing assembly of this disclosure includes a housing having an outer wall but no inner wall. For example, the elimination of the inner wall saves space, simplifies manufacturing, and enhances the seal. The gasket is disposed against the outer wall. A reinforcing member is disposed against the gasket to prevent the gasket from curling inward away from the outer wall. The reinforcing member includes a spring, and the reinforcing member is configured to compress at the spring during insertion into the gasket. The spring biases outward to press the reinforcing member against the gasket and to press the gasket against the well.

[0070] Figures 1 to 3The illustration shows an exemplary sealing assembly 10 according to this disclosure. The sealing assembly 10 is illustrated as being included together with an exemplary component or part 20. Part 20 can be any suitable automotive or non-automotive part. For example, part 20 can be an engine oil cooler, upper oil pan, engine pump, etc.

[0071] The sealing assembly 10 includes a housing 30, which may include or be configured as a flange. The housing 30 includes an outer wall 32. The housing 30 does not include an inner wall. The outer wall 32 can have any suitable non-circular shape. For example, the outer wall 32 can have an elliptical shape. A ledge 34 extends inwardly from the outer wall 32 (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0072] Gasket 50 is mounted on bracket 34. Gasket 50 is surrounded by outer wall 32. Gasket 50 may be elliptical as illustrated, or have any other suitable shape. The shape of gasket 50 will typically correspond to the shape of outer wall 32. Gasket 50 includes an inner gasket surface 52 and an outer gasket surface 54 substantially opposite the inner gasket surface 52. Outer gasket surface 54 contacts outer wall 32 of housing 30. Gasket 50 also includes upper gasket surface 56. Gasket 50 is configured to provide a liquid-impermeable seal and may be made of any suitable material to provide such a seal. For example, gasket 50 may be made of any suitable elastomeric material. Gasket 50 seals against another part (not shown), which is positioned against gasket 50 and housing 30.

[0073] The sealing assembly 10 also includes a reinforcing member 110A. The reinforcing member 110A contacts the inner washer surface 52 of the gasket 50. The reinforcing member 110A can be mounted on the bracket 34 such that the gasket 50 is positioned between the reinforcing member 110A and the housing 30. The reinforcing member 110A can have any suitable shape, such as any suitable non-circular shape. Figures 1 to 4 In the example, the reinforcing member 110A has a generally elliptical shape. The reinforcing member 110A defines the orifice 120A. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The reinforcing member 110A extends continuously and completely around the orifice 120A. Therefore, the reinforcing member 110A is not open at the ends, but is a continuous elliptical (or other suitable non-circular shape) member. The reinforcing member 110A contacts and is surrounded by the washer 50, such that the washer 50 is between the reinforcing member 110A and the outer wall 32 of the housing 30.

[0074] The reinforcing member 110A includes an outer ring surface 130A and an inner ring surface 132A opposite to the outer ring surface 130A. The outer ring surface 130A abuts against the inner washer surface 52 of the washer 50. The reinforcing member 110A has a height lower than the outer wall 32 to facilitate cooperation between the housing 30 / waist gasket 50 and the opposing sides (not shown) of the sealing assembly 10. The reinforcing member 110A also has a maximum height lower than the washer 50. Therefore, when installed, the upper end 134A of the reinforcing member 110A is below the upper washer surface 56 (e.g., Figure 3 ).

[0075] The reinforcing member 110A can be made of any suitable material. For example, the reinforcing member 110A can be made of any suitable steel. The reinforcing member 110A is flexible and biased to expand outward against the inner washer surface 52, which prevents the washer 50 from potentially curling inward away from the outer wall 32. The reinforcing member 110A is generally “preloaded” to expand radially outward against the inner washer surface 52 so that the reinforcing member 110A and the washer 50 do not separate from each other. The reinforcing member 110A holds the washer 50 in place without the inner wall of the housing 30 and enhances the sealing performance of the washer 50. The elimination of the inner wall saves space, reduces weight, and provides a variety of other advantages.

[0076] The reinforcing member 110A is configured to contract and expand to allow insertion into the washer 50, and in response to temperature changes. To facilitate expansion and contraction, the reinforcing member 110A includes at least one spring. Therefore, the reinforcing member may include one spring, two springs (see...). Figures 1 to 5 (or more than two springs.) Figures 1 to 4 In the example, the reinforcing member 110A includes a first spring 150A and a second spring 160A. At the first spring 150A and the second spring 160A, the reinforcing member 110A is configured to compress during insertion into the washer 50. The first spring 150A and the second spring 160A are biased outward to press the reinforcing member 110A against the washer 50 and to press the washer 50 against the outer wall 32. To facilitate movement of the reinforcing member 110A against the inner washer surface 52 during expansion and contraction, both the upper end portion 134A and the lower end portion 136A are rounded, curved, or tapered, which helps to reduce any potential obstruction between the reinforcing member 110A and the washer 50 during expansion and contraction.

[0077] The first spring 150A and the second spring 160A are integral with the reinforcing member 110A and are formed as parts of the reinforcing member 110A in any suitable manner. For example, the first spring 150A and the second spring 160A may be configured as inwardly folded portions of the reinforcing member 110A. In the illustrated example, the first spring 150A includes a first bent portion 154A. The second spring 160A includes a second bent portion 164A. The first bent portion 154A and the second bent portion 164A may alternatively be configured as linear portions (or include linear portions), such as... Figure 8 As illustrated in the example.

[0078] The first half or first side portion 170A of the reinforcing member 110A extends between the first spring 150A and the second spring 160A. The second half or second side portion 180A of the reinforcing member 110A also extends between the first spring 150A and the second spring 160A (see, for example). Figure 4 Each of the first side portion 170A and the second side portion 180A can have any suitable shape to provide a reinforcing member 110A with an overall non-circular shape. Figures 1 to 4 In the example, the first side 170A and the second side 180A include an intermediate region (first intermediate region 172A and second intermediate region 182A, respectively) between the bent ends (first bent end 174A and second bent end 184A) connected to the first spring 150A and the second spring 160A.

[0079] When subjected to elevated temperatures, the washer 50 contracts, which in turn causes the reinforcing member 110A to contract, maintaining contact with the washer 50. As the reinforcing member 110A contracts, the first spring 150A and the second spring 160A also contract. As the washer 50 cools and expands, the reinforcing member 110A is configured to expand at the first spring 150A and the second spring 160A to maintain contact with the washer 50.

[0080] The reinforcing member 110A is configured to subsequently contract and expand together with the washer 50 to maintain contact with the washer 50 and to prevent the washer 50 from rolling inward away from the outer wall 32 during temperature fluctuations. The reinforcing member 110A has an inner diameter that is the same as or substantially the same as the inner diameter of the washer 50. The reinforcing member 110A remains in contact with the washer 50 to prevent the reinforcing member 110A from rotating relative to the washer 50.

[0081] Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The illustration shows an additional reinforcing member according to this disclosure, which may be included together with the sealing assembly 10 in place of reinforcing member 110A (which is the first reinforcing member). Special reference. Figure 6The figure shows a second reinforcing member 110B. The second reinforcing member 110B includes many of the same features as the first reinforcing member 110A. Features of the second reinforcing member 110B that are the same as or similar to those of the first reinforcing member 110A are identified in the figures using the same reference numerals, but with the letter "B" instead of "A". The above description of the first reinforcing member 110A applies to the second reinforcing member 110B with respect to at least these features.

[0082] The second reinforcing member 110B includes four springs: a first spring 150B, a second spring 160B, a third spring 210B, and a fourth spring 220B. Each of the first spring 150B, the second spring 160B, the third spring 210B, and the fourth spring 220B is the same as or similar to the first spring 150A and the second spring 160A. The first spring 150B is opposite to the second spring 160B. The third spring 210B is opposite to the fourth spring 220B. Each of the first spring 150B, the second spring 160B, the third spring 210B, and the fourth spring 220B is connected by a bent portion 230B of the second reinforcing member 110B. The second reinforcing member 110B is generally configured to have a four-leaf clover shape. The second reinforcing member 110B is configured for use with a sealing assembly 10 having a similarly shaped housing 30 and a gasket 50.

[0083] Figure 7 The figure shows a third reinforcing member 110C. The third reinforcing member 110C includes many of the same features as reinforcing member 110A. Features of the third reinforcing member 110C that are the same as or similar to those of the first reinforcing member 110A or the second reinforcing member 110B are identified by the same reference numerals in the figures, but with the letter "B". The above description of the first reinforcing member 110A and the second reinforcing member 110B applies to the third reinforcing member 110C with respect to at least these features.

[0084] The third reinforcing member 110C includes three springs: a first spring 150C, a second spring 160C, and a third spring 210C. Each of the first spring 150C, the second spring 160C, and the third spring 210C is the same as or similar to the first spring 150A and the second spring 160A (as well as the first spring 150B, the second spring 160B, and the third spring 210B). Each of the first spring 150C, the second spring 160C, and the third spring 210C is connected by a bent portion 230C of the third reinforcing member 110C. The third reinforcing member 110C is generally configured to have a cloverleaf shape. The third reinforcing member 110C is configured for use with a sealing assembly 10 having a housing 30 and a gasket 50 with a similar shape.

[0085] The fourth reinforcing member 110D includes two springs: a first spring 150D and a second spring 160D. Each of the first spring 150D and the second spring 160D is similar to the first spring 150A and the second spring 160A. However, the first curved portion 154A and the second curved portion 164A are replaced with the linear portions of the first spring 150D and the second spring 160D.

[0086] The first half or first side portion 170D of the fourth reinforcing member 110D extends between the first spring 150D and the second spring 160D. The second half or second side portion 180D of the fourth reinforcing member 110D also extends between the first spring 150D and the second spring 160D. Each of the first side portion 170D and the second side portion 180D can have any suitable shape to provide a fourth reinforcing member 110D with an overall non-circular shape. Figure 8 In the example, the first side 170D and the second side 180D are continuously bent (or substantially continuously bent) to provide a fourth reinforcing member 110D with an elliptical shape.

[0087] The aforementioned features of the first reinforcing member 110A, the second reinforcing member 110B, the third reinforcing member 110C, and the fourth reinforcing member 110D are generally interchangeable. For example, the first reinforcing member 110A may include linear portions of the first spring 150D and the second spring 160D in place of the first curved portion 154A and the second curved portion 164A. Furthermore, the first intermediate region 172A and the second intermediate region 182A may be curved rather than linear to give the first reinforcing member 110A a more elliptical shape, such as an elliptical shape similar to that of the fourth reinforcing member 110D. And any spring in the first reinforcing member 110A, the second reinforcing member 110B, and the fourth reinforcing member 110D may be more rounded, as illustrated in the spring diagram of the third reinforcing member 110C. Any other modifications to the various disclosed features of the reinforcing members may also be made, such as substitutions (e.g., mixing and matching).

[0088] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and appended claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, while each of the embodiments described above is described as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with reference to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with features of any other embodiment, even if such combinations are not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and substitutions of one or more embodiments for each other remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0089] Various terms are used to describe spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including “connected,” “joined,” “linked,” “adjacent,” “next to,” “on top,” “above,” “below,” and “set.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when describing the relationship between first and second elements in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which no other intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements, or an indirect relationship in which one or more intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements (spatially or functionally). As used herein, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be interpreted as meaning logic using the non-exclusive logic “OR” (A or B or C) and should not be interpreted as meaning “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

[0090] In the accompanying drawings, the direction of the arrows (as indicated by the arrowhead) typically represents the flow of information (such as data or instructions) that is crucial to the illustration. For example, when components A and B exchange various types of information, but the information transmitted from component A to component B is relevant to the illustration, the arrow can point from component A to component B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is transmitted from component B to component A. Furthermore, for information transmitted from component A to component B, component B may send a request for the information or an acknowledgment of receipt of the information to component A.

Claims

1. A sealing assembly, comprising: A housing, the housing including walls; Washer, the washer being surrounded by a wall; as well as A reinforcing member defines an orifice and extends continuously and completely around the orifice. The reinforcing member contacts and is surrounded by a washer, such that the washer is positioned between the reinforcing member and the wall of the housing. The reinforcing member includes a spring, which is configured to be compressed at the spring during insertion of the reinforcing member into the washer. The spring biases outward to press the reinforcing member against the washer and to press the washer against the wall of the housing.

2. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The housing also includes a wall frame adjacent to the wall, on which gaskets are mounted.

3. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The gasket is made of an elastomer material.

4. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing member includes an upper rounded edge and a lower rounded edge opposite to the upper rounded edge.

5. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing component is a steel ring.

6. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing member is shorter than the wall, and the gasket extends above the wall.

7. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing member is non-circular.

8. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Each washer and reinforcing member has an oval shape.

9. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing component is shaped like a compound leaf grass.

10. The sealing assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The reinforcing member includes a first linear side, a second linear side, a first bent end connecting the first linear side to the second linear side, and a second bent end connecting the first linear side to the second linear side.

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