Sealing device

Abstract

A sealing device (1) is provided with an annular elastic body part (2) formed from an elastic body. The elastic body part (2) has an annular seal lip (10). The seal lip (10) is in contact with a guide member (102) inserted into the seal lip (10). The fastening margin (alpha) of the seal lip (10) with respect to the guide member (102) inserted into the seal lip (10) is such that the guide member (102) can be easily inserted into the seal lip (10). The seal lip (10) is a cylindrical portion extending along an axis (x).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing device. Background Art

[0002] For example, in electronic devices or electronic components, since the temperature rises due to heat generation, a cooling mechanism is provided for cooling. For example, a cooling device is provided inside an inverter device mounted on a motor serving as a drive source to cool the inverter device, which has reached a high temperature. Such a cooling device includes a guide component, such as a pipe, for guiding the coolant, and the guide component is connected to the cooling device to form a guide path. A seal is provided at the connection between the guide components in the guide path to prevent leakage of the coolant (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Invention patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-13830 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the guide path of such a cooling device, there is a guide path where the tube of one guide component is connected to the opening of another guide component. In such a connection, due to manufacturing tolerances or assembly tolerances, if the tube is eccentric relative to the opening, the sealing lip may deform, reducing sealing performance. While increasing the tightening margin of the sealing lip is a possible solution, increasing the tightening margin of the sealing lip increases the force required to insert the tube into the seal. When the force required to insert the tube into the seal increases, it may be necessary to improve the seal's installation performance (installation performance) on the tube.

[0008] Thus, a seal at a connection portion of a guide member in a guide path has been required to have a structure capable of preventing a reduction in sealing performance and a reduction in mounting performance of the seal.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sealing device capable of preventing a reduction in sealing performance and a reduction in mounting performance.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the sealing device involved in the present invention is a sealing device for closing a first guide component and a second guide component, the first guide component is a component for guiding fluid, and the second guide component is a component for guiding fluid having an opening portion for accommodating the first guide component. The sealing device includes an elastic body portion, which is an annular portion formed of an elastomer around an axis, and the elastic body portion has a sealing lip, which is an annular portion around the axis, and the sealing lip contacts the first guide component inserted into the sealing lip. The tightening margin of the sealing lip relative to the first guide component inserted into the sealing lip is large enough to make it easy for the first guide component to be inserted into the sealing lip, and the sealing lip is a cylindrical portion extending along the axis.

[0012] In the sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the length of the seal lip in the axial direction is larger than a size of foreign matter that may be present between the first guide member inserted into the seal lip and the seal lip.

[0013] In the sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the seal lip extends parallel to the axis.

[0014] In the sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the seal lip is a cylindrical portion having the axis as a central axis.

[0015] In the sealing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the foreign matter includes at least one of spherical foreign matter and fibrous foreign matter.

[0016] In the sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the tightening margin and the thickness of the seal lip are set so that the first guide member can be easily inserted into the seal lip.

[0017] In the sealing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the tightening margin and the thickness of the seal lip are set so that the first guide member is easily inserted into the seal lip when the seal lip deforms and the center of the open end of the seal lip deviates from the axis.

[0018] In the sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the elastic body portion includes a support portion for applying a pressing force to the seal lip.

[0019] In the sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the support portion is a plurality of ribs extending along the axis.

[0020] In the sealing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic portion has a root portion, the root portion being a portion from which the sealing lip protrudes, the root portion being annular around the axis, and having a thickness greater than a thickness of the sealing lip.

[0021] In the sealing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic body portion includes a gasket portion that is an annular portion surrounding the axis and in contact with the opening, and the seal lip is located on an inner peripheral side of the gasket portion.

[0022] In the sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the first guide member and the second guide member are components of a cooling device of an inverter device.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to the sealing device of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a reduction in sealing performance and a reduction in mounting performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a partial perspective view showing a part of the sealing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 A sectional view of a section of the sealing device along the axis is shown.

[0027] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 A partial sectional view near the cross section of the sealing lip of the sealing device is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a portion of the elastic body portion in a state where the center of the inner end of the seal lip is offset from the axial center of the sealing device.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing device in use.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a guide member is inserted into the internal space of the seal lip.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a state in which a guide member is inserted into the internal space of a seal lip whose base end is offset from the axis.

[0032] Figure 8 It is a partial perspective view showing a part of a sealing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 9This is a partial perspective view showing a portion of a sealing device according to a modified example of the sealing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Explanation of symbols

[0035] 1, 3, 4 Sealing device, 2 Elastomer portion, 10 Sealing lip, 10a Inner end, 10b Root end, 11 Sealing surface, 12 Outer circumference, 13 Opening, 14, 15 Rib (support portion), 20 Root portion, 20a Inner circumference, 20b End surface, 20c Outer circumference, 21 Base portion, 21a Inner side surface, 22 Cover portion, 22a Inner circumference, 23 Gasket portion, 23a Sealing surface, 23b Front end, 30 Reinforcement ring, 31 Annular portion, 31a Inner circumference, 32 Cylindrical portion, 32a Outer circumference, 32b Front end portion, 100 Cooling device, 101 Cooling path, 102, 103 Guide components, 102a Outer circumference, 104 Opening portion, 104a Inner circumference, F Insertion force, L Length, P Contact surface pressure, R Radius, T Thickness, S1, S2 Internal space, x-axis, α Tightening allowance DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] The sealing device involved in the present invention is a sealing device for closing between a first guide component and a second guide component, wherein the first guide component is a component for guiding fluid, and the second guide component is a component for guiding fluid having an opening portion for accommodating the first guide component. The first guide component is, for example, a pipe, and the second guide component is, for example, a pipe or a container having an opening portion at the end portion for accommodating other pipes. In addition, the fluid is, for example, a coolant for cooling, and the first guide component and the second guide component are components that form a guide path of a cooling device. The cooling device is, for example, a cooling device of an inverter device. The sealing device 1 involved in the embodiment of the present invention is used for closing between the first guide component and the second component as components of the cooling device of an inverter device. In addition, the applicable objects of the sealing device involved in the present invention are not limited to the cooling device of an inverter device. In addition, it is not limited to the cooling device and can also be used in other devices.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a partial perspective view showing a portion of a sealing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 , a portion of the sealing device 1 is shown cut along the axis x. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the sealing device 1 along the axis x. Figure 2 , a cross section of the sealing device 1 is shown relative to one side of the axis x. Figure 1 、 2As shown, the sealing device 1 includes an elastomeric portion 2, which is an annular portion formed of an elastomer and circumferentially around the axis x. The elastomeric portion 2 includes a sealing lip 10, which is an annular portion circumferentially around the axis x. The sealing lip 10 contacts a first guide member inserted into the sealing lip 10. The tightening margin α of the sealing lip 10 relative to the first guide member inserted into the sealing lip 10 is a size that allows the first guide member to be easily inserted into the sealing lip 10. The sealing lip 10 is a cylindrical portion extending along the axis x. The structure of the sealing device 1 will be described in detail below.

[0039] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown, for example, the sealing device 1 has a reinforcing ring 30 for reinforcing the elastomer part 2. The reinforcing ring 30 is a component installed on the elastomer part 2 in a manner covering the elastomer part 2, and is a rigid component in an annular shape around the axis x. The reinforcing ring 30 is, for example, a component made of metal or resin. In addition, the reinforcing ring 30 has, for example, an annular portion 31 and a cylindrical portion 32 extending from the annular portion 31. The annular portion 31 is, for example, a portion extending in an annular shape or a substantially annular shape around the axis x, and is a hollow disc-shaped portion with the axis x as the center axis or the substantially center axis. The cylindrical portion 32 is a cylindrical portion extending along the axis x, for example, a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical portion with the axis x as the center axis or the substantially center axis. The cylindrical portion 32 extends from the end on the outer peripheral side of the annular portion 31. The cylindrical portion 32 has an outer circumferential surface 32a facing the outer periphery. As described later, the cylindrical portion 32 has a shape and diameter corresponding to the inner circumferential surface of the opening, such that, when the sealing device 1 is in use, the axis x of the sealing device 1 is aligned or approximately aligned with the axis of the opening of the second guide member. The shape of the cylindrical portion 32 is, for example, cylindrical or approximately cylindrical, with the axis x as its central axis or approximately its central axis. The diameter of the distal end 32b, which serves as the distal end of the cylindrical portion 32, is smaller than the diameter of the outer circumferential surface 32a of the cylindrical portion 32. The diameter of the outer circumferential surface 32a of the cylindrical portion 32 is, for example, set to a size such that, when the sealing device 1 is mounted on the opening of the second guide member of the intended object, as described later, it presses against the inner circumferential surface of the opening. Thus, when in use, the sealing device 1 is secured to the intended object through a metal-to-metal fit, and a seal is established between the intended object and the sealing device 1. The transition region reinforcement ring 30 is integrally formed from the same material, with the annular portion 31 and the cylindrical portion 32 forming integrally formed portions of the reinforcement ring 30.

[0040] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the elastic body portion 2 has, for example, a root portion 20 in addition to the sealing lip 10. The root portion 20 is a portion protruding from the sealing lip 10. Figure 1 、 2 As shown, the elastic body portion 2 includes, for example, a base portion 21 , a cover portion 22 , and a gasket portion 23 .

[0041] The sealing lip 10 forms an inner space S1 extending in the direction of the axis x, for example Figure 1 、 2 As shown, it extends parallel to the axis x. Specifically, the sealing lip 10 extends in a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape with the axis x as the center axis or a substantially central axis, and the sealing surface 11 is a cylindrical surface or a substantially cylindrical surface with the axis x as the center axis or a substantially central axis. The sealing surface 11 is the inner peripheral surface of the sealing lip 10 that defines the internal space S1. In addition, the outer peripheral surface 12, which is the surface facing the outer peripheral side of the sealing lip 10 and is opposite to the sealing surface 11, is, for example, a cylindrical surface or a substantially cylindrical surface with the axis x as the center axis or a substantially central axis. On the inner side ( Figure 2 The end (inner end 10a) of the sealing lip 10 is formed with an opening 13, and the inner space S1 of the sealing lip 10 is open to the outside at the inner end 10a. The sealing lip 10 is on the outer side ( Figure 2 The end (root end 10b) of the sealing lip 10 at the lower side is connected to the root portion 20, and the internal space S1 of the sealing lip 10 is connected to the internal space S2 of the root portion 20.

[0042] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown, the root 20 is an annular portion surrounding the axis x, for example, extending in a cylindrical shape along the axis x. Specifically, the root 20 decreases in diameter along the axis x as it moves toward the sealing lip 10 side, for example, having a conical cylindrical or approximately conical cylindrical shape with the axis x as the center axis or the approximate center axis. The inner circumferential surface 20a that defines the internal space S2 of the root 20 is smoothly connected to the sealing surface 11 of the sealing lip 10. In addition, the inner circumferential surface 20a of the root 20 may not be smoothly connected to the sealing surface 11 of the sealing lip 10. The thickness of the root 20 is greater than the thickness of the sealing lip 10. The root 20 has an annular surface (end surface 20b) facing the inner side at the end on the inner side, and the sealing lip 10 protrudes from the end surface 20b.

[0043] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown, the base 21 is an annular portion surrounding the axis x, and is an annular portion extending from the outer end of the root 20 toward the outer circumference. Figure 1 、 2 As shown, the cover portion 22 is an annular portion surrounding the axis x, extending inward from the outer peripheral end of the base portion 21. A gasket portion 23 is provided at the inner end of the cover portion 22, protruding outward from the cover portion 22. The gasket portion 23 has a sealing surface 23a facing the outer peripheral side. The sealing surface 23a is formed, for example, as a cylindrical surface or a substantially cylindrical surface having the axis x as a central axis or a substantially central axis.

[0044] The base 21, cover 22, and gasket 23 of the elastomer portion 2 are attached to the reinforcing ring 30 so as to cover it. For example, the base 21, cover 22, and gasket 23 are bonded to the reinforcing ring 30. Specifically, for example, the base 21 covers the annular portion 31 of the reinforcing ring 30, covering the inner circumferential end (inner circumferential end 31a) of the annular portion 31 from the inside. Furthermore, the cover 23 covers the cylindrical portion 32 of the reinforcing ring 30 from the inside, and the gasket 23 covers the front end 32b of the cylindrical portion 32 of the reinforcing ring 30 from the outside. The diameter of the sealing surface 23a of the gasket 23 is set to a size such that, when the sealing device 1 is mounted on the opening of the second guide member to which it is applied, the sealing surface 23a is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the opening. Thus, in use, the gasket portion 23 is radially compressed between the front end portion 32b of the cylindrical portion 32 of the reinforcing ring 30 and the opening, thereby securing the sealing device 1 to the object and sealing the object and the sealing device 1.

[0045] like Figure 1 、 2 As shown, in the elastomer portion 2, the sealing lip 10 is located, for example, on the inner circumferential side of the gasket portion 23. Specifically, for example, the inner end 10a of the sealing lip 10 is located at the same or approximately the same position as the front end 23b of the gasket portion 23 in the axis x direction, and is not located further inward than the gasket portion 23. In addition, the inner end 10a of the sealing lip 10 and the front end 23b of the gasket portion 23 may not be located at the same position in the axis x direction. For example, the inner end 10a of the sealing lip 10 may be located further inward than the front end 23b of the gasket portion 23 in the axis x direction, or the inner end 10a of the sealing lip 10 may be located further outward than the front end 23b of the gasket portion 23 in the axis x direction.

[0046] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 The partial cross-sectional view near the cross section of the sealing lip 10 shown in FIG. Figure 3In the figure, a portion of the first guide member (guide member 102) housed in the internal space S1 of the sealing lip 10 in the state of use, as described later, is shown by an imaginary line. The radius (radius R) of the sealing surface 11 of the sealing lip 10 is a predetermined size, the length L of the sealing lip 10 is a predetermined length, and the thickness T of the sealing lip 10 is a predetermined thickness. The radius R of the sealing surface 11 is the distance between the axis x and the sealing surface 11 in a direction perpendicular to the axis x (radial direction). The length of the sealing lip 10 is the width of the sealing lip 10 in the direction of the axis x, which is the distance between the inner end 10a and the root end 10b of the sealing lip 10 in the direction of the axis x. In addition, the thickness T of the sealing lip 10 is the width of the sealing lip 10 in the radial direction, which is the distance between the sealing surface 11 and the outer peripheral surface 12 of the sealing lip 10 in the direction of the axis x.

[0047] As described later, in the sealing device 1 installed in the state of use of the applicable object, the first guide member (guide member 102) is inserted into the internal space S1 of the sealing lip 10, the sealing surface 11 of the sealing lip 10 contacts the first guide member, and the sealing lip 10 and the first guide member are sealed. As described above, the tightening margin α of the sealing lip 10 is such that the force required to insert the first guide member into the internal space S1 of the sealing lip 10 is a predetermined value (insertion force F1). The size of the insertion force F1 of the predetermined value can be set to various values, for example, various sizes that make it easy to insert the first guide member into the internal space S1 of the sealing lip 10. The tightening margin α is set to be smaller than the conventional standard tightening margin, for example. In addition, the tightening margin α is the difference between the radius (radius R1) of the outer peripheral surface (outer peripheral surface 102a) of the first guide member (guide member 102) with which the sealing surface 11 contacts in the state of use and the radius R of the sealing surface 11 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0048] The length L of the sealing lip 10 is set, for example, in relation to foreign matter. When the sealing device 1 is in use, foreign matter may sometimes be present between the sealing surface 11 of the sealing lip 10 and the first guide member. In the sealing device 1 in use, foreign matter may include any foreign matter that can be present between the sealing surface 11 and the first guide member. Examples of foreign matter include dust, garbage, fine particles, and fine fibers that can unintentionally adhere to the first guide member or the sealing surface 11 of the sealing lip 10 when the first guide member is inserted into the sealing lip 10, as well as foreign matter that can unintentionally be present between the first guide member and the sealing surface 11.

[0049] The length L of the sealing lip 10 is greater than the size of foreign matter that may be present between the first guide member and the sealing surface 11 when the sealing device 1 is in use. Such foreign matter includes at least one of spherical foreign matter and fibrous foreign matter. For example, if the size (diameter) of a spherical foreign matter is 1 mm, the length L of the sealing lip 10 is greater than 1 mm. Alternatively, if the size (length) of a fibrous foreign matter is 1 mm, the length L of the sealing lip 10 is greater than 1 mm. Alternatively, if the size (length) of a fibrous foreign matter is 2 mm, the length L of the sealing lip 10 is greater than 2 mm. It should be noted that the foreign matter varies depending on how the sealing device 1 is used, and the size of the foreign matter also varies depending on how the sealing device 1 is used. Therefore, the length L of the sealing lip 10 can take on various values ​​depending on how the sealing device 1 is used. Furthermore, the upper limit of the length L of the sealing lip 10 can take on various values ​​depending on the intended user of the sealing device 1 or how the sealing device is used.

[0050] In addition, the tightening margin α of the sealing lip 10 and the thickness T of the sealing lip 10 are set, for example, so that the force required to insert the first guide member into the internal space S1 of the sealing lip 10 is a specified value (insertion force F2). The size of the insertion force F2 of the specified value can be set to various values, for example, various sizes that make it easy to insert the first guide member into the internal space S1 of the sealing lip 10. For example, the tightening margin α is set to be smaller than the tightening margin of the conventional standard, and the thickness T is set to be smaller than the thickness of the sealing lip of the conventional standard. In addition, the tightening margin α of the sealing lip 10 and the thickness T of the sealing lip 10 are set, for example, so that when the sealing lip 10 is deformed and the center C of the root end 10b of the sealing lip 10 deviates from the axis x (eccentricity) (refer to Figure 4 ) so that the force required to insert the first guide member into the internal space S1 of the sealing lip 10 is a predetermined value (insertion force F3). The predetermined insertion force F3 can be set to various values, for example, to facilitate insertion of the first guide member into the internal space S1 of the sealing lip 10, even when deformed due to eccentricity or other reasons. For example, the tightening margin α can be set smaller than conventional standard tightening margins, and the thickness T can be set smaller than conventional standard sealing lip thicknesses.

[0051] The tightening margin α of the sealing lip 10 and the thickness T of the sealing lip 10 are set, for example, so that the pressure at the contact surface between the sealing lip 10 and the first guide member is a predetermined pressure (pressure P1). The magnitude of the predetermined pressure P1 can be set to various values, for example, so that the sealing between the sealing surface 11 of the sealing lip 10 and the first guide member inserted into the internal space S1 can achieve a predetermined sealing performance or assume that a predetermined sealing performance is achieved. The tightening margin α of the sealing lip 10 and the thickness T of the sealing lip 10 are set, for example, so that when the sealing lip 10 is eccentric (see Figure 4 ), the pressure at the contact surface between the sealing lip 10 and the first guide member is set to a predetermined pressure (pressure P2). The predetermined pressure P2 can be set to various values, for example, such that the sealing surface 11 of the sealing lip 10 and the first guide member inserted into the internal space S1 achieves a predetermined sealing performance or assumes that the predetermined sealing performance is achieved.

[0052] The elastomer portion 2 is a component integrally formed from the same material. The sealing lip 10, root portion 20, base portion 21, cover portion 22, and gasket portion 23 are integrally formed parts of the elastomer portion 2 and are connected to each other integrally. The elastomer portion 2 is formed from an elastomer, for example, an elastomer material, and is integrally molded by cross-linking and bonding the elastomer material with the reinforcement ring 30. The elastomer portion 2 is, for example, a molded body obtained by insert molding using the reinforcement ring 30 as an embedded component.

[0053] Next, the operation of the sealing device 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. Figure 5 The figure is a cross-sectional view of the sealing device 1 in use. The first guide member is inserted into the internal space S1 of the sealing lip 10, and the sealing surface 11 of the sealing lip 10 contacts the first guide member. Furthermore, the sealing device 1 is inserted into the opening of the second guide member, and the sealing surface 23a of the sealing gasket 23 and the outer peripheral surface 32a of the cylindrical portion 32 contact the opening, thereby putting the sealing device 1 into use. In this embodiment, the sealing device 1 is applied to the cooling path 101 of the cooling device 100 of the inverter. In the cooling path 101, the first guide member is guide member 102, which is a component constituting the cooling path 101, and the second guide member is guide member 103, which is a component constituting the cooling path 101. The cooling path 101 is a guide path that guides coolant into the inverter. The guide members 102 and 103 are components that guide the coolant in a portion of the cooling path 101, such as tubes or containers. The guide member 103 has an opening 104 that receives the end of the guide member 102 .

[0054] like Figure 5As shown, in the sealing device 1 in use, the guide member 102 is accommodated within the internal space S1 of the sealing lip 10. The sealing surface 11 contacts the outer circumferential surface 102a of the guide member 102, creating a seal between the sealing lip 10 and the guide member 102. Furthermore, the sealing device 1 is housed within the opening 104 of the guide member 103. The outer circumferential surface 32a of the cylindrical portion 32 of the reinforcement ring 30 contacts the inner circumferential surface 104a of the opening 104, and the sealing surface 23a of the gasket portion 23 contacts the inner circumferential surface 104a of the opening 104, creating a seal between the cylindrical portion 32 and the gasket portion 23. As described above, the outer circumferential surface 32a of the cylindrical portion 32 of the reinforcement ring 30 has a shape corresponding to the inner circumferential surface 104a of the opening 104. The sealing device 1 is within the opening 104, and the central axis of the opening 104 coincides or substantially coincides with the axis x of the sealing device 1. In this way, the sealing device 1 closes the gap in the connection area between the guide member 102 and the guide member 103 , and the guide member 102 and the guide member 103 are connected.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the guide member 102 being inserted into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10. As described above, the tightening margin α of the seal lip 10 is set so that the force (insertion force F) required to insert the guide member 102 into the internal space S1 is a predetermined insertion force F1 that facilitates insertion of the guide member 102 into the internal space S1. This reduces the insertion force F, facilitating insertion of the guide member 102 into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10. Note that the predetermined insertion force F1 can be a single value or a range.

[0056] Furthermore, as described above, the tightening margin α of the sealing lip 10 and the thickness T of the sealing lip 10 are set so that the force (insertion force F) required to insert the guide member 102 into the internal space S1 of the sealing lip 10 is an insertion force F2 of a predetermined magnitude that facilitates insertion of the guide member 102 into the internal space S1. Thus, the insertion force F2 is set taking into account not only the tightening margin α of the sealing lip 10 but also the thickness T of the sealing lip 10. This further reduces the insertion force, making it easier for the guide member 102 to be inserted into the internal space S1 of the sealing lip 10.

[0057] Figure 7 The figure shows the state where the guide member 102 is inserted into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10 that is offset from the axis x (eccentric) by the center C of the root end 10b. In the cooling device 100, due to the manufacturing tolerance or assembly tolerance of each component of the cooling path 101, there may be a deviation between the center axis of the guide member 102 and the center axis (axis x) of the opening 104 of the guide member 103. In this case, as shown in FIG. Figure 7As shown, when the guide member 102 is inserted into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10, the center C of the root end 10b is offset from the axis x, and the guide member 102 is inserted into this eccentric seal lip 10. The tightening margin α of the seal lip 10 and the thickness T of the seal lip 10 are set as described above so that the force (insertion force F) required to insert the guide member 102 into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10, where the center C of the root end 10b is offset from the axis x, is an insertion force F3 of a predetermined magnitude that facilitates the insertion of the guide member 102 into the internal space S1 of the seal lip 10. This facilitates insertion of the guide member 102 even when the center C of the root end 10b is offset from the axis x.

[0058] Furthermore, the length L of the sealing lip 10 is greater than the length, in the direction of the axis x, of any foreign matter present between the sealing surface 11 of the sealing lip 10 and the outer peripheral surface 102a of the guide member 102 when the sealing device 1 is in use. Consequently, foreign matter present between the sealing surface 11 and the outer peripheral surface 102a of the guide member 102 is prevented from penetrating the contact surface between the sealing surface 11 and the outer peripheral surface 102a in the direction of the axis x. This prevents a reduction in the sealing performance of the sealing lip 10 against foreign matter, even when the pressure at the contact surface between the sealing lip 10 and the guide member 102 is low.

[0059] In addition, the tightening margin α of the sealing lip 10 and the thickness T of the sealing lip 10 are set as described above so that the pressure (contact surface pressure P) of the contact surface between the sealing surface 11 of the sealing lip 10 and the outer peripheral surface 102a of the guide member 102 in the use state is a predetermined pressure P1 at which the sealing lip 10 can achieve a predetermined sealing performance. Therefore, the sealing lip 10 can achieve the desired sealing performance in the use state. In addition, the tightening margin α of the sealing lip 10 and the thickness T of the sealing lip 10 are set as described above so that the pressure P (refer to Figure 7 ) is a pressure P2 of a predetermined magnitude at which the seal lip 10 exhibits a predetermined sealing performance. Therefore, even if a misalignment occurs between the central axis of the guide member 102 and the central axis of the opening 104 of the guide member 103 in the cooling path 101, the seal lip 10 exhibits a desired sealing performance.

[0060] Thus, the tightening margin α and thickness T of the sealing lip 10 are set to ensure good eccentricity tracking, axial insertability, and contact surface pressure of the sealing lip 10, based on the correlation between these eccentricity tracking, axial insertability, and contact surface pressure. Therefore, even if the sealing device 1 easily attaches the guide member 102 to the sealing lip 10, the sealing performance of the sealing lip 10 is not degraded. To clarify, eccentricity tracking refers to the performance of the area of ​​the sealing surface 10 that maintains contact with the outer peripheral surface 102a of the guide member 102 when the sealing lip 10 is eccentric. Furthermore, axial insertability refers to the performance of the sealing lip 10 relative to the insertion of the guide member 102 into the internal space S1.

[0061] Furthermore, in the sealing device 1, the root portion 20, which is thicker than the seal lip 10, forms an internal space S2 that communicates with the guide member 102. Consequently, the root portion 20 has a higher rigidity than the seal lip 10, making it less likely to deform when negative pressure is applied within the cooling path 101. This prevents deformation of the seal lip 10 due to deformation of the root portion 20, which could lead to a gap between the sealing surface 11 and the outer peripheral surface 102a of the guide member 102 and a reduction in sealing performance.

[0062] As described above, according to the sealing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decrease in sealing performance and a decrease in mounting performance.

[0063] Next, a sealing device 3 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 8 2 is a partial perspective view showing a portion of a sealing device 3 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 FIG. 3 shows a portion of the sealing device 3 cut along the axis x. Figure 8 As shown, the sealing device 3 differs from the sealing device 1 described above in that the elastic body portion 2 includes a support portion 14 for applying a pressing force to the sealing lip 10. Hereinafter, regarding the configuration of the sealing device 3, components having the same configuration or the same function as those of the sealing device 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, while the different components are described.

[0064] like Figure 8As shown, the sealing device 3 specifically has a plurality of ribs 14 serving as support portions extending along the axis x. The rib 14 is, for example, a plate-shaped portion extending along a surface including the axis x. In the sealing device 3, the plurality of ribs 14 are, for example, arranged at equal angular intervals or approximately equal angular intervals around the axis x. In addition, the ribs 14 extend between the outer peripheral surface 20c of the root 20, the inner peripheral surface 22a of the cover 22, and the inner side surface 21a of the base 21. To supplement, the outer peripheral surface 20c of the root 20 is a surface facing the outer peripheral side of the root 20, the inner peripheral surface 22a of the cover 22 is a surface facing the inner peripheral side of the cover 22, and the inner side surface 21a of the base 21 is a surface facing the inner side of the base 21.

[0065] According to the sealing device 3 of this embodiment, the ribs 14 support the root portion 20 from the outer peripheral side, pressing the root portion 20 toward the axis x. This generates a pressing force on the sealing lip 10 during use, causing it to follow the guide member 102, which is displaced due to eccentricity or other factors. This improves the ability of the sealing lip 10 to follow the guide member 102. This prevents a reduction in the sealing performance of the sealing lip 10 even when there is a misalignment between the center axis of the guide member 102 and the center axis of the opening 104 of the guide member 103 in the cooling path 101. Furthermore, since the root portion 20 is supported by the ribs 14, its rigidity is increased, making it less likely to deform even when subjected to fluid pressure, thereby improving its pressure resistance. This improves the pressure resistance of the sealing lip 10. Furthermore, the sealing device 3 achieves the same effects as the sealing device 1 described above.

[0066] Next, a modification of the sealing device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 9 : is a partial perspective view showing a part of a sealing device 4 according to a modified example of the sealing device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 FIG. 4 shows a portion of the sealing device 4 cut along the axis x. Figure 9 As shown, the sealing device 4 has a different rib shape than the sealing device 3. Figure 9 As shown, the ribs 15 of the sealing device 4 extend between the outer peripheral surface 12 of the sealing lip 10 and the inner peripheral surface 22a of the cover portion 22. In other words, the ribs 15 extend between the outer peripheral surface 12 of the sealing lip 10, the outer peripheral surface 20c of the root portion 20, the inner peripheral surface 22a of the cover portion 22, and the inner side surface 21a of the base portion 21.

[0067] In the sealing device 4, the ribs 15 support the root portion 20 and the sealing lip 10 from the outer circumference, pressing them toward the axis x. This generates a pressing force on the root portion 20 and the sealing lip 10 during use, causing them to follow the guide member 102, which may be displaced due to eccentricity or other factors. This improves the ability of the sealing lip 10 to follow the guide member 102. This further minimizes degradation in the sealing performance of the sealing lip 10 even when the central axis of the guide member 102 and the central axis of the opening 104 of the guide member 103 within the cooling path 101 deviate. Furthermore, since the root portion 20 and the sealing lip 10 are supported by the ribs 15, their rigidity is enhanced, making them less likely to deform even under fluid pressure, thereby improving their pressure resistance. Furthermore, the sealing device 4 achieves the same functions and effects as the sealing device 1 described above.

[0068] While the present invention has been described above through the use of the aforementioned embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the aforementioned embodiments. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements may be made to the aforementioned embodiments. It is clear from the description of the claims that such modifications or improvements are also encompassed within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0069] The embodiments described above are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, the above embodiments do not limit the applicable objects of the present invention and may include all objects that the present invention can utilize as its applicable objects. The various components and their configurations, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes possessed by the above embodiments are not limited to examples and may be appropriately changed. For example, the present invention includes differences arising from implementations such as manufacturing tolerances. In addition, within the scope of technical non-contradiction, the components shown in different embodiments may be partially replaced or combined with each other. In addition, in order to achieve at least a portion of the above-mentioned topics and effects, the various structures may be appropriately and selectively combined.

Claims

1. A sealing device for closing a space between a first guide member and a second guide member, wherein the first guide member is a member for guiding a fluid, and the second guide member is a member for guiding a fluid having an opening for receiving the first guide member. The sealing device includes an elastic body portion, which is an annular portion formed of an elastic body surrounding an axis. The elastomeric portion has a sealing lip, which is an annular portion surrounding the axis. The sealing lip contacts the first guide member inserted into the sealing lip. The tightening margin of the sealing lip relative to the first guide member inserted into the sealing lip is large enough to facilitate the insertion of the first guide member into the sealing lip. The sealing lip is a cylindrical portion extending along the axis.

2. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein: The length of the seal lip in the axial direction is larger than the size of foreign matter that may be present between the first guide member inserted into the seal lip and the seal lip.

3. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing lip extends parallel to the axis.

4. The sealing device according to claim 3, wherein: The seal lip is a cylindrical portion having the axis as its center axis.

5. The sealing device according to claim 2, wherein: The foreign matter includes at least one of spherical foreign matter and fibrous foreign matter.

6. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein: The tightening margin and the thickness of the sealing lip are set so that the first guide member can be easily inserted into the sealing lip.

7. The sealing device according to claim 6, wherein: The tightening margin and the thickness of the sealing lip are set so that the first guide member can be easily inserted into the sealing lip when the sealing lip is deformed so that the center of the opening end of the sealing lip deviates from the axis.

8. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic body portion has a support portion for applying a pressing force to the sealing lip.

9. The sealing device according to claim 8, wherein: The supporting portion is a plurality of ribs extending along the axis.

10. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic body portion has a root portion, which is a portion where the sealing lip protrudes. The root is annular around the axis, The thickness of the root portion is greater than the thickness of the sealing lip.

11. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic body portion includes a gasket portion, which is an annular portion surrounding the axis and in contact with the opening portion. The sealing lip is located on the inner peripheral side of the gasket portion.

12. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein: The first guide member and the second guide member are components of a cooling device of an inverter device.

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