Sealing device

Abstract

Provided is a sealing device capable of suppressing deterioration in sealing performance due to eccentricity of an application object. The sealing device (1) comprises an elastic body part (2) formed by an elastic body. The elastic body part (2) is provided with an annular embedding part (10), an annular lip part (20) and an annular first protruding part (30), wherein the annular embedding part (10) is an annular part, and the annular lip part (20) protrudes from the embedding part (10) to the inner peripheral side. The lip part (20) protrudes obliquely inward from the inner end part (10a) of the fitting part (10). The length (l1) of the lip (20) in the protruding direction is set on the basis of the minimum crushing amount (c) when the pipe is most eccentric with respect to the through hole. The first protruding portion (30) protrudes inward from an inner end portion (10a) of the fitting portion (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sealing device, and more particularly to a sealing device for use between eccentric components. Background Technology

[0002] For a long time, sealing devices have been used to seal gaps between components in order to seal spaces. Among such sealing devices, there are annular sealing devices such as O-rings and D-rings that seal the gap between the hole and the component inserted into the hole and seal the internal space connected by the hole. For example, in fluid mechanisms such as cooling mechanisms, O-rings are installed between a tube inserted into a through hole formed in the housing to guide fluid into the housing and the through hole of the housing, thereby achieving a seal between the tube and the through hole. The size of O-rings, etc., is set so that, for example, a seal can be achieved even if the component inserted into the hole is eccentric due to tolerances between the components (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-331060 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in recent years, with the development of new devices and the improvement of existing devices, the structure of devices has become more complex, and devices using O-rings and the like have also become more complex. For example, in fluid mechanisms such as cooling systems, the eccentricity of the pipe relative to the through hole is sometimes larger than before. In existing sealing devices such as O-rings, the sealing performance is reduced due to the eccentricity, and sometimes it is impossible to achieve a tight seal between the pipe and the through hole. Thus, existing sealing devices require a structure that does not reduce the sealing performance even with greater eccentricity between the components of the application.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a sealing device that can suppress the reduction of sealing performance caused by the eccentricity of the application object.

[0009] means for solving problems

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the sealing device of the present invention seals the annular gap formed between a hole in a first component and a second component entering the hole. The sealing device includes an elastomer portion, which is an annular portion formed of an elastomer about an axis. The elastomer portion has: a fitting portion, which is an annular portion about the axis; a lip, which is a portion protruding inwardly from the fitting portion and annular about the axis; and a first protrusion, which is annular about the axis. The lip protrudes obliquely from one end of the fitting portion in the axial direction toward the other side. The length of the lip in the protruding direction is set based on the minimum crushing amount when the second component is at maximum eccentricity relative to the hole. The first protrusion protrudes from the end of the fitting portion toward the other side.

[0011] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the length of the lip is set such that the minimum crushing amount is above a predetermined minimum value.

[0012] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the minimum value is based on the amount of eccentricity at the maximum eccentricity.

[0013] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the minimum value is 30% of the eccentricity at the maximum eccentricity.

[0014] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the invention, the minimum value is the ratio of the eccentricity at the maximum eccentricity to the radial width of the annular gap.

[0015] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the first protrusion divides into an annular recess that is recessed to the other side in the axial direction between itself and the lip.

[0016] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the radial width of the first protrusion is less than or equal to the difference between the minimum radial width of the annular gap at the maximum eccentricity and the thickness of the lip.

[0017] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the elastomer portion has a second protrusion that protrudes outward and is annular about the axis. The second protrusion is configured such that the end of the outer peripheral side of the second protrusion is located in the axial direction within a range from the end of the first protrusion on one side to a predetermined position. The predetermined position is a position where the end of the first protrusion is located 1 / 3 of the height of the elastomer portion in the axial direction. The height of the elastomer portion is the width of the fitting portion of the elastomer portion and the first protrusion in the axial direction.

[0018] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the elastomeric portion has a plurality of second protrusions arranged in the axial direction.

[0019] In a sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the end of the second protrusion is located further outward than the fitting portion and the first protrusion, respectively.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] According to the sealing device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the reduction of sealing performance caused by the eccentricity of the application object. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of the schematic structure of the sealing device shown.

[0024] Figure 3 It is shown in magnification Figure 1 A partially enlarged sectional view of the sealing device shown, on one side relative to the axis.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a simplified structure of a sealing device with a modified example of the first protrusion.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing a sealing device in use, installed on a fluid mechanism such as a cooling system, which is the object of the application.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing device in its maximum eccentric state, where the axis of the pipe deviates to the maximum from the axis of the sealing device during use.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the schematic structure of the sealing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 It is shown in magnification Figure 7 A partially enlarged sectional view of the sealing device shown, on one side relative to the axis.

[0030] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 7 A cross-sectional perspective view of a schematic structure of a modified example of the sealing device shown.

[0031] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 7A cross-sectional perspective view of a schematic structure of a modified example of the sealing device shown.

[0032] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 7 A cross-sectional perspective view of a schematic structure of a modified example of the sealing device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The sealing device of the present invention is a sealing device that achieves a seal between an annular gap formed in a hole in a first component and a second component entering the hole. The sealing device of the present invention is applicable, for example, to fluid mechanisms such as cooling mechanisms. Specifically, for example, in a fluid mechanism, it is used between a hole formed in a housing, which is a first component, and a tube, which is a second component. The hole is, for example, a through hole for guiding fluid into the interior of the housing, and the tube forms, for example, a flow path for the fluid. The sealing device of the present invention is installed between a tube, which is a second component, inserted into the through hole, and the through hole in the housing, which is a first component, to achieve a seal between the tube and the through hole. Furthermore, the application of the sealing device of the present invention is not limited to this. The sealing device of the present invention can be applied to various devices, mechanisms, etc. Hereinafter, as an example, a fluid mechanism will be used as the application object to describe the sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the sealing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the general structure of the sealing device 1. Additionally, in Figure 2 The image shows a portion of the sealing device 1, and a cross-section of the sealing device 1 relative to the axis x. Furthermore, Figure 3 It is shown in magnification Figure 1 The image shows a partially enlarged sectional view of the sealing device 1 on one side relative to the axis x. The section is based on a plane containing the axis x. Figure 1 As shown, the sealing device 1 includes an elastic body portion 2, which is an annular portion formed of an elastic body around an axis x. The elastic body portion 2 has an annular portion around the axis x, namely a fitting portion 10, an annular portion around the axis x protruding from the fitting portion 10 inwardly around the axis x, namely a lip 20, and a first protrusion 30 annular around the axis x. The lip 20 protrudes inwardly from the inner end portion 10a, which is the inner end portion, in the direction of the axis x of the fitting portion 10. The length l1 of the lip 20 in the protrusion direction is set based on the minimum crushing amount c when the tube is most eccentric with respect to the through hole. The first protrusion 30 protrudes inwardly from the inner end portion 10a of the fitting portion 10. The structure of the sealing device 1 will be described in detail below.

[0036] Furthermore, as mentioned above, for ease of explanation, one side of the axis in the x-direction ( Figure 1 The side in the direction of arrow a) is set as the inside, and the other side in the x-direction of the axis is set as the inside. Figure 1 The side (in the direction of arrow b) is designated as the outer side. The inner side is the side in the direction of insertion of the tube along the x-axis, and the outer side is the side in the direction of insertion of the tube along the x-axis. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the x-axis is radial, and the side radially closer to the x-axis is the inner circumferential side, while the side radially farther from the x-axis is the outer circumferential side.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the sealing device 1 is composed of an elastomer portion 2. The elastomer portion 2 is an elastomer formed of an elastic material. Examples of elastic materials for the elastomer portion 2 include various rubber materials and elastomers. Examples of various rubber materials include synthetic rubbers such as nitrile rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (H-NBR), acrylic rubber (ACM), and fluororubber (FKM). However, the elastic material for the elastomer portion 2 is not limited to these. Furthermore, the elastomer portion 2 is an integrally formed component, and the fitting portion 10, the lip portion 20, and the first protrusion portion 30 are integrally formed parts of the elastomer portion 2 and are connected to each other.

[0038] As described above, the fitting portion 10 is a ring-shaped part around the axis x, and it is the part that fits into the through hole of the housing in the operating state of the sealing device 1, which will be described later. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the fitting portion 10 has annular surfaces, namely an inner circumferential surface 11 and an outer circumferential surface 12, that are radially opposite to each other. The inner circumferential surface 11 is a surface facing the inner circumferential side, for example, a cylindrical surface extending along the axis x. The inner circumferential surface 11 is, for example, a cylindrical surface, a cylindrical surface, or a generally cylindrical surface with the axis x as its central axis or approximately its central axis. Similarly, the outer circumferential surface 12 is a surface facing the outer circumferential side, for example, a cylindrical surface extending along the axis x. The outer circumferential surface 12 is, for example, a cylindrical surface, a cylindrical surface, or a generally cylindrical surface, or a conical surface or a generally conical surface, with the axis x as its central axis or approximately its central axis. As an example, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the outer peripheral surface 12 is a conical or approximately conical surface that tapers from the outside to the inside in the x-axis direction, and is a tapered surface facing inward.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the fitting portion 10 has an inner end 13 as its inner end. A portion of the inner circumferential side of the inner end 13 is exposed, and a portion of the outer circumferential side forms the boundary with the first protrusion 30. The inner end 13 is located between the inner end of the inner circumferential surface 11 and the inner end of the outer circumferential surface 12. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the fitting portion 10, the inner end 13 and the portion near it are the inner end portion 10a.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the fitting portion 10 has an outer end 14 that faces away from the inner end 13 in the x-axis direction. The outer end 14 is an annular surface facing outward, extending between the outer end of the inner peripheral surface 11 and the outer end of the outer peripheral surface 12. The outer end 14 extends along a plane orthogonal to the x-axis, for example, in a plane orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the x-axis.

[0041] As described above, the lip 20 is the portion that protrudes inwardly from the inner end portion 10a of the fitting portion 10, and is a sealing lip that contacts the tube in the usage state, as described later. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the lip 20 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 11 toward the inner peripheral side at the inner end 10a of the fitting portion 10 and extends in a ring shape around the axis x.

[0042] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the lip 20 has annular surfaces, namely an inner surface 21 and an outer surface 22, facing away from each other in the x-axis direction. The inner surface 21 is, for example, a cylindrical surface that tapers in diameter from the outside towards the inside in the x-axis direction; specifically, it is, for example, a conical cylindrical surface or a generally conical cylindrical surface with the x-axis as its central axis or approximately its central axis. The outer surface 22 is, for example, a cylindrical surface that tapers in diameter from the outside towards the inside in the x-axis direction; specifically, it is, for example, a conical cylindrical surface or a generally conical cylindrical surface with the x-axis as its central axis or approximately its central axis. Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, in the cross-section, the lip 20 thins towards the front end 20a, for example, and the outer surface 22 slopes inward more than the inner surface 21. Alternatively, the lip 20 may not thin towards the front end 20a; for example, the inner surface 21 and outer surface 22 may be parallel. Furthermore, in the cross-section, the lip 20 may thicken towards the front end 20a. The front end 20a is the end of the lip 20 on its inner circumferential side. Figure 3 As shown, the front end 20a is, for example, a curved surface, which is smoothly connected to the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22, respectively. Alternatively, the front end 20a may not be a curved surface, nor may it be smoothly connected to the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22, respectively.

[0043] In addition, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the lip 20 protrudes, for example, from the portion on the inner end 13 side of the inner end portion 10a of the fitting portion 10. Specifically, the inner surface 21 of the lip 20 is connected to the inner end 13 of the fitting portion 10, and the outer surface 22 of the lip 20 is connected to the inner peripheral surface 11 of the fitting portion 10. Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, the inner surface 21 is smoothly connected to the inner end 13 of the fitting portion 10, for example, and the outer surface 22 is smoothly connected to the inner peripheral surface 11 of the fitting portion 10, for example.

[0044] For example, such as Figure 3As shown, the length l1 of the lip 20 in the protruding direction is the length in the cross-section of the outer surface 22. (As indicated...) Figure 3 As shown, when the outer surface 22 is smoothly connected to the front end 20a and the inner peripheral surface 11 of the fitting portion 10, each end of the outer surface 22 is taken as the end of the outer surface 22 in the case where, for example, the outer surface 22 is not smoothly connected to the front end 20a and the inner peripheral surface 11 of the fitting portion 10, and the distance between the two ends of the outer surface 22 is taken as the length l1 of the lip 20. Alternatively, the length l1 of the lip 20 can also be a length defined by other methods. For example, the length l1 of the lip 20 can be the length in the cross-section of the inner surface 21, and the length l1 of the lip 20 can be the length of the centerline between the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 in the cross-section. As described above, the length l1 of the lip 20 is set based on the minimum crushing amount c when the tube is most eccentric relative to the through hole. The set length l1 of the lip 20 will be explained later. Furthermore, the crushing amount c is the radial crushing amount of the lip 20 when it is crushed by the tube in the use state.

[0045] Furthermore, as described above, the lip 20 is tilted inward, and the tilt angle θ of the lip 20 is, for example, set to a predetermined angle. Figure 3 As shown, the tilt angle θ of the lip 20 is the angle of the protruding direction of the lip 20 relative to the axis x in the cross section. Specifically, for example, it is the angle of the outer surface 22 of the lip 20 in the cross section relative to the axis x. Alternatively, the tilt angle θ of the lip 20 can also be an angle defined by other methods. For example, the tilt angle θ of the lip 20 can be the angle of the inner surface 21 in the cross section relative to the axis x. Furthermore, the tilt angle θ of the lip 20 can be the angle of the centerline between the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 in the cross section relative to the axis x. The defined tilt angle θ of the lip 20 will be explained later.

[0046] Furthermore, as described below, for example, the thickness t1 of the lip 20 is set to a predetermined thickness. Figure 3 As shown, the thickness t1 of the lip 20 is the distance between the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22, for example, the distance between the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 at a predetermined position in the cross section along a direction perpendicular to the outer surface 22. This predetermined position in the cross section is, for example, the center position of the lip 20 in the length l1 direction. Furthermore, the thickness t1 of the lip 20 can also be a value defined by other methods. For example, the thickness t1 of the lip 20 can be the distance between the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 at a predetermined position in the cross section along a direction perpendicular to the centerline between the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22. Additionally, the thickness t1 of the lip 20 can be the maximum, minimum, or average of multiple values.

[0047] As described above, the elastomer portion 2 has a first protrusion 30, which protrudes inward from the inner end portion 10a of the fitting portion 10. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first protrusion 30 protrudes inward from the inner end 13 of the fitting portion 10 on the outer periphery of the lip portion 20. That is, in the elastic body portion 2, the first protrusion 30 is connected to the fitting portion 10 via the inner end 13, which serves as a boundary.

[0048] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the first protrusion 30 has annular surfaces, namely an inner circumferential surface 31 and an outer circumferential surface 32, that are radially opposed to each other. The inner circumferential surface 31 is a surface facing the inner circumferential side, for example, a cylindrical surface extending along the axis x. The inner circumferential surface 31 is, for example, a cylindrical surface, a generally cylindrical surface, or a conical surface or a generally conical surface with the axis x as its central axis or approximately its central axis. Specifically, for example, as Figure 3 As shown, the inner circumferential surface 31 is a conical or approximately conical cylindrical surface that expands inward from the outside along the x-axis, and is a tapered surface facing outward. The outer circumferential surface 32 is a surface facing outward, for example, a cylindrical surface extending along the x-axis. The outer circumferential surface 32 is, for example, a cylindrical surface, approximately cylindrical surface, or a conical or approximately conical cylindrical surface with the x-axis as its central axis or approximately central axis. As an example, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the outer peripheral surface 32 is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the outer peripheral surface 12 of the fitting portion 10. It is a conical or substantially conical surface that tapers in diameter from the outside towards the inside in the x-axis direction, and is tapered inwards in the x-axis direction. Thus, as an example, the first protrusion 30 thins towards the front end 30a in cross-section. Furthermore, the front end 30a is the inner end of the first protrusion 30. Figure 3 As shown, the front end 30a is, for example, an annular surface along a plane orthogonal to the axis x, smoothly connected to the inner peripheral surface 31 and the outer peripheral surface 32, respectively. Alternatively, the front end 30a may not be smoothly connected to the inner peripheral surface 31 and the outer peripheral surface 32, respectively.

[0049] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first protrusion 30 protrudes from the outer peripheral side of the inner end 13 of the inner end portion 10a of the fitting portion 10. Specifically, the inner peripheral surface 31 of the first protrusion 30 is connected to the inner end 13 of the fitting portion 10 on its inner peripheral side, and the outer peripheral surface 32 of the first protrusion 30 is connected to the outer peripheral surface 12 of the fitting portion 10. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface 12 of the fitting portion 10 and the outer peripheral surface 32 of the first protrusion 30 form the outer peripheral surface 1a facing the outer peripheral side of the sealing device 1. Figure 3 As shown, the inner peripheral surface 31 is smoothly connected to the inner end 13 of the fitting portion 10, for example, and the outer peripheral surface 32 is smoothly connected to the outer peripheral surface 12 of the fitting portion 10, for example. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first protrusion 30 divides an outwardly recessed annular recess 1b between itself and the lip 20.

[0050] Alternatively, the outer peripheral surface 32 of the first protrusion 30 may not be coplanar with the outer peripheral surface 12 of the fitting portion 10. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a modified example of the sealing device 1 with the first protrusion 30. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, the outer peripheral surface 32 of the first protrusion 30 may also be inclined inwards and outwards relative to the outer peripheral surface 12 of the fitting portion 10. Specifically, for example, the outer peripheral surface 32 may be a cylindrical surface, or a conical surface, or a generally conical surface, that expands inwards in the x-axis direction with the x-axis as its central axis or approximately its central axis. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface 32 may also be a cylindrical surface or a generally cylindrical surface with the x-axis as its central axis or approximately its central axis. Moreover, the outer peripheral surface 32 can be inclined inwards and outwards relative to the outer peripheral surface 12 of the fitting portion 10, or it may be a cylindrical surface, or a conical surface, or a generally conical surface, that contracts inwards in the x-axis direction with the x-axis as its central axis or approximately its central axis.

[0051] As described below, for example, the height h1 of the first protrusion 30 is set to a predetermined height. The height h1 of the first protrusion 30 is the height of the first protrusion 30 in the protruding direction, for example, as... Figure 3 The figure shows the height of the first protrusion 30 in the x-axis direction. Specifically, the height h1 of the first protrusion 30 is the distance between the inner end 13 of the fitting portion 10 and the front end 30a of the first protrusion 30 in the x-axis direction. Alternatively, the height h1 of the first protrusion 30 can also be a height defined by other methods.

[0052] Furthermore, as described later, for example, the thickness t2 of the first protrusion 30 is set to a predetermined thickness. Figure 3 As shown, the thickness t2 of the first protrusion 30 is the radial width of the first protrusion 30, which is the radial distance between the inner peripheral surface 31 and the outer peripheral surface 32, for example, the radial distance between the inner peripheral surface 31 and the outer peripheral surface 32 at a predetermined position in the cross-section. This predetermined position in the cross-section is, for example, the center position in the height h1 direction of the first protrusion 30. Furthermore, the thickness t2 of the first protrusion 30 can also be a value defined by other methods. Additionally, the thickness t2 of the first protrusion 30 can also be the maximum, minimum, or average of multiple values.

[0053] The sealing device 1 has the structure described above. Next, the function of the sealing device 1 will be explained. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing device 1 in its operational state, installed on a fluid mechanism 100 such as a cooling mechanism, which is the application target. (Example) Figure 5As shown, the sealing device 1 is installed in the annular gap 101 between the housing 110 and the tube 120 of the fluid mechanism 100, thus entering the use state. Specifically, the sealing device 1 is pressed into the through hole 111 of the housing 110 from the outside, and the sealing device 1 is fixed in the through hole 111. Then, in the sealing device 1 fixed in the through hole 111, the tube 120 is inserted from the outside, that is, from the outer end 14 side of the fitting portion 10, and the outer surface 22 of the lip 20 contacts the outer peripheral surface 121 of the tube 120, thus entering the use state of the sealing device 1. In the use state, the outer peripheral surface 12 of the fitting portion 10 of the sealing device 1 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface 112 of the through hole 111. In addition, in the use state, the outer peripheral surface 32 of the first protrusion 30 of the sealing device 1 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface 112 of the through hole 111. Furthermore, in the use state, the outer surface 22 of the lip 20 contacts the outer peripheral surface 121 of the tube 120 with a crushing amount c of a predetermined width. In addition, Figure 5 In the indicated operating state, the tube 120 is located radially at the desired position (hereinafter also referred to as the initial position), and the axis x1 of the tube 120 coincides with or is approximately coincident with the axis x of the sealing device 1. Therefore, when the tube 120 is in the initial position, the crushing amount c of the lip 20 is constant or approximately constant throughout the circumference of the lip 20. Specifically, the crushing amount c of the lip 20 is, for example, the radial displacement of the front end 22a of the outer surface 22 of the deformed lip 20 from the position of the front end 22a of the outer surface 22 of the undeformed lip 20. Furthermore, the front end 22a of the outer surface 22 of the lip 20 is the end on the front end 20a side of the outer surface 22.

[0054] As described above, in the operating state, the fitting portion 10 contacts the inner peripheral surface 112 of the through hole 111 of the housing 110, and the lip 20 contacts the outer peripheral surface 121 of the tube 120. The annular gap 101 between the inner peripheral surface 112 of the through hole 111 and the outer peripheral surface 121 of the tube 120 is sealed, and the internal space of the housing 110 connected by the through hole 111 is sealed. Thus, fluids and other sealing objects are sealed inside the housing 110 and the tube 120. Furthermore, even if the tube 120 is eccentric from its initial position, the sealing device 1 will still seal the gap 101.

[0055] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing device 1 in its maximum eccentricity state, where the axis x1 of the pipe 120 deviates to the maximum from the axis x in the operating state. In the maximum eccentricity state, the eccentricity d of the pipe 120 is the maximum maximum eccentricity d1. Furthermore, eccentricity is the amount by which the axis x1 deviates from the axis x in the x-direction. For example, the pipe 120 reaches its maximum eccentricity state due to the accumulation of the maximum values ​​of the tolerances of various parts of the fluid mechanism 100 and the tolerances of the sealing device 1. For example, when multiple through holes 111 are provided in the housing 110, and multiple pipes 120, each inserted into a single unit of the multiple through holes 111, the eccentricity of the pipe 120 tends to increase.

[0056] The length l1 of the aforementioned lip 20 is set based on the relative position between the tube 120 in its maximum eccentric state and the through hole 111.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, when the pipe 120 is in the maximum eccentric state, the crushing amount c of the portion of the lip 20 located in the direction of the maximum radial movement (eccentricity) of the pipe 120 becomes the maximum crushing amount c1, and the crushing amount c of the portion of the lip 20 on the radially opposite side of the portion of the lip 20 with the maximum crushing amount c1 becomes the minimum crushing amount c2.

[0058] The length l1 of the lip 20 is set such that, for example, when the pipe 120 is in a state of maximum eccentricity, the minimum crushing amount c2 of the total crushing amount c of the lip 20 is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum value. This predetermined minimum value of the minimum crushing amount c2 is, for example, based on the eccentricity d of the pipe 120 in the state of maximum eccentricity. Specifically, for example, the predetermined minimum value of the minimum crushing amount c2 is set to 30% of the eccentricity d of the pipe 120 in the state of maximum eccentricity, i.e., the maximum eccentricity d1. That is, for example, the length l1 of the lip 20 is set such that the minimum crushing amount c2 of the lip 20 is greater than or equal to 30% (d1 × 0.3) of the maximum eccentricity d1 (c2 ≥ d1 × 0.3). Therefore, even when the pipe 120 is in a state of maximum eccentricity, the lip 20 can follow the eccentric pipe 120 to maintain the required crushing amount and maintain the required sealing performance, even in the portion of the lip 20 where the crushing amount c becomes the minimum crushing amount c2.

[0059] Furthermore, the length l1 of the lip 20 is, for example, set as the ratio (d1 / g) of the maximum eccentricity d1 to the radial width g of the annular gap 101 between the through hole 111 and the tube 120. Moreover, the radial width g of this gap 101 is the width of the tube 120 in its uneccentric state (see reference). Figure 5 Therefore, when the pipe 120 is in the maximum eccentric state, even in the part of the lip 20 where the crushing amount c becomes the minimum crushing amount c2, the lip 20 follows the eccentric pipe 120 and can maintain the required sealing performance.

[0060] Furthermore, the thickness t1 of the lip 20 relative to the length l1 of the lip 20 is set, for example, based on the pressure of the object to be sealed by the sealing device 1. That is, the thickness t1 of the lip 20 relative to the length l1 (t1 / l1) of the lip 20 is set to have rigidity that allows the lip 20 to maintain the required sealing performance even when subjected to pressure from the object to be sealed. Specifically, for example, the thickness t1 of the lip 20 relative to the length l1 (t1 / l1) of the lip 20 is set such that, when the tube 120 is in a state of maximum eccentricity, even when the lip 20 is subjected to pressure from the object to be sealed, the minimum crushing amount c2 of the lip 20 has the value set as described above.

[0061] Furthermore, the tilt angle θ of the lip 20 is set to an angle within a predetermined range. For example, the tilt angle θ is set to an angle that prevents the tube 120 from interfering with the lip 20 and causing damage to the lip 20 when it is inserted into the sealing device 1. Additionally, the tilt angle θ is set to an angle that prevents the sealing device 1 from falling out of the through hole 111 when the tube 120 is inserted. Furthermore, the tilt angle θ is set to an angle that prevents the lip 20 and the first protrusion 30 from interfering with each other in the use state. The tilt angle θ is, for example, an angle in the range of 30° or more and 50° or less. When the tilt angle θ is large, the possibility of damage to the lip 20 due to the insertion of the tube 120 increases. Furthermore, when the tilt angle θ is large, the possibility of the sealing device 1 falling out of the through hole 111 when the tube 120 is inserted increases. On the other hand, when the tilt angle θ is small, in the use state, the lip 20 sometimes interferes with the first protrusion 30, causing damage to the sealing device 1.

[0062] Furthermore, the dimensions of each part of the fitting portion 10 are set such that even if the tube 120 is eccentric, the fitting portion 10 contacts the through hole 111 and maintains a seal. For example, the pressing amount of the fitting portion 10 relative to the through hole 111 is 0.05 mm or approximately 0.05 mm. That is, the radius of the outer peripheral surface 12 of the fitting portion 10 is 0.05 mm or approximately 0.05 mm larger than the radius of the inner peripheral surface 112 of the through hole 111. In addition, for example, the thickness of the fitting portion 10 is 1.6 times or approximately 1.6 times the maximum eccentricity d1 of the tube 120. Furthermore, the thickness of the fitting portion 10 is the radial distance between the inner peripheral surface 11 and the outer peripheral surface 12.

[0063] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the tube 120 is eccentric, a reaction force (reaction force F) is generated in the first protrusion 30 in a direction opposite to the eccentricity direction. This generates a force in the first protrusion 30 that resists the pulling of the lip 20 due to the eccentricity of the tube 120, causing the outer peripheral surface 12 of the fitting portion 10 to separate from the inner peripheral surface 112 of the through hole 111. Therefore, when the tube 120 is eccentric, the formation of a gap between the fitting portion 10 and the through hole 111 can be suppressed. This suppresses the reduction in the sealing performance of the sealing device 1.

[0064] For example, the height h1 and thickness t2 of the first protrusion 30 are set such that the first protrusion 30 has a rigidity of an eccentric reaction force F that is effective in suppressing the reduction of the sealing performance of the sealing device 1.

[0065] Furthermore, the thickness t2 of the first protrusion 30 is set to be less than or equal to the difference (g1-t1) between the minimum width g1 and the thickness t1 of the lip 20. The minimum width g1 (i.e., the minimum width g) is the radial width g of the annular gap 101 between the through hole 111 and the tube 120 in the state of maximum eccentricity of the tube 120. Therefore, even in the state of maximum eccentricity of the tube 120, contact between the lip 20 and the first protrusion 30 can be suppressed or prevented. This suppresses or prevents damage to the lip 20 and the first protrusion 30.

[0066] As described above, the sealing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can suppress the reduction in sealing performance caused by the eccentricity of the pipe 120 to which it is applied.

[0067] Furthermore, when the sealing device 1 is installed into the through hole 111 of the housing 110, the reaction force generated by the sealing device 1 can be reduced, making the installation of the sealing device 1 into the housing 110 easier. Therefore, the operator installing the sealing device 1 into the housing 110 can use the force of their fingers to install the sealing device 1 into the through hole 111, reducing the load on the operator.

[0068] Next, the sealing device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the schematic structure of the sealing device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, in Figure 7 The image shows a portion of the sealing device 3, and shows one side of the cross-section of the sealing device 3 relative to the axis x.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, the sealing device 3 according to the second embodiment differs from the sealing device 1 in that it has an outer peripheral surface 3a with a structure different from that of the sealing device 1 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, regarding the structure of the sealing device 3, for structures that have the same or similar function as those of the sealing device 1, the same reference numerals as those of the sealing device 1 will be used, and their descriptions will be omitted; only the different structures will be described.

[0070] like Figure 7As shown, the outer peripheral surface 3a of the sealing device 3 is different from the outer peripheral surface 1a of the sealing device 1. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface 15 of the fitting portion 10 of the sealing device 3 has a different structure than the outer peripheral surface 12 of the sealing device 1. Similarly, the outer peripheral surface 33 of the first protrusion 30 of the sealing device 3 has a different structure than the outer peripheral surface 12 of the sealing device 1.

[0071] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, the elastic body portion 2 of the sealing device 3 has a second protrusion 40 that protrudes outward in an annular shape around the axis x, and the second protrusion 40 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 3a of the sealing device 3. That is, in the sealing device 3, an annular portion protruding outward, namely the second protrusion 40, is formed on the outer peripheral surface 3a. The second protrusion 40 extends, for example, along an annulus with the axis x as its central axis or approximately its central axis. Specifically, for example, the front end 41 of the second protrusion 40 extends along an annulus or approximately annulus with the axis x as its central axis or approximately its central axis. Furthermore, the front end 41 is the end on the outer peripheral side of the second protrusion 40, and is the outermost peripheral portion of the second protrusion 40. The front end 41 is, for example, an annular line or an annular surface. The front end 41 contacts the inner peripheral surface 112 of the through hole 111 when the sealing device 3 is in use.

[0072] Figure 8 It is shown in magnification Figure 7 The enlarged sectional view of the sealing device 3 shown is taken on one side relative to the axis x. (See attached image.) Figure 8 As shown, the front end 41 of the second protrusion 40 is located at a predetermined position in the x-axis direction. For example, the front end 41 of the second protrusion 40 is configured to be located in the x-axis direction within a range from the front end 30a of the first protrusion 30 to the predetermined position. Specifically, for example, in Figure 8 In the cross-section shown, the position P of the front end 41 of the second protrusion 40 along the x-axis is a position where the inner height h1 is less than 1 / 3 of the outer height h2 (h1 ≤ h2 × 1 / 3). Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, the inner height h1 is the distance along the x-axis from the front end 30a of the first protrusion 30 to the front end 41 of the second protrusion 40. Furthermore, the outer height h2 is the width along the x-axis of the fitting portion 10 of the elastic body portion 2 and the first protrusion 30, and is the distance along the x-axis between the front end 30a of the first protrusion 30 and the outer end 14 of the fitting portion 10.

[0073] In addition, such as Figure 8As shown, in the cross-section, the front end 41 of the second protrusion 40 is located at a predetermined height h3 in the radial direction. Furthermore, the height h3 of the front end 41 of the second protrusion 40 is the radial protrusion amount of the second protrusion 40. The height h3 is, for example, a value in the range of 0.08 mm to 0.12 mm. Additionally, the radial position of the front end 41 of the second protrusion 40 is, for example, a position where the crushing amount c3 of the second protrusion 40 is 0.05 mm or more. Furthermore, the crushing amount c3 of the second protrusion 40 is the amount by which the second protrusion 40 is crushed radially when it contacts the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111 in the operating state of the sealing device 3; it is the difference between the radius of the front end 41 of the second protrusion 40 and the radius of the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111 (radius of the front end 41 of the second protrusion 40 - radius of the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111).

[0074] When the sealing device 3 is in use, the second protrusion 40 contacts the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111 uniformly or substantially uniformly around the axis x. Furthermore, as described above, the position P of the front end 41 of the second protrusion 40 is such that the inner height h1 is less than 1 / 3 of the outer height h2 (h1 ≤ h2 × 1 / 3). This causes the tube 120 to become significantly eccentric, and the crushing amount c of the lip 20 becomes uneven. Even if the outer circumferential surface 3a of the elastic body 2 deforms corresponding to this uneven crushing amount c, the second protrusion 40 can still maintain uniform or substantially uniform contact with the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111 around the axis x. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of the sealing device 3 due to the eccentricity of the tube 120.

[0075] Furthermore, when the position P of the front end 41 of the second protrusion 40 is not such that the inner height h1 is greater than 1 / 3 of the outer height h2 (h1>h2×1 / 3), it is sometimes impossible to obtain the effect of the second protrusion 40 as described above, namely, uniform or approximately uniform contact of the inner circumferential surface 112 of the through hole 111 in the x-axis direction. This is because, when the tube 120 is inserted into the sealing device 3, the contact between the tube 120 and the lip 20 causes deformation in such a way that the sealing device 3 as a whole is rolled into the inner circumferential side.

[0076] As described above, the sealing device 3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can further suppress the reduction in sealing performance caused by the eccentricity of the pipe 120 to which it is applied.

[0077] Next, a modified example of the sealing device 3 will be described. Figures 9 to 11 These are perspective cross-sectional views showing a schematic structure of one example of a modified version of the sealing device 3. Figure 9 As shown, the sealing device 3 can also be in Figure 4 The modified example shown involves a sealing device 1 with a structure having a second protrusion 40. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the second protrusion 40 can also be asymmetrical in the x-axis direction. For example, the front end 41 can be located further inward than the center in the x-axis direction within the second protrusion 40. Furthermore, the width of the second protrusion 40 in the x-axis direction can be various widths, for example, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the width of the second protrusion 40 in the x-axis direction can also be relatively narrow. Furthermore, as... Figure 11 As shown, the sealing device 3 may also have a plurality of second protrusions 40. In this case, the plurality of second protrusions 40 are arranged in the x-axis direction. Furthermore, in this case, all positions P of the plurality of second protrusions 40 may not be positions where the inner height h1 is less than 1 / 3 of the outer height h2 (h1 ≤ h2 × 1 / 3). It is acceptable as long as at least one position P of the second protrusion 40 is a position where the inner height h1 is less than 1 / 3 of the outer height h2 (h1 ≤ h2 × 1 / 3).

[0078] The present invention has been described above through the above embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. As can be seen from the claims, such modifications or improvements are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0079] The embodiments described above are for ease of understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit or explain the present invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments do not limit the scope of application of the present invention; the present invention can include all applicable objects. The constituent elements, their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and dimensions, etc., provided in the above embodiments are not limited to the examples shown and can be appropriately modified. For example, the present invention includes differences arising from manufacturing tolerances, etc. Furthermore, to the extent that there is no technical contradiction, the constituent elements shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined. Moreover, in order to achieve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and effects, the various structures can be appropriately and selectively combined.

[0080] For example, a reinforcing ring may be installed in the fitting part 10. The reinforcing ring is a ring-shaped component with high rigidity, such as made of metal, and is used to reinforce the fitting part 10.

[0081] Figure label:

[0082] 1.3 Sealing devices

[0083] 1a, 3a outer peripheral surfaces

[0084] 1b concave part

[0085] 2. Elastomer Part

[0086] 10 chimeric part

[0087] 10a inner end

[0088] 11 Inner circumferential surface

[0089] 12, 15 outer perimeter

[0090] 13 inner ends

[0091] 14 outer ends

[0092] 15 outer perimeter

[0093] 20 Lips

[0094] 20a front end

[0095] 21 Inner Surface

[0096] 22 outer surface

[0097] 22a front end

[0098] 30 First protrusion

[0099] 30a front end

[0100] 31 Inner circumferential surface

[0101] 32, 33 outer peripheral surfaces

[0102] 40 Second protrusion

[0103] 41 front-end

[0104] 100 fluid mechanism

[0105] 101 gap

[0106] 110 casing

[0107] 111 Through Hole

[0108] 112 inner circumferential surface

[0109] 120 tube

[0110] 121 outer periphery

[0111] c, c3 crushing volume

[0112] c1 Maximum crushing capacity

[0113] c2 Minimum crushing amount

[0114] d eccentricity

[0115] d1 Maximum eccentricity

[0116] F reaction force

[0117] g width

[0118] minimum width of g1

[0119] h1, h2, h3 heights

[0120] l1 length

[0121] Thicknesses t1 and t2

[0122] x and x1 axes.

Claims

1. A sealing device for sealing an annular gap formed in a hole in a first component and a second component entering the hole. The sealing device includes an elastomer portion, which is a ring-shaped part formed of an elastomer around an axis. The elastomer portion includes: a fitting portion, which is annular about the axis; a lip, which protrudes from the fitting portion toward the inner periphery and is annular about the axis; and a first protrusion, which is annular about the axis. The lip protrudes obliquely from one end of the fitting portion along the axial direction on one side. The length of the lip in the protruding direction is set based on the minimum crushing amount when the second component is at its maximum eccentricity relative to the hole. The first protrusion protrudes from the end of the fitting portion toward one side.

2. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the lip is set such that the minimum crushing amount is above a predetermined minimum value.

3. The sealing device according to claim 2, wherein, The minimum value is based on the eccentricity at the maximum eccentricity.

4. The sealing device according to claim 3, wherein, The minimum value is 30% of the eccentricity at the maximum eccentricity.

5. The sealing device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The minimum value is the ratio of the eccentricity at maximum eccentricity to the radial width of the annular gap.

6. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein, The first protrusion divides into an annular recess on the other side of the axis between itself and the lip.

7. The sealing device according to claim 1 or 6, wherein, The radial width of the first protrusion is less than or equal to the difference between the minimum radial width of the annular gap at the maximum eccentricity and the thickness of the lip.

8. The sealing device according to claim 1, wherein, The elastomer portion has a second protrusion that protrudes outward and is annular around the axis. The second protrusion is configured such that the outer peripheral end of the second protrusion is located within a range from the end of the first protrusion on one side to a predetermined position in the axial direction. The predetermined position is one-third of the height of the elastomer portion away from the end of the first protrusion in the axial direction, where the height of the elastomer portion is the width of the fitting portion of the elastomer portion and the first protrusion in the axial direction.

9. The sealing device according to claim 8, wherein, The elastomer portion has a plurality of second protrusions. Multiple second protrusions are arranged in the axial direction.

10. The sealing device according to claim 8, wherein, The end of the second protrusion is located further outward than both the fitting portion and the first protrusion.

Images